Article detection method for aerosol generating device and aerosol generating device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application disclose an article insertion detection method for an aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a chamber for accommodating the article, and a heating element for heating the article to generate aerosol, the aerosol generating device further comprising a capacitor configured to change its capacitance value when the article is accommodated in or removed from the chamber, and an oscillation circuit composed of the capacitor, the recognition method comprising: obtaining an oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit according to a preset interval duration; obtaining a change amount of the oscillation frequency of any two adjacent periods of the oscillation circuit; comparing the change amount with a first preset threshold; and confirming whether the article is accommodated in the accommodation chamber based on the comparison result. In the above manner, without calculating the specific capacitance value of the capacitor, the accuracy of determining whether the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the chamber is improved.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol technology, and in particular to a method for detecting products using an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device. [Background Technology]

[0002] Traditional tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, etc.) produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Technologies exist to replace these traditional tobacco products by releasing compounds through heating without combustion. An example of such a product is an aerosol generating device. These devices typically include a housing chamber and a heating element. The housing chamber houses an aerosol-generating product used in conjunction with the device. The aerosol-generating product can be solid tobacco or a non-tobacco filler, such as a cigarette. When the aerosol-generating product is housed in the device, the heating element heats it, causing at least a portion of the active substances in the product to evaporate and generate an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0003] Such devices are typically designed with an automatic heating function. That is, the aerosol generating device is equipped with a sensing element. When the aerosol generating product is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the sensing element is triggered to generate a sensing signal. The controller of the aerosol generating device can then determine that the aerosol generating product has been contained in the containing chamber based on the sensing signal and control the heating element to start heating.

[0004] One related technology uses capacitors to achieve automatic heating activation. When the aerosol-generated product is contained in the containment chamber, the capacitance value of the capacitor changes, and the change in capacitance value is used to determine whether the aerosol-generated product has been contained in the containment chamber. However, the capacitance value of the capacitor in this method is easily affected by various factors, making it difficult to clearly confirm whether the aerosol-generated product has been contained in the containment chamber based on the change in capacitance value. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] This application provides a method for detecting articles in an aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol generating apparatus, to solve the technical problem that the current method of using capacitors to detect aerosol-generated articles contained in the aerosol generating apparatus is not accurate enough.

[0006] At least one embodiment of this application provides a method for detecting an article in an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus including a chamber for housing the article, a heating element for heating the article to generate an aerosol, the aerosol generating apparatus further including a capacitor configured to change its capacitance value when the article is housed in or removed from the chamber, and an oscillating circuit composed of the capacitor, characterized in that the detection method includes:

[0007] The oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit is obtained according to a preset interval.

[0008] Calculate the change in oscillation frequency between any two adjacent cycles of the oscillation circuit;

[0009] The change is compared with a first preset threshold.

[0010] Based on the comparison results, it is confirmed whether the article is housed in the receiving chamber. In one embodiment, the period is an interval duration, and calculating the change in the oscillation frequency between any two adjacent periods of the oscillation circuit specifically includes:

[0011] Calculate the change in frequency between any two consecutive oscillations.

[0012] In one embodiment, the period is a plurality of consecutive intervals, and calculating the change in oscillation frequency between any two adjacent periods of the oscillation circuit specifically includes:

[0013] Calculate the first difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the oscillation frequency in each cycle;

[0014] Calculate the change between the first difference in two adjacent periods.

[0015] In one embodiment, calculating the change in oscillation frequency between any two adjacent cycles of the oscillation circuit specifically includes:

[0016] Calculate the second difference or ratio of the oscillation frequencies of any two adjacent cycles of the oscillation circuit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0018] When it is confirmed that the article is contained in the containment chamber, the heating element is controlled to start heating.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes a sliding cover movable between a first position and a second position member to correspondingly cover or expose the chamber, and a sensing element for detecting the position of the movable member, wherein the movable member is configured to trigger the sensing element to generate an activation signal when moved to the second position, and the method further includes:

[0020] The starting signal controls the supply of electrical energy to the oscillation circuit.

[0021] In one embodiment, after controlling the heating element to start heating, the method further includes:

[0022] The changes are recorded continuously for a preset number of times and then summed.

[0023] Compare the sum with a second preset threshold;

[0024] If the sum is less than the second preset threshold, the heating element is controlled to continue heating.

[0025] In one embodiment, after controlling the heating element to start heating, the method further includes:

[0026] The changes are recorded continuously for a preset number of times and then summed.

[0027] Compare the sum with a second preset threshold;

[0028] If the sum is greater than the second preset threshold, and the maximum value of the change in the preset number of times is greater than the third preset threshold, then the heating element is controlled to stop heating.

[0029] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a capacitive sensor, which, together with the capacitor, forms the oscillation circuit. The capacitive sensor is configured to output the oscillation frequency to the controller of the aerosol generating device.

[0030] In one embodiment, the oscillation circuit includes a first oscillation circuit and a second oscillation circuit, the first oscillation circuit being used to output a first oscillation frequency, and the second oscillation circuit being used to output a second oscillation frequency. The capacitor includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor, the first capacitor being used to form the first oscillation circuit, and the second capacitor being used to form the second oscillation circuit. The chamber has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along its length direction, the first capacitor being disposed adjacent to the first end, and the second capacitor being disposed adjacent to the second end.

[0031] In one embodiment, the oscillation circuit includes a fixed capacitor connected in parallel with the capacitor, the fixed capacitor having a capacitance value of 0.5pF to 2.2pF.

[0032] At least one embodiment of this application also provides an aerosol generating apparatus, including a controller, the controller including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to implement the article insertion detection method described in the above embodiments.

[0033] The product detection method provided in the above embodiments only needs to determine whether the aerosol-generated product is contained in the chamber based on the change in the frequency of any two adjacent cycles, without having to calculate the specific capacitance value of the capacitor. Therefore, it can avoid the fluctuations generated in the process of calculating the specific capacitance value and effectively improve the accuracy of determining whether the aerosol-generated product is contained in the chamber. [Attached Image Description]

[0034] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having 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.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating apparatus provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of an article insertion detection method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of an article insertion detection method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the curves showing the specific capacitance value versus time in the relevant technology;

[0040] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the oscillation frequency versus time when the fixed capacitance value is 2.2pF, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating apparatus provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the oscillation frequency versus time when the fixed capacitance value is 1pF, provided for another embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 9 A schematic flowchart of an article insertion detection method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an aerosol generation device controller provided in an embodiment of this application.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0045] 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" or "attached 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.

[0046] 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 the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, "installation" includes fixing or restricting a component or device to a specific position or place by means of welding, screwing, snapping, bonding, etc. The component or device may remain stationary in the specific position or place or may move within a limited range. After the component or device is fixed or restricted to the specific position or place, it may or may not be disassembled. This application does not impose any restrictions.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] One embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating device 100, such as... Figure 1As shown, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery cell 10, a main board 20, and a heating element 30. A controller for the aerosol generating device 100 is mounted on the main board 20. The battery cell 10 and the heating element 30 are electrically connected to the controller, allowing the controller to control the battery cell 10 to supply electrical energy to the heating element 30. The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a longitudinally extending chamber 40, which houses the aerosol generating product 200 used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device 100. The heating element 30 is attached to the outer wall of the chamber 40, thereby heating the aerosol generating product 200 within the chamber 40. The active material filling the aerosol generating product 200 volatilizes upon heating, generating aerosols. The battery cell 10 serves as the power source for the aerosol generating device 10 and can be either a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery cell.

[0051] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes an air passage 50 that connects the chamber 40 and the outside air. When the user inhales on the aerosol generating product 200, the outside air enters the chamber 40 through the air passage 50 and further enters the aerosol generating product 200. Then, it carries the aerosol in the aerosol generating product 200 and escapes along the airflow passage in the aerosol generating product 200 so that the user can inhale it.

[0052] The aerosol-generating article 200 preferably uses a tobacco-containing material from which volatile compounds are released upon heating; or it may be a non-tobacco material suitable for electric heating and smoke generation after heating. The aerosol-generating article 200 preferably uses a solid matrix, which may include one or more of the following: vanilla leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, expanded tobacco, powder, granules, fragments, strips, or sheets; or the solid matrix may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds to be released when the matrix is ​​heated.

[0053] In some embodiments, the heating element 30 is a mesh resistive heating element covering the outer wall of the chamber 40. The mesh resistive heating element 40 is electrically connected to the main board 20. After the heating element 30 is energized, it generates heat and transfers the heat to the aerosol generation product 200 in the chamber 40 through the chamber wall. The cavity of the chamber 40 is made of a high thermal conductivity material to efficiently conduct the heat generated by the heating element 30 to the aerosol generation product 200. The high thermal conductivity material can be a metal or a ceramic material, and the ceramic material can be any one of oxides, nitrides, carbides, borides, etc.

[0054] In such Figure 2In another embodiment shown, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 can also heat the aerosol generating article 200 using electromagnetic induction heating. The heating element 30 extends at least partially into the chamber 40, and its end extending into the chamber 40 is configured as a pin or plate to facilitate smooth insertion of the heating element 30 into the aerosol generating article 200 for heating. A coil (not shown) is wound around the outer wall of the chamber 40. The controller controls the battery 10 to pass an alternating current into the coil. Under the action of the alternating current, the coil generates a changing magnetic field. This changing magnetic field penetrates the heating element 30, inducing eddy currents in the heating element 30. The heating element 30 generates heat under the action of the eddy current effect and the hysteresis effect, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix 200.

[0055] The suitable material for the heating element 30 can be any one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, iron, copper, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and metallic composites. In some embodiments, to better induce eddy currents and improve heating efficiency, the heating element 30 is preferably made of ferromagnetic materials or composed of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys (e.g., ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite.

[0056] Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the heating element 30 is inserted into the aerosol generating article 200 for heating, the heating element 30 can also be a ceramic heating element. The ceramic heating element is a heating element made by sintering an electric heating element and a ceramic together at high temperature. The heating element 30 is directly electrically connected to the controller of the main board 40, and the controller can control the battery cell 10 to provide electrical energy to the heating element 30. After the heating element 30 obtains electrical energy, it can generate heat.

[0057] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a capacitor 60, which includes a first electrode plate 61 and a second electrode plate 62. The first electrode plate 61 and the second electrode plate 62 are arranged on both sides of the chamber 40. When the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into the chamber 40, the dielectric material between the first electrode plate 61 and the second electrode plate 62 changes from air to the aerosol generating article 200, which causes the dielectric constant between the first electrode plate 61 and the second electrode plate 62 to change, thereby causing the capacitance value of the capacitor 60 to change.

[0058] When the aerosol generating article 200 is removed from the chamber 40, the dielectric material between the first electrode plate 61 and the second electrode plate 62 changes back to air from the aerosol generating article 200, causing the dielectric constant between the first electrode plate 61 and the second electrode plate 62 to change again, which in turn causes the capacitance value of the capacitor 60 to change again.

[0059] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes an oscillation circuit (not shown). The oscillation circuit is composed of an inductor and the capacitor 60 described above, forming an LC oscillation circuit. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the oscillation circuit may be composed of a resistor or the capacitor 60 described above, forming an RC oscillation circuit. In this embodiment, an LC oscillation circuit is preferred.

[0060] According to the formula for calculating the oscillation frequency of an LC oscillator circuit:

[0061]

[0062] Where L is the inductance of the aforementioned inductor, and C is the capacitance of capacitor 60, the capacitance of capacitor 60 changes when the aerosol generating article 200 is contained in or removed from chamber 40, thus causing a corresponding change in the oscillation frequency. It can be understood that when the oscillation frequency changes, it can be determined whether an object has been inserted or removed from chamber 40. In other words, the change in oscillation frequency can be used to determine whether the aerosol generating article 200 has been inserted into chamber 40, or whether the aerosol generating article 200 has been removed from chamber 40.

[0063] In some embodiments, the controller can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller (MCU), an ARM (Acorn RISC Machine) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of these components. Additionally, the controller can also be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The controller can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP, and / or any other such configuration. The controller can also be the inverter board or main control board of a washing machine.

[0064] Based on the aforementioned aerosol generating apparatus 100, this application provides a method for detecting article insertion in the aerosol generating apparatus 100, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the article insertion detection method includes:

[0065] S10, Obtain the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit according to the preset interval duration;

[0066] S20, obtain the change in oscillation frequency between any two adjacent cycles of the oscillation circuit;

[0067] S30, compare the change with a first preset threshold;

[0068] S40, Based on the comparison results, confirm whether the article is contained in the containment chamber;

[0069] Specifically, the oscillation circuit is electrically connected to the controller on the motherboard 20, allowing the controller to be programmed to acquire the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit according to a preset interval. It should be noted that the controller can directly obtain the oscillation frequency value through testing. Furthermore, the controller can form a cycle using the aforementioned interval as a unit. This cycle can be a single interval or multiple consecutive intervals, for example, five consecutive intervals can be considered as a cycle.

[0070] When the period is an interval, after the controller obtains the oscillation frequency of any two adjacent oscillation circuits, it calculates the change in the oscillation frequency between any two adjacent oscillation circuits and compares the change with a first preset threshold. The first preset threshold is the change in the oscillation frequency caused by the aerosol generating product 200 being contained in the chamber 40. The change can be a range.

[0071] After the controller compares the calculated change with the first preset threshold, if the calculated change falls within the range of the first preset threshold, the controller can confirm that the aerosol generating product 200 has been contained in the chamber 40.

[0072] If another object is inserted into chamber 40, since the material and shape of this object are different from those of the aerosol generating product 200, the dielectric constant between the first electrode plate 61 and the second electrode plate 62 is also different from the dielectric constant between the first electrode plate 61 and the second electrode plate 62 when the aerosol generating product 200 is housed in chamber 40. In other words, the change in the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit caused by the other object is different from the change in the oscillation frequency caused by the aerosol generating product 200 being housed in chamber 40. Therefore, when the change falls outside the range of the first preset threshold, the controller can confirm that what is housed in chamber 40 is not the aerosol generating product 200.

[0073] In related technologies, determining whether the aerosol-generating article 200 is contained within the chamber 40 by measuring the change in the specific capacitance value of capacitor 60 typically requires setting up an additional reference capacitor, and then calculating the specific capacitance value of capacitor 60 based on the following formula:

[0074]

[0075] Where C2 is the capacitance of capacitor 60, and C1 is the capacitance of the reference capacitor (which is fixed), f1 is the oscillation frequency of the reference capacitor, and f2 is the oscillation frequency of capacitor 60. By calculating the ratio of f1 to f2, and since the capacitance of the reference capacitor is fixed, the specific capacitance of capacitor 60 can be calculated. Then, based on the specific capacitance of capacitor 60, the change in capacitance of capacitor 60 can be further calculated.

[0076] As is known from the above, since f1 and f2 themselves have certain fluctuations, the ratio of f1 to f2 will further amplify these fluctuations, resulting in a large fluctuation in the calculated capacitance value of capacitor 60. Consequently, the change in capacitor 60 caused by the aerosol generating product 200 being housed in chamber 40 is not significantly different from the fluctuation in the capacitance value of capacitor 60 itself. This can easily lead the controller to judge the fluctuation in the capacitance value of capacitor 60 as being caused by the aerosol generating product 200 being housed in chamber 40, and thus control the heating element 30 to start heating. In other words, the existing judgment method can easily lead to the aerosol generating device 100 being falsely activated.

[0077] In this embodiment, there is no need to use a reference capacitor or calculate the specific capacitance value of capacitor 60. It is only necessary to judge the change in the frequency of two consecutive oscillations of capacitor 60. Therefore, compared with the judgment method in the above-mentioned related technologies, the change when aerosol generating article 200 is contained in chamber 40 is more obvious. In other words, this embodiment judges whether aerosol generating article 200 is contained in chamber 40 based on the change in the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit, which is more accurate than the related technologies that judge whether aerosol generating article 200 is contained in chamber 40 based on the change in the specific capacitance value of capacitor 60.

[0078] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the specific capacitance value of capacitor 60 versus time in the relevant technology. Figure 5 The sudden drop or rise in capacitance indicated by the middle arrow R1 represents fluctuations in capacitance caused by the aerosol generating article 200 being contained in or removed from chamber 40, while the black area indicated by the middle arrow R2 represents fluctuations in the capacitance value of capacitor 60 itself. Figure 5 As can be seen from the curve, the capacitance value itself fluctuates greatly, and at certain times the fluctuation is almost the same as the capacitance value fluctuation caused by the aerosol generating product 200 being contained in or removed from the chamber 40, which can easily cause misjudgment by the controller.

[0079] and Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the oscillation frequency versus time curve of the oscillation circuit in this embodiment. Figure 6 The sudden drop or rise in the oscillation frequency indicated by the middle arrow R1 represents a fluctuation in the oscillation frequency caused by the aerosol generating article 200 being contained in or removed from the chamber 40. Figure 6 The black area indicated by the middle arrow R2 represents the fluctuation of the oscillation frequency itself. Figure 6 As can be seen from the curve, compared to Figure 5 The fluctuation of the capacitance value itself, Figure 6 The fluctuation amplitude of the oscillation frequency itself is relatively small, and from Figure 6 It can also be seen that the fluctuation of the oscillation frequency itself and the fluctuation amplitude caused by the aerosol generating product 200 being contained in or removed from the chamber 40 are significantly different, thus making it less likely for the controller to make a misjudgment.

[0080] When the period consists of multiple consecutive intervals, the controller first calculates the first difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the oscillation frequency in each period. Then, it calculates the change in this first difference between two adjacent periods. This change is compared to a first preset threshold. If the change is within the range of the first preset threshold, it indicates that the object inserted into chamber 40 is an aerosol-generated product 200. This method smooths the data, acting as a filter and improving the accuracy of the judgment.

[0081] For example, the controller uses five intervals as a cycle. Within these five intervals, the controller acquires six oscillation frequencies. It then selects the maximum and minimum values ​​from these six frequencies and calculates the first difference between them for that cycle. Similarly, in the next cycle, the controller acquires six oscillation frequencies and calculates the first difference between the maximum and minimum values. The controller can then calculate the change in this first difference between two adjacent cycles and determine whether the aerosol-generated product 200 is contained within the chamber 40 based on this change.

[0082] It's easy to understand that, depending on specific needs, the controller can use the interval between other intervals as a period. The more intervals there are, the better the filtering effect will be, and the more stable the data will be.

[0083] In some embodiments, the change between two adjacent cycles can be a second difference or a ratio. That is, when the cycle is a single interval, the controller can calculate a second difference or ratio between two adjacent oscillation frequencies; or when the cycle consists of multiple consecutive intervals, the controller can calculate a second difference or ratio between the first difference in the oscillation frequencies of two adjacent cycles. Alternatively, the first difference is easy to understand; different calculation methods for the change will result in different ranges for the corresponding first preset threshold.

[0084] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the above-mentioned article insertion detection method further includes:

[0085] S50, when it is confirmed that the article is contained in the containment chamber, the heating element is controlled to start heating.

[0086] After the above steps S10 to S40 are completed, the controller confirms that the aerosol generating product 200 is contained in the chamber 40. The controller controls the battery cell 10 to provide electrical energy to the heating element 30, thereby activating the heating element 30 to start heating, thus realizing the function of automatically activating heating after the aerosol generating device 100 is inserted into the aerosol generating product 200.

[0087] In some embodiments, to save power of the aerosol generating device 100 and extend the battery life of the battery cell 10, the above method further includes, before obtaining the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit:

[0088] The power is supplied to the oscillation circuit based on the start signal control.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a sensing element (not shown) for sensing the start-up of the aerosol generating device 100. The sensing element is used to generate a start signal and is electrically connected to the controller. When the controller receives the start signal, the controller determines that the user needs to use the aerosol generating device 100. The controller can then control the supply of power to the oscillation circuit, thereby causing the oscillation circuit to generate an oscillation frequency.

[0090] In this embodiment, when the user does not need to use the aerosol generating device 100, the oscillation circuit does not need to work, and the controller does not need to obtain the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit. The oscillation circuit only starts working after the aerosol generating device 100 is started, and the controller only starts to obtain the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit. Therefore, the power of the aerosol generating device 100 can be saved, and the battery life of the battery cell 10 can be extended.

[0091] In some embodiments, the sensing element is a pressure sensor or a tactile switch, and the aerosol generating device 100 includes a sliding cover (not shown) for covering or exposing the chamber 40. The sliding cover can slide between a first position and a second position, thereby covering or exposing the chamber 40. When the user does not need to use the aerosol generating device 100, the user can slide the sliding cover to the first position, at which point the sliding cover covers the chamber 40 to prevent dust in the air from falling into and accumulating in the chamber 40, thereby reducing the heating efficiency of the heating element 30. When the user needs to use the aerosol generating device 100, the user can slide the sliding cover to the second position, at which point the chamber 40 is exposed, and the user can then insert the aerosol generating article 200 into the chamber 40 for suction.

[0092] The sensing element is located in the second position. When the sliding cover is slid to the second position, the sliding cover contacts the sensing element, thereby triggering the sensing element to generate a start signal, which the controller can then obtain.

[0093] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the sensing element is a separate push-button switch electrically connected to the controller. A button is provided on the housing of the aerosol generating device 100, and the user presses this button to trigger the push-button switch to generate a start signal. It is easy to understand that the sensing element can also be configured in other ways, as long as it can generate the aforementioned start signal.

[0094] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a capacitive sensor, which and a capacitor 60 cooperate to form an oscillation circuit. The capacitive sensor is configured to output an oscillation frequency to a controller through its output terminal, without having to output a specific capacitance value to the controller. Using the oscillation circuit in the capacitive sensor to generate the oscillation frequency can save space and is advantageous for reducing the size of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0095] It should be noted that in some other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 may not include a capacitive sensor, but instead use discrete components to form an oscillation circuit.

[0096] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the capacitor includes a first capacitor 61 and a second capacitor 62. The first capacitor 61 includes a first electrode plate 611 and a second electrode plate 612 arranged on both sides of the cavity 40. The second capacitor 62 includes a first electrode plate 621 and a second electrode plate 622 arranged on both sides of the cavity 40. The first capacitor 61 and the second capacitor 62 are spaced apart along the length of the cavity 40. Correspondingly, the oscillation circuit includes a first oscillation circuit and a second oscillation circuit. The first capacitor 61 is used to form the first oscillation circuit, and the second capacitor 62 is used to form the second oscillation circuit.

[0097] The chamber 40 has a first end 41 and a second end 42 disposed opposite to each other along its length. The aerosol generating article 200 is received into the chamber 40 from the first end 41. A first capacitor 61 is disposed adjacent to the first end 41 and a second capacitor 62 is disposed adjacent to the second end 42. When the aerosol generating article 200 is completely received in the chamber 40, the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation circuit has a first change and the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation circuit has a second change. Therefore, the controller can monitor the first change and the second change in real time and compare the first change and the second change with a first preset threshold range. If both the first change and the second change fall within the range of the first preset threshold, the controller confirms that the aerosol generating article 200 has been completely received in the chamber 40. This method can further improve the accuracy of the judgment.

[0098] It should be noted that when using a capacitive sensor to output the oscillation frequency to the controller, two output terminals can be set on the capacitive sensor. One of the two output terminals is used to output the first oscillation frequency of the first oscillation circuit, and the other is used to output the second oscillation frequency of the second oscillation circuit. This method can further save structural space when detecting multiple positions.

[0099] In some embodiments, to stabilize data and reduce external interference, the aerosol generating device 100 is further provided with a fixed capacitor (not shown). This fixed capacitor and the capacitor 60 are connected in parallel to form the aforementioned oscillation circuit together with the inductor. In this case, the formula for calculating the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit is changed as follows:

[0100]

[0101] Where C2 is the capacitance of capacitor 60, C3 is the capacitance of fixed capacitor, and L is the inductance of inductor.

[0102] As shown in the formula above, the oscillation frequency f is inversely proportional to the capacitance value C3 of the fixed capacitor. If the value of C3 is too large, the oscillation frequency f of the oscillation circuit will be relatively small, and correspondingly, the change in frequency between two adjacent oscillations will be smaller. This results in insufficient variation in the oscillation frequency when the aerosol generating product 200 is contained in the chamber 40. Conversely, if the value of C3 is too small, it cannot effectively stabilize the data and reduce external interference. Therefore, the capacitance value C3 of the fixed capacitor needs to be within a suitable range. Preferably, the capacitance value C3 of the fixed capacitor is between 0.5pF and 2.2pF.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 The diagram shows the relationship between the oscillation frequency and time of the oscillation circuit when the capacitance value C3 is 1pF. Figure 6The diagram shows the relationship between the oscillation frequency and time of the oscillation circuit when the capacitance value C3 is fixed at 2.2pF. Figure 8 and Figure 6 The areas indicated by arrow R1 represent fluctuations in the oscillation frequency caused by the aerosol-generating article 200 being contained in or removed from chamber 40, while the areas indicated by arrow R2 represent fluctuations in the oscillation frequency itself. This can be compared... Figure 8 and Figure 6 It can be seen that when the capacitance value C3 is 1pF, the fluctuation amplitude of the oscillation frequency is more stable and smaller compared to when the capacitance value C3 is 2.2pF. Figure 8 The fluctuation in oscillation frequency caused by the aerosol-generating article 200 being contained in or removed from chamber 40 is compared to Figure 6 The difference will be more pronounced in the middle, which will help the controller make a judgment.

[0104] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the above-mentioned article insertion detection method further includes:

[0105] S51, continuously record the changes a preset number of times and sum them;

[0106] S52, compare the sum with the second preset threshold;

[0107] S53, if the sum is less than the second preset threshold, then control the heating element to continue heating.

[0108] As can be seen from the above embodiments, when the controller confirms that the aerosol generating product 200 has been contained in the chamber 40, the controller controls the battery cell 10 to provide electrical energy to the heating element 30, so that the heating element 30 starts to heat up. When the temperature of the heating element 30 reaches the target temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 enters the suction stage. During the suction stage, the temperature of the heating element 30 is maintained near the target temperature. During the suction stage, the user can use the aerosol generating product 200 for suction.

[0109] During the suction phase, the temperature of the aerosol generating product 200 changes. For example, when a user suctions, cold air from outside enters the aerosol generating product 200, causing a temperature change. This temperature change in the aerosol generating product 200 correspondingly alters the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit. Simultaneously, the controller is equipped with a third preset threshold, which represents the change in the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit after the aerosol generating product 200 is removed from the chamber 40. If, during the heating process, the user's suction causes a temperature decrease, leading to a change in the oscillation frequency, and this change falls within the third preset threshold range, the controller considers the aerosol generating product 200 to have been removed from the chamber 40 and thus stops heating the heating element 30.

[0110] To avoid the phenomenon of accidental heating stoppage due to suction, the controller continuously records the change in frequency between two adjacent oscillations for a preset number of times and sums the recorded changes for the preset number of times. At the same time, the controller has a second preset threshold. The controller compares the summed value with the second preset threshold. If the sum is less than the second preset threshold, the controller confirms that the aerosol-generated product 200 is still in the chamber 40, and the controller controls the heating element 30 to continue heating.

[0111] The second preset threshold is the sum of changes in the amount of aerosol-generating product 200 removed from chamber 40 within a consecutive preset number of times. Since the change in oscillation frequency caused by suction is relatively slow, the sum of changes in the amount of aerosol-generating product 200 caused by suction within the consecutive preset number of times will be less than the sum of changes in the amount of aerosol-generating product 200 removed from chamber 40. Therefore, if the sum of changes calculated by the controller within the consecutive preset number of times is less than the second preset threshold, the controller can confirm that the aerosol-generating product 200 is still in chamber 40 within the consecutive preset number of times.

[0112] The number of consecutive preset times can be set according to the interval of the oscillation frequency collected by the controller. If the interval is longer, the number of preset times can be set to be smaller, and if the interval is shorter, the number of preset times can be set to be larger, so that the number of consecutive preset times has a certain duration.

[0113] Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the sum of changes calculated by the controller within a consecutive preset number of times exceeds a second preset threshold, the controller further compares the largest change within the consecutive preset number of times with a third preset threshold. If the largest change meets the third preset threshold, that is, falls within the range of the third preset threshold, the controller confirms that the aerosol-generating article 200 has been removed from the chamber 40. This method avoids external interference during aspiration, which could cause the sum of changes within a consecutive preset number of times to exceed the second preset threshold, thus preventing the controller from directly determining that the aerosol-generating article 200 has been removed from the chamber 40.

[0114] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the controller includes: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor. Figure 10 Taking a processor as an example, the memory stores instructions executable by at least one processor. These instructions are executed by at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the control method described in the above embodiment. Figure 10 Taking the example of a connection between China and Israel via a bus.

[0115] A processor can be implemented using at least one of the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), digital signal processing device (DSPD), programmable logic device (PLD), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), processor, controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, or other electronic unit that performs these functions.

[0116] The memory includes high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state memory device. In some embodiments, the memory may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor, which can be connected to the aerosol generating apparatus via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0117] The memory is used to store non-volatile software programs, non-volatile computer-executable programs, and modules, such as the program instructions / units corresponding to the control method / device described herein. The processor executes the various functional applications and data processing of the aerosol generating apparatus by running the non-volatile software programs, instructions, and units stored in the memory, thereby implementing the suction detection method described in the above embodiments.

[0118] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them; under the concept of this application, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of this application as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for detecting article insertion in an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising a chamber for receiving the article, and a heating element for heating the article to generate an aerosol, the aerosol generating apparatus further comprising a capacitor configured to change its capacitance value when the article is received in or removed from the chamber, and an oscillating circuit composed of the capacitor, characterized in that, The identification method includes: The oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit is obtained according to a preset interval. Calculate the change in oscillation frequency between any two adjacent cycles of the oscillation circuit; The change is compared with a first preset threshold. Based on the comparison results, it is confirmed whether the article is contained within the containment chamber.

2. The article insertion detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The period is a time interval, and calculating the change in oscillation frequency between any two adjacent periods of the oscillation circuit specifically includes: Calculate the change in frequency between any two consecutive oscillations.

3. The article insertion detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The period is a plurality of consecutive intervals, and the calculation of the change in oscillation frequency between any two adjacent periods of the oscillation circuit specifically includes: Calculate the first difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the oscillation frequency in each cycle; Calculate the change between the first difference in two adjacent periods.

4. The article insertion detection method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The calculation of the change in oscillation frequency between any two adjacent cycles of the oscillation circuit specifically includes: Calculate the second difference or ratio of the oscillation frequencies of any two adjacent cycles of the oscillation circuit.

5. The article insertion detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When it is confirmed that the article is contained in the containment chamber, the heating element is controlled to start heating.

6. The article insertion detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a sliding cover movable between a first position and a second position member to correspondingly cover or expose the chamber, and a sensing element for detecting the position of the movable member, wherein the movable member is configured to trigger the sensing element to generate an activation signal when it moves to the second position, and the method further includes: The starting signal controls the supply of electrical energy to the oscillation circuit.

7. The article insertion detection method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After controlling the heating element to start heating, the method further includes: The changes are recorded continuously for a preset number of times and then summed. Compare the sum with a second preset threshold; If the sum is less than the second preset threshold, the heating element is controlled to continue heating.

8. The article insertion detection method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After controlling the heating element to start heating, the method further includes: The changes are recorded continuously for a preset number of times and then summed. Compare the sum with a second preset threshold; If the sum is greater than the second preset threshold, and the maximum value of the change in the preset number of times is greater than the third preset threshold, then the heating element is controlled to stop heating.

9. The article insertion detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device further includes a capacitive sensor, which, together with the capacitor, forms the oscillation circuit. The capacitive sensor is configured to output the oscillation frequency to the controller of the aerosol generating device.

10. The article insertion detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillation circuit includes a first oscillation circuit and a second oscillation circuit. The first oscillation circuit is used to output a first oscillation frequency, and the second oscillation circuit is used to output a second oscillation frequency. The capacitor includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The first capacitor is used to form the first oscillation circuit, and the second capacitor is used to form the second oscillation circuit. The chamber has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along its length direction. The first capacitor is disposed adjacent to the first end, and the second capacitor is disposed adjacent to the second end.

11. The article insertion detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillation circuit includes a fixed capacitor connected in parallel with the capacitor, the fixed capacitor having a capacitance value of 0.5pF to 2.2pF.

12. An aerosol generating device, comprising a controller, characterized in that, The controller includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program implements the article insertion detection method according to any one of claims 1-11.

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