Heating control circuit and aerosol generating device

Abstract

The present application relates to a heating control circuit and an aerosol generating device, the heating control circuit comprising: a heating element unit comprising two or more heating elements connected in series with each other; a driving circuit is arranged between the controller and the heating element unit, and the driving circuit is used for driving the heating element unit to start heating in response to a driving signal sent by the controller. Therefore, more than two heating elements can be controlled through one driving circuit, so that the cost of the aerosol generating device is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol generation technology, and in particular to a heating control circuit and an aerosol generation device. Background Technology

[0002] The heating control circuit is a crucial component of an aerosol generating device, responsible for heating the atomized aerosol-generating matrix to produce aerosols. In some exemplary prior art, a heating control circuit is provided, including a Microcontroller Unit (MCU) and two or more heating branches connected to the MCU. Each heating branch includes a drive circuit and a heating element. The MCU controls the drive circuit of each heating branch to simultaneously heat all heating elements, thereby generating a large amount of vapor. However, including a drive circuit for each heating branch increases the cost of the aerosol generating device. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a heating control circuit and an aerosol generating device that can control two or more heating elements through a single drive circuit, thereby reducing the cost of the aerosol generating device.

[0004] At least one embodiment of this application provides a heating control circuit, which includes: a heating element unit comprising two or more heating elements connected in series; a controller, wherein a drive circuit is provided between the controller and the heating element unit, the drive circuit being used to drive the heating element unit to start heating in response to a drive signal sent by the controller.

[0005] As an example, the heating element unit further includes at least one electrical connection point, one of which is connected to the drive circuit, one of which is connected to the ground terminal, and two or more heating elements are connected in series through the remaining electrical connection points.

[0006] As an example, the driving circuit includes:

[0007] A data acquisition circuit is connected in series in the current path between the power supply and the heating element unit, and is also connected to the controller. The data acquisition circuit is configured to turn on in response to a data acquisition signal sent by the controller and output a data acquisition voltage, so that the controller can detect the resistance value of the heating element unit based on the data acquisition voltage.

[0008] A switching circuit is connected in series in the current path between the power supply and the heating element unit, and is also connected to the controller. The controller outputs a drive signal based on the resistance value of the heating element unit. The switching circuit is configured to turn on in response to the drive signal, thereby driving the heating element unit to start heating.

[0009] As an example, the acquisition circuit includes a first PMOS transistor, a first resistor, and a second resistor;

[0010] The source of the first PMOS transistor is connected to the power supply, the gate of the first PMOS transistor is connected to the controller, the first resistor is connected between the source and the gate of the first PMOS transistor, and the drain of the first PMOS transistor is connected to the heating element unit through the second resistor.

[0011] As an example, the switching circuit includes a second PMOS transistor and a third resistor;

[0012] The source of the second PMOS transistor is connected to the power supply, the drain of the second PMOS transistor is connected to the heating element unit, the gate of the second PMOS transistor is connected to the controller, and the third resistor is connected between the source and the gate of the second PMOS transistor.

[0013] As an example, the drive circuit also includes a protection circuit connected to the switch circuit, the acquisition circuit and the controller respectively, for protecting the controller.

[0014] As an example, the protection circuit includes a fourth resistor, one end of which is connected to both the switching circuit and the acquisition circuit, and the other end of which is connected to the controller.

[0015] At least one embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0016] The heating control circuit as described in any embodiment of this application;

[0017] A power supply is provided to power the heating control circuit.

[0018] As an example, an airflow sensor is also included, connected to the controller, and the airflow sensor is configured to detect the user's suction action.

[0019] As an example, a temperature detection circuit is also included, connected to the controller, and the temperature detection circuit is configured to detect the temperature of the heating element unit.

[0020] In the heating control circuit and aerosol generating device provided in the above embodiments, a drive circuit is provided between the controller and the heating element unit. The drive circuit is used to drive the heating element unit to start heating in response to the drive signal sent by the controller. Therefore, this application can realize the control of more than two heating elements through one drive circuit, thereby reducing the cost of the aerosol generating device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating control circuit provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the heating control circuit provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving circuit provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of a heating control circuit provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number or order of the indicated technical features. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship or movement of the components in a specific orientation (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific orientation changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0029] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 This application provides an embodiment of a heating control circuit. The aerosol generating device 1 includes: a heating element unit 10, including two or more heating elements 11 connected in series; a controller 20, and a drive circuit 30 is provided between the controller 20 and the heating element unit 10. The drive circuit 30 is used to drive the heating element unit 10 to start heating in response to a drive signal sent by the controller 20.

[0031] The heating element 11 can be a central heating method or a peripheral heating method. The heating element 11 can also heat the aerosol generation matrix to generate aerosols through one or more of the following methods: heat conduction, electromagnetic induction, chemical change, infrared heating, resonance, photoelectric conversion, and photothermal conversion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the heating element 11 is a resistance heating element, heated by an electric current supply, and transfers heat to the liquid aerosol forming matrix in contact with the heating element 11 to heat the liquid aerosol forming matrix, thereby generating an aerosol. For example, the heating element 11 can be a metal wire, a metal plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, for example, the heating element 11 can be composed of a conductive heating wire such as a nickel-chromium wire, and can be configured to be wound around a liquid transfer unit, or can be configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0033] In this embodiment, the controller 20 sends a drive signal to the drive circuit 30, causing the drive circuit 30 to drive two or more heating elements 11 connected in series to heat up simultaneously. It is understood that the controller 20 can also control the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device. For example, the controller 20 controls the wireless communication module of the aerosol generating device to communicate wirelessly with external devices.

[0034] In some embodiments, controller 20 may be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), microcontroller, ARM (Acorn RISC Machine) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of these components. Additionally, controller 20 may also be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. Controller 20 may 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.

[0035] In some embodiments, the heating element unit 10 further includes at least one electrical connection point 101, one of which is connected to the drive circuit 30, one of which is connected to the ground terminal, and two or more heating elements 11 are connected in series through the remaining electrical connection points 101.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the heating element unit 10 includes two heating elements 11 and four electrical connection points 101. One end of the first heating element 11 is connected to the first electrical connection point 101, and the other end is connected to the second electrical connection point 101. One end of the second heating element 11 is connected to the third electrical connection point 101, and the other end is connected to the fourth electrical connection point 101. Furthermore, the first electrical connection point 101 is also connected to the drive circuit 30, and the fourth electrical connection point 101 is also connected to the ground terminal. The second and third electrical connection points 101 are electrically connected, thus connecting the first and second heating elements 11 in series. By connecting the two ends of the first and second heating elements 11 to the corresponding electrical connection points 101, the first and second heating elements 11 are connected in series in the current path of the power supply, and the drive circuit 30 drives the first and second heating elements 11 to heat up simultaneously.

[0037] exist Figure 2Based on the illustrated embodiment, as one example, a first heating element 11 and a second heating element 11 are disposed in the cartridge, and an electrical connection point 101 is disposed in the main body. When the cartridge is received in the main body, the pins of the first heating element 11 and the second heating element 11 are connected to the corresponding electrical connection point. As one example, the electrical connection point 101 is disposed on a circuit board, and the pins of the first heating element 11 and the second heating element 11 are soldered to the corresponding electrical connection point.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the heating element unit 10 includes heating wire L1 and heating wire L2. Heating wire L1 has a first pin and a second pin, and heating wire L2 has a third pin and a fourth pin. The heating element unit 10 also provides electrical connection points J1, J2, J3, and J4. The first pin of heating wire L1 is connected to electrical connection point J1, the second pin of heating wire L1 is connected to electrical connection point J2, the third pin of heating wire L2 is connected to electrical connection point J3, and the fourth pin of heating wire L2 is connected to electrical connection point J4. Electrical connection point J1 is also electrically connected to the driving circuit 30, electrical connection points J2 and J3 are electrically connected, and electrical connection point J4 is also connected to the ground terminal, thereby enabling the driving circuit 30 to drive heating wires L1 and L2 to heat up simultaneously.

[0039] In some embodiments, the driving circuit 30 includes a data acquisition circuit 31 and a switching circuit 32.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the acquisition circuit 31 is connected in series in the current path between the power supply and the heating element unit 10, and is also connected to the controller 20. The acquisition circuit 31 is configured to turn on in response to the acquisition signal sent by the controller 20 and output an acquisition voltage, so that the controller 20 detects the resistance value of the heating element unit 10 based on the acquisition voltage. The switching circuit 32 is connected in series in the current path between the power supply and the heating element unit 10, and is also connected to the controller 20. The controller 20 outputs a drive signal based on the resistance value of the heating element unit 10, and the switching circuit 32 is configured to turn on in response to the drive signal, thereby driving the heating element unit 10 to start heating.

[0041] The acquisition circuit 31 and the switching circuit 32 work alternately. Alternatively, the acquisition circuit 31 and the switching circuit 32 do not work simultaneously, that is, at a certain time, only one of the acquisition circuit 31 or the switching circuit 32 is working.

[0042] like Figure 4As shown, the acquisition circuit 31 includes a first PMOS transistor Q1, a first resistor R1, and a second resistor R2. The source of the first PMOS transistor Q1 is connected to the power supply VBAT, and the gate of the first PMOS transistor Q1 is connected to the controller 20 (for receiving the acquisition signal OUT_CJ). The first resistor R1 is connected between the source and the gate of the first PMOS transistor Q1, and the drain of the first PMOS transistor Q1 is connected to the heating element unit 10 via the second resistor R2. The switching circuit 32 includes a second PMOS transistor Q2 and a third resistor R3. The source of the second PMOS transistor Q2 is connected to the power supply VBAT, the drain of the second PMOS transistor Q2 is connected to the heating element unit 10, and the gate of the second PMOS transistor Q2 is connected to the controller 20 (for receiving the drive signal OUT_PWM). The third resistor R3 is connected between the source and the gate of the second PMOS transistor Q2.

[0043] It is understandable that the first PMOS transistor Q1 and the second PMOS transistor Q2 can also be switching devices such as field-effect transistors, thyristors, triacs, transistors, and IGBTs.

[0044] In some embodiments, the drive circuit 30 further includes a protection circuit 33, which is connected to the switch circuit 32, the acquisition circuit 31, and the controller 20, respectively, for protecting the controller 20. Figure 4 As shown, the protection circuit 33 includes a fourth resistor R4. One end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the switching circuit 32 and the acquisition circuit 31 respectively, and the other end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the controller 20 (the acquisition pin OUT_ADC shown in the figure).

[0045] Please refer to it again. Figure 4 Its working principle is as follows: Controller 20 outputs a sampling signal OUT_CJ, which satisfies the conduction condition of the first PMOS transistor Q1. Q1 conducts, and the second resistor R2 and heating wires L1 and L2 divide the power supply voltage VBAT, outputting a sampling voltage. This voltage is sent to controller 20 via the sampling pin OUT_ADC. Controller 20 detects the resistance value of the series connection between heating wires L1 and L2 based on the sampling voltage. When controller 20 turns off the sampling signal OUT_CJ, the conduction condition of the first PMOS transistor Q1 is no longer met, and Q1 is turned off. Simultaneously, controller 20 outputs a drive signal OUT_PWM based on the resistance value of the series connection between heating wires L1 and L2, which satisfies the conduction condition of the second PMOS transistor Q2. Q2 then conducts, thereby driving heating wires L1 and L2 to heat up simultaneously.

[0046] The heating control circuit provided in this application embodiment has a drive circuit between the controller and the heating element unit. The drive circuit is used to drive the heating element unit to start heating in response to the drive signal sent by the controller. Therefore, this application embodiment can control more than two heating elements through one drive circuit, thereby reducing the cost of the aerosol generating device.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 5 At least one embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating apparatus 100, which includes a heating control circuit 1 as described in any embodiment of this application and a power supply 2 for providing power to the heating control circuit 1. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 possesses the circuit structure and function of the heating control circuit 1; for the avoidance of repetition, please refer to the foregoing embodiments.

[0048] Based on the structure of the aerosol generating device 100 described above, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes an airflow sensor 3 connected to the controller 20, and the airflow sensor 3 is configured to detect the user's suction action. In some optional embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a temperature detection circuit 4 connected to the controller 20, and the temperature detection circuit 4 is configured to detect the temperature of the heating element unit 10.

[0049] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of this application are given in the specification and accompanying drawings, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heating control circuit, characterized by, The heating element unit comprises two or more heating elements connected in series. The heating element unit further comprises at least one electrical connection point, one of which is connected to the driving circuit, and one of which is connected to the ground, and the two or more heating elements are connected in series through the remaining electrical connection points.

2. The heating control circuit of claim 1, wherein, The driving circuit comprises:

3. The heating control circuit of claim 1, wherein, a collection circuit connected in series in the current path between the power supply and the heating element unit, and connected to the controller, the collection circuit being configured to turn on in response to the collection signal sent by the controller to output a collection voltage, so that the controller detects the resistance value of the heating element unit based on the collection voltage; a switch circuit connected in series in the current path between the power supply and the heating element unit, and connected to the controller, the controller outputting a driving signal based on the resistance value of the heating element unit, and the switch circuit being configured to turn on in response to the driving signal to drive the heating element unit to start heating. The collection circuit comprises a first PMOS tube, a first resistor and a second resistor; 4. The heating control circuit of claim 3, wherein, The source of the first PMOS tube is connected to the power supply, the gate of the first PMOS tube is connected to the controller, the first resistor is connected between the source and the gate of the first PMOS tube, and the drain of the first PMOS tube is connected to the heating element unit through the second resistor. The switch circuit comprises a second PMOS tube and a third resistor; 5. The heating control circuit of claim 3, wherein, The source of the second PMOS tube is connected to the power supply, the drain of the second PMOS tube is connected to the heating element unit, the gate of the second PMOS tube is connected to the controller, and the third resistor is connected between the source and the gate of the second PMOS tube. The driving circuit further comprises a protection circuit connected to the switch circuit, the collection circuit and the controller respectively for protecting the controller.

6. The heating control circuit of claim 3, wherein, The protection circuit comprises a fourth resistor, one end of which is connected to the switch circuit and the collection circuit respectively, and the other end of which is connected to the controller.

7. The heating control circuit of claim 6, wherein, The heating control circuit according to any one of claims 1-7; 8. An aerosol-generating device comprising: a power supply for providing power supply for the heating control circuit. Further comprising an airflow sensor connected to the controller, the airflow sensor being configured to detect the user's puffing action. Further comprising a temperature detection circuit connected to the controller, the temperature detection circuit being configured to detect the temperature of the heating element unit.

9. The aerosol-generating device of claim 8, wherein, Further comprising an airflow sensor connected to the controller, the airflow sensor being configured to detect the user's puffing action. 10.The aerosol-generating device of claim 8, wherein, Further comprising a temperature detection circuit connected to the controller, the temperature detection circuit being configured to detect the temperature of the heating element unit.

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