Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The utility model discloses aerosol generating device, include: chamber, the electric capacity detection subassembly is located in the side department of chamber bottom end, and its detection field range corresponds to the bottom end of aerosol generating product inserted in the chamber, tubular heating assembly, the outside of chamber is covered, corresponds to the smoking segment of aerosol generating product, end heating assembly, is located in the end of chamber's bottom end, control unit is electric connection with electric capacity detection subassembly, tubular heating assembly and end heating assembly respectively, and control unit is configured as: according to the electric capacity of the bottom end of aerosol generating product of detected aerosol generating product's bottom end judges whether the bottom end of aerosol generating product contains plug; if contains plug, then control tubular heating assembly and heat, and end heating assembly does not heat, if does not contain plug, then control at least end heating assembly heating. The above-mentioned aerosol generating device can adapt to different types of aerosol generating product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of novel tobacco products technology, specifically to an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, driven by both global tobacco control and increased health awareness, heated tobacco products have gained significant market attention as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. These products aim to reduce the production of harmful substances while providing a satisfaction similar to that of traditional cigarettes by heating tobacco at temperatures below the combustion temperature.

[0003] Currently, heated tobacco products on the market come in various structural designs, with the most significant difference being whether or not they have a "plug." Plug-in tobacco products have a physical barrier made of materials such as filter cotton at the end of the tobacco section. Their advantage lies in effectively preventing the tobacco from absorbing moisture and avoiding leakage of e-liquid that contaminates the device's cavity. Plug-in tobacco products, on the other hand, typically have a more direct airflow channel and an exposed tobacco section.

[0004] However, existing heating appliances are designed from the outset to fit a specific type of cigarette structure. This means that once consumers purchase a device, they are essentially tied to that type of cigarette, unable to freely try other products. When cigarette manufacturers develop new structures, they must also develop new devices, increasing R&D costs and marketing difficulties. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a universal, intelligent heating appliance that can overcome these limitations. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention proposes an aerosol generating device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this utility model disclose an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0007] A chamber used to contain aerosol-generated products;

[0008] The capacitance detection component is located on the side of the bottom end of the chamber. When the aerosol generating product is inserted into the chamber, the detection field range of the capacitance detection component corresponds to the bottom end of the aerosol generating product. The capacitance detection component is used to detect the capacitance at the bottom end of the aerosol generating product.

[0009] A tubular heating element is fitted outside the chamber. When the aerosol generating product is inserted into the chamber, the tubular heating element corresponds to the smoke-generating section of the aerosol generating product.

[0010] An end heating assembly is located at the bottom end of the chamber;

[0011] The control unit is electrically connected to the capacitance detection component, the tubular heating component, and the end heating component, respectively. The control unit is configured to: determine whether the bottom end of the aerosol-generating product contains a plug based on the detected capacitance at the bottom end; if a plug is present, control the tubular heating component to heat while the end heating component does not heat; if no plug is present, control at least the end heating component to heat.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the aerosol generating device of this utility model can detect the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber through the capacitance detection component, thereby determining whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can be adapted to different types of aerosol generating products, has a wide range of applications, and a high degree of intelligence.

[0013] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the chamber includes:

[0014] The smoke-generating section containment area corresponds to the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generating product after the aerosol-generating product is inserted into the chamber.

[0015] The plug receiving area is located at the bottom of the smoke-generating section receiving area along the axial direction of the chamber. When the aerosol generating product with the plug is inserted into the chamber, the plug receiving area corresponds to the plug of the aerosol generating product with the plug. The length of the detection field area of ​​the capacitance detection component along the axial direction of the chamber is not greater than the length of the plug receiving area.

[0016] According to another specific embodiment of this utility model, along the axial direction of the chamber, the length of the tubular heating assembly is not greater than the length of the smoke-generating section accommodating area.

[0017] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0018] The vacuum insulation tube is fitted outside the chamber, and the tubular heating component, end heating component, and capacitor detection component are all located inside the vacuum insulation tube.

[0019] According to another specific embodiment of this utility model, the vacuum insulation pipe is a metal pipe.

[0020] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the capacitance detection component includes multiple electrodes, and the electrode configuration is a flat plate electrode, a ring electrode, an interdigitated electrode, a spiral electrode, an arc-shaped electrode, or a coaxial electrode.

[0021] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the end heating component is an air heater, which includes an air heating element, and there is a gap between the air heating element and the bottom end of the chamber.

[0022] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0023] A visual indicator module, located in the outer casing of the aerosol generating device, is used to indicate whether the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber contains a plug.

[0024] Alternatively, a vibration module, located within the aerosol generating device, may be used to indicate whether the aerosol-generated product inserted into the chamber contains a plug.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this utility model disclose a control method for an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is the aerosol generating device in any of the embodiments of the first aspect described above, and the control method includes:

[0026] Detect the current capacitance in the region at the bottom of the chamber;

[0027] The current capacitance is used to determine whether the aerosol-generating product in the chamber contains a plug; when the aerosol-generating product in the chamber contains a plug, the tubular heating component is controlled to heat, while the end heating component is not heated; when the aerosol-generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug, at least the end heating component is controlled to heat.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber can be detected to determine whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can be adapted to different types of aerosol generating products, has a wide range of applications, and a high degree of intelligence.

[0029] According to another specific embodiment of this utility model, determining whether the aerosol-generating product in the chamber contains a plug based on the current capacitance specifically includes:

[0030] When the current capacitance is within the preset range including the plug capacitance, the aerosol-generated product in the chamber contains a plug;

[0031] When the current capacitance is within the preset unblocked capacitance range, the aerosol-generated product in the chamber does not contain any plugs; wherein, the lower limit of the preset unblocked capacitance range is higher than the upper limit of the preset plugged capacitance range.

[0032] When the current capacitance is neither within the preset range of capacitors with plugs nor within the preset range of capacitors without plugs, it indicates that the aerosol generating product is not inserted into the chamber and outputs an indication signal to remind the user to reinsert the aerosol generating product.

[0033] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, when the tubular heating component is controlled to heat, the tubular heating component heats the aerosol-generated product with a first preset temperature curve; when the end heating component is controlled to heat, the end heating component heats the aerosol-generated product with a second preset temperature curve; wherein, the difference between the first preset temperature curve and the second preset temperature curve is at least one of the following: heating rate, at least part of the heating temperature, and cooling rate.

[0034] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0035] When the aerosol-generating product in the chamber contains a plug, the aerosol generating device is controlled to emit a first preset vibration signal; when the aerosol-generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug, the aerosol generating device is controlled to emit a second preset vibration signal that is different from the first preset vibration signal.

[0036] The difference between the first preset vibration signal and the second preset vibration signal lies in at least one of the following: vibration frequency, vibration number, and vibration intensity.

[0037] Alternatively, when the aerosol-generating product in the chamber contains a plug, the aerosol-generating device is controlled to emit a first preset light signal; when the aerosol-generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug, the aerosol-generating device is controlled to emit a second preset light signal that is different from the first preset light signal.

[0038] The difference between the first preset light signal and the second preset light signal lies in at least one of the following: light color, light flashing frequency, and light pattern.

[0039] Thirdly, embodiments of this utility model disclose a control device for an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is the aerosol generating apparatus in any of the embodiments of the first aspect described above, and the control device includes:

[0040] The capacitance detection module is used to detect the current capacitance in the area at the bottom of the chamber;

[0041] The heating module is used to determine whether the aerosol-generating product in the chamber contains a plug based on the current capacitance. When the aerosol-generating product in the chamber contains a plug, the tubular heating component is controlled to heat, while the end heating component is not heated. When the aerosol-generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug, at least the end heating component is controlled to heat.

[0042] By adopting the above technical solution, the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber can be detected to determine whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can be adapted to different types of aerosol generating products, has a wide range of applications, and a high degree of intelligence.

[0043] Fourthly, an embodiment of the present invention discloses an electronic device, which includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores at least one instruction, which, when executed by the processor, implements the control method of the aerosol generating device in any of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0044] By adopting the above technical solution, the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber can be detected to determine whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can be adapted to different types of aerosol generating products, has a wide range of applications, and a high degree of intelligence.

[0045] Fifthly, embodiments of this utility model disclose a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one instruction, which, when executed, implements the control method for the aerosol generating apparatus in any of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0046] By adopting the above technical solution, the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber can be detected to determine whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can be adapted to different types of aerosol generating products, has a wide range of applications, and a high degree of intelligence. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This diagram shows the electric field line distribution of a parallel-plate capacitor.

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the electrode plate structure of a flat plate capacitive sensor is shown.

[0049] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the arc-shaped capacitive sensor electrode plate is shown.

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode plate of the spiral capacitance sensor is shown.

[0051] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode plate of the circular capacitive sensor is shown.

[0052] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode plate of the interdigital capacitive sensor is shown.

[0053] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the structure of the aerosol generating device in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0054] Figure 8This diagram illustrates the structure of the aerosol generating device in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0055] Figure 9 This diagram shows the structure of the vacuum insulation tube in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the control method of the aerosol generating device in an embodiment of this utility model is shown.

[0057] Figure 11 This diagram shows a schematic diagram of the control device of the aerosol generating apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the electronic device in an embodiment of this utility model is shown.

[0059] Symbol Explanation: First metal electrode plate 0101; Second metal electrode plate 0102; Test piece 0103; Flat plate capacitance sensor 01; First flat plate electrode plate 011; Second flat plate electrode plate 012; Arc-shaped capacitance sensor 02; First arc-shaped electrode plate 021; Second arc-shaped electrode plate 022; Spiral capacitance sensor 03; First spiral electrode plate 031; Second spiral electrode plate 032; Circular capacitance sensor 04; First circular circular electrode plate 041; Second circular electrode plate 041; 42; Interdigitated capacitive sensor 05; First interdigitated electrode 051; Second interdigitated electrode 052; Cigarette with plug 100; Smoke-generating section of cigarette with plug 1001; Plug 1002; Cigarette without plug 200; Smoke-generating section of cigarette without plug 2001; Capacitive detection component 101; Tubular heating component 201; Vacuum insulation tube 301; Vacuum tube outer wall 3011; Vacuum tube inner wall 3012; Vacuum insulation layer 3013; Air heating element 401; Axial X. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this utility model will be presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this utility model are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the utility model in conjunction with the embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this utility model. To provide a deep understanding of this utility model, many specific details will be included in the following description. This utility model may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this utility model, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0061] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0062] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0063] The term "aerosol-generating article" includes materials that provide volatile components when heated, and may include any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. "Aerosol-generating article" may also include other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine.

[0064] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Capacitive sensing technology is a non-contact measurement method based on the dielectric properties of materials. (Reference) Figure 1 The capacitor comprises two parallel metal electrode plates (i.e., the first metal electrode plate 0101 and the second metal electrode plate 0102). The theoretical formula for calculating the capacitor is: C = Where C represents the capacitance value, Let S represent the dielectric constant between the plates of a capacitor, S represent the area of ​​the plates, and d represent the distance between the plates. When the area S and the distance d between the capacitor plates are fixed, the capacitance C changes only with respect to the dielectric constant of the dielectric material filling the space between the plates. Therefore, the characteristics of the dielectric can be deduced by measuring the capacitance value. In the capacitor, one metal plate is the excitation electrode, and the other is the detection electrode. When a certain voltage excitation signal is applied to the excitation electrode, an electric field appears between the two plates. The electric field lines penetrate the test piece 0103 within the electric field, generating an induced electric displacement field inside the test piece 0103. This affects the charge distribution on the capacitor plates, causing a change in the capacitance value between the excitation and detection electrodes. When the dielectric (i.e., the test piece 0103) within the electric field changes, its dielectric constant changes, causing a change in the charge distribution on the electrodes, ultimately resulting in a change in the detection capacitance value.

[0066] Common aerosol components and their dielectric constants are as follows: air has a dielectric constant of 1, paper has a relative dielectric constant of 2.5, glycerol / glycerin has a relative dielectric constant of 47, water has a relative dielectric constant of 80, and filter cotton has a relative dielectric constant of 2. The smoke-generating section of a heated tobacco product includes at least moisture, aerosol-generating agents, and tobacco. Aerosol-generating agents include glycerin, glycerol, and / or propylene glycol. In heated tobacco products with a plug, the main component of the plug is filter cotton. Because there is a significant difference in dielectric constant between the plug and the smoke-generating section, the plug and the smoke-generating section can be distinguished by measuring the capacitance value.

[0067] Based on this, refer to Figures 7-8 In one aspect, the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device, which includes a chamber, a capacitance detection component 101, a tubular heating component 201, an end heating component, and a control unit.

[0068] The chamber is used to contain the aerosol-generating product. A capacitance detection component 101 is located on the outer side of the bottom of the chamber. When the aerosol-generating product is inserted into the chamber, the detection field of the capacitance detection component 101 corresponds to the bottom of the aerosol-generating product, and the capacitance detection component 101 is used to detect the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol-generating product. A tubular heating component 201 is sleeved on the outside of the chamber. When the aerosol-generating product is inserted into the chamber, the tubular heating component 201 corresponds to the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generating product. An end heating component is located at the bottom of the chamber.

[0069] The control unit is electrically connected to the capacitance detection component 101, the tubular heating component 201, and the end heating component, respectively. The control unit is configured to: determine whether the bottom of the aerosol generating product contains a plug based on the detected capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product; if it contains a plug 1002 (the corresponding aerosol generating product is, for example, a cigarette 100 with a plug), then control the tubular heating component to heat, while the end heating component does not heat; if it does not contain a plug (the corresponding aerosol generating product is, for example, a cigarette 200 without a plug), then control at least the end heating component to heat (i.e., heat the smoke-generating section 2001 of the cigarette without a plug by end heating). Specifically, if it does not contain a plug, the control unit controls the end heating component to heat the smoke-generating section (i.e., the smoke-generating section 1001 of the cigarette with a plug) of the aerosol generating product from the bottom of the aerosol generating product, while the tubular heating component 201 may or may not heat. Among them, the plug of the aerosol generating product is a sealing element set at the end of the smoke generating section to prevent the smoke generating section from being exposed to the outside and can play a role in moisture prevention. The plug is, for example, filter cotton.

[0070] In the above technical solution, the aerosol generating device of this utility model can detect the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber through the capacitance detection component 101, thereby determining whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can adapt to different types of aerosol generating products, effectively solving the problem that a single device cannot be compatible with cigarettes of different structures in the prior art. It has a wide range of applications and a high degree of intelligence, and can achieve multiple uses in one machine, improving user experience and product versatility.

[0071] Specifically, by introducing the capacitance detection component 101, aerosol generating products with and without plugs can be distinguished non-contactly and with high precision based on the difference in dielectric constant of the components at the bottom of the aerosol generating product. Specifically, by detecting the capacitance change caused by the plug (corresponding to a low dielectric constant medium) or the smoke-generating section (i.e., the tobacco section, corresponding to a high dielectric constant medium) of the aerosol generating product, the type of aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber can be automatically determined. Subsequently, the control unit can seamlessly switch to the optimal heating mode based on the identification result: for aerosol generating products with plugs, the tubular heating component 201 can be activated for external heating (the external heating method could be, for example, radiation heating). In this case, the end heating component is not activated to avoid heating the plug, thereby preventing the plug from being heated and generating harmful substances, and improving the safety of the aerosol generating device; for aerosol generating products without plugs, the end heating component can be activated for heating.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the chamber includes a smoke-generating section accommodating area and a plug accommodating area. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the chamber, the smoke-generating section accommodating area corresponds to the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0073] The plug receiving area is along the axial direction of the chamber (e.g., Figures 7-8 The plug receiving area (located in the X direction) is situated at the bottom of the smoke-generating section's accommodating area. When an aerosol-generating product with a plug is inserted into the chamber, the plug receiving area corresponds to the plug of the aerosol-generating product with a plug. Along the axial direction X of the chamber, the length of the detection field area of ​​the capacitance detection component 101 is no greater than the length of the plug receiving area.

[0074] With this configuration, when the aerosol generating product with a plug is inserted into the chamber, it can be ensured that the portion of the aerosol generating product located in the detection field area of ​​the capacitance detection component 101 is entirely plugged. This effectively avoids interference from the smoke-generating section of the aerosol generating product on capacitance detection, ensuring that the capacitance detection component 101 can accurately identify whether the bottom of the aerosol generating product contains a plug. This effectively reduces the risk of misjudging whether the cigarette contains a plug, thereby helping to activate a more suitable heating component for heating and improving the safety of use.

[0075] Furthermore, the capacitance of the plug and the smoke-generating section differs significantly, and their corresponding capacitance ranges do not overlap. This configuration allows the capacitance detection component 101 to determine whether the aerosol-generating product is properly inserted. Specifically, when the aerosol-generating product is properly inserted, the entire detection field of the capacitance detection component 101 consists of the plug. The detected capacitance value is within the capacitance range corresponding to the plug, where the upper limit of the capacitance range corresponding to the plug can be set to be less than or equal to the plug's maximum capacitance value C. max The upper limit of the capacitance range corresponding to the plug can be 0.8C. max ~C max When the aerosol generating product is not properly inserted, the detection field of the capacitance detection component 101 may contain a blockage in one part and air in another. In this case, the corresponding capacitance value deviates from the capacitance range corresponding to the blockage, specifically, it will be less than the lower limit of the capacitance range corresponding to the blockage. Therefore, the magnitude of the capacitance value can be used to determine whether the aerosol generating product is properly inserted. When it is determined that the aerosol generating product is not properly inserted, the user can be prompted to reinsert the aerosol generating product.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, along the axial direction X of the chamber, the length of the tubular heating assembly 201 is not greater than the length of the smoke-generating section accommodating area.

[0077] This configuration ensures that the portion of the aerosol-generated product within the heating range of the tubular heating component 201 is entirely a smoke-generating section. This prevents heating of the plug during the process, thus preventing deformation, aging, or release of harmful substances from the plug due to heat. It guarantees safety and flue gas purity, concentrates heat on the smoke-generating section, improves heat utilization efficiency, ensures uniform and sufficient heating of the smoke-generating section for stable aerosol generation, reduces ineffective heat transfer to other areas of the device, lowers energy loss, and prevents interference from heating non-target areas on the working environment of peripheral components such as the capacitor detection component. This further ensures the stability of the coordinated operation of all components, comprehensively improving the heating reliability, safety, and energy utilization efficiency of the aerosol generation device.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 9The aerosol generating device also includes a vacuum insulation tube 301. The vacuum insulation tube 301 is fitted outside the chamber, and the tubular heating component 201, the end heating component, and the capacitance detection component 101 are all located inside the vacuum insulation tube 301. Specifically, the vacuum insulation tube 301 has a double-layer structure, comprising a tubular outer vacuum tube wall 3011 and a tubular inner vacuum tube wall 3012. The outer vacuum tube wall 3011 is fitted outside the inner vacuum tube wall 3012, forming a vacuum cavity between them. This vacuum cavity is vacuum-sealed, forming a vacuum insulation layer 3013. The tubular heating component 201, the end heating component, and the capacitance detection component 101 are all located within the accommodating area formed inside the inner vacuum tube wall 3012.

[0079] Specifically, in the high-temperature, compact internal environment of a smoking device, where electromagnetic interference exists, the accuracy of capacitive detection is easily affected, leading to inaccurate detection and consequently impacting cigarette identification. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned setup effectively minimizes heat loss during operation of the tubular heating component 201 or the end heating component by leveraging the excellent thermal insulation properties of vacuum insulation, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency and ensuring that the smoke-generating section is rapidly and uniformly heated to stably generate aerosol. Furthermore, it effectively isolates the external ambient temperature from the internal components, preventing heat transfer from the heating components and maintaining the stability of the ambient temperature of the capacitive detection component 101, thus reducing the interference of temperature fluctuations on detection accuracy.

[0080] The vacuum insulation tube 301 provides electromagnetic shielding, ensuring that the capacitor identification process is unaffected by electromagnetic interference from internal heating elements and the external environment, thus guaranteeing the reliability and accuracy of capacitor detection. In other words, the integrated vacuum insulation and electromagnetic shielding structure improves heating efficiency while also ensuring the stability and reliability of capacitor detection.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the vacuum cavity between the outer wall 3011 and the inner wall 3012 of the vacuum tube is in a high vacuum state, with a vacuum degree not exceeding 0.5 Pascals. This setting can further improve the thermal insulation performance of the vacuum insulation tube 301. Even further, the vacuum degree of the vacuum cavity is not higher than 0.1 Pascals.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the vacuum insulation tube 301 is a metal tube, specifically stainless steel.

[0083] This design leverages the excellent sealing properties of metal to effectively maintain a stable vacuum level in the vacuum cavity between the outer wall 3011 and the inner wall 3012 of the vacuum tube over a long period. This ensures the long-lasting and reliable thermal insulation effect of the vacuum insulation layer 3013, thereby reducing heat loss from the tubular heating component 201 and the end heating component and improving energy utilization efficiency. Simultaneously, the metal material possesses excellent high-temperature resistance and structural strength, making it suitable for the high-temperature environment during heating component operation. This prevents the vacuum insulation tube 301 from deforming or being damaged due to high temperatures and provides stable mounting support for the internal heating component and capacitor detection component 101, optimizing the overall structural stability of the device. Furthermore, the uniform thermal conductivity of the metal material helps suppress localized overheating, further reducing the interference of temperature fluctuations on the detection accuracy of the capacitor detection component 101. It also further enhances electromagnetic shielding performance, resulting in superior durability and safety of the vacuum insulation tube 301.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the capacitance detection component 101 includes multiple electrodes, such as... Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the electrode configuration can be a flat plate electrode, a ring electrode, an interdigitated electrode, a spiral electrode, an arc-shaped electrode, or a coaxial electrode.

[0085] Specifically, the capacitance detection component 101 is a capacitance sensor, and the multiple electrodes of the capacitance detection component 101 have the same configuration. In this embodiment, the capacitance detection component 101 has, for example, two electrodes. The configuration of the electrodes can be selected according to different application scenarios and detection requirements. When the electrode configuration is a planar electrode, the capacitance detection component 101 can be... Figure 2 The illustrated planar capacitive sensor 01 includes a first planar electrode plate 011 and a second planar electrode plate 012 arranged radially and relatively apart along the cavity. When the electrode configuration is a ring electrode, taking a circular ring as an example, the capacitance detection component 101 can be... Figure 5 The illustrated annular capacitive sensor 04 includes a first annular electrode plate 041 and a second annular electrode plate 042 disposed opposite to each other along the axial direction of the chamber. When the electrode configuration is interdigitated electrodes, the capacitance detection assembly 101 can be... Figure 6 The illustrated interdigital capacitive sensor 05 includes a first interdigital electrode 051 and a second interdigital electrode 052. When the electrode configuration is a spiral electrode, the capacitance detection component 101 can be... Figure 4 The spiral capacitance sensor 03 shown includes a first spiral electrode plate 031 and a second spiral electrode plate 032, which are nested together to form a double spiral structure. When the electrode configuration is an arc-shaped electrode, the capacitance detection component 101 can be... Figure 3The arc-shaped capacitance sensor 02 shown includes a first arc-shaped electrode plate 021 and a second arc-shaped electrode plate 022 arranged radially opposite to each other along the cavity. When the electrode configuration is a coaxial electrode (not shown in the figure), the two electrode plates of the capacitance detection assembly 101 can be tubular electrode plates, referred to as the inner tubular electrode and the outer tubular electrode, respectively. The two tubular electrode plates are nested inside and outside, with their axes coinciding. A cavity is formed between the inner tubular electrode and the outer tubular electrode, and the aerosol-generated product can be placed in the space enclosed by the inner tubular electrode to realize capacitance detection of the aerosol-generated product.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, reference continues to be made to... Figures 7-8 The end heating component is an air heater, which includes an air heating element 401 with a gap between the air heating element 401 and the bottom of the chamber. Specifically, the air heater is located in the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device, heating the flowing air and causing convection. The hot airflow can smoothly penetrate to the bottom of the unblocked aerosol generating product and conduct heat to the smoke-generating section, avoiding localized high-temperature scorching caused by direct contact heating, ensuring the purity of the aerosol's taste, and meeting the requirement of comprehensive and uniform heating for unblocked aerosol generating products. Furthermore, the gap between the air heating element 401 and the bottom of the aerosol generating product effectively prevents burns and damage to the unblocked aerosol generating product due to its relatively fragile end structure, improving safety during use.

[0087] Furthermore, when using an end heating assembly to heat an aerosol-generating article without a plug, the tubular heating assembly 201 can remain unheated, thus saving energy. Additionally, after the aerosol-generating article without a plug is inserted into the chamber, the heating area of ​​the tubular heating assembly 201 may only contain a portion of the smoke-generating section, with the remaining portion being the filter section located above the smoke-generating section. In this case, controlling the tubular heating assembly 201 to remain unheated allows it to function solely as a heat-insulating element, effectively preventing heating of the filter section. This, in turn, prevents the filter section from emitting harmful substances or deforming due to heat, further enhancing safety and reliability.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the aerosol generating device also includes a visual indication module or a vibration module (not shown in the figure).

[0089] The visual indication module is located on the outer shell of the aerosol generating device and is used to indicate whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the chamber contains a plug. For example, the visual indication module can be a display screen, which can be programmed with different animations for aerosol generating articles with and without plugs. Different animations can prompt the user whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the chamber contains a plug, increasing the enjoyment of use and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the visual indication module can also be a light bulb, which can indicate whether the aerosol generating article contains a plug by emitting different colors of light or flashing light at different frequencies.

[0090] The vibration module is located within the aerosol generating device and features multiple vibration modes. These modes indicate whether the aerosol-generated product inserted into the chamber contains a plug. This design provides users with different tactile feedback to inform them of the presence of a plug in the aerosol-generated product, increasing the enjoyment of use and improving the user experience.

[0091] Secondly, refer to Figure 10 The present invention discloses a control method for an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is the aerosol generating device in any of the aforementioned first aspects embodiments, and the control method includes:

[0092] S1: Detects the current capacitance in the region at the bottom of the chamber.

[0093] Specifically, the capacitance detection component 101 of the aerosol generating device can detect the capacitance value of the bottom region of the chamber. On the one hand, it can detect whether an aerosol generating product has been inserted into the chamber; on the other hand, when an aerosol generating product is detected in the chamber, the capacitance detection component 101 can detect the dielectric constant of the dielectric at the bottom of the aerosol generating product and output the corresponding capacitance signal (i.e., capacitance value).

[0094] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device in each of the aforementioned first aspects also includes a capacitance detection circuit. The capacitance detection circuit is electrically connected to the electrodes of the capacitance detection component 101. The capacitance signal output by the capacitance detection component 101 can be transmitted to the capacitance detection circuit, which then converts the capacitance signal into a digital signal and transmits it to the control unit.

[0095] S2: Determine whether the aerosol generating product in the chamber contains a plug based on the current capacitance; if the aerosol generating product in the chamber contains a plug, execute S21: control the tubular heating component to heat, and the end heating component not to heat; if the aerosol generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug, execute S22: control at least the end heating component to heat. Specifically, in this embodiment, after the user inserts the aerosol generating product, the control unit can initiate capacitance detection and control the corresponding heating component to heat based on the result of the capacitance detection.

[0096] By adopting the above technical solution, the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber can be detected to determine whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can be adapted to different types of aerosol generating products, has a wide range of applications, and a high degree of intelligence.

[0097] Further, in the above embodiments, step S2, determining whether the aerosol generating product in the chamber contains a plug based on the current capacitance, specifically includes: when the current capacitance is within a preset range containing a plug, the aerosol generating product in the chamber contains a plug; when the current capacitance is within a preset range without a plug, the aerosol generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug. The lower limit of the preset range without a plug is higher than the upper limit of the preset range containing a plug. When the current capacitance is neither within the preset range containing a plug nor within the preset range without a plug, it indicates that the aerosol generating product is not fully inserted in the chamber, and an indication signal is output to remind the user to re-insert the aerosol generating product.

[0098] Specifically, if a cigarette 100 with a plug is inserted, the electrodes of the capacitance detection component 101 will detect the plug 1002 with a low dielectric constant, resulting in a lower capacitance value. In this case, the detected capacitance value falls within the preset capacitance range including the plug. If a cigarette 200 without a plug is inserted, the electrodes of the capacitance detection component 101 will detect the smoke-generating section 2001 of the cigarette without a plug, which has a high dielectric constant, resulting in a higher capacitance value. In this case, the detected capacitance value falls within the preset capacitance range without the plug.

[0099] If the cigarette is not fully inserted when it is inserted, the detection field of the capacitance detection component 101 may contain a mixture of air and a blockage. In this case, the actual detected capacitance value will be lower than the lower limit of the preset capacitance range including the blockage. Alternatively, if the cigarette is partially in the smoke-generating section and partially in the air, the actual detected capacitance value will fall between the upper limit of the preset capacitance range including the blockage and the lower limit of the preset capacitance range without the blockage. The control unit can compare the actual detected current capacitance with the preset threshold range (i.e., the preset capacitance range including the blockage or the preset capacitance range without the blockage) to determine the cigarette type or whether the cigarette is fully inserted. Furthermore, when the cigarette is partially in the smoke-generating section and partially in the air, the actual detected capacitance value may still fall within the preset capacitance range including the blockage. In this case, although the cigarette is not actually fully inserted, it can still be heated by the tubular heating component 201.

[0100] For example, the preset range including the capacitor with the plug can be set according to the actual experimental test results. When the detected current capacitance is not lower than the lower limit of the preset range without the plug, the current capacitance is considered to fall within the preset range without the plug. When the detected current capacitance is not higher than the upper limit of the preset range including the capacitor with the plug, the current capacitance is considered to fall within the preset range including the capacitor with the plug.

[0101] By employing the above method, the fundamental difference in dielectric properties at the bottom of aerosol-generating products with and without plugs can be fully utilized, enabling accurate differentiation of whether an aerosol-generating product contains a plug. This effectively avoids the risk of misjudgment that may arise from relying solely on capacitance thresholds, thus improving the reliability and stability of plug identification. Furthermore, the detected capacitance value can be used to determine whether the aerosol-generating product is properly inserted, thereby reducing the risk of false triggering of the heating component due to insertion deviations. This ensures the accuracy and safety of heating control and enhances ease of use.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, when the tubular heating component is controlled to heat, the tubular heating component heats the aerosol-generated product with a first preset temperature curve; when the end heating component is controlled to heat, the end heating component heats the aerosol-generated product with a second preset temperature curve; wherein, the difference between the first preset temperature curve and the second preset temperature curve is at least one of the following: heating rate, at least part of the heating temperature, and cooling rate.

[0103] Specifically, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8If a cigarette 100 with a plug is identified, the control unit can activate the tubular heating assembly 201 to operate according to a first preset temperature curve (which can also be understood as a preset first heating curve), heating the smoke-generating section 1001 of the cigarette 100 with the plug from the outside. In this case, the end heating resistor may not be activated. If a cigarette 200 without a plug is identified, the control unit can activate the end heating assembly, specifically, for example, the air heating element 401, to operate according to a second preset temperature curve (which can also be understood as a preset second heating curve), heating the smoke-generating section 2001 of the cigarette 200 without a plug by generating convection through heated air. In this case, the tubular heating assembly 201 may not be activated or may only provide auxiliary heat preservation. For example, the highest heating temperature of the second preset temperature curve may be higher than the highest heating temperature of the first preset temperature curve.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the heating rates of the first preset temperature curve and the second preset temperature curve may also be different.

[0105] By employing the above method, different heating components and heating curves can be assigned to different types of aerosol-generating products. Specifically, for the cigarette 100 with a plug, its smoke-generating section 1001 forms a relatively enclosed heating space through the plug. The tubular heating component 201 can use a relatively mild first preset temperature curve for external heating, which ensures that the smoke-generating section is fully heated to generate aerosols while avoiding scorching of the cigarette edges and deterioration of the taste due to excessively high temperatures. For the cigarette 200 without a plug, its smoke-generating section 2001 has no obstruction at the bottom, and can be heated at the end by an end heating component. Furthermore, an air convection heating mode can be used, employing a second preset temperature curve with a higher temperature, which can quickly increase the temperature of the hot airflow in the heating space, ensuring that heat fully penetrates into the smoke-generating section 2001, guaranteeing heating effect without producing localized high-temperature scorching, increasing aerosol release, and improving the smoking experience. With this configuration, the aerosol generating device can adapt to different types of cigarettes, select appropriate heating methods, and improve the user experience.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the control method further includes: when the aerosol generating product in the chamber contains a plug, controlling the aerosol generating device to emit a first preset vibration signal; when the aerosol generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug, controlling the aerosol generating device to emit a second preset vibration signal different from the first preset vibration signal; wherein the difference between the first preset vibration signal and the second preset vibration signal lies in at least one of the following: vibration frequency, vibration frequency, and vibration intensity.

[0107] Alternatively, the control method may further include: when the aerosol generating product in the chamber contains a plug, controlling the aerosol generating device to emit a first preset light signal; when the aerosol generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug, controlling the aerosol generating device to emit a second preset light signal that is different from the first preset light signal; wherein the difference between the first preset light signal and the second preset light signal lies in at least one of the following: light color, light flashing frequency, and light pattern.

[0108] Specifically, the control unit can control the aerosol generating device to provide different visual and / or tactile feedback based on the determined type of cigarette.

[0109] This setup allows for a more intuitive and efficient user interaction feedback mechanism. Users can quickly determine the cigarette type identification result through tactile or visual feedback without waiting for heating to start or observing the device's operating status. This helps avoid misoperation due to unclear identification status (such as mistakenly believing the device has not identified the cigarette and repeatedly inserting it), improving user convenience and making the aerosol generating device more intelligent.

[0110] Thirdly, refer to Figure 11 The present invention discloses a control device 1 for an aerosol generating device, which can be controlled by the control method of the aerosol generating device in any of the embodiments of the second aspect. The aerosol generating device is the aerosol generating device in any of the embodiments of the first aspect. The control device 1 includes a capacitance detection module 11 and a heating identification module 12.

[0111] The capacitance detection module 11 is used to detect the current capacitance in the region at the bottom of the chamber.

[0112] The heating identification module 12 is used to determine whether the aerosol-generating product in the chamber contains a plug based on the current capacitance; when the aerosol-generating product in the chamber contains a plug, the tubular heating component is controlled to heat, while the end heating component is not heated; when the aerosol-generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug, at least the end heating component is controlled to heat.

[0113] By adopting the above technical solution, the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber can be detected to determine whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can be adapted to different types of aerosol generating products, has a wide range of applications, and a high degree of intelligence.

[0114] Furthermore, the heating module 12 can also be used to perform the relevant steps of the aforementioned steps S21 and S22. The control device 1 also includes an indicator module (not shown in the figure), which is used to control the aerosol generating device to emit a first preset vibration signal when the aerosol generating product in the chamber contains a plug; and to control the aerosol generating device to emit a second preset vibration signal different from the first preset vibration signal when the aerosol generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug; wherein the difference between the first preset vibration signal and the second preset vibration signal lies in at least one of the following: vibration frequency, vibration number, vibration intensity; or, when the aerosol generating product in the chamber contains a plug, control the aerosol generating device to emit a first preset light signal; and when the aerosol generating product in the chamber does not contain a plug, control the aerosol generating device to emit a second preset light signal different from the first preset light signal; wherein the difference between the first preset light signal and the second preset light signal lies in at least one of the following: light color, light flashing frequency, light pattern.

[0115] Fourthly, refer to Figure 12 This invention discloses an electronic device 2, which includes a processor 22 and a memory 21. The memory 21 stores at least one instruction, which, when executed by the processor 22, implements the control method for the aerosol generating device in any of the embodiments of the second aspect described above. The memory 21 may include, for example, system memory, a fixed non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs.

[0116] By adopting the above technical solution, the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber can be detected to determine whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can be adapted to different types of aerosol generating products, has a wide range of applications, and a high degree of intelligence.

[0117] Fifthly, embodiments of this utility model disclose a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one instruction, which, when executed, implements the control method for the aerosol generating apparatus in any of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0118] By adopting the above technical solution, the capacitance at the bottom of the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber can be detected to determine whether the aerosol generating product contains a plug. Then, based on the above results, the end heating method or the tubular heating method can be selected for heating. It can be adapted to different types of aerosol generating products, has a wide range of applications, and a high degree of intelligence.

[0119] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0120] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0121] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0122] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0123] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the above description is a further detailed explanation of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions. Those skilled in the art can make various changes in form and detail, including some simple deductions or substitutions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: A chamber used to contain aerosol-generated products; A capacitance detection component is disposed on the side of the bottom end of the chamber. When the aerosol generating product is inserted into the chamber, the detection field range of the capacitance detection component corresponds to the bottom end of the aerosol generating product. The capacitance detection component is used to detect the capacitance at the bottom end of the aerosol generating product. A tubular heating assembly is sleeved on the outside of the chamber. When the aerosol generating product is inserted into the chamber, the tubular heating assembly corresponds to the smoke-generating section of the aerosol generating product. An end heating assembly is located at the bottom end of the chamber; The control unit is electrically connected to the capacitance detection component, the tubular heating component, and the end heating component, respectively. The control unit is configured to: determine whether the bottom end of the aerosol generating product contains a plug based on the detected capacitance at the bottom end; if the plug is present, control the tubular heating component to heat while the end heating component does not heat; if the plug is not present, control at least the end heating component to heat.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The chamber includes: The smoke-generating section receiving area corresponds to the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generating product after the aerosol-generating product is inserted into the chamber. A plug receiving area is provided at the bottom end of the smoke-generating section receiving area along the axial direction of the chamber. When an aerosol generating product with a plug is inserted into the chamber, the plug receiving area corresponds to the plug of the aerosol generating product with a plug. The length of the detection field area of ​​the capacitance detection component along the axial direction of the chamber is not greater than the length of the plug receiving area.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the chamber, the length of the tubular heating assembly is no greater than the length of the smoke-generating section accommodating area.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A vacuum insulation tube is sleeved outside the chamber, and the tubular heating component, the end heating component, and the capacitance detection component are all located inside the vacuum insulation tube.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The vacuum insulation pipe is a metal pipe.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The capacitance detection component includes multiple electrodes, which are configured as flat plate electrodes, ring electrodes, interdigitated electrodes, spiral electrodes, arc-shaped electrodes, or coaxial electrodes.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end heating assembly is an air heater, which includes an air heating element, and there is a gap between the air heating element and the bottom of the chamber.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A visual indication module, located in the housing of the aerosol generating device, is used to indicate whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the chamber contains a plug; and / or, A vibration module is disposed within the aerosol generating device. The vibration module has multiple different vibration modes, which are used to indicate whether the aerosol generating product inserted into the chamber contains a plug.

Images