Cleaning method, cleaning apparatus, aerosol generating apparatus and storage medium

Abstract

A cleaning method, a cleaning device (10), an aerosol generating device (100), and a storage medium (300) are provided, including: detecting whether an aerosol generating substrate (200) is located in the aerosol generating device (100) in a case that the aerosol generating device (100) meets a trigger condition for cleaning; and; if yes, performing a cleaning step, the cleaning step including controlling a heating element (30) to be heated to a cleaning temperature, to cause residues of the aerosol generating substrate (200) adhered to the heating element (30) to be detached.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Patent Application No. 202310340006.2, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 24, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to the technical field of electronic atomization, and more specifically, to a cleaning method, a cleaning device, an aerosol generating device, and a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.BACKGROUND

[0003] Currently, during use of an aerosol generating device, a heating component that heats an aerosol generating substrate often easily has residues of various aerosol generating substrates adhered to the surface, thereby reducing the heating effect of the heating component.SUMMARY

[0004] Implementations of this application provide a cleaning method, a cleaning device, an aerosol generating device, and a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, which can clean residues of the aerosol generating substrate adhered to a heating element and improve the heating effect of the heating element.

[0005] The cleaning method in the implementations of this application includes: detecting whether the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device in a case that the aerosol generating device meets a trigger condition for cleaning; and if yes, performing a cleaning step, the cleaning step including controlling the heating element to be heated to a cleaning temperature, to cause residues of the aerosol generating substrate adhered to the heating element to be detached from the heating element.

[0006] The cleaning apparatus in the implementations of this application includes: a detection module, and a first control module, the detection module being configured to detect whether the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device in a case that the aerosol generating device meets a trigger condition for cleaning; and the first control module being configured to perform a cleaning step in a case that the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device, the cleaning step including controlling the heating element to be heated to a cleaning temperature, to cause residues of the aerosol generating substrate adhered to the heating element to be detached from the heating element.

[0007] The aerosol generating device in the implementations of this application includes: a processor, the processor being configured to detect whether the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device in a case that the aerosol generating device meets a trigger condition for cleaning; and if yes, perform a cleaning step, the cleaning step including controlling the heating element to be heated to a cleaning temperature, to cause residues of the aerosol generating substrate adhered to the heating element to be detached from the heating element.

[0008] The non-volatile computer-readable storage medium including a computer program in the implementations of this application includes the computer program, the computer program, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to perform the cleaning method. The cleaning method includes: detecting whether the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device in a case that the aerosol generating device meets a trigger condition for cleaning; and if yes, performing a cleaning step, the cleaning step including controlling the heating element to be heated to a cleaning temperature, to cause residues of the aerosol generating substrate adhered to the heating element to be detached from the heating element.

[0009] According to the cleaning method, the cleaning device, the aerosol generating device, and the non-volatile computer-readable storage medium in this application, in a case that the aerosol generating device meets a trigger condition for performing the cleaning step, whether the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device is first detected. If the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may perform the cleaning step. Next, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating device to the cleaning temperature, so that residues of the aerosol generating substrate adhered to the heating element are detached from the heating element, thereby improving the heating effect of the heating element. In addition, compared with the fact that the aerosol generating substrate is detached from the aerosol generating device and then the heating element is heated for cleaning, in this application, it is always ensured in the cleaning process that the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device, so that in the process of cleaning the heating element, the heating element is always wrapped by the aerosol generating substrate, thereby achieving effects of heat insulation and heat absorption, preventing an excessively high temperature of the outer wall of the aerosol generating device, preventing users from hand burns during use, and improving safety. In addition, in the cleaning process of the heating element, residual aerosol generating substrate on the heating element undergoes high-temperature vaporization and can be adsorbed on the aerosol generating substrate, thereby reducing gaseous byproducts and unpleasant odors generated in the cleaning process.

[0010] Additional aspects and advantages of the implementations of this application will be given in the following description, some of which will become apparent from the following description or may be learned from practices of this application.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the implementations of this application will become apparent and comprehensible in the description of the implementations made with reference to the following accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an aerosol generating device according to some implementations of this application; FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of a cleaning method according to some implementations of this application; FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a cleaning method according to some implementations of this application; FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a cleaning method according to some implementations of this application; FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a cleaning method according to some implementations of this application; FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a cleaning method according to some implementations of this application; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of modules of an aerosol generating device according to some implementations of this application; and FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a connection state of a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium and a processor according to some implementations of this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Implementations of this application are described in detail below, and examples of the implementations are shown in accompanying drawings, where the same or similar elements or the elements having same or similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the description. Implementations described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are optional, and are merely used for explaining the implementations of this application, but cannot be construed as a limitation on the implementations of this application.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an implementation of this application provides a cleaning method, for cleaning a heating element 30 of an aerosol generating device 100. The cleaning method includes: Step 011: Detect whether an aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100 in a case that the aerosol generating device 100 meets a trigger condition for cleaning.

[0014] The aerosol generating substrate 200 may be a substrate that can release a volatile compound that can form an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol generating substrate 200. The aerosol generating substrate 200 may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or loaded onto a carrier or support. For example, the aerosol generating substrate 200 may include tobacco, and may be a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds, which are released from the aerosol generating substrate upon heating.

[0015] The aerosol generating device 100 is a device that generates an aerosol by heating, rather than burning, the aerosol generating substrate 200. The device includes generally includes a heating element 30 and an accommodating space for accommodating the aerosol generating substrate 200, so that the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the accommodating space. The heating element 30 may be disposed around the aerosol generating substrate 200, or the heating element is wrapped by the aerosol generating substrate 200.

[0016] The trigger condition for cleaning may be automatic or manual triggering. The automatic triggering may be timed triggering, and the manual triggering may be initiated by a user by using a manual operation.

[0017] Specifically, the cleaning method is used for cleaning the heating element 30 of the aerosol generating device 100. The heating element 30 may conveniently be shaped as a needle, pin, rod, or blade that may be inserted into a smoking article in order to contact the aerosol generating substrate 200. The aerosol generating device 100 may include more than one heating element 30. When the aerosol generating device 100 meets a trigger condition for cleaning the heating element 30, a cigarette detection unit 40 that is in the aerosol generating device 100 and is configured to detect the aerosol generating substrate 200 needs to detect whether the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100. In a case that the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating substrate 200 wraps the heating element 30. Alternatively, in a case that the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in a heating space defined by the heating element 30.

[0018] Step 012: Perform a cleaning step in a case that the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100, the cleaning step including controlling the heating element 30 to be heated to a cleaning temperature, to cause residues of the aerosol generating substrate 200 adhered to the heating element 30 to be detached from the heating element 30.

[0019] The cleaning temperature may be a temperature that is sufficiently high to thermally release organic compounds (i.e., the residues of the aerosol generating substrate 200) in contact with the heating element 30. The organic compounds may be any particles or compounds adhered to or deposited on the surface of the heating element 30 during contact between the heating element 30 and the substrate. The cleaning temperature may be increased by using any suitable method. For example, the temperature may be increased by conduction caused by contact with another heat source, the temperature may be increased by induction heating caused by a fluctuating electromagnetic field, or the temperature may be increased by resistive heat caused by passing a current through a wire or a resistive trajectory.

[0020] Specifically, in a case that the cigarette detection unit 40 detects that the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform the cleaning step. The cleaning step specifically includes controlling the heating element 30 to be heated to a cleaning temperature (the cleaning temperature may be 500 degrees Celsius, 600 degrees Celsius, or the like), so that residues of the aerosol generating substrate 200 adhered to the heating element 30 are detached from the heating element 30 by heating at the cleaning temperature.

[0021] In this way, in a case that the aerosol generating device 100 meets a trigger condition for performing the cleaning step, whether the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100 is first detected. If the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 may perform the cleaning step. Next, the heating element 30 is controlled to heat the aerosol generating device 100 to the cleaning temperature, so that residues of the aerosol generating substrate 200 adhered to the heating element 30 are detached from the heating element 30, thereby improving the heating effect of the heating element 30. In addition, compared with the fact that the aerosol generating substrate 200 is detached from the aerosol generating device 100 and then the heating element 30 is heated for cleaning, in this application, it is always ensured in the cleaning process that the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device 100, so that in the process of cleaning the heating element 30, the heating element 30 is always wrapped by the aerosol generating substrate 200, thereby achieving effects of heat insulation and heat absorption, and preventing an excessively high temperature of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in some implementations, the cleaning method further includes: Step 013: In a case that the aerosol generating device 100 meets the trigger condition for cleaning, skip the cleaning step if the aerosol generating substrate 200 is not in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0023] Specifically, in a case that the trigger condition for cleaning the heating element 30 is met when residues of the aerosol generating substrate 200 is adhered to the heating element 30 of the aerosol generating device 100, if the cigarette detection unit 40 of the aerosol generating device 100 does not detect the existence of the aerosol generating substrate 200 in the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 is controlled not to perform the cleaning step to clean the heating element 30.

[0024] In this way, in a case that the aerosol generating device 100 meets the trigger condition for cleaning and the aerosol generating substrate 200 is not in the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 is controlled not to perform the cleaning step, so that the heating element 30 is always wrapped by the aerosol generating substrate 200 in the process of cleaning the heating element 30, thereby achieving effects of heat insulation and heat absorption, preventing an excessively high temperature of the aerosol generating device 100, and preventing potential safety hazards.

[0025] In some implementations, the trigger condition includes the heating element 30 completing a predetermined number of times of heating cycles at an inhalation temperature, and the inhalation temperature is lower than the cleaning temperature.

[0026] The inhalation temperature is a temperature that is sufficiently high to release volatile compounds from the aerosol generating substrate 200, thereby forming an aerosol. The inhalation temperature may not be excessively high to prevent user burns. However, to clean the residues of the aerosol generating substrate 200 during inhalation, the heating element 30 typically needs to be heated to the cleaning temperature higher than the inhalation temperature.

[0027] Completing a heating cycle may be determining, in a case that the heating element 30 is heated at the inhalation temperature (the inhalation temperature may be 300 degrees Celsius, 400 degrees Celsius, or the like) for a first preset duration (the first preset duration may be 3 minutes, 6 minutes, or the like), that the heating element 30 completes the heating cycle; or determining, in a case that the heating element 30 is heated at the inhalation temperature, that the heating element 30 completes the heating cycle if no inhalation is detected within a second preset duration (the second preset duration may be 3 minutes, 4 minutes, or the like) (for example, it is detected, by using an airflow sensor built in the aerosol generating device 100, whether the user inhales the aerosol generating substrate 200); or determining, in a case that it is detected that a number of times of inhalation reaches a predetermined number of times (the preset number of times may be 5, 10, or the like), that the heating element 30 completes the heating cycle; or determining, in a case that a heating stop instruction is received (for example, the user presses a heating stop button of the aerosol generating device 100), that the heating element 30 completes the heating cycle.

[0028] Specifically, the heating element 30 of the aerosol generating device 100 is heated to the inhalation temperature and the user of the aerosol generating device 100 completes a predetermined number of times (e.g., 1, 2, 4, or the like) of heating cycles at the inhalation temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 can automatically trigger the cleaning step of cleaning the heating element 30.

[0029] After the user of the aerosol generating device 100 completes a preset number of times of heating cycles, that is, after the user of the aerosol generating device 100 no longer inhales the aerosol, the aerosol generating device 100 performs the cleaning step, and the heating element 30 continues to be heated at the inhalation temperature until the temperature reaches the cleaning temperature, which can save energy compared to the user of the aerosol generating device 100 waiting for the heating element 30 to cool down after completing the inhalation and then continuing to heat the heating element 30 to the cleaning temperature.

[0030] In some implementations, the trigger condition includes the heating element 30 completing a heating cycle at an inhalation temperature and receiving a cleaning start instruction, and the inhalation temperature is lower than the cleaning temperature.

[0031] Specifically, the trigger condition for the aerosol generating device 100 to clean the heating element 30 may alternatively be that the aerosol generating device 100 performs the cleaning step of cleaning the heating element 30 when the heating element 30 is heated to the inhalation temperature and completes the heating cycle at the inhalation temperature and the aerosol generating device 100 receives a cleaning start instruction to start cleaning the heating element 30. Completion of the heating cycle generally indicates that the user of the aerosol generating device no longer performs inhalation. In this case, the cleaning start instruction is manually generated to control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform the cleaning step, so that the user can be prevented from burns when the user starts to perform cleaning at a higher cleaning temperature during the inhalation.

[0032] In some implementations, the cleaning start instruction is generated by the following action: pressing a start key 50 of the aerosol generating device 100 a preset number of times within a preset time.

[0033] Specifically, the aerosol generating device 100 has the cleaning start instruction and includes the start key 50. The cleaning start instruction may be generated by pressing the start key 50 of the aerosol generating device 100 a preset number of times (the preset number of times may be 2, 3, or the like) within a preset time (the preset time may be 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or the like). For example, if the start key 50 of the aerosol generating device 100 is continuously pressed three times within 3 seconds, the cleaning start instruction of the aerosol generating device 100 is generated.

[0034] The cleaning the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a first cleaning key 51, and the cleaning start instruction is generated by the following action: pressing the first cleaning key 51.

[0035] Specifically, the aerosol generating device 100 may include the first cleaning key 51, and the cleaning start instruction of the aerosol generating device 100 may be generated by pressing the first cleaning key 51. For example, in a case that the aerosol generating device 100 completes a heating cycle, the first cleaning key 51 on the aerosol generating device 100 is pressed to generate a cleaning start instruction of cleaning the heating element 30, and the cleaning start instruction controls the aerosol generating device 100 to perform the cleaning step.

[0036] The aerosol generating device 100 is in communication connection with an electronic device, the electronic device includes a second cleaning key, and the cleaning start instruction is generated by the following action: pressing the second cleaning key.

[0037] Specifically, the aerosol generating device 100 may be connected to the electronic device by Bluetooth. For example, the electronic device may be a smartphone, a computer, or the like. The electronic device may include the second cleaning key. For example, the second cleaning key may be a button displayed by software on a display screen of the mobile phone. The cleaning start instruction of the aerosol generating device 100 may be generated by pressing the second cleaning key on the electronic device. For example, in a case that the aerosol generating device 100 meets the trigger condition for cleaning, the second cleaning key displayed by the software of the mobile phone on the display screen of the mobile phone may be pressed to start the cleaning start instruction of cleaning the heating element 30. The cleaning start instruction controls the aerosol generating device 100 to perform the cleaning step.

[0038] In this way, the aerosol generating device 100 manually sends a cleaning start instruction to trigger the cleaning step, which is safer than automatically triggering the cleaning step.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, in some implementations, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a prompt element 60, and before the performing the cleaning step, the cleaning method further includes: Step 014: Control the prompt element 60 to send first prompt information.

[0040] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes the prompt element 60. The prompt element 60 may be at least one of an indicator light, a vibrator, and a speaker.

[0041] The first prompt information may be to inform the aerosol generating device 100 to start to perform the cleaning step. For example, the first prompt information may be at least one of the indicator light flashing in a first preset color, the indicator light being steadily illuminated in the first preset color, the vibrator vibrating, and the speaker making a first preset voice.

[0042] Specifically, after the aerosol generating device 100 receives the cleaning start instruction of cleaning the heating element 30, the aerosol generating device 100 starts to perform the cleaning step. Before the aerosol generating device 100 performs the cleaning step, the aerosol generating device 100 needs to control the prompt element 60 to send the first prompt information. For example, before the aerosol generating device 100 controls the heating element 30 to be heated to the cleaning temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the indicator light to flash in the first preset color (such as red, green, or blue); and / or before the aerosol generating device 100 controls the heating element 30 to be heated to the cleaning temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the vibrator to vibrate; and / or before the aerosol generating device 100 controls the heating element 30 to be heated to the cleaning temperature, the speaker makes the first preset voice (e.g., voice information "Cleaning is about to start" or three short ticking sounds).

[0043] In a process in which the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the cleaning method further includes: Step 015: Control the prompt element 60 to send second prompt information.

[0044] The second prompt information may be to inform the aerosol generating device 100 that the heating element 30 is being cleaned. For example, the second prompt information may be at least one of the indicator light flashing in a second preset color, the indicator light being steadily illuminated in the second preset color, the vibrator vibrating, and the speaker making a second preset voice.

[0045] Specifically, after the aerosol generating device 100 receives the cleaning start instruction of cleaning the heating element 30, the aerosol generating device 100 performs the cleaning step. In the process in which the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the cleaning method further includes controlling, by the aerosol generating device 100, the prompt element 60 to send the second prompt information. For example, for the aerosol generating device 100, in the process in which the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the indicator light to flash in the second preset color (such as red, green, or blue); and / or for the aerosol generating device 100, in the process in which the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the indicator light is steadily illuminated in the second preset color; and / or for the aerosol generating device 100, in the process in which the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the vibrator to vibrate; and / or for the aerosol generating device 100, in the process in which the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the speaker to make the second preset voice (e.g., voice information "Cleaning is in progress" or continuous ticking sounds).

[0046] After the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the cleaning method further includes: Step 016: Control the heating element 30 to stop heating and control the prompt element 60 to send third prompt information.

[0047] The third prompt information may be to inform the aerosol generating device 100 that the cleaning step of the heating element 30 has been completed. For example, the third prompt information may be at least one of the indicator light being off, the indicator light flashing in a third preset color, the indicator light being steadily illuminated in the third preset color, the vibrator vibrating, and the speaker making a third preset voice.

[0048] Specifically, after the aerosol generating device 100 receives the cleaning start instruction of cleaning the heating element 30, the aerosol generating device 100 performs the cleaning step. After the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the cleaning method further includes controlling, by the aerosol generating device, the heating element 30 to stop heating and controlling the prompt element 60 to send the third prompt information. For example, for the aerosol generating device 100, after the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the indicator light to turn off; and / or for the aerosol generating device 100, after the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the indicator light flashes in the third preset color (such as red, green, or blue); and / or for the aerosol generating device 100, after the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the indicator light is steadily illuminated in the third preset color; and / or for the aerosol generating device 100, after the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the vibrator to vibrate; and / or for the aerosol generating device 100, after the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the speaker makes the third preset voice (e.g., "Cleaning is completed" or three short ticking sounds followed by silence).

[0049] In this way, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the prompt element 60 to send the first prompt information before controlling the heating element 30 to be heated to the cleaning temperature, controls the prompt element 60 to send the second prompt information in the process in which the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, and controls the heating element 30 to stop heating and controls the prompt element 60 to send the third prompt information after the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, so as to inform that the aerosol generating device 100 is in the process of the cleaning step.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, in some implementations, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a prompt element 60, and before the performing the cleaning step, the cleaning method further includes: Step 017: Control the heating element 30 to stop heating and control the prompt element 60 to send first prompt information.

[0051] Specifically, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes the prompt element 60, and after the aerosol generating device 100 receives the cleaning start instruction of cleaning the heating element 30 and before the aerosol generating device 100 performs the cleaning step, the aerosol generating device 100 needs to control the heating element 30 to stop heating. Then, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the prompt element 60 to send the first prompt information. For example, after the aerosol generating device 100 receives the cleaning start instruction of cleaning the heating element 30, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the heating element 30 to stop heating, and the aerosol generating device 100 controls the indicator light to flash in the first preset color (such as red, green, or blue); and / or before the aerosol generating device 100 controls the heating element 30 to be heated to the cleaning temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the vibrator to vibrate; and / or before the aerosol generating device 100 controls the heating element 30 to be heated to the cleaning temperature, the speaker makes the first preset voice (e.g., voice information "Cleaning is about to start" or three short ticking sounds).

[0052] In this way, before the aerosol generating device 100 controls the heating element 30 to be heated to the cleaning temperature, the aerosol generating device 100 controls the heating element 30 to stop heating and controls the prompt element 60 to send the first prompt information, which can prompt that the aerosol generating device 100 is about to perform the cleaning step, preventing user burns caused by generation of an action of inhaling the aerosol after the cleaning step is performed.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, in some implementations, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a motion detection unit 70 and a prompt element 60, and the cleaning method further includes: Step 018: The motion detection unit 70 controls, when detecting that a motion acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100 is greater than a preset value, the prompt element 60 to send alarm information and controls the heating element 30 to stop heating.

[0054] The motion detection unit 70 may be a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or the like, and may be configured to detect whether the aerosol generating device 100 is moved, and a motion acceleration of the movement.

[0055] Specifically, the aerosol generating device 100 includes the motion detection unit 70 and the prompt element 60. When the motion detection unit 70 detects that a motion acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100 in the cleaning process of the aerosol generating device 100 is greater than the preset value, the prompt element 60 is controlled to send alarm information and controls the heating element 30 to stop heating. For example, a space rectangular coordinate system (including three mutually perpendicular axes (e.g., the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis)) is set by using the center of the aerosol generating device 100 as the origin. The motion detection unit 70 is configured to detect three-axis accelerations of the aerosol generating device 100 in the space rectangular coordinate system. When the gyroscope detects that the aerosol generating device 100 has generated accelerations on the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis respectively, a motion acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100 is calculated, and then the calculated motion acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100 is compared with the preset value (the preset value may be 5 meters per second squared, 10 meters per second squared, or the like). When the motion acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100 obtained by calculation is greater than the preset value, the prompt element 60 may be controlled to send alarm information (for example, the indicator light flashes red, sends alarm information "Warning: cleaning is in progress", or makes rapid ticking sounds), and the heating element 30 may be controlled to stop heating.

[0056] Step 019: The motion detection unit 70 controls, when detecting that a motion trajectory of the aerosol generating device 100 meets a preset condition, the prompt element 60 to send alarm information and controls the heating element 30 to stop heating.

[0057] Specifically, in a process in which the aerosol generating device 100 performs the cleaning step, the motion detection unit 70 controls, when detecting that the motion trajectory of the aerosol generating device 100 meets the preset condition, the prompt element 60 to send alarm information and controls the heating element 30 to stop heating. For example, after the motion detection unit 70 detects the three-axis accelerations of the aerosol generating device 100 in the space rectangular coordinate system, the motion trajectory of the aerosol generating device 100 may be determined according to the three-axis accelerations. When the motion trajectory meets the preset condition (for example, when the motion trajectory is a trajectory corresponding to a lifting movement of the aerosol generating device 100), the prompt element 60 may be controlled to send alarm information (for example, the indicator light flashes red, sends alarm information "Warning: cleaning is in progress", or makes rapid ticking sounds), and the heating element 30 may be controlled to stop heating.

[0058] The motion acceleration and the motion trajectory of the aerosol generating device 100 are detected by using the motion detection unit 70 and the prompt element 60 that are included in the aerosol generating device 100. When it is detected that the motion acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100 in the cleaning step is greater than the preset value or the motion trajectory meets the preset condition, the prompt element 60 is controlled to send alarm information and the heating element 30 is controlled to stop heating. In this way, the user can be prompted when the aerosol generating device 100 is in the cleaning process, to prevent inhalation by the user in the cleaning process.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 7, in some implementations, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a cigarette detection unit 40. The cigarette detection unit 40 is disposed in an accommodating cavity in which the aerosol generating device 100 accommodates the aerosol generating substrate 200. The cigarette detection unit 40 is configured to detect whether the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0060] The cigarette detection unit 40 may detect whether the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100, and may further detect whether the aerosol substrate is in contact with the heating element 30.

[0061] Specifically, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a cigarette detection unit 40 (the cigarette detection unit 40 may be a laser detector, a capacitive position sensor, or the like). The cigarette detection unit 40 is disposed in the accommodating cavity in which the aerosol generating device 100 accommodates the aerosol generating substrate 200, and may be configured to detect whether the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the cigarette detection unit 40 may be a laser detector. When the aerosol generating substrate 200 enters the aerosol generating device 100, laser emitted by the laser detector located on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity accommodating the aerosol generating substrate 200 is occluded by the aerosol generating substrate 200, indicating that the aerosol generating substrate 200 reaches a predetermined position. Alternatively, the cigarette detection unit 40 may be a capacitive position sensor. When the aerosol generating substrate 200 enters the aerosol generating device 100, a magnetic field formed by corresponding capacitances on two sides of the capacitive position sensor located on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity accommodating the aerosol generating substrate 200 changes, indicating that the aerosol generating substrate 200 reaches the predetermined position.

[0062] In this way, by disposing the cigarette detection unit 40 on the aerosol generating device 100, it can be accurately detected whether the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 6, to better implement the cleaning method in the implementations of this application, an implementation of this application further provides a cleaning apparatus 10. The cleaning apparatus 10 includes a detection module 11 and a first control module 12. The detection module 11 is configured to detect whether an aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100 in a case that the aerosol generating device 100 meets a trigger condition for cleaning. The first control module 12 is configured to perform a cleaning step in a case that the aerosol generating substrate 200 is located in the aerosol generating device 100. The cleaning step includes controlling a heating element 30 to be heated to a cleaning temperature, to cause residues of the aerosol generating substrate 200 adhered to the heating element 30 to be detached from the heating element 30.

[0064] The cleaning apparatus 10 further includes a second control module 13. The second control module 13 is specifically configured to, in a case that the aerosol generating device 100 meets the trigger condition for cleaning, skip the cleaning step if the aerosol generating substrate 200 is not in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0065] The cleaning apparatus 10 further includes a third control module 14. The third control module 14 is specifically configured to control the prompt element 60 to send first prompt information before the cleaning step is performed.

[0066] The cleaning apparatus 10 further includes a fourth control module 15. The fourth control module 15 is specifically configured to control the prompt element 60 to send second prompt information in a process in which the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature.

[0067] The cleaning apparatus 10 further includes a fifth control module 16. The fifth control module 16 is specifically configured to control the heating element 30 to stop heating and control the prompt element 60 to send third prompt information after the heating element 30 is cleaned at the cleaning temperature.

[0068] The cleaning apparatus 10 further includes a sixth control module 17. The sixth control module 17 is specifically configured to control the heating element 30 to stop heating and control the prompt element 60 to send first prompt information before the cleaning step is performed.

[0069] The cleaning apparatus 10 further includes a seventh control module 18. The seventh control module 18 is specifically configured to control, when the motion detection unit 70 detects that a motion acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100 is greater than a preset value, the prompt element 60 to send alarm information and control the heating element 30 to stop heating.

[0070] The cleaning apparatus 10 further includes an eighth control module 19. The eighth control module 19 is specifically configured to control, when the motion detection unit 70 detects that a motion trajectory of the aerosol generating device 100 meets a preset condition, the prompt element 60 to send alarm information and control the heating element 30 to stop heating.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 1 again, an implementation of this application further provides an aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 includes a controller 20 and a heating element 30. The controller 20 is configured to perform the cleaning method in the foregoing implementations.

[0072] Specifically, the heating element 30 may be a heating wire, a heating pin, or the like. The heating element 30 may conveniently be shaped as a needle, pin, rod, or blade that may be inserted into a smoking article in order to contact the aerosol generating substrate 200. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a plurality of heating elements 30, which is not limited herein.

[0073] The aerosol generating device 100 further includes a controller 20, and the controller 20 may further perform the cleaning method in any one of the foregoing implementations. For brevity, details are not described herein again.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 8, an implementation of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium 300, having a computer program 310 stored therein. In a case that the computer program 310 is executed by a processor 320, the steps of the cleaning method in any one of the foregoing implementations are implemented. For brevity, details are not described herein again.

[0075] In the description of this specification, description of reference terms such as "some implementations", "in an example", and "exemplarily" means including specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in the implementation or example in at least one implementation or example of this application. In this specification, exemplary descriptions of the foregoing terms do not necessarily refer to the same implementation or example. In addition, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in a proper manner in any one or more of the implementations or examples. In addition, a person skilled in the art may integrate or combine different embodiments or examples described in the specification and features of the different embodiments or examples as long as they are not contradictory to each other.

[0076] A description of any process or method in the flowcharts or described herein in another manner may be construed as representing one or more modules, fragments, or parts that include code of executable instructions used to implement a specific logical function or steps of a process. In addition, the scope of the exemplary implementations of this application includes another implementation, where functions can be performed not in an order shown or discussed, including performing the functions basically at the same time or in reverse order according to the functions involved. This should be understood by a person skilled in the technical field to which the embodiments of this application belong.

[0077] Although the foregoing shows and describes the implementations of this application, it may be understood that the foregoing implementations are optional, and cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. A person of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, replacements, and variations to the foregoing implementations within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A cleaning method, characterized in that the cleaning method is used for cleaning a heating element of an aerosol generating device, and the cleaning method comprises: detecting whether an aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device in a case that the aerosol generating device meets a trigger condition for cleaning; and if yes, performing a cleaning step, the cleaning step comprising controlling the heating element to be heated to a cleaning temperature, to cause residues of the aerosol generating substrate adhered to the heating element to be detached from the heating element.

2. The cleaning method of claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning method further comprises: in a case that the aerosol generating device meets the trigger condition for cleaning, skipping the cleaning step if the aerosol generating substrate is not in the aerosol generating device.

3. The cleaning method of claim 1, characterized in that the trigger condition comprises: the heating element completing a predetermined number of times of heating cycles at an inhalation temperature, the inhalation temperature being lower than the cleaning temperature.

4. The cleaning method of claim 1, characterized in that the trigger condition comprises: the heating element completing a heating cycle at an inhalation temperature and receiving a cleaning start instruction, the inhalation temperature being lower than the cleaning temperature.

5. The cleaning method of claim 4, characterized in that the cleaning start instruction is generated by the following action: pressing a start key of the aerosol generating device a preset number of times within a preset time; and or the aerosol generating device further comprises a first cleaning key, and the cleaning start instruction is generated by the following action: pressing the first cleaning key; or the aerosol generating device is in communication connection with an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a second cleaning key, and the cleaning start instruction is generated by the following action: pressing the second cleaning key.

6. The cleaning method of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the aerosol generating device further comprises a prompt element, and before the performing the cleaning step, the cleaning method further comprises: controlling the prompt element to send first prompt information; and / or, in a process in which the heating element is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the cleaning method further comprises: controlling the prompt element to send second prompt information; and / or, after the heating element is cleaned at the cleaning temperature, the cleaning method further comprises: controlling the heating element to stop heating and controlling the prompt element to send third prompt information.

7. The cleaning method of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the aerosol generating device further comprises a prompt element, and before the performing the cleaning step, the cleaning method further comprises: controlling the heating element to stop heating and controlling the prompt element to send first prompt information.

8. The cleaning method of claim 1, characterized in that the aerosol generating device further comprises a motion detection unit and a prompt element, and the cleaning method further comprising: controlling, by the motion detection unit when detecting that a motion acceleration of the aerosol generating device is greater than a preset value, the prompt element to send alarm information and controlling the heating element to stop heating; or controlling, by the motion detection unit when detecting that a motion trajectory of the aerosol generating device meets a preset condition, the prompt element to send alarm information and controlling the heating element to stop heating.

9. The cleaning method of claim 1, characterized in that the aerosol generating device further comprises a cigarette detection unit, the cigarette detection unit being disposed in an accommodating cavity in which the aerosol generating device accommodates the aerosol generating substrate, and the cigarette detection unit being configured to detect whether the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device.

10. A cleaning apparatus, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus is configured to clean a heating element of an aerosol generating device, and the cleaning apparatus comprises: a detection module, configured to detect whether the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device in a case that the aerosol generating device meets a trigger condition for cleaning; and a control module, configured to perform a cleaning step if the aerosol generating substrate is located in the aerosol generating device, the cleaning step comprising controlling the heating element to be heated to a cleaning temperature, to cause residues of the aerosol generating substrate adhered to the heating element to be detached from the heating element.

11. An aerosol generating device, <b>characterized by comprising: a heating element; and a controller, the controller being configured to perform the cleaning method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, comprising a computer program, the computer program, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform the cleaning method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

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