Control method for aerosol generator and aerosol generator

Abstract

This application provides a control method for an aerosol generator and an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator includes a heating element for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating product, and the control method includes the steps of starting the aerosol generator, determining the shutdown time of the aerosol generator, wherein the shutdown time is the time interval from the previous shutdown time of the aerosol generator to the current startup time, and determining the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time, controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy, and causing the aerosol generator to reach a preset target temperature, thereby solving the problem of differences in the taste of aerosols produced by aerosol generators that are started hot and those that are started cold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application with the application number 202310499555.4 and the invention title "Control Method of Aerosol Generation Device and Aerosol Generation Device", which was filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on May 5, 2023, and all of its content is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the technical field of low - temperature tobacco, and specifically, to a control method of an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation device.

Background Art

[0003] Conventional tobacco products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Currently, as an alternative to these conventional tobacco products, there are products that release compounds by heating rather than burning. Examples of such products generally include aerosol generation devices containing heating elements. The heating element is used to heat a cigarette - shaped aerosol generation product inserted into the device, so as to volatilize some of the active substances in the aerosol generation product by heat to generate an aerosol.

[0004] Existing aerosol generation devices usually determine whether it is a warm - start or a cold - start by a temperature detection element, and further control the heating of the aerosol generation product by the heating element according to whether it is a warm - start or a cold - start, so as to keep the taste during the user's smoking the same in both warm - start and cold - start. However, adding a temperature detection element will increase the manufacturing cost of the aerosol generation device accordingly.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of this application provide a control method of an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation device, and provide a method different from the identification of warm - start or cold - start by a temperature detection element to solve the problem that there are differences in the taste of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generation device between warm - start and cold - start.

[0006] In one embodiment of this application, a method for controlling an aerosol generator including a heating element for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating product is provided, comprising the steps of: starting the aerosol generator; determining a shutdown time for the aerosol generator, wherein the shutdown time is the time interval from the previous shutdown time of the aerosol generator to the current startup time; and determining preheating energy for the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time, controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy, and causing the aerosol generator to reach a preset target temperature.

[0007] In some embodiments, the step of determining the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time and controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy includes the steps of determining the preheating time of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time and controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy at a predetermined power within the preheating time, wherein the preheating time is the time required for the heating element to heat and raise the current temperature of the aerosol generator at the time of current startup to the target temperature.

[0008] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy at a predetermined power within the preheating time based on the preheating time includes the steps of determining the difference between a set preheating time and the preheating time and obtaining a delay time, wherein the set preheating time is the time for preheating at the predetermined power in the process of heating the aerosol generating product from ambient temperature to the target temperature; controlling the heating element to start heating when the power-on time of the aerosol generating device reaches the delay time; and controlling the heating element to stop heating when the heating time of the heating element reaches the preheating time.

[0009] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy at a predetermined power within the preheating time based on the preheating time includes the steps of controlling the heating element to start heating at the same time as the aerosol generator is started, and stopping heating by controlling the heating element when the heating time of the heating element reaches the preheating time, wherein the preheating time is less than or equal to a set preheating time, and the set preheating time is the time for preheating at the predetermined power in the process of heating the aerosol generating product from ambient temperature to the target temperature.

[0010] In some embodiments, the step of determining the preheating time of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time includes the step of determining a target preheating time corresponding to the shutdown time as the preheating time based on a preheating time mapping relationship, wherein the preheating time mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between the shutdown time and the target preheating time, and the target preheating time is the time for preheating the aerosol generating product at a predetermined power in the process of heating the aerosol generating product to the target temperature.

[0011] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy so that the aerosol generator reaches a preset target temperature includes the steps of determining the energy supplied to the heating element at the current time, and, when the supplied energy reaches the current preheating energy, controlling the heating element to stop heating.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a controller, and before starting the aerosol generator, the method further includes the step of if the aerosol generator is shut down, the controller enters a scheduled wake-up mode, stores the wake-up time each time, and further determines the shutdown time based on the wake-up time, the scheduled wake-up mode being a mode in which the controller wakes up once at regular time intervals.

[0013] In some embodiments, after the controller enters a scheduled wake-up mode, the method further includes the step of the controller terminating the scheduled wake-up mode if the number of wake-ups of the controller is greater than a predetermined number, the predetermined number being the minimum number of wake-ups required for the aerosol generator to cool to ambient temperature.

[0014] In some embodiments, the step of determining the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time includes the steps of obtaining a cooling curve after the aerosol generator has been shut down, wherein the cooling curve is a time-varying curve of the temperature after the aerosol generator has been shut down; determining the current temperature of the aerosol generator at the time of current startup based on the shutdown time and the cooling curve; and determining the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the target temperature and the current temperature.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method further includes controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy so that the aerosol generator reaches a preset target temperature, and then controlling the heating element to start supplying energy for a heat retention stage, the heat retention stage comprising a plurality of energy output stages.

[0016] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the heating element to start supplying energy for the heat retention stage includes: determining the supplied energy for the current energy output stage; controlling the heating element to stop supplying energy for the current energy output stage when the supplied energy reaches the energy corresponding to the current energy output stage; determining the duration for which the heating element stops supplying energy for the current energy output stage; and ending the current energy output stage and entering the next energy output stage when the duration reaches the cooling time for the current energy output stage, wherein the cooling time is the duration of the cooling period for the energy output stage.

[0017] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the heating element to start supplying energy for the heat retention stage includes: determining the duration for which the heating element stops supplying energy for the current energy output stage; controlling the heating element to start heating when the duration reaches the cooling time for the current energy output stage, wherein the cooling time is the duration of the cooling period for the energy output stage; determining the supplied energy for the current energy output stage; and controlling the heating element to stop supplying energy for the current energy output stage when the supplied energy reaches the energy corresponding to the current energy output stage, ending the current energy output stage and entering the next energy output stage.

[0018] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the heating element to start supplying energy for the heat retention stage includes: determining the supplied energy for the current energy output stage; controlling the heating element to stop supplying energy for the current energy output stage when the supplied energy reaches the energy corresponding to the current energy output stage; obtaining the real-time temperature of the heating element; and ending the current energy output stage and entering the next energy output stage when the real-time temperature of the heating element falls to a preset low-temperature threshold.

[0019] In another aspect of this application, an aerosol generator is provided, comprising a heating element for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating product, and a controller configured to perform the control method described above.

[0020] Applying the technical solution of this application, the control method for the aerosol generator described above involves first starting the aerosol generator, then determining the shutdown time of the aerosol generator (which is the time interval from the previous shutdown time to the current startup time), and finally determining the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time, controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy, and causing the aerosol generator to reach a preset target temperature. This method determines the corresponding preheating energy based on the shutdown time of the aerosol generator, takes into account the effect of residual heat on preheating, and enables both warm starting with residual heat and cold starting at room temperature to reach a temperature where the aerosol taste is optimal after preheating. Furthermore, the method determines whether to use a warm or cold start based on the shutdown time, eliminating the need for temperature sensor determination, and allows the aerosol to be heated to an optimal taste temperature simply by controlling the preheating energy, thus saving costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] The drawings forming part of this application are for better understanding of this application, and the exemplary embodiments and descriptions thereof of this application are for interpreting this application, without any intention of unduly limiting this application. The description of the drawings will be provided below. [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of another aerosol generating device is shown. [Figure 3] A flow schematic diagram of a control method for an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of this application is shown. [Figure 4] A relationship curve between temperature and time during the cooling process of an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of this application is shown. [Figure 5] A timing diagram of the operating voltage of a heating element of an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of this application is shown. [Figure 6] A timing diagram of the operating voltage of a heating element of an aerosol generating device provided by another embodiment of this application is shown.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0022] It should be noted that, unless there is a contradiction, the embodiments and features in the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other. Hereinafter, this application will be described in detail based on the embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of this application, hereinafter, while referring to the drawings in the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described. Naturally, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0024] It should be noted that terms such as "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims and the above drawings of this application do not describe a specific order or sequence, but are for distinguishing similar objects. When used in this way, these terms may be replaced with each other in appropriate cases so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than, for example, the order illustrated or described herein. Also, the terms "comprising" and "including" and any variations thereof are intended to include non-exclusively. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to the steps or units specifically listed, and may further include other steps or units not listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0025] Hereinafter, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described while referring to the drawings in the embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generator 100 provided in one embodiment of the present application. The aerosol generator 100 includes a battery cell 10, a main board 20, and a heating element 30. The controller of the aerosol generator 100 is provided on the main board 20, and the battery cell 10 and the heating element 30 are electrically connected to the controller, so that the controller can control the battery cell 10 to supply electrical energy to the heating element 30. The aerosol generator 100 is further provided with a longitudinally extending cavity 40 for housing a cigarette-shaped aerosol generating product 200 used in combination with the aerosol generator 100. The heating element 30 can adhere to the outer wall of the cavity 40 and heat the aerosol generating product 200 inside the cavity 40. When a portion of the active substance filled inside the aerosol generating product 200 is heated and volatilizes, an aerosol can be generated, and the user can inhale the aerosol by inhaling the aerosol generating product 200. In some embodiments, the heating element 30 extends at least partially into the cavity 40, and the end extending into the cavity 40 is configured as a pin or sheet so that the heating element 30 can be smoothly inserted into and heated by the aerosol generating product 200.

[0027] In some embodiments, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generator 100 provided in another embodiment of this application. The aerosol generator 100 can also heat the aerosol generating product 200 by electromagnetic induction heating, wherein a coil 50 is wound around the outer wall of a cavity 40, a battery cell 10 passes an alternating current through the coil 50, the coil 50 generates a magnetic field that changes in response to the alternating current, the changing magnetic field penetrates a heating element 30 and induces eddy currents in the heating element 30, the heating element 30 generates heat through the action of eddy current effect and hysteresis effect, thereby heating the aerosol generating product 200. In some embodiments, the heating element includes a resistive material that can generate Joule heat when conductive. In some embodiments, the heating element includes an infrared electric heating coating that generates thermal energy when energized and can further generate infrared radiation of a specific wavelength, for example, 0.75 μm to 1000 μm. In some embodiments, the heating element may be used to directly heat the aerosol generating product 200, or it may be used to heat the air in the airflow passage and heat the air flowing in the intake passage to high-temperature air, after which the high-temperature air enters the aerosol generating product and heat exchanges with the aerosol generating product, thereby achieving heating and baking of the aerosol generating product.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes the following steps.

[0029] In step S201, the aerosol generator described above is started. Specifically, the aerosol generator may be a low-temperature smoking device, the aerosol generating product contains an aerosol-forming substrate made of a tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-free material, and when the aerosol generator is started, components such as a controller are woken up.

[0030] In step S202, the shutdown time for the aerosol generator is determined.

[0031] The shutdown time is the time interval from the previous shutdown time of the aerosol generator to the current startup time. Specifically, if the aerosol generator is restarted shortly after being shut down, it will still have residual heat because it has not yet cooled to room temperature. As shown in Figure 4, the temperature at startup of the aerosol generator is related to the current shutdown time at startup. The shutdown time at startup of the aerosol generator is the time from the previous shutdown time of the aerosol generator to the current startup time, that is, the current shutdown time. The shorter the current shutdown time, the higher the residual temperature of the heating element at startup of the aerosol generator.

[0032] In some embodiments, the controller may statistically analyze the entire shutdown time to determine the time interval between the current start time and the previous shutdown time, while in other embodiments, the controller may statistically analyze only a portion of the shutdown time. If the statistically analyzed shutdown time exceeds a preset time threshold, it can be determined that the next start will be a cold start, and it is not necessary to continue statistically analyzing the shutdown time thereafter.

[0033] In step S203, the preheating energy of the aerosol generator is determined based on the shutdown time, the heating element is controlled to output the preheating energy, and the aerosol generator reaches a preset target temperature.

[0034] Normally, when an aerosol generator is started, power is immediately output to the heating element, initiating a preheating phase that preheats the aerosol-generating product and raises the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol. Aerosols can be generated during this preheating phase, but they are not usually drawn out of the device by the user.

[0035] Specifically, if the shutdown time between the aerosol generator startup time and the previous shutdown time differs, the temperature of the heating element of the aerosol generator at startup will also differ, and the preheating energy required to preheat the aerosol generator from the startup temperature to the target temperature will also differ. Depending on whether it is a cold start or a warm start, different preset preheating energy is applied to the heating element to heat the aerosol generating product and complete the preheating. This ensures that after preheating, the aerosol generator reaches the temperature at which the taste of the aerosol is optimal, eliminating taste differences due to different residual heat levels.

[0036] First, the aerosol generator is started. Next, the shutdown time of the aerosol generator is determined, which is the time interval from the previous shutdown time of the aerosol generator to the current startup time. Finally, the preheating energy of the aerosol generator is determined based on the shutdown time, and the heating element is controlled to output the preheating energy so that the aerosol generator reaches a preset target temperature. This method determines the corresponding preheating energy based on the shutdown time of the aerosol generator, and takes into account the effect of residual heat on preheating depending on the different shutdown times. Both warm starts with residual heat and cold starts at room temperature can reach a temperature after preheating where the aerosol taste is optimal. This ensures that the aerosol taste of warm and cold-start aerosol generators is matched. Furthermore, the method determines whether to use a warm or cold start based on the shutdown time, eliminating the need for temperature sensor determination. The aerosol can be heated to an optimal taste temperature simply by controlling the preheating energy, saving costs.

[0037] In a selective embodiment, step S203 includes the following steps to facilitate control of the preheating energy output to the heating element.

[0038] In step S2031, the preheating time of the aerosol generator is determined based on the shutdown time.

[0039] The memory within the aerosol generator can be pre-set to establish a correspondence between the shutdown time and the preheating time. Here, the preheating time is the time required for the heating element to heat the aerosol generator from its current temperature at startup to the target temperature (which can also be understood as the maximum temperature during the preheating stage).

[0040] In step S2032, based on the preheating time, the system is controlled to output the preheating energy to the heating element at a predetermined power within the preheating time.

[0041] Specifically, since energy is the time integral of power, if the heating power is not constant, it is difficult to control the heating energy simply by controlling the heating time. Therefore, by setting a constant heating power for the heating element, the preheating energy output from the heating element can be precisely controlled by controlling the preheating time, which is simple and convenient.

[0042] To facilitate application, in one selective embodiment, step S2032 includes the following steps:

[0043] In step S20321, the set preheating time is determined, and the difference between the set preheating time and the set preheating time is obtained. The set preheating time is the time required to preheat the aerosol generating product with the predetermined power in the process of heating the product from ambient temperature to the target temperature.

[0044] In step S20322, if the power-on time of the aerosol generator reaches the above-mentioned delay time, the heating element is controlled to start heating.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, (1) is the energy output of the aerosol generator during cold startup, and (2) and (3) are the energy output that starts when the power-on time of the aerosol generator reaches the delay time during warm startup. (2) and (3) represent situations where the output energy or delay time differs depending on different shutdown times. Of these, (2) represents a warm startup with a long shutdown time, and (3) represents a warm startup with a short shutdown time, and the delay time for (2) is smaller than the delay time for (3).

[0046] In step S20323, if the heating time of the heating element reaches the preheating time, the heating element is controlled to stop heating, or the next stage is initiated, and the output energy / power to the heating element is controlled to meet the requirements of the next stage (warming stage).

[0047] Specifically, aerosol generators typically have a fixed preheating time set that is longer than the preheating time for cold starts, making it easier to control the timing of when preheating ends and when the device enters the heat retention phase. This ensures that the aerosol generating product can be preheated to the target temperature regardless of whether it is a cold or hot start. As shown in Figure 5, preheating starts a short time after startup, and the device enters the heat retention phase after preheating is complete.

[0048] To facilitate application, in one selective embodiment, step S2032 includes the following steps:

[0049] In step S20324, the heating element is controlled to start heating at the same time as the aerosol generator is started.

[0050] In step S20325, if the heating time of the heating element reaches the target preheating time, the heating element is controlled to stop heating.

[0051] The heating time is less than or equal to the set preheating time, which is the time spent preheating the aerosol-generating product at a predetermined power level during the process of heating the product from ambient temperature to the target temperature.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, (1) shows the energy output during cold start, and t0-t1 can be understood as the set preheating time. (2) and (3) show the case when the aerosol generator terminates power / energy output to the heating element early during warm start, and (2) and (3) represent situations where the output energy differs depending on the different shutdown times. Of these, (2) represents a warm start with a long shutdown time, and (3) represents a warm start with a short shutdown time, and the heating time in (2) is longer than the heating time in (3).

[0053] Specifically, aerosol generators are typically configured with a fixed preheating time longer than the preheating time for cold starts, making it easier to control the timing of when preheating ends and when the device enters the heat retention phase. This ensures that the aerosol generating product can be preheated to the target temperature regardless of whether it is cold-started or warm-started. As shown in Figure 6, if preheating is performed directly after startup and the preheating time is reached, heating will stop for a certain period of time before entering the heat retention phase. After the heating element reaches the target temperature, it may drop below the target temperature or be maintained at the target temperature, thus avoiding an overshoot in the heating temperature of the aerosol generating product, which could affect the taste.

[0054] Specifically, the heating element is controlled to start heating simultaneously with the start time of the aerosol generator. When the heating time reaches the preheating time, heating is terminated early, which is equivalent to terminating the preheating stage early. Once preheating is complete, the device can enter the heat retention stage. To improve heating efficiency, even with a warm start, there is no need to wait a certain amount of time until a fixed preheating time is reached, and the temperature of the aerosol-generating product does not drop as expected, which can affect the taste. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the heating element is controlled to terminate heating early, the heating element stops heating, and once a fixed preheating time is reached, the device enters the heat retention stage, but the temperature of the aerosol-generating product that has reached its highest temperature may drop. These two methods are suitable for the heating requirements of different aerosol-generating products.

[0055] Specifically, the target preheating time corresponding to the shutdown time is determined as the preheating time, and the mapping relationship of the preheating times can be understood as the mapping relationship between the shutdown time and the target preheating time. The target preheating time is the time spent preheating with the predetermined power in the process of heating the aerosol-generating product to the target temperature.

[0056] Specifically, because the shutdown time when the aerosol generator starts up differs, the temperature of the heating element at startup differs, and the preheating time required to preheat the aerosol generator from the temperature at the startup time to the target temperature also differs. By establishing a mapping relationship between the current shutdown time and the target preheating time through calibration experiments, the target preheating time corresponding to the current shutdown time can be determined as the preheating time based on the mapping relationship of preheating times.

[0057] To apply to a wider range of application scenarios, in one selective embodiment, step S203 above is: Step S2033 determines the energy supplied to the heating element at the current time, The process includes step S2034, which involves controlling the heating element to stop heating when the supplied energy reaches the current preheating energy.

[0058] Specifically, in actual applications, the heating power of the heating element may not be kept constant. Therefore, the decision of whether or not to terminate preheating can be made not by time, but directly by whether or not the energy has reached a preset energy level, making this control method applicable to a wider range of application scenarios.

[0059] In order to reduce power consumption, in one selective embodiment, the aerosol generator includes a controller, and prior to step S201, the method further includes the following steps.

[0060] If the aerosol generator is shut down in step S301, the controller enters a scheduled wake-up mode, stores the wake-up time each time, and then determines the shutdown time based on the wake-up time. Here, the scheduled wake-up mode is a mode in which the controller wakes up once at regular time intervals.

[0061] Specifically, when the aerosol generator is shut down, the controller enters a scheduled wake-up mode, meaning it enters a sleep state and wakes up at predetermined time intervals. Based on the wake-up time, timing can be determined to set the shutdown time, eliminating the need to keep the controller constantly running and significantly reducing power consumption.

[0062] To further reduce power consumption, in one selective embodiment, after step S301, the method is performed as follows: If the number of wake-up cycles of the controller is greater than a predetermined number, the process further includes step S302 in which the controller terminates the scheduled wake-up mode, where the predetermined number is the minimum number of wake-up cycles required for the aerosol generator to cool down to ambient temperature.

[0063] Specifically, if the shutdown time of the aerosol generator exceeds the minimum cold start time, timing is not required. The minimum cold start time is the minimum time required to cool down to ambient temperature. A predetermined number of wake-ups can be determined based on this time and the wake-up interval. In other words, if the number of wake-ups exceeds a predetermined number, it can be determined that it is a cold start without continuing timing, and the controller can exit the scheduled wake-up mode and maintain sleep mode, further reducing power consumption.

[0064] To further simplify the preheating method, in one selective embodiment, step S203 is: Step S2035 is a step of obtaining a cooling curve after the aerosol generator has been shut down, wherein the cooling curve is a time-dependent curve of the temperature after the aerosol generator has been shut down. Step S2036 determines the current temperature of the aerosol generator at the time of current startup based on the above shutdown time and the above temperature reduction curve, The method includes step S2037, which determines the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the target temperature and the current temperature.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in the time-dependent temperature curve after the aerosol generator is shut down in Figure 4, the corresponding temperature on the cooling curve can be obtained from the shutdown time, and the current temperature at the time of startup of the aerosol generator can be determined. This allows for the determination of the preheating energy required to reach the target temperature based on the temperature difference between the target temperature and the current temperature. By establishing a mapping relationship between the current shutdown time and the target preheating time through calibration experiments, it becomes unnecessary to control the preheating time to achieve preheating, thus simplifying the preheating method.

[0066] In order to ensure the taste of the aerosol, in one selective embodiment, after step S203, the method is performed as follows: The process further includes step S401, which involves controlling the heating element to initiate the energy supply for the heat retention stage, wherein the heat retention stage includes a plurality of energy output stages.

[0067] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, after preheating is complete, the system enters a heat retention phase (t1-t2 phase), and the heat retention phase may have multiple energy output phases.

[0068] In some embodiments, the supplied energy for the current energy output stage is determined, and when the supplied energy reaches the energy corresponding to the current energy output stage, the heating element is controlled to stop the energy supply for the current energy output stage. Furthermore, the duration for which the heating element stops supplying energy for the current energy output stage is determined, and when the duration reaches the cooling time set for the current energy output stage, the current energy output stage ends and the next energy output stage begins. This can also be understood as a heat retention stage including multiple energy output stages, each energy output stage including a certain period of heating and a certain period of cooling, after which the next energy output stage begins. Each energy output stage has a corresponding energy supply, and when the duration corresponding to the energy supply is reached, heating can be stopped and cooling can be stopped, eliminating the need to stop heating by detecting that the temperature has reached a target temperature using a temperature sensor, and when the cooling time reaches the cooling time corresponding to the energy output stage, the next energy output stage can be entered, eliminating the need to enter the next energy output stage by detecting that the temperature has dropped to a temperature threshold using a temperature sensor, thus avoiding the problem of taste being affected by inaccurate temperature detection. Of course, each energy output stage is not limited to heating and then cooling, but may also be cooled and then heated.

[0069] In some embodiments, the supplied energy for the current energy output stage is determined, and when the supplied energy reaches the energy corresponding to the current energy output stage, the heating element is controlled to stop the energy supply for the current energy output stage. In the process where the energy supply output is stopped, the real-time temperature of the heating element is obtained, and when the real-time temperature of the heating element drops to a preset low-temperature threshold, the current energy output stage is terminated and the next energy output stage begins. Such a method requires the use of a temperature sensing element.

[0070] In some embodiments, during the process of supplying energy to a heating element, the real-time temperature of the heating element is acquired. If the real-time temperature of the heating element rises to a preset high-temperature threshold, the heating element is controlled to stop the energy supply for the current energy output stage. In the process where the energy supply output is stopped, the real-time temperature of the heating element is acquired. If the real-time temperature of the heating element falls to a preset low-temperature threshold, the current energy output stage is terminated and the next energy output stage begins. Such methods similarly require the use of a temperature sensing element.

[0071] It should be noted that while flowcharts show a logical sequence, in some cases the illustrated or described steps may be performed in a different order than that shown herein.

[0072] Embodiments of this application further provide an aerosol generator comprising a heating element for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating product, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to start the aerosol generator, determine the shutdown time of the aerosol generator, determine the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time, control the heating element to output the preheating energy, and cause the aerosol generating product to reach a preset target temperature, the shutdown time being the time interval from the previous shutdown time of the aerosol generator to the current start time.

[0073] In the above-described aerosol generator, the controller is configured to start the aerosol generator, determine the shutdown time of the aerosol generator, determine the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time, control the heating element to output the preheating energy, and ensure that the aerosol generating product reaches a preset target temperature. The shutdown time is the time interval from the previous shutdown time of the aerosol generator to the current startup time. In other words, the controller determines the corresponding preheating energy based on the shutdown time of the aerosol generator, takes into account the effect of residual heat from the aerosol generator on preheating due to the shutdown time, and ensures that both warm starts with residual heat and cold starts at room temperature can reach a temperature after preheating where the aerosol taste is optimal. This solves the problem of differences in aerosol taste between warm and cold starts of aerosol generators. Furthermore, by determining whether to warm or cold start based on the shutdown time, there is no need for temperature sensor determination, and the aerosol can be heated to a temperature where the taste is optimal simply by controlling the preheating energy, thus saving costs.

[0074] It should be further explained that the terms “including,” “consisting of,” or any other variations thereof are intended to include non-exclusive inclusion, thereby including not only those elements but also other unexpressed elements or elements specific to such process, method, product, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element limited by the phrase “including one…” does not preclude the existence of other identical elements in a process, method, product, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0075] From the above description, it can be seen that the above embodiment of this application can achieve the following technical effects. In the aerosol generator and control method thereof of this application, first, the aerosol generator is started, then the shutdown time of the aerosol generator is determined, the shutdown time being the time interval from the previous shutdown time of the aerosol generator to the current startup time, and finally, the preheating energy of the aerosol generator is determined based on the shutdown time, the heating element is controlled to output the preheating energy, and the aerosol generator is made to reach a preset target temperature. This method determines the corresponding preheating energy based on the shutdown time of the aerosol generator, takes into account the effect of residual heat from the aerosol generator on preheating due to the shutdown time, and ensures that both warm starts with residual heat and cold starts at room temperature can reach a temperature where the aerosol taste is optimal after preheating. This solves the problem of differences in aerosol taste between warm and cold starts. Furthermore, since the determination of whether to warm or cold start is based on the shutdown time, there is no need for temperature sensor determination, and the aerosol can be heated to the optimal taste temperature simply by controlling the preheating energy, resulting in cost savings.

[0076] The foregoing describes preferred embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc., made insofar as they do not deviate from the spirit and principles of this application shall be covered by this application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] The drawing includes the following reference numerals: 100 Aerosol Generator 200 Aerosol Generating Products 10 battery cells 20 Mainboard 30 Heating element 40 Cavity 50 coils

Claims

1. A control method for an aerosol generating device including a heating element for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating product, Starting the aerosol generator, The shutdown time of the aerosol generator is determined to be the time interval from the previous shutdown time of the aerosol generator to the current start time. A method for controlling an aerosol generator, comprising: determining the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time; controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy so that the aerosol generator reaches a preset target temperature.

2. Determining the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time and controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy is, The preheating time of the aerosol generator is determined based on the shutdown time, This includes controlling the heating element based on the preheating time to output the preheating energy at a predetermined power within the preheating time, The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the preheating time is the time required for the heating element to heat and raise the current temperature of the aerosol generator at the time of startup to the target temperature.

3. Based on the preheating time, controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy at a predetermined power within the preheating time is: The method involves determining the difference between the set preheating time and the preheating time, and obtaining a delay time, wherein the set preheating time is the time for preheating the aerosol generating product at the predetermined power in the process of heating the product from ambient temperature to the target temperature, When the power-on time of the aerosol generator reaches the delay time, the heating element is controlled to start heating, The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the heating time of the heating element reaches the preheating time, the heating element is controlled to stop heating.

4. Based on the preheating time, controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy at a predetermined power within the preheating time is: Simultaneously with the start time of the aerosol generator, the heating element is controlled to begin heating, The method according to claim 2, comprising controlling the heating element to stop heating when the heating time of the heating element reaches the preheating time, wherein the preheating time is less than or equal to a set preheating time, and the set preheating time is the time for preheating with a predetermined power in the process of heating the aerosol generating product from ambient temperature to the target temperature.

5. Determining the preheating time of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time means that This includes determining the target preheating time corresponding to the shutdown time as the preheating time based on the mapping relationship of preheating times, The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the mapping relationship of the preheating time is a mapping relationship between the shutdown time and the target preheating time, and the target preheating time is the time for preheating with the predetermined power in the process of heating the aerosol generating product to the target temperature.

6. Controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy so that the aerosol generator reaches a preset target temperature is: To determine the energy supplied to the heating element at the current time, The method according to claim 1, characterized in that when the supplied energy reaches the current preheating energy, the heating element is controlled to stop heating.

7. The aerosol generator includes a controller, and before starting the aerosol generator, the method is performed as follows: The method according to claim 1, further comprising the controller entering a scheduled wake-up mode when the aerosol generator is shut down, storing the wake-up time each time, and further determining the shutdown time based on the wake-up time, wherein the scheduled wake-up mode is a mode in which the controller wakes up once at regular time intervals.

8. After the controller enters the scheduled wake-up mode, the method is as follows: The method according to claim 7, further comprising the controller terminating the scheduled wake-up mode if the number of wake-ups of the controller is greater than a predetermined number, wherein the predetermined number is the minimum number of wake-ups required for the aerosol generator to cool down to ambient temperature.

9. Determining the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the shutdown time means that The method involves obtaining a cooling curve after the aerosol generator has been shut down, wherein the cooling curve is a time-dependent curve of the temperature after the aerosol generator has been shut down. Based on the shutdown time and the temperature reduction curve, the current temperature of the aerosol generator at the time of current startup is determined. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that it includes determining the preheating energy of the aerosol generator based on the target temperature and the current temperature.

10. After controlling the heating element to output the preheating energy and causing the aerosol generator to reach a preset target temperature, the method is as follows: The method according to claim 1, further comprising controlling the heating element to start supplying energy for the heat retention stage, wherein the heat retention stage includes a plurality of energy output stages.

11. Controlling the heating element to initiate the energy supply for the heat retention stage is, To determine the energy supplied in the current energy output stage, When the supplied energy reaches the energy corresponding to the current energy output stage, the heating element is controlled to stop supplying energy for the current energy output stage. The heating element determines the duration for which it stops supplying energy at the current energy output stage. The method according to claim 10, comprising: ending the current energy output stage and entering the next energy output stage when the duration reaches the cooling time of the current energy output stage, wherein the cooling time is the duration of the cooling period of the energy output stage.

12. Controlling the heating element to initiate the energy supply for the heat retention stage is, The heating element determines the duration for which it stops supplying energy at the current energy output stage. When the duration reaches the cooling time of the current energy output stage, the heating element is controlled to start heating, wherein the cooling time is the duration of the cooling period of the energy output stage. To determine the energy supplied in the current energy output stage, The method according to claim 10, characterized in that when the supplied energy reaches the energy corresponding to the current energy output stage, the heating element is controlled to stop the energy supply for the current energy output stage, the current energy output stage ends, and the next energy output stage begins.

13. Controlling the heating element to initiate the energy supply for the heat retention stage is, To determine the energy supplied in the current energy output stage, When the supplied energy reaches the energy corresponding to the current energy output stage, the heating element is controlled to stop supplying energy for the current energy output stage. To acquire the real-time temperature of the heating element, The method according to claim 10, characterized in that when the real-time temperature of the heating element falls to a preset low-temperature threshold, the current energy output stage is terminated and the next energy output stage is entered.

14. A heating element for generating aerosols by heating an aerosol generating product, an aerosol generator comprising a controller configured to perform the control method described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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