Control device, storage medium, computer program product, aerosol generating apparatus and its control method

Abstract

In the control device, storage medium, computer program product, aerosol generating device and control method thereof, the aerosol generating device includes a heating element (13). The heating element is the heating element (13) having a magnetic temperature characteristic. The aerosol generating device includes an RLC circuit (12). The RLC circuit (12) includes an inductor coil, and at least a portion of the inductor coil is located within the magnetic field of the heating element (13). The control module is used to control the RLC circuit (12) to generate an alternating current in the inductor coil to inductively heat the heating element, and to determine the temperature of the heating element (13) by detecting a specific parameter of the RLC circuit (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of atomizing devices, and particularly to a control device, a storage medium, a computer program product, an aerosol generating device, and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a device that can atomize an aerosol generating substrate in an atomizer, and has advantages such as safety, convenience, health, and environmental friendliness during use, and thus has increasingly attracted people's attention and support.

[0003] In conventional aerosol generating devices, usually, a temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate. However, in such a method, since it is necessary to leave space for the temperature sensor in the structure, there is a problem that the structural design is restricted. Moreover, since it is impossible to achieve electrical separation from the heating element, there is also a problem of difficulty in cleaning due to electrical connection.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the structural design of the conventional aerosol generating device is restricted and it is difficult to clean.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is as follows.

[0006] That is, the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element. The heating element is a heating element having magnetic temperature characteristics. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device includes an RLC circuit which includes an inductor coil and at least a portion of the inductor coil is located within the magnetic field of the heating element, and a control module used to control the RLC circuit to generate an alternating current in the inductor coil to inductively heat the heating element, and to determine the temperature of the heating element by detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit.

[0007] Preferably, the control module is further used to determine whether or not an inhalation operation has occurred based on the temperature of the heating element.

[0008] Preferably, the control module is further used to detect specific parameters of the RLC circuit in a standby state by waking up at a predetermined timing, and to realize insertion detection of the aerosol-generating substrate based on the detected specific parameters, and to detect extraction detection of the aerosol-generating substrate based on the detected specific parameters in the normal operating state.

[0009] Preferably, the control module is used to generate an alternating current in the inductor coil to induce heating of the heating element by controlling the RLC circuit during a first period, and to determine the temperature of the heating element by detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit during a second period.

[0010] Preferably, the RLC circuit further includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a first switching transistor, and a second switching transistor. The second terminal of the first switching transistor is connected to the first terminal of the second switching transistor, the first terminal of the first switching transistor is connected to the output terminal of the battery, the second terminal of the second switching transistor is grounded, the control terminal of the first switching transistor is connected to the first output terminal of the control module, the control terminal of the second switching transistor is connected to the second output terminal of the control module, the first capacitor and the second capacitor are connected in series between the output terminal of the battery and ground, the first terminal of the inductor coil is connected to the connection point between the first switching transistor and the second switching transistor, and the second terminal of the inductor coil is connected to the connection point between the first capacitor and the second capacitor.

[0011] Preferably, the control module includes a voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the second capacitor and a first main control unit for determining the temperature of the heating element based on the voltage of the second capacitor.

[0012] Preferably, the voltage detection unit includes a first diode and a third capacitor. The positive terminal of the first diode is connected to the connection point between the second capacitor and the first capacitor, the negative terminal of the first diode is connected to the input terminal of the first main control unit, and the third capacitor is connected between the negative terminal of the first diode and ground.

[0013] Preferably, the control module includes a current detection unit for detecting the current in the inductor coil and a second main control unit for determining the temperature of the heating element based on the current in the inductor coil.

[0014] Preferably, the current detection unit includes a current transformer, a resistor, a second diode, and a fourth capacitor. One end of the primary winding of the current transformer is connected to the second terminal of the inductor coil, the other end of the primary winding of the current transformer is connected to the connection point between the first capacitor and the second capacitor, one end of the secondary winding of the current transformer is connected to the first terminal of the resistor and the anode of the second diode, the other end of the secondary winding of the current transformer and the second terminal of the resistor are grounded, and the fourth capacitor is connected between the negative terminal of the second diode and ground.

[0015] The present invention further comprises a method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus. This method includes the following:

[0016] By controlling the RLC circuit, an alternating current is generated in the inductor coil to induce heating of the heating element. The RLC circuit includes an inductor coil, and at least a portion of the inductor coil is located within the magnetic field of the heating element.

[0017] The temperature of the heating element is determined by detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit.

[0018] Preferably, the method further includes determining whether or not an inhalation operation has occurred based on the temperature of the heating element.

[0019] Preferably, the method further includes detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit in a standby state by waking it up at a predetermined timing to determine the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating substrate, and / or detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit in a normal operating state and realizing extraction detection of the aerosol generating substrate based on the detected specific parameters.

[0020] The present invention further comprises a control device including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program. The processor executes the computer program and implements the steps of the control method for the aerosol generating apparatus described above.

[0021] The present invention further constitutes a storage medium. The storage medium includes computer instructions. When the computer instructions operate on a processor, the processor executes the above-described method for controlling an aerosol generating device.

[0022] The present invention further constitutes a computer program product. When the computer program product operates on a computer, the computer executes the above-described method for controlling an aerosol generating device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] When implementing the technical solution of the present invention, when the control module controls the RLC circuit to generate an alternating current in the inductor coil, the heating element generates induced heat. Moreover, when the temperature of the heating element changes, due to its magnetic temperature characteristics, it affects the skin resistance and inductance of the inductor coil, and further causes a change in specific parameters of the RLC circuit. Therefore, based on the change in specific parameters of the RLC circuit, the change in the temperature of the heating element can be identified. In the case of such a detection method, since there is no need to provide a temperature sensor, the problem that the structural design of the aerosol generating device is restricted is solved. Moreover, since the inductor coil does not require an electrical connection to the heating element, the problem of the difficulty of cleaning caused by the electrical connection is also solved.

[0024] Hereinafter, the present invention will be further described in combination with the drawings and embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a logical structural diagram of Embodiment 1 of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention. [[ID=​​​​​​​FIG. 4 is a graph showing the temperature change over time of the heating element and the voltage change over time of the capacitor in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of Example 3 of the aerosol generating device in the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of Example 1 of the control method of the aerosol generating device in the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and concisely. Needless to say, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained on the premise that those skilled in the art do not perform creative labor all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a logical structure diagram of Example 1 of the aerosol generating device in the present invention. The aerosol generating device of this embodiment includes a control module 11, an RLC circuit 12, and a heating element 13. The heating element 13 can be embedded in the aerosol generating substrate 14. Moreover, the heating element 13 is a heating element having magnetic temperature characteristics. That is, it is a metal or alloy having a specific Curie temperature. When the temperature is below a specific Curie temperature (for example, 420°C), the magnetic induction value of the heating element decreases with the increase in temperature and shows an almost linear relationship. As the material of the heating element 13, for example, an iron-nickel-chromium alloy can be selected. The RLC circuit 12 includes an inductor coil (having an internal resistance) L1. And at least a part of the inductor coil L1 is located within the magnetic field of the heating element 13. The control module 11 is used to generate an alternating current in the inductor coil L1 to inductively heat the heating element 13 by controlling the RLC circuit 12, and to identify the temperature of the heating element 13 by detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit 12. The specific parameters of the RLC circuit 12 include, for example, the voltage of the capacitor in the RLC circuit 12 and the current of the inductor coil.

[0028] In this embodiment, when an alternating current flows through the inductor coil L1, the heating element 13 generates induced heat, atomizing and heating the aerosol-generating substrate 14. The heating element 13 exhibits distinct magnetic temperature characteristics under specific temperature conditions (between 150 and 420°C) as its temperature changes, thus affecting the apparent resistance and inductance of the inductor coil L1. In an operating RLC circuit, changes in inductance and apparent resistance cause changes in specific parameters of the RLC circuit 12, such as the capacitor voltage and the inductor coil current in the RLC circuit 12. Therefore, it is possible to identify changes in the temperature of the heating element 13 based on changes in the specific parameters of the RLC circuit 12. With this detection method, there is no need to provide a temperature sensor, thus solving the problem of constraints on the structural design of the aerosol generator. Furthermore, since the inductor coil L1 does not require an electrical connection to the heating element 13, the problem of difficulty in cleaning caused by electrical connections is also solved.

[0029] Furthermore, in selective embodiments, the control module 11 is also used to determine whether or not an inhalation operation has occurred based on the temperature of the heating element 13. In this embodiment, when an inhalation airflow is passed over the aerosol-generating substrate, a clear temperature change occurs in the heating element. Therefore, it is possible to detect the inhalation operation from the identified temperature change, and furthermore, the number of inhalations can be counted.

[0030] Furthermore, in a selective embodiment, the control module 11 is used to detect specific parameters of the RLC circuit 12 in a standby state by waking up at a predetermined timing, and to detect the insertion of an aerosol-generating substrate based on the detected specific parameters. It is also used to detect specific parameters of the RLC circuit 12 in the normal operating state and to detect the extraction of an aerosol-generating substrate based on the detected specific parameters. In this embodiment, the magnetic induction value of the heating element 13 differs depending on whether an aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the aerosol generator or not. Therefore, by detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit 12, it is possible to perform insertion and extraction detection of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0031] Furthermore, in a selective embodiment, the control module 11 is used to generate an alternating current in the inductor coil L1 to induce heating of the heating element 13 by controlling the RLC circuit 12 during a first period, and to determine the temperature of the heating element 13 by detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit 12 during a second period.

[0032] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of Embodiment 2 of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention. The aerosol generating apparatus of this embodiment includes a control module, an RLC circuit, and a heating element (not shown).

[0033] The heating element is a heating element with magnetic temperature characteristics. The RLC circuit also includes an inductor coil L1, a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2, a first switching transistor Q1, and a second switching transistor Q2. At least a portion of the inductor coil L1 is located within the magnetic field of the heating element 13. Both the first switching transistor Q1 and the second switching transistor Q2 are MOSFETs. The source of the first switching transistor Q1 is connected to the drain of the second switching transistor Q2, and the drain of the first switching transistor Q1 is connected to the output terminal (BAT) of the battery. The source of the second switching transistor Q2 is grounded. The first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are connected in series between the output terminal (BAT) of the battery and ground. The first terminal of the inductor coil L1 is connected to the connection point between the first switching transistor Q1 and the second switching transistor Q2. The second terminal of the inductor coil L1 is connected to the connection point between the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.

[0034] The control module includes a voltage detection unit and a first main control unit U1. The voltage detection unit is used to detect the voltage of the second capacitor C2 and specifically includes a first diode D1, a third capacitor C3, and a resistor R1. The positive terminal of the first diode D1 is connected to the connection point between the second capacitor C2 and the first capacitor C1, and the third capacitor C3 and resistor R1 are connected between the negative terminal of the first diode D1 and ground. The input terminal of the first main control unit U1 is connected to the negative terminal of the first diode D1, the first output terminal of the first main control unit U1 is connected to the gate of the first switching transistor Q1, and the second output terminal of the first main control unit U1 is connected to the gate of the second switching transistor Q2. Furthermore, the first main control unit U1 is used to determine the temperature of the heating element based on the voltage of the second capacitor C2.

[0035] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to heat the heating element, the first main control unit U1 controls the first switching transistor Q1 and the second switching transistor Q2 to alternately conduct through the first and second output terminals. This generates an alternating current in the inductor coil L1, initiating induced heating of the heating element. The magnitude of the heating power is related to the conduction frequency and control time of the two switching transistors. Furthermore, when it is necessary to detect the temperature of the heating element, the first main control unit U1 controls the first switching transistor Q1 and the second switching transistor Q2 to alternately conduct through the first and second output terminals, thereby initiating operation of the RLC circuit. Changes in the temperature of the heating element affect the apparent resistance and inductance of the inductor coil L1, and further affect the voltage of the second capacitor C2. Therefore, the first main control unit U1 can effectively feed back the temperature change of the heating element by detecting the change in the peak voltage across the second capacitor C2 through the first diode D1, as shown in Figure 3.

[0036] Further explanation regarding this embodiment is that the heating of the heating element and temperature detection may be performed in the same period, or they may be performed in two separate periods. Furthermore, if performed in the same period, the two output terminals of the first main control unit can output control signals of a specific frequency within that period. If performed in different periods, the two output terminals of the first main control unit can output control signals of a specific frequency within the first period, and can output control signals of a different specific frequency within the second period. In addition, the frequency of the control signals output within the same period may vary.

[0037] In a specific embodiment, to avoid the influence of the battery's charge level, the first main control unit detects the peak voltage across the second capacitor C2, then calculates the ratio between this peak voltage and the battery's output voltage (i.e., the supply voltage of the RLC circuit), and feeds back the change in the temperature of the heating element based on the change in this ratio. This avoids the situation where temperature detection becomes inaccurate when the battery's charge level is low.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, the first main control unit U1 further determines whether or not an inhalation operation has occurred based on the temperature change of the detected heating element. Specifically, combining Figure 4, when an inhalation airflow is directed onto the aerosol-generating substrate, a clear temperature change occurs in the heating element. Therefore, after detecting the voltage across the second capacitor, the first main control unit U1 determines whether or not an inhalation operation V has occurred by determining whether or not a clear jump has appeared in the ratio between that voltage and the battery output voltage. Furthermore, it also counts the number of inhalations.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, the first main control unit U1, in standby mode, wakes up at a predetermined timing to detect the voltage across the second capacitor C2, then compares the detected voltage with a first preset value, and based on the difference between the two, detects the insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate. In normal operation mode, after detecting the voltage across the second capacitor C2, it compares the detected voltage with a second preset value, and based on the difference between the two, detects the extraction of the aerosol-generating substrate. Preferably, the frequency of the control signal output by the first main control unit U during insertion / extraction detection is lower than the resonant frequency of the RLC circuit.

[0040] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of Embodiment 3 of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention. The aerosol generating apparatus of this embodiment includes a control module, an RLC circuit, and a heating element (not shown). Furthermore, it differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 2 only in the following points.

[0041] The control module includes a current detection unit and a second main control unit U2. The current detection unit is used to detect the current in the inductor coil L1 and specifically includes a current transformer IL1, a resistor R2, a second diode D2, a fourth capacitor C4, and a resistor R3. One end of the primary winding of the current transformer IL1 is connected to the second terminal of the inductor coil L1, and the other end of the primary winding of the current transformer IL1 is connected to the connection point between the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2. One end of the secondary winding of the current transformer IL1 is connected to the first terminal of the resistor R2 and the anode of the second diode D2, respectively, and the other end of the secondary winding of the current transformer IL1 and the second terminal of the resistor R2 are grounded, respectively. The fourth capacitor C4 and resistor R3 are connected between the negative terminal of the second diode D2 and ground, respectively. The input terminal of the second main control unit U2 is connected to the negative terminal of the second diode D2. The first output terminal of the second main control unit U2 is connected to the gate of the first switching transistor Q1, and the second output terminal of the second main control unit U2 is connected to the gate of the second switching transistor Q2. Furthermore, the second main control unit U2 is used to determine the temperature of the heating element based on the current of the inductor coil L1.

[0042] In this embodiment, the heat generation control process of the second main control unit U2 is the same as in the embodiment shown in Figure 2. Therefore, it will not be described in detail here. When it is necessary to detect the temperature of the heat-generating element, the second main control unit U2 starts the RLC circuit by controlling the first switching transistor Q1 and the second switching transistor Q2 to conduct alternately through the first output terminal and the second output terminal. Changes in the temperature of the heat-generating element affect the apparent resistance and inductance of the inductor coil L1, and further affect the current of the inductor coil L1. Therefore, the current transformer IL1 detects the current of the inductor coil L1, converts it to a voltage by the resistor R2, and then transmits it to the input terminal of the second main control unit U2 through the second diode D2. In this way, the second main control unit U2 can effectively feed back the temperature change of the heat-generating element based on the change in the input signal at the input terminal.

[0043] Figure 6 is a flowchart of Example 1 of the control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention. The control method of this example includes the following:

[0044] Step S10: By controlling the RLC circuit, an alternating current is generated in the inductor coil to induce heating of the heating element. Combining Figure 1, the RLC circuit includes an inductor coil, and at least a portion of the inductor coil is located within the magnetic field of the heating element.

[0045] Step S20: The temperature of the heating element is determined by detecting a specific parameter of the RLC circuit. This specific parameter may be, for example, the current of the inductor coil in the RLC circuit, or the voltage of the capacitor in the RLC circuit.

[0046] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention also includes determining whether or not an inhalation operation has occurred based on the temperature of the heating element.

[0047] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention also includes detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit in a standby state by waking it up at a predetermined timing to determine the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating substrate, and / or detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit in a normal operating state and realizing the extraction detection of the aerosol generating substrate based on the detected specific parameters.

[0048] The present invention further comprises a control device including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program. The processor executes the computer program and implements the steps of the control method for the aerosol generating apparatus described above.

[0049] The present invention further comprises a storage medium. The storage medium includes computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a processor, the processor executes the control method for the aerosol generating device described above.

[0050] The present invention further comprises a computer program product. When the computer program product operates on a computer, the computer executes the control method for the aerosol generating apparatus described above.

[0051] The foregoing description represents only preferred embodiments of the present invention and does not limit it. Those skilled in the art will know that the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., implemented within the spirit and principles of the present invention are all included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device that includes a heat-generating element, The heating element is a heating element having magnetic temperature characteristics, and the aerosol generating device is An RLC circuit including an inductor coil, wherein at least a portion of the inductor coil is located within the magnetic field of the heating element, The control module is used to control the RLC circuit to generate an alternating current in the inductor coil to inductively heat the heating element, and to detect specific parameters of the RLC circuit to determine the temperature of the heating element. The aerosol generating apparatus is characterized in that, during a first period, the control module controls the RLC circuit to generate an alternating current in the inductor coil and inductively heat the heating element, and during a second period, when the frequency of the alternating current is set to a specific frequency, the peak voltage across the capacitor of the RLC circuit is detected, the ratio between the peak voltage and the supply voltage of the RLC circuit is determined, and the temperature of the heating element is determined based on the ratio.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the control module is used to determine whether or not an inhalation operation has occurred based on the temperature of the heating element.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the control module is used to detect specific parameters of the RLC circuit in a manner that wakes up at a predetermined timing in a standby state, and to realize insertion detection of aerosol generating substrate based on the detected specific parameters, and to detect specific parameters of the RLC circuit in a normal operating state, and to realize extraction detection of aerosol generating substrate based on the detected specific parameters.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the RLC circuit further includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a first switching transistor, and a second switching transistor, the second terminal of the first switching transistor being connected to the first terminal of the second switching transistor, the first terminal of the first switching transistor being connected to the output terminal of the battery, the second terminal of the second switching transistor being grounded, the control terminal of the first switching transistor being connected to the first output terminal of the control module, the control terminal of the second switching transistor being connected to the second output terminal of the control module, the first capacitor and the second capacitor being connected in series between the output terminal of the battery and ground, the first terminal of the inductor coil being connected to the connection point between the first switching transistor and the second switching transistor, and the second terminal of the inductor coil being connected to the connection point between the first capacitor and the second capacitor.

5. The control module is A voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the second capacitor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a first main control unit for determining the temperature of the heating element based on the voltage of the second capacitor.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the voltage detection unit includes a first diode and a third capacitor, the positive terminal of the first diode is connected to the connection point between the second capacitor and the first capacitor, the negative terminal of the first diode is connected to the input terminal of the first main control unit, and the third capacitor is connected between the negative terminal of the first diode and ground.

7. The control module is A current detection unit for detecting the current in the inductor coil, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a second main control unit for determining the temperature of the heating element based on the current of the inductor coil.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the current detection unit includes a current transformer, a resistor, a second diode, and a fourth capacitor, one end of the primary winding of the current transformer is connected to the second terminal of the inductor coil, the other end of the primary winding of the current transformer is connected to the connection point between the first capacitor and the second capacitor, one end of the secondary winding of the current transformer is connected to the first terminal of the resistor and the anode of the second diode, respectively, the other end of the secondary winding of the current transformer and the second terminal of the resistor are grounded, and the fourth capacitor is connected between the negative electrode of the second diode and ground.

9. In the control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, By controlling the RLC circuit, an alternating current is generated in the inductor coil to induce heating of the heating element, and the RLC circuit includes an inductor coil, and at least a portion of the inductor coil is located within the magnetic field of the heating element. The temperature of the heating element is determined by detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit. A control method characterized by including the following.

10. Furthermore, A control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes determining whether or not an inhalation operation has occurred based on the temperature of the heating element.

11. Furthermore, In standby mode, a method is used to detect specific parameters of the RLC circuit by waking it up at a predetermined timing, and to identify the insertion / removal state of the aerosol-generating substrate, and / or, A control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes detecting specific parameters of the RLC circuit in a normal operating state and realizing extraction detection of an aerosol generating substrate based on the detected specific parameters.

12. A control device including memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, The control device is characterized in that the processor, when executing the computer program, realizes the steps of the control method for an aerosol generating apparatus described in any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. A storage medium that includes computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed on the processor, the processor executes the control method for an aerosol generating apparatus described in any one of claims 9 to 11.

14. A computer program product characterized in that, when operating on a computer, the computer executes the control method for an aerosol generating apparatus described in any one of claims 9 to 11.

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