Aerosol generator and its control method

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (10) and its control method include a step (S11) of controlling a power source to output power to a heater (101) to bring the heater (101) within a desired temperature range or to maintain the heater (101) at a target temperature, and a step (S12) of controlling a power source to output power to the heater (101) according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range while bringing the heater (101) within the desired temperature range or to maintain the heater (101) at the target temperature, thereby adjusting the decibel value of noise generated from the aerosol generating device (10). By controlling the power source to output power to the heater (101) according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range, the decibel value of the noise generated from the aerosol generating device (10) is adjusted, thereby avoiding the problem of a user having a bad experience due to excessive noise and improving the user's usage experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of smoking devices, and particularly to an aerosol generating device and its control method.

Background Art

[0002] Products such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. As an alternative to these products that burn tobacco, efforts have been made to manufacture products that release compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a so-called heated non-combustion product, also referred to as a tobacco heating product, or a tobacco heating device, or an aerosol generating device, which releases compounds by heating a material rather than burning it. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products or a combination thereof, which may or may not contain nicotine, such as a blend mixture.

[0003] During preheating, the temperature of the heater in a conventional aerosol generating device can rise to a preset temperature and then be maintained at that preset temperature for a certain period of time before entering the smoking stage. However, there is a problem that mechanical vibrations are likely to occur during the smoking stage, resulting in noise generation and a poor user experience.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides an aerosol generating device and its control method aimed at solving the noise problem of conventional aerosol generating devices.

[0005] In a first embodiment, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for controlling an aerosol generator including a heater and a power source for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, comprising the steps of: controlling the power source to output power to the heater to bring the heater within a desired temperature range or maintain it at a target temperature; and while bringing the heater within the desired temperature range or maintaining it at a target temperature, controlling the power source to output power to the heater according to at least one predetermined value or a power parameter within a predetermined range, thereby adjusting the decibel value of noise generated from the aerosol generator.

[0006] In one example, the power parameters include at least one of current, voltage, and frequency, and / or parameters derived based on at least one of current, voltage, and frequency.

[0007] In one example, the method includes the step of adjusting the decibel value of the noise by controlling a power source to output power to the heater according to a variable power parameter and limiting the amount of change in the power parameter.

[0008] In one example, the amount of change in the power parameter includes an amount of change in current or voltage, and the method further includes the step of controlling the amount of change in current or voltage to limit the decibel value of the noise to a reference decibel value or less.

[0009] In one example, the amount of change in the current is controlled to be 0-5A, or 0-4A, or 0-3A, or 0-2A, or 0-1A, or 0-0.5A, or 0-0.2A.

[0010] In one example, the method includes controlling the power source to output power to the heater alternately according to a first power parameter and a second power parameter smaller than the first power parameter, and limiting the difference between the first power parameter and the second power parameter so as not to exceed a preset threshold.

[0011] In one example, the decibel value of the noise is adjusted by limiting the frequency of alternation between the first power parameter and the second power parameter.

[0012] In one example, both the first and second power parameters include voltage, and the voltage value of the second power parameter is equal to zero.

[0013] In one example, the real-time temperature of the heater is monitored, and the voltage supplied from the power source to the heater is controlled according to the temperature value.

[0014] In one example, the aerosol generator further includes a voltage regulating circuit connected to a power source, and the method further includes the step of controlling the voltage regulating circuit and outputting different voltages to the heater.

[0015] In one example, the voltage regulation circuit includes a switching transistor, and the method further includes the step of controlling the duty cycle and / or switching frequency of the switching transistor to output a different voltage.

[0016] In one example, the method further includes the step of adjusting the decibel value of noise generated from the aerosol generator by controlling the power source to alternately output at least two different powers to the heater and limiting the frequency of change of the at least two different powers.

[0017] In one example, the frequency of change of the at least two different powers is limited to 0.05Hz to 10Hz, or 0.05Hz to 5Hz, or 0.05Hz to 2Hz, or 0.05Hz to 1Hz, or 0.05Hz to 0.8Hz, or 0.05Hz to 0.5Hz, or 0.1Hz to 0.5Hz.

[0018] In one example, the aerosol generator further includes a switching circuit, and the method further includes the step of controlling the switching frequency of the switching circuit and adjusting the frequency at which the power source changes its power output.

[0019] In a second embodiment, the present invention further provides a method for controlling an aerosol generator including a heater and a power source for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: controlling the power source to output power to the heater to bring the heater within a desired temperature range or maintain it at a target temperature; and adjusting the decibel value of noise generated from the aerosol generator by controlling the power source to intermittently output power to the heater while bringing the heater within the desired temperature range or maintaining it at a target temperature, and by limiting the frequency of the power output operation.

[0020] In a third embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides an aerosol generator comprising: a power source; a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol; and a controller configured to control the power source to output power to the heater, to bring the heater within a desired temperature range or maintain it at a target temperature, and while bringing the heater within the desired temperature range or maintaining it at a target temperature, to control the power source to output power to the heater according to at least one predetermined value or a power parameter within a predetermined range, thereby adjusting the decibel value of noise generated from the aerosol generator.

[0021] In one example, the aerosol generator further includes a voltage adjustment circuit, which is configured to adjust the voltage supplied to the heater under the control of the controller.

[0022] In one example, the voltage adjustment circuit includes a boost circuit and / or a buck circuit.

[0023] In one example, the voltage adjustment circuit includes at least one of the following: a BUCK conversion circuit, a BOOST conversion circuit, a BUCK-BOOST conversion circuit, a CUK conversion circuit, a ZETA conversion circuit, and a SEPIC conversion circuit.

[0024] In one example, the heater includes a resistive heating element connected to a power source, and the controller is configured to adjust the decibel value of the noise of the heater when a varying current flows through the resistive heating element.

[0025] In one example, the heater includes a dielectric coil connected to a power source and an induction heating body electromagnetically coupled to the dielectric coil, and the controller is configured to adjust the decibel value of the noise of the dielectric coil when a varying current flows through the dielectric coil.

[0026] In one example, the heater is structured as an elongated heater so as to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate and heated.

[0027] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a switching circuit, and the switching circuit is configured to conduct or cut off the electrical connection between the battery cell and the heater under the control of the controller.

[0028] In one example, the switching circuit includes a first switching transistor and a second switching transistor. Both the first switching transistor and the second switching transistor include an input connection terminal, an output connection terminal, and a control terminal. The control terminal of the first switching transistor is used to receive the control of the controller. The input connection terminal of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor. The output connection terminal of the first switching transistor is grounded. The input connection terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the battery cell. The output connection terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the heater.

[0029] The control method of the aerosol generator provided in this application controls the power source to output power to the heater according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range, so as to adjust the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generator, avoid the problem that the noise is too loud and the user experience is poor, and improve the user experience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] One or more embodiments will be exemplarily described by the figures in the corresponding attached drawings. However, these exemplary descriptions do not limit the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings indicate similar elements. Unless otherwise specified, the figures in the attached drawings do not limit the proportions.

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of the control method of the aerosol generator provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generator provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of the temperature curve of the heater provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of the voltage waveform of the heater provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram of the voltage adjustment circuit provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram of another voltage adjustment circuit provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram of yet another voltage adjustment circuit provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram of yet another voltage adjustment circuit provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram of another aerosol generator provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram of yet another aerosol generator provided in the embodiment of this application. [Figure 11]This is a schematic diagram of a switching circuit in another aerosol generator provided in the embodiments of this application. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram of another voltage waveform provided in the embodiments of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] To facilitate understanding of this application, the application will be described in more detail below, relating the drawings to specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed" to another element, it may be directly located to the other element, or one or more intervening elements may be present between them. When one element is described as being "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intervening elements may be present between them. The terms "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "inside," "outside," and similar descriptions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art. In this specification, terms used in the description of this application are solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "and / or" as used herein include any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items.

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a control method for an aerosol generator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] The aerosol generating device includes a heater for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The heater may be configured as a peripheral or circumferential heating structure (the heater surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate) or as a central heating structure (the outer circumference of the heater is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate). The heating method may be resistance heating, infrared heating, electromagnetic heating, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0036] The above method includes the following steps S11 and S12. In step S11, the power source is controlled to output power to the heater, bringing the heater within a desired temperature range or maintaining it at a target temperature. In step S12, while the heater is brought within a desired temperature range or maintained at a target temperature, the power source is controlled to output power to the heater according to at least one predetermined value or a power parameter within a predetermined range, thereby adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated from the aerosol generator.

[0037] When the heater is within the desired temperature range or maintained at the target temperature, the user can inhale the aerosol generated from the aerosol generator within the preset duration. Generally, the target temperature is 150°C to 350°C, or 150°C to 300°C, or 150°C to 250°C, or 150°C to 200°C. The desired temperature range can be varied up or down based on the target temperature.

[0038] The decibel level of noise generated from the aerosol generator can be controlled to a user-acceptable range by controlling the power source to output power to the heater according to at least one predetermined value or a power parameter within a predetermined range. For example, the user may want the decibel level of noise generated from the aerosol generator to be limited to a reference decibel level, for example, 45 dB, so that the vibration noise generated from the aerosol generator does not affect the user's experience when the user smokes. In a preferred embodiment, the decibel level of noise generated from the aerosol generator may also be limited to a user-acceptable range, such as 0 dB to 32 dB, 0 dB to 30 dB, 0 dB to 26 dB, 0 dB to 20 dB, or 5 dB to 20 dB.

[0039] The power parameters include at least one of current, voltage, and frequency, and / or parameters derived based on at least one of current, voltage, and frequency, such as change amount, rate of change, etc.

[0040] A preferred embodiment of this application will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 8.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the aerosol generator 10 includes a heater 101, a controller 102, and a battery cell 103.

[0042] The heater 101 generates heat using power provided by the battery cell 103, which heats the product 20 placed inside the aerosol generator 10, and is used to generate an aerosol for user smoking from the aerosol-forming substrate in the product 20.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 2, the heater 101 is configured as a peripheral or circumferential heating structure (the heater 101 includes at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate), and the heating method may be resistance heating, infrared heating, electromagnetic heating, etc.

[0044] The controller 102 is connected to the heater 101 and the battery cell 103, respectively, and is used to control the power supplied from the battery cell 103 to the heater 101 or to control the output of power to the heater 101, and further to control the heating temperature of the heater 101, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate and generating an aerosol.

[0045] The controller 102 is further configured to perform a control method for the aerosol generator 10.

[0046] The aerosol generator 10 may further include a storage medium for storing a program for executing a control method for the aerosol generator 10. The controller 102 can read and execute the program for the control method of the aerosol generator 10 stored in the storage medium to realize the control method for the aerosol generator 10. The storage medium may be an independent storage device provided in the aerosol generator 10, or it may be a storage medium built into the controller 102. The storage medium includes, but is not limited to, a non-volatile storage medium.

[0047] The battery cell 103 is a power source and is used to supply power to the heater 101 and the controller 102. The battery cell 103 may be a rechargeable battery cell or a non-rechargeable battery cell.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 2, the aerosol generator 10 further includes a voltage regulation circuit 104 coupled between the heater 101 and the battery cell 103, the voltage regulation circuit 104 including a boost circuit and / or a buck circuit, for example, at least one of the following: the BUCK-BOOST conversion circuit shown in Figures 5 and 8, the BOOST conversion circuit shown in Figure 6, the BUCK conversion circuit shown in Figure 7, the CUK conversion circuit (not shown), the ZETA conversion circuit (not shown), and the SEPIC conversion circuit (not shown).

[0049] The voltage adjustment circuit 104 includes a switching transistor, and by controlling the duty cycle and / or switching frequency of the switching transistor in the voltage adjustment circuit 104, the voltage of the power signal supplied to the heater 101 can be adjusted, the amount of change in the current flowing through the heater 101 can be maintained within a preset range, and the decibel value of the noise generated from the aerosol generator 10 can be controlled.

[0050] The voltage of the power supplied to the heater 101 can be adjusted according to the real-time temperature of the heater 101. The real-time temperature of the heater 101 can be detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) connected to the controller 102. The temperature sensor includes, but is not limited to, a thermocouple or a temperature sensing module having a temperature coefficient of resistance. In a preferred embodiment, the heater 101 itself may have a temperature coefficient of resistance, and the real-time temperature of the heater 101 can be determined by the resistance value of the heater 101.

[0051] In this example, the voltage waveform of the power supplied to the heater 101 includes, but is not limited to, square waves, triangular waves, and sawtooth waves.

[0052] In the schematic diagram of the heater temperature curve shown in Figure 3, the horizontal axis t of the temperature curve represents time, and the vertical axis T represents temperature.

[0053] At time t0, the initial temperature of heater 101 is T0.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 3, the initial temperature is higher than the ambient temperature, while in other examples, the initial temperature may be the ambient temperature.

[0055] During the period from t0 to t1, the controller 102 controls the power of the control heater 101 to heat at the maximum power or other preset power, for example, the maximum power is 36W, and at time t1, the heater 101 heats up to a preset temperature T1.

[0056] The preset temperature may also be the optimal temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, that is, at this temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate can provide the most palatable amount and temperature of smoke suitable for user smoking. The preset temperatures used in the embodiments of this application are 150°C to 350°C, or 180°C to 350°C, or 220°C to 350°C, or 220°C to 300°C, or 220°C to 280°C, or 220°C to 260°C.

[0057] During the period t1 to t2, the controller 102 controls the power supplied from the battery cell 103 to the heater 101, so that the heater 101 is maintained at a preset temperature T1 (220°C) for a certain period of time (i.e., the t1 to t2 period). It should be noted that in other examples, the t1 to t2 period may not be necessary.

[0058] At time t2, the controller 102 can output an aerosol smoking notification signal to prompt the user to smoke. Specifically, a notification device connected to the controller 102 can perform a notification operation based on the aerosol smoking ready notification signal output from the controller 102. For example, the notification device is a vibration motor, which vibrates to inform the user that the aerosol is ready to smoke based on the aerosol smoking ready notification signal output from the controller 102 (including a start signal to control the operation of the control vibration motor). Another notification device is an LED light, which lights up or flashes to inform the user that the aerosol is ready to smoke based on the aerosol smoking ready notification signal output from the controller 102.

[0059] During the period t2-t3, after outputting a notification signal indicating that the aerosol can be smoked, the controller 102 controls the power supplied from the battery cell 103 to the heater 101 so that the temperature of the heater 101 drops from T1 to the target temperature T2. Subsequently, the controller 102 controls the power supplied from the battery cell 103 to the heater 101 so that the heater 101 is maintained at the target temperature T2.

[0060] Here, the value of the t2-t3 period can be 120 seconds to 360 seconds, or the time it takes to smoke 6 to 20 puffs.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, during the period t2-t3, the power parameters of the power supplied to the heater 101 include a first power parameter and a second power parameter, which are provided alternately. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first and second power parameters include voltages, and the voltage waveform supplied by the power source is a square wave. In this square wave, the voltage supplied by the power source includes a first voltage and a second voltage, and the second voltage is smaller than the first voltage. For example, the first voltage Vmax is the maximum voltage value of the power supplied to the heater 101, and the second voltage Vmin is the minimum voltage value of the power supplied to the heater 101. In order to control the decibel value of the noise generated from the aerosol generator 10 to a range acceptable to the user, Vmax and Vmin are set as follows: (Vmax-Vmin) / RX=I V The following relationship is satisfied, where RX is the resistance value of heater 101, and I V This represents the current change of the power signal, and its preset range is 0-5A, or 0-4A, or 0-3A, or 0-2A, or 0-1A, or 0-0.5A, or 0-0.2A. When the resistance value of heater 101 is constant, the voltage change of the power supplied to heater 101 is also within the corresponding preset range.

[0062] As shown in the specific schematic circuit diagram in Figure 5, an asynchronous step-down circuit and a boost circuit are coupled between the battery cell 103 (indicated as BAT in the figure) and the heater 101 (OUT+ and OUT- in the figure are heater 101).

[0063] Taking the period t0 to t1 in Figure 4 as an example, switching transistor Q3 turns on, the asynchronous step-down circuit does not operate, the BOOST boost circuit consisting of switching transistors Q7 and Q6 operates, outputs a DC voltage higher than the voltage amplitude of battery cell 103, and heats heater 101 to a preset temperature T1.

[0064] After the heater 101 has heated up to a preset temperature T1, the switching transistor Q6 can be controlled to turn on and the switching transistor Q7 to turn off, meaning the BOOST boost circuit stops operating. Subsequently, the controller 102 controls the switching transistor Q14 so that the switching transistor Q3 outputs a PWM pulse signal. This reduces the voltage of the power applied to the heater 101 by the asynchronous step-down circuit consisting of the switching transistor Q3, diode D7, inductor L1, switching transistor Q6, capacitors C12 and C9, and the temperature decreases accordingly. When the temperature of the heater 101 drops from T1 to T2, the voltage at this point is insufficient to raise the temperature of the heater 101. Therefore, the BOOST boost circuit must be turned on again to raise the temperature of the heater 101 and reach the set temperature value T2. During the period t2 to t3, the BOOST boost circuit and the asynchronous buck circuit operate alternately to control the voltage of the power supplied to the heater 101, maintain the amount of change in the current flowing through the heater 101 within a preset range, suppress the amplitude of mechanical vibrations that occur in the changing magnetic field environment under the action of the changing current on the heater 101, and further control the decibel value of the noise generated from the aerosol generator 10.

[0065] Noise tests were conducted for different current changes. Quantity per test (Qty): 10. Test method: The aerosol generator is placed 10 mm away from the noise collector, and noise data from the operating aerosol generator is collected in real time in a completely silent measurement laboratory. A product (cigarette) is inserted into the aerosol generator, and the average noise value during the constant temperature phase (period t2-t3) after power-on is observed. Test conditions: Bottom noise level in the measurement laboratory was 19 dB. Test equipment: A5 audio analyzer. Judgment Criteria: As a standard for environmental noise, 0dB to 30dB is defined as very quiet, 30dB to 50dB as quiet, and 50dB to 70dB as relatively quiet.

[0066] The results of the noise test are as follows: JPEG0007846753000001.jpg88164

[0067] From the above test results, it can be seen that when the change in current flowing through heater 101 is between 1A and 5A, a sizzling sound is audible, but the test decibel level is within a range acceptable to the user (quiet). When the change in current flowing through heater 101 is 1A or less, the sound is almost inaudible even when held close to the ear, resulting in the best user experience. As the change in current flowing through heater 101 decreases, the tested decibel value also decreases accordingly.

[0068] In the following, another preferred embodiment of this application will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, unlike the example in Figure 2, the heater 1001 in the aerosol generator 100 is constructed as a central heating structure (the outer circumference of the heater is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate), and the heating method is not limited. The controller 102 and battery cell 103 in the aerosol generator 100 are similar to those described above.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the heater 1001 is constructed as an elongated heater so that it can be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the heater 1001 includes an elongated heater base and a resistive heating element coupled to the heater base, which can generate heat when current flows through it. The battery cell 103 is connected to the resistive heating element of the heater 1001 via the controller 102, and the controller 102 in the aerosol generator 100 outputs power through appropriate power parameters when a changing current flows through the resistive heating element, thereby suppressing the amplitude or frequency of mechanical vibration of the heater 1001 and maintaining the decibel level of the heater noise at a low level. Here, the battery cell 103 can serve as a power source.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, in another example, the heater may include a dielectric coil 1003 connected to a power source and an induction heating element 1002 electromagnetically coupled to the dielectric coil 1003, the induction heating element 1002 heating the aerosol-forming substrate by generating heat in the changing magnetic field generated by the dielectric coil 1003, and a battery cell 103 connected to the dielectric coil 1003 via a controller 102, the controller 102 in the aerosol generator being able to output power to the dielectric coil 1003 with appropriate power parameters, for example by supplying a changing current to the dielectric coil through an appropriate frequency, thereby suppressing vibration of the dielectric coil 1003 and maintaining its noise level in decibels at a low level. Here, the battery cell 103 can be a power source.

[0072] The aerosol generator 100 further includes a switching circuit 1004 coupled between the heater 1001 and the battery cell 103. As shown in Figure 11, the switching circuit 1004 includes switching transistors Q2 and Q1, both of which include an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. In this example, switching transistor Q2 is an NMOS transistor and switching transistor Q1 is a PMOS transistor. Switching transistor Q2 has its input terminal as the drain, its output terminal as the source, and its control terminal as the gate. Switching transistor Q1 has its input terminal as the source, its output terminal as the drain, and its control terminal as the gate. The control terminal of switching transistor Q2 is used to conduct or disconnect the electrical connection between the battery cell 103 and the heater 1001 under the control of controller 102. The input terminal of switching transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the control terminal of switching transistor Q1, the output terminal of switching transistor Q2 is grounded, the input terminal of switching transistor Q1 is electrically connected to the battery cell, and the output terminal of switching transistor Q1 is electrically connected to the heater 101.

[0073] As an example, using the schematic diagram of the heater temperature curve shown in Figure 3, the heater can be maintained at a target temperature by providing output power of different magnitudes during the period t2 to t3. The controller further controls the decibel value of the noise generated from the aerosol generator 100 by maintaining power parameters related to the power supplied to the heater, such as voltage frequency, within a predetermined value or appropriate range. In one feasible embodiment, the frequency of change in output voltage can be maintained within an appropriate range by controlling the switching frequency of the intermittent operation of the switching transistor Q2. As a preferred solution, the above frequency is 0.05Hz to 10Hz, or 0.05Hz to 5Hz, or 0.05Hz to 2Hz, or 0.05Hz to 1Hz, or 0.05Hz to 0.8Hz, or 0.05Hz to 0.5Hz, or 0.1Hz to 0.5Hz.

[0074] In one example, the controller controls the power source to alternately supply at least two different voltages to the heater, one of which is equal to zero, i.e., the power source supplies the heater intermittently. In one feasible embodiment, during the period t2-t3 shown in Figure 12, the voltage waveform of the power signal supplied from the power source to the heater 101 is a square wave. In this square wave, Vmax is the maximum voltage value of the power supplied to the heater 101, and the minimum voltage value of the power supplied to the heater 101 is zero.

[0075] Noise tests were conducted for different switching frequencies. Quantity per test (Qty): 10. Test method: The aerosol generator is placed 10 mm away from the noise collector, and noise data is collected in real time in a completely silent measurement laboratory. The product (cigarette) is inserted into the aerosol generator, and the average noise level during the constant temperature phase (period t2-t3) is observed after power-on. Test conditions: Bottom noise level in the measurement laboratory was 19 dB. Test equipment: A5 audio analyzer. Judgment Criteria: As a standard for environmental noise, 0dB to 30dB is defined as very quiet, 30dB to 50dB as quiet, and 50dB to 70dB as relatively quiet.

[0076] The results of the noise test are as follows: JPEG0007846753000002.jpg74164

[0077] From the above test results, it can be seen that vibration noise generated from the heater can be well suppressed when the frequency of change of different power supplied to the heater is low. As a preferred solution, when the switching frequency of switching transistor Q2 is 0.5Hz to 10Hz, a sound is audible, but the test decibel level is within a range acceptable to the user (very quiet). When the switching frequency of switching transistor Q2 is 0.5Hz or less, the sound is almost inaudible even when brought close to the ear, resulting in the best user experience. As the switching frequency of switching transistor Q2 decreases, the tested decibel value also decreases accordingly. In practice, the controller may be configured to maintain the frequency of change of different power supplied to the heater at a specific value between 0.5Hz and 10Hz, or to fluctuate within that range.

[0078] It should be noted that the power signal frequency control method shown in Figures 9 to 12 is also suitable for the examples in Figures 2 to 8. In one example, the decibel value of the noise generated from the aerosol generator 10 is controlled by simultaneously controlling the amount of change in the current flowing through the heater 101 and the frequency at which the power signal is intermittently provided.

[0079] The embodiments of the apparatus described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separating members may or may not be physically separated, and the members shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed among multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solution of this embodiment.

[0080] From the above description of the embodiments, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that each embodiment may be implemented as a combination of software and a common hardware platform, and of course, may also be implemented by hardware. Those skilled in the art will also understand that all or part of the flow in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by issuing instructions to the relevant hardware by a computer program, and that the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and, when executed, may include the flow of each of the above method embodiments. Here, the storage medium may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are not restrictive. The technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can be combined under the concept of this application, the steps can be implemented in any order, and many other variations of the different embodiments of this application exist, which will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity. While this application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications to the technical solutions described in each of the above embodiments, or equivalent substitutions of some of their technical features, are still possible. These modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of each embodiment of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for an aerosol generator including a heater and a power source for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, Controlling the power source to output power to the heater, and bringing the heater within a desired temperature range or maintaining it at a target temperature, While the heater is being brought within a desired temperature range or maintained at a target temperature, Limiting the amount of change in power parameters to a predetermined value or within a predetermined range, and A method for controlling an aerosol generator, comprising controlling a power source to output power to the heater in accordance with at least one of limiting the frequency of change of power parameters to a predetermined value or within a predetermined range, and adjusting the decibel value of noise generated from the aerosol generator.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power parameters include at least one of current and voltage, and / or a parameter derived based on at least one of current and voltage.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power source is controlled to output power to the heater according to a variable power parameter, and the decibel value of the noise is adjusted by limiting the amount of change in the power parameter.

4. The amount of change in the power parameter includes the amount of change in current or voltage. The method according to claim 3, wherein the amount of change in the current or voltage is controlled to limit the decibel value of the noise to a reference decibel value or less.

5. The change in the power parameter includes the change in current. The method according to claim 4, wherein the amount of change in the current is controlled to be 0 to 5 A, or 0 to 4 A, or 0 to 3 A, or 0 to 2 A, or 0 to 1 A, or 0 to 0.5 A, or 0 to 0.2 A.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein the power source is controlled to output power to the heater alternately according to a first power parameter and a second power parameter smaller than the first power parameter, and the difference between the first power parameter and the second power parameter is limited so as not to exceed a preset threshold.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the decibel value of the noise is adjusted by limiting the frequency of alternation between the first power parameter and the second power parameter.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein both the first power parameter and the second power parameter include voltage, and the voltage value of the second power parameter is equal to zero.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the real-time temperature of the heater is monitored and the voltage supplied from the power source to the heater is controlled according to the temperature value.

10. The aerosol generator further includes a voltage regulation circuit connected to a power source, The method according to claim 9, wherein the voltage adjustment circuit is controlled and a different voltage is output to the heater.

11. The voltage adjustment circuit includes a switching transistor. The method according to claim 10, wherein the duty cycle and / or switching frequency of the switching transistor are controlled to output different voltages.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power source is controlled to alternately output at least two different powers to a heater, and the decibel value of the noise generated from the aerosol generator is adjusted by limiting the frequency of change of the at least two different powers.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the frequency of change of at least two different powers is limited to 0.05 Hz to 10 Hz, or 0.05 Hz to 5 Hz, or 0.05 Hz to 2 Hz, or 0.05 Hz to 1 Hz, or 0.05 Hz to 0.8 Hz, or 0.05 Hz to 0.5 Hz, or 0.1 Hz to 0.5 Hz.

14. The aerosol generator further includes a switching circuit, The method according to claim 12, wherein the switching frequency of the switching circuit is controlled to adjust the frequency at which the power source changes its power output.

15. A control method for an aerosol generator including a heater and a power source for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, Controlling the power source to output power to the heater, and bringing the heater within a desired temperature range or maintaining it at a target temperature, A method for controlling an aerosol generator, comprising: controlling a power source to intermittently output power to the heater while the heater is brought within a desired temperature range or maintained at a target temperature, and adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated from the aerosol generator by limiting the frequency of the power output operation.

16. Power source, A heater for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol-forming substrate, Control the power source to output power to the heater, bring the heater within a desired temperature range or maintain it at a target temperature, and while bringing the heater within a desired temperature range or maintaining it at a target temperature, Limiting the amount of change in power parameters to a predetermined value or within a predetermined range, and an aerosol generator comprising a controller configured to control a power source to output power to the heater in accordance with at least one of limiting the frequency of change of power parameters to a predetermined value or within a predetermined range, thereby adjusting the decibel value of noise generated from the aerosol generator.

17. It further includes a voltage regulation circuit, The aerosol generator according to claim 16, wherein the voltage adjustment circuit is configured to adjust the voltage supplied to the heater under the control of the controller.

18. The aerosol generator according to claim 17, wherein the voltage adjustment circuit includes a boost circuit and / or a buck circuit.

19. The aerosol generator according to claim 18, wherein the voltage adjustment circuit includes at least one of a BUCK conversion circuit, a BOOST conversion circuit, a BUCK-BOOSST conversion circuit, a CUK conversion circuit, a ZETA conversion circuit, and a SEPIC conversion circuit.

20. The aerosol generator according to claim 16, wherein the heater includes a resistive heating element connected to a power source, and the controller is configured to adjust the decibel value of the heater noise when a changing current flows through the resistive heating element.

21. The aerosol generator according to claim 16, wherein the heater includes a dielectric coil connected to a power source and an induction heating element electromagnetically coupled to the dielectric coil, and the controller is configured to adjust the decibel value of the noise of the dielectric coil when a changing current flows through the dielectric coil.

22. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the heater is structured as an elongated heater so that it can be inserted into the aerosol forming substrate for heating.

23. It further includes a switching circuit, The aerosol generator according to claim 22, wherein the switching circuit is configured to conduct or disconnect the electrical connection between the battery cell and the heater under the control of the controller.

24. The switching circuit includes a first switching transistor and a second switching transistor, and both the first and second switching transistors include an input connection terminal, an output connection terminal and a control terminal. The aerosol generator according to claim 23, wherein the control terminal of the first switching transistor is used to receive control of the controller, the input connection terminal of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor, the output connection terminal of the first switching transistor is grounded, the input connection terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to a battery cell, and the output connection terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the heater.

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