Aerosol generating device and heating control method thereof

Abstract

The present application discloses an aerosol generating device and a heating control method thereof. The aerosol generating device includes a heating element, wherein the heating element is a microwave heating element or a laser heating element. The heating control method comprises: a step of, when a heating operation signal of an aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating device is detected, controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate and raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate from the current temperature to a preheating temperature while maintaining it until an inhalation action occurs; and a step of, when an inhalation action is detected, controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate so that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate reaches a corresponding target temperature and maintaining it until the next inhalation action occurs. Herein, the target temperature and the current number of inhalations correspond to each other, and the target temperature of the first inhalation is higher than the preheating temperature and lower than the target temperature of other inhalations. The present application can improve the inhalation experience by avoiding the problem of burning the mouth when inhaling the aerosol of the first inhalation.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of aerosol generation technology, and in particular, to an aerosol generation device and a heating control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional aerosol generating devices, the heating method for rapid aerosol generation is illustrated in FIG. 1, in which the aerosol generating substrate is heated to a significantly high temperature in the preheating step (0-T1), for example, 250°C or higher, and then cooled down to achieve a non-sticky texture. In addition, some aerosol generating devices increase the heating temperature again after passing through the cooling step so that the amount of aerosol in the subsequent step does not decrease. However, as discovered during actual application, when the user inhales the first puff, the aerosol often becomes excessively hot, causing the user to feel a burning sensation in their mouth. The problem to be solved

[0003] The technical problem that this application aims to solve is to resolve at least one defect existing in the related technology as described in the background technology above, namely, the drawback in which an aerosol generating device heats an aerosol generating substrate to a significantly high temperature during the preheating stage, causing the aerosol to become excessively hot when the user takes the first puff, thereby causing the user to feel a burning sensation in their mouth, and to provide an aerosol generating device and a heating control method thereof. means of solving the problem

[0004] The technical solution utilized by the present application to solve the technical problem is as follows. That is, in a heating control method for an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element, the heating element is a microwave heating element or a laser heating element, and the heating control method comprises:

[0005] Preheating step: When a heating operation signal of an aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating device is detected, a step of controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate, raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate from the current temperature to a preheating temperature, and maintaining it until an inhalation operation occurs;

[0006] Inhalation heating step: when the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby maintaining the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate until the next inhalation action occurs while reaching a corresponding target temperature; comprising

[0007] Here, the above target temperature corresponds to the current number of inhaled puffs, and the target temperature of the first puff is higher than the above preheating temperature and lower than or equal to the target temperature of the other puffs.

[0008] Preferably, the target temperature of the i-th puff is higher than or equal to the target temperature of the (i-1)-th puff, i=2, 3, 4, … , N, where N is the threshold value of the number of puffs inhaled.

[0009] Preferably, the difference between the first fundraising target temperature and the preheating temperature is greater than the difference between the second fundraising target temperature and the first fundraising target temperature.

[0010] Preferably, the temperature range of the preheating temperature is 100℃ to 188℃.

[0011] Preferably, the suction heating step is,

[0012] Temperature increase sub-step: When the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, a step of controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate by a first preset power within a first preset time period;

[0013] Temperature control sub-step: if, after the first preset time period ends, it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is lower than the target temperature, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate by the second preset power within the second preset time period; and if, when it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is higher than or equal to the target temperature, the heating element is controlled to stop heating the aerosol generating substrate within the third preset time period; comprising the step of

[0014] Here, the second preset power is smaller than the first preset power.

[0015] The present application further comprises an aerosol generating device, and said aerosol generating device,

[0016] A heating element that is a microwave heating element or a laser heating element;

[0017] Includes a control assembly;

[0018] The above control assembly is,

[0019] When a heating operation signal of the aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating device is detected, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate from the current temperature to a preheating temperature and maintaining it until an inhalation operation occurs;

[0020] When the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby allowing the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate to reach a corresponding target temperature and maintaining it until the next inhalation action occurs.

[0021] Here, the above target temperature and the current number of puffs correspond to each other, and the target temperature of the first puff is higher than the above preheating temperature and lower than or equal to the target temperature of the other puffs.

[0022] Preferably, the i-th target temperature is higher than or equal to the (i-1)-th target temperature, i=2, 3, 4, … , N, where N is the threshold value for the number of inhaled sips.

[0023] Preferably, the temperature range of the preheating temperature is 100℃ to 188℃.

[0024] Preferably, the microwave heating element is located around the outer circumference or inside the aerosol generating substrate.

[0025] Preferably, the laser heating element is an infrared heating element, and the infrared heating element is located around the outer circumference or inside the aerosol generating substrate. Effects of the invention

[0026] The following beneficial effects are achieved by carrying out the present application.

[0027] The present application describes a method in which, upon detection of a heating operation signal for an aerosol generating substrate contained in an aerosol generating device, a microwave heating element or a laser heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate from the current temperature to a preheating temperature and maintaining it until an inhalation action occurs. Subsequently, upon detection of an inhalation action, the microwave heating element or a laser heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate to a corresponding target temperature and maintaining it until the next inhalation action occurs. Here, the target temperature and the current number of inhalations correspond to each other, and the target temperature of the first inhalation is higher than the preheating temperature but lower than the target temperature of subsequent inhalations. This configuration effectively lowers the water vapor content and temperature of the aerosol in the first inhalation, thereby preventing the problem of the aerosol being excessively hot and burning the mouth when the user takes the first inhalation, and thus can enhance the inhalation experience. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] Hereinafter, the present application will be described in more detail by combining the drawings and embodiments, and in the drawings, Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the curves of inhalation time length and aerosol generation substrate temperature in the relevant technology; FIG. 2 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a heating control method for an aerosol generating device according to the present application; FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a temperature control curve in one embodiment of the present application; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a temperature control curve and a temperature detection curve in one embodiment of the present application; FIG. 5 is a logical structure diagram of one embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present application; FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a microwave heating element in one embodiment of the present application; FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the microwave heating element shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the case where the radiating atoms of the microwave heating element shown in FIG. 6 are located inside the receiving cavity; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a case in which a microwave heating element and an aerosol generating product are matched in one embodiment of the present application; FIG. 10 is a structural diagram illustrating the case where an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating product are matched in one embodiment of the present application; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 10. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] In order to more clearly understand the technical features, purpose, and effects of the present application, specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail by comparing them face-to-face.

[0030] Above all, the flowcharts depicted in the drawings are merely illustrative descriptions and must not include all contents, operations, or steps, nor must they be executed in the order described. For example, some operations or steps may be broken down, and others may be merged or locally merged; therefore, the actual order of execution may change depending on the actual situation.

[0031] The block diagrams illustrated in the drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, such functional entities may be implemented using software formats or on different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontrollers.

[0032] Among the aerosol generating substrates, the boiling point of water is 100°C, the boiling point of PG propylene glycol is 188.2°C, the boiling point of VG glycerin is 290°C, and the boiling point of nicotine is 247°C. The related aerosol generating device must heat the aerosol generating substrate to 250°C or higher during the preheating stage so that sufficient aerosol can be generated quickly. The moisture in the aerosol generating substrate evaporates quickly, and if excessively hot water vapor is mixed with the aerosol, the mouth is burned by the first puff of aerosol, and at the same time, the aerosol generating device also becomes hot.

[0033] Therefore, if the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is lower than or equal to the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate for other puffs of the entire process from the start of preheating until the end of the first puff, it is advantageous for improving the problem of the aerosol of the first puff being excessively hot. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present application discloses a heating control method for an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element that heats the aerosol generating substrate, and the heating element is a microwave heating element or a laser heating element, and has excellent atomization stability and good atomization taste.

[0034] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate is socketed into an aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating substrate may be a cylindrical aerosol generating product, and specifically, the aerosol generating substrate may be a solid material made from plant leaves and / or stems, and fragrance components may be further added to the solid material. In some other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate may be a sheet-shaped or cylinder-shaped aerosol generating product, and it will be understood that this is not limited thereto.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the heating control method of the aerosol generating device includes, in detail, a preheating step and an intake heating step as follows.

[0036] Preheating Phase: When a heating operation signal for the aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generator is detected, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, raising its temperature from the current temperature to the preheating temperature and maintaining it until the suction operation occurs. Here, the current temperature may be room temperature or the outdoor ambient temperature, based on the current usage state of the aerosol generator. Under certain conditions, when the aerosol generator is used continuously, the current temperature may be slightly higher than room temperature or the ambient temperature.

[0037] Specifically, the aerosol generator may further include a temperature measuring unit for detecting the temperature of a heating element. After inserting an aerosol generating substrate into the aerosol generator, a heating operation signal generated by a user pressing a button or clicking a touch screen is detected, thereby initiating preheating and controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The temperature of the heating element detected by the temperature measuring element is acquired in real time and used as the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate to determine whether the preheating temperature has been reached. If so, preheating is completed, and the heating element is controlled to maintain the preheating temperature until the occurrence of an inhalation operation; otherwise, the heating element is continuously controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate.

[0038] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, 0 to Time0 is a preheating step, Time0 is a preheating end time, and the preheating step is 0 to 4 s. Temp0 is a preheating temperature, and the temperature range of the preheating temperature is 100°C to 188°C, preferably 115°C to 125°C. In other embodiments, the preheating step is 0 to 6 s or any other time range, and the preheating temperature is 120°C or any other temperature within the preheating temperature range of 100°C to 188°C, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] Compared to the heating of resistance or electromagnetic devices, the preheating time is considerably long, for example, around 20 seconds, the preheating temperature is considerably high, for example, between 300°C and 450°C, and even the rate of increase and decrease in temperature is considerably slow. Therefore, when the related aerosol generating device heats the aerosol generating substrate twice in succession, that is, when the user finishes inhaling the first aerosol generating substrate and then inserts the second aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol in the first puff inhaled by the user when heating the aerosol generating substrate for the second time often gives a burning sensation in the mouth due to the continuous high temperature of the heating element in the aerosol generating device.

[0040] The heating element of the present embodiment is a microwave heating element or a laser heating element, having a very fast heating rate to rapidly raise the temperature to a preheating temperature within 0 to 4 seconds, and at the same time having a very fast cooling rate so that even if the user completes inhaling the first aerosol generating substrate and inserts the second aerosol generating substrate, the heating element in the aerosol generating device rapidly lowers the temperature. Consequently, when heating the aerosol generating substrate for the second time, the temperature enters a preheating stage that is significantly low, so that the aerosol in the first puff inhaled by the user does not give a burning sensation to the mouth.

[0041] Inhalation Heating Step: When the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, maintaining the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate until the next inhalation action occurs, while ensuring that the temperature reaches a corresponding target temperature. Here, the target temperature corresponds to the current number of inhalations, and the target temperature of the first inhalation is higher than the preheating temperature and lower than or equal to the target temperature of other inhalations. Additionally, the target temperature of the i-th inhalation is higher than or equal to the target temperature of the (i-1)-th inhalation, i=2, 3, 4, … , N, where N is the threshold value of the number of inhalations.

[0042] Specifically, during the process of user inhalation, an airflow sensor within the aerosol generator detects changes in airflow pressure to detect the occurrence and termination of the inhalation action. When the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, a heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generation substrate. The temperature of the heating element detected by a temperature measuring element is acquired in real time and used as the temperature of the aerosol generation substrate to determine whether the temperature has reached the target temperature. If so, heating is completed, and the heating element is controlled to maintain the target temperature until the next inhalation action occurs; otherwise, the heating element is continuously controlled to heat the aerosol generation substrate.

[0043] One specific embodiment is illustrated in Table 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4. Table 1 below describes the correspondence between the current number of inhaled sips and the target temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate. In FIG. 4, curve L1 is the inhaled sip curve, L2 is the temperature curve of the heating element (probe), and L3 is the target temperature curve. Here, the target temperature of the first sip is higher than the preheating temperature and lower than the target temperature of other sips. Also, the target temperature of the i-th sip is higher than or equal to the target temperature of the (i-1)-th sip, i=3, 4, … , N, where N is the threshold value of the number of inhaled sips. Specifically, from the start of preheating until the end of the first puff, the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate is lower than the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate for other puffs of the entire process, and then, from the start of the second puff, the temperature is maintained or increased with each puff, and as the moisture in the aerosol-generating substrate decreases in the later stages, even if the aerosol-generating substrate is heated to a significantly high temperature, there is significantly less water vapor, and the mouth does not feel a burning sensation in the later stages. Additionally, preferably, the difference between the target temperature of the first puff and the preheating temperature is greater than the difference between the target temperature of the second puff and the target temperature of the first puff. In some embodiments, the range of the difference between the target temperature of the first puff and the preheating temperature is 100°C to 180°C, preferably 130°C, and the range of the difference between the target temperature of the second puff and the target temperature of the first puff is 0°C to 20°C, preferably 2°C. In some other embodiments, the difference between the target temperature of the first sip and the preheating temperature is 150°C or any other temperature within the difference range of 100°C to 180°C, and the difference between the target temperature of the second sip and the target temperature of the first sip is 3°C or any other temperature within the difference range of 0°C to 20°C, and it will be understood that this is not limited thereto.

[0044] Table 1

[0045]

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, Time1 to TimeN are the times when the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, and in some embodiments, N is 14. In other embodiments, it will be understood that N is 20 or any other quantity, and is not limited thereto. Temp1 is the target temperature of the first puff, and Temp2 is the target temperature of the second puff, where (Temp1-Temp0) > (Temp2-Temp1). When the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, since the heating element is a microwave heating element or a laser heating element, it has a very fast heating rate, so the temperature can be rapidly raised to the target temperature within a time of about 0.5 seconds, for example, it can be rapidly raised from Temp0 to Temp1, and the subsequent target temperature is maintained or raised with each puff to help release the active ingredient of the aerosol generating substrate and improve the consistency of the taste, and if the consistency of the temperature is maintained with each puff thereafter, the taste of the subsequent aerosol will be diluted.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the suction heating step of some embodiments is as follows:

[0048] Temperature increase sub-step: When the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, a step of controlling a heating element to heat an aerosol generating substrate by a first preset power within a first preset time period;

[0049] Temperature control sub-step: if, after the first preset time period has ended, it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is lower than the target temperature, a heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate by a second preset power within a second preset time period; and if, when it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is higher than or equal to the target temperature, a heating element is controlled to stop heating the aerosol generating substrate within a third preset time period; comprising the step of

[0050] Here, the second preset power is smaller than the first preset power, and preferably, the second preset time is the same as the third preset time, although, of course, it may be different. In addition, if there is anything else to explain, since the remaining time after dividing the constant power heating time (the first preset time, e.g., 350 ms) by the duration of a single inhalation operation (e.g., 1 to 2 ms) is much longer than the temperature detection cycle (e.g., 20 to 30 ms), the temperature judgment and power adjustment can be performed by circulating multiple times in the temperature control sub-stage. For example, if a user's single inhalation operation duration is 1 m, the first preset time is 350 ms, the corresponding remaining time is 650 ms, and the temperature detection cycle is 30 ms, the temperature control sub-stage performs temperature judgment and power adjustment approximately 22 times.

[0051] In the corresponding embodiment, when the control assembly controls the heating element, it first heats it with a constant output (first preset power) for a certain period of time (first preset time period), and then periodically performs temperature determination and power adjustment. Therefore, when comparing the control method of the corresponding embodiment with the PID control method of the prior art, the differential output device of the PID control method is sensitive to high-frequency signals generated from the microwave heating element or laser heating element and easily amplifies noise signals; thus, the technical method of the corresponding embodiment can reduce the noise of the aerosol generator.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, the first preset time is, for example, 350 ms, and the second preset time and the third preset time are, for example, 30 ms each, and the first preset power may be the maximum output power, for example, 20 W, and the second preset power is, for example, 10 W. In this case, when the occurrence of an inhalation operation is detected, the heating element is first controlled to heat at a constant output of 20 W for 350 ms to raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate. Then, the temperature is detected once every 30 ms, and if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is lower than the target temperature, the heating element is controlled to heat at a constant output of 10 W for 30 ms; if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is higher than or equal to the target temperature, heating is stopped for 30 ms. This process is repeated in a cycle to proceed with temperature detection and power adjustment until the end of the inhalation operation is detected. The part to be explained here is that heating is stopped when the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate is determined to be higher than or equal to the target temperature, but since this process is a ms-level cycle, heating is resumed as soon as the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate is determined to be lower than the target temperature, so it can be considered similar to the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate reaching and maintaining the corresponding target temperature.

[0053] In one specific embodiment, the first preset time is, for example, 450 ms, the second preset time is, for example, 30 ms, and the third preset time is, for example, 20 ms; the first preset power may be the maximum output power, for example, 20 W, and the second preset power is, for example, 10 W. In this case, when the occurrence of an inhalation operation is detected, the heating element is first controlled to heat at a constant output of 20 W for 450 ms to raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate. Then, temperature detection is started, and if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is lower than the target temperature, the heating element is controlled to heat at a constant output of 10 W for 30 ms; and if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is higher than or equal to the target temperature, heating is stopped for 20 ms. Temperature detection and power adjustment are performed by repeatedly circulating in this manner until the end of the inhalation operation is detected.

[0054] Some embodiments further include a calculation step prior to the suction heating step, and specifically, when the occurrence of a suction action is detected, the current number of suctions is tallied, for example, the first suction, the second suction, the third suction, etc., to obtain a target temperature corresponding to the current number of suctions.

[0055] In some embodiments, the heating control method of the aerosol generating device further includes a heating stop step, and in detail, determines whether the current number of inhaled sips has reached an inhaled sip threshold, and the inhaled sip threshold is, for example, 10 to 16 times, and if so, controls the heating element to stop heating the aerosol generating substrate, and if not, continues to control the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate so that the aerosol generating substrate maintains a target temperature corresponding to the current number of inhaled sips until the next inhalation operation occurs.

[0056] In some embodiments, the heating control method of the aerosol generating device further includes a time calculation step and a heating stop step, and in detail,

[0057] A time calculation step that starts time calculation when a heating operation signal is detected and aggregates the accumulated heating time length when the end of the suction operation is detected;

[0058] The method includes a heating stop step of determining whether the accumulated heating time length has reached a heating time length threshold, for example, that the heating time length threshold is 4 min to 60 min, and if so, controlling the heating element to stop heating the aerosol generating substrate; otherwise, continuing to control the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate so that the aerosol generating substrate maintains a target temperature corresponding to the current inhalation volume until the next inhalation operation occurs.

[0059] In some embodiments, when the end of the inhalation operation is detected, if it is determined that the time interval after the end of the inhalation operation is greater than a preset threshold, or if a heating stop signal is detected, the heating element is heated to stop the heating of the aerosol generating substrate, and subsequently, when the user attempts to inhale again, the preheating step and the inhalation heating step are executed again.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 5, one embodiment of the present application discloses an aerosol generating device, said aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a control assembly. The heating element is a microwave heating element or a laser heating element and is used to heat an aerosol generating substrate. The control assembly comprises

[0061] When a heating operation signal of the aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating device is detected, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate from the current temperature to a preheating temperature and maintaining it until an inhalation operation occurs;

[0062] When the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby allowing the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate to reach a corresponding target temperature and maintaining it until the next inhalation action occurs.

[0063] Here, the target temperature and the current number of puffs correspond to each other, and the target temperature of the first puff is higher than the preheating temperature and lower than or equal to the target temperature of the other puffs.

[0064] Specifically, the aerosol generator further comprises a temperature measuring unit, a heating operation detection assembly, and an intake detection assembly. The temperature measuring unit is used to detect the temperature of the heating element. The heating operation detection assembly is used to detect the heating operation signal and the heating stop signal of the aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generator. The intake detection assembly is used to detect the occurrence and termination of the intake operation, for example, an airflow sensor. After the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the aerosol generator, the heating operation detection assembly detects the heating operation signal generated by the user pressing a button or clicking a touch screen and starts preheating; the control assembly controls the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate, acquires the temperature of the heating element detected by the temperature measuring element in real time and uses it as the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate to determine whether the temperature has reached the target temperature, and if so, completes the heating and controls the heating element to maintain the preheating temperature until the intake operation occurs; otherwise, continues to control the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate.

[0065] During the process of user inhalation, the inhalation detection assembly within the aerosol generator detects changes in airflow pressure to detect the occurrence and termination of the inhalation operation. When the inhalation detection assembly detects the occurrence of the inhalation operation, the control assembly controls the heating element to heat the aerosol generation substrate, acquires the temperature of the heating element detected by the temperature measuring element in real time, uses it as the temperature of the aerosol generation substrate, and determines whether the temperature has reached the target temperature. If so, it completes the heating and controls the heating element to maintain the target temperature until the next inhalation operation occurs; otherwise, it is configured to continue controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generation substrate.

[0066] In some embodiments, the target temperature of the i-th puff is higher than or equal to the target temperature of the (i-1)-th puff, i=2, 3, 4, …, N, where N is the threshold value for the number of inhaled puffs. Preferably, the target temperature of the first puff is lower than the target temperature of the other puffs, the i-th target temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature of the (i-1)-th puff, and i=3, 4, …, N. Specifically, from the start of preheating until the end of the first puff inhalation, the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate is lower than the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate for the other puffs of the entire process, and then, from the start of the second puff, the temperature is maintained or increased for each puff, and as the moisture in the aerosol-generating substrate decreases towards the end, even if the aerosol-generating substrate is heated to a significantly high temperature, there is significantly less water vapor, and the mouth does not feel a burning sensation even towards the end.

[0067] In some embodiments, the difference between the target temperature of the first sip and the preheating temperature is greater than the difference between the target temperature of the second sip and the target temperature of the first sip.

[0068] In some embodiments, the temperature range of the preheating temperature is 100°C to 188°C, and preferably, 115°C to 125°C.

[0069] In some embodiments, when the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, the step of controlling a heating element to heat an aerosol generating substrate so that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate reaches a corresponding target temperature and maintains it until the next inhalation action occurs is

[0070] When the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, a step of controlling a heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate by a first preset power within a first preset time period;

[0071] The method comprises the step of: after the first preset time period has ended, if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is lower than the target temperature, controlling a heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate by a second preset power within a second preset time period; and if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is higher than or equal to the target temperature, controlling a heating element to stop heating the aerosol generating substrate within a third preset time period.

[0072] Here, the second preset power is smaller than the first preset power, and preferably, the second preset time zone is the same as the third preset time zone, although, of course, it may be different. In addition, if there is anything else to explain, since the remaining time after dividing the constant power heating time (the first preset time zone, e.g., 350 ms) by the duration of a single inhalation operation (e.g., 1 to 2 ms) is much longer than the temperature detection cycle (e.g., 20 to 30 ms), temperature judgment and power adjustment can be performed by circulating multiple times in that step. For example, if a user's single inhalation operation duration is 1 m, the first preset time zone is 350 ms, the corresponding remaining time is 650 ms, and the temperature detection cycle is 30 ms, then temperature judgment and power adjustment are performed approximately 22 times in that step.

[0073] In the corresponding embodiment, when the control assembly controls the heating element, it first heats it with a constant output (first preset power) for a certain period of time (first preset time period), and then periodically performs temperature determination and power adjustment. Therefore, when comparing the control method of the corresponding embodiment with the PID control method of the prior art, the differential output device of the PID control method is sensitive to high-frequency signals generated from the microwave heating element or laser heating element and easily amplifies noise signals; thus, the technical method of the corresponding embodiment can reduce the noise of the aerosol generator.

[0074] In one specific embodiment, the first preset time is, for example, 350 ms, and the second preset time and the third preset time are, for example, 30 ms each, and the first preset power may be the maximum output power, for example, 20 W, and the second preset power is, for example, 10 W. In this case, when the occurrence of an inhalation operation is detected, the heating element is first controlled to heat at a constant output of 20 W for 350 ms to raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate. Then, the temperature is detected once every 30 ms, and if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is lower than the target temperature, the heating element is controlled to heat at a constant output of 10 W for 30 ms; if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is higher than or equal to the target temperature, heating is stopped for 30 ms. This process is repeated in a cycle to proceed with temperature detection and power adjustment until the end of the inhalation operation is detected. The part to be explained here is that heating is stopped when the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate is determined to be higher than or equal to the target temperature, but since this process is a ms-level cycle, heating is resumed as soon as the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate is determined to be lower than the target temperature, so it can be considered similar to the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate reaching and maintaining the corresponding target temperature.

[0075] In one specific embodiment, the first preset time is, for example, 450 ms, the second preset time is, for example, 30 ms, and the third preset time is, for example, 20 ms; the first preset power may be the maximum output power, for example, 20 W, and the second preset power is, for example, 10 W. In this case, when the occurrence of an inhalation operation is detected, the heating element is first controlled to heat at a constant output of 20 W for 450 ms to raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate. Then, temperature detection is started, and if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is lower than the target temperature, the heating element is controlled to heat at a constant output of 10 W for 30 ms; and if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is higher than or equal to the target temperature, heating is stopped for 20 ms. Temperature detection and power adjustment are performed by repeatedly circulating in this manner until the end of the inhalation operation is detected.

[0076] In some embodiments, the control assembly is configured to aggregate the current number of inhaled breaths when the occurrence of an inhalation action is detected, for example, by aggregating the first breath, the second breath, or the third breath, and to obtain a target temperature corresponding to the current number of inhaled breaths.

[0077] In some embodiments, the control assembly determines whether the current number of inhaled breaths has reached an inhaled breath threshold, and the inhaled breath threshold is, for example, 10 to 16 breaths. If so, the heating element is controlled to stop heating the aerosol generating substrate, and if not, the heating element is controlled to continue heating the aerosol generating substrate so that the aerosol generating substrate maintains a target temperature corresponding to the current number of inhaled breaths until the next inhalation operation occurs.

[0078] In some embodiments, the control assembly starts calculating time when a heating operation signal is detected, aggregates the accumulated heating time length when the end of the inhalation operation is detected, determines whether the accumulated heating time length has reached a heating time length threshold, for example, the heating time length threshold is 4 min to 60 min, and if so, controls the heating element to stop heating the aerosol generating substrate; otherwise, continues to control the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate so that the aerosol generating substrate maintains a target temperature corresponding to the current inhalation volume until the next inhalation operation occurs.

[0079] In some embodiments, the microwave heating element is located around the outer circumference of the aerosol generating substrate. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device comprises a microwave heating element (1) and a microwave generator (not shown), and the microwave heating element (1) comprises an inner conductor unit (11), an outer conductor unit (12), a receiving base (13), and a microwave feed-in unit (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the outer conductor unit (12) is provided with a chamber (121), the inner conductor unit (11) is installed in the chamber (121) of the outer conductor unit (12) to achieve good ohmic contact with the outer conductor unit (12), and the receiving base (13) is used to receive an aerosol generating product. The microwave feed-in unit is used to feed microwaves generated by a microwave generator into the outer conductor unit (12) and the inner conductor unit (11), and the microwave heating element (1) can form a microwave field after the microwaves are fed in, and the aerosol generating product surrounds the outer perimeter, and the microwave field acts on the aerosol generating product to implement microwave heating thereon.

[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer conductor unit (12) has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a closed end (122) and an open end (123) opposite to the closed end (122), and between the open end (123) and the closed end (122) can define a semi-closed chamber (121), and the receiving base (13) extends into the chamber (121).

[0081] One end of the inner conductor unit (11) is connected to the sealed end (122) of the outer conductor unit (12), so that the inner conductor unit (11) and the sealed end (122) of the outer conductor unit (12) are in ohmic contact, and the other end extends toward the open end (123) of the outer conductor unit (12). The receiving base (13) is connected to the open end (123) and includes a receiving chamber (131) for receiving an aerosol generating product, and the receiving chamber (131) is installed within the chamber (121) of the outer conductor unit (12).

[0082] The inner conductor unit (11) includes a conductor structure (111) and a radiation structure (112). The conductor structure (111) is installed inside the chamber (121), and the outer diameter of the conductor structure (111) is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit (12) and includes a fixed end and a free end that are opposite, and the fixed end is fixed to the outer conductor unit (12) and makes ohmic contact with the outer conductor unit (12). The conductor structure (111) primarily performs the function of conducting microwaves, and in some embodiments, the conductor structure (111) may form a cylindrical shape, and the conductor structure (111) has a fixed end at one end far from the opening end (123) of the outer conductor unit (12), and the conductor structure (111) is fixedly connected to the bottom part (124) of the outer conductor unit (12), and the conductor structure (111) has a free end at one end close to the opening end (123) and extends toward the opening end (123) of the outer conductor unit (12).

[0083] The radiation structure (112) may be coupled to the free end of the conductor structure (111), the radiation structure (112) may be located on the outside of the aerosol generating product, and the radiation structure (112) may be installed along the cross-sectional edge where the conductor structure (111) and the receiving base (13) are opposite. In some embodiments, the radiation structure (112) includes at least one radiation element (1121) and a base portion (1122) interconnected with at least one radiation element (1121), and the radiation structure (112) makes ohmic contact with the base portion (1122) via the free end of the conductor structure (111). At least one radiating element (1121) is installed in the circumferential direction of the corresponding base portion (1122), and at least one radiating element is distributed inside the receiving chamber (131) and attached to the inner wall or outer wall of the receiving chamber (131) so that the microwave field is more uniformly distributed around the receiving chamber (131). When an aerosol generating product is received in the receiving chamber (131), at least one radiating element (1121) is located around the outer circumference of the aerosol generating product, and the outer circumference of the aerosol generating product forms a microwave field. In some other embodiments, at least two, three, or any number of radiating elements (1121) may be included, and it will be understood that the radiating element (1121) is a probe, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] In some embodiments, the microwave heating element is located inside the aerosol generating substrate. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device comprises a microwave heating element (1a) and a microwave generator (not shown), and the microwave heating element (1a) comprises an inner conductor unit (11a), an outer conductor unit (12a), a receiving base (13a), and a microwave feed-in unit (14a).

[0085] The outer conductor unit (12a) has a cylindrical shape, and the outer conductor unit (12a) is provided with a closed end (122a) and an open end (123a) opposite to the closed end (122a), and between the open end (123a) and the closed end (122a) a semi-closed chamber (121a) can be defined, and the receiving base (13a) extends into the chamber (121a).

[0086] The inner conductor unit (11a) includes a conductor structure (111a) and a radiation structure (112a) coupled to the conductor structure (111a), and in some embodiments, the radiation structure (112) is a probe. The bottom portion of the conductor structure (111a) is connected to the sealed portion (122a) of the outer conductor unit (12a) and makes ohmic contact with the end wall of the sealed portion (122a) to form a short-circuit portion of the corresponding microwave heating element (1a), and one end of the radiation structure (112a) is coupled to the top portion of the conductor structure (111a), and the other end of the radiation structure (112a) is located in the chamber (121a) but does not make direct contact with the outer conductor unit (12a) to form an open-circuit portion of the corresponding microwave heating element (1a). The microwave feed-in unit (14a) is mounted to be detachable from the outer conductor unit (12a) and is used to feed microwaves generated by the microwave generating assembly into the chamber (121a). The receiving base (13a) is mounted to be fixed or detachable at the opening end (123a) of the outer conductor unit (12a), and the receiving base (13a) defines a receiving chamber (131a) for receiving an aerosol generating product (2a), and the radiating structure (112a) extends from one end away from the conductor structure (111a) and is inserted into the receiving chamber (131a).

[0087] The aerosol generating product (2a) can be partially or entirely inserted into the receiving chamber (131a), in which case a part of the structure of the radiation structure (112a) is installed inside the aerosol generating product (2a), and when the microwave generating assembly feeds microwaves toward the microwave heating body (1a) through the microwave feed unit (14a), a microwave energy field is formed around the radiation structure (112a) and can heat the inside of the aerosol generating product (2a).

[0088] In some embodiments, the laser heating element is an infrared heating element, and the laser heating element radiates infrared light from the outer circumference or inside of the aerosol generating substrate, and the infrared light is used to heat the aerosol generating substrate. In detail, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the aerosol generating device comprises an infrared heating element (3) and an electric supply assembly (4) for supplying electricity to the infrared heating element (3), and the infrared heating element (3) may be configured such that a portion is inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating product (2) or at least one infrared heating element (3) is positioned around the outer circumference of the aerosol generating product (2), and in some other embodiments, there may be at least two, three, or any number of infrared heating elements (3), but it will be understood that this is not limited thereto. The infrared heating element (3) generates infrared light when electricity is applied to heat the medium section of the aerosol generating product (2) to atomize it and generate an aerosol.

[0089] The infrared heating element (3) includes a tube body (31), a heating body (32), and a base (33). The tube body (31) accommodates at least a portion of the heating body (32), transmits infrared light radiated by the heating body (32), and further heats an aerosol generating product (2). The base (33) is installed at the opening (311) of the tube body (31) and is used to fix the tube body (31). Here, the heating body (32) includes a heating base body and an infrared radiation layer installed on the outer surface of the heating base body, and the heating base body can generate and radiate infrared light by exciting the infrared radiation layer under a state in which electricity is applied and heated.

[0090] By implementing the present application, beneficial effects are achieved as follows.

[0091] The present application describes a method in which, upon detection of a heating operation signal for an aerosol generating substrate contained in an aerosol generating device, a microwave heating element or a laser heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate from the current temperature to a preheating temperature and maintaining it until an inhalation action occurs. Subsequently, upon detection of an inhalation action, the microwave heating element or a laser heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate to a corresponding target temperature and maintaining it until the next inhalation action occurs. Here, the target temperature and the current number of inhalations correspond to each other, and the target temperature of the first inhalation is higher than the preheating temperature but lower than the target temperature of subsequent inhalations. This configuration effectively lowers the water vapor content and temperature of the aerosol in the first inhalation, thereby preventing the problem of the aerosol being excessively hot and burning the mouth when the user takes the first inhalation, and thus can enhance the inhalation experience.

[0092] The above embodiments describe some embodiments of the present application, and while the description is quite specific and detailed, it will be understood that this should not be understood as a limitation on the scope of the patent of the present application; above all, those skilled in the art may freely combine the above embodiments or technical features and make multiple modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present application, and all of these fall within the scope of protection of the present application, that is, the embodiments described in “some embodiments” may be freely combined with any of the above and below embodiments; therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made under the claims of the present application should fall within the scope of the claims according to the present application.

Claims

Claim 1 A heating control method for an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element, and the heating element is a microwave heating element or a laser heating element; and the heating control method comprises: a preheating step: when a heating operation signal of an aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating device is detected, a step of controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate from a current temperature to a preheating temperature and maintaining it until an inhalation operation occurs; and an inhalation heating step: when an inhalation operation occurs, a step of controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate so that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate reaches a corresponding target temperature and maintaining it until the next inhalation operation occurs; wherein, the target temperature corresponds to the current inhalation volume, and the target temperature of the first inhalation is higher than the preheating temperature and lower than or equal to the target temperature of other inhalations. Claim 2 A heating control method for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the target temperature of the i-th sip is higher than or equal to the target temperature of the (i-1)-th sip, i=2, 3, 4, … , N, and N is a threshold value for the number of inhaled sips. Claim 3 A heating control method for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the difference between the first target temperature and the preheating temperature is greater than the difference between the second target temperature and the first target temperature. Claim 4 A heating control method for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature range of the preheating temperature is 100℃ to 188℃. Claim 5 In claim 1, the suction heating step comprises: a heating sub-step: when the occurrence of a suction operation is detected, a step of controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate by a first preset power within a first preset time period; a temperature control sub-step: after the first preset time period ends, if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is lower than the target temperature, a step of controlling the heating element to heat the aerosol generating substrate by a second preset power within a second preset time period; and if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate is higher than or equal to the target temperature, a step of controlling the heating element to stop heating the aerosol generating substrate within a third preset time period; wherein, the second preset power is smaller than the first preset power, the heating control method of an aerosol generating device. Claim 6 An aerosol generating device comprises: a heating element, which is a microwave heating element or a laser heating element; and a control assembly; wherein the control assembly is configured such that, when a heating operation signal of an aerosol generating substrate contained in the aerosol generating device is detected, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate from a current temperature to a preheating temperature and maintaining it until an inhalation operation occurs; wherein, when an inhalation operation occurs, the heating element is controlled to heat the aerosol generating substrate, thereby causing the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate to reach a corresponding target temperature and maintaining it until the next inhalation operation occurs, wherein the target temperature and the current number of inhaled breaths correspond to each other, and the target temperature of the first breath is higher than the preheating temperature and lower than or equal to the target temperature of the other breaths. Claim 7 An aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the i-th target temperature is higher than or equal to the (i-1)-th target temperature, i=2, 3, 4, … , N, and N is the threshold value for the number of inhaled sips. Claim 8 An aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the temperature range of the preheating temperature is 100℃ to 188℃. Claim 9 An aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the microwave heating element is located around the outer circumference or inside the aerosol generating substrate. Claim 10 An aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the laser heating element is an infrared heating element, and the infrared heating element is located around the outer circumference or inside the aerosol generating substrate.

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