Aerosol generating device and control method thereof

Abstract

In an aerosol generating device (10) and a method for controlling the same, the method comprises: a step (S11) of controlling power to output power to a heater (101) so that the heater (101) is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature; and a step (S12) of controlling power to output power to the heater (101) according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range during the period when the heater (101) is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature, thereby adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device (10), and by controlling power to output power to the heater (101) according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range and adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device (10), the problem of poor user experience due to excessive noise is prevented and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smoking device technology, and in particular to an aerosol generating device and a method for controlling the same. Background Technology

[0002] For example, products such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to produce smoke. Attempts have already been made to provide substitutes for such tobacco-burning products through products that release compounds in a non-combustion state. Examples of this type of product are so-called heated non-combustion products, also referred to as tobacco heating products, tobacco heating devices, or aerosol generating devices, which release compounds by heating the material rather than burning it. For example, the material may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products or combinations, such as mixtures containing or not containing nicotine.

[0003] Conventional aerosol generators enter the inhalation phase after the heater temperature rises to a preset level during the preheating process and maintains that temperature for a certain period. The problem with such devices is that mechanical vibrations are prone to occur during the inhalation phase, which generates noise and results in a poor user experience. The problem to be solved

[0004] The present application aims to solve the problem of noise existing in conventional aerosol generating devices by providing a conventional aerosol generating device. means of solving the problem

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heater and a power source for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and the method comprises the steps of: controlling the power source to output power to the heater so that the heater is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature; and, during the period in which the heater is within the desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature, controlling the power source to output power to the heater according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range to adjust the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device.

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

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

[0008] In one example, the amount of change in the power parameter includes the 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 noise decibel value to below a reference decibel value.

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

[0010] In one example, the method comprises the step of controlling the power supply to alternately output power to the heater 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 noise decibel value is adjusted by limiting the alternating frequency of the first power parameter and the second power parameter.

[0012] In one example, the first power parameter and the second power parameter both include voltage, and the voltage value of the second power parameter is equal to 0.

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

[0014] In one example, the aerosol generating device further includes a voltage regulating circuit connected to a power source; and the method further includes the step of controlling the voltage regulating circuit to output 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 different voltages.

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

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

[0018] The aerosol generating device further includes a switching circuit; and the method further includes the step of controlling the switching frequency of the switching circuit to adjust the frequency at which the power source changes the power output.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heater and a power source for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and the method comprises the steps of: controlling the power source to output power to the heater so that the heater is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature; and, during the period in which the heater is within the desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature, controlling the power source to intermittently output power to the heater and adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device by limiting the frequency of the power output operation.

[0020] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides an aerosol generating device comprising: a power source; a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol; a controller configured to control the power source to output power to the heater so that the heater is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature; and, during the period that the heater is within the desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature, to control the power source to output power to the heater according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range, thereby adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device.

[0021] In one example, it further includes a voltage regulating circuit; said voltage regulating circuit is configured to regulate the voltage supplied to the heater under the control of said controller.

[0022] In one example, the voltage regulating circuit includes a boost circuit and / or a step-down circuit.

[0023] In one example, the voltage regulating circuit includes at least one of 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 resistance heating element connected to a power source, and the controller is configured to adjust the noise decibel value of the heater when a changing current flows through the resistance heating element.

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

[0026] In one example, the heater is composed of a long, slender heater that is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate to perform heating.

[0027] In one example, a switching circuit is further included; said switching circuit is configured to conduct or interrupt the electrical connection between the battery cell and the heater under the control of said controller.

[0028] In one example, the switching circuit comprises a first switching transistor and a second switching transistor; the first switching transistor and the second switching transistor both comprise an input connection terminal, an output connection terminal, and a control terminal; the control terminal of the first switching transistor is used to receive control from the controller, the input connection terminal of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor, and 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. Effects of the invention

[0029] The control method for an aerosol generating device provided by the present application controls the power supply to output power to a heater according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range, thereby adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device, preventing the problem of poor user experience due to excessive noise and improving the user experience. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] One or more embodiments are described illustratively through the drawings corresponding thereto, but such illustrative description is not limiting to the embodiments, components having the same reference numeral in the drawings represent similar components, and the drawings in the drawings are not limited in proportion except as specifically described. FIG. 1 is a diagram of a control method for an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a drawing of an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 is a temperature curve of a heater provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 is a voltage waveform of a heater provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a voltage adjustment circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 6 is a drawing of another one-voltage adjustment circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7 is a diagram of another one-voltage adjustment circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 8 is a drawing of another voltage adjustment circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 9 is a drawing of another aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 10 is a drawing of another aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 11 is a diagram of a switching circuit of another aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 12 is another voltage waveform diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] To facilitate understanding of the present application, the present application will be described further in detail below with reference to the attached drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when one element is said to be "fixed" to another element, it may be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When one element is said to be "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "inside," "outside," and similar terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art of this application. The terms used in the description of this application within this specification are intended to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. As used herein, “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a control method for an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] The above-described aerosol generating device includes a heater for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate; the heater may be configured as a rim or circumferential heating structure (a structure in which the heater surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate) and may also be configured as a central heating structure (a structure in which the rim portion of the heater is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate). The heating method may be resistance heating, infrared heating, electromagnetic heating, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0035] The above method includes the following steps.

[0036] Step S11: Control the power supply to output power to the heater, thereby ensuring that the heater is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature;

[0037] Step S12: During the period when the heater is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature, power is controlled to output power to the heater according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range, thereby adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device.

[0038] When the heater is in a desired temperature range or maintained at a target temperature, the user can inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device within a preset duration. Generally, the target temperature is between 150°C and 350°C, or between 150°C and 300°C, or between 150°C and 250°C, or between 150°C and 200°C. The desired temperature range can be adjusted up or down depending on the target temperature.

[0039] By controlling the power supply to output power to the heater according to at least one predetermined value or power parameter within a predetermined range, the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device can be controlled to a range acceptable to the user. As an example, the user wants the noise decibel value generated by the aerosol generating device to be limited to a reference decibel value or lower so that the vibration noise generated by the aerosol generating device when the user inhales does not affect the user's experience, for example, to be limited to a reference decibel value of 45 dB or lower. As a preferred embodiment, for example, the noise decibel value generated by the aerosol generating device is limited to a range acceptable to the user, such as 0 dB - 32 dB, 0 dB - 30 dB, 0 dB - 26 dB, 0 dB - 20 dB, or 5 dB - 20 dB.

[0040] The above power parameter includes at least one of current, voltage, and frequency, and / or a parameter derived based on at least one of current, voltage, and frequency, such as a change amount, a rate of change, etc.

[0041] A preferred embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8 below.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (10) includes a heater (101), a controller (102), and a battery cell (103).

[0043] The heater (101) generates heat based on the power provided by the battery cell (103) to heat the product (20) placed in the aerosol generating device (10), thereby allowing the aerosol forming substrate in the product (20) to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 2, the heater (101) may form a periphery or circumferential heating structure (a structure in which the heater surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate), and the heating method may be electric resistance heating, infrared radiation heating, electromagnetic heating, etc.

[0045] The controller (102) is connected to the heater (101) and the battery cell (103) respectively, and controls the power supplied by the battery cell (103) to the heater (101) or the power output to the heater (101), thereby controlling the heating temperature of the heater (101) to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and generate an aerosol.

[0046] The controller (102) may also be configured to perform a control method of the aerosol generating device (10).

[0047] The aerosol generating device (10) may further include a storage medium for storing a program for executing a control method of the aerosol generating device (10), and the controller (102) may implement a control method of the aerosol generating device (10) by reading and executing the control method program of the aerosol generating device (10) stored in the storage medium. The storage medium may be an independent storage device provided in the aerosol generating device (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.

[0048] The power source battery cell (103) is intended to supply power to the heater (101) and the controller (102). The battery cell (103) may be a rechargeable battery cell and may also be a non-rechargeable power cell.

[0049] In the example of FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (10) further includes a voltage regulating circuit (104) coupled between a heater (101) and a battery cell (103); the voltage regulating circuit (104) includes a boost circuit and / or a step-down circuit. For example, at least one of the BUCK-BOOST conversion circuit shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, the BOOST conversion circuit shown in FIG. 6, the BUCK conversion circuit shown in FIG. 7, the CUK conversion circuit (not shown), the ZETA conversion circuit (not shown), and the SEPIC conversion circuit (not shown).

[0050] The voltage adjustment circuit (104) includes a switching transistor, and by controlling the duty cycle and / or switching frequency of the switching transistor of the voltage adjustment circuit (104), the voltage of the power signal supplied to the heater (101) is adjusted so that the amount of change of the current flowing to the heater (101) is maintained within a preset range, and furthermore, the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device (10) can be controlled.

[0051] 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 and a temperature detection module having a resistance temperature coefficient. In a preferred embodiment, the heater (101) itself may have a resistance temperature coefficient, and the real-time temperature of the heater (101) may be determined by the resistance value of the heater (101).

[0052] 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.

[0053] In the temperature curve of the heater shown in Fig. 3, the horizontal coordinate t of the temperature curve indicates time, and the vertical coordinate T indicates temperature.

[0054] At time t0, the initial temperature of the heater (101) is T0.

[0055] In the example of Fig. 3, the initial temperature is higher than the ambient temperature; in other examples, the initial temperature may be the ambient temperature.

[0056] In the time interval t0 to t1, the controller (102) controls the power of the heater (101) to heat it to a maximum power or another preset power, e.g., a maximum power of 36W; at time t1, the heater (101) is heated to a preset temperature T1.

[0057] The preset temperature may be the optimal temperature at which the aerosol-forming substrate generates an aerosol, that is, a temperature at which the aerosol-forming substrate can provide a vapor volume and temperature that is most suitable for the user to inhale and has a good taste under that temperature. The preset temperature used in the present embodiment is between 150°C and 350°C, or between 180°C and 350°C, or between 220°C and 350°C, or between 220°C and 300°C, or between 220°C and 280°C, or between 220°C and 260°C.

[0058] In the time interval t1 to t2, the controller (102) controls the power supplied by the battery cell (103) to the heater (101) and controls the heater (101) to be maintained at a preset temperature T1 (220°C) for a set period (i.e., the time interval t1 to t2). It should be noted that in other embodiments, it is also possible not to set the time interval t1 to t2.

[0059] At time t2, the controller (102) may output a prompt signal for aerosol inhalation to induce inhalation in the user. Specifically, a prompt device connected to the controller (102) may perform a prompt operation according to the prompt signal for aerosol inhalation possible output by the controller (102). For example, if the prompt device is a vibration motor, the vibration motor prompts the user for aerosol inhalation possible according to the prompt signal for aerosol inhalation possible (including an operating signal for controlling the vibration motor) output by the controller (102); if the prompt device is an LED lamp, the LED lamp brightens or blinks according to the prompt signal for aerosol inhalation possible output by the controller (102) to prompt the user for aerosol inhalation possible.

[0060] In the time interval t2 to t3, after outputting a prompt signal indicating that aerosol inhalation is possible, the controller (102) controls the power supplied by the battery cell (103) to the heater (101) and controls the temperature of the heater (101) to drop from T1 to the target temperature T2. After that, the controller (102) controls the power supplied by the battery cell (103) to the heater (101) so that the heater (101) maintains the target temperature T2.

[0061] Here, the values ​​of the t2 to t3 time periods may be 120 seconds to 360 seconds or a period of 6 to 20 inhalations.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 4, during the time interval t2 to t3, the power parameters of the power supplied to the heater (101) include a first power parameter and a second power parameter that are supplied alternately, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the first power parameter and the second power parameter include voltage, and the voltage waveform supplied by the power supply is a square wave. In the square wave, the voltage supplied by the power supply 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 noise decibel value generated by the aerosol generating device (10) to a user-acceptable range, Vmax and Vmin are,

[0063] (Vmax - Vmin) / RX=I V The relationship is satisfied, where RX is the resistance value of the heater (101) and IV is the amount of current change of the power signal, and the preset range is between 0 and 5A, or between 0 and 4A, or between 0 and 3A, or between 0 and 2A, or between 0 and 1A, or between 0 and 0.5A, or between 0 and 0.2A. If the resistance value of the heater (101) is constant, the amount of voltage change of the power supplied to the heater (101) is also within the corresponding preset range.

[0064] As shown in the specific circuit diagram of FIG. 5, an asynchronous step-down circuit and a step-up circuit are coupled between the battery cell (103) (indicated as BAT in the drawing) and the heater (101) (OUT+ and OUT- in the drawing are the heater (101)).

[0065] For example, in the time period t0 to t1 of FIG. 4, the switching transistor Q3 conducts, the asynchronous step-down circuit does not operate, and the BOOST step-up circuit composed of the switching transistor Q7 and the switching transistor Q6 operates to output a DC voltage higher than the voltage amplitude of the battery cell (103), thereby causing the heater (101) to heat up to a preset temperature T1.

[0066] When the heater (101) is heated to a preset temperature T1, the switching transistor Q6 is controlled to conduct and the switching transistor Q7 is blocked, that is, the BOOST boost circuit stops operating; then, the controller (102) controls the switching transistor Q14 so that the switching transistor Q3 outputs a PWM pulse signal, thereby causing the asynchronous buck circuit composed of the switching transistor Q3, diode D7, inductor L1, switching transistor Q6, capacitors C12 and C9 to conduct, and the voltage of the power applied to the heater (101) drops and the temperature drops as well. When the temperature of the heater (101) drops from T1 to T2, the voltage at this time cannot create a trend of the temperature of the heater (101) rising, so the BOOST boost circuit is activated again to raise the temperature of the heater (101) and reach the preset temperature value T2. In the time 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), thereby maintaining the amount of change of the current flowing through the heater (101) within a preset range, suppressing the amplitude of the mechanical vibration generated by the heater (101) in the changing environment of the magnetic field generated by the action of the changing current, and further controlling the noise decibel value generated by the aerosol generating device (10).

[0067] Noise tests are performed for different current change amounts.

[0068] Test Quantity (Qty): 10;

[0069] Test method: Position the aerosol generator 10 mm away from the noise collector and perform real-time noise data collection for the aerosol generator operating in a completely silent measurement laboratory; after the aerosol generator is inserted into the product (cigarette) and activated, observe the average noise value during the constant temperature phase (time t2 to t3);

[0070] Test conditions: Measured laboratory floor noise was 19 dB;

[0071] Test device: A5 audio analyzer;

[0072] Judgment criteria: Environmental noise standards: 0dB - 30dB is defined as very quiet, 30dB - 50dB as quiet, and 50dB - 70dB as relatively quiet.

[0073] Noise test results:

[0074]

[0075] From the above test results, when the change in current flowing through the heater (101) is between 1A and 5A, a squeaking sound is heard, but the test decibel is within the range acceptable to the user (quiet range); when the change in current flowing through the heater (101) is 1A or less, almost no sound is heard when one puts their ear close, so the user experience is the best. As the change in current flowing through the heater (101) decreases, the decibel value of the test also decreases accordingly.

[0076] With reference to FIGS. 9 to 12 below, another preferred embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 9, unlike the example in FIG. 2, the heater (1001) of the aerosol generating device (100) is configured with a central heating structure (a structure in which the edge 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) of the aerosol generating device (100) are similar to those described above.

[0078] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the heater (1001) may be configured as a thin, elongated heater and inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the heater (1001) may include a thin, elongated heater substrate and a resistance heating element coupled to the heater substrate, and the resistance heating element may generate heat when current flows; a battery cell (103) may be coupled to the resistance heating element of the heater (1001) via a controller (102), and the controller (102) of the aerosol-generating device (100) may output power to suppress the amplitude or frequency of mechanical vibration of the heater (1001) using appropriate power parameters when a changing current flows through the resistance heating element, thereby maintaining the noise decibel value of the heater at a low level. Here, the battery cell (103) may be a power source.

[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 10, as another example, the heater may further comprise an induction coil (1003) connected to a power source and an induction and heating element (1002) electromagnetically coupled to the induction coil (1003), wherein the induction and heating element (1002) generates heat under a changing magnetic field generated by the induction coil (1003) to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, and a battery cell (103) is connected to the induction coil (1003) through a controller (102), and the controller (102) of the aerosol-generating device may output power to the induction coil (1003) with appropriate power parameters, for example, by supplying a changing current to the induction coil at an appropriate frequency, the vibration of the induction coil (1003) can be suppressed and the noise decibel value can be maintained at a low level. Here, the battery cell (103) may be a power source.

[0080] The aerosol generating device (100) further includes a switching circuit (1004) coupled between a heater (1001) and a battery cell (103); as illustrated in FIG. 11, the switching circuit (1004) includes a switching transistor Q2 and a switching transistor Q1; both switching transistor Q2 and switching transistor Q1 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; the input terminal of switching transistor Q2 is a drain, the output terminal is a source, and the control terminal is a gate; the input terminal of switching transistor Q1 is a source, the output terminal is a drain, and the control terminal is a gate. The control terminal of switching transistor Q2 is controlled by a controller (102) to conduct or block the electrical connection between the battery cell (103) and the heater (1001). The input terminal of switching transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the control terminal of switching transistor Q1, and the output terminal of switching transistor Q2 is grounded; the input terminal of switching transistor Q1 is electrically connected to a battery cell, and the output terminal of switching transistor Q1 is electrically connected to a heater (101).

[0081] Taking the temperature curve of the heater illustrated in FIG. 3 as an example, the heater can be maintained at a target temperature by supplying output power of various magnitudes during the time intervals t2 to t3; furthermore, the controller can control the noise decibel value generated by the aerosol generating device (100) by maintaining the frequency of power parameters, such as voltage related to the power supplied to the heater, within a predetermined value or an appropriate range. As a possible embodiment, the switching frequency of the intermittent operation of the switching transistor Q2 can be controlled to maintain the frequency of change of the output voltage within an appropriate range. As a preferred method, the frequency is between 0.05Hz and 10Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 5Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 2Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 1Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 0.8Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 0.5Hz, or between 0.1Hz and 0.5Hz.

[0082] In one example, the controller controls the power to alternately provide at least two different voltages to the heater, one of which is equal to 0, i.e., to supply power to the heater intermittently. As one possible embodiment, in the time period t2 to t3 shown in FIG. 12, the voltage waveform of the power signal supplied by the power to the heater (101) is a square wave. In the corresponding 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 0.

[0083] Noise tests are performed for different switching frequencies.

[0084] Test Quantity (Qty): 10;

[0085] Test method: Position the aerosol generator 10 mm away from the noise collector and perform real-time noise data collection in a completely silent measurement laboratory; after inserting it into the product (cigarette) and operating it, observe the average noise value during the constant temperature phase (time t2 to t3);

[0086] Test conditions: Measured laboratory floor noise was 19 dB;

[0087] Test device: A5 audio analyzer;

[0088] Judgment criteria: Environmental noise standards: 0dB - 30dB is defined as very quiet, 30dB - 50dB as quiet, and 50dB - 70dB as relatively quiet.

[0089] Noise test results:

[0090]

[0091] From the test results above, it can be seen that vibration noise generated by the heater can be effectively suppressed when the frequency of change of different power supplied to the heater is low. As a preferred method, when the switching frequency of switching transistor Q2 is between 0.5Hz and 10Hz, sound is audible but the test decibel is within an acceptable range for the user (a very quiet range); when the switching frequency of switching transistor Q2 is 0.5Hz or lower, almost no sound is heard when an ear is placed close, resulting in the best user experience. As the switching frequency of switching transistor Q2 decreases, the decibel value of the test also decreases accordingly. In the embodiment, the controller may be configured to maintain the frequency of change of different power supplied to the heater at a specific value in the range of 0.5Hz to 10Hz or to change within that range.

[0092] It should be noted that the frequency control method of the power signal of FIGS. 9 to 12 is also applicable to the examples of FIGS. 2 to 8. In one example, by simultaneously controlling the change in current flowing through the heater (101) and the frequency of the intermittently supplied power signal, the noise decibel value generated by the aerosol generating device (10) is controlled.

[0093] The device embodiments described above are merely exemplary, and the units described as separated parts may or may not be physically separated, and the parts indicated as units may or may not be physical units, and may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to realize the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0094] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that each embodiment may be implemented by adding a general-purpose platform to software and may also be implemented through hardware. Those skilled in the art will understand that implementing all or part of the process of the method of the above embodiments may be accomplished by commanding the relevant hardware through a computer program, said program may be stored on a readable storage medium, and that when said program is executed, it includes the process of each embodiment of the above method. Here, said storage medium may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0095] Finally, it must be noted that although the present application has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments, the present application is not limited to the embodiments described above. Under the spirit of the present application, the technical features of the embodiments or different embodiments may also be combined with one another, the steps may be implemented in any order, and many other variations of other aspects of the present application as described above exist and have not been described in detail for the sake of brevity. A person skilled in the art to which the present application pertains may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the present application as described in the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heater and a power source for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and the method comprises: a step of controlling the power source to output power to the heater so that the heater is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature; a step of controlling the power source during the period in which the heater is within the desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature to limit the amount of change of a power parameter to within a predetermined value or a predetermined range; and a step of outputting power to the heater according to at least one of a condition to limit the rate of change of a power parameter to within a predetermined value or a predetermined range, thereby adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device. Claim 2 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power parameter comprises at least one of current and voltage, and / or a parameter derived based on at least one of current and voltage. Claim 3 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein power is output to the heater according to a changeable power parameter by controlling the power supply, and the noise decibel value is adjusted by limiting the amount of change of the power parameter. Claim 4 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the amount of change in the power parameter includes the amount of change in current or voltage; and controlling the amount of change in current or voltage to limit the noise decibel value to a reference decibel value or less. Claim 5 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the amount of change in the power parameter includes the amount of change in current, and the amount of change in current is controlled to be between 0 and 5A, or between 0 and 4A, or between 0 and 3A, or between 0 and 2A, or between 0 and 1A, or between 0 and 0.5A, or between 0 and 0.2A. Claim 6 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein power is controlled to alternately output power to the heater 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. Claim 7 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the noise decibel value is adjusted by limiting the alternating frequency of the first power parameter and the second power parameter. Claim 8 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the first power parameter and the second power parameter both include voltage, and the voltage value of the second power parameter is 0. Claim 9 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the real-time temperature of the heater is monitored and the voltage supplied by the power source to the heater is controlled according to the temperature value. Claim 10 In claim 9, the aerosol generating device further comprises a voltage regulating circuit connected to a power source; and the method further comprises the step of controlling the voltage regulating circuit to output different voltages to the heater. Claim 11 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the voltage regulating circuit comprises a switching transistor; and further comprises the step of controlling the duty ratio and / or switching frequency of the switching transistor to output different voltages. Claim 12 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply is controlled to alternately output at least two different powers to a heater, and the noise decibel value generated by the aerosol generating device is adjusted by limiting the changing frequency of the at least two different powers. Claim 13 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the changing frequency of at least two different powers is limited to between 0.05Hz and 10Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 5Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 2Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 1Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 0.8Hz, or between 0.05Hz and 0.5Hz, or between 0.1Hz and 0.5Hz. Claim 14 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a switching circuit; and further comprises the step of controlling the switching frequency of the switching circuit to adjust the frequency at which the power source changes the power output. Claim 15 A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heater and a power source for heating an aerosol forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and the method comprises: a step of controlling the power source to output power to the heater so that the heater is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature; and a step of controlling the power source to intermittently output power to the heater and limiting the frequency of the power output operation during the period in which the heater is within the desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature, thereby adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device. Claim 16 An aerosol generating device comprising: a power source; a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol; a controller configured to control the power source to output power to the heater so that the heater is within a desired temperature range or maintains a target temperature; a condition for controlling the power source to limit the amount of change of a power parameter to within a predetermined value or a predetermined range during the period in which the heater is within the desired temperature range or maintains the target temperature, and a condition for limiting the rate of change of a power parameter to within a predetermined value or a predetermined range, by outputting power to the heater according to at least one of these conditions, thereby adjusting the decibel value of the noise generated by the aerosol generating device. Claim 17 An aerosol generating device according to claim 16, further comprising a voltage regulating circuit; wherein the voltage regulating circuit is configured to regulate the voltage supplied to the heater under the control of the controller. Claim 18 In paragraph 17, the above voltage regulating circuit comprises a step-up circuit and / or a step-down circuit, an aerosol generating device. Claim 19 In claim 18, the above voltage adjustment circuit comprises at least one of 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, an aerosol generating device. Claim 20 An aerosol generating device according to claim 16, wherein the heater comprises a resistance heating element connected to a power source, and the controller is configured to adjust the noise decibel value of the heater when a changing current flows through the resistance heating element. Claim 21 An aerosol generating device according to claim 16, wherein the heater comprises an induction coil connected to a power source and an induction and heating element electromagnetically coupled to the induction coil, and the controller is configured to adjust the noise decibel value of the induction coil when a changing current flows through the induction coil. Claim 22 In claim 16, the above-mentioned heater is composed of a thin, long heater that is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate to perform heating, an aerosol generating device. Claim 23 An aerosol generating device according to claim 22, further comprising a switching circuit; wherein the switching circuit is configured to conduct or interrupt the electrical connection between the battery cell and the heater under the control of the controller. Claim 24 In claim 23, the switching circuit comprises a first switching transistor and a second switching transistor; the first switching transistor and the second switching transistor both comprise an input connection terminal, an output connection terminal, and a control terminal; the control terminal of the first switching transistor is used to receive control from the controller, the input connection terminal of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor, and 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, an aerosol generating device.

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