Aerosol-generating device and temperature control method thereof

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions which relate to devices imitating smoking. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating element (302) and a casing (301). The heating element (302) and the casing wall (301) are at least partially spaced apart. The heating element (302) is used to generate infrared light. The casing wall (301) is used to transmit infrared light. The device comprises a first temperature detection unit used to determine the temperature of the casing wall, a second temperature detection unit used to determine the temperature of the heating element (302). The device also comprises a control unit used to output a target control temperature in accordance with a set temperature and a casing wall temperature, process the heating element temperature and the target control temperature using a given algorithm, and adjust the power supply of the heating element (302). A method for regulating the temperature of an aerosol generating device is claimed.EFFECT: increase in the density and stability of aerosol spraying.18 cl, 7 dwg

Description

[0001] FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of atomization by heating without combustion, and in particular to an aerosol generating device and a temperature control method therefor.

[0003] STATE OF THE ART

[0004] An aerosol generating device is a device that heats an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. Current aerosol generating devices use conduction to heat the aerosol-generating substrate. Specifically, a heating element transfers heat to the aerosol-generating substrate by conduction after heating. Due to the characteristics of conduction heating, the temperature difference between the aerosol-generating substrates at different distances from the heating element is large, and the conduction process is delayed, resulting in problems of incomplete atomization and uneven spray volume at different stages of atomization.

[0005] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device and a temperature control method therefor.

[0007] The technical solutions used in this description to solve the technical problems are to create an aerosol generating device, including:

[0008] heating element and

[0009] casing;

[0010] The heating element and the housing wall are at least partially spaced apart. The heating element is configured to generate infrared light, and the housing wall is configured to allow the infrared light to pass through it.

[0011] The device also includes:

[0012] a first temperature receiving unit configured to receive a temperature of the casing wall;

[0013] a second temperature receiving unit configured to receive the temperature of the heating element; and

[0014] a control unit configured to output a target control temperature based on a set temperature and a casing wall temperature, process the temperature of the heating element and the target control temperature using a predetermined algorithm, and adjust the power supply to the heating element.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the control unit is configured to: output a first target temperature when the casing wall temperature is less than a predetermined temperature, and output a second target temperature when the casing wall temperature is not less than the predetermined temperature. The first target temperature is greater than the second target temperature.

[0016] The control unit is configured to process the temperature of the heating element and the target control temperature using a PID control algorithm and adjust the power supply to the heating element; and the target control temperature includes a first target temperature and a second target temperature.

[0017] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the first target temperature is a temperature at which the heating element is capable of emitting infrared light, and the wavelength of the infrared light is suitable for atomizing the aerosol generating substrate.

[0018] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the second target temperature does not exceed the natural temperature of the heating element without power supply.

[0019] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the second target temperature is in the range of 0°C to 30°C.

[0020] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the control unit is configured to obtain a predetermined temperature corresponding to the current time based on a predetermined time-temperature relationship; and the predetermined time-temperature relationship is a corresponding relationship between the time and the predetermined temperature.

[0021] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the predetermined time-temperature ratio is divided into at least two time-temperature ratio zones in chronological order, and the temperature of the predetermined time-temperature ratio decreases sequentially along with each time-temperature ratio zone.

[0022] Each time-temperature relationship zone corresponds to one first target temperature; and the first target temperature decreases sequentially with each time-temperature relationship zone.

[0023] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the predetermined time-temperature relationship includes three time-temperature relationship zones: a first time-temperature relationship zone, a second time-temperature relationship zone, and a third time-temperature relationship zone.

[0024] The set temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone is greater than the set temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone; and the set temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone is greater than the set temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature relationship zone.

[0025] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention,

[0026] the set temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone is in the range of 360°C to 420°C;

[0027] the set temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone is in the range of 250°C to 360°C; and

[0028] The set temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature relationship zone is in the range of 230°C to 290°C.

[0029] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the predetermined time-temperature relationship includes three time-temperature relationship zones: a first time-temperature relationship zone, a second time-temperature relationship zone, and a third time-temperature relationship zone.

[0030] The first target temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone is greater than the first target temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone; and the first target temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone is greater than the first target temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature relationship zone.

[0031] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the first target temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone is in the range of 900°C to 1200°C;

[0032] the first target temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone is in the range of 600°C to 900°C; and

[0033] The first target temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature relationship zone is in the range of 500°C to 700°C.

[0034] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the predetermined time-temperature relationship includes three time-temperature relationship zones: a first time-temperature relationship zone, a second time-temperature relationship zone, and a third time-temperature relationship zone.

[0035] The duration of the first time-temperature relationship zone is shorter than the duration of the second time-temperature relationship zone, and the duration of the second time-temperature relationship zone is shorter than the duration of the third time-temperature relationship zone.

[0036] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the duration of the first time-temperature relationship zone is from 0 seconds to 40 seconds; the duration of the second time-temperature relationship zone is from 40 seconds to 200 seconds; and the duration of the third time-temperature relationship zone is from 200 seconds to 360 seconds.

[0037] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the heating element is located inside the casing; the heating element includes a heating base and an infrared radiation layer wrapped around the heating base; the heating element is configured to be excited after power is supplied to the infrared radiation layer to generate infrared light; and the casing is at least partially configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate.

[0038] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the casing includes an outer shell and an inner shell; wherein the inner shell is located inside the outer shell; a heating element is located between the outer shell and the inner shell; the heating element includes a heating base and an infrared radiation layer wrapped around the heating base; the heating element is configured to be excited after providing power to the infrared radiation layer to generate infrared light; the inner shell is configured to allow infrared light to pass through it; and the inner shell forms a containing cavity for containing an aerosol generating substrate.

[0039] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the control unit is also configured to detect one puff by the user when a sudden decrease in the temperature of the casing wall is detected; and a sudden decrease refers to a case in which the decrease value of the casing wall temperature over a predetermined period of time is greater than a predetermined decrease value, or the amplitude of the decrease in the casing wall temperature over a predetermined period of time is greater than a predetermined decrease amplitude.

[0040] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, the control unit is configured to search for a first target temperature corresponding to the current number of puffs, based on a corresponding relationship between the number of puffs and the first target temperature.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a temperature control method for an aerosol generating device. The device includes a heating element and a casing; the heating element and the casing wall are at least partially spaced apart from each other; power is supplied to the heating element for generating infrared light; the casing wall is configured to allow infrared light to pass through it; and the method includes the following steps:

[0042] Getting the casing wall temperature;

[0043] obtaining the set temperature and outputting the target control temperature based on the set temperature and the jacket wall temperature; and

[0044] Getting the heating element temperature; and

[0045] Output the target control temperature based on the set temperature and the shell wall temperature, process the heating element temperature and the target control temperature using the set algorithm, and adjust the power supply to the heating element.

[0046] The aerosol generating device and temperature control method for implementing the present invention have the following beneficial effects: The present invention heats the aerosol generating substrate in two ways: thermal conductivity and thermal radiation, and regulates the power supply to the heating element based on temperature feedback, so that the atomization in the entire atomization stage is more complete and the atomization volume is more stable.

[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0048] The present invention is also described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0049] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a functional diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Fig. 2 schematically shows a graph of a given time-temperature relationship according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Fig. 3 schematically shows another graph of a given time-temperature relationship according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Fig. 4 schematically shows the structure of a heating element in an embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention;

[0053] Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b schematically show the structures of a heating element in another embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention; and

[0054] Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of a temperature control method for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] In order to provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating device according to this embodiment includes a heating element and a casing. The heating element and the casing wall are at least partially spaced apart. That is, the heating element and the casing wall are not in direct contact. For example, the heating element and the casing wall are insulated with gas. Since the heating element and the casing wall are not in direct contact, heat transfer from the heating element to the casing wall by conduction is limited. As a result, the temperature of the casing wall can usually be significantly lower than the temperature of the heating element. However, some heat is still transferred to the casing wall by conduction. The casing wall then transfers heat to the aerosol-generating substrate to heat the aerosol-generating substrate by conduction.

[0058] The heating element is configured to generate infrared light. In some implementations, power is supplied to the heating element to excite an infrared radiating layer for emitting infrared light, which can be achieved by coating the surface of the heating element with the infrared radiating layer. The principle of infrared radiation is not further disclosed here. It should be understood that the function of the infrared radiating layer is to heat the aerosol-generating substrate, and the wavelength of the infrared light must match the aerosol-generating substrate, so this requirement must be met when selecting the infrared radiating layer material. Of course, different infrared radiating layers can be alternatively selected based on different aerosol-generating substrates to achieve the best heating effect by radiation.Infrared light generated by the infrared radiation layer is directed through the casing wall onto the aerosol-generating substrate to heat it. It should be noted that, compared to conductive heating, infrared heating has a certain penetrating power and can more uniformly heat the aerosol-generating substrate. If the aerosol-generating substrate is heated more uniformly, the generated aerosol will be more stable.

[0059] In some embodiments, the heating element includes a heating base and an infrared radiating layer wrapped around the heating base. The heating base includes a metal base with high-temperature oxidation resistance, such as a metal wire. The heating base may be a metal material that has good high-temperature oxidation resistance, high stability, and is difficult to deform, such as a nichrome base (such as a nichrome wire) and a fechral base (such as a fechral wire). In some embodiments, the diameter of the metal wire may be from 0.15 mm to 0.8 mm, that is, the diameter of the metal wire may be 0.15 mm or 0.8 mm, or any value from 0.15 mm to 0.8 mm.The metal wire can be bent or wound into various shapes, such as a spiral, mesh, M-shape, or N-shape. A fully bent or wound heating element can have a columnar shape, a spiral section, a mesh shape, or other three-dimensional or flat shapes with bends.

[0060] In this embodiment, the heating element also includes an oxidation-resistant layer, wherein the oxidation-resistant layer is formed between the heating base and the infrared radiating layer. Specifically, the oxidation-resistant layer may be an oxide film. The heating base is subjected to high-temperature heat treatment, and a dense oxide film is formed on the surface of the heating base. The oxide film forms an oxidation-resistant layer. Of course, it should be understood that in some other embodiments, the oxidation-resistant layer is not limited to including an oxide film formed by itself. In some other embodiments, the oxidation-resistant layer may be an oxidation-resistant coating applied to the outer surface of the heating base.The thickness of the oxidation-resistant layer can be selected from 1 μm to 150 μm, that is, the thickness of the oxidation-resistant layer can be selected from 1 μm to 150 μm or any value from 1 μm to 150 μm.

[0061] In this embodiment, the infrared emitting layer may be an infrared layer. The infrared layer may be formed on one side of the oxidation-resistant layer away from the heating base of the infrared layer-forming base by high-temperature heat treatment. Specifically, the infrared layer-forming base may be silicon carbide, spinel, or a composite base thereof. Of course, it should be understood that in some other embodiments, the infrared emitting layer is not limited to an infrared layer. In some other embodiments, the infrared emitting layer may be a composite infrared layer. Specifically, the infrared layer may be formed on the side of the oxidation-resistant layer away from the heating base by dipping, spraying, brushing, or the like.The thickness of the infrared radiation layer can be from 10 μm to 300 μm, that is, the thickness of the infrared radiation layer can be from 10 μm to 300 μm or any value from 10 μm to 300 μm.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device of this embodiment also includes a first temperature acquisition unit, a second temperature acquisition unit, and a control unit. The control unit is separately connected to the first temperature acquisition unit and the second temperature acquisition unit.

[0063] The first temperature receiving unit is configured to: receive the casing wall temperature and transmit the received casing wall temperature to the control unit. The casing wall temperature is configured to describe the current thermal state of the casing wall to better control the amount of heat transferred to the aerosol-generating substrate by thermal conductivity. Since the casing wall temperature is configured to describe the current thermal state of the casing wall, the casing wall temperature can be described by selecting a plurality of positions and can be the temperature of the outer side of the casing wall, the temperature of the inner side of the casing wall, the temperature of a region near the casing wall, etc. After selecting various positions for selection, correction and conversion are performed based on the differences between the temperatures at the positions and the actual casing wall temperature.For example, the temperature of a region near the casing wall is selected as the casing wall temperature. Since in some cases the temperature of the region near the casing wall may be lower than the actual casing wall temperature, the temperature of the region near the casing wall must be adjusted by a certain amount to obtain a casing wall temperature that accurately represents the current thermal state of the casing wall. If necessary, the first temperature acquisition unit may use a temperature sensor, temperature measuring film, thermocouple, thermistor, or the like, or may use another temperature measurement technology. This is not limited to the embodiment described.

[0064] The second temperature receiving unit is configured to receive the temperature of the heating element and transmit the received temperature to the control unit. The temperature of the heating element enables the current thermal state of the heating element to be described, the infrared light emitted by the infrared light layer to be controlled, and the amount of heat transferred from the heating element to the casing wall via thermal conductivity to be synchronously affected. When measuring the temperature of the heating element, the temperature can be measured directly at different parts of the heating element. For example, the temperature of the central part or the edge of the heating element is measured, and the temperatures of the different parts are used as the true temperature of the heating element after correction and conversion.Alternatively, a temperature sensing element connected in series with the heating element may be selected for indirect temperature measurement. If necessary, the second temperature acquisition unit may use a temperature sensor, temperature sensing film, thermocouple, thermistor, or the like, or may use another temperature sensing technology. This is not limited to the technology described in this embodiment.

[0065] The control unit receives the casing wall temperature and the heating element temperature. The target control temperature is initially derived from the set temperature and the casing wall temperature. The target control temperature is the target temperature adjusted for the heating element, that is, the temperature the heating element reaches after adjustment.In addition, the control unit is configured to process the heating element temperature and the target control temperature using a predetermined algorithm, for example, configured to process the heating element temperature and the target control temperature using a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control algorithm, a fuzzy control algorithm, or an object control algorithm, and generate a control command for controlling the power supply unit to supply output power, thereby regulating the power supply to the heating element and allowing the casing wall temperature to reach a predetermined temperature after supplying power to the heating element. Consequently, the atomization of the aerosol generating device is more complete, and the atomization volume is more stable.

[0066] In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated by two methods: thermal conductivity and thermal radiation, so that the aerosol-generating substrate is heated more uniformly. Power supply to the heating element is controlled by monitoring the housing wall temperature, so that both the housing wall temperature and the heating element temperature are maintained at predetermined optimal conditions. This results in more complete atomization throughout the entire atomization process, and a more stable atomization volume.

[0067] In an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to process the temperature of the heating element and the target control temperature based on a PID control algorithm to adjust the power supply to the heating element. The target control temperature is a target temperature controlled by the heating element and includes a first target temperature and a second target temperature. Specifically, after obtaining the casing wall temperature, the control unit compares the casing wall temperature with a predetermined temperature, outputs the first target temperature when the casing wall temperature is less than the predetermined temperature, and outputs the second target temperature when the casing wall temperature is not less than the predetermined temperature.The first target temperature is a temperature at which the heating element can emit infrared light, and the infrared light has a suitable wavelength for atomizing the aerosol-generating substrate. The so-called "temperature suitable for atomizing the aerosol-generating substrate" means that the aerosol-generating substrate has a better or superior atomization effect at this temperature. It should be understood that different aerosol-generating substrates correspond to different suitable temperatures, and suitable temperatures must be selected adaptively based on the aerosol-generating substrates. In some embodiments, the temperature suitable for atomizing the aerosol-generating substrate is from 500°C to 1200°C. If necessary, the range of values ​​of the "temperature suitable for atomizing the aerosol-generating substrate" represents the range of values ​​of the first target temperature.The second target temperature does not exceed the natural temperature of the heating element without power supply, and the first target temperature exceeds the second target temperature. It should be noted that the natural temperature of the heating element without power supply is the temperature of the heating element when the heating element is not heated, or can be understood as the temperature of the heating element that is only in the natural state, but does not include the temperature at which the heating element has not cooled to the natural temperature state during the heating pause period after the heating element is heated. For example, when the casing wall temperature is 240°C and the set casing wall temperature is 250°C, the casing wall temperature is lower than the set temperature, so the heating element temperature must be increased to increase the amount of infrared light emission.Thus, the casing wall temperature rises to the set temperature. Therefore, in this case, the target temperature adjusted for the heating element is set as the first target temperature. Another example is when the casing wall temperature is 260°C and the set casing wall temperature is 250°C. In this case, the casing wall temperature exceeds the set temperature, so the heating element temperature must be reduced to reduce the amount of infrared radiation emitted. Thus, the casing wall temperature drops to the set temperature. Therefore, in this case, the target temperature adjusted for the heating element is set as the second target temperature.The purpose of this adjustment is to regulate the temperature of the heating element so that it is within the temperature range in which infrared light is generated, thereby increasing the contribution of the radiation to heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0068] Furthermore, considering the differences in the operating conditions of the aerosol generating device during operating stages such as the preheating stage and the puffing stage, in this embodiment, the set temperature is a time-varying variable. The control unit starts counting time after the heating element starts heating and is configured to obtain a set temperature corresponding to the current time based on a predetermined time-temperature relationship. The predetermined time-temperature relationship is the corresponding relationship between time and the set temperature, and the predetermined time-temperature relationship is stored in the storage unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0069] If necessary, the specified time-temperature relationship is divided into at least two time-temperature relationship zones in chronological order. The relationship corresponding to a period of time in the specified time-temperature relationship is a time-temperature relationship zone. The time-temperature relationship zone is divided in chronological order starting from the time reference. Two adjacent time-temperature relationship zones are consecutive in time but do not have a repeating part in time. That is, the specified time-temperature relationship is segmented into at least two time-temperature relationship zones (the first temperature relationship zone and the second temperature relationship zone).It should be noted that the change trend of the set temperature can be considered during the division of time-temperature relationship zones, and the parts with change trends that are consistent with or with the set temperatures that are the same or similar are classified into the same time-temperature relationship zone.

[0070] Furthermore, the temperature of the predetermined time-temperature relationship decreases sequentially with each time-temperature relationship. That is, all zones of the time-temperature relationship are arranged in chronological order. The temperature of the predetermined time-temperature relationship decreases sequentially with each zone of the time-temperature relationship. In a preferred embodiment, each zone of the time-temperature relationship corresponds to one temperature value, and the temperature of the predetermined time-temperature relationship gradually decreases sequentially with each zone of the time-temperature relationship. For example, the first temperature relationship zone is usually a section corresponding to the preheating step, and the second temperature relationship zone is a section corresponding to the tightening step. The temperature in the preheating step is higher than the temperature in the tightening step. As shown in FIG.2, the given time-temperature relationship in the figure is divided into at least two time-temperature relationship zones, which respectively represent a time-temperature relationship zone P1, a time-temperature relationship zone P2, ..., a time-temperature relationship zone Pn, and the like, where n is an integer greater than 1. The temperatures corresponding to the time-temperature relationship zone P1, the time-temperature relationship zone P2, ..., and the time-temperature relationship zone Pn are W1, W2, ..., and Wn, respectively. It can be seen from the figure that W1, W2, ..., and Wn decrease sequentially along with P1, P2, ..., and Pn. In some embodiments, the sources of infrared light generated by the heating element have different wavelengths in different temperature ranges.A higher heating element temperature indicates a shorter wavelength of generated infrared light, while a shorter wavelength indicates relatively reduced infrared light penetration. All time-temperature relationship zones are arranged chronologically, and each time-temperature relationship zone corresponds to a single initial target temperature. The initial target temperature decreases sequentially with each time-temperature relationship zone to control the ranges of infrared radiation emitted by the heating element, thereby controlling the amount of radiation and facilitating matching to the aerosol-generating substrate.In particular, the first target temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature ratio zone is in the range from 900°C to 1200°C, that is, the first target temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature ratio zone may be 900°C, 1200°C, or any value from 900°C to 1200°C. The first target temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature ratio zone is in the range from 600°C to 900°C, that is, the first target temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature ratio zone may be 600°C, 900°C, or any value from 600°C to 900°C. The first target temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature ratio zone is in the range from 500°C to 700°C, that is, the first target temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature ratio zone may be 500°C, 700°C, or any value from 500°C to 700°C.

[0071] In an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3, the predetermined time-temperature relationship includes three time-temperature relationship zones: a first time-temperature relationship zone, a second time-temperature relationship zone, and a third time-temperature relationship zone. The first time-temperature relationship zone is designated as T1, the second time-temperature relationship zone is designated as T2, and the third time-temperature relationship zone is designated as T3.

[0072] In addition, the set temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone is greater than the set temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone, and the set temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone is greater than the set temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature relationship zone. If necessary, the set temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone is in the range of 360°C to 420°C, that is, the set temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone may be 360°C, 420°C, or any value from 360°C to 420°C. The set temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone is in the range from 250°C to 360°C, that is, the set temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone may be 250°C, 360°C, or any value from 250°C to 360°C.The predetermined temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature ratio zone is in the range from 230°C to 290°C, i.e., the predetermined temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature ratio zone may be 230°C, 290°C, or any value from 230°C to 290°C. In some embodiments, during the puffing step (the time period corresponding to the second time-temperature ratio zone and the third time-temperature ratio zone), the effective components of the aerosol-generating substrate gradually decrease with the puffing time, and the amount of heat required for the pyrolysis of the effective components also gradually decreases. The temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature ratio zone is set lower than the temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature ratio zone in order to ensure that the aerosol-generating substrate does not generate a burning smell or a specific odor.It should be understood that the ranges of set temperatures and first target temperatures corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone, the second time-temperature relationship zone, and the third time-temperature relationship zone are ranges of values. In a specific implementation process, only one of the values ​​should be selected as the set temperature or only one of the values ​​should be selected as the first target temperature.

[0073] In the aerosol generating device according to some embodiments, the second target temperature is in the range of 0°C to 30°C. It should be understood that the second target temperature can be flexibly adjusted depending on the conditions of use of the aerosol generating device, and the range of the second target temperature at natural temperature is within the concept of this embodiment of the invention.

[0074] In an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments, the predetermined time-temperature relationship includes three time-temperature relationship zones: a first time-temperature relationship zone, a second time-temperature relationship zone, and a third time-temperature relationship zone. It should be understood that, since the temperature of the heating element in the first time-temperature relationship zone is high, the energy of the heating element that emits infrared light per unit time is high (that is, the radiant power is high). Therefore, the heating duration is relatively short. Similarly, since the temperature of the heating element decreases in the second time-temperature relationship zone and in the third time-temperature relationship zone, the energy of the heating element that emits infrared light per unit time decreases (that is, the radiant power is low).Consequently, the heating duration is relatively long. If necessary, the duration of the first time-temperature relationship zone is shorter than the duration of the second time-temperature relationship zone, and the duration of the second time-temperature relationship zone is shorter than the duration of the third time-temperature relationship zone. For example, if one work cycle is 360 seconds, the duration of the first time-temperature relationship zone is from 0 seconds to 40 seconds, the duration of the second time-temperature relationship zone is from 40 seconds to 200 seconds, and the duration of the third time-temperature relationship zone is from 200 seconds to 360 seconds.That is, within the framework of a 360-second working cycle, starting from the start of the time counting, the first time-temperature relationship zone uses a duration from 0 seconds to 40 seconds; the second time-temperature relationship zone uses a duration from 40 seconds to 200 seconds; and the third time-temperature relationship zone uses a duration from 200 seconds to 360 seconds. The examples in this document are used only to describe the principle of dividing the first time-temperature relationship zone, the second time-temperature relationship zone, and the third time-temperature relationship zone, and the adaptability adjustment can be performed based on the actual application scenario in accordance with the technical concept of this embodiment of the invention.

[0075] In the aerosol generating device, according to some embodiments, the control unit is also configured to: monitor whether a sudden decrease in the casing wall temperature occurs, and record one puff by the user when a sudden decrease in the casing wall temperature is detected. A sudden decrease refers to a case in which the decrease in the casing wall temperature over a predetermined period of time is greater than a predetermined decrease value, or the decrease in the casing wall temperature amplitude over a predetermined period of time is greater than a predetermined decrease amplitude. The predetermined decrease amplitude is a predetermined decrease amplitude. The predetermined decrease amplitude is a value that is predetermined and is configured to evaluate the change trend of the casing wall temperature.The amplitude of the temperature reduction can be defined as the percentage of the current temperature reduction relative to the previous temperature. For example, the previous temperature is 300°C, and the current temperature is 270°C. Therefore, the current temperature reduction relative to the previous temperature is 30°C, and the amplitude of the reduction is 10%. It should be understood that when a user takes a puff, a large amount of aerosol can be quickly generated, and the heat of the casing wall can be quickly consumed. Meanwhile, a large amount of cold air is supplied to absorb the heat of the casing wall. Therefore, this process can quickly reduce the heat of the casing wall and quickly lower the casing wall temperature in a short time.In this embodiment, the number of puffs of the user is detected by monitoring the sudden change in the temperature of the casing wall, and no additional control hardware is required, thereby realizing the counting of the number of puffs without increasing costs.

[0076] In an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device also includes a storage unit configured to store a corresponding ratio between the number of puffs and the first target temperature. Typically, the aerosol-generating device has an approximate number of puffs in an operating cycle. For example, one block of an aerosol-generating substrate has from 12 puffs to 16 puffs. After the start of a new operating cycle, the control unit counts the number of puffs in this cycle, is configured to search for the first target temperature corresponding to the current number of puffs based on the corresponding ratio between the number of puffs and the first target temperature, and uses the obtained first target temperature for the control process according to the above embodiment.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the heating element 302 is located inside the casing 301. The casing 301 and the heating element 302 are installed on the base 303, and the casing 301 is at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate. The heating element 302 and a part of the wall of the casing 301 are at least partially spaced from each other. The surface of the heating element 302 is covered with an infrared radiation layer. The heating element 302 is provided with a power supply for exciting the infrared radiation layer to emit infrared light. The heating element 302 emits infrared light through the casing 301 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate located outside the casing 301.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, with reference to Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, structures corresponding to another embodiment according to the present invention are schematically shown. In particular, the casing includes an outer shell 401 and an inner shell 402. The inner shell 402 is located inside the outer shell 401. A gap is provided between the outer shell 401 and the inner shell 402. The gap between the outer shell 401 and the inner shell 402 forms a first containing cavity. The first containing cavity is configured to receive a heating element 403. That is, the heating element 403 is located between the outer shell 401 and the inner shell 402, and the heating element 403 surrounds the inner shell 402 along the entire circumference. A second containing cavity is formed within the inner shell 402, and the second containing cavity is configured to contain an aerosol-generating substrate.Heating element 403 is provided with a power supply for exciting the infrared radiation layer to emit infrared light, and inner shell 402 allows infrared light to pass through it to heat the aerosol-generating substrate. 404 is a gap between heating element 403 and outer shell 401. If necessary, outer shell 401 and inner shell 402 are columnar, for example, cylinders.

[0079] As required, the heating element can be a single-spiral, double-spiral or N-shaped structure formed by winding the heating wire, or it can be a barrel-shaped, sheet-shaped or column-shaped.

[0080] In particular, as shown in Fig. 6, the temperature control method for an aerosol generating device includes the following steps:

[0081] Step S1. Obtaining the casing wall temperature.

[0082] In particular, the first temperature receiving unit of the aerosol generating device is configured to: receive the temperature of the casing wall and transmit the received temperature of the casing wall to the control unit. The temperature of the casing wall is configured to describe the current thermal state of the casing wall in order to better control the amount of heat transferred to the aerosol generating substrate by thermal conductivity. Since the temperature of the casing wall is configured to describe the current thermal state of the casing wall, the temperature of the casing wall can be described by selecting a plurality of positions and can be the temperature of the outer side of the casing wall, the temperature of the inner side of the casing wall, the temperature of the region near the casing wall, etc. After selecting various positions for selection, correction and conversion are performed based on the differences between the temperatures at the positions and the true temperature of the casing wall.For example, the temperature of a region near the casing wall is selected as the casing wall temperature. Since the temperature of the region near the casing wall may be lower than the actual casing wall temperature, the temperature of the region near the casing wall must be adjusted by a certain amount to obtain a casing wall temperature that accurately represents the current thermal state of the casing wall. If necessary, the first temperature acquisition unit may use a temperature sensor, temperature measuring film, thermocouple, thermistor, or the like, or may use another temperature measurement technology. This is not limited to the technology described in this embodiment.

[0083] Step S2. Obtain the set temperature and output the target control temperature based on the set temperature and the shell wall temperature.

[0084] Specifically, after receiving the casing wall temperature, the control unit of the aerosol generating device outputs a target control temperature based on the set temperature and the casing wall temperature. The target control temperature is the target temperature adjusted for the heating element, that is, the temperature the heating element reaches after adjustment.

[0085] Step S3. Obtaining the heating element temperature.

[0086] Specifically, the second temperature receiving unit of the aerosol generating device is configured to: receive the temperature of the heating element and transmit the received temperature of the heating element to the control unit. The temperature of the heating element enables the description of the current thermal state of the heating element, the control of the infrared light emitted by the infrared radiating layer, and, of course, can simultaneously affect the amount of heat transferred from the heating element to the casing wall by thermal conductivity. When measuring the temperature of the heating element, the temperature can be measured directly at different parts of the heating element. For example, the temperature of the central part or the edge of the heating element is measured, and the temperatures of the different parts are used as the true temperature of the heating element after correction and conversion.Alternatively, a temperature sensing element connected in series with the heating element may be selected for indirect temperature measurement. If necessary, the second temperature acquisition unit may use a temperature sensor, temperature sensing film, thermocouple, thermistor, or the like, or may use another temperature sensing technology. This is not limited to the technology described in this embodiment.

[0087] Step S4. Output the target control temperature based on the set temperature and the shell wall temperature, process the heating element temperature and the target control temperature using the set algorithm, and adjust the power supply to the heating element.

[0088] Specifically, the control unit of the aerosol generating device is configured to process the temperature of the heating element and the target control temperature using a predetermined algorithm, for example, configured to process the temperature of the heating element and the target control temperature using a PID control algorithm, and generate a control command to control the power supply unit to supply output power, thereby regulating the power supply to the heating element and allowing the heating element to reach the target control temperature after supplying power. Consequently, the atomization of the aerosol generating device is more complete, and the atomization volume is more stable.

[0089] In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated in two ways: by conduction and by radiation, so that the aerosol-generating substrate is heated more uniformly. Power is supplied to the heating element by monitoring the housing wall temperature and the heating element temperature, so that both the housing wall temperature and the heating element temperature are maintained at predetermined optimal conditions. This results in more complete atomization throughout the entire atomization process, and a more stable atomization volume.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating device according to this embodiment includes a memory and a processor. The memory contains a computer program stored therein. The processor executes the steps of the temperature control method for the aerosol-generating device according to the previous embodiments by running the computer program stored in the memory.

[0091] All embodiments in this specification are described sequentially. The description of each embodiment focuses on differences from other embodiments, with identical or similar parts being mutually referenced between the embodiments. Since the device disclosed in the embodiments corresponds to the method set forth in the same embodiments, the device is described briefly, and related parts can be found in some explanations of the method.

[0092] A person skilled in the art can also understand that the blocks and steps of the algorithm of all examples described in the previous embodiments described in the present application can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. In order to clearly describe the interchangeability between hardware and software, the above generally describes the constituent parts and steps of each example based on functions. Whether the functions are performed in hardware or software mode depends on the specific applications and design conditions of the technical solutions. A person skilled in the art can use various methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but it should not be considered that the implementation goes beyond the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] The steps of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this document may be implemented directly using hardware, software modules executed by a processor, or a combination of both. A software module may be located in random access memory (RAM), a storage device, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a CD-ROM, or any other type of storage medium well known in the technical field.

[0094] The above embodiments are intended only to describe the technical concept and features of the present invention so that one skilled in the art can understand the content of the present invention and implement the present invention in accordance with the content. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent change or modification made within the scope of the claims shall be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: heating element and a housing in which the heating element and the wall of the housing are at least partially spaced apart from each other; wherein the heating element is configured to generate infrared light, and the wall of the housing is configured to allow infrared light to pass through it; The device also contains: a first temperature receiving unit configured to receive the temperature of the casing wall; a second temperature receiving unit configured to receive the temperature of the heating element; and a control unit configured to output a target control temperature based on a specified temperature and a casing wall temperature, process the heating element temperature and the target control temperature using a specified algorithm, and adjust the power supply to the heating element.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to: output a first target temperature when the temperature of the casing wall is less than a predetermined temperature, and output a second target temperature when the temperature of the casing wall is not less than the predetermined temperature; wherein the first target temperature is greater than the second target temperature; the control unit is configured to process the temperature of the heating element and the target control temperature using a PID control algorithm and adjust the power supply to the heating element; and the target control temperature comprises a first target temperature and a second target temperature.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the first target temperature is a temperature at which the heating element is capable of emitting infrared light, and the wavelength of the infrared light is suitable for atomizing the aerosol generating substrate.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the second target temperature does not exceed the natural temperature of the heating element without power being supplied.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the second target temperature is in the range of 0°C to 30°C.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to obtain a predetermined temperature corresponding to the current time based on a predetermined time-temperature ratio; and the predetermined time-temperature ratio is a corresponding ratio between time and a predetermined temperature.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the predetermined time-temperature ratio is divided into at least two time-temperature ratio zones in chronological order, and the temperature of the predetermined time-temperature ratio decreases sequentially with each time-temperature ratio zone; and each time-temperature relationship zone corresponds to one first target temperature; and the first target temperature decreases successively along with each time-temperature relationship zone.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the predetermined time-temperature relationship comprises three time-temperature relationship zones: a first time-temperature relationship zone, a second time-temperature relationship zone, and a third time-temperature relationship zone; and a predetermined temperature corresponding to a first time-temperature relationship zone is greater than a predetermined temperature corresponding to a second time-temperature relationship zone; and a predetermined temperature corresponding to a second time-temperature relationship zone is greater than a predetermined temperature corresponding to a third time-temperature relationship zone.

9. An aerosol generating device according to claim 8, in which the set temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature ratio zone is in the range from 360°C to 420°C; the set temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone is in the range from 250°C to 360°C; and The set temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature ratio zone is in the range from 230°C to 290°C.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the predetermined time-temperature relationship comprises three time-temperature relationship zones: a first time-temperature relationship zone, a second time-temperature relationship zone, and a third time-temperature relationship zone; and the first target temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone is greater than the first target temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone; and the first target temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone is greater than the first target temperature corresponding to the third time-temperature relationship zone.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the first target temperature corresponding to the first time-temperature relationship zone is in the range from 900°C to 1200°C; the first target temperature corresponding to the second time-temperature relationship zone is in the range from 600°C to 900°C; and the first target temperature, corresponding to the third time-temperature relationship zone, is in the range from 500°C to 700°C.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the predetermined time-temperature relationship comprises three time-temperature relationship zones: a first time-temperature relationship zone, a second time-temperature relationship zone, and a third time-temperature relationship zone; and the duration of the first zone of the time-temperature relationship is less than the duration of the second zone of the time-temperature relationship, and the duration of the second zone of the time-temperature relationship is less than the duration of the third zone of the time-temperature relationship.

13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the duration of the first time-temperature ratio zone is from 0 seconds to 40 seconds; the duration of the second time-temperature ratio zone is from 40 seconds to 200 seconds; and the duration of the third time-temperature ratio zone is from 200 seconds to 360 seconds.

14. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the heating element is located within a housing; the heating element comprises a heating base and an infrared radiation layer wrapped around the heating base; the heating element is configured to be excited after power is supplied to the infrared radiation layer to generate infrared light; and the housing is at least partially configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating substrate.

15. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an outer shell and an inner shell; wherein the inner shell is located within the outer shell; a heating element is located between the outer shell and the inner shell; the heating element comprises a heating base and an infrared radiation layer wrapped around the heating base; the heating element is configured to be excited after power is supplied to the infrared radiation layer to generate infrared light; the inner shell is configured to allow infrared light to pass through it; and the inner shell defines a containing cavity for containing an aerosol generating substrate.

16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is further configured to detect one puff by the user when a sudden decrease in the temperature of the wall of the casing is detected; and the sudden decrease refers to a case in which the value of the decrease in the temperature of the wall of the casing over a predetermined period of time is greater than a predetermined decrease value, or the amplitude of the decrease in the temperature of the wall of the casing over a predetermined period of time is greater than a predetermined decrease amplitude.

17. The aerosol generating device of claim 16, wherein the control unit is configured to search for a first target temperature corresponding to the current number of puffs based on a corresponding relationship between the number of puffs and the first target temperature.

18. A method for regulating the temperature of an aerosol generating device, wherein the device comprises a heating element and a housing; the heating element and the wall of the housing are at least partially spaced apart from each other; power is supplied to the heating element to generate infrared light; the wall of the housing is configured to allow infrared light to pass through it; and the method includes the following steps: obtaining the temperature of the casing wall; obtaining the set temperature; obtaining the temperature of the heating element; and outputting a target control temperature based on a set temperature and a casing wall temperature, processing the heating element temperature and the target control temperature using a predetermined algorithm, and adjusting the power supply to the heating element.

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