Control method and aerosol generation apparatus

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of electronic atomization. Disclosed are a control method and an aerosol generation apparatus. The control method comprises: during a first time phase of vaping, controlling a power source to supply energy to a heater, such that the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature; and during a second time phase of vaping, controlling the power source to intermittently supply energy to the heater multiple times, such that a maximum temperature reached after energy supply exceeds the first temperature. By means of the method, the temperature of the heater fluctuates in a waveform during the second time phase, the maximum temperature of the heater exceeding the first temperature. Thus, stable aerosol can be generated during vaping, thereby being conducive to maintaining a good mouthfeel of the aerosol; moreover, intermittent energy supply aligns with intermittent vaping habits of users, thereby preventing aerosol waste caused by continuous high-temperature baking of an aerosol-forming matrix.

Description

Control method and aerosol generating device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application entitled “Control Method and Aerosol Generating Device” filed with the Patent Office of China on October 31, 2023, with application number 202311441622.3, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of electronic atomization technology, and in particular to a control method and an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0004] Aerosol generating devices use a heater to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol for the user. Users typically expect the device to produce aerosol with consistent characteristics throughout use. Typically, aerosol generating devices adjust the heater temperature by varying the power output of a power supply, controlling the temperature according to a pre-set temperature curve.

[0005] In a common approach, the temperature curve during puffing is essentially a straight line, meaning the heater's target temperature remains essentially constant during puffing. However, as the aerosol-forming matrix depletes and heat diffusion weakens during puffing, the amount of aerosol produced can become unstable, resulting in a decrease in vapor volume and a poor taste.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, some embodiments of the present application provide a control method for an aerosol generating device, which can generate a stable aerosol during the puffing period, which is beneficial for maintaining the aerosol with a good taste.

[0008] In a first aspect, some embodiments of the present application provide a control method for an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and a power source for energizing the heater; the aerosol is provided to a user for use during inhalation; the control method comprising:

[0009] During a first time period during the puffing, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature;

[0010] During a second time period of the inhalation period, the power source is controlled to intermittently supply energy to the heater a plurality of times, so that the maximum temperature reached after each energy supply is greater than the first temperature.

[0011] In some embodiments, the difference between at least one of the highest temperatures in the second time period and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C.

[0012] In some embodiments, the maximum temperatures in the second time period gradually increase, wherein the difference between the maximum maximum temperature and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C.

[0013] In some embodiments, the core temperature in the second time period is greater than the first temperature, and the core temperature in the second time period is a median of the highest temperature reached after each energy supply and the lowest temperature reached before the energy supply.

[0014] In some embodiments, the difference between at least one of the core temperatures and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second time period includes a plurality of second time periods; in the second time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater once includes:

[0016] controlling the power source to output energy supply for a third time period to achieve a maximum temperature of the heater within the second time period;

[0017] The power source is controlled to stop outputting energy supply and the energy supply is continued for a fourth time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the second time period.

[0018] In some embodiments, after controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply for a fourth time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the second time period, the control method further includes:

[0019] Determining that the fourth time meets the preset first time threshold, and starting energy supply for the next second time period; or,

[0020] Determining that the lowest temperature in the current second time period meets a preset first low temperature threshold, and starting energy supply for the next second time period; or

[0021] Determine whether the core temperature in the current second time period meets the preset first core temperature threshold, and start energy supply for the next second time period, wherein the core temperature in the second time period is the median of the highest temperature in the second time period and the lowest temperature in the second time period.

[0022] In some embodiments, as the working time increases, the maximum temperatures of the plurality of second time periods remain consistent; or

[0023] As the working time increases, the maximum temperatures in the second time periods gradually increase.

[0024] In some embodiments, the difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in the second time period is greater than 20° C.; or

[0025] The difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature in the second time period is greater than 10°C.

[0026] In some embodiments, the control method further includes:

[0027] determining a duration of a first time period or number of puffs during a puff;

[0028] If the duration or number of puffs meets the preset conditions, the second time stage is entered.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first time period includes a plurality of first time periods; in the first time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater once includes:

[0030] Controlling the power source to output energy supply for a first time to achieve a maximum temperature of the heater within the first time period;

[0031] The power source is controlled to stop outputting energy supply and the energy supply is continued for a second time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the first time period.

[0032] In some embodiments, after controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply for a second time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the first time period, the control method further includes:

[0033] Determining that the second time meets a preset second time threshold, and starting energy supply for the next first time period; or,

[0034] Determining that the lowest temperature in the current first time period meets a preset second low temperature threshold, and starting energy supply for the next first time period; or

[0035] Determine whether the core temperature in the current first time period meets the preset second core temperature threshold, and start energy supply for the next first time period, wherein the core temperature in the first time period is the median of the highest temperature in the first time period and the lowest temperature in the first time period.

[0036] In some embodiments, the difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in the first time period is within 10°C.

[0037] In some embodiments, the core temperature of the first time period is equal to or less than the core temperature of the second time period;

[0038] The central temperature of the first time period is the median of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in the first time period; the central temperature of the second time period is the median of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in the second time period.

[0039] In some embodiments, the lowest temperature of the first time period is greater than or equal to the lowest temperature of the second time period.

[0040] In some embodiments, during a first time period during the puffing, controlling the power source to energize the heater so that the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature comprises:

[0041] During a first time period of the puffing period, the real-time temperature of the heater is detected, and the power and / or duty cycle of the power source supplied to the heater are adjusted according to the real-time temperature to maintain the temperature of the heater at at least one target temperature, wherein the target temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature.

[0042] In a second aspect, some embodiments of the present application provide an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0043] a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol;

[0044] a power source for providing energy to the heater;

[0045] a controller configured to control the power source to supply energy to the heater during a first time period during the puffing so that the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature;

[0046] During a second time period of the puffing period, the power source is intermittently controlled to supply energy to the heater multiple times, so that the maximum temperature reached after each energy supply is greater than the first temperature.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heater is made of a metal having a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / (m·K).

[0048] In some embodiments, the heater is made of stainless steel, permalloy or stainless iron; in the second time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature reached after each energy supply and the lowest temperature reached before the energy supply is greater than 10°C.

[0049] In some embodiments, the heater is made of aluminum alloy; in the second time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature reached after each energy supply and the lowest temperature reached before the energy supply is greater than 20°C.

[0050] The control method provided in an embodiment of the present application is applied to an aerosol-generating device, which includes a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and a power source for supplying energy to the heater. The aerosol is provided to a user for use during a puff. The control method includes: during a first time period during a puff, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature. During a second time period during a puff, controlling the power source to intermittently supply energy to the heater multiple times so that the highest temperature reached after the energy supply is greater than the first temperature.

[0051] In this embodiment, the heater is controlled to heat using different energy supply methods in different time periods. In the first time period, the heater temperature is at or below the first temperature. In the second time period, the heater is supplied with energy intermittently multiple times, dividing the second time period into multiple time periods, with energy supplied in a time-sharing manner. This causes the heater temperature to fluctuate in a wave-like manner during the second time period, with its highest temperature exceeding the first temperature. On the one hand, the temperature in the second time period is higher than that in the first time period, thereby increasing the amount of smoke, thereby compensating for the decrease in smoke volume in the later stages of the puff. It also produces a stable aerosol during the puff, which helps maintain a good aerosol taste. On the other hand, the intermittent energy supply conforms to the user's interval puffing habits and avoids the waste of aerosol caused by continuous high-temperature baking of the aerosol matrix. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by pictures in the corresponding drawings. These exemplifications do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0053] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-forming article in some embodiments of the present application;

[0054] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device in some embodiments of the present application;

[0055] FIG3 is a flow chart of a control method in some embodiments of the present application;

[0056] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0057] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0058] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The present application is described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. The following embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present application, but are not intended to limit the present application in any form. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may make several variations and improvements without departing from the scope of the present application. These all fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0060] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clearly understood, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0061] It should be noted that, if there is no conflict, the various features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other and are all within the scope of protection of the present application. In addition, although the functional modules are divided in the device schematic and the logical order is shown in the flow chart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than the module division in the device or the order in the flow chart. In addition, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. used herein do not limit the data and execution order, but only distinguish between the same items or similar items with basically the same functions and effects.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in this specification and in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0063] In addition, the technical features involved in each embodiment of the present application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0064] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating product provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol-generating article 20 comprises a filter segment 21 and a substrate segment 22 .

[0066] The substrate segment 22 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol, and the volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0067] The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate can include solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate can include a tobacco material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate can include a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate can further include an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0068] The aerosol generated by heating the substrate segment 22 is delivered to the user through the filter segment 21, which may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter segment 21 may be sprayed with a flavoring liquid to provide a scent, or separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter segment 21 to improve the durability of the flavor delivered to the user. The filter segment 21 may also include a spherical or cylindrical capsule, which may contain a flavoring substance.

[0069] The aerosol-generating article 20 may further comprise a cooling section 23 disposed between the substrate section 22 and the filter section 21 for cooling the aerosol generated by the heating of the substrate section 22 so that the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0070] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] 1 and 2 , the aerosol generating device 10 includes a battery cell 101, a controller 102, and a heater 103. The aerosol generating device 10 has an internal space defined by a housing, into which the aerosol generating article 20 can be inserted.

[0072] The battery cell 101, i.e., the power source, is used to provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery cell 101 can provide power to heat the heater 103 and can provide power required to operate the controller 102. In addition, the battery cell 101 can provide power required to operate the display device, sensors, motors, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 10.

[0073] The battery cell 101 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. For example, the battery cell 101 may also be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery or a lithium titanate battery. The battery cell 101 may also be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0074] When the aerosol-generating article 20 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, the aerosol-generating device 10 can heat the heater 103 through the power provided by the battery cell 101. The heater 103 increases the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating article 20 to generate an aerosol. The generated aerosol is transferred to the user through the filter segment 21 of the aerosol-generating article 20 for inhalation.

[0075] The heater 103 and the aerosol-forming substrate may adopt a variety of heating coordination configurations. For example, in a central heating configuration, the heater may be in the form of a needle, sheet, pin, or the like, which is inserted into the interior of the aerosol-forming substrate such that the outer periphery of the heater is in contact with, or in close contact with (as closely as possible to) the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby achieving heat transfer. In a peripheral heating configuration, the heater may typically be in the form of a hollow cylinder, and the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the hollow cylinder of the heater such that the inner wall of the heater is in contact with, or in close contact with (as closely as possible to) the outer periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby achieving heat transfer.

[0076] The heater 103 can adopt various heating platforms, for example, a resistance heat conduction heating platform, an electromagnetic induction heat conduction heating platform.

[0077] The controller 102 can control the operation of the main components of the aerosol generating device 10. Specifically, the controller 102 can control the operation of the battery cell 101 and the heater 103, and can also control the operation of other components of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0078] The controller 102 is further configured to execute a control method of the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0079] The controller 102 includes at least one processor. The controller may include a logic gate array, or may include a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs executable by the microprocessor.

[0080] For example, the controller 102 controls the operation of the heater 103. The controller 102 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 103, the duration of power supply to the heater 103, and stop supplying power to the heater 103. In addition, the controller 102 can also monitor the status of the battery cell 101 (e.g., the remaining power of the battery cell 101) and / or the operating status of the heater 103 (e.g., the change in resistance of the heater 103), and can generate a notification signal to prompt the user when necessary.

[0081] In addition to the battery cell 101, the controller 102, and the heater 103, the aerosol generating device 10 may also include other common components. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a display device for outputting visual information, which may be a display screen, a touch screen, a lighting assembly, or other visual display components. The controller 102 may send information about the status of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., whether the aerosol generating device 10 can be used), information about the heater 103 (e.g., preheating started, preheating in progress, or preheating completed), information about the battery cell 101 (e.g., the remaining power of the battery cell 101, whether the battery cell 101 can be used), information related to resetting the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., reset time, resetting in progress, or reset completed), information related to cleaning the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., cleaning time, cleaning required, cleaning in progress, or cleaning completed), information related to charging the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., charging required, charging in progress, or charging completed), information related to puffing (e.g., the number of puffs, puff end notification), or safety-related information (e.g., usage time) to the user. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a vibration motor for outputting tactile feedback information. The controller 102 may generate a vibration feedback signal by using the vibration motor and may send the above information to the user. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 further includes an airflow sensor that detects whether the user is taking a puff and / or the intensity of the puff. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may include at least one input device to control the functions of the aerosol generating device 10. Specifically, the input device may include a button or a touch screen, etc., and the user can use the input device to perform various functions. For example, the user can adjust the number of times the user presses the input device (for example, once or twice), or the time the user continues to press the input device (for example, 0.1s or 0.2s) to perform a desired function among the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 10; the user can also use the input device to perform the function of heating the heater 103, the function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 103, the function of cleaning the space where the aerosol generating article is inserted, the function of checking whether the aerosol generating device 10 is operable, the function of displaying the remaining power (usable power) of the battery cell 101, and the function of resetting the aerosol generating device 10. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device 10 are not limited to these.

[0082] FIG3 is a flow chart of a control method for an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the controller 102 is configured to execute a control method for the aerosol generating device 10 , wherein the method S100 includes:

[0083] S10: During a first time period of the inhalation period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature.

[0084] It will be appreciated that during the puffing period, aerosol can be generated by the aerosol generating device at a satisfactory rate and inhaled by the user. In some embodiments, after the aerosol generating device completes preheating or heat preservation, the puffing period in which the aerosol can be inhaled begins. Preheating and heat preservation are conventional operations in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0085] Here, the puffing period is divided into a first time stage and a second time stage hereinafter described, wherein the first time stage may be an early stage of the puffing period, ie, a stage formed after a period of time from the start of the puffing period.

[0086] During a first time period, the power source is controlled to supply energy to the heater, and the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature. The first temperature may be the highest temperature of the heater during the first time period. It is understood that the first temperature is greater than or equal to the baking temperature at which aerosol can be generated. In some embodiments, the first temperature is determined based on the baking temperature. For example, the first temperature is achieved by increasing the baking temperature by 3-5°C.

[0087] During the first time period, the aerosol-generating article has just started to be baked, and the aerosol-forming substrate is sufficient. The temperature of the heater is at or below the first temperature to generate sufficient aerosol with a good taste.

[0088] In the first time period, the energy supply mode of the power source can be continuous or intermittent, and the temperature change of the heater presents different change forms based on different energy supply modes. In short, the temperature of the heater can be at or below the first temperature.

[0089] In some embodiments, the aforementioned step S10 specifically includes:

[0090] S11: During a first time period during the puffing period, detecting a real-time temperature of the heater, and adjusting the power and / or duty cycle of the power source to the heater according to the real-time temperature to maintain the temperature of the heater at at least one target temperature, which is less than or equal to a first temperature.

[0091] Here, the real-time temperature of the heater can be acquired by a temperature sensor or corresponding temperature detection circuit and transmitted to the controller. The target temperature is the temperature the heater needs to reach. Based on the principle that heat is transferred from the heater to the aerosol-generating article, this target temperature can be greater than the aforementioned baking temperature for generating aerosol. Since the temperature of the heater during the first time period is less than or equal to the first temperature, the target temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature. Multiple target temperatures can exist during the first time period to achieve staged temperature control.

[0092] In some embodiments, the controller adjusts the power supplied by the power source to the heater based on the real-time temperature, so that the heater temperature is maintained at at least one target temperature. Exemplarily, a PID control algorithm is employed to adjust the power output of the power source through proportional, integral, and differential terms. When the heater temperature is above the target temperature, the PID control algorithm controls the power output of the power source to decrease, so that the heater temperature returns to the target temperature. When the heater temperature is below the target temperature, the PID control algorithm controls the power output of the power source to increase, so that the heater temperature returns to the target temperature.

[0093] In some embodiments, the controller adjusts the duty cycle of the power output of the power source based on the real-time temperature to maintain the heater temperature at at least one target temperature. The duty cycle of power refers to the proportion of time during a cycle that the actual power is being used. In this embodiment, the actual power output of the power source remains unchanged. A higher duty cycle indicates a greater amount of power supplied to the heater, while a lower duty cycle indicates a lower amount of power supplied to the heater.

[0094] Exemplarily, a PWM control algorithm is employed to control the average power output of the power source by varying the duty cycle of the signal, thereby maintaining the heater temperature at at least one target temperature. When the heater temperature is above the target temperature, the PWM control algorithm reduces the duty cycle of the power source output power to bring the heater temperature back down to near the target temperature. When the heater temperature is below the target temperature, the PWM control algorithm increases the duty cycle of the power source output power to bring the heater temperature back up to near the target temperature.

[0095] If there are multiple target temperatures, the temperatures are distributed in a stepped manner during the first time period. The target temperatures may be maintained in the same or different ways. For example, they may all be maintained using a PID control algorithm or a PWM control algorithm, or some target temperatures may be maintained using a PID control algorithm and others using a PWM control algorithm.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first time period includes multiple first time periods. Here, the first time period is subdivided into multiple first time periods. Optionally, the first time periods have the same duration and the corresponding energy supply is the same.

[0097] The set energy corresponding to each first time period is determined based on the energy requirements during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the set energy may be an experimental value obtained after the design of the aerosol generating device is completed, based on the specific materials of the aerosol-forming substrate, etc., and may also be an empirical value obtained based on extensive testing conducted by the applicant. It will be understood that the set energy may be adjusted based on the thermal insulation performance of the heating module, the heat transfer rate between the aerosol-forming substrate and the heater, etc.

[0098] Hereinafter, taking one of the first time periods as an example, the energy supply method corresponding to the first time period is exemplified.

[0099] In the first time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater once includes:

[0100] S12: Controlling the power source to output energy supply and continuing it for a first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the first time period;

[0101] S13: Controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply and continuing for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the first time period.

[0102] It is understandable that the first time period is divided into two parts: the first time and the second time. During the first time, the power source is controlled to output energy supply, so that the temperature of the heater quickly rises to the maximum temperature. The first time is also called the heating time. During the second time, the power source is controlled to stop outputting energy, so that the temperature of the heater drops to the minimum temperature. The second time is also called the natural cooling time. Due to the thermal insulation performance of the aerosol generating device, even in the absence of energy supply, the temperature will gradually decrease during the second time, preventing the temperature from dropping too quickly. Therefore, throughout the first time period, the average temperature meets the baking temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol generated after the aerosol-forming substrate is baked can quickly reach and maintain a smokable state.

[0103] For example, after entering the current first time period, the timing starts, and the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period. When the timing reaches the first time, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period. At this time, the temperature of the heater rises to the highest temperature; then, the timing is restarted. When the timing reaches the second time, the current first time period ends and enters the next time period. At this time, the temperature of the heater drops to the lowest temperature.

[0104] In some embodiments, during the second time (i.e., the natural cooling time) in the first time period, the power source is controlled to output a smaller amount of energy, which is much less than the energy supplied during the first time period. On the one hand, it does not affect the temperature of the heater dropping to the lowest temperature during the second time period. On the other hand, maintaining the energy supply can facilitate subsequent switching to the energy supply of the next time period.

[0105] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the highest temperature is the maximum temperature within a time period, and the lowest temperature is the lowest temperature within a time period.

[0106] In some embodiments, the difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature in the first time period is within 10°C. When the heater is at the lowest temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate is also at a relatively low temperature (close to the lowest temperature). In the next time period, when the heater is rapidly heated to the maximum temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate is still at a relatively low temperature due to the hysteresis of heat transfer. This increases the temperature difference between the surface of the heater and the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate, disrupting the thermal equilibrium. Based on the characteristics of heat conduction (temperature is transferred from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object, and the greater the temperature difference, the more heat is transferred), under the action of the temperature difference, the heat provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate in a larger proportion, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0107] It is understandable that the temperature difference in the first time period is relatively small, and can be applied to the early stage of inhalation when aerosol is sufficient (ie, the first time period), so that sufficient aerosol can be baked and excited with a relatively small energy supply.

[0108] In some embodiments, after the aforementioned step S12, the control method S100 further includes:

[0109] (1) Determine whether the second time meets a preset second time threshold, and start energy supply for the next first time period.

[0110] The second time threshold is a time threshold that characterizes the natural cooling time of the first time stage. The second time threshold is pre-set, and those skilled in the art can set the second time threshold according to actual conditions.

[0111] After ending the energy supply of the current first time period, the controller enters the second time of the current first time period and starts timing. When the accumulated second time reaches the second time threshold, the current first time period ends and enters the next first time period.

[0112] At this point, the controller can directly supply and switch energy across multiple first time periods based on the set energy and second time threshold (natural cooling time) for each first time period. This approach eliminates the need to monitor the heater's real-time temperature when starting or stopping energy supply during the current first time period. Instead, the controller strictly adheres to the set energy and second time threshold (natural cooling time) parameters for each first time period. This eliminates the impact of inaccurate heater temperature and allows control to be based on the amount of heat absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate to generate aerosols.

[0113] In some embodiments, after the aforementioned step S12, the control method S100 further includes:

[0114] (2) Determine whether the lowest temperature in the current first time period meets a preset second low temperature threshold, and start energy supply for the next first time period.

[0115] The second low temperature threshold is the lower limit of the minimum temperature required to be provided by the heater in the first time period. In some embodiments, those skilled in the art can set the second low temperature threshold based on the baking temperature and / or the heat preservation performance of the heating module.

[0116] In this embodiment, after ending the energy supply of the current first time period, the controller enters the natural cooling time of the current first time period, and synchronously detects the real-time temperature of the heater during the natural cooling time. When the real-time temperature meets the preset second low temperature threshold (that is, the real-time temperature is lower than or equal to the second low temperature threshold), the current first time period ends, and enters and starts the energy supply of the next first time period.

[0117] During this period, if the real-time temperature of the heater is detected to be lower than the second low temperature threshold, it means that the heat loss is too much, which will affect whether the heater can reach or maintain the target temperature. It is necessary to control the power source to provide heating energy to the heater to ensure the temperature of the heater. At this time, it is equivalent to ending the current first time period and entering the next first time period.

[0118] This approach only requires reference to the heater's real-time temperature when starting a first time period to supply energy to the heater. Energy supply within a first time period, such as when to stop supplying energy within a first time period, is still strictly executed according to the set energy for each first time period. This also eliminates the influence of real-time heater temperature variations on temperature control, allowing control to be based on the amount of heat absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate to generate aerosol.

[0119] In some embodiments, after the aforementioned step S12, the control method S100 further includes:

[0120] (3) Determine whether the core temperature in the current first time period meets a preset second core temperature threshold, and start energy supply for the next first time period.

[0121] The center temperature of the first time period is the median of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature within the first time period. The center temperature is the average temperature actually heated by the heater and can more accurately reflect the temperature of the heater. The second center temperature threshold is the lower limit of the center temperature required to be provided by the heater within the first time period. In some embodiments, those skilled in the art may set the second center temperature threshold based on the baking temperature and / or the heat preservation performance of the heating module.

[0122] In this embodiment, while energy is being supplied during the first time period, the real-time temperature of the heater is simultaneously detected to obtain the maximum temperature during the first time period. After the energy supply for the first time period ends, the natural cooling period begins. During this natural cooling period, the real-time temperature of the heater is simultaneously detected to obtain the minimum temperature during the first time period. The core temperature during the first time period is determined by calculating the average of the maximum and minimum temperatures during the first time period.

[0123] It is understood that during the natural cooling time, the real-time temperature of the heater gradually decreases, and the real-time temperature is the lowest temperature, which is continuously updated. When the core temperature determined by the latest lowest temperature (real-time temperature) is detected to be lower than or equal to the second core temperature threshold, the current first time period ends and energy supply for the next first time period begins and is activated.

[0124] During this period, if the calculated core temperature is detected to be lower than the second core temperature threshold, it indicates that the average temperature of the heater is too low, which will affect whether the heater can reach or maintain the target temperature. In this case, the power source needs to be controlled to provide heating energy to the heater to ensure the heater temperature. This is equivalent to ending the current first time period and entering the next first time period.

[0125] This method is similar to the minimum temperature monitoring method described above. The only requirement is that the heater's real-time temperature is referenced when to initiate a first time period to provide energy to the heater. Energy supply within a first time period, such as when to terminate energy supply within a first time period, is still strictly based on the set energy level for each first time period. This also eliminates the influence of differences in the heater's real-time temperature on temperature control, allowing control to be based on the amount of heat absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate to generate aerosol.

[0126] The first time period is a period during the puff, i.e., a period that begins after the puff and continues for a period of time. The end time of the first time period may be determined based on the consumption of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the first time period ends when the consumption of the aerosol-forming substrate reaches 70%.

[0127] In order to ensure the end time of the first time stage is accurate, supplying energy in time stages can improve smoke emission characteristics (as the aerosol-forming substrate is exhausted and heat diffusion weakens, the smoke volume decreases). In some embodiments, the control method S100 further includes:

[0128] S20: Determining the duration of the first time period or the number of puffs during the puffing period;

[0129] S30: If the duration or the number of puffs meets the preset conditions, the second time stage is entered.

[0130] It is understood that after the aerosol generating device is activated, it first completes preheating and heat preservation, and then enters the first time period during the puffing period. The aerosol generating device can determine whether the preheating and heat preservation processes are complete based on the accumulated time or temperature since activation, that is, determine the time when the first time period begins. After entering the first time period, a timer is started to obtain the duration of the first time period.

[0131] The preset condition may be reaching a time threshold, which may be determined by one skilled in the art based on the puff life of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if the puff life is 6 minutes, the time threshold may be 4 minutes.

[0132] In some embodiments, when it is monitored that the duration of the first time stage reaches the time threshold, the preset condition is met and the controller power source enters the second time stage, that is, the power source is controlled to provide energy according to the energy supply method of the second time stage.

[0133] In some embodiments, the end of the first time period and the start of the second time period can also be determined based on the number of puffs. The number of puffs refers to the number of times a user inhales the aerosol. It is understood that the number of puffs increases with each inhalation of the aerosol.

[0134] In some embodiments, the number of puffs can be acquired by an airflow sensor. When a user inhales an aerosol, air enters the aerosol generating device and aerosol is drawn out of the aerosol generating device, causing airflow changes within the aerosol generating device. The number of puffs can be indirectly determined based on the airflow changes detected by the airflow sensor.

[0135] The preset condition may be reaching a puff threshold. Those skilled in the art may determine the puff threshold based on the puff life of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if the puff life is 20 puffs, the puff threshold may be 15 puffs.

[0136] For example, if the number of puffs reaches a preset puff threshold and satisfies a preset condition, the controller power source enters the second time phase, i.e., controls the power source to provide energy according to the energy supply method of the second time phase.

[0137] In this embodiment, by monitoring whether the duration of the first time stage or the number of puffs satisfies a preset condition, the end time of the first time stage can be accurately determined, so that supplying energy in time stages can improve the smoke emission characteristics (as the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​exhausted and heat diffusion weakens, the smoke volume decreases).

[0138] S40: During the second time period of the inhalation, the power source is controlled to intermittently supply energy to the heater multiple times, so that the highest temperature reached after each energy supply is greater than the first temperature.

[0139] After the first time period ends, the second time period begins, which may be the latter part of the puff period. The power supply method corresponding to the second time period is different from the energy supply method of the first time period. It is understood that parameters such as the energy supply frequency, intermittent time, and the amount of energy supplied each time corresponding to the second time period are pre-stored in a memory within the aerosol generating device and are accessible to the controller.

[0140] Among them, the power source intermittently supplies energy to the heater multiple times. It can be understood that the power source outputs power intermittently, the frequency of the output power is low (it can be not output, or output at a low frequency), and each power output lasts for a period of time. For example, the frequency of the output power is below 10Hz. Exemplarily, the frequency of the output power is 5Hz, that is, energy is provided 5 times in 1 second, each power output can last for 5s, and then the power output is stopped for 7s before the next power output is performed. It can be understood that this low-frequency output is different from the high-frequency drive pulse in the electromagnetic induction heater assembly. The frequency of the general high-frequency drive pulse is about 100Hz-10KHz.

[0141] It is understood that because the power source intermittently supplies energy to the heater, the temperature of the heater increases when energy is supplied and decreases due to heat diffusion when no energy is supplied, i.e., fluctuates in a wave-like manner, for example, between a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature. The maximum temperature reached after each energy supply is greater than the first temperature.

[0142] As can be seen above, during the first time period, the heater temperature was at or below the first temperature. During the second time period, the maximum temperatures were greater than the first temperature, indicating that the heating temperature during the second time period was higher than that during the first time period. It is understandable that in the later stages of the puffing period, the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​nearly depleted, heat diffusion weakens, and aerosol production decreases. At this point, increasing the heating temperature can alleviate this weakened heat diffusion, thereby increasing aerosol production and compensating for the aerosol volume decrease in the later stages of the puffing period. This allows for stable aerosol production during the puffing period, which helps maintain a good aerosol taste.

[0143] In this embodiment, different energy supply methods are used to control the heater for heating in different time stages. In the first time stage, the temperature of the heater is at or below the first temperature. In the second time stage, the heater is intermittently supplied with energy multiple times, that is, the second time stage is divided into multiple time periods, and energy is provided in a time-sharing manner. In this way, the temperature of the heater fluctuates in a wave-like manner in the second time stage, and its highest temperature is greater than the first temperature. On the one hand, the temperature in the second time stage is increased as a whole relative to the temperature in the first time stage, thereby increasing the amount of smoke to compensate for the problem of smoke attenuation in the later stage of puffing; a stable aerosol can be generated during puffing, which is beneficial to maintaining a good taste of the aerosol. On the other hand, intermittent energy supply is in line with the user's puffing habits (interval puffing), and will not cause aerosol waste due to continuous high-temperature baking of the aerosol to form a matrix.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second time period includes a plurality of second time periods. Here, the second time period is subdivided into a plurality of second time periods. The energy supply corresponding to the second time periods is different from the energy supply corresponding to the first time periods described above.

[0145] In this embodiment, the second time period is a time period different from the first time period. Specifically, the third time period (energy supply time in the second time period) is greater than the first time period (energy supply time in the first time period), and the fourth time period (natural cooling time in the second time period) is greater than the second time period (natural cooling time in the first time period).

[0146] It will be appreciated that the energy supply corresponding to each second time period is pre-stored in a memory within the aerosol generating device for access by the controller. During each second time period, the controller controls the power source to supply energy to the heater strictly in accordance with the set energy corresponding to the pre-set second time period.

[0147] The set energy corresponding to each second time period is determined based on the energy requirements during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the set energy may be an experimental value obtained after the design of the aerosol generating device is completed, based on the specific materials of the aerosol-forming substrate, etc., and based on extensive testing conducted by the applicant, or it may be an empirical value. It will be understood that the set energy may be adjusted based on the thermal insulation performance of the heating module, the consumption or remaining amount of the aerosol-forming substrate, the heat transfer rate between the aerosol-forming substrate and the heater, etc.

[0148] Hereinafter, taking one of the second time periods as an example, the energy supply method corresponding to the second time period is exemplified.

[0149] During the second time period, controlling the power source to supply a single energy to the heater includes:

[0150] S41: Control the power source to output energy supply and continue for a third time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the second time period.

[0151] S42: Control the power source to stop outputting energy supply and continue for a fourth time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the second time period.

[0152] It is understandable that the second time period is divided into two parts: a third time and a fourth time. During the third time, the power source is controlled to output energy supply, causing the temperature of the heater to quickly rise to the maximum temperature. The third time is also called the heating time. During the fourth time, the power source is controlled to stop outputting energy, causing the temperature of the heater to drop to the minimum temperature. The fourth time is also called the self-heating cooling time. Due to the thermal insulation performance of the aerosol generating device, even in the absence of energy supply, the temperature will gradually decrease during the fourth time, preventing the temperature from dropping too quickly. Thus, throughout the second time period, the average temperature meets the baking temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol generated after the aerosol-forming substrate is baked can quickly reach and maintain a smokable state.

[0153] For example, after entering the current second time period, the timing starts and the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current second time period. When the timing reaches the third time, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current second time period. At this time, the temperature of the heater rises to the highest temperature; then, the timing is restarted. When the timing reaches the fourth time, the current second time period ends and enters the next time period. At this time, the temperature of the heater drops to the lowest temperature.

[0154] In some embodiments, during the fourth time (i.e., the natural cooling time) in the second time period, the power source is controlled to output a smaller amount of energy, which is much less than the energy supplied during the third time period. On the one hand, it does not affect the temperature of the heater dropping to the lowest temperature during the fourth time period. On the other hand, maintaining the energy supply can facilitate subsequent switching to the energy supply of the next time period.

[0155] It can be understood that, here, the maximum temperature is the highest temperature in a second time period, and the minimum temperature is the lowest temperature in a second time period.

[0156] In some embodiments, the difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in the second time period is greater than 20° C.; or, the difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in the second time period is greater than 10° C.

[0157] When the heater is at its lowest temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate is also at a relatively low temperature (close to the lowest temperature). In the next time period, when the heater is rapidly heated to its highest temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate remains at a relatively low temperature due to the hysteresis of heat transfer. This increases the temperature difference between the heater surface and the aerosol-forming substrate surface, disrupting thermal equilibrium. Due to the properties of heat conduction (temperature transfers from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object; the greater the temperature difference, the greater the heat transfer). Under large temperature differences (e.g., above 10°C or 20°C), a greater proportion of the heat provided by the heater is absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0158] It is understandable that the temperature difference in the second time period is relatively large, which can be applied to the late stage of puffing (i.e., the second time stage) when the aerosol is about to be consumed, to compensate for the problem of smoke attenuation in the late stage of puffing; a stable aerosol can be generated during puffing, which is beneficial to maintaining the aerosol with a good taste.

[0159] In some embodiments, after the aforementioned step S42, the control method S100 further includes:

[0160] (1) Determine whether the fourth time meets the preset first time threshold, and start energy supply for the next second time period.

[0161] The first time threshold is a time threshold that characterizes the natural cooling time of the second time stage. The first time threshold is pre-set, and those skilled in the art can set the first time threshold according to actual conditions.

[0162] After ending the energy supply of the current second time period, the controller enters the fourth time of the current second time period and starts timing. When the accumulated fourth time reaches the first time threshold, the current second time period ends and enters the next second time period.

[0163] At this time, the controller can directly supply and jump energy for multiple second time periods according to the set energy and the first time threshold (natural cooling time) of each second time period. In this way, no matter when starting or stopping the energy supply in the current second time period, there is no need to pay attention to the real-time temperature of the heater. It only needs to be strictly executed in accordance with the settings of parameters such as the set energy and the first time threshold (natural cooling time) of each second time period. The adverse interference of the heater temperature can be eliminated, and the control is truly based on the heat required to be absorbed by the aerosol-forming matrix to generate aerosol.

[0164] In some embodiments, after the aforementioned step S42, the control method S100 further includes:

[0165] (2) Determine whether the lowest temperature in the current second time period meets a preset first low temperature threshold, and start energy supply for the next second time period.

[0166] The first low temperature threshold is the lower limit of the minimum temperature required to be provided by the heater in the second time period. In some embodiments, those skilled in the art can set the first low temperature threshold based on the baking temperature and / or the heat preservation performance of the heating module.

[0167] In this embodiment, after ending the energy supply of the current second time period, the controller enters the natural cooling time of the current second time period, and synchronously detects the real-time temperature of the heater during the natural cooling time. When the real-time temperature meets the preset first low temperature threshold (that is, the real-time temperature is lower than or equal to the first low temperature threshold), the current second time period ends, and enters and starts the energy supply of the next second time period.

[0168] During this period, if the real-time temperature of the heater is detected to be lower than the first low-temperature threshold, it means that the heat loss is too much, which will affect whether the heater can reach the baking temperature. It is necessary to control the power source to provide heating energy to the heater to ensure the temperature of the heater. At this time, it is equivalent to ending the current second time period and entering the next second time period.

[0169] With this approach, only the start of a second time period to provide energy to the heater is determined by the heater's real-time temperature. Energy supply within a second time period, such as when to stop supplying energy within a second time period, is strictly controlled according to the set energy level for each second time period. This also eliminates the influence of differences in the heater's real-time temperature on temperature control, instead focusing on the amount of heat absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate to generate aerosol.

[0170] In some embodiments, after the aforementioned step S42, the control method S100 further includes:

[0171] (3) Determine whether the core temperature in the current second time period meets the preset first core temperature threshold, and start energy supply for the next second time period.

[0172] The core temperature of the second time period is the median of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature within the second time period. The core temperature is the average temperature actually heated by the heater and can more accurately reflect the temperature of the heater. The first core temperature threshold is the lower limit of the core temperature required to be provided by the heater during the second time period. In some embodiments, those skilled in the art may set the second core temperature threshold based on the baking temperature and / or the heat preservation performance of the heating module.

[0173] In this embodiment, while energy is being supplied during the current second time period, the real-time temperature of the heater is simultaneously detected to obtain the maximum temperature during the current second time period. After the energy supply for the current second time period ends, the natural cooling period for the current second time period begins. During this natural cooling period, the real-time temperature of the heater is simultaneously detected to obtain the minimum temperature during the current second time period. The core temperature during the current second time period is determined by calculating the average of the maximum and minimum temperatures during the current second time period.

[0174] It is understood that during the natural cooling time, the real-time temperature of the heater gradually decreases, and the real-time temperature is the lowest temperature, which is continuously updated. When the core temperature determined by the latest lowest temperature (real-time temperature) is detected to be lower than or equal to the first core temperature threshold, the current second time period ends and energy supply for the next second time period begins and is activated.

[0175] During this period, if the calculated core temperature is lower than the first core temperature threshold, it indicates that the average temperature of the heater is too low, affecting whether the heater can reach or maintain the target temperature. In this case, the power source needs to be controlled to provide heating energy to the heater to maintain the target temperature. This means that the current second time period ends and the next second time period begins.

[0176] This method is similar to the minimum temperature monitoring method described above. The only requirement is that the heater's real-time temperature is referenced when to initiate a second time period to provide energy to the heater. Energy supply within a second time period, such as when to terminate energy supply within a second time period, is still strictly based on the set energy level for each second time period. This also eliminates the influence of real-time heater temperature variations on temperature control, allowing control to be based on the amount of heat absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate to generate aerosol.

[0177] Referring to Figure 4 , the first time phase, located at the early stage of puffing, includes multiple first time periods, during which the temperature fluctuates between a maximum and minimum temperature, resulting in a small wavy temperature curve. The second time phase, located at the late stage of puffing, includes multiple second time periods, during which the temperature fluctuates between a maximum and minimum temperature, resulting in a large wavy temperature curve. In this embodiment, based on a control strategy that maintains a constant center temperature for the temperature wavy curve, the energy supply for each time period is set so that both the small and large wavy curves fluctuate around the same center temperature. That is, the center temperature in the first time period is equal to the center temperature in the second time period. The minimum temperature in the first time period is greater than the minimum temperature in the second time period.

[0178] As shown in Figure 4, after the aerosol generating device starts heating, it first performs a preheating and insulation process before entering the inhalation phase. During the early inhalation phase (the first time phase), which includes multiple first time periods, the controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to each first time period. The temperature of the heater fluctuates within ±5°C. During this first time phase, the temperature of the heater is at or below the first temperature, where the first temperature can be the highest temperature of the heater during the first time phase.

[0179] It's understandable that in the early stages of a puff, when the aerosol matrix is ​​sufficient, a relatively small amount of energy supplied each time, resulting in small temperature fluctuations, can be used to generate sufficient aerosol. Compared to continuously supplying energy in the early stages of a puff, this improves energy utilization and reduces energy consumption.

[0180] During the late puffing period (second time period), which includes multiple second time periods, the controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to each second time period, so that the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures in the second time period is greater than 10°C or 20°C. For example, the heater temperature exhibits large fluctuations within ±25°C.

[0181] In the later stages of the puff, the power source output is controlled using the energy supply method corresponding to the second time period. The energy supply in the second time period is higher, resulting in a maximum temperature greater than the first temperature compared to the early stages of the puff, thereby increasing vapor production. In some embodiments, the difference between at least one of the maximum temperatures in the second time period and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C. In other words, the maximum temperature in at least one second time period is at least 5°C higher than the first temperature. For example, as the operating time increases, the maximum temperatures in multiple second time periods remain consistent, each 5°C higher than the first temperature.

[0182] The heating temperature in the second time period is higher than that in the first time period. It is understandable that in the later stage of the puffing period, the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​about to be exhausted, the heat diffusion weakens, and the smoke volume decays. At this time, the increase in heating temperature can improve the problem of weakened heat diffusion, thereby increasing the smoke volume to compensate for the problem of smoke volume decay in the later stage of puffing; stable aerosol can be generated during the puffing period, which is beneficial to maintaining the aerosol's good taste. In addition, intermittently increasing the temperature is in line with the user's puffing habits (interval puffing) and will not cause aerosol waste due to continuous high-temperature baking of the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0183] Referring to Figure 5, in the first time period, the temperature curve exhibits a small wave pattern that fluctuates upward from the lowest temperature. In the second time period, the temperature curve comprises two large wave patterns with different amplitudes. The first and second time periods have the same lowest temperature; that is, the lowest temperature in the first time period is equal to the lowest temperature in the second time period. In this embodiment, based on a control strategy that maintains a constant lower limit for the temperature wave pattern, the energy supply for each time period is set so that the wave pattern fluctuates upward from the lowest temperature.

[0184] In some embodiments, the maximum temperatures of multiple second time periods gradually increase as operating time increases. As shown in Figure 6, the maximum temperature in sub-stage 2# of the second time period is greater than the maximum temperature in sub-stage 1# of the second time period. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the second time period can be divided into multiple sub-stages, each sub-stage comprising multiple second time periods, with the maximum temperature of each second time period within the sub-stage being the same. As operating time increases, the maximum temperature of each sub-stage gradually increases. That is, in this embodiment, as the aerosol-forming substrate is gradually consumed, the maximum temperature in the second time period is gradually increased so that the maximum temperature matches the remaining amount of aerosol-forming substrate. This effectively ensures aerosol stability in the later stages of puffing, alleviating the problem of smoke attenuation.

[0185] In some embodiments, the difference between the maximum maximum temperature in the second time period and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C. For example, the maximum temperature in each sub-stage of the second time period gradually increases, and the difference between the maximum temperature in each sub-stage and the first temperature also gradually increases. For example, the difference may be 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, and so on, gradually increasing to 5°C. In other words, the gradual increase in the maximum temperature in the second time period relative to the first temperature can effectively ensure aerosol stability in the later stages of puffing, thereby alleviating the problem of smoke attenuation.

[0186] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5 or FIG6, the central temperature of the first time period is lower than the central temperature of the second time period, and the central temperature of the second time period is higher than the first temperature. It is understood that the central temperature of the first time period is the median value of the high temperature and the lowest temperature in the first time period; the central temperature of the second time period is the median value of the high temperature and the lowest temperature in the second time period.

[0187] When the second time period includes multiple sub-periods, there are multiple core temperatures, all of which are greater than the first temperature. In some embodiments, the difference between at least one of the core temperatures in the second time period and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C. For example, the core temperature in each sub-period in the second time period gradually increases, and the difference between the core temperature in each sub-period and the first temperature also gradually increases. For example, the difference may be 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, and so on, gradually increasing to 5°C. In other words, the gradual increase in the core temperature relative to the first temperature in the second time period can effectively ensure aerosol stability in the later stages of the puff, thereby alleviating the problem of smoke attenuation.

[0188] Those skilled in the art can, as needed, adopt a control strategy that maintains a constant core temperature or a control strategy that maintains a constant minimum temperature to set the energy supply for each time period, thereby flexibly setting the temperature curve so that the temperature curve presents different shapes based on needs. For example, when a control strategy that maintains a constant core temperature is adopted, the core temperature in the first time period is equal to the core temperature in the second time period. The minimum temperature in the first time period is greater than the minimum temperature in the second time period. As the operating time increases, the maximum temperature or core temperature in the multiple second time periods gradually increases, and the difference between at least one of the maximum temperatures in the second time period or at least one of the core temperatures and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C. For another example, when a control strategy that maintains a constant minimum temperature is adopted, the minimum temperature in the first time period and the minimum temperature in the second time period are the same, the core temperature in the first time period is less than the core temperature in the second time period, and the core temperature in the second time period is greater than the first temperature (for example, at least one core temperature is 5°C higher than the first temperature). As the operating time increases, the maximum temperature or core temperature in the multiple second time periods gradually increases.

[0189] In summary, in some embodiments of the present application, different energy supply methods are used to control the heater for heating in different time stages. In the first time stage, the temperature of the heater is at or below the first temperature. In the second time stage, the heater is intermittently supplied with energy multiple times, that is, the second time stage is divided into multiple time periods, and energy is provided in a time-sharing manner. In this way, the temperature of the heater fluctuates in a wave-like manner in the second time stage, and its highest temperature is greater than the first temperature. On the one hand, the temperature in the second time stage is increased relative to the temperature in the first time stage, thereby increasing the amount of smoke to compensate for the problem of smoke attenuation in the later stage of puffing; a stable aerosol can be generated during puffing, which is beneficial to maintaining a good taste of the aerosol. On the other hand, intermittent energy supply is in line with the user's puffing habits (interval puffing), and will not cause aerosol waste due to continuous high-temperature baking of the aerosol to form a matrix.

[0190] Some embodiments of the present application further provide an aerosol generating device, comprising a heater, a power source, and a controller, wherein the heater and the power source are respectively communicatively connected to the controller.

[0191] The heater is used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to generate the aerosol. For example, the heater may be needle-shaped or tubular in appearance; based on its heating principle, it may be a resistive heater or an electromagnetic induction heater. The power source is a battery cell, which provides energy to the heater.

[0192] The controller is configured to, during a first time period during the puffing period, control the power source to supply energy to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature; and, during a second time period during the puffing period, intermittently control the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times so that the highest temperature reached after each energy supply is greater than the first temperature.

[0193] In this embodiment, different energy supply methods are used to control the heater for heating in different time stages. In the first time stage, the temperature of the heater is at or below the first temperature. In the second time stage, the heater is intermittently supplied with energy multiple times, that is, the second time stage is divided into multiple time periods, and energy is provided in a time-sharing manner. In this way, the temperature of the heater fluctuates in a wave-like manner in the second time stage, and its highest temperature is greater than the first temperature. On the one hand, the temperature in the second time stage is increased relative to the temperature in the first time stage, thereby increasing the amount of smoke to compensate for the problem of smoke attenuation in the later stage of puffing; a stable aerosol can be generated during puffing, which is beneficial to maintaining a good taste of the aerosol. On the other hand, intermittent energy supply is in line with the user's puffing habits (interval puffing), and will not cause aerosol waste due to continuous high-temperature baking of the aerosol to form a matrix.

[0194] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to execute any one of the control methods in the above method embodiments, so that the aerosol generating device has the functions that can be achieved by any one of the control methods in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0195] In some embodiments, the heater is made of a metal having a thermal conductivity greater than 10W / (m·K). It is understandable that the greater the thermal conductivity, the higher the heat transfer effect, and the heat of the heater can be quickly transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, during the heating time (for example, the first time or the third time mentioned above), the temperature of the heater can rise rapidly, forming a large temperature difference with the aerosol-forming substrate. It can be seen that the temperature difference amplitude is positively correlated with the thermal conductivity. For example, the difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in the second time period is above 10°C or 20°C. For another example, the temperature difference amplitude can reach 50°C in the second time period.

[0196] Exemplarily, the heater is made of stainless steel, permalloy or stainless iron. In the second time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature reached after each energy supply and the lowest temperature reached before the energy supply is greater than 10°C.

[0197] For example, the heater is made of aluminum alloy. In the second time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature reached after each energy supply and the lowest temperature reached before the energy supply is greater than 20°C.

[0198] In this embodiment, the heater is made of a metal having a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / (m·K). The thermal conductivity is positively correlated with the heating rate. Thus, the heater can heat up quickly in a short period of time, which is conducive to the time-divided energy supply in this application, and avoids excessive temperature drop that affects suction.

[0199] It should be noted that the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, wherein the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected based on actual needs to achieve the objectives of this embodiment.

[0200] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Based on the concept of the present application, the technical features in the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations in different aspects of the present application as described above. For the sake of simplicity, they are not provided in detail. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A control method, applied to an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and a power source for providing energy to the heater; The aerosol is provided to the user for use during inhalation; characterized in that The method comprises: During a first time period of the puffing, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater so that the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature; During a second time period of the puffing period, the power source is controlled to intermittently supply energy to the heater a plurality of times, so that the highest temperature reached after each energy supply is greater than the first temperature.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The difference between at least one of the highest temperatures in the second time period and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The maximum temperatures in the second time period gradually increase, wherein the difference between the largest maximum temperature and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The core temperature in the second time period is greater than the first temperature, and the core temperature in the second time period is a median of the maximum temperature reached after each energy supply and the minimum temperature reached before the energy supply.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The difference between at least one of the core temperatures in the second time period and the first temperature is greater than or equal to 5°C.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second time stage includes a plurality of second time periods; in the second time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater once includes: Controlling the power source to output energy supply for a third time to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the second time period; The power source is controlled to stop outputting energy supply for a fourth time period to achieve the lowest temperature of the heater in the second time period.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: After controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply for a fourth time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the second time period, the control method further includes: Determine that the fourth time meets the preset first time threshold, and start the energy supply of the next second time period; or, Determine that the lowest temperature in the current second time period meets a preset first low temperature threshold, and start energy supply for the next second time period; or Determine whether the core temperature in the current second time period meets the preset first core temperature threshold, and start the energy supply for the next second time period, wherein the core temperature of the second time period is the median of the highest temperature in the second time period and the lowest temperature in the second time period.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: As the working time increases, the maximum temperature of multiple second time periods remains consistent; or As the working time increases, the maximum temperatures in multiple second time periods gradually increase.

9. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature in the second time period is greater than 20° C.; or The difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in the second time period is greater than 10°C.

10. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: determining a duration or number of puffs of a first time period during the puffing period; If the duration or the number of puffs meets a preset condition, the second time stage is entered.

11. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first time stage includes a plurality of first time periods; in the first time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater once includes: Controlling the power source to output energy supply for a first time to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the first time period; The power source is controlled to stop outputting energy supply and the energy supply is stopped for a second time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the first time period.

12. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that: After controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply and continuing for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the first time period, the control method further includes: Determine that the second time meets a preset second time threshold, and start energy supply for the next first time period; or, Determine that the lowest temperature in the current first time period meets a preset second low temperature threshold, and start energy supply for the next first time period; or Determine whether the core temperature in the current first time period meets a preset second core temperature threshold, and start energy supply for the next first time period, wherein the core temperature in the first time period is the median of the highest temperature in the first time period and the lowest temperature in the first time period.

13. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in the first time period is within 10°C.

14. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The central temperature of the first time period is equal to or less than the central temperature of the second time period; The central temperature of the first time period is the central temperature of the first time period. The central temperature of the second time period is the median value of the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature in the first time period; the central temperature of the second time period is the median value of the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature in the second time period.

15. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The lowest temperature in the first time period is greater than or equal to the lowest temperature in the second time period.

16. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater during the first time period of the puffing so that the temperature of the heater is at or below the first temperature comprises: During the first time period of the puffing, the real-time temperature of the heater is detected, and the power and / or the duty cycle of the power source to the heater are adjusted according to the real-time temperature so that the temperature of the heater is maintained at at least one target temperature, which is less than or equal to the first temperature.

17. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: include: A heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol; a power source for providing energy to the heater; a controller configured to control the power source to supply energy to the heater during a first time period during the puffing so that the temperature of the heater is at or below a first temperature; During a second time period of the puffing period, the power source is intermittently controlled to supply energy to the heater multiple times, so that the highest temperature reached after each energy supply is greater than the first temperature.

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that The heater is made of metal with a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / (m·K).

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The heater is made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron; in the second time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature reached after each energy supply and the lowest temperature reached before the energy supply is above 10°C.

20. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The heater is made of aluminum alloy; in the second time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature reached after each energy supply and the lowest temperature reached before the energy supply is above 20°C.

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