Control method and aerosol generating device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of electronic atomization, and disclosed are a control method and an aerosol generating device. On the basis of energy demand characteristics in the baking process of an aerosol-forming substrate, the entire baking process is divided into multiple time periods, and corresponding energy supply is set for each time period, such that the aerosol-forming substrate receives heat output by a heater in time periods, and the aerosol generated after baking can rapidly reach an inhalable state and maintain the inhalable state. In addition, on the basis of heat conduction characteristics, for each first time period, energy is continuously supplied in a first time interval and the supply of energy is stopped in a second time interval, such that the temperature first rises to the highest temperature and then falls to the lowest temperature within the first time period, and a temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C, and thus, the heat provided by the heater can be absorbed in a relatively large proportion by the aerosol-forming substrate when energy is supplied in the next time period. Therefore, the effects of improving the energy utilization efficiency and reducing the energy consumption are achieved.

Description

Control method and aerosol generating device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed with the Patent Office of China on October 31, 2023, with application number 202311441612.X and entitled “Control Method and Aerosol Generating Device,” 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 and bake an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol for the user. Conventionally, existing aerosol generating devices adjust the heater temperature by varying the power output of a power supply, and control the temperature according to a pre-set temperature curve.

[0005] In some solutions known to the inventors of the present application, the temperature curve is basically a straight line, that is, the temperature of the heater is controlled to remain basically unchanged in various stages of the suction, resulting in heat waste and high energy consumption.

[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 provides energy in time periods based on energy requirements and heat conduction characteristics, so that a large proportion of the energy provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming matrix, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0008] In a first aspect, some embodiments of the present application provide a control method for an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device includes a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and a power source for providing energy to the heater, the method comprising:

[0009] During a plurality of time periods when the heater is started to heat, the power source is correspondingly controlled to supply energy to the heater a plurality of times, wherein the plurality of time periods include a plurality of first time periods;

[0010] During the first time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater includes:

[0011] Controlling the power source to output energy supply in the current first time period and continuing the energy supply for the first time period to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the current first time period;

[0012] Controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply in the current first time period and continuing the energy supply for a second time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period;

[0013] Among them, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is more than 15℃.

[0014] In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first time is within 4 seconds

[0016] In some embodiments, during the first time, the heating rate of the heater is greater than 40° C. / s.

[0017] In some embodiments, a heating rate of the heater during the first period of time is different from a heating rate of the heater during the second period of time.

[0018] In some embodiments, a heating rate of the heater in the first time period is greater than a cooling rate in the second time period.

[0019] In some embodiments, after controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continuing for a second time period, the method includes:

[0020] Enter the next time period and control the power source to output the energy supply for the next time period.

[0021] In some embodiments, in the first time period, before controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater, the method includes:

[0022] Detect the working time of the heater after it is started to heat;

[0023] If the working time meets the first time threshold, at least one first time period is entered.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first time threshold is greater than 60 seconds.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0026] When controlling the power source to output energy supply in the current first time period, determining the supplied energy in the current first time period;

[0027] If the supplied energy reaches the set energy corresponding to the current first time period, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0029] When controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply in the current first time period, determining a duration for which the power source stops supplying energy in the current time period;

[0030] If the duration meets the preset natural cooling time of the current first time period, the current first time period ends and enters the next time period.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0032] When the power source is controlled to stop outputting energy supply in the current first time period, detecting the real-time temperature of the heater;

[0033] If the real-time temperature drops to the preset low temperature threshold, the current first time period ends and enters the next time period.

[0034] In some embodiments, controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period includes: controlling the power source to continuously output the energy supply of the current first time period.

[0035] In some embodiments, the plurality of time periods further comprises a plurality of second time periods;

[0036] During the second time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater includes:

[0037] Controlling the power source to output energy supply in the current second time period and continuing the energy supply for a third time period to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the current second time period;

[0038] Controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply in the current second time period and continuing the energy supply for a fourth time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current second time period;

[0039] Among them, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is less than 10℃.

[0040] In some embodiments, the plurality of second time periods operate in the early stage of the suction operation phase, and the plurality of first time periods operate in the middle and / or late stage of the suction operation phase.

[0041] In some embodiments, the plurality of second time periods operate in a heat preservation operation stage, and the plurality of first time periods operate in a suction operation stage.

[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] The controller is configured to control the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times in multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, wherein the multiple time periods include multiple first time periods. In the first time period, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period. The power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period, wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

[0046] In some embodiments, the heater is made of a metal having a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / (m·K).

[0047] In some embodiments, the heater is made of stainless steel, permalloy, or stainless iron; and in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C.

[0048] In some embodiments, the heater is made of aluminum alloy; in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C.

[0049] In some embodiments, the heater further comprises an energy storage layer disposed between the heating element and the aerosol generating article, wherein the thermal conductivity of the energy storage layer is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heating element.

[0050] In some embodiments, the heating element is made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron, and the energy storage layer is made of aluminum alloy.

[0051] The control method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to an aerosol generating device, which includes a heater for heating an aerosol-forming matrix to generate an aerosol, and a power source for providing energy to the heater. The control method includes correspondingly controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times in multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, wherein the multiple time periods include multiple first time periods. Taking one of the first time periods as an example, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period, and the energy supply continues for a first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period, and the energy supply continues for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

[0052] In this embodiment, based on the energy requirements of the aerosol-forming substrate during baking, the entire baking process is divided into multiple time periods, and a corresponding energy supply is set for each time period. This allows the aerosol-forming substrate to receive heat output from the heater in different time periods, allowing the aerosol produced after baking to quickly reach and maintain a smokable state. Furthermore, based on the heat conduction characteristics, energy is continuously supplied during the first time period and then stopped during the second time period. This allows the temperature to rise to its highest temperature and then fall to its lowest temperature during the first time period, with the temperature difference between the two being at least 15°C. This facilitates a greater proportion of the heat provided by the heater to be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate during the next time period, thereby improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] 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.

[0054] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating article in some embodiments of the present application;

[0055] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device in some embodiments of the present application;

[0056] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a control method applied to an aerosol generating device in some embodiments of the present application;

[0057] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0058] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0059] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0060] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0061] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0062] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] 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.

[0064] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating product provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol-generating article 20 comprises a filter segment 21 and a substrate segment 22 .

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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-containing material that is included in 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. The example of a suitable aerosol former is glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The heater 103 can adopt various heating platforms, for example, a resistance heat conduction heating platform, an electromagnetic induction heat conduction heating platform.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The controller 102 is further configured to execute a control method of the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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; the user may use the input device to perform various functions. For example, the user may adjust the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g., once or twice) or the time the user continues to press the input device (e.g., 0.1s or 0.2s) to perform a desired function among the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 10. The user may also use the input device to perform functions such as heating the heater 103, adjusting the temperature of the heater 103, cleaning the space where the aerosol generating article is inserted, checking whether the aerosol generating device 10 is operable, displaying the remaining power (usable power) of the battery cell 101, and resetting the aerosol generating device 10. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device 10 are not limited thereto.

[0086] 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:

[0087] S10: During multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, the power source is correspondingly controlled to supply energy to the heater multiple times.

[0088] After receiving the instruction to start heating, the controller can control the heater to start heating. The heating process of the heater includes multiple time periods. These multiple time periods can be distributed throughout the entire inhalation phase of the aerosol-forming substrate or a portion of the inhalation phase. The inhalation phase refers to a phase during which aerosol can be generated by the aerosol generating device at a satisfactory rate and inhaled by the user.

[0089] The heating start instruction may be a signal generated by a user operating an input element, or may be a signal obtained by a sensor. For example, a pressure sensor or an electrical parameter sensor may be used to detect a trigger signal indicating that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the aerosol-generating device, or an airflow sensor may be used to detect a signal indicating that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0090] The controller controls the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times, all in strict accordance with the energy supply corresponding to each pre-set time period (also known as the set energy). The energy supply corresponding to these multiple time periods can be pre-stored in the memory inside the aerosol generating device for the controller to retrieve. The energy supply corresponding to these multiple time periods can also be stored in an external device connected to the aerosol generating device, such as a cloud server, a charging box memory, or a memory inside the aerosol generating device connected thereto. The controller can retrieve and reference this from the external memory or server during operation.

[0091] The set energy corresponding to each 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 is 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.

[0092] Therefore, after receiving the instruction to start heating, the controller calls the supply energy corresponding to multiple time periods in the memory, and controls the power source to provide energy in time periods according to several one-to-one corresponding time periods and supply energy, and the heater provides heat to the aerosol forming matrix in time periods.

[0093] The plurality of time periods includes a plurality of first time periods, that is, the first time period is one of the plurality of time periods, and the first time period corresponds to one type of supplied energy. In other embodiments, the other time periods correspond to another type of supplied energy. The supplied energy of the first time period and the other time periods is different.

[0094] Taking one of the first time periods as an example, S11, control the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period, and continue for the first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; S12, control the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period, and continue for the second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] During the first time period, the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is greater than 15°C. When the heater is at the lowest temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate is also at a relatively low temperature (close to the minimum 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 a large 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.

[0100] In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures ranges from 15°C to 50°C. For example, during the first time period, the temperature amplitude is within ±25°C. In other words, during the first time period, the temperature curve exhibits a wave-like shape with an amplitude within ±25°C. A temperature difference of 15°C to 50°C can effectively disrupt the thermal equilibrium between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate. This allows more heat provided by the heater to be transferred to and absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first time period is less than 4 seconds. The power source outputs energy for the current first time period within the first time period. In other words, the power source needs to output a set energy corresponding to the current first time period within the first time period. When the set energy is constant, the shorter the first time period, the greater the output power per unit time, and the faster the heater heats up.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first time period is less than 4 seconds, allowing the heater to quickly reach its maximum temperature, compensating for the cooling during the previous time period and rapidly increasing the temperature. In this case, due to the large temperature difference between the aerosol-forming substrate and the heater, the aerosol-forming substrate can absorb more heat from the heater, thereby improving energy utilization.

[0103] In some embodiments, during the first time, the heating rate of the heater is greater than 40° C. / s. For example, the heating rate of the heater can be greater than 50° C. / s.

[0104] It is understood that the heating rate is the temperature rise per unit time (e.g., 1 second). The heater's heating rate is greater than 40°C / s, and optionally greater than 50°C / s. This allows the temperature to reach its maximum temperature in a shorter period of time, thereby reducing the initial time and facilitating a larger temperature difference between the aerosol-forming substrate and the heater. A greater proportion of the heat provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0105] In some embodiments, the heater's temperature increase rate during the first period is different from its temperature decrease rate during the second period. It will be appreciated that the heater's temperature increase rate during the first period depends on the output power of the power source, and the temperature increase rate is proportional to the output power. During the second period, the power source does not provide energy to the heater, and the temperature decrease rate is related to the thermal insulation performance of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the heater's temperature increase rate during the first period is different from its temperature decrease rate during the second period.

[0106] Exemplarily, the heating rate of the heater during the first time is greater than the cooling rate during the second time. It is understood that, because the aerosol generating device has good heat preservation performance and heat dissipation is slow, the cooling rate during the second time is smaller and smaller than the heating rate of the heater during the first time.

[0107] Since the cooling rate of the heater is relatively low during the second time, the aerosol-forming substrate can continue to absorb heat from the heater to maintain the temperature to meet the baking conditions. That is to say, during the second time, the power source does not provide energy to the heater or provides a relatively small energy supply, and can also keep baking the aerosol-forming substrate to generate aerosol. Compared with the power source continuously providing energy to the heater (the heater always generates heat at a stable power), the embodiment of the present application intermittently provides energy to the heater, which can break the thermal balance between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate, so that a larger proportion of the heat provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0108] As can be seen from the above, the embodiments of the present application divide the entire baking process into multiple time periods based on the energy demand characteristics during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate, and set a corresponding energy supply for each time period, so that the aerosol-forming substrate receives heat output by the heater in different time periods, and the aerosol produced after baking can quickly reach and maintain a smokable state. On the other hand, based on the heat conduction characteristics, for each first time period, energy is continuously supplied during the first time period, and energy is stopped or a smaller amount of energy is supplied during the second time period, so that the temperature first rises to the highest temperature and then drops to the lowest temperature during the first time period, and the temperature difference between the two is greater than 15°C. This is conducive to the heat provided by the heater being absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate in a larger proportion when energy is supplied in the next time period, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0109] In some embodiments, after controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continuing for the second time period, it includes: entering the next time period and controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the next time period.

[0110] Wherein, the next time period may be a first time period, and its energy supply method is the same as the energy supply method of the current first time period. For example, if the current first time period is the eighth first time period among the plurality of first time periods, then the next time period is the ninth first time period among the plurality of first time periods. It is understood that the ninth first time period corresponds to a set energy, and after the eighth first time period (the current first time period) ends, the ninth first time period begins, and the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the ninth first time period.

[0111] In other embodiments, the next time period may correspond to another energy supply method. For example, in the next time period, when the temperature reaches a certain threshold, energy is supplied. For example, in the next time period, the power source is controlled to supply energy for a portion of the time and to stop supplying energy for the remaining portion of the time. The energy supply here is different from the set energy corresponding to the first time period.

[0112] In this embodiment, the multiple first time periods constitute a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate's baking process. After the aerosol generating device initiates heating, the power source outputs energy according to a pre-set energy supply relationship corresponding to each time period. Based on the energy requirements of the aerosol-forming substrate during baking, the entire baking process is divided into multiple time periods, and a corresponding energy supply is set for each time period. This ensures that the aerosol-forming substrate receives heat output from the heater in each time period, allowing the aerosol produced after baking to quickly reach and maintain an inhalable state.

[0113] In some embodiments, in the first time period, before controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater, it includes: detecting the working time of the heater being started to heat; if the working time meets the first time threshold, entering at least one first time period.

[0114] The first time threshold is a time threshold for determining whether the first time period has begun. The first time threshold can be used to indicate the end of the heat preservation working stage, the beginning of the suction working stage, or the end of the suction working stage.

[0115] For example, if the first time threshold is the duration of the preheating phase (e.g., 8 seconds), then after the preheating phase ends and the puffing phase begins, at least one first time period begins. The puffing phase can include multiple first time periods, and the power source is controlled to provide energy to the heater using the energy supply method corresponding to the first time period. In other words, during the puffing phase, the temperature of the heater fluctuates between a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature in a wave-like manner, for example, within a temperature difference of ±25°C, based on the first time period.

[0116] It will be understood that the preheating operating phase refers to an operating phase during which the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate is increased to a temperature sufficient to generate a satisfactory amount of aerosol. Aerosol may be generated during this phase, but is generally unlikely to be inhaled by a user out of the aerosol-generating device. For example, at the end of the preheating operating phase, the aerosol-forming substrate may have reached a temperature at which volatile components contained in the tobacco are released.

[0117] The inhalation phase refers to the phase during which aerosol can be generated by the aerosol generating device at a satisfactory rate and inhaled by the user. The end of the preheating phase corresponds to the start of the inhalation phase. The aerosol generating device may provide a reminder, such as via a vibration motor or visual display assembly, to the user that the device has entered the inhalation phase and that inhalation is possible.

[0118] For example, the first time threshold is greater than 60 seconds. It is understood that if the heater is activated and heating for longer than 60 seconds, it indicates that the device enters the at least one first time period at least in the early or middle stages of the puffing phase. During the early or middle stages of the puffing phase, the heater temperature fluctuates between a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature in a wave-like manner, for example, within a temperature difference of ±25°C, based on the first time period.

[0119] In some embodiments, after starting the heating, before the cumulative heating time reaches a first time threshold, a PID control algorithm is used to control the temperature of the heater. After the cumulative heating time reaches the first time threshold, at least one first time period is entered, and energy is supplied according to the time period. The temperature of the heater changes in a wave-like manner for heating.

[0120] It is understandable that as the heater continuously conducts heat, the aerosol-forming article gradually heats up starting at the point of contact with the heater. The aforementioned heat conduction process of the heater heating the aerosol-forming article indicates that, in the early stages of heating, thermal equilibrium has not yet been reached between the aerosol-forming article and the heater. That is, the aerosol-forming article has not yet been fully heated, and temperature unevenness may exist. If at least one of the first time periods is entered too early, wave-like heating may occur, which can easily cause the aerosol-forming article to cool significantly, making it impossible to maintain an inhalable aerosol.

[0121] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first time threshold is greater than 60 seconds. When the aerosol-forming product is heated thoroughly, the heater heats in a wave-like manner, which can effectively ensure that the aerosol-forming product does not cool down too quickly and maintain the aerosol in an inhalable state.

[0122] In some embodiments, in the first time period, before controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater, the process includes: detecting a status flag of the working stage; and entering at least one first time period if the status flag satisfies a preset status flag.

[0123] It is understood that different operating stages correspond to different status indicators. The operating stages include the preheating stage, the heat preservation stage, and the inhalation stage. The heat preservation stage requires maintaining the preheating temperature or a temperature slightly lower than the preheating temperature, during which aerosol generation continues.

[0124] The status flag can be a level parameter or a character parameter. For example, using the level parameter as an example, the level parameter in the preheating phase is 0V, the level parameter in the heat preservation phase is 5V, and the level parameter in the inhalation phase is 10V. The preset status flag can be "10V". When the level is detected to be 10V, the condition is met, and at least one first time period is entered, and the power source is controlled to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to the first time period.

[0125] In some embodiments, based on the status flag, the operating phase can be detected and the motor or visual component can be controlled to operate in a manner corresponding to the operating phase. For example, if the preheating phase is detected, the visual component displays a red light; if the heat preservation phase is detected, the visual component displays a yellow light; and if the suction phase is detected, the visual component displays a green light.

[0126] In this embodiment, based on the status flag, the aerosol generating device can be accurately controlled to enter at least one first time period to compensate for the problem of smoke attenuation, thereby increasing the smoke volume. In addition, it conforms to the smoking habit and does not cause smoke waste.

[0127] In some embodiments, the method S100 further includes:

[0128] S20: When controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period, determining the supplied energy of the current first time period.

[0129] S30: If the supplied energy reaches the set energy corresponding to the current first time period, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period.

[0130] The controller retrieves the set energy of the current first time period, and according to the set energy, the controller controls the battery cell to provide power to supply the set energy to the heater.

[0131] The power provided by the controller may be the maximum real-time power that the battery cell can provide; in this case, as the capacity of the battery cell decays, the duration of the energy supplied by the battery cell to the heater will also be extended.

[0132] The power provided by the controller can also be the stable power output by the battery cell after passing through the voltage regulation circuit. Specifically, the aerosol generating device 10 also includes a voltage regulation circuit coupled between the heater 103 and the battery cell 101; the voltage regulation circuit includes a boost circuit and / or a buck circuit, such as a buck-boost converter circuit. It is understood that the voltage regulation circuit is not limited to a buck-boost converter circuit and can also be at least one of a boost converter circuit, a buck converter circuit, a CUK converter circuit, a zeta converter circuit, and a sepic converter circuit.

[0133] In some embodiments, controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period includes: controlling the power source to continuously output the energy supply of the current first time period.

[0134] That is, the process of the controller 102 providing power can be uninterrupted continuous output, which can better supplement the heat loss of the heater 103 and the aerosol forming matrix. Taking a first time period as an example, the time when the controller 102 continuously outputs power only accounts for a part of the current first time period, and this part is referred to as the first time (energy supply time) in this article. In some embodiments, the first time (energy supply time) is variable, and the controller 102 controls the energy supply according to the set energy of the current first time period and the real-time output power, without limiting the energy supply time. In some embodiments, when the output power of the power source 102 is stable, the first time (energy supply time) can be pre-set. Therefore, the controller 102 can determine the output power based on the set energy of the current first time period and the preset first time (energy supply time).

[0135] It is understood that if the heater is a resistive type, during the first time (energy supply time), the battery cell continuously outputs current to the heater, and the heater continuously generates heat. If the heater is an electromagnetic induction type, during the first time (energy supply time), the battery cell outputs a pulse voltage at a certain frequency, and the heater undergoes electromagnetic induction under the pulse voltage, continuously generating heat.

[0136] In the first time (energy supply time), the heater 103 starts to increase in temperature under energy supply, and the rate of temperature increase is determined by the set energy, actual power output, etc.

[0137] During the puffing stage, when the first time period occurs synchronously with the user's puffing action, due to the frequency setting of multiple time periods in the puffing stage, there is at least one first time period of energy supply within one puffing action (about 5 seconds), and the heat taken away by the puffing action is extremely small, which only causes some jitters in the temperature change of the heater 103. The heat of the heater 103 and the aerosol-forming matrix can still be replenished in time, so the temperature of the heater 103 can still be maintained within a temperature range without causing a significant temperature drop.

[0138] In some embodiments, the detection circuit can be used to detect electrical parameters such as voltage, current and / or resistance of the heater 103, as well as the duration of the supply (energy supply time), and then the energy supplied to the heater can be calculated based on the formula of energy Q = P*t = U^2 / R*t = I^2*R*t = U*I*t.

[0139] In some embodiments, during the heating process of the heater 103, when some electrical parameters remain constant, for example, when the heater 103 is supplied with a constant voltage, or a constant current, or when the resistance of the heater 103 remains constant, the supplied energy can be indirectly characterized by only monitoring some of the electrical parameters or the duration of the continuous supply.

[0140] By comparing whether the supplied energy has reached the set energy, if not, the energy supply is continued; if so, the power source is controlled to stop the energy supply for the first time period.

[0141] The controller 102 stops the energy supply to the heater 103 and continues for a period of time, which will be referred to as the natural cooling time (second time) herein. In certain embodiments, the natural cooling time is pre-set and is related to factors such as the heat preservation performance of the heating module or the heat transfer demand between the heater and the aerosol-forming matrix. Therefore, after completing the energy supply of the current first time period, the controller 102 stops the energy supply to the heater 103 within the preset natural cooling time, and determines by timing whether the natural cooling time reaches the cut-off time. In certain embodiments, the natural cooling time may not be directly set, for example, by detecting the real-time temperature of the heater 103 to determine whether to end the natural cooling time. The natural cooling time at this time can vary between multiple time periods.

[0142] During the natural cooling time, since the heater 103 has no energy supply or provides less energy, the temperature of the heater 103 naturally begins to drop. This part of the temperature loss is due to the heat loss of the matrix formed by the heater 103 and the outside world / aerosol. During the puffing stage, the heat loss caused by the puffing action may also be superimposed.

[0143] With the expiration of the natural cooling time, the current first time period also officially ends. After repeating multiple first time periods, if the total operating time of the aerosol generating device 10 (or the number of puffs required) reaches a predetermined threshold, or if the controller 102 receives a command to terminate heating, the aerosol generating device will terminate operation and will not enter the next time period.

[0144] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a temperature sensor configured to determine the real-time temperature of the heater.

[0145] The method S100 further includes:

[0146] S40: When the power source is controlled to stop outputting energy supply in the current first time period, the real-time temperature of the heater is detected.

[0147] S50: If the real-time temperature drops to a preset low temperature threshold, the current first time period ends and the next time period begins.

[0148] The preset low temperature threshold is the lower limit of the temperature of the heater. In some embodiments, those skilled in the art can set the low temperature threshold according to the preheating temperature and / or the heat preservation performance of the heater assembly.

[0149] Specifically, during the natural cooling period (equivalent to the second time above), if the real-time temperature of the heater is detected to be lower than the preset 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 (such as the insulation temperature or the suction temperature). Then it is necessary to control the battery cell to start the output of energy supply for the next time period to ensure the temperature of the heater. At this time, it is equivalent to ending the current first time period and entering the next time period.

[0150] In this embodiment, by setting a low temperature threshold as the trigger threshold for ending the natural cooling stage and starting the next time period, the heater can heat in time periods to provide an aerosol with a good taste.

[0151] In some embodiments, the multiple time periods further include multiple second time periods. Controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater during the second time period includes: controlling the power source to supply energy for the current second time period for a third time period to achieve a maximum temperature of the heater during the current second time period. Controlling the power source to stop supplying energy for the current second time period for a fourth time period to achieve a minimum temperature of the heater during the current second time period. The temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is less than 10°C.

[0152] The second time period is one of the multiple time periods, and the second time period corresponds to an energy supply mode, that is, the energy supply mode of the second time period is different from the energy supply mode of the first time period.

[0153] 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 shorter 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 shorter than the second time period (natural cooling time in the first time period).

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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 may also be an empirical value obtained based on extensive testing conducted by the applicant. It will be appreciated 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.

[0156] Taking one of the second time periods as an example, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current second time period and continue for a third time to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the current second time period; the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current second time period and continue for a fourth time to reach the minimum temperature of the heater in the current second time period; wherein the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is less than 10°C.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] In some embodiments, during the fourth time (ie, 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, and the temperature of the heater still drops to the lowest temperature during the fourth time.

[0160] It can be understood that, here, the maximum temperature is the maximum temperature in a second time period, and the minimum temperature is the minimum temperature in a second time period.

[0161] During the second time period, the temperature difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures is within 10°C. This indicates that the temperature difference during the second time period is smaller than during the first time period. Just as the temperature difference during the first time period disrupts thermal equilibrium, the temperature difference during the second time period also disrupts the thermal equilibrium between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate. As a result, the heat provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0162] It is understood that the temperature difference during the second time period is relatively small and can be used in a stage where aerosol is sufficient, so that sufficient aerosol can be generated by baking with a relatively small energy supply. For example, the plurality of second time periods operate in the early stage of the puffing operation, and the plurality of first time periods operate in the middle and / or late stage of the puffing operation.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 4 , the temperature curve exhibits a wavy pattern, fluctuating around a central temperature. The central temperature is the fluctuation center of the temperature curve. In this embodiment, based on a control strategy that maintains a constant central temperature of the temperature curve, the energy supply amount for each time period is set so that the curve fluctuates around the central temperature.

[0164] As shown in Figure 4, after the aerosol generating device starts heating, it first enters the preheating working stage and then enters the suction working stage. In the preheating working stage, the controller controls the power source to output at maximum power for a certain period of time, so that the temperature rises rapidly. After the preheating working stage is completed, it enters the early stage of the suction working stage. In the early stage of the suction working stage, including 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, and the temperature of the heater fluctuates in small waves within ±5°C. It can be understood that in the early stage of the suction working stage, the aerosol formation matrix is ​​sufficient, and a relatively small amount of energy is supplied each time, and the temperature fluctuates in small waves, which can bake and stimulate sufficient aerosol. Compared with the continuous output of energy in the early stage of the suction working stage, it can improve energy utilization and achieve the effect of reducing energy consumption.

[0165] After the early stage of the puffing work phase is completed, the mid-to-late stage of the puffing work phase begins. The mid-to-late stage of the puffing work phase 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 greatly within ±25°C. In the mid-to-late stage of the puffing work phase, the energy supply method corresponding to the first time period is used to control the output power of the power source. The energy supply corresponding to the first time period is relatively large, and there is a higher maximum temperature relative to the early stage of the puffing work phase. The amplitude of the temperature fluctuation is within ±25°C, which increases the amount of smoke. In addition, intermittently increasing the temperature is in line with the puffing habit, and will not cause aerosol waste due to continuous high-temperature baking of the aerosol to form a matrix. Compared with continuously outputting energy in the mid-to-late stage of the puffing work phase, it can improve energy utilization and achieve the effect of reducing energy consumption.

[0166] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5 , the temperature curve is a wave curve, and the wave curve fluctuates up and down with the center temperature as the center, and the center temperature is the fluctuation center of the temperature wave curve. The difference from the embodiment shown in FIG4 is that the center temperature in the early stage of puffing and the middle and late stages of puffing are different, and the center temperature in the middle and late stages of puffing is lower than the center temperature in the early stage of puffing to meet the taste requirements of different aerosol-forming products. Among them, the maximum temperature in the early stage of puffing can be the same as the maximum temperature in the middle and late stages of puffing. In other embodiments, the maximum temperature in the early stage of puffing can be different from the maximum temperature in the middle and late stages of puffing. For example, the maximum temperature in the early stage of puffing can be higher than the maximum temperature in the middle and late stages of puffing, which is beneficial to saving energy consumption. For example, the maximum temperature in the early stage of puffing can be lower than the maximum temperature in the middle and late stages of puffing, which is beneficial to increasing the amount of smoke in the middle and late stages of puffing.

[0167] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6 , the temperature curve exhibits a wavy pattern, with the wavy curve fluctuating upward from the lowest temperature as the starting point, with the lowest temperature being the lower limit of the temperature wavy curve. In this embodiment, based on a control strategy in which the lower limit of the temperature wavy curve remains constant, the energy supply for each time period is configured such that the wavy curve fluctuates upward from the lowest temperature as the starting point. It will be appreciated that the energy supply method shown in FIG6 is identical to the energy supply method shown in FIG4 , and both achieve the same functionality, and therefore will not be further elaborated here.

[0168] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7 , the temperature curve exhibits a wave-like shape, with the wave curve fluctuating upward from the lowest temperature as the starting point, with the lowest temperature being the lower limit of the temperature wave curve. This differs from the embodiment shown in FIG6 in that the lowest temperatures during the early puffing phase and the mid-to-late puffing phase are different, with the lowest temperature during the mid-to-late puffing phase being lower than the lowest temperature during the early puffing phase, to accommodate the mouthfeel of different aerosol-forming products.

[0169] In some embodiments, referring to FIG8 , the temperature curve is a wave curve, which fluctuates upward starting from the lowest temperature, with the lowest temperature being the lower limit of the temperature wave curve. During the puffing operation phase, the temperature wave curve has three fluctuation amplitudes.

[0170] During the preheating phase, the controller controls the power source to output at maximum power for a certain period of time, causing the temperature to rise rapidly. The early stage of the suction phase includes multiple second time periods a. The controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to each second time period a. The temperature of the heater fluctuates within ±3°C with small waves. The middle stage of the suction phase includes multiple second time periods b. The controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to each second time period b. The temperature of the heater fluctuates within ±5°C with small waves. Among them, the second time period b and the second time period a are two different second time periods, and the set energy corresponding to the second time period b is greater than the set energy corresponding to the second time period a.

[0171] In the later stage of the puffing operation, 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 greatly within ± 25°C, which can bake and stimulate sufficient aerosol.

[0172] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9 , the temperature curve exhibits a wave-like shape, fluctuating upward from the lowest temperature as its starting point, with the lowest temperature being the lower limit of the temperature wave curve. During the puffing phase, the temperature wave curve exhibits three fluctuation amplitudes. This differs from the embodiment shown in FIG8 in that the lowest temperatures during the early, mid, and late puff periods are different, with the mid-puff period being lower than the early puff period, and the late puff period being lower than the mid-puff period, to accommodate the mouthfeel of different aerosol-forming products.

[0173] In some embodiments, the plurality of second time periods operate in a heat preservation operation phase, and the plurality of first time periods operate in a puffing operation phase. The heat preservation operation phase refers to a phase where a temperature at or slightly below the preheating temperature is maintained, and aerosol generation continues during this phase.

[0174] The heat preservation working stage includes multiple second time periods. The controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply mode corresponding to each second time period. The temperature of the heater fluctuates in small waves within ±5°C.

[0175] The suction working stage includes multiple first time periods. The controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply mode corresponding to each first time period. The temperature of the heater fluctuates greatly within ±25°C.

[0176] In summary, the control method provided in the embodiment of the present application divides the entire baking process into multiple time periods based on the energy demand characteristics during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate, and sets a corresponding energy supply for each time period, so that the aerosol-forming substrate receives the heat output by the heater in different time periods, and the aerosol generated after baking can quickly reach and maintain a smokable state. On the other hand, based on the heat conduction characteristics, for each first time period, energy is continuously supplied during the first time period, and energy is stopped or less energy is supplied during the second time period, so that the temperature first rises to the highest temperature and then drops to the lowest temperature during the first time period, and the temperature difference between the two is greater than 15°C, which is conducive to the heat provided by the heater being absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate in a larger proportion when energy is supplied during the next time period, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] The controller is configured to control the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times in multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, wherein the multiple time periods include multiple first time periods. In the first time period, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period. The power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period, wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

[0180] In this embodiment, based on the energy requirements of the aerosol-forming substrate during baking, the entire baking process is divided into multiple time periods, and a corresponding energy supply is set for each time period. This allows the aerosol-forming substrate to receive heat output from the heater in different time periods, allowing the aerosol produced after baking to quickly reach and maintain a smokable state. Furthermore, based on the heat conduction characteristics, energy is continuously supplied during the first time period and then stopped during the second time period. This allows the temperature to rise to its highest temperature and then fall to its lowest temperature during the first time period, with the temperature difference between the two being at least 15°C. This facilitates a greater proportion of the heat provided by the heater to be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate during the next time period, thereby improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0181] 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.

[0182] In some embodiments, the heater is made of a metal with 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 temperature difference amplitude can reach 50°C in the first time period. For another example, in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C.

[0183] For example, the heater is made of stainless steel, permalloy, or stainless iron, and the temperature difference between the highest and lowest temperatures during the first time period is 15° C. to 20° C. The heater made of stainless steel, permalloy, or stainless iron is suitable for use as a resistive heater or an electromagnetic induction heater.

[0184] For example, the heater is made of aluminum alloy; in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15° C. to 50° C. It is understood that the heater made of aluminum alloy is suitable for resistive heaters but not for electromagnetic heaters.

[0185] In this embodiment, the heater is made of a metal with a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / (m·K). The thermal conductivity is positively correlated with the heating rate, so that the heater can heat up quickly in a short time.

[0186] In some embodiments, the heater further comprises an energy storage layer disposed between the heating element and the aerosol-generating article, wherein the thermal conductivity of the energy storage layer is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heating element. It is understood that the heating element is a component of the heater that generates heat, such as a metal needle, sheet, or tube.

[0187] For example, the heating element is made of stainless steel, Permalloy, or stainless iron, and the energy storage layer is made of aluminum alloy. The thermal conductivity of aluminum alloy is greater than that of stainless steel, Permalloy, or stainless iron.

[0188] It is understood that the heat generated by the heating element is first transferred to the energy storage layer, and then from the energy storage layer to the aerosol-generating article. Because the thermal conductivity of the energy storage layer is greater than that of the heating element, the aerosol-generating article that is in contact with the energy storage layer and undergoes heat transfer can quickly heat up.

[0189] Therefore, during the preheating phase, the energy storage layer itself absorbs a certain amount of heat, resulting in a slower overall heating rate than a heater without an energy storage layer. Once the energy storage layer reaches a certain temperature, during the subsequent insulation and pumping phases, the high thermal conductivity of the energy storage layer effectively reduces the rate of heat transfer from the heater to the outside of the unit, thereby effectively reducing overall heat loss.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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, characterized in that: The method comprises: In a plurality of time periods when the heater is started to heat, correspondingly controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater a plurality of times, wherein the plurality of time periods include a plurality of first time periods; In the first time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater includes: Controlling the power source to output energy supply in a current first time period and continuing for a first time to reach a maximum temperature of the heater in the current first time period; Controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply in the current first time period and continuing for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; Wherein, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first time is within 4 seconds.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the first time, the heating rate of the heater is greater than 40° C. / s.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A temperature increase rate of the heater in the first time is different from a temperature decrease rate in the second time.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The heating rate of the heater in the first time is greater than the cooling rate in the second time.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continuing for a second time, the method includes: Enter the next time period, and control the power source to output the energy supply of the next time period.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the first time period, before controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater, the method includes: Detecting the working time of the heater being started for heating; If the working time meets the first time threshold, at least one of the first time periods is entered.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first time threshold is greater than 60s.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: When controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period, determining the supplied energy of the current first time period; If the supplied energy reaches the set energy corresponding to the current first time period, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: When controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period, determining the duration of the power source stopping the energy supply of the current time period; If the duration meets the preset natural cooling time of the current first time period, The current first time period ends and the next time period begins.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: When controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period, detecting the real-time temperature of the heater; If the real-time temperature drops to a preset low temperature threshold, the current first time period ends and the next time period begins.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The controlling the power source to output energy supply in the current first time period includes: The power source is controlled to continuously output the energy supply for the current first time period.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of time periods further includes a plurality of second time periods; In the second time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater includes: Controlling the power source to output energy supply in the current second time period and continuing for a third time to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the current second time period; Controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply in the current second time period and continuing for a fourth time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current second time period; Wherein, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is less than 10°C.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The plurality of second time periods operate in the early stage of the suction operation phase, and the plurality of first time periods operate in the middle and / or late stage of the suction operation phase.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The plurality of second time periods operate in a heat preservation operation stage, and the plurality of first time periods operate in a suction operation stage.

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; The controller is configured to control the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times in multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, wherein the multiple time periods include multiple first time periods, and in the first time period, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period, and the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period, wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

18. The device according to claim 1, 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 first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is in the range of 15°C-20°C.

20. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The heater is made of aluminum alloy; in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C.

21. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The heater further comprises an energy storage layer disposed between the heat generating body and the aerosol generating article, wherein a thermal conductivity coefficient of the energy storage layer is greater than a thermal conductivity coefficient of the heat generating body.

22. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The heating element is made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron, and the energy storage layer is made of aluminum alloy.

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