Control method for aerosol-generating apparatus

Abstract

A control method for an aerosol-generating apparatus. The control method comprises: (01) acquiring the current heating time of a plasma heating assembly; (02) on the basis of a preset curve graph, creating a query for the current set output power of a plasma power source which corresponds to the current heating time of the plasma heating assembly, wherein the preset curve graph is a curve graph of correspondences between heating times and set output powers; (03) on the basis of a mapping relationship table, creating a query for a set frequency of a switch which corresponds to the current set output power, wherein the mapping relationship table is a table of mapping relationships between set output powers and frequencies of the switch; and (04) on the basis of the set frequency of the switch, controlling the switch to operate.

Description

Control method for aerosol generation device

[0001] Priority information

[0002] This application claims priority and benefits to patent application No. 202410986242.6, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on July 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of electronic atomization technology, and in particular to a control method for an aerosol generation device. Background Technology

[0004] Aerosols are colloidal dispersion systems formed by small solid or liquid particles dispersed and suspended in a gaseous medium. Since aerosols can be absorbed by the human body through the respiratory system, they provide users with a new alternative absorption method.

[0005] The aerosol generation device includes a plasma heating component and a plasma power source. It uses resistance or electromagnetic induction to heat the aerosol generation matrix, delivering inhalable aerosols to the user. To optimize the user experience, the plasma power source used in aerosol generation devices is trending towards miniaturization.

[0006] Currently, in plasma power supply design, how to effectively manage the impact of switching frequency on power device losses, temperature, and overall efficiency while achieving high power and miniaturization is a technical problem.

[0007] As switching frequencies increase, the size of key components such as transformers, inductors, and capacitors can be significantly reduced. This is because the size of these components is often inversely proportional to their operating frequency; that is, the higher the frequency, the smaller the required component size. This characteristic allows for the integration of more components within a limited space, thereby increasing the power density of plasma power supplies, i.e., the output power per unit volume or weight. This is of great significance for realizing the high-power and miniaturized design of plasma power supplies.

[0008] However, each switching action incurs losses, including energy loss from the switch itself and the resulting heat. These losses accumulate with each switch cycle, causing the device temperature to rise and impacting its reliability and overall efficiency. In miniaturized designs, the limited space makes heat more likely to concentrate, further exacerbating this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of this, the present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the problems in the related art. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0010] This application provides a control method for an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device includes a plasma heating component and a plasma power supply. The plasma heating component is used to heat an aerosol generation matrix to generate aerosols. The plasma power supply provides electrical energy to the plasma heating component. The plasma power supply includes a switch. The control method includes: acquiring the current heating time of the plasma heating component; querying the current set output power of the plasma power supply corresponding to the current heating time of the plasma heating component according to a preset curve, wherein the preset curve is a curve showing the correspondence between the heating time and the set output power; querying the set frequency of the switch corresponding to the current set output power according to a mapping table, wherein the mapping table is a mapping table showing the correspondence between the set output power and the frequency of the switch; and controlling the switch to operate according to the set frequency of the switch.

[0011] In some implementations, the relationship between the set output power and the frequency of the switch in the mapping table is linear.

[0012] In some implementations, the linear relationship includes a decrease in the value of the switching frequency as the value of the set output power decreases.

[0013] In some implementations, the linear relationship includes the following: when the set output power is less than or equal to a preset power value, the frequency of the switch is correspondingly less than or equal to a preset frequency value.

[0014] In some implementations, the linear relationship includes the following: when the set output power is greater than or equal to a preset power value, the frequency of the switch is greater than or equal to a preset frequency value.

[0015] In some embodiments, the plasma power source includes a microcontroller, the preset curve is pre-stored in the microcontroller of the plasma power source, and the mapping table is pre-stored in the microcontroller of the plasma power source.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plasma power supply further includes a pulse width modulation controller and a power circuit. The microcontroller is configured with a pulse modulation attribute port for outputting a pulse modulation signal. Controlling the switch to operate according to its set frequency includes: when a change in the set output power corresponding to the heating time is detected, controlling the pulse modulation attribute port to output a pulse modulation signal to the pulse width modulation controller; controlling the pulse width modulation controller to synchronously send a switching frequency signal corresponding to the pulse modulation signal to the power circuit; and controlling the frequency of the switch in the power circuit according to the switching frequency signal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plasma heating assembly includes a plasma generator and a heating controller. The plasma generator includes: a heating element having a heating cavity formed inside; and at least one set of electrode assemblies, each set of electrode assemblies including a first electrode and a second electrode, both of which extend into the heating cavity. An electric arc can be controlled to form between the first electrode and the second electrode within the heating cavity to generate plasma. The heating element can form a accommodating position for accommodating the aerosol generation matrix. The heating controller is used to drive the plasma generator to generate plasma and heat it, thereby heating the aerosol generation product.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plasma generator further includes: an inner tube, in which a first electrode is at least partially disposed, and a second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube and is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first electrode, wherein plasma is generated between the second electrode and the first electrode when the first electrode and the second electrode are energized; an outer tube, which is sleeved outside the inner tube; and a conductive element, which is connected to the second electrode and used for electrical connection with an external power source, the conductive element extending from one end of the inner tube along the axial direction of the inner tube to the other end of the inner tube, wherein the section of the inner tube corresponding to the conductive element is grounded to the outer tube.

[0019] In some embodiments, the heating controller includes a power supply module, a control drive module, a boost regulation module, an inverter conversion module, and a boost transformer. The control drive module is electrically connected to the power supply module and can generate various drive signals according to the heating time-power mapping relationship. The boost regulation module is electrically connected to both the power supply module and the control drive module and is used to generate a DC output voltage based on the power supply voltage of the power supply module and the drive signal. The DC output voltage includes various types, and the different DC output voltages have different magnitudes. Each DC output voltage corresponds to a drive signal. The inverter conversion module is electrically connected to the boost regulation module and is used to generate an AC output voltage based on the DC output voltage. The boost transformer is electrically connected to the inverter conversion module and the plasma generator and is used to generate a heating voltage based on the AC output voltage and provide it to the plasma generator to drive the plasma generator to generate plasma and generate heat, thereby heating the aerosol to form the product.

[0020] Thus, this application can determine the current set output power of the plasma power supply based on the heating time of the plasma heating component, and flexibly adjust the switching frequency according to the real-time determined set output power, thereby achieving the purpose of optimizing performance and reducing losses.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart of a plasma power supply control method according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the control device for the plasma power supply according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall control flow of the plasma power supply control method according to some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a plasma power supply control method according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a plasma generator according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a plasma generator according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating controller according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 8 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a heating controller according to certain embodiments of this application.

[0031] Explanation of main reference numerals in the attached drawings: Control device 100, acquisition module 110, first query module 120, second query module 130, control module 140; Plasma generator 200, heating element 210, heating chamber 211, accommodating position 212, electrode assembly 220, first electrode 221, second electrode 222, inner tube 230, outer tube 240, conductive element 250; heating controller 300; power supply module 310, battery cell 311, auxiliary power supply unit 312, protection and charging unit 313, control drive module 320, boost regulation module 330, inverter conversion module 340, boost transformer 350. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, referring to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections, or connections that allow communication between components; direct connections or indirect connections via an intermediate medium; and connections within two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, this application discloses a control method for an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device includes a plasma heating component and a plasma power supply. The plasma heating component is used to heat the aerosol generation matrix to generate aerosols. The plasma power supply provides electrical energy to the plasma heating component and includes a switch. The control method includes:

[0038] 01: Obtain the current heating time of the plasma heating component;

[0039] 02: Query the current set output power of the plasma power supply corresponding to the current heating time of the plasma heating component according to the preset curve. The preset curve is a curve showing the correspondence between heating time and set output power.

[0040] 03: Query the set frequency of the switch corresponding to the current set output power according to the mapping table. The mapping table is a mapping table between the set output power and the frequency of the switch.

[0041] 04: Control the switch to work according to the set frequency of the switch.

[0042] Referring to Figure 2, this application also provides a control device 100 for a plasma power supply. The plasma power supply includes a switch. The control device 100 may be included within the plasma power supply or may be externally connected to it. The control method of the plasma power supply in this application is achieved by controlling the frequency of the switch through the control device 100. The control device includes an acquisition module 110, a first query module 120, a second query module 130, and a control module 140.

[0043] In other words, step 01 can be implemented by the acquisition module 110, step 02 by the first query module 120, step 03 by the second query module 130, and step 04 by the control module 140. Specifically, the acquisition module 110 acquires the current heating time of the plasma heating component; the first query module 120 queries the current set output power corresponding to the current heating time of the plasma heating component based on a preset curve (the curve showing the relationship between heating time and set output power); the second query module 130 queries the set frequency of the switch corresponding to the set output power based on a mapping table (the mapping table showing the relationship between set output power and switch frequency); and the control module 140 controls the switch to operate according to the set frequency of the switch.

[0044] The preset curve is a relationship curve formed by creating a table showing the correspondence between the heating time of the plasma heating component and the set output power of the plasma power supply. For example, this application determines the power level that the plasma power supply should output in different time periods through experiments, and the table can be shown in Table 1. Then, a curve of heating time versus set output power can be generated based on Table 1.

[0045] Table 1

[0046] As shown in Table 1, when the plasma heating component is activated to heat the aerosol generation matrix, the plasma power supply is set to an output power of 170W during the heating period from 0 to 10 milliseconds. Subsequently, during the heating period from 10 to 810 milliseconds, the plasma power supply controls the plasma heating component to heat the aerosol generation matrix at a power of 70W. After that, during the heating period from 810 to 1110 milliseconds, the power is reduced to 30W to continue heating. After 400 milliseconds, the next heating cycle begins, and this process is repeated until the heating is complete.

[0047] A preset curve showing the relationship between the heating time of the plasma heating component and the set output power of the plasma power supply can be used to describe the change in output power of the plasma power supply at different operating time points. Based on the curve, the set output power value of the plasma power supply corresponding to the current heating time of the plasma heating component can be retrieved.

[0048] After determining the current set output power of the plasma power supply based on the current heating time of the plasma heating component, the set frequency of the switch is determined according to the mapping table between the set output power and the frequency of the switch. Then, the switch is controlled to work according to the set frequency of the switch.

[0049] For example, a mapping table could be shown in Table 2.

[0050] Table 2

[0051] Thus, this application can determine the current set output power of the plasma power supply based on the current heating time of the plasma heating component, and flexibly adjust the switching frequency according to the real-time determined set output power, thereby achieving the purpose of optimizing performance and reducing losses.

[0052] In some embodiments, the mapping table is set to have a linear relationship between output power and switching frequency.

[0053] Specifically, in the high-power mode, the frequency corresponding to a plasma power supply of 7000 ohms (10mW) is 230kHz. Although setting a high switching frequency at high power increases switching losses, this can be addressed through optimized heat dissipation design and other technical means. Using a high switching frequency to enhance the efficiency and performance of the plasma power supply is necessary. In the low-power mode, the frequency corresponding to a plasma power supply of 3000 ohms (10mW) is 150kHz. By reducing the switching frequency, losses and temperature rise can be significantly reduced, overall stability improved, and the service life of the plasma power supply extended.

[0054] In general, when the plasma power supply is set to a high output power (abnormal state), high efficiency and high performance are prioritized, and a higher switching frequency is used. When the output power is set to a low output power (normal state), low loss and temperature rise are prioritized, and a lower switching frequency is used. The relationship between the set output power and the switching frequency is linear.

[0055] In some embodiments, the linear relationship includes a decrease in the switching frequency as the set output power decreases. Reducing the switching frequency when power demand decreases can reduce heat generation, thereby lowering the operating temperature of the device and reducing the impact of thermal stress on device performance.

[0056] In some embodiments, the linear relationship includes setting the switching frequency to be less than or equal to a preset frequency value when the output power is less than or equal to a preset power value. If the current set output power of the plasma power supply is less than or equal to the preset power value, according to the linear relationship described above, the current switching frequency of the plasma power supply will also be less than or equal to the corresponding preset frequency value.

[0057] In some embodiments, the linear relationship includes setting the switching frequency to be greater than or equal to a preset frequency value when the output power is greater than or equal to a preset power value. If the current set output power of the plasma power supply is greater than or equal to the preset power value, according to the linear relationship described above, the current switching frequency of the plasma power supply will also be greater than or equal to the corresponding preset frequency value.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 3. The plasma power supply includes a microcontroller unit (MCU). Preset curves and mapping tables are pre-stored in the microcontroller of the plasma power supply.

[0059] Specifically, this application can determine the relationship curve between the heating time of the plasma heating component and the output power of the plasma power supply based on experimental research on the correspondence between the heating time of the plasma heating component and the output power of the plasma power supply. This relationship curve can be stored in the microcontroller in advance and called as a preset curve.

[0060] The MCU pre-stores a mapping table between preset output power and corresponding appropriate switching frequencies. When the plasma power supply requires higher output power, the MCU selects a higher switching frequency to control the switch and meet the power demand; conversely, when the power demand is lower, a lower switching frequency is selected to control the switch and reduce losses and temperature rise. Through this mapping table, the MCU can achieve precise control of the power supply's output characteristics and adjust the switching frequency according to actual needs to improve energy efficiency, reduce losses, and extend the power supply's lifespan. This design not only improves the performance of the plasma power supply but also makes it more adaptable to the needs of different application scenarios.

[0061] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the plasma power supply further includes a pulse width modulation controller and a power circuit. The microcontroller is configured with a pulse modulation attribute port for outputting a pulse modulation signal. Step 04 involves controlling the switch to operate according to its frequency.

[0062] 041: When a change in the set output power corresponding to the heating time is detected, the microcontroller controls the pulse modulation attribute port to output a pulse modulation signal to the pulse width modulation controller main control chip;

[0063] 042: After processing by the main control chip of the pulse width modulation controller, the switching frequency signal corresponding to the pulse modulation signal is sent to the power circuit;

[0064] 043: Control the frequency of the switches in the power circuit according to the switching frequency signal.

[0065] Steps 041, 042, and 043 can all be implemented by the control module 140. That is, when a change in the set output power corresponding to the heating time is detected, the control module 140 controls the pulse modulation attribute port to output a pulse modulation signal to the pulse width modulation controller main control chip; after processing, the pulse width modulation controller main control chip sends a switching frequency signal corresponding to the pulse modulation signal to the power circuit; and controls the frequency of the switches in the power circuit according to the switching frequency signal.

[0066] Specifically, the control unit in Figure 3 may include a pulse width modulation controller, and the drive unit may include a power circuit.

[0067] The pulse modulation attribute port is used to connect the microcontroller and the pulse width modulation controller.

[0068] Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique that uses the digital signal output of a microprocessor to control analog circuits. By adjusting the duty cycle of the PWM signal, PWM technology can achieve precise control of the output voltage or current, and dynamically adjust the output power according to actual needs, thereby achieving high efficiency, energy saving, and reduced circuit losses.

[0069] Pulse-modulated signals are also known as PWM signals. The generation of PWM signals relies on a microprocessor and a pulse width modulation controller. These devices contain high-resolution counters and comparators. By configuring parameters such as the counter's counting speed, counting mode, timer load value, and comparator value, PWM signals with specific frequencies and duty cycles can be generated.

[0070] The switching frequency signal can be an electrical signal, and the frequency of the switches in the power circuit can be controlled by the switching frequency signal.

[0071] Thus, this application can control the frequency of the switches in the power circuit through a microcontroller and a pulse width modulation controller, thereby adjusting the switching frequency corresponding to the set output power of different plasma power sources.

[0072] In some embodiments, the plasma heating assembly includes a plasma generator 200 and a heating controller 300. The heating controller 300 drives the plasma generator 200 to generate plasma and heat it, thereby heating the aerosol to form an article. Referring to Figure 5, the plasma generator 200 includes a heating element 210 and at least one set of electrode assemblies 220. A heating cavity 211 is formed inside the heating element 210. Each set of electrode assemblies 220 includes a first electrode 221 and a second electrode 222. Both the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 extend into the heating cavity 211. An electric arc can be controlled to form between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 within the heating cavity 211, generating plasma. Essentially, by extending both the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 into the heating cavity 211 of the heating element 210, an electric arc is generated between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 when powered by AC or DC, thereby ionizing the gas within the heating cavity 211 to form plasma. The plasma then heats the heating cavity 211. Furthermore, the heating element 210 has a receiving position 212 adjacent to the heating chamber 211, which is used to hold the aerosol generation matrix. After the heating chamber 211 is heated by the plasma, the heat can be transferred to the adjacent receiving position 212, thereby heating the aerosol generation matrix disposed on the receiving position 212.

[0073] In this way, the heat generated by the plasma within the heating chamber 211 is used to rapidly heat the aerosol generation matrix. Leveraging the high energy density of plasma heating, the preheating time is shortened, making it more convenient for users and preventing the aerosol generation matrix from burning due to excessive preheating time, thus improving the atomized flavor. Simultaneously, during the heating process, metal components such as electrodes do not need to directly contact the aerosol generation matrix, preventing the aerosol generation matrix from becoming contaminated with metallic substances after atomization, further enhancing the atomized flavor.

[0074] In some embodiments, the plasma generator 200 further includes an inner tube 230, an outer tube 240, and a conductive element 250. A first electrode 221 is at least partially disposed within the inner tube 230, and a second electrode 222 is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube 230, opposite to and spaced apart from the first electrode 221. When the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 are energized, plasma is generated between the second electrode 222 and the first electrode 221. The outer tube 240 is sleeved over the inner tube 230. The conductive element 250 connects to the second electrode 222 and is used for electrical connection to an external power source. The conductive element 250 extends from one end of the inner tube 230 along the axial direction of the inner tube 230 to the other end of the inner tube 230, wherein the section of the inner tube 230 corresponding to the conductive element 250 is grounded above the outer tube 240.

[0075] Specifically, referring to Figure 6, the conductive element 250 is connected to the second electrode 222 for electrical connection with a power source. The conductive element 250 extends axially from one end of the inner tube 230 to the other end of the inner tube 230. Along the axial direction of the inner tube 230, the section of the inner tube 230 corresponding to the conductive element 250 is grounded on the outer tube 240.

[0076] It should be noted that the pipe segment corresponding to the inner tube 230 and the conductive element 250 can be the portion of the inner tube 230 located between the two ends of the conductive element 250 along its axial direction. The axial length of the pipe segment corresponding to the inner tube 230 and the conductive element 250 can be approximately equal, and the ends can be approximately aligned. Furthermore, it can be understood that the conductive element 250 is needed for the second electrode 222 to be electrically connected to the power supply 200. However, the second electrode 222 and the conductive element 250 are not necessarily two separate components. They can be made of the same material or integrally formed as a single unit. The portion opposite to the first electrode 221 serves as the electrode, while the remaining portion is used for electrical connection. In this application, the second electrode 222 and the conductive element 250 are described as two separate components, which should not be construed as limiting their overall or separate nature, but rather for better explanation and interpretation.

[0077] In the plasma generator 200 of this application embodiment, the section of the inner tube 230 corresponding to the conductive element 250 is grounded to the outer tube 240, which reduces the volume of the conductive element 250, thereby reducing the heat capacity of the conductive element 250. This results in less heat being stored in the conductive element 250, and allows more heat generated by the plasma generator 200 to be directly radiated to the aerosol forming matrix through the inner tube 230 and the outer tube 240, improving heat utilization and thus increasing the heating rate and heating efficiency of the aerosol forming matrix.

[0078] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the heating controller 300 includes a power supply module 310, a control drive module 320, a boost regulation module 330, an inverter conversion module 340, and a boost transformer 350. The control drive module 320 is electrically connected to the power supply module 310 and can generate various drive signals according to the heating time-power mapping relationship. The boost regulation module 330 is electrically connected to both the power supply module 310 and the control drive module 320, and is used to generate a DC output voltage according to the power supply voltage of the power supply module 310 and the drive signal. The DC output voltage includes various types, and the magnitudes of the different DC output voltages are different. Each DC output voltage corresponds to a drive signal. The inverter conversion module 340 is electrically connected to the boost regulation module 330 and is used to generate an AC output voltage according to the DC output voltage. The boost transformer 350 is electrically connected to the inverter conversion module 340 and the plasma generator 200, and is used to generate a heating voltage according to the AC output voltage and provide it to the plasma generator 200 to drive the plasma generator 200 to generate plasma and generate heat, thereby heating the aerosol to form the product.

[0079] Specifically, referring to Figure 7, the heating controller 300 includes a power supply module 310, a control drive module 320, a boost regulator module 330, an inverter conversion module 340, and a boost transformer 350. The control drive module 320 is electrically connected to the power supply module 310 and can generate various drive signals. The boost regulator module 330 is electrically connected to both the power supply module 310 and the control drive module 320, and is used to generate a DC output voltage based on the power supply voltage of the power supply module 310 and the drive signal. The DC output voltage includes various types, each corresponding to a specific drive signal. The inverter conversion module 340 is electrically connected to the boost regulator module 330 and is used to generate an AC output voltage based on the DC output voltage. The boost transformer 350 is electrically connected to the inverter conversion module 340 and the plasma, and is used to generate a heating voltage based on the AC output voltage and supply it to the plasma, enabling the plasma to achieve arc initiation or discharge functions.

[0080] Referring to Figure 8, the power module 310 may include a battery cell 311, an auxiliary power supply unit 312, and a protection and charging unit 313. The battery cell 311 can be a rechargeable DC battery cell, such as any one of lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-iron, or nickel-metal hydride batteries, and can be charged by connecting to an external power source via a charging interface. In this embodiment, a lithium-ion battery is used as an example. The auxiliary power supply unit 312 is connected to the battery cell 311 and is used to supply power to various chips or active devices in the internal system of the aerosol generator. For example, the auxiliary power supply unit 312 is electrically connected to the control drive module 320 to supply power to the control drive module 320. The protection and charging unit 313 is electrically connected to the battery cell 311 and is used to protect the battery cell 311 from abnormal conditions such as charging / discharging, overcurrent, and short circuits, and to enable battery charging. Understandably, the aerosol generator is relatively small in size, and the heating controller 300 uses battery cell 311 to provide power to the entire device, making it convenient for users to carry.

[0081] The control drive module 320 serves as the control center of the heating controller 300, enabling functions such as overall logic control, protection mechanisms, operational logic control, timing logic control, power control, and drive control. The control drive module 320 is electrically connected to the boost regulator module 330, providing drive signals to control the DC output voltage of the boost regulator module 330. These drive signals can be of various types, each with a different duty cycle to achieve different functions. For example, the drive signals may include a first drive signal and a second drive signal, where the first drive signal initiates the arc in the plasma generator 200, and the second drive signal initiates the discharge in the plasma generator 200. In some examples, the drive signals provided by the control drive module 320 to the boost regulator module 330 can be pulse width modulation (PWM) signals, with different duty cycles for each signal.

[0082] The boost regulator module 330 is used to realize energy demand conversion. The boost regulator module 330 can adjust the output voltage to match the actual power demand or the temperature demand of the plasma generator 200. Specifically, the boost regulator module 330 can be electrically connected to the battery cell 311 of the power supply module 310, the control drive module 320, and the inverter conversion module 340, respectively. The boost regulator module 330 can output a DC output voltage according to the drive signal and the power supply voltage output by the battery cell 311. The DC output voltage can be greater than the power supply voltage; that is, the boost regulator module 330 can boost the power supply voltage according to the drive signal to output a DC output voltage greater than the power supply voltage. Multiple DC output voltages can be included, each corresponding to a different drive signal, and the magnitudes of the different DC output voltages are different.

[0083] The boost regulator module 330 can employ a boost chopper circuit or a buck-boost circuit, or other DC-DC converter circuits, to convert the DC output from cell 311 from the power supply voltage to a higher DC output voltage. Those skilled in the art will understand that a boost circuit is a type of voltage boosting circuit that can raise the input voltage to an output voltage higher than the input voltage. In a boost circuit, the on and off states of a switching transistor (such as a MOSFET or IGBT) control the charging and discharging process of the inductor, thereby achieving voltage boosting. A buck-boost circuit is a circuit with buck-boost functionality that can achieve an output voltage higher or lower than the input voltage under certain conditions. The buck-boost circuit controls the charging and discharging process of the inductor by changing the on and off times (i.e., duty cycle) of the switching transistor, thereby achieving voltage bucking or boosting.

[0084] When the boost regulation module 330 uses a boost circuit, the relationship between the DC output voltage and the power supply voltage can be expressed as follows: Vout_Boost=Vin / (1-D)

[0085] Where Vin is the power supply voltage, D is the duty cycle of the drive signal, and Vout_Boost is the DC output voltage.

[0086] When the boost regulator module 330 uses a Buck_Boost circuit, the relationship between the DC output voltage and the power supply voltage can be expressed as follows: Vout_Buck_Boost=Vin*D / (1-D)

[0087] Where Vin is the power supply voltage, D is the duty cycle of the drive signal, and Vout_Buck_Boost is the DC output voltage.

[0088] The inverter conversion module 340, as the power conversion unit of the heating controller 300, is used to realize energy demand conversion. The inverter conversion module 340 can convert DC to AC. Specifically, the inverter conversion module 340 can be electrically connected to the control drive module 320, the boost regulation module 330, and the boost transformer 350 respectively. Under the drive of the control drive module 320, the inverter conversion module 340 can convert the DC output voltage output by the boost regulation module 330 into an AC output voltage and input it into the boost transformer 350. In this way, the boost transformer 350 boosts and converts the AC output voltage into a heating voltage that can enable the plasma generator 200 to start arcing or discharge.

[0089] The inverter module 340 can employ either a half-bridge circuit or a full-bridge circuit. Those skilled in the art will understand that a half-bridge circuit is a circuit structure composed of two transistors (or MOSFETs), capable of achieving DC-to-AC conversion or smooth voltage / current changes. Half-bridge circuits are characterized by their simple structure and high efficiency. A full-bridge circuit consists of four switching transistors (usually transistors or MOSFETs) and a load, enabling efficient DC-to-AC conversion.

[0090] The step-up transformer 350 is used to achieve voltage ramp-up. The step-up transformer 350 includes a primary side and a secondary side coupled to the primary side. The primary side is electrically connected to the inverter module 340, and the secondary side is connected to the plasma generator 200. The step-up transformer 350 can boost and convert the AC output voltage from the inverter module 340 to obtain a heating voltage, which is then output to the plasma generator 200, thereby enabling arc initiation and discharge in the plasma generator 200.

[0091] The step-up transformer 350 can adopt a multi-slot transformer winding design to improve its withstand voltage capability. In this embodiment, the number of turns in the primary winding can be 2T, and the number of turns in the secondary winding can be 910T. The heating voltage is a high-frequency AC voltage, with a voltage range of 2 kV to 10 kV. For example, the heating voltage can be 2 kV, 3 kV, 4 kV, 5 kV, 7 kV, 8 kV, or 10 kV; the specific voltage value is not limited. The heating voltage can include an arc-initiating voltage and a discharge voltage. The arc-initiating voltage can be used to initiate the arc in the plasma generator 200, and the discharge voltage can be used to initiate the arc discharge in the plasma generator 200. For example, the arc-initiating voltage is greater than the heating voltage; for example, the arc-initiating voltage can be 7 kV or 8 kV, and the heating voltage can be 2 kV or 3 kV.

[0092] When the inverter module 340 uses a half-bridge circuit, the relationship between the heating voltage and the DC output voltage can be expressed as follows: Vac=(Vout_Boost / 2)*NS / NP or Vac=(Vout_Buck_Boost / 2)*NS / NP;

[0093] Where Vac is the heating voltage, NS is the number of turns in the secondary winding, NP is the number of turns in the primary winding, Vout_Boost is the DC output voltage of the boost regulation module 330 when using the Boost circuit, and Vout_Buck_Boost is the DC output voltage of the boost regulation module 330 when using the Buck_Boost circuit.

[0094] When the inverter module 340 uses a full-bridge circuit, the relationship between the heating voltage and the DC output voltage can be expressed as follows: Vac = (Vout_Boost)*NS / NP or Vac = (Vout_Buck_Boost)*NS / NP;

[0095] Where Vac is the heating voltage, NS is the number of turns in the secondary winding, NP is the number of turns in the primary winding, Vout_Boost is the DC output voltage of the boost regulation module 330 when using the Boost circuit, and Vout_Buck_Boost is the DC output voltage of the boost regulation module 330 when using the Buck_Boost circuit.

[0096] In other words, in this embodiment, the combination of the boost regulator module 330 and the inverter conversion module 340 can be a boost chopper circuit plus a half-bridge circuit, a boost chopper circuit plus a full-bridge circuit, a buck-boost circuit plus a half-bridge circuit, or a buck-boost circuit plus a half-bridge circuit.

[0097] Thus, by adjusting the drive signal output from the control drive module 320 to the boost regulation module 330, the DC output voltage of the boost regulation module 330 is changed, thereby altering the heating voltage output from the boost transformer 350 to the plasma generator 200. This allows for the switching between arc initiation and discharge in the plasma generator 200, as well as power regulation during discharge. In other words, the heating controller 300 in this embodiment can change the heating voltage by adjusting the drive signal, thereby enabling the switching between arc initiation and discharge in the plasma generator 200, and power regulation during discharge. This allows for stable heating or cooling of the aerosol-generated product and facilitates the miniaturization of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0098] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control method of an aerosol generating device, the control method comprising: The aerosol-generating device comprises a plasma heating assembly for heating an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol, and a plasma power supply for providing electrical energy to the plasma heating assembly, the plasma power supply comprising a switch, and the control method comprises: obtaining a current heating time of the plasma heating assembly; obtaining a current set output power of the plasma power supply corresponding to the current heating time of the plasma heating assembly according to a preset curve diagram, the preset curve diagram being a curve diagram of the correspondence between the heating time and the set output power; obtaining a set frequency of the switch corresponding to the current set output power according to a mapping relationship table, the mapping relationship table being a mapping relationship table of the set output power and the frequency of the switch; and controlling the switch to work according to the set frequency of the switch.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized by, The relationship between the set output power and the frequency of the switch in the mapping relationship table is a linear relationship.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized by, The linear relationship includes that the numerical value of the frequency of the switch decreases as the numerical value of the set output power decreases.

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized by, The linear relationship includes that the frequency of the switch corresponds to a value less than or equal to a preset frequency value when the set output power is less than or equal to a preset power value.

5. The control method according to claim 2, characterized by, The linear relationship includes that the frequency of the switch corresponds to a value greater than or equal to a preset frequency value when the set output power is greater than or equal to a preset power value.

6. The control method according to claim 2, characterized by The plasma power supply comprises a microcontroller, the preset curve diagram is pre-stored in the microcontroller of the plasma power supply, and the mapping relationship table is pre-stored in the microcontroller of the plasma power supply.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized by The plasma power supply further comprises a pulse width modulation controller and a power circuit, the microcontroller is configured with a pulse modulation attribute port for outputting a pulse modulation signal; and the controlling the switch to work according to the set frequency of the switch comprises: when a change in the set output power corresponding to the heating time is detected, controlling the pulse modulation attribute port to output a pulse modulation signal to the pulse width modulation controller; controlling the pulse width modulation controller to synchronously send a switch frequency signal corresponding to the pulse modulation signal to the power circuit; and controlling the frequency of the switch in the power circuit according to the switch frequency signal.

8. The control method according to claim 1, characterized by, The plasma heating assembly comprises a plasma generator and a heating controller, the plasma generator comprising: a heating element, the heating element having a heating cavity formed inside; and at least one set of electrode assemblies, each set of electrode assemblies comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode both extending into the heating cavity, and an electric arc being controllably formed between the first electrode and the second electrode in the heating cavity to generate plasma; and the heating controller being configured to drive the plasma generator to generate plasma and heat an aerosol-generating article.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized by, The plasma generator further comprises: An inner tube, the first electrode is at least partially arranged in the inner tube, at least part of the second electrode is arranged at one end of the inner tube and is arranged opposite and spaced apart from the first electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are powered to generate plasma between the second electrode and the first electrode; An outer tube, the outer tube is sleeved outside the inner tube; and An electrically conductive part, the electrically conductive part is connected to the second electrode and is used for electrically connecting with an external power supply, the electrically conductive part extends from one end of the inner tube to the other end of the inner tube along the axial direction of the inner tube, wherein the inner tube and the corresponding pipe segment of the electrically conductive part partially face the outer tube.

10. The control method according to claim 8, characterized by, The heating controller comprises a power supply module, a control driving module, a boost regulating module, an inverter conversion module and a boost transformer; The control driving module is electrically connected with the power supply module, and the control driving module can generate a plurality of driving signals according to a heating time-power mapping relationship; The boost regulating module is electrically connected with the power supply module and the control driving module respectively, and is used for generating a direct current output voltage according to the power supply voltage of the power supply module and the driving signal, the direct current output voltage comprises a plurality of kinds, and different direct current output voltages are different in size, each direct current output voltage corresponds to one driving signal; The inverter conversion module is electrically connected with the boost regulating module, and is used for generating an alternating current output voltage according to the direct current output voltage; The boost transformer is electrically connected with the inverter conversion module and the plasma generator, and is used for generating a heating voltage according to the alternating current output voltage and providing the heating voltage to the plasma generator, driving the plasma generator to generate plasma and heat, and heating the aerosol generating article.

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