WO2025185646A1 - Aerosol generating device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application disclose a control method of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises a heater used for heating an aerosol generating product to generate an aerosol, and the control method comprises the following steps: after a preheating stage is completed, determining a puffing state of the aerosol generating device, and if the determination result is no puffing, calculating the duration of no puffing; and when the duration of no puffing exceeds a set value, adjusting the heating power of the heater. According to the control method and the aerosol generating device of the embodiments of the present application, the heater does not need to be kept at a relatively high heating power all the time, so that unnecessary heating of the aerosol generating product is avoided, and the puffable time of the aerosol generating product is prolonged.

Description

Aerosol generating device and control method thereof

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Chinese patent application number 202410277750.7, filed with the Patent Office of China on March 8, 2024, entitled “Aerosol Generating Device and Control Method Thereof,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of atomization technology, and in particular to an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof.

Background Art

Aerosol-generating products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. For people to smoke, during the combustion process, aerosol-generating products will not only volatilize effective ingredients such as nicotine, but also produce tar, carbon monoxide and other toxic and carcinogenic substances due to incomplete combustion and other reasons. These substances have been proven to be the main cause of health problems for smokers. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by producing products that release compounds such as nicotine without burning to reduce the harm of smoking. An example of such a product is the so-called heat-not-burn product, which releases effective compounds such as nicotine by heating the aerosol-generating product instead of burning it. Since it does not burn, the content of tar, carbon monoxide and other toxic and carcinogenic substances in the smoke will be greatly reduced.

Examples of such products are heating devices, which release compounds by heating rather than burning a material. They heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled.

In the prior art, when using an aerosol-generating device, the heater of the device must be maintained at a consistently high heating power, that is, the heating temperature must generally be maintained at a high level. This allows for faster smoke production, meeting user needs. However, maintaining a high heating temperature leads to unnecessary consumption of the aerosol-generating product, thereby reducing the puffable time of the aerosol-generating product.

Application Contents

Embodiments of the present application provide an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof that can prolong the puffing time of an aerosol generating product.

The present application provides a method for controlling an aerosol-generating device, including a heater for heating an aerosol-generating article to generate aerosol. The method comprises the following steps: after a preheating phase, determining the puffing state of the aerosol-generating device; if no puffing is detected, calculating the duration of the puffing absence; and adjusting the heating power of the heater when the duration of the puffing absence exceeds a set value.

In some embodiments, when the duration of no inhalation exceeds a first preset value T1, the heating power of the heater is reduced.

In some embodiments, when the duration of no suction exceeds a second preset value T2, the heating power of the heater is increased; wherein T1<T2.

In some embodiments, when the duration of no inhalation exceeds a third preset value T11, the heating power of the heater is further reduced; wherein T1<T11<T2.

In some embodiments, when the duration of no inhalation exceeds a third preset value T11, the heating power of the heater is further reduced; wherein T1<T11.

In some embodiments, if the result of the determination is that there is puffing, the heating power of the heater is maintained or increased.

In some embodiments, after the preheating stage is completed, the heating power of the heater is maintained at a first power level P1; it is determined whether there is any inhalation in the aerosol generating device; if the determination result is no inhalation, the duration of no inhalation is calculated; when the duration of no inhalation exceeds a first preset value T1, the heating power of the heater is reduced to a second power level P2.

In some embodiments, after reducing the heating power of the heater to the second power level P2, if puffing is detected, the heating power of the heater is increased.

In some embodiments, the heating power of the heater is adjusted by adjusting the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal.

An embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating device, which includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; and a controller configured to execute the aforementioned control method.

In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a method for controlling an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device including a heater for heating an aerosol-generating article to generate aerosol. The method comprises the following steps: after a preheating phase, determining the puffing state of the aerosol-generating device; if the determination result is no puffing, calculating the duration of the puffing absence; and adjusting the heating power of the heater when the duration of the puffing absence exceeds a set value. The control method and aerosol-generating device of embodiments of the present application do not require the heater to be constantly maintained at a high heating power, thereby avoiding unnecessary heating of the aerosol-generating article and extending the puffable time of the aerosol-generating article.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating device, comprising a heater for heating an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; and a controller configured to execute the above-mentioned control method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating article provided in one embodiment of the present application;

FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of temperature changes of an aerosol generating device according to a conventional control method;

FIG4 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG5 is a schematic diagram of temperature changes of an aerosol generating device equipped with a control method provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the aerosol generating device is in inhalation mode a;

FIG6 is a schematic diagram of temperature changes of an aerosol generating device equipped with a control method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the aerosol generating device is in a puffing mode b and the control method is provided with an output reduction mode;

FIG7 is a schematic diagram of temperature changes of an aerosol generating device equipped with a control method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the aerosol generating device is in a puffing mode b and the control method is provided with a direct-down output mode;

FIG8 is a schematic diagram of temperature changes of an aerosol generating device equipped with a control method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the aerosol generating device is in a puffing mode C and the control method is provided with a decreasing output mode;

FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a duty cycle adjustment of heating power of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the device is in a normal output mode;

FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a duty cycle adjustment of heating power of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the device is in a decreasing output mode;

FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the duty cycle adjustment of the heating power of the aerosol generating device provided in one embodiment of the present application, wherein the device is in the lowest output mode;

FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a duty cycle adjustment of heating power of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the device is in a periodic supplementary output mode;

FIG13 is a flow chart of a control method for an aerosol generating device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

The reference numerals are as follows:
10-aerosol generating device, 101-battery cell, 102-controller, heater 103;
20-aerosol generating device, 21-filter segment, 22-substrate segment, 23-cooling segment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

The terms "first", "second" and "third" in this application are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting the quantity or order of the technical features indicated relative to importance or implicitly indicating the indicated technical features. In the embodiments of the present application, all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back ...) are only used to explain the relative position relationship or movement situation between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication also changes accordingly. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or equipment that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but optionally also includes steps or units that are not listed, or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment.

References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be one or more intermediate elements in between. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation methods.

FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating article 20 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Battery cell 101 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (Li FePO4) battery. For example, battery cell 101 may also be a lithium cobalt oxide (Li CoO2) battery or a lithium titanate battery. Battery cell 101 may also be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

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.

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 103 may be in the form of a needle, a blade, a pin, etc., which is inserted into the interior of the aerosol-forming substrate so that the outer periphery of the heater 103 is in contact with or in close contact with the aerosol-forming substrate (as close as possible), thereby achieving heat transfer. In a peripheral heating configuration, the heater 103 may typically be in the form of a hollow cylinder, and the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the hollow cylinder of the heater 103 so that the inner wall of the heater 103 is in contact with or in close contact with the outer periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate (as close as possible), thereby achieving heat transfer.

The heater 103 may adopt a variety of heating methods, for example, heating the aerosol-forming substrate by one or more of resistive heat conduction, electromagnetic induction, chemical reaction, infrared action, resonance, photoelectric conversion, photothermal conversion, and air heating.

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.

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

The controller 102 includes at least one processor. The controller 102 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.

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.

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 20 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.

FIG4 is a flow chart of a control method for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the controller 102 is configured to execute a control method for the aerosol generating device 10 , which includes:

Referring to Figure 4 , after the aerosol-generating device executes steps S1 and S2, i.e., after powering on and preheating, the controller 102 executes step S3 to monitor the puffing status of the aerosol-generating device. If the result is no puffing, step S42 is executed to calculate the duration of no puffing. When the duration of no puffing exceeds a set value, the heating power of the heater 103 is adjusted. This adjusts the heating of the aerosol-generating article 20, avoiding unnecessary heating of the aerosol-generating article 20 and eliminating the need to maintain a high temperature. This reduces the consumption of the aerosol-generating article 20, thereby extending the puffable time of the aerosol-generating article 20.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 , the aerosol generating device 10, implementing the control method of an embodiment of the present application, is in puffing mode a. That is, after the preheating phase is complete, within the first preset value T1, the aerosol generating device 10 detects puffing activity and executes step S41, where the controller 102 controls the heating power of the heater 103 to maintain a high level, such that the heating temperature of the heater 103 is maintained at approximately 370°C, thereby continuously heating the aerosol-generating article 20. Maintaining a high heating temperature facilitates continuous and rapid smoke emission from the aerosol-generating article 20.

Referring to Figures 4, 6, and 7, an aerosol generating device 10 implementing the control method of an embodiment of the present application is in puff mode b. Specifically, after the preheating phase is complete, if the duration T of no puffing exceeds a first preset value T1, step S6 is executed to reduce the heating power of the heater 103. This eliminates the need to maintain a high output temperature of the aerosol generating device, reducing consumption of the aerosol-generating article 20. The first preset value T1 can be adjusted based on the specific aerosol generating device 10.

Specifically, in some embodiments, after the preheating phase is complete, step S3 is executed to detect puffs. If puffs are taken within the first preset value T1, step S41 is executed to maintain the heating power of heater 103 at the first power level P1. This allows the heating power of heater 103 to remain at a high level, ensuring continuous and rapid smoke output. In other embodiments, step S3 is executed to detect puffs. If no puffs are taken, step S42 is executed to calculate the duration of the puff-free period. Step S5 is then executed to determine whether the duration of the puff-free period exceeds the first preset value T1. If so, step S6 is executed to reduce the heating power of the heater to a second power level P2, which is lower than the first power level P1.

The duration T of the first puff-free period from the aerosol generating device 10 is calculated from t0, the time point after preheating is complete. t1 = t0 + T1, where t1 represents the time point at which the heater 103 executes step S6 after no puffing has continued. T1 can be any value between 15 and 30 seconds. In the embodiments of Figures 6 and 7, T1 is 18 seconds, and the aerosol generating device 10 completes preheating t0 = 5 seconds after power-on. Puffing is then monitored until t1 = t0 + T1 = 23 seconds, at which point step S6 is executed.

In some embodiments, if puffing is detected after the heating power of the heater 103 is reduced in step S6 , the duration T of no puffing is counted from the time when puffing is stopped again after the puffing.

Please refer to Figures 6 and 7 for temperature change diagrams of an aerosol generating device 10 implementing the control method of an embodiment of the present application in puff mode b and puff mode c, respectively. After reducing the heating power to the heater 103 to the second power level P2, if a puff is detected, step S71 is executed to increase the heating power of the heater. Specifically, at 83 seconds in the embodiments of Figures 6 and 7, or at 113 seconds in the embodiment of Figure 8, the controller 102 controls the heating power of the heater 103 to increase, for example, to the original higher power level, i.e., the first power level P1. This allows the heater 103 to be quickly restored to a higher temperature during a puff. This increases the smoke output rate during a puff, meeting user requirements.

In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 for a temperature diagram of an aerosol generating device 10 in puff mode c, implementing the control method of an embodiment of the present application. If the duration of no puff exceeds a first preset value T1, the heating power to the heater 103 is reduced to a second power level P2. Step S7 is then executed to detect the puffing status of the aerosol generating device. Step S8 is then executed to determine whether the duration of no puff exceeds a second preset value T2. If no puff has been taken, and the duration of no puff exceeds a second preset value T2, where T2 is greater than T1, the controller 102 appropriately increases the heating power to the heater 103. This increases the temperature of the heater 103 to prevent it from dropping too low. This prevents the user from taking a puff due to the prolonged recovery time of the heater 103, resulting in prolonged puff production. The second preset value T2 can be adjusted depending on the aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an aerosol generating device 10 implementing the control method of an embodiment of the present application is shown. After executing step S8 and after the duration of no puffing exceeds a second preset value T2, step S9 is executed to increase the heating power of the heater using a periodic supplemental output mode. Furthermore, step S10 is executed to monitor puffing activity of the aerosol generating device at all times. If puffing is detected, step S71 is executed to increase the heating power of heater 103.

8 , the duration T of no puffing of the aerosol generating device 10 is calculated from time t0, which is the time when preheating is completed. t2 = t0 + T2, where t2 is the time when no puffing continues and the heater 103 increases the heating power.

Specifically, in the embodiment of FIG8 , T2 is 80 seconds. If there is no puffing, heater 103 is provided with a third power level P3 at varying intervals. Specifically, in the embodiment of FIG7 , heater 103 is provided with a third power level P3 at the 85th, 90th, and 98th seconds, respectively, raising the temperature from 310°C to 325°C.

In another embodiment, the heating power of the heater 103 may be provided at regular intervals of time ΔT, such as 7 seconds. For example, the heating power of the heater 103 may be intermittently increased at the 87th second, the 94th second, and the 101st second respectively.

When the inhalation-free period exceeds the second preset value T2, the controller 102 increases the heating power of the heater 103 to a third power level P3. This power level may or may not be the same as the first power level P1, as long as it is higher than the second power level P2. The third power level P3 can be adjusted based on different aerosol generating devices. For example, depending on the interval time ΔT1, the third power level P3 will also vary accordingly. For example, if the interval time ΔT1 is set to a slightly larger value, the third power level P3 can be set to a correspondingly larger value. If the interval time ΔT1 is set to a slightly smaller value, that is, the intervals between energy replenishments are relatively close, the third power level P3 can be set to a correspondingly smaller value.

In some embodiments, in step S6, the heating power of the heater 103 is reduced using a ramp-down mode, as shown in the embodiment of FIG6 . Specifically, if the duration of no puff exceeds a first preset value T1, for example, 18 seconds, the power of the heater 103 is directly reduced to a second power level P2, causing the heater temperature to drop directly to 310°C and then remain at 310°C. If the duration of no puff continues to extend to T2, for example, 80 seconds, and a puff is detected by the aerosol generating device 10, the power is increased, thereby raising the heater temperature to 370°C.

In some embodiments, in step S6, the heating power of the heater 103 is reduced using a decreasing output mode. See Figures 7 and 8 for temperature variations of the aerosol generating device 10 in puff mode b and puff mode c, respectively, implementing the control method of an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, if the duration of no puff exceeds a first preset value T1, for example, 18 seconds, the heating power of the heater 103 is reduced. If the duration of no puff continues to increase, reaching a third preset value T11, for example, 27 seconds, at which point t11 = t0 + T11, i.e., at the 32nd second, the heating power of the heater 103 is further reduced. The heating power of the heater 103 is gradually reduced at regular intervals until it reaches a second power level P2. In the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8, the heating power of the heater 103 is reduced to the second power level P2, allowing the temperature of the heater 103 to eventually drop to the minimum required temperature of 310°C and remain there after a prolonged period of no puffing.

Specifically, in the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8 , when the duration of no puff exceeds a first preset value T1, for example, 18 seconds, the heating power of heater 103 is reduced so that the temperature of heater 103 begins to drop to 360°C. Then, when the duration of no puff reaches 27 seconds, the heating power of heater 103 is further reduced so that the temperature of heater 103 begins to drop to 350°C. Then, when the duration of no puff reaches 36 seconds, the heating power of heater 103 is further reduced so that the temperature of heater 103 begins to drop to 340°C. Then, when the duration of no puff reaches 45 seconds, the heating power of heater 103 is further reduced so that the temperature of heater 103 begins to drop to 330°C. Then, when the duration of no puff reaches 54 seconds, the heating power of heater 103 is further reduced so that the temperature of heater 103 begins to drop to 320°C. When the duration of no puffing reaches 63 seconds, the heating power of heater 103 is further reduced, causing the temperature of heater 103 to begin to drop to 310°C. Once the heating power of heater 103 reaches the second power level P2, the temperature is approximately 310°C, where it is maintained. Simultaneously, step S7 is executed to detect the presence of puffing. If puffing is detected, heating power to heater 103 is increased.

In one possible implementation, the power of heater 103 can be further reduced each time the duration of no puffing increases by a certain time interval ΔT2. In the embodiments of Figures 6 and 7, when the duration of no puffing is 27 seconds, 36 seconds, 45 seconds, 54 seconds, and 63 seconds, respectively, the heating power of heater 103 is further reduced at certain intervals. In other embodiments, the heating power of heater 103 can be further reduced at different intervals. For example, when the duration of no puffing is 27 seconds, 38 seconds, 48 seconds, and 59 seconds, respectively, the intervals for reducing the heating power of heater 103 can be extended.

Heating power can be adjusted using various methods. Referring to the duty cycle in Figures 9-12 , the control method in the present embodiment adjusts the heating power by adjusting the duty cycle of a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal. This means that the proportion of time a periodic signal is in a high-level state is changed, thereby varying the circuit on-time, to adjust the heating power of heater 103.

Figures 9-12 show the four heating modes.

The first is the normal output mode shown in FIG9 , that is, after the preheating stage is completed, when the non-puffing time does not reach the first set value T1, or when there is puffing, the heating power of the heater 103 is maintained at a higher first power level P1 or second power level P2. At this time, the duty cycle is the highest compared to other modes. In the embodiment of FIG8 , the duty cycle of the normal mode is 1/2.

The second mode is the decreasing output mode shown in Figure 10. When the non-puffing time reaches the first set value T1, the heating power of the heater 103 is reduced by gradually reducing the duty cycle. In the embodiment of Figure 10, the duty cycle decreases as the non-puffing time increases.

The third mode, shown in Figure 11, is the lowest output mode. This is because during use of the aerosol generating device, there is a minimum requirement for the heating power of heater 103. This prevents the temperature of heater 103 from dropping too low. This prevents prolonged puff production due to the prolonged recovery time of heater 103 during inhalation. However, the heating power is the lowest compared to the other modes, and the duty cycle is the lowest. This lowest output mode occurs after the second mode, the decreasing output mode. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the duty cycle of this lowest output mode is 1/8.

The fourth mode is the periodic supplementary output mode shown in Figure 12. When the non-puffing time reaches the second set value T2, it is necessary to intermittently increase the power of the heater 103. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the duty cycle of the periodic supplementary mode is 3/8.

The periodic replenishment mode occurs after the minimum output mode. Some users are more likely to resume puffing after a certain period of inactivity. Therefore, after the minimum output mode, the heater 103 is powered up. That is, the temperature during the periodic replenishment mode is higher than during the minimum output mode. If the user resumes puffing, the temperature can be raised to the desired value more quickly, resulting in faster puff production.

Figure 13 illustrates a flow chart of a control method for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present application. Unlike the control method flow chart in Figure 4 , a step S30 is added to reduce the heating power of heater 103 before monitoring the puffing condition in step S3. It is understood that during the preheating phase, to achieve rapid smoke production, controller 102 controls heater 103 to heat at a higher heating power P0, allowing it to rise from room temperature to the smoke outlet temperature, such as 370°C, more quickly, thereby achieving rapid smoke production. After the preheating phase is complete, the heating power of heater 103 can be appropriately reduced to the first power level P1 to maintain the smoke outlet temperature.

The aerosol generating device 10 can detect a user's puffing action by detecting a drop in temperature. This is because during a puff, cooler outside air enters the aerosol generating device 10, causing a brief drop in temperature. By measuring the magnitude of this drop, it can be determined whether a puff has occurred.

In some embodiments, a temperature sensor may be provided near the air inlet of the heater 103 of the aerosol generating device 10 in peripheral heating mode. Compared to the air outlet, the temperature change at the air inlet during inhalation is greater and easier to measure.

In some embodiments, temperature can also be measured by temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), that is, by measuring the change in resistance of the heating element of the heater 103 in the central heating mode.

In some embodiments, the controller 102 may increase the output to maintain the target temperature, and the output pattern during a stable period and sudden changes may be used for puff detection.

In some embodiments, a controller 102 is provided, comprising a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method for controlling the aerosol generating device in any of the above method embodiments are implemented.

In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, storing a computer program. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements all or part of the processes in the control method for an aerosol generating device in the above-described embodiments. This can be accomplished by instructing the relevant hardware through the computer program. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-described methods. Any reference to memory, storage, database, or other media used in the embodiments provided herein may include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, or optical storage. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM may be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

It should be noted that the present specification and drawings provide preferred embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. These embodiments are not intended to be additional limitations on the content of the present application. These embodiments are provided to facilitate a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of the present application. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that improvements or modifications may be made based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims appended to this application.

Claims (10)

A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating article to generate aerosol, wherein the control method comprises the following steps: After the preheating stage is completed, determining the puffing state of the aerosol generating device; If the result of the determination is no puffing, calculating the duration of the no puffing; When the duration of the non-puffing period exceeds a set value, the heating power of the heater is adjusted. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the duration of the non-puffing exceeds a first preset value T1, the heating power of the heater is reduced. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the duration of the non-suction period exceeds a second preset value T2, increasing the heating power of the heater; Wherein, T1＜T2. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the duration of the non-puffing exceeds a third preset value T11, further reducing the heating power of the heater; Among them, T1＜T11＜T2. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the duration of the non-puffing exceeds a third preset value T11, further reducing the heating power of the heater; Among them, T1＜T11. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: If the result of the judgment is that there is suction, the heating power of the heater is maintained or increased. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: After the preheating stage is completed, the heating power of the heater is maintained at the first power level P1; determining whether the aerosol generating device has been inhaled; If the result of the determination is no puffing, calculating the duration of the no puffing; When the duration of the non-inhalation period exceeds the first preset value T1, the heating power of the heater is reduced to a second power level P2. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: After the heating power of the heater is reduced to the second power level P2 , if puffing is detected, the heating power of the heater is increased. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The heating power of the heater is adjusted by adjusting the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal. An aerosol generating device, characterized by comprising: a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol; A controller configured to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.