WO2024222119A1

WO2024222119A1 - Temperature control method and apparatus for electronic cigarette, electronic device and electronic cigarette

Info

Publication number: WO2024222119A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/075040
Authority: WO
Inventors: 刘团芳
Original assignee: 深圳易佳特科技有限公司
Priority date: 2023-04-24
Filing date: 2024-01-31
Publication date: 2024-10-31
Also published as: CN116391919A

Abstract

A temperature control method and apparatus for an electronic cigarette, an electronic device and an electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette comprises a heating element (101), and a temperature sensor (301) for measuring the temperature of an airflow around the heating element (101). The temperature control method for an electronic cigarette comprises: in response to that a heating element (101) is powered on, acquiring a temperature value measured by a temperature sensor (301) (S410); according to the temperature value, determining a first temperature change rate within a first time period and a second temperature change rate within a second time period following the first time period (S420); and controlling the heating power of the heating element (101) according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate.

Description

Temperature control method and device for electronic cigarette, electronic device and electronic cigarette

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electronic cigarettes, and specifically to a temperature control method, device, electronic device, electronic cigarette, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product for electronic cigarettes.

Background Art

Electronic cigarettes are electronic products that simulate cigarettes and can be used to help quit smoking or replace cigarettes. For example, in heat-not-burn electronic cigarette products, the tobacco material can be heated to release the smell without burning the tobacco material, so a large amount of tar and harmful substances will not be produced. In order to ensure the taste of users when using electronic cigarettes, the heating temperature of the electronic cigarette needs to be kept within a certain range.

The methods described in this section are not necessarily methods that have been previously conceived or employed. Unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any method described in this section is considered to be prior art simply because it is included in this section. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, the issues mentioned in this section should not be considered to have been recognized in any prior art.

Summary of the invention

The present disclosure provides a temperature control method, device, electronic device, electronic cigarette, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and computer program product for an electronic cigarette.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature control method for an electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette includes a heating element and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of airflow around the heating element. The method includes: in response to the heating element being powered on, obtaining a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor; determining a first temperature change rate within a first time period and a second temperature change rate within a second time period after the first time period according to the temperature value; and controlling the heating power of the heating element according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature control device for an electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette includes a heating element and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the airflow around the heating element. The device includes: a temperature value acquisition unit, configured to acquire a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor in response to the heating element being powered on; a temperature change rate determination unit, configured to determine a first temperature change rate within a first time period and a second temperature change rate within a second time period after the first time period according to the temperature value; and a heating control unit, configured to control the heating power of the heating element according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory connected to the at least one processor in communication; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, The command is executed by at least one processor, so that the at least one processor can execute the above-mentioned temperature control method for an electronic cigarette.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic cigarette is provided, comprising: a heating element; a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of airflow around the heating element; and the above-mentioned electronic device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions is provided, where the computer instructions are used to enable a computer to execute the above-mentioned temperature control method for an electronic cigarette.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the above-mentioned temperature control method for an electronic cigarette.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, on the one hand, the temperature of the airflow around the heating element of the electronic cigarette can be accurately controlled, so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material is maintained within the desired temperature range, and the rapid heating or cooling of the tobacco material can be avoided, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco material for the user; on the other hand, because the temperature sensor can withstand the higher temperature generated by the heating element, the problem of insufficient durability of the electronic cigarette product caused by the use of the airflow sensor can be avoided.

It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative work. The drawings are as follows:

FIG1 shows a schematic structural diagram of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG2 shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG3 shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG4 shows a flow chart of a temperature control method for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

5A to 5E show temperature variation trend diagrams of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

6A to 6E show temperature variation trend diagrams of an electronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG7 shows a flow chart of a temperature control method for an electronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG8 shows a structural block diagram of a temperature control device for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present disclosure (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

In the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, all numbers used in the specification and claims to represent component parameters, technical effects, etc. should be understood as being modified by the term "approximately" or "roughly" in any case. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters listed in the following specification and the attached claims are approximate values. For those skilled in the art, it can vary according to the desired properties and effects sought to be obtained through the present disclosure, and each numerical parameter should be interpreted according to the number of significant digits and conventional rounding methods or in a manner understood by those skilled in the art.

In the present disclosure, the terms used in the description of various examples are only for the purpose of describing specific examples and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, if the number of elements is not specifically limited, the element can be one or more. In addition, the term "and/or" used in the present disclosure covers any one of the listed items and all possible combinations.

As mentioned above, in order to ensure the taste of the user when using the electronic cigarette, the heating temperature of the electronic cigarette needs to be maintained within a certain range. In related technologies, an airflow sensor can be used to sense the airflow (for example, the flow rate or velocity of the airflow) to control the start and stop of the electronic cigarette heating element accordingly. On the one hand, this method can only control the start and stop of the electronic cigarette heating element, but cannot accurately control the output power of the heating element, so that the tobacco material may heat up or cool down rapidly, resulting in poor taste; on the other hand, because the airflow sensor is usually not resistant to high temperatures, it is easier to be damaged by the hot air generated by the heating element, which makes the electronic cigarette unable to be used normally.

In view of this, the present disclosure provides a temperature control method, device, electronic device, electronic cigarette, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and computer program product for an electronic cigarette. By using a temperature sensor to obtain the airflow temperature around the heating element, and controlling the heating power of the heating element according to the temperature change rate in different time periods, on the one hand, the airflow temperature around the heating element can be accurately controlled, so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material is maintained at a desired temperature. Within the temperature range, the rapid heating or cooling of the tobacco material can be avoided, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco material for users; on the other hand, because the temperature sensor can withstand the higher temperature generated by the heating element, the problem of insufficient durability of electronic cigarette products caused by the use of airflow sensors can be avoided.

The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. FIG1 shows a schematic structural diagram of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG2 shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG3 shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electronic cigarette 1 includes a heating device 100 and a containing device 200. A containing chamber 201 for containing tobacco material may be provided inside the containing device 200. The heating device 100 is mounted to one end of the containing device 200. In addition, the containing device 200 is also formed with an exhaust channel 203, and the containing chamber 201 and the exhaust channel 203 are connected through an exhaust hole 202. The hot air flow heated by the heating device 100 can be transported to the containing chamber 201 through the air flow outlet of the heating device 100, and the hot air flow passes through the tobacco material and heats the tobacco material to form an aerosol, which enters the exhaust channel 203 through the exhaust hole 202 and is discharged. In the example, the smoke generated by subsequent heating can also pass through a water storage device, filter the smoke with water, and finally be inhaled by the user.

Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 , the heating device 100 includes a heating element 101. The heating device 100 may also include a housing 102, wherein the housing is provided with a power connection port connected to its internal cavity at one end, and an air flow outlet for the above-mentioned hot air flow to be discharged at the other end, and the heating element may be provided on one side of the internal cavity of the housing near the air flow outlet. The heating device 100 may also include a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly, which are electrically connected to the first end and the second end of the heating element, respectively, and are used to guide the electrical connection with the first end and the second end of the heating element to the power connection port.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 , the electronic cigarette 1 further includes a temperature sensor 301 for measuring the temperature of the airflow around the heating element 101, and the temperature sensor 301 is arranged at a position adjacent to the heating element 101. It will be understood that the temperature sensor 301 can be in contact with the heating element 101, or can be arranged at a certain distance from the heating element 101, as long as the temperature sensor 301 can measure the temperature of the airflow around the heating element 101. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the temperature sensor 301 can be arranged upstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette; in the example shown in FIG. 3 , the temperature sensor 301 can be arranged downstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette.

In addition, it will be understood that the temperature sensor 301 can be arranged inside the housing accommodating the heating element 101, or can be arranged outside the housing accommodating the heating element 101, as long as the temperature sensor 301 can timely reflect the temperature of the airflow around the heating element 101. In the example shown in FIG2, the temperature sensor 301 is arranged upstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and is arranged inside the housing of the heating device 100; in the example shown in FIG3, the temperature sensor 301 is arranged downstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and is arranged outside the housing of the heating device 100 and close to the airflow outlet.

The temperature sensor 301 may be various types of temperature sensors, such as a digital temperature sensor, a logic output temperature sensor, or an analog temperature sensor.

2 or 3 , there is shown one temperature sensor 301. It is understandable that a plurality of temperature sensors 301 may be provided.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature control method for an electronic cigarette is provided. FIG4 shows a flow chart of a temperature control method 400 for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the method 400 includes:

Step S410, in response to the heating element 101 being powered on, obtaining a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 301;

Step S420, determining a first temperature change rate in a first time period and a second temperature change rate in a second time period after the first time period according to the temperature value; and

Step S430: Control the heating power of the heating element 101 according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate.

In step S410, obtaining the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 301 may include obtaining a temperature change curve measured by the temperature sensor 301 within a continuous period of time; or obtaining multiple temperature values respectively measured by the temperature sensor 301 at multiple discrete time points within a period of time.

In step S420, the duration of the first period may be, for example, 0.1s, 0.2s, ... 1s or other durations; and the duration of the second period may be, for example, 0.1s, 0.2s, ... 1s or other durations. And the durations of the first period and the second period may be less than the duration of a single puff of the electronic cigarette by the user. In an example, the first period may be a period from 0.1s to 0.2s, and the second period may be a period from 0.3s to 0.4s.

The first temperature change rate in the first period may be the ratio between the change value of the temperature in the first period (e.g., the difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature measured in the first period) and the duration of the first period; and the second temperature change rate in the second period may be the ratio between the change value of the temperature in the second period (e.g., the difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature measured in the second period) and the duration of the second period. It will be understood that both the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate may be positive, negative, or zero, representing that the temperature increases, decreases, or remains unchanged.

In step S430 , for example, the heating power of the heating element 101 may be controlled by comparing the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate.

Therefore, by using the temperature sensor to obtain the air flow temperature around the heating element and controlling the heating power of the heating element according to the temperature change rate in different time periods, on the one hand, the air flow temperature around the heating element can be accurately controlled, so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material is maintained within the desired temperature range, which can avoid the tobacco material from rapidly heating up or rapidly cooling down, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco material for users; on the other hand, because the temperature sensor can withstand the heating element The higher temperature generated thereby avoids the problem of insufficient durability of the electronic cigarette product caused by the use of airflow sensors.

According to some embodiments, the second time period may be immediately after the first time period. In an example, the first time period may be a time period from 0.1s to 0.2s, and the second time period may be a time period from 0.2s to 0.3s.

The embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described below with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E , wherein FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E show temperature change trend diagrams of the electronic cigarette according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 , the temperature sensor 301 may be disposed upstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and the above-mentioned step S430 may include: in response to the second temperature change rate being less than the first temperature change rate and determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, increasing the heating power of the heating element 101.

As shown in FIG2 , when the user draws from the exhaust channel 203, the external cold airflow will enter the electronic cigarette 1 from the heating device 100. When the temperature sensor 301 is arranged upstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, the external cold airflow will first flow through the temperature sensor 301 and then pass through the heating element 101 for heating. FIG5A to FIG5E respectively show 5 different temperature change trends measured when the temperature sensor 301 is arranged upstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, wherein the horizontal axis represents time, the vertical axis represents temperature, the time period t1-t2 may indicate a first time period, and the time period t2-t3 may indicate a second time period after the first time period.

In the example of FIG. 5A , assuming that the heating element 101 is in the power-on preheating state in the time period t1-t2, the determined temperature change rate a1 in the first time period t1-t2 may be 50°C/s, and when the temperature change rate a2 measured in the second time period t2-t3 is, for example, 30°C/s, the second temperature change rate a2 is less than the first temperature change rate a1 and the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 (20°C/s) is greater than the first threshold value (for example, 10°C/s). In this case, it can be determined that the suction action occurs in the time period t2-t3 starting from time t2, because the external cold air flow quickly flows through the temperature sensor 301 and the heating element 101 during the suction, thereby taking away part of the heat of the air around the heating element 101, and thus the temperature change rate of the air around the heating element 101 measured by the temperature sensor 301 changes from the first time period t1-t2 to the second time period t2-t3 (the temperature rise rate slows down). In this case, in order to ensure that the temperature of the heating element 101 remains constant, the heating power of the heating element 101 may be increased so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material in the accommodating cavity 201 is maintained within a desired temperature range.

Similarly, in the example of FIG. 5B , assuming that the heating element 101 is in the energized preheating state in the time period t1-t2, the determined temperature change rate a1 in the first time period t1-t2 may be 50°C/s, and when the temperature change rate a2 measured in the second time period t2-t3 is, for example, 0°C/s, the second temperature change rate a2 is less than the first temperature change rate a1 and the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 (50°C/s) is greater than the first threshold value. value (e.g. 10°C/s). In this case, it can be determined that a puffing action occurs in the period t2-t3 starting from time t2, and the temperature change rate of the air around the heating element 101 measured by the temperature sensor 301 changes from the first period t1-t2 to the second period t2-t3 (the temperature rise rate slows down to 0). In this case, in order to ensure that the temperature of the heating element 101 remains constant, the heating power of the heating element 101 can be increased so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material in the accommodating chamber 201 is maintained within the desired temperature range.

Similarly, in the example of FIG. 5C , assuming that the heating element 101 is in the power-on preheating state in the time period t1-t2, the determined temperature change rate a1 in the first time period t1-t2 may be 50°C/s, and when the temperature change rate a2 measured in the second time period t2-t3 is, for example, -30°C/s, the second temperature change rate a2 is less than the first temperature change rate a1 and the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 (80°C/s) is greater than the first threshold value (for example, 10°C/s). In this case, it can be determined that a puffing action occurs in the time period t2-t3 starting from time t2, and the temperature change rate of the air around the heating element 101 measured by the temperature sensor 301 changes from the first time period t1-t2 to the second time period t2-t3 (the temperature changes from an upward trend to a downward trend). In this case, in order to ensure that the temperature of the heating element 101 remains constant, the heating power of the heating element 101 can be increased so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material in the accommodating chamber 201 is maintained within the desired temperature range.

Similarly, in the example of FIG. 5D , assuming that the heating element 101 is in a powered constant temperature state in the time period t1-t2, the determined temperature change rate a1 in the first time period t1-t2 may be 0°C/s, and when the temperature change rate a2 measured in the second time period t2-t3 is, for example, -30°C/s, the second temperature change rate a2 is less than the first temperature change rate a1 and the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 (30°C/s) is greater than the first threshold value (for example, 10°C/s). In this case, it can be determined that a puffing action occurs in the time period t2-t3 starting from time t2, and the temperature change rate of the air around the heating element 101 measured by the temperature sensor 301 changes from the first time period t1-t2 to the second time period t2-t3 (the temperature changes from a constant temperature trend to a downward trend). In this case, in order to ensure that the temperature of the heating element 101 remains constant, the heating power of the heating element 101 can be increased so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material in the accommodating chamber 201 is maintained within the desired temperature range.

Similarly, in the example of FIG. 5E , assuming that the heating element 101 is in a suction cooling state in the time period t1-t2, the determined temperature change rate a1 in the first time period t1-t2 may be -30°C/s, and when the temperature change rate a2 measured in the second time period t2-t3 is, for example, -50°C/s, the second temperature change rate a2 is less than the first temperature change rate a1 and the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 (20°C/s) is greater than the first threshold value (for example, 10°C/s). In this case, it can be determined that a suction action has occurred in the time period t2-t3 starting from time t2, and the temperature change rate of the air around the heating element 101 measured by the temperature sensor 301 has changed from the first time period t1-t2 to the second time period t2-t3 (the temperature drop trend has increased). In this case, in order to ensure that the heating element The temperature of 101 is kept constant, and the heating power of the heating element 101 can be increased so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material in the accommodating cavity 201 is maintained within a desired temperature range.

It will be understood that the specific value of the first threshold may be set according to the type of tobacco material or the type of electronic cigarette.

The embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described below with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E , wherein FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E show a temperature variation trend diagram of an electronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 , the temperature sensor 301 may be disposed downstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and the above-mentioned step S430 may include: in response to the second temperature change rate being greater than the first temperature change rate and determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, increasing the heating power of the heating element 101.

As shown in FIG3 , when the user draws from one side of the exhaust channel 203, the external cold airflow will enter the electronic cigarette 1 from the side of the heating device 100. When the temperature sensor 301 is arranged downstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, the external cold airflow will first enter the heating device 100 and be heated by the heating element 101, and then flow through the temperature sensor 301. FIG6A to FIG6E respectively show 5 different temperature change trends measured when the temperature sensor 301 is arranged downstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, wherein the horizontal axis represents time, the vertical axis represents temperature, the time period t1-t2 may indicate the first time period, and the time period t2-t3 may indicate the second time period after the first time period.

In the example of FIG. 6A , assuming that the heating element 101 is in a powered preheating state in the time period t1-t2, the temperature change rate a1 determined in the first time period t1-t2 may be 30°C/s, and when the temperature change rate a2 measured in the second time period t2-t3 is, for example, 50°C/s, the second temperature change rate a2 is greater than the first temperature change rate a1 and the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 (20°C/s) is greater than the first threshold value (for example, 10°C/s). In this case, it can be determined that a suction action occurs in the time period t2-t3 starting from time t2, because the heated air around the heating element 101 will quickly flow through the temperature sensor 301 during suction, and thus, the temperature change rate of the air around the heating element 101 measured by the temperature sensor 301 changes from the first time period t1-t2 to the second time period t2-t3 (the temperature rise rate increases). In this case, in order to ensure that the temperature of the heating element 101 remains constant, the heating power of the heating element 101 may be increased so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material in the accommodating cavity 201 is maintained within a desired temperature range.

Similarly, in the example of FIG. 6B , assuming that the heating element 101 is in a power-on constant temperature state in the time period t1-t2, the determined temperature change rate a1 in the first time period t1-t2 may be 0°C/s, and when the temperature change rate a2 measured in the second time period t2-t3 is, for example, 30°C/s, the second temperature change rate a2 is greater than the first temperature change rate a1 and the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 (30°C/s) is greater than the first threshold value. (For example, 10°C/s). In this case, it can be determined that a puffing action has occurred in the period t2-t3 starting from time t2, and the temperature change rate of the air around the heating element 101 measured by the temperature sensor 301 has changed from the first period t1-t2 to the second period t2-t3 (the temperature changes from a constant temperature trend to an upward trend). In this case, in order to ensure that the temperature of the heating element 101 remains constant, the heating power of the heating element 101 can be increased so that the temperature of the heated tobacco material in the accommodating chamber 201 is maintained within the desired temperature range.

FIG. 6C to FIG. 6E respectively show three other different temperature variation trends measured when the temperature sensor 301 is arranged downstream of the heating element 101 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, which will not be described in detail here.

According to some embodiments, in step S430, in response to determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, increasing the heating power of the heating element 101 may include: in response to determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than the first threshold, and the temperature change trends indicated by the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate are opposite, increasing the heating power of the heating element 101 in a nonlinear increasing manner.

For example, in the scenario shown in FIG. 5C or FIG. 6C , the temperature change trends indicated by the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 are opposite, which means that a large degree of puffing action has occurred (for example, a fast puffing rate and a large puffing amount). Therefore, by increasing the heating power of the heating element 101 in a nonlinear increasing manner, the process of heating the temperature to a suitable temperature can be further accelerated in the long-puff scenario.

According to some embodiments, in step S430, in response to determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, increasing the heating power of the heating element 101 may include: in response to determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than the first threshold, and the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate indicate the same temperature change trend, increasing the heating power of the heating element 101 in a nonlinear decreasing manner.

For example, in the scenarios shown in FIGS. 5A and 5E or 6A and 6E, the fact that the temperature change trends indicated by the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 are the same means that a smaller degree of puffing action has occurred (for example, the puffing rate is very slow and the puffing amount is very small). Thus, by increasing the heating power of the heating element 101 in a nonlinear decreasing manner, the possibility of the temperature being heated too quickly can be reduced in a small puff scenario.

In addition, in the scenarios shown in, for example, FIG. 5B , FIG. 5D or FIG. 6B , FIG. 6D , one of the second temperature change rate a2 and the first temperature change rate a1 is zero, and the heating power of the thermal device 100 can be increased in a linearly increasing manner.

According to some embodiments, step S430 may include: in response to determining that the value of any one of the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate is positive and greater than a second threshold, reducing the heating power of the heating element 101 .

Therefore, when the value of either the first temperature change rate or the second temperature change rate is positive and greater than the second threshold value (e.g., 60°C/s), it indicates that the current temperature rises too fast. Such a rapid temperature rise may cause the tobacco material taste to change too much, thereby affecting the user's smoking experience. Therefore, in this case, by reducing the heating power of the heating element 101, it is possible to avoid a rapid temperature rise, thereby making the tobacco material taste more mellow.

It will be understood that the specific value of the second threshold may be set according to the type of tobacco material or the type of electronic cigarette.

According to some embodiments, the first time period may include multiple discrete first sub-periods, and the first temperature change rate is the average of the temperature change rates of the multiple first sub-periods, and the second time period may include multiple discrete second sub-periods, and the second temperature change rate is the average of the temperature change rates of the multiple second sub-periods.

In the example, the first time period (e.g., 0-1.0s) may include 5 discrete sub-periods (e.g., 0-0.1s, 0.2-0.3s, 0.4-0.5s, 0.6-0.7s, and 0.8-0.9s, respectively). In each sub-period, the respective temperature change rate may be determined, and then the average value of the respective temperature change rates of the 5 sub-periods may be determined. Similarly, the second time period (e.g., 1.0-2.0s) may include 5 discrete sub-periods (e.g., 1.0-1.1s, 1.2-1.3s, 1.4-1.5s, 1.6-1.7s, and 1.8-1.9s, respectively). In each sub-period, the respective temperature change rate may be determined, and then the average value of the respective temperature change rates of the 5 sub-periods may be determined.

Fig. 7 shows a flow chart of a temperature control method 700 for an electronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 7, the method 700 includes steps S710 to S750, wherein steps S720 to S740 are similar to steps S410 to S430 described above with respect to Fig. 4, and are not described in detail here.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7 , the method 700 may further include: step S710 , in response to the heating element being powered on, controlling the heating element to increase the temperature at a constant power.

Therefore, by controlling the heating element 101 to increase the temperature at a constant power, when no puffing occurs, the temperature change rates measured by the temperature sensor 301 in different time periods tend to be consistent, and when puffing occurs, the temperature change rate varies between different time periods. Therefore, even if a small rate change occurs, it is possible to accurately determine that a puffing action has occurred, thereby controlling the heating element 101 to increase the heating power in a timely manner, thereby further ensuring that the temperature of the heated tobacco material is maintained within the desired temperature range.

According to some embodiments, referring to Figure 7, the method 700 may further include: step S750, in response to the temperature value being greater than the third threshold, controlling the heating element to stop heating. Thus, when it is detected that the temperature around the heating element 101 is too high, the tobacco material can be prevented from being overheated.

It will be understood that the specific value of the third threshold can be set according to the type of tobacco material or the type of electronic cigarette. In an example, the third threshold can be 350°C, 400°C, or 750°C.

According to some embodiments, the method 700 may further include: in response to the temperature value remaining unchanged within a predetermined time period, controlling the heating element to stop heating. As described above, if the heating element 101 is heated at a constant power, when no puffing occurs, the temperature change rates measured by the temperature sensor 301 at different time periods tend to be consistent. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor remains basically unchanged within a predetermined time period, it means that no puffing occurs within the predetermined time period, the heating element automatically stops heating, and the electronic cigarette shuts down. The above-mentioned predetermined time period is, for example, in the range of 3 to 30 minutes, such as set to 3 minutes, 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature control device for an electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette includes a heating element and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of airflow around the heating element.

FIG8 shows a structural block diagram of a temperature control device 800 for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG8 , the apparatus 800 includes:

The temperature value acquisition unit 810 is configured to acquire the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor in response to the heating element being powered on;

a temperature change rate determination unit 820 configured to determine, according to the temperature value, a first temperature change rate in a first time period and a second temperature change rate in a second time period after the first time period; and

The heating control unit 830 is configured to control the heating power of the heating element according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate.

It should be understood that the various units of the apparatus 800 shown in FIG8 may correspond to the various steps in the method 400 described with reference to FIG4. Thus, the operations, features and advantages described above for the method 400 are also applicable to the apparatus 800 and the units included therein. For the sake of brevity, some operations, features and advantages are not described in detail herein.

It should also be understood that various techniques may be described herein in the general context of software hardware elements or program modules. The various units described above with respect to FIG. 8 may be implemented in hardware or in hardware in combination with software and/or firmware. For example, these units may be implemented as computer program codes/instructions configured to be executed in one or more processors and stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, these units may be implemented as hardware logic/circuits. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of units 810 to 830 may be implemented together in a system on chip (SoC). SoC may include an integrated circuit chip (which includes a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.), a memory, one or more communication interfaces, and/or its one or more components in other circuits), and may optionally execute received program code and/or include embedded firmware to perform the functions.

According to some embodiments, the temperature sensor is arranged upstream of the heating element along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and the heating control unit 830 can be further configured to: increase the heating power of the heating element in response to the second temperature change rate being less than the first temperature change rate and determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold.

According to some embodiments, the temperature sensor is arranged downstream of the heating element along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and the heating control unit 830 can be further configured to: increase the heating power of the heating element in response to the second temperature change rate being greater than the first temperature change rate and determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor so that the at least one processor can execute the temperature control method for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic cigarette is provided, comprising: a heating element 101, a temperature sensor 301 for measuring the temperature of airflow around the heating element 101; and the above electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Electronic cigarettes include but are not limited to atomizing electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn electronic cigarettes (HNB), hookahs, etc.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 , the electronic cigarette may further include a containing chamber 201 for containing cigarette material, and the containing chamber 201 is located downstream of the temperature sensor 301 along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions is provided, wherein the computer instructions are used to enable a computer to execute a temperature control method for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the temperature control method for an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described above herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chips (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include: being implemented in one or more computer programs that can be executed and/or interpreted on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor that can be a special purpose or general purpose programmable processor that can be accessed from a storage system, at least one The storage system comprises an input device, an input device, and an output device to receive data and instructions, and transmit data and instructions to the storage system, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device.

The program code for implementing the method of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the functions/operations specified in the flow chart and/or block diagram to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine as a stand-alone software package, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

The above-mentioned "smoking materials" or "tobacco leaves" refer to smoking substances, which are substances that can produce odors and/or nicotine and/or smoke after heating or burning. Smoking materials can be solid, semi-solid and liquid. Solid smoking materials are often processed into thin sheets due to considerations such as air permeability, assembly and production, so they are also commonly called thin sheets, and filamentous sheets are also called thin sheet filaments. The smoking materials discussed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be natural or synthetic smoking liquids, smoking oils, smoking glues, smoking pastes, tobacco shreds, tobacco leaves, etc. For example, synthetic smoking materials contain glycerin, propylene glycol and nicotine. Smoking liquid is liquid, smoking oil is oily, smoking glue is gel-like, smoking paste is paste-like, tobacco shreds include natural or artificial or extracted tobacco shreds, and tobacco leaves include natural or artificial or extracted tobacco leaves. The tobacco material can be heated in a form sealed by other substances, such as stored in a thermally degradable package, such as a microcapsule, and after heating, the desired volatile substances are extracted from the degradable or porous sealing package.

The above-mentioned tobacco material may contain nicotine or may not contain nicotine. The tobacco material containing nicotine may include natural tobacco leaf products, at least one of tobacco liquid, tobacco oil, tobacco glue, tobacco paste, tobacco shreds, tobacco leaves, etc. made from nicotine as raw materials. The tobacco liquid is water-like, the tobacco oil is oily, the tobacco glue is gel-like, the tobacco paste is paste-like, the tobacco shreds include natural or artificial or extracted tobacco shreds, and the tobacco leaves include natural or artificial or extracted tobacco leaves. The tobacco material without nicotine mainly contains flavor substances, such as spices, which can be atomized to simulate the smoking process and to help people quit smoking. In some embodiments, the spices include mint oil. The tobacco material may also include other additives, such as glycerol and/or propylene glycol.

The above are only embodiments or examples of the present disclosure, and the patent scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. All equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the present disclosure and the drawings, or direct/indirect applications in other related technical fields under the concept of the present disclosure are included in the patent protection scope of the present disclosure. Various elements in the embodiments or examples may be omitted or replaced by their equivalent elements. In addition, the steps may be performed in an order different from that described in the present disclosure. Furthermore, the various elements in the embodiments or examples may be combined in various ways. It is important that with the evolution of technology, many of the elements described herein may be replaced by equivalent elements that appear after the present disclosure.

Claims

A temperature control method for an electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette comprising a heating element and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of airflow around the heating element, the method comprising:

In response to the heating element being powered on, acquiring a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor;

determining, according to the temperature value, a first temperature change rate in a first time period and a second temperature change rate in a second time period after the first time period; and

The heating power of the heating element is controlled according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed upstream of the heating element along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and controlling the heating power of the heating element according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate comprises:

In response to the second temperature change rate being less than the first temperature change rate and determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, the heating power of the heating element is increased.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed downstream of the heating element along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and controlling the heating power of the heating element according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate comprises:

In response to the second temperature change rate being greater than the first temperature change rate and determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, the heating power of the heating element is increased.
The method according to claim 2, wherein, in response to determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, increasing the heating power of the heating element comprises:

In response to determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, and the temperature change trends indicated by the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate are opposite, the heating power of the heating element is increased in a nonlinear increasing manner.
The method according to claim 2, wherein, in response to determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, increasing the heating power of the heating element comprises:

In response to determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, and the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate indicate the same temperature change trend, the heating power of the heating element is increased in a nonlinear decreasing manner.
According to the method of claim 1, controlling the heating power of the heating element according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate comprises:

In response to determining that the value of any one of the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate is positive and greater than a second threshold, the heating power of the heating element is reduced.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the first period includes a plurality of discrete first sub-periods, and the first temperature change rate is an average of the temperature change rates of the plurality of first sub-periods, and wherein the second period includes a plurality of discrete second sub-periods, and the second temperature change rate is an average of the temperature change rates of the plurality of second sub-periods.
The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

In response to the heating element being powered on, controlling the heating element to increase temperature at a constant power;

In response to the temperature value being greater than a third threshold, the heating element is controlled to stop generating heat.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the second time period is immediately after the first time period.
A temperature control device for an electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette comprising a heating element and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of airflow around the heating element, the device comprising:

a temperature value acquisition unit, configured to acquire a temperature value measured by the temperature sensor in response to the heating element being powered on;

a temperature change rate determination unit configured to determine, according to the temperature value, a first temperature change rate in a first time period and a second temperature change rate in a second time period after the first time period; and

The heating control unit is configured to control the heating power of the heating element according to the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate.
The device according to claim 10, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged upstream of the heating element along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and the heating control unit is further configured as follows:

In response to the second temperature change rate being less than the first temperature change rate and determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, the heating power of the heating element is increased.
The device according to claim 10, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged downstream of the heating element along the airflow direction of the electronic cigarette, and the heating control unit is further configured as follows:

In response to the second temperature change rate being greater than the first temperature change rate and determining that the absolute value of the difference between the second temperature change rate and the first temperature change rate is greater than a first threshold, the heating power of the heating element is increased.
An electronic cigarette, comprising:

Heating element;

A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the airflow around the heating element;

at least one processor; and

a memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor; wherein

The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method according to claim 1 .
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 1.
A computer program product comprising a computer program, which implements the method according to claim 1 when executed by a processor.