Induction heating device, control unit thereof, and operation method thereof

Abstract

An induction heating device capable of automatically starting heating of an aerosol-forming substrate is provided. A control unit 118 of the induction heating device configured to inductively heat a receiver 110 of an aerosol-forming substrate 108 including the receiver 110 and an aerosol source 112 is configured to stop the induction heating or to notify an error if the receiver 110 cannot be detected during the induction heating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to induction heating devices capable of coping with removal of an aerosol-forming substrate. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an apparatus for generating aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate by heating the aerosol-forming substrate by induction heating using an inductor disposed close to the aerosol-forming substrate having a susceptor (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6623175

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6077145

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 6653260 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] A first problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an improved induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0009] A second problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an induction heating device that can automatically start heating an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0010] The third problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an induction heating device capable of dealing with the removal of an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0011] A fourth problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an induction heating device capable of more appropriately heating an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0012] Means for Solving the Problem In order to solve the above-mentioned first problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device is provided, which is an induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate including a receptor and an aerosol source, and comprises: a power supply; a coil for heating the receptor by induction heating; a parallel circuit, which is a parallel circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power supply and the coil, the first circuit being used for heating the receptor, and the second circuit being used for obtaining a value related to the resistance or temperature of the receptor; and an AC generating circuit arranged between the parallel circuit and the coil or between the parallel circuit and the power supply.

[0013] In one embodiment, the AC generation circuit is arranged between the parallel circuit and the coil, and the AC generation circuit includes a third switch.

[0014] In one embodiment, the third switch includes a MOSFET.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first circuit includes a first switch, the AC generation circuit includes a third switch, and when the third switch is switched at a predetermined cycle, the first switch is kept in an ON state.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first switch and the third switch include MOSFETs.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second circuit includes a second switch, the AC generation circuit includes a third switch, and when the third switch is switched at a predetermined cycle, the second switch is kept in an ON state.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second switch includes a bipolar transistor, and the third switch includes a MOSFET.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first circuit includes a first switch including a MOSFET, and the second circuit includes a second switch including a bipolar transistor.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first circuit includes a first switch, the second circuit includes a second switch, the AC generation circuit includes a third switch, and when switching between the first switch and the second switch, the third switch continues to switch based on a predetermined cycle.

[0021] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a current detection circuit and a voltage detection circuit for measuring an impedance of a circuit including the susceptor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a remaining capacity measurement IC configured to measure the remaining capacity of the power supply. The remaining capacity measurement IC is not used as the current detection circuit and / or the voltage detection circuit.

[0023] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a voltage regulating circuit configured to regulate the voltage of the power supply to generate a voltage supplied to a component in the induction heating device. The current detection circuit is disposed on a path between the power supply and the coil at a position closer to the coil than a branch point from the path to the voltage regulating circuit.

[0024] In one embodiment, the current detection circuit is not disposed in a path between a charging circuit for charging the power supply and the power supply.

[0025] In order to solve the above-mentioned second problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device is provided, which is an induction heating device for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including the receptor and an aerosol source, and comprises: a power supply; an AC generating circuit for generating AC based on the power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply; an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor; and a control unit, which is configured to detect the above-mentioned receptor based on the impedance of the circuit to which the AC generated by the above-mentioned AC generating circuit is supplied, and start the above-mentioned induction heating in response to the detection of the above-mentioned receptor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to acquire a temperature of the susceptor based on an impedance of a circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied, and control the induction heating based on the acquired temperature.

[0027] In one embodiment, the control unit may have at least a first mode for measuring the impedance of a circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generation circuit is supplied, and a second mode for not measuring the impedance of the circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generation circuit is supplied.

[0028] In one embodiment, a connection unit configured to be connectable to a charging power source may be further provided, and the control unit may be configured to execute the processing of the first mode until a predetermined time has elapsed from when it is detected that the charging power source is removed from the connection unit.

[0029] In one embodiment, the induction heating device may further include a key, and the control unit may be further configured to shift to the first mode in response to a predetermined operation on the key.

[0030] In one embodiment, the induction heating device may further include a button, and the control unit is further configured to, in response to transitioning to the first mode, start a timer so that the value increases or decreases from an initial value over time, and transition to the second mode in response to the timer value reaching a specified value, and in response to a specified operation on the button, execute any one of the following operations: returning the timer value to an initial value, making the timer value close to the initial value, and making the specified value away from the timer value.

[0031] In one embodiment, the induction heating device may further include a connection portion configured to be connectable to a charging power source, and the control portion may be further configured not to measure the impedance of a circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied while detecting the connection between the charging power source and the connection portion.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to measure an impedance of a circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied at a resonance frequency of the circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied.

[0033] In one embodiment, the induction heating device may further include a first circuit and a second circuit configured to be selectively effective in providing energy to the susceptor, wherein the resistance of the second circuit is higher than the resistance of the first circuit.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to perform the induction heating using the first circuit and measure the impedance of the circuit while the induction heating is being performed.

[0035] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned second problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided, which is an operating method of an induction heating device for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including the receptor and an aerosol source, the above-mentioned induction heating device comprising: a power supply; an AC generating circuit for generating AC based on the power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply; and an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor, the above-mentioned method comprising: a step of detecting the above-mentioned receptor based on the impedance of the circuit to which the AC generated by the above-mentioned AC generating circuit is supplied; and a step of starting the above-mentioned induction heating in response to the detection of the above-mentioned receptor.

[0036] Moreover, in order to solve the above-mentioned second problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device is provided, which is an induction heating device for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including a receptor and an aerosol source, and comprises: the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrate; a power supply; an AC generating circuit for generating AC based on the power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply; an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor; and a control unit, which is configured to detect the above-mentioned receptor based on the impedance of the circuit to which the AC generated by the above-mentioned AC generating circuit is supplied, and start the above-mentioned induction heating in response to the detection of the above-mentioned receptor.

[0037] In order to solve the above-mentioned third problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a control unit is provided, which is a control unit of an induction heating device for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including a receptor and an aerosol source, and is configured to stop the above-mentioned induction heating or notify an error when the above-mentioned receptor cannot be detected during the execution of the above-mentioned induction heating.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to stop the induction heating if the sensor cannot be detected during the induction heating.

[0039] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to notify an error simultaneously with or after the induction heating is stopped.

[0040] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to restart the induction heating when the receptor is detected again after a predetermined time has passed since the induction heating was stopped.

[0041] In one embodiment, the induction heating is performed according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature corresponding to the passage of time. On the other hand, the control unit may be configured to control the induction heating assuming that time has also passed from the stop of the induction heating to the restart of the induction heating.

[0042] In one embodiment, the induction heating is performed according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature corresponding to the passage of time. On the other hand, the control unit may be configured to control the induction heating on the assumption that no time has elapsed from the stop of the induction heating to the restart of the induction heating.

[0043] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to notify an error when the sensor cannot be detected during the induction heating.

[0044] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to stop the induction heating after notifying the error.

[0045] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured not to stop the induction heating if the sensor is detected again after the error is notified and before the induction heating is stopped.

[0046] In one embodiment, the induction heating is performed according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature according to a lapse of time, and the control unit may be configured not to affect an overall length of the heating profile during a period from when the receptor cannot be detected to when the receptor is detected again.

[0047] In one embodiment, the induction heating is performed according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature according to a lapse of time, and the control unit may be configured to extend the length of the heating profile based on a period from when the receptor cannot be detected to when the receptor is detected again.

[0048] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned third problem, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an induction heating device is provided, including: a power supply; an AC generating circuit, which generates AC based on the power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply; an induction heating circuit, which is used to inductively heat the receptor included in the aerosol forming substrate; and the above-mentioned control unit, and the above-mentioned control unit is also configured to detect the above-mentioned receptor based on the impedance of the circuit to which the AC generated by the above-mentioned AC generating circuit is supplied.

[0049] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to acquire a temperature of the susceptor based on an impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied, and control the induction heating based on the acquired temperature.

[0050] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned third problem, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an induction heating device is provided, including a power supply for supplying electric power for inductively heating the receptors included in the aerosol-forming substrate, and the above-mentioned control unit, the above-mentioned control unit being configured to set the number of the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrates that can be inductively heated before the above-mentioned power supply is charged, i.e., the number of usable substrates, based on the remaining capacity of the above-mentioned power supply, and to stop the above-mentioned induction heating and reduce the above-mentioned number of usable substrates when at least a portion of the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrate cannot be detected during the execution of the above-mentioned induction heating.

[0051] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned third problem, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an induction heating device is provided, including a power supply for supplying electric power for inductively heating at least a portion of an aerosol-forming substrate, and the above-mentioned control unit, the above-mentioned control unit being configured to set the number of the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrates that can be inductively heated before the above-mentioned power supply is charged, i.e., the usable number, based on the remaining capacity of the above-mentioned power supply, and to continue the above-mentioned induction heating without reducing the above-mentioned usable number after the above-mentioned receptor cannot be detected during the execution of the above-mentioned induction heating when the above-mentioned receptor is detected again.

[0052] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned third problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided, which is an operating method of an induction heating device configured to inductively heat the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including a receptor and an aerosol source, and includes the following steps: when the above-mentioned receptor cannot be detected during the execution of the above-mentioned induction heating, the above-mentioned induction heating is stopped, or an error is notified.

[0053] Moreover, in order to solve the above-mentioned third problem, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned induction heating device is provided, which is an induction heating device for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including a receptor and an aerosol source, and comprises: the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrate; a power supply; an AC generating circuit for generating AC based on the power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply; an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor; and a control unit, which is configured to stop the above-mentioned induction heating or notify an error when the above-mentioned receptor cannot be detected during the execution of the above-mentioned induction heating.

[0054] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device is provided, which is an induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate including a receptor and an aerosol source, and has a circuit including a coil for heating the above-mentioned receptor by induction heating, and the above-mentioned receptor is heated by a heating mode consisting of multiple stages, and the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the above-mentioned coil is different in at least a part of the above-mentioned multiple stages.

[0055] In one embodiment, in a preheating mode for preheating the susceptor prior to the heating mode, the frequency of the alternating current is a resonant frequency of the circuit.

[0056] In one embodiment, in a preheating mode for preheating the susceptor executed before the heating mode, the frequency of the alternating current is closest to the resonance frequency of the circuit compared to the plurality of stages of the heating mode.

[0057] In one embodiment, in the heating mode, the frequency of the alternating current is a frequency other than a resonant frequency of the circuit.

[0058] In one embodiment, as the plurality of stages constituting the heating mode progresses, the frequency of the alternating current increases, and suction by the user is detected by a change in the alternating current or a change in impedance of the circuit.

[0059] In one embodiment, as the plurality of stages constituting the heating mode progress, the frequency of the alternating current increases in a frequency region higher than the resonance frequency.

[0060] In one embodiment, as the plurality of stages constituting the heating mode proceed, the frequency of the alternating current increases in a low frequency region lower than the resonance frequency.

[0061] In one embodiment, as the plurality of stages constituting the heating mode progress, the frequency of the alternating current decreases.

[0062] In one embodiment, in the interval mode for cooling the susceptor between the preheating mode and the heating mode, the frequency of the alternating current is a resonant frequency of the circuit.

[0063] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a power supply, the circuit is a parallel circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power supply and the coil, the first circuit is used for heating the receptor, the second circuit further includes a parallel circuit for obtaining a value related to the resistance or temperature of the receptor, and the second circuit is used in the interval mode.

[0064] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device is also provided, which is an induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate including a receptor and an aerosol source, and has a circuit including a coil for heating the above-mentioned receptor by induction heating, and the above-mentioned receptor is heated by a heating mode consisting of multiple stages, and the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the above-mentioned coil in the above-mentioned multiple stages is constant.

[0065] In one embodiment, the frequency of the alternating current is a resonant frequency of the circuit.

[0066] In one embodiment, in the interval mode performed before the heating mode, in which the susceptor is preheated and then cooled, the frequency of the alternating current is a resonant frequency of the circuit.

[0067] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a power supply, and the above-mentioned circuit further includes a parallel circuit, which includes a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the above-mentioned power supply and the above-mentioned coil, the above-mentioned first circuit is used for heating the above-mentioned sensor, and the above-mentioned second circuit is used for obtaining a value related to the resistance or temperature of the above-mentioned sensor, and the above-mentioned second circuit is used in the above-mentioned interval mode.

[0068] In one embodiment, in the heating mode, when it is determined that the temperature of the susceptor is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, heating of the susceptor is interrupted.

[0069] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a power supply, and the circuit further includes a parallel circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power supply and the coil, the first circuit is used to heat the sensor, and the second circuit is used to obtain a value related to the resistance or temperature of the sensor, and the temperature of the sensor is monitored using the second circuit during the interruption of the heating of the sensor.

[0070] In one embodiment, in the heating mode, when it is determined that the temperature of the susceptor is lower than the predetermined temperature, heating of the susceptor is resumed using the first circuit.

[0071] In one embodiment, in the heating mode, when it is determined that the temperature of the susceptor is lower than a temperature lower than the predetermined temperature by a predetermined temperature, heating of the susceptor is resumed using the first circuit.

[0072] In one embodiment, the circuit further includes an AC generating circuit, which is arranged between the parallel circuit and the coil or between the parallel circuit and the power supply, and the AC generating circuit includes a third switch, and the third switch is switched at a predetermined cycle even during the period when the heating of the receptor is interrupted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Figure 1 It is a schematic block diagram of the structure of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of an induction heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 3 The horizontal axis represents time t, and conceptually represents the voltage applied to the gate terminal of the switch Q1 or the source terminal of the switch Q2, the voltage applied to the gate terminal of the switch Q3, and the current I DC And the current I AC A diagram of the relationship between .

[0076] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary process of the SLEEP mode executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary process of the CHARGE mode executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 6 This is a pseudo-graph for explaining the number of roots that can be used.

[0079] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a main example process of an ACTIVE mode executed by a control unit of the induction heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a sub-instantiation process of an ACTIVE mode executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of another sub-example process of the ACTIVE mode executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a main example process of the PRE-HEAT mode executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a main example process of the INTERVAL mode executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a main example process of a HEAT mode executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Fig.13A 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process corresponding to detection of an exemplary susceptor executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Fig. 13B FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process corresponding to detection of another exemplary sensor executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Fig. 13C 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process corresponding to detection of a sensor of another example executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Fig.13D 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process corresponding to detection of a sensor of still another example, which is executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Fig.13E 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process corresponding to detection of a sensor of still another example, which is executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of a graph expressing changes in the susceptor temperature of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing a flowchart of a sub-instantiation process of a PRE-HEAT mode, an INTERVAL mode, or a HEAT mode executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing a flowchart of another sub-instantiation process of the PRE-HEAT mode, the INTERVAL mode, or the HEAT mode executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Fig.17 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit.

[0094] Fig.18 It is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit at a resonant frequency.

[0095] Fig.19 The diagram shows an example of a graph respectively expressing changes in the temperature of a susceptor, the switching frequency of an AC generating circuit, and the impedance of the circuit of the induction heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Fig. 20 The diagram shows an example of a graph respectively expressing changes in the temperature of a susceptor, the switching frequency of an AC generating circuit, and the impedance of the circuit of the induction heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary process mainly executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the HEAT mode.

[0098] Fig. 22 The diagram shows an example of a graph respectively expressing changes in the temperature of a susceptor, the switching frequency of an AC generating circuit, and the impedance of the circuit of the induction heating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary process mainly executed by the control unit of the induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the HEAT mode.

[0100] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing a flowchart expressing an example of the details of the heating process in step S2310. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, embodiments of the induction heating device of the present disclosure include an induction heating device for electronic cigarettes and an induction heating device for heated cigarettes, but are not limited thereto.

[0102] Figure 1 : is a schematic block diagram of the structure of the induction heating device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1It does not represent the precise arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of the components.

[0103] The induction heating device 100 includes: a housing 101, a power supply 102, a circuit 104, and a coil 106. The power supply 102 may also be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The circuit 104 is electrically connected to the power supply 102. The circuit 104 is configured to supply power to the components of the induction heating device 100 using the power supply 102. The specific structure of the circuit 104 will be described later. The induction heating device 100 includes a charging power supply connection portion 116 for connecting the induction heating device 100 to a charging power supply (not shown) for charging the power supply 102. The charging power supply connection portion 116 may be a socket for wired charging, a power receiving coil for wireless charging, or a combination thereof.

[0104] The induction heating device 100 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of an aerosol-forming substrate 108 including a susceptor 110, an aerosol source 112, and a filter 114. The aerosol-forming substrate 108 may be, for example, a smoking article.

[0105] The aerosol source 112 may include a volatile compound that can generate an aerosol by heating. The aerosol source 112 may be a solid, a liquid, or both. The aerosol source 112 may include, for example, a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, a liquid such as water, or a mixed liquid thereof. The aerosol source 112 may also include nicotine. The aerosol source 112 may also include a tobacco material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Alternatively, the aerosol source 112 may also include a non-tobacco-containing material.

[0106] The coil 106 is embedded in the housing 101 at the proximal end of the housing 101. The coil 106 is configured to surround a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 housed in the induction heating device 100 when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100. The coil 106 may also have a shape wound into a spiral. The coil 106 is electrically connected to the circuit 104 and is used to heat the receptor 110 by induction heating as described later. By heating the receptor 110, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source 112. The user can inhale the aerosol through the filter 114.

[0107] Figure 2The configuration of the circuit 104 is shown in detail. The circuit 104 includes a control unit 118 configured to control the components in the induction heating device 100. The control unit 118 may also be configured by a microcontroller unit (MCU). The circuit 104 is also electrically connected to the power supply 102 via a power supply connection portion, and is electrically connected to the coil 106 via a coil connection portion. The circuit 104 includes a parallel circuit 130, which includes: a path including a switch Q1 arranged between the power supply 102 and the coil 106 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "first circuit"), and a path including a switch Q2 arranged in parallel with the switch Q1 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "second circuit").

[0108] The first circuit is used to heat the sensor 110. As an example, the switch Q1 may also be a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). The control unit 118 controls the on / off state of the switch Q1 by applying a heating switch signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of the switch Q1. For example, when the switch Q1 is a P-channel MOSFET, when the heating switch signal is low, the switch Q1 becomes on.

[0109] The second circuit is used to obtain a value related to the resistance or temperature of the sensor 110. The value related to the resistance or temperature may be, for example, impedance, temperature, etc. When the switch Q2 is in the on state, the current flowing through the switch Q2 is due to the resistor R described later. shunt1 And the resistor R shunt2 The current flowing through the switch Q1 is smaller than the current flowing through the switch Q1 when the switch Q1 is turned on. Therefore, a bipolar transistor which is smaller and cheaper than a MOSFET but not suitable for large currents can be used as the switch Q2. As shown in the figure, the second circuit may include a resistor R shunt1 And the resistor R shunt2 The control unit 118 controls the on / off state of the switch Q2 by applying a monitor switch signal (high or low) to the source terminal of the switch Q2. For example, when the switch Q2 is an npn-type bipolar transistor, the switch Q2 is turned on when the monitor switch signal is low.

[0110] The control unit 118 can switch between a mode of generating an aerosol by inductively heating the receptor 110 and a mode of acquiring a value related to the resistance or temperature of the receptor 110 by switching the on state of the switch Q1 and the on state of the switch Q2. The switching between the on state of the switch Q1 and the on state of the switch Q2 can be performed at any timing. For example, while the user is taking a puff, the control unit 118 can turn the switch Q1 into an on state and turn the switch Q2 into an off state. In this case, after the puff is finished, the control unit 118 can turn the switch Q1 into an off state and turn the switch Q2 into an on state. Alternatively, while the user is taking a puff, the control unit 118 can switch the on state of the switch Q1 and the on state of the switch Q2 at any timing.

[0111] The circuit 104 includes an AC generating circuit 132 including a switch Q3 and a capacitor C1. As an example, the switch Q3 may also be a MOSFET. The control unit 118 controls the on / off state of the switch Q3 by applying an AC switching signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of the switch Q3. For example, when the switch Q3 is a P-channel MOSFET, when the AC switching signal is low, the switch Q3 is turned on. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the AC generation circuit 132 is arranged between the parallel circuit 130 and the coil 106. As another example, the AC generation circuit 132 may be arranged between the parallel circuit 130 and the power supply 102. The AC generated by the AC generation circuit 132 is supplied to the induction heating circuit including the capacitor C2 and the coil 106 of the coil connection portion.

[0112] Figure 3 The horizontal axis is time t, and the graph conceptually shows the relationship between the voltage V1 applied to the gate terminal of the switch Q1 or the source terminal of the switch Q2, the voltage V2 applied to the gate terminal of the switch Q3, the current IDC generated by the switching of the switch Q3, and the current IAC flowing to the coil 106 when the AC current supplied to the coil 106 is generated by the AC generating circuit 132. Please note that in order to simplify the description, the voltage applied to the gate terminal of the switch Q1 and the voltage applied to the source terminal of the switch Q2 are shown as V1 in one graph.

[0113] At time t1, if V1 becomes low, switch Q1 or Q2 becomes on. When V2 is high, switch Q3 becomes off, and current IDC flows to capacitor C1, accumulating charge in capacitor C1. At time t2, if V2 switches to low, switch Q3 becomes on. In this case, the flow of current IDC stops, and on the other hand, the charge accumulated in C1 is discharged. The same action is repeated below time t3. As a result of the above action, Figure 3As shown, an alternating current IAC is generated and flows to the coil 106 .

[0114] like Figure 3 As shown, when the switch Q3 is switched at a predetermined period T, the switch Q1 may remain in the on state. In addition, when the switch Q3 is switched at a predetermined period T, the switch Q2 may remain in the on state. In addition, when switching between the switch Q1 and the switch Q2, the switching of the switch Q3 based on the predetermined period T may continue.

[0115] The above-described configuration of the AC generation circuit 132 is merely an example, and it is understood that various elements for generating the AC current IAC, an integrated circuit such as a DC / AC inverter, etc. can be used as the AC generation circuit 132 .

[0116] from Figure 3 It can be understood that the frequency f of the alternating current IAC is controlled by the switching period T of the switch Q3 (i.e., the switching period of the AC switching signal). When the switch Q1 is in the on state, the closer the frequency f is to the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit including the susceptor 110 (or, the circuit including the susceptor 110), the coil 106, and the capacitor C2, the higher the efficiency of energy supply to the susceptor 110. This will be described in detail later, but please note the following point: when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the housing 101, the RLC series circuit includes the susceptor 110, and when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the housing 101, the RLC series circuit does not include the susceptor 110.

[0117] When the alternating current generated as described above flows through the coil 106, an alternating magnetic field is generated around the coil 106. The generated alternating magnetic field induces an eddy current in the susceptor 110. Joule heat is generated by the eddy current and the resistance of the susceptor 110, and the susceptor 110 is heated. As a result, the aerosol source around the susceptor 110 is heated to generate aerosol.

[0118] Back to Figure 2 The circuit 104 includes a voltage detection circuit 134, which includes a voltage detection circuit 134 having R div1 and R div2 The voltage value of the power supply 102 can be measured by the voltage detection circuit 134. The circuit 104 also includes R sense2The current detection circuit 136 is provided. As shown in the figure, the current detection circuit 136 may include an operational amplifier. Alternatively, the operational amplifier may be included in the control unit 118. The value of the current flowing in the direction of the coil 106 can be measured by the current detection circuit 136. The voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136 are used to measure the impedance of the circuit. When the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the shell 101, the circuit includes the sensor 110, and when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the shell 101, the sensor 110 is not included. In other words, when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the shell 101, the measured impedance includes the resistance component of the sensor 110, and when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the shell 101, the measured impedance does not include the resistance component of the sensor 110. For example, as shown in the figure, the control unit 118 obtains the voltage value from the voltage detection circuit 134 and obtains the current value from the current detection circuit 136. The control unit 118 calculates the impedance based on the voltage value and the current value. More specifically, the control unit 118 calculates the impedance by dividing the average value or the effective value of the voltage value by the average value or the effective value of the current value.

[0119] When the switch Q1 is turned off and the switch Q2 is turned on, the resistor R shunt1 And the resistor R shunt2 The circuit and the inductor 110, the coil 106 and the capacitor C2 form an RLC series circuit. The impedance of the RLC series circuit can be obtained as described above. By subtracting the impedance including the resistor R shunt1 And the resistor R shunt2 The impedance of the receptor 110 can be calculated by using the resistance value of the circuit having the resistance value of the receptor 110. When the impedance of the receptor 110 has temperature dependence, the temperature of the receptor 110 can be estimated based on the calculated impedance.

[0120] The circuit 104 may include a remaining capacity measurement integrated circuit (IC) 124. The circuit 104 may include a resistor R for the remaining capacity measurement IC 124 to measure the value of the current of the power source 102 when charging or discharging. sense1 . Resistance R sense1 The remaining capacity measurement IC 124 may be connected between the SRN terminal and the SRP terminal of the remaining capacity measurement IC 124. The remaining capacity measurement IC 124 may also obtain a value related to the voltage of the power supply 102 via the BAT terminal. The remaining capacity measurement IC 124 is an IC configured to measure the remaining capacity of the power supply 102. In addition, the remaining capacity measurement IC 124 may also be configured to record information related to the degradation state of the power supply 102. For example, the control unit 118 sends an I signal from the SDA terminal of the control unit 118 to the SDA terminal of the remaining capacity measurement IC 124. 2C data signal, thereby transmitting I C data signal from the SCL terminal of the control unit 118 to the SCL terminal of the residual quantity measurement IC 124. 2 The value related to the remaining amount of the power source 102 , the value related to the degradation state of the power source 102 , and the like stored in the remaining amount measurement IC 124 are acquired in synchronization with the timing of the C clock signal.

[0121] Usually, the residual measurement IC124 is configured to update data in a 1-second cycle. Therefore, if the impedance of the above-mentioned RLC series circuit is to be calculated using the voltage value and the current value measured by the residual measurement IC124, the impedance is calculated in a 1-second cycle at the fastest. Therefore, the temperature of the sensor 110 is estimated in a 1-second cycle at the fastest. It can be said that such a cycle is not enough to properly control the heating of the sensor 110. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is desired not to use the voltage value and the current value measured by the residual measurement IC124 for the measurement of the impedance of the RLC series circuit. That is, preferably, the residual measurement IC124 is not used as the voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136 as described above. Therefore, in the induction heating device 100 of the present embodiment, the residual measurement IC124 is not necessary. However, by using the residual measurement IC124, the state of the power supply 102 can be correctly grasped.

[0122] The induction heating device 100 may also include a light emitting element 138 such as an LED. The circuit 104 may also include a light emitting element driving circuit 126 for driving the light emitting element 138. The light emitting element 138 may be used to provide various information such as the state of the induction heating device 100 to the user. The light emitting element driving circuit 126 may store information related to various light emission modes of the light emitting element 138. The control unit 118 sends an I2C data signal from the SDA terminal of the control unit 118 to the SDA terminal of the light emitting element driving circuit 126 to specify a desired light emission mode, thereby being able to control the light emitting element driving circuit 126 to make the light emitting element 138 emit light in a desired manner.

[0123] The circuit 104 may also include a charging circuit 122. The charging circuit 122 may also be an IC configured to adjust the voltage (potential difference between the VBUS terminal and the GND terminal) supplied from the charging power supply (not shown) connected via the charging power supply connection unit 116 to a voltage suitable for charging the power supply 102 in response to a charging enable signal received from the control unit 118 at the CE terminal. The adjusted voltage is supplied from the BAT terminal of the charging circuit 122. In addition, the adjusted current may be supplied from the BAT terminal of the charging circuit 122. The circuit 104 may also include a voltage divider circuit 140. If the charging power supply is connected, a VBUS detection signal is sent from the VBUS terminal of the charging circuit 122 to the control unit 118 via the voltage divider circuit 140. If the charging power supply is connected, the VBUS detection signal becomes a value obtained by dividing the voltage supplied from the charging power supply by the voltage divider circuit 140, and the VBUS detection signal becomes a high level. If the charging power supply is not connected, the VBUS detection signal is connected to the ground via the voltage divider circuit 140, so that the VBUS detection signal becomes a low level. Therefore, the control unit 118 can determine that charging has started. In addition, the CE terminal may be either positive logic or negative logic.

[0124] The circuit 104 may also include a button 128. When the user presses the button 128, a low-level button detection signal is sent to the control unit 118 via the button 128 being connected to the ground. The control unit 118 can thereby determine that the button has been pressed and control the circuit 104 to start aerosol generation.

[0125] The circuit 104 may also include a voltage regulator circuit 120. The voltage regulator circuit 120 is configured to regulate the voltage VBAT (eg, 3.2 to 4.2 volts) of the power source 102 to generate a voltage V supplied to components in the circuit 104 or the induction heating device 100. sys (For example, 3 volts). As an example, the voltage regulator circuit 120 may also be a linear regulator such as an LDO (low dropout regulator). As shown in the figure, the voltage V generated by the voltage regulator circuit 120 sys The voltage may be supplied to a circuit including a VDD terminal of the control unit 118 , a VDD terminal of the remaining battery measurement IC 124 , a VDD terminal of the light emitting element driving circuit 126 , and the button 128 .

[0126] As shown in the figure, the current detection circuit 136 can also be arranged in the path between the power supply 102 and the coil 106, which is closer to the branch point from the path to the voltage adjustment circuit 120 ( Figure 2The point A) is closer to the position of the coil 106. According to this configuration, the current detection circuit 136 can accurately measure the value of the current supplied to the coil 106 excluding the current supplied to the voltage adjustment circuit 120. Therefore, the impedance and temperature of the sensor 110 can be accurately measured or estimated.

[0127] The circuit 104 may be configured such that the current detection circuit 136 is not disposed in the path between the charging circuit 122 and the power source 102. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the current detection circuit 136 may be disposed in the path between the power source 102 and the coil 106 at a point ( Figure 2 This configuration can prevent the current supplied from the charging circuit 122 from flowing through the resistor R in the current detection circuit 136 during the charging of the power supply 102 (the switches Q1 and Q2 are in the off state). sense2 Therefore, the resistance R can be reduced sense2 In addition, since it is possible to prevent the current from flowing through the operational amplifier of the current detection circuit 136 during the charging of the power source 102, the power consumption can be suppressed.

[0128] The circuit 104 may further include a switch Q4 that is switched between an on state and an off state by a ground switch signal sent from the control unit 118 .

[0129] Next, an exemplary process performed by the control unit 118 of the induction heating device 100 is described. In addition, hereinafter, it is assumed that the control unit 118 has at least a plurality of modes, namely, seven modes of SLEEP, CHARGE, ACTIVE, PRE-HEAT, INTERVAL, HEAT, and ERROR, and the process performed by the control unit 118 according to the mode is described. In addition, the induction heating of the susceptor 100 by the induction heating device 100 is constituted by the PRE-HEAT mode, the INTERVAL mode, and the HEAT mode.

[0130] Figure 4 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 400 executed by the control unit 118 in the SLEEP mode. The SLEEP mode may be a mode for reducing power consumption when the induction heating device 100 is not in use.

[0131] S410 shows a step of determining whether the connection between the charging power source and the charging power source connection unit 116 is detected. The control unit 118 can determine that the connection of the charging power source is detected based on the above-mentioned VBUS detection signal. When it is determined that the connection of the charging power source is detected ("Yes" in S410), the control unit 118 shifts to the CHARGE mode, otherwise ("No" in S410), the processing enters step S420. As a specific example, in S410, when the VBUS detection signal is at a high level, it is determined as "Yes", and when the VBUS detection signal is at a low level, it is determined as "No".

[0132] S420 shows a step of determining whether a prescribed operation on the key 128 of the induction heating device 100 is detected. The control unit 118 can determine that a prescribed operation on the key 128 is detected based on the above-mentioned key detection signal. In addition, an example of the prescribed operation in step S420 is a long press or continuous press of the key 128. When it is determined that the prescribed operation on the key 128 is detected ("Yes" in S420), the control unit 118 transfers to the ACTIVE mode, otherwise ("No" in S420), the process returns to step S410.

[0133] According to the exemplary process 400, the control unit 118 switches to the CHARGE mode in response to detecting the connection of the charging power source, and switches to the ACTIVE mode in response to detecting the operation of the key. In other words, when neither the connection of the charging power source nor the operation of the key is detected, the control unit 118 continues to stay in the SLEEP mode.

[0134] Figure 5 4 is a flowchart of an example process 500 executed by control unit 118 in the CHARGE mode. Example process 500 can be started in response to control unit 118 shifting to the CHARGE mode.

[0135] S510 shows the steps of executing the process for starting the charging of the power supply 102. The process for starting the charging of the power supply 102 may include turning on the above-mentioned charging enable signal or starting the process of sending the signal. Turning on the charging enable signal means making the level of the charging enable signal a level corresponding to the logic of the CE terminal. In other words, when the CE terminal is positive logic, the charging enable signal is made high, and when the CE terminal is negative logic, the charging enable signal is made low.

[0136] S520 shows a step of determining whether it is detected that the charging power source is removed from the charging power source connection unit 116. The control unit 118 can detect that the charging power source is removed from the charging power source connection unit 116 based on the above-mentioned VBUS detection signal. If it is determined that the removal of the charging power source is detected ("Yes" in S520), the process proceeds to step S530, otherwise ("No" in S520), the process returns to step S520.

[0137] S530 shows the step of executing the process for ending the charging of the power supply 102. The process for ending the charging of the power supply 102 may also include the process of turning off the above-mentioned charging enable signal or stopping the transmission of the signal. Turning off the charging enable signal means making the level of the charging enable signal a level that does not correspond to the logic of the CE terminal. In other words, when the CE terminal is positive logic, the charging enable signal is low level, and when the CE terminal is negative logic, the charging enable signal is high level.

[0138] S540 shows a step of setting the number of usable aerosol forming substrates 108 (the aerosol forming substrate 108 is assumed to be in a rod shape, but the shape of the aerosol forming substrate 108 is not limited to this. Therefore, please note that the "number of usable substrates" can be generalized as the "number of usable units".) based on the charge level of the power source 102 (the amount of power remaining in the power source 102). Figure 6 , the number of roots that can be used is explained. Figure 6 This is a pseudo-graph for explaining the number of roots that can be used.

[0139] 610 corresponds to the power source 102 when it has not been used (hereinafter referred to as "unused"), and its area represents the full charge capacity when it has not been used. In addition, the power source 102 that has not been used may refer to the power source 102 having been discharged zero times or less than the first prescribed discharge times after the power source 102 is manufactured. An example of the full charge capacity of the power source 102 when it is not used is about 220 mAh. 620 corresponds to the power source 102 that has been used in the induction heating device 100, or more precisely, repeatedly discharged and charged, and degraded to a certain extent (hereinafter referred to as "degraded"), and its area represents the full charge capacity when it has been degraded. From Figure 6 It can be seen that the full charge capacity of the power source 102 when not in use is greater than the full charge capacity of the power source 102 when degraded.

[0140] 630 corresponds to the amount of electricity (energy) required to consume one aerosol-forming substrate 108, and its area represents the corresponding amount of electricity. Figure 6The four 630 in FIG. 1 are all of the same area, and the corresponding power amounts are also approximately the same. In addition, the power amount 630 required to consume one aerosol forming substrate 108 is about 70 mAh. In addition, when a predetermined number of suctions are performed or heating is performed for a predetermined time, one aerosol forming substrate 108 can be considered to be consumed.

[0141] 640 and 650 correspond to the charge level of the power source 102 after the two aerosol-forming substrates 108 are consumed (hereinafter referred to as "excess power amount"), and their areas represent the corresponding power amounts. Figure 6 It can be seen that the excess power amount 640 when not in use is greater than the excess power amount 650 when degraded.

[0142] Reference numeral 660 indicates the output voltage of the power source 102 when fully charged, which in this example is approximately 3.64 V. The voltage of the power source 102 when fully charged is substantially constant regardless of the degradation of the power source 102, i.e., regardless of the SOH (State Of Health), so that the voltage 660 of the power source 102 (610) when not in use and the power source 102 (620) when degraded are the same.

[0143] Reference numeral 670 indicates the discharge end voltage of the power source 102, which in this example is approximately 2.40 V. The discharge end voltage of the power source 102 is substantially constant regardless of the degradation of the power source 102, i.e., regardless of the SOH, so that the power source 102 (610) when not in use and the power source 102 (620) when degraded, 670 are the same.

[0144] It is preferable that the power source 102 is not used until the voltage reaches the discharge end voltage 670, in other words, until the charge level of the power source 102 becomes zero. This is because when the voltage of the power source 102 is below the discharge end voltage 670 or when the charge level of the power source 102 becomes zero, the degradation of the power source 102 rapidly progresses. In addition, the closer the voltage of the power source 102 is to the discharge end voltage 670, the more the degradation of the power source 102 progresses.

[0145] As described above, if the power source 102 is used, more precisely, if it is repeatedly discharged and charged, its full charge capacity decreases, and if a predetermined number ( Figure 6 In the figure, the excess power amount after the aerosol forming substrate 108 of 2) is smaller when it is degraded (650) than when it is not used (640).

[0146] Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 118 can set the number of usable power supplies 102 based on the prediction of the degradation of the power supply 102 so that the power supply 102 is not used until the voltage reaches the discharge end voltage 670 or thereabouts, in other words, until the charge level of the power supply 102 becomes zero or thereabouts. That is, the number of usable power supplies 102 is set, for example, as follows.

[0147] n=int((e-S) / C)

[0148] Here, n is the number of available roots, e is the charging level of the power source 102 (unit is, for example, mAh), S is a parameter for making the excess power amount 650 when the power source 102 deteriorates have a surplus (unit is, for example, mAh), C is the amount of power required to consume one aerosol forming substrate 108 (unit is, for example, mAh), and int() is a function that rounds off the decimal point in (). In addition, e is a variable that can be obtained by communicating with the remaining amount measurement IC 124 through the control unit 118. In addition, S and C are constants that are obtained in advance through experiments and can be stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 118 (not shown). In particular, S can also be the excess power amount 650 obtained when the power source 102 is discharged by the second prescribed number of discharges (>> the first prescribed number of discharges) through experiments, that is, when the assumed degradation occurs, or the value obtained by adding α to the excess power amount. Furthermore, when the SOH acquired by communicating with the remaining power measurement IC 124 reaches a predetermined value, the control unit 118 determines that the degradation of the power source 102 has progressed sufficiently, and may prohibit the charging and discharging of the power source 102. In other words, the degradation period when S is calculated refers to a state in which the SOH has not reached a predetermined value, but the degradation has progressed compared to when not in use.

[0149] Return to Figure 5 After step S540, the control unit 118 shifts to the ACTIVE mode. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in step S520, the control unit 118 determines whether it is detected that the charging power source is removed from the charging power source connection unit 116. However, it is also possible to instead determine whether the charging circuit 122 has completed charging the power source 102, and determine whether the control unit 118 has received the determination through I2C communication or the like.

[0150] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 700 mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the ACTIVE mode (hereinafter referred to as a “main process”). The main process 700 can be started in response to the control unit 118 shifting to the ACTIVE mode.

[0151] S705 shows a step of starting the first timer. By starting the first timer, the value of the first timer increases or decreases from the initial value as time passes. In addition, it is assumed below that the value of the first timer increases as time passes. In addition, the first timer may also be stopped when the control unit 118 shifts to another mode. This is also the same for the second timer and the third timer described later.

[0152] S710 shows a step of notifying the user of the charge level of the power source 102. The notification of the charge level can be realized by the control unit 118 communicating with the light emitting element drive circuit 126 based on the information of the power source 102 acquired through communication with the remaining capacity measurement IC 124, and causing the light emitting element 138 to emit light in a predetermined manner. This is also the same for other notifications described later. It is preferable to temporarily perform the notification of the charge level.

[0153] S715 shows a step of starting other processes (hereinafter referred to as "sub-processes") in parallel with the main process 700. The sub-processes started in this step will be described later. In addition, the execution of the sub-processes may be stopped when the control unit 118 is transferred to another mode. This is also the same for other sub-processes described later.

[0154] S720 shows a step of determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the first timer. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed ("Yes" in S720), the control unit 118 shifts to the SLEEP mode. Otherwise ("No" in S720), the process proceeds to step S725.

[0155] S725 shows a step of controlling to supply non-heating AC power to the above-mentioned RLC series circuit, i.e., a circuit for inductively heating the receptor 110 as at least a part of the aerosol forming substrate 108, and measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. The non-heating AC power can be generated by switching the switch Q3 after the switch Q1 is turned off and the switch Q2 is turned on. The average value or effective value of the energy given to the RLC series circuit by the supply of the non-heating AC power is smaller than the average value or effective value of the energy given to the RLC series circuit by the supply of the heating AC power described later. In addition, it is preferred that the non-heating AC power has a resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit.

[0156] In addition, the supply of non-heating AC power is only used to measure the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Therefore, after obtaining data for measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit (for example, the effective value VRMS of the voltage and the effective value IRMS of the current respectively measured by the voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136 described later), the supply of the non-heating AC power can be quickly stopped. On the other hand, the supply of the non-heating AC power can be continued until a predetermined time, for example, until the control unit 118 is transferred to another mode. The cessation of the supply of non-heating AC power can be achieved by one or both of making the switch Q2 into an off state and stopping the switching of the switch Q3 into an off state. In addition, please note that at the moment of step S725, the switch Q1 can be initially in an off state.

[0157] S730 shows a step of determining whether the measured impedance is abnormal. The control unit 118 can determine that the measured impedance is abnormal when the impedance measured in step 725 is not included in the range of impedance including the measurement error determined based on the impedance measured when the regular aerosol generating substrate 108 is properly inserted into the induction heating device 100. When it is determined that the impedance is abnormal ("Yes" in S730), the process proceeds to step S735, otherwise ("No" in S730), the process proceeds to step S745.

[0158] S735 shows a step of executing a predetermined safety fail action. The predetermined safety fail action may include turning off all switches Q1, Q2, and Q3.

[0159] S740 shows a step of notifying the user of a predetermined error. After step S740, the control unit 118 shifts to an ERROR mode for performing a predetermined error process. The specific process in the ERROR mode is omitted.

[0160] S745 is a step of determining whether the susceptor 110 is detected based on the impedance measured in step S725. Detection of the susceptor 110 can be regarded as detection of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 including the susceptor 110. Detection of the susceptor 110 based on impedance will be described later.

[0161] S750 shows a step of determining whether the number of available nodes is 1 or more. If the number of available nodes is 1 or more (Yes in S750), the control unit 118 shifts to the PRE-HEAT mode, otherwise (No in S750), the process proceeds to step S755.

[0162] S755 shows a step of giving a user a predetermined low remaining power notification indicating that the remaining power amount of the power source 102 is low. After step S755, the control unit 118 shifts to the SLEEP mode.

[0163] Although described later, the process of PRE-HEAT to which step S750 may be transferred may be used to inductively heat the aerosol-forming substrate 108. Therefore, according to the main process 700, automatic inductive heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 after the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the housing 101 is achieved.

[0164] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an exemplary first sub-process 800 that is activated in step S715 in the main process 700 in the ACTIVE mode.

[0165] S810 shows a step of determining whether a predetermined operation on the key 128 is detected. In addition, an example of the predetermined operation in step S810 is a short press of the key 128. When it is determined that the predetermined operation on the key 128 is detected ("Yes" in S810), the process proceeds to step S820, otherwise ("No" in S810), the process returns to step S810.

[0166] S820 shows a step of resetting the first timer to return its value to the initial value. Instead of this embodiment, the value of the first timer may be brought closer to the initial value, or the predetermined time in step S720 may be moved away from the value of the first timer.

[0167] S830 shows a step of notifying the user of the charging level of the power source 102. After step S830, the process returns to step S810.

[0168] According to the main processing 700, the control unit 118 may switch to the SLEEP mode after a specified time has passed after switching to the ACTIVE mode. According to the sub-processing 800, the charging level of the power supply 102 is notified to the user again through the specified operation of the button 128, so that the transition to the SLEEP mode can be delayed.

[0169] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart of an exemplary second sub-process 900 activated in step S715 of the main process 700 in the ACTIVE mode.

[0170] S910 shows a step of determining whether the connection between the charging power source and the charging power source connection unit 116 is detected. When it is determined that the connection of the charging power source is detected ("Yes" of S910), the control unit 118 shifts to the CHARGE mode. Otherwise ("No" of S910), the process returns to step S910. The control unit 118 can determine that the connection of the charging power source is detected based on the above-mentioned VBUS detection signal, similarly to step S410. In addition, when shifting to the CHARGE mode, it is preferred that the control unit 118 turns off all the switches Q1, Q2 and Q3.

[0171] According to the second sub-process 900 , in response to the connection of the charging power source, the control unit 118 automatically shifts to the CHARGE mode.

[0172] Fig.10 1 is a flowchart of an example process (main process) 1000 mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the PRE-HEAT mode. The main process 1000 can be started in response to the control unit 118 shifting to the PRE-HEAT mode.

[0173] S1010 shows a step of controlling to start supplying heating AC power to the RLC series circuit. The heating AC power is generated by turning on the switch Q1, turning off the switch Q2, and then switching the switch Q3. The average value or effective value of energy given to the RLC series circuit by the supply of heating AC power is greater than the average value or effective value of energy given to the RLC series circuit by the supply of the non-heating AC power.

[0174] S1020 shows a step of starting other processes (sub-processes) so as to be executed in parallel with the main process 1000. The sub-process started in this step will be described later.

[0175] S1030 is a step of executing a process corresponding to the detection of the receptor 110. This step will be described later. This step includes at least a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit.

[0176] S1040 shows a step of obtaining the temperature of at least a portion of the receptor 110 or the aerosol forming substrate 108 (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, referred to as "receptor temperature") from the impedance measured in step S1030. The acquisition of the receptor temperature based on the impedance will be described later. In addition, in step S1050 described later, by using the preheating target impedance corresponding to the preheating target temperature instead of the preheating target temperature, step S1040 can be omitted. In this case, in step S1050, the impedance is compared with the preheating target impedance.

[0177] S1050 shows a step of determining whether the acquired receptor temperature has reached a predetermined preheating target temperature. If it is determined that the receptor temperature has reached the preheating target temperature ("Yes" in S1050), the process proceeds to step S1060, otherwise ("No" in S1050), the process returns to step S1030. In addition, if a predetermined time has passed after the start of the PRE-HEAT mode, the preheating can be regarded as completed, and the determination in step S1050 is "Yes".

[0178] S1060 shows a step of notifying the user that preheating of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is complete. This notification may be made by the LED 138, or by a vibration motor (not shown), a display, etc. After step S1060, the control unit 118 shifts to the INTERVAL mode.

[0179] According to the main process 1000, preheating of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 can be achieved.

[0180] Fig.1111 is a flowchart of an example process (main process) 1100 mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the INTERVAL mode. The main process 1100 can be started in response to the control unit 118 shifting to the INTERVAL mode.

[0181] S1110 shows a step of controlling to stop supplying the heating AC power to the RLC series circuit. Stopping the supply of the heating AC power can be achieved by either or both of turning the switch Q1 off and stopping the switching of the switch Q3 to turn it off. In addition, please note that at the time of step S1110, the switch Q2 may be initially in the off state.

[0182] S1120 shows a step of starting other processes (sub-processes) in parallel with the main process 1100. The sub-processes started in this step will be described later.

[0183] S1130 shows a step of controlling the supply of non-heating AC power to the RLC series circuit and measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. This step may be similar to step S725 of the main process 700 in the ACTIVE mode.

[0184] S1140 shows a step of obtaining the sensor temperature from the measured impedance. In addition, in step S1150 described later, by using the cooling target impedance corresponding to the cooling target temperature instead of the cooling target temperature, step S1140 can be omitted. In this case, in step S1150, the impedance and the cooling target impedance are compared.

[0185] S1150 shows a step of determining whether the acquired receptor temperature has reached a predetermined cooling target temperature. If it is determined that the receptor temperature has reached the cooling target temperature ("Yes" in S1150), the control unit 118 shifts to the HEAT mode. Otherwise ("No" in S1150), the process returns to step S1130. In addition, if a predetermined time has passed after the start of the INTERVAL mode, the cooling may be considered to be completed, and the determination in step S1150 is "Yes".

[0186] In the PRE-HEAT mode, the susceptor is heated rapidly so that the aerosol can be supplied rapidly. On the other hand, such rapid heating may result in an excessive amount of aerosol being generated. Therefore, by executing the INTERVAL mode before the HEAT mode, the amount of aerosol generated can be stabilized from the completion time of the PRE-HEAT mode to the completion time of the HEAT mode. In other words, according to the main process 1100, the preheated aerosol forming substrate 108 can be cooled to before the HEAT mode in order to stabilize the aerosol generation.

[0187] Fig.121 is a flowchart of an example process (main process) 1200 mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the HEAT mode. The main process 1200 can be started in response to the control unit 118 shifting to the HEAT mode.

[0188] S1205 shows the step of starting the second timer.

[0189] S1210 shows a step of starting other processes (sub-processes) so as to be executed in parallel with the main process 1200. The sub-process started in this step will be described later.

[0190] S1215 shows a step of controlling to start supplying heating AC power to the RLC series circuit.

[0191] S1220 shows a step of executing a process corresponding to the detection of the receptor 110. This step will be described later, but this step at least includes a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit.

[0192] S1225 shows a step of acquiring the sensor temperature from the impedance measured in step S1220. In addition, in step S1230 described later, by using the heating target impedance corresponding to the heating target temperature instead of the heating target temperature, step S1225 can be omitted. In this case, in step S1230, the impedance and the heating target impedance are compared.

[0193] S1230 shows a step of determining whether the acquired susceptor temperature is above a predetermined heating target temperature. If the susceptor temperature is above the heating target temperature ("Yes" in S1230), the process proceeds to step S1235, otherwise ("No" in S1230), the process proceeds to step S1240.

[0194] S1235 shows a step of controlling to stop supplying the heating AC power to the RLC series circuit and then wait for a predetermined time. This step intends to temporarily stop supplying the heating AC power to the RLC series circuit to make the receptor temperature higher than the heating target temperature.

[0195] S1240 shows a step for determining whether a prescribed heating end condition is satisfied. Examples of prescribed heating end conditions may be a condition that a prescribed time has passed based on the value of a second timer, a condition that a prescribed number of suctions have been performed using the currently used aerosol forming substrate 108, or an OR condition of these conditions. The suction detection method will be described later. If it is determined that the heating end condition is satisfied ("Yes" in S1240), the process proceeds to step S1245, otherwise ("No" in S1240), the process returns to step S1220.

[0196] S1245 shows a step of reducing the number of available electrodes by one. After step S1245, the control unit 118 shifts to the SLEEP mode.

[0197] According to the main process 1200, the temperature of the receptor can be maintained at a predetermined temperature, and aerosol can be generated in a desired manner.

[0198] Hereinafter, the above-described processing corresponding to the detection of the receptor 110 will be described in relation to the main processing 1000 of the PRE-HEAT mode and the main processing 1200 of the HEAT mode.

[0199] Fig.13A 13 is a flow chart of a process 1300A corresponding to detection by an exemplary receptor 110 .

[0200] S1305 shows a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Note that before step S1305, the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit is started.

[0201] S1310 shows a step of determining whether the receptor 110 is detected based on the measured impedance. If the receptor 110 is detected based on the impedance ("Yes" in S1310), the example process 1300A ends and returns to the main process 1000 or the main process 1200. Otherwise ("No" in S1310), the process proceeds to step S1315.

[0202] S1315 shows a step of stopping the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit.

[0203] S1320 shows a step of reducing the number of available roots by one. After step S1320, control unit 118 shifts to the ACTIVE mode.

[0204] According to the example processing 1300A, when the aerosol forming substrate 108 is removed during induction heating, the induction heating can be stopped. As a result, the safety of the induction heating device 100 can be improved, and the waste of electricity stored in the power supply 102 can be reduced. In addition, according to the example processing 1300A, if the aerosol forming substrate 108 is removed, the control unit 118 reduces the number of usable roots by one. As a result, compared with the case where the number of usable roots is not reduced, the voltage of the power supply 102 after the number of usable roots is consumed is difficult to reach the discharge termination voltage or the vicinity of the discharge termination voltage. Therefore, the promotion of the degradation of the power supply 102 can also be suppressed.

[0205] Fig. 13B 13 is a flowchart of a process 1300B corresponding to detection of another exemplary sensor 110. Some steps included in the exemplary process 1300B are common to the exemplary process 1300A, so the differences will be described below.

[0206] In the example process 1300B, after step S1315, the process proceeds to step 1325.

[0207] S1325 shows a step of giving a predetermined error notification to the user. The predetermined error notification corresponds to a detection failure of the susceptor 110 during induction heating due to the aerosol-forming substrate 108 being mistakenly removed, etc. The predetermined error notification can be given by the LED 138 or the like.

[0208] S1330 shows the step of starting the third timer.

[0209] S1335 is a step of controlling the supply of non-heating AC power to the RLC series circuit and measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. This step may be the same as step S725 of the main process 700 in the ACTIVE mode.

[0210] S1340 shows a step of determining whether the sensor 110 is detected based on the measured impedance. If the sensor 110 is detected based on the impedance (Yes in S1340), the process proceeds to step S1350, otherwise (No in S1340), the process proceeds to step S1345.

[0211] S1350 indicates that the supply of heating current to the RLC series circuit which was stopped in step S1315 is restarted.

[0212] S1345 shows a step of determining whether a predetermined time has passed based on the value of the third timer. If it is determined that the predetermined time has passed ("Yes" in S1345), the process proceeds to step S1320, otherwise ("No" in S1345), the process returns to step S1335.

[0213] For example process 1300B, see Fig.14 Further explanation. Fig.14 This is a graph showing changes in sensor temperature. The vertical axis of the graph corresponds to temperature, and the horizontal axis corresponds to time.

[0214] Reference numeral 1410 indicates the above-mentioned predetermined preheating target temperature in relation to the main process 700 of the PRE-HEAT mode.

[0215] Reference numeral 1415 indicates the above-mentioned predetermined cooling target temperature in relation to the main process 1100 of the INTERVAL mode.

[0216] 1420 indicates the above-mentioned predetermined heating target temperature in relation to the main process 1200 of the HEAT mode. In addition, although it will be described later, the HEAT mode has a heating profile including a plurality of stages to which different heating target temperatures are applied. More specifically, 1420 indicates the heating target temperature of the initial stage in the heating profile of the HEAT mode.

[0217] 1430 indicates the period of the PRE-HEAT mode. That is, the period of the PRE-HEAT mode ends approximately when the sensor temperature reaches the predetermined preheating target temperature 1410.

[0218] 1435 indicates the period of the INTERVAL mode. That is, the period of the INTERVAL mode generally starts when the susceptor temperature reaches the preheating target temperature 1410 and ends when the susceptor temperature reaches the cooling target temperature 1415.

[0219] 1440 indicates the period of the HEAT mode. That is, the period of the HEAT mode generally starts when the sensor temperature reaches the cooling target temperature 1415 and ends at time 1445. 1445 indicates when the heating end condition is satisfied (step S1240 of the main process 1200).

[0220] 1450 indicates when the receptor 110 is not detected, that is, when it cannot be determined that the receptor 110 is detected based on the impedance in step S1310 of the exemplary process 1300B ("No" in step S1310). 1455 indicates when the receptor 110 can be detected again, that is, when it is determined that the receptor 110 is detected based on the impedance in step S1340 of the exemplary process 1300B ("Yes" in step S1340). S1460 indicates the period during which the receptor 110 cannot be detected.

[0221] According to the exemplary process 1300B, the induction heating can be controlled according to the heating profile that at least specifies the heating target temperature according to the passage of time, and on the other hand, it is assumed that time has passed from the stop of the process for induction heating, that is, step S1315, to the restart of the process for induction heating, that is, step S1350. Therefore, in practice, the heating profile corresponding to the period S1460 in which the sensor 110 cannot be detected can be skipped.

[0222] Fig. 13C 13 is a flowchart of a process 1300C corresponding to detection of another exemplary sensor 110. Some steps included in the exemplary process 1300C are common to the exemplary processes 1300A or 1300B, so the differences will be described below.

[0223] S1355 is a step of detecting the receptor 110 based on the measured impedance. This step is similar to step S1310, but is different in that when it is determined that the receptor 110 cannot be detected (No in S1355), the process proceeds to step S1325.

[0224] In the example process 1300C, after step S1330, the process proceeds to step S1360.

[0225] S1360 is a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Step S1360 is similar to step S1335, but in step S1360, there is no need to control the supply of non-heating AC power to the RLC series circuit because the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit is not stopped at the time of step S1360.

[0226] S1365 shows a step of determining whether the receptor 110 is detected based on the measured impedance. This step is similar to step S1340, but is different in that if the receptor 110 is detected based on the impedance ("Yes" in S1365), the process returns to step S1305, and otherwise ("No" in S1365), the process proceeds to step S1370.

[0227] S1370 shows a step of determining whether a predetermined time has passed based on the value of the third timer. This step is similar to step S1345, but is different in that if it is determined that the predetermined time has passed ("Yes" in S1370), the process proceeds to step S1315, otherwise ("No" in S1370), the process returns to step S1360.

[0228] For example process 1300C, see Fig.14 , and further explanation will be given. In addition, the following describes the differences between the example process 1300B and the above description.

[0229] 1450 indicates when the receptor 110 is not detected, that is, when it cannot be determined that the receptor 110 is detected based on the impedance in step S1355 of the example process 1300C ("No" in step S1355). 1455 indicates when the receptor 110 can be detected again, that is, when it is determined that the receptor 110 is detected based on the impedance in step S1365 of the example process 1300C ("Yes" in step S1365).

[0230] As described above, the HEAT mode has a heating profile including a plurality of stages in which different heating target temperatures are applied. In addition, the processing of the HEAT mode may include processing for changing the heating target temperature at one or more time intervals (for example, the following description). Fig.21Furthermore, according to the exemplary process 1300C, the period S1460 during which the susceptor 110 cannot be detected does not affect the one or more timings. This is because the exemplary process 1300C does not include the step S1315 and the step S1350 in the exemplary process 1300B. That is, according to the exemplary process 1300C, the period S1460 during which the susceptor 110 cannot be detected does not affect the overall length of the above-mentioned heating profile.

[0231] Fig.13D 13 is a flowchart of a process 1300D corresponding to detection by yet another exemplary receptor 110 .

[0232] Since some steps included in the example process 1300D are common to the example processes 1300A, 1300B, or 1300C, the differences will be described below.

[0233] S1375 is the same step as step S1310, but is different in that the process proceeds to step S1385 when it is determined based on the impedance that the receptor 110 is detected.

[0234] In the example process 1300D, after step S1325, the process proceeds to step S1380.

[0235] S1380 shows a step of stopping the started second timer and starting the third timer. By stopping the second timer, the value of the second timer does not increase as time passes. In other words, the progress of the heating profile is interrupted.

[0236] S1385 shows a step of determining whether the second timer has been stopped. This step may also be a step of determining whether step S1380 has been executed. If it is determined that the second timer has been stopped ("Yes" in S1385), the process proceeds to step S1390. Otherwise ("No" in S1385), the example process 1300D ends and returns to the main process 1000 or the main process 1200.

[0237] S1390 shows a step of restarting the stopped second timer. By restarting the second timer, the value of the second timer increases again from the value when the second timer was stopped as time passes. In other words, the heating profile is restarted.

[0238] For example processing 1300D, refer to Fig.14 , and further explanation is given. In addition, the following describes the differences between the example process 1300B and the above description.

[0239] 1450 indicates when the receptor 110 is not detected, that is, when it cannot be determined based on the impedance in step S1375 of the exemplary process 1300D that the receptor 110 is detected (“No” in step S1375 ).

[0240] That is, according to the exemplary process 1300D, the induction heating can be controlled according to the heating profile that at least specifies the heating target temperature according to the passage of time, while assuming that no time has passed from the stop of the process for induction heating, that is, step S1315, to the restart of the process for induction heating, that is, step S1350. Therefore, the execution of the heating profile can be actually interrupted.

[0241] Fig.13E 13 is a flowchart of another exemplary process 1300E corresponding to detection by the receptor 110. Some steps included in the exemplary process 1300E are common to the exemplary processes 1300A, 1300B, 1300C, or 1300D, so the differences will be described below.

[0242] S1392 is the same step as step S1310, but is different in that the process proceeds to step S1394 when it is determined based on the impedance that the receptor 110 is detected.

[0243] S1394 shows a step of determining whether the third timer is activated. This step may also be a step of determining whether step S1330 is executed. If it is determined that the third timer is activated ("Yes" in S1394), the process proceeds to step S1396. Otherwise ("No" in S1394), the example process 1300E ends and returns to the main process 1000 or the main process 1200.

[0244] S1396 shows a step of executing a predetermined process based on the value of the third timer. The predetermined process may be a process of extending the value of the third timer, i.e., the length of the period during which the sensor 110 cannot be detected, in one of the multiple stages included in the HEAT mode. In other words, the predetermined process may be a process of delaying at least one of the one or more timings for changing the heating target temperature by the length of the period during which the sensor 110 cannot be detected. This can be achieved, for example, by making the following described Fig.21 The delay of the timing determined to be changed in step S2105 is realized. In addition, the extension of the stage and / or the delay of the timing of changing the heating target temperature are not necessarily performed by the length of the period during which the sensor 110 cannot be detected. The stage may be extended by a value obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined value from the length of the period during which the sensor 110 cannot be detected, or by a value unrelated to the length of the period during which the sensor 110 cannot be detected, or the timing of changing the heating target temperature may be delayed.

[0245] For example processing 1300E, refer to Fig.14 , further described. In addition, the following describes the differences between the example process 1300C and the above description.

[0246] 1450 indicates when the receptor 110 is not detected, that is, when it cannot be determined based on the impedance in step S1392 of the exemplary process 1300E that the receptor 110 is detected (No in step S1392).

[0247] According to the exemplary process 1300E, the timing of changing the heating target temperature can be delayed based on the period 1460 from when the aerosol-forming substrate cannot be detected, that is, step S1392, to when the aerosol-forming substrate is detected again, that is, step S1365, so the stage of the heating profile can be supplemented or extended. That is, according to the exemplary process 1300E, the length of the heating profile can be extended based on the period 1460 when the receptor 110 cannot be detected.

[0248] Fig.15 This is a flowchart of an exemplary first sub-process 1500 activated in step S1020 of the main process 1000 in the PRE-HEAT mode, step S1120 of the main process 1100 in the INTERVAL mode, or step S1210 of the main process 1200 in the HEAT mode.

[0249] S1510 shows a step of determining whether a prescribed operation on the key 128 is detected. The prescribed operation may be the same as or different from the prescribed operation in step S420 or S810. In addition, an example of the prescribed operation in step S1510 is a long press or a continuous press of the key 128. If it is determined that the prescribed operation of the key is detected ("Yes" in S1510), the process proceeds to step S1520, otherwise ("No" in S1510), the process returns to step S1510.

[0250] S1520 shows a step of performing control for stopping the supply of AC power. When the first sub-process 1500 is started in step S1020 or step S1210, the AC power is heating AC power, and when the first sub-process 1500 is started in step S1120, the AC power is non-heating AC power.

[0251] S1530 shows a step of reducing the number of usable cells by one. According to sub-process 1500, if the supply of AC power is stopped by the user's operation, the control unit 118 reduces the number of usable cells by one. As a result, compared with the case where the number of usable cells is not reduced, the voltage of the power source 102 after the aerosol-forming substrates 108 that have been used up are less likely to reach the discharge termination voltage or the vicinity of the discharge termination voltage. Therefore, the acceleration of the degradation of the power source 102 can also be suppressed.

[0252] Fig.16 This is a flowchart of an exemplary second sub-process 1600 activated in step S1020 of the main process 1000 in the PRE-HEAT mode, step S1120 of the main process 1100 in the INTERVAL mode, or step S1210 of the main process 1200 in the HEAT mode.

[0253] S1610 shows a step of measuring the discharge current. The discharge current can be measured by the current detection circuit 136.

[0254] S1620 shows a step of determining whether the measured discharge current is too large. If it is determined that the discharge current is too large ("Yes" in S1620), the process proceeds to step S1630, otherwise ("No" in S1620), the process returns to step S1610.

[0255] S1630 shows the step of executing a prescribed safety failure action.

[0256] S1640 shows a step of giving a predetermined error notification to the user. The predetermined error notification corresponds to an excessive discharge current. After step S1640, the control unit 118 shifts to the ERROR mode. The error notification may also be given via the LED 138.

[0257] Fig.17 The diagram is used to explain the principle of detecting the susceptor 110 as at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 based on impedance and the principle of acquiring the temperature of the susceptor 110 as at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 based on impedance.

[0258] 1710 represents an equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the induction heating device 100 .

[0259] L represents the value of the inductance of the RLC series circuit. Strictly speaking, L is a value obtained by combining the inductance components of a plurality of elements included in the RLC series circuit, but may be equal to the value of the inductance of the coil 106 .

[0260] C2 represents the value of the capacitance of the RLC series circuit. Strictly speaking, C2 is a value obtained by combining the capacitance components of a plurality of elements included in the RLC series circuit, but may be equal to the capacitance value of the capacitor C2.

[0261] R Circuit Indicates the resistance value of the RLC series circuit. Circuit It is the value obtained by combining the resistance components of multiple elements included in the RLC series circuit.

[0262] L, C2 and R Circuit The value of can be acquired in advance from the specification sheet of the electronic component or measured in advance through experiments, and can be stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit 118.

[0263] The impedance Z0 of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the induction heating device 100 can be calculated by the following formula.

[0264]

Number 1

[0265]

[0266] Here, ω represents the angular frequency of the AC power supplied to the RLC series circuit (ω=2πf; f is the frequency of the AC power).

[0267] On the other hand, 1720 represents an equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100. 1720 is different from 1710 in that there is a resistance component (Rsusceptor) based on the susceptor 110 which is at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate 108. The impedance Z1 of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100 can be calculated by the following formula.

[0268]

Number 2

[0269]

[0270] That is, the impedance of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100 is greater than when it is not inserted. The impedance Z0 of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 when it is not inserted into the induction heating device 100 and the impedance Z0 when it is inserted are obtained in advance through experiments, and a threshold value set between them is stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 118 (not shown). Thus, it is possible to determine whether the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100, that is, to determine whether the receptor 110 is detected, based on whether the measured impedance Z is greater than the threshold value. As described above, the detection of the receptor 110 can be regarded as the detection of the aerosol-forming substrate 108.

[0271] Furthermore, the control unit 118 can calculate the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit as follows based on the effective value VRMS of the voltage and the effective value IRMS of the current respectively measured by the voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136 .

[0272]

Number 3

[0273]

[0274] In addition, for R susceptor , if the above equation for Z1 is solved, the following equation is derived.

[0275]

Number 4

[0276]

[0277] Here, if negative resistance values ​​are excluded and Z1 is replaced by Z, then

[0278]

Number 5

[0279]

[0280] Find R in advance through experiments susceptor The relationship between the RLC series circuit impedance Z and the sensor temperature is stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit 118, so that the RLC series circuit impedance Z can be further calculated based on the RLC series circuit impedance Z. susceptor Get the sensor temperature.

[0281] Fig.18 The equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when AC power is supplied at the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit is shown. 1810 and 1820 respectively represent the equivalent circuits of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the induction heating device 100 and when it is inserted. The resonant frequency f0 can be derived as follows.

[0282]

Number 6

[0283]

[0284] Furthermore, since the following relationship is satisfied at the resonance frequency f0, the inductance component and the capacitance component of the RLC series circuit can be ignored with respect to the impedance of the RLC series circuit.

[0285]

Number 7

[0286]

[0287] Therefore, the impedance Z0 of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the induction heating device 100 at the resonance frequency f0 and the impedance Z1 of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100 are as follows.

[0288]

Number 8

[0289] Z0=R circuit

[0290] Z1=R circuit +R susceptor

[0291] In addition, when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100 at the resonance frequency f0, the resistance component value R of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108, that is, the susceptor 110, is susceptor It can be calculated by the following formula

[0292]

Number 9

[0293] R susceptor =ZR circuit

[0294] Thus, when detecting the receptor 110 and obtaining the receptor temperature based on the impedance, or both, using the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit is advantageous in terms of ease of calculation. Of course, using the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit is also advantageous in terms of efficiently and quickly supplying the power stored in the power supply 102 to the receptor 110.

[0295] (Specific example 1 of heating profile)

[0296] Hereinafter, specific examples of the heating profile will be described.

[0297] In this example, the induction heating device 100 can heat the aerosol-forming substrate 108 more appropriately by changing the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132 in the PRE-HEAT mode, the INTERVAL mode, and the HEAT mode consisting of multiple stages.

[0298] Fig.19 The graphs (a), (b), and (c) respectively show changes in the temperature of the susceptor 110, the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132, and the impedance of the circuit 104 in the induction heating device 100 of this example. Fig.14 Similarly, in Fig.19In (a), the solid line graph represents the temperature of the sensor 110, and the dotted line graph represents the target temperature (preheating target temperature, cooling target temperature, heating target temperature) of each period.

[0299] In addition, Fig.19 In FIG. 1 , the temperature of the susceptor 110 (or the susceptor temperature) reaches the heating target temperature and the stage switching is consistent, but this is because the diagram shows an ideal behavior. That is, Fig.19 The actions shown in the figure are described later. Fig.21 The illustrated processing corresponds to a case where the timing of changing the switching frequency of the switch Q3 coincides with the timing of the temperature of the susceptor 110 reaching the heating target temperature for the first time. Generally, the temperature of the susceptor 110 repeatedly decreases after reaching the heating target temperature due to the temporary stop of the heating AC power, and then increases again. Therefore, generally, the temperature of the susceptor 110 does not coincide with the stage switching. This is for Fig. 20 And the same goes for 22.

[0300] As shown in (b), in this example, during the period 1430 of the PRE-HEAT mode and the period 1435 of the INTERVAL mode, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 of the AC generation circuit 132 is the resonant frequency f0 and is constant during these periods. Moreover, during the period 1440 of the HEAT mode, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 is controlled to rise in stages as each stage proceeds (the timing of rising the switching frequency of the switch Q3 is pre-scheduled. This is also the case in the specific example 2 described later). In addition, if the switching frequency of the switch Q3 changes, the impedance of the circuit 104 also changes. The switching frequency of the switch Q3 rises in stages, and as shown in (c), the impedance of the circuit 104 also continues to increase. In the case of this example, based on the change in the impedance of the circuit 104 (or the change in the AC current supplied to the coil 106), a temporary temperature drop when the user sucks the aerosol generated from the aerosol source 112 can be detected. That is, when a temperature drop is detected, it can be determined that the user sucks the aerosol.

[0301] In addition, during the period 1440 of the HEAT mode, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 can be controlled to start from the resonance frequency f0 and gradually move away from the resonance frequency f0 as shown in the solid line graph of (b), or can be controlled to gradually approach the resonance frequency f0 after temporarily decreasing greatly from the resonance frequency f0 as shown in the dotted line graph of (b). In addition, in the former case, as the multiple stages constituting the HEAT mode 1440 proceed, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 increases in a frequency region higher than the resonance frequency, and in the latter case, as the multiple stages constituting the HEAT mode 1440 proceed, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 increases in a frequency region lower than the resonance frequency. It is only the PRE-HEAT mode that needs to heat up quickly, and in the staged heating in the HEAT mode, efficient heating based on induction heating is sometimes not suitable. Therefore, in this example, by making the switching frequency of the switch Q3 deviate from the resonance frequency f0, slow heating can be achieved. By changing the frequency in each stage in this way, the sensor 110 can be appropriately heated.

[0302] in addition, Fig. 20 1 is a diagram showing another example of changes in the temperature of the receptor 110 in the induction heating device 100, the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132, and the impedance of the circuit 104. In this example, during the period 1430 of the PRE-HEAT mode and the period 1435 of the INTERVAL mode, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 of the AC generation circuit 132 is also the resonance frequency f0, and is constant during these periods. However, during the period 1440 of the HEAT mode of this example, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 is controlled to decrease in stages as each stage proceeds. In addition, by decreasing the switching frequency of the switch Q3 in stages, the impedance of the circuit 104 also continues to decrease. In the case where the user does not detect the inhalation of aerosol, as in this example, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 can be controlled to decrease as the stages in the HEAT mode proceed, thereby achieving a slow temperature rise.

[0303] In addition, during the period 1440 of the HEAT mode, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 is controlled to be gradually close to the resonance frequency f0 after temporarily rising greatly from the resonance frequency f0 as shown in the solid line graph (b), or it may be controlled to be gradually away from the resonance frequency f0 from the resonance frequency f0 as shown in the dotted line graph (b). In the former case, as the multiple stages constituting the HEAT mode proceed, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 decreases in a frequency region higher than the resonance frequency, and in the latter case, as the multiple stages constituting the HEAT mode proceed, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 decreases in a frequency region lower than the resonance frequency.

[0304] Fig.211 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary process mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the HEAT mode. Fig.21 In the flowchart of Fig.12 The processing of step S2105, step S2110 and step S2115 is further added to the flowchart of. Fig.12 Same, so the description is omitted.

[0305] Step S2105 shows a step of determining whether the second timer is a timing for changing the switching frequency of the switch Q3. Here, when it is determined that it is a timing for changing the switching frequency of the switch Q3 ("Yes" in step S2105), the switching frequency of the switch Q3 is changed (increased or decreased) in step S2110. And, in step S2115, the heating target temperature is increased by a predetermined value. When it is determined in step S2105 that it is not a timing for changing the switching frequency of the switch Q3 ("No" in step S2105), the processing of step S2110 and step S2115 is skipped (that is, the switching frequency of the switch Q3 is not changed). In addition, the order of executing the processing of step S2110 and the processing of step S2115 may be reversed, or may be executed in parallel.

[0306] (Specific example 2 of heating profile)

[0307] In this example, in the PRE-HEAT mode, the INTERVAL mode, and the HEAT mode consisting of multiple stages, the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132 is not changed but fixed to a specific frequency, particularly to a resonant frequency in this example.

[0308] Fig. 22 The graphs (a), (b) and (c) respectively show the changes in the temperature of the susceptor 110, the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132 and the impedance of the circuit 104 in the induction heating device 100 of this example. As shown in (b), in this example, in the PRE-HEAT mode, the INTERVAL mode and the HEAT mode consisting of multiple stages, the induction heating device 100 fixes the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132 to the resonant frequency.

[0309] Fig.23 as well as Fig.24 1 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary process mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the HEAT mode. Fig.23 The flowchart is replaced by Fig.12 The difference is that the heating control of step S2310 is performed instead of step S1235, and steps S2320 and S2325 are added. The other steps are the same as Fig.12 Same, so the description is omitted.

[0310] Step S2320 shows a step of determining whether the second timer is a timing for changing the heating target temperature. Here, if it is determined that it is a timing for changing the heating target temperature ("Yes" in step S2320), in step S2325, the heating target temperature is increased by a predetermined value. If it is determined that it is not a timing for changing the heating target temperature in step S2320 ("No" in step S2320), the processing of step S2325 is skipped (that is, the heating target temperature is not changed).

[0311] Fig.24 It is a figure of a flowchart showing an example of the details of the heating control of step S2310. Step S23101 shows a step of controlling to stop supplying heating AC power to the RLC series circuit. Step S23102 shows a step of controlling to start supplying non-heating AC power to the RLC series circuit in order to measure the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Step S23103 shows a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Step S23104 shows a step of controlling to stop supplying non-heating AC power to the RLC series circuit. Step S23105 shows a step of acquiring the sensor temperature based on the impedance measured in step S23103. In addition, the processing of steps S23101 to S23105 may be the same processing as the aforementioned flowchart. In addition, step S23106 shows a step of determining whether the sensor temperature acquired in step S23105 is below (prescribed heating target temperature - Δ). When the sensor temperature is below (prescribed heating target temperature - Δ), the heating control is terminated and transferred to Fig.23 Step S1215. When the receptor temperature is higher than (the specified heating target temperature - Δ), the process returns to step S23102. That is, when the receptor temperature is higher than (the heating target temperature - Δ), the receptor temperature continues to be monitored by the second circuit including the high resistance of the switch Q2. At this time, the switch Q3 can also be switched at a predetermined cycle during the period when the heating of the receptor 110 is interrupted. Moreover, when the receptor temperature is below (the heating target temperature - Δ), the switch Q1 is turned on again, and the receptor 110 is reheated by the first circuit. In addition, when Δ is a value greater than "0", the heating control can have a hysteresis. More specifically, the maximum value of Δ is about 5°C.

[0312] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but it should be understood that these are only examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that as long as it does not deviate from the purpose and scope of the present disclosure, the embodiments can be appropriately changed, added, improved, etc. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the above-mentioned embodiments, but should only be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0313] In the above embodiment, the control using the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit is described, but since the components constituting the RLC circuit have product tolerances, the resonant frequency f0 does not need to be strictly used. For example, the resonant frequency f0 calculated based on the actual parameters of the components constituting the RLC series circuit may have a deviation of about ±5%.

[0314] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the user's suction is detected by the change of impedance, but it is also possible to use Figure 2 The suction sensor (not shown) detects the user's suction.

[0315] In the above embodiment, the control unit 118 detects the aerosol-forming substrate 108 based on the sensor 110, but it may detect the aerosol-forming substrate 108 from a tag, RFID, etc. provided on the aerosol-forming substrate 108 instead. Obviously, such a tag or RFID also constitutes at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate 108.

[0316] Hereinafter, Modification 1 of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0317] According to variation 1 of the embodiment, an aerosol generating device is configured to inductively heat the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including the receptor and an aerosol source, and includes a shell that can be inserted into the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrate, and the above-mentioned shell includes: a power supply; an AC generating circuit that generates AC based on power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply; an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor; and a control unit, which is configured to detect the voltage and current of the circuit of the above-mentioned induction heating circuit including the AC generated by the above-mentioned AC generating circuit, and during the period of performing the above-mentioned induction heating by supplying the above-mentioned AC to the above-mentioned induction heating circuit, when it is determined that the above-mentioned receptor is not in the shell of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained based on the above-mentioned detected voltage and current, stop the supply of the above-mentioned AC for performing the above-mentioned induction heating.

[0318] According to variation 1 of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to notify an error when it is determined that the receptor is not within the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current during the induction heating.

[0319] Furthermore, according to Modification 1 of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to perform an error notification simultaneously with or after the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating is stopped.

[0320] Furthermore, according to Modification 1 of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least defines a heating target temperature according to a lapse of time.

[0321] Furthermore, according to Modification 1 of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to stop supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating after the error notification.

[0322] In addition, according to variant example 1 of the implementation mode, the control unit is further configured to, before the supply of the AC for the induction heating is stopped, not stop the supply of the AC for the induction heating when it is determined that the receptor is within the shell of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained based on the detected voltage and current.

[0323] In addition, according to variant example 1 of the implementation method, the control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature corresponding to the passage of time, and based on the impedance obtained based on the detected voltage and current, the period from the state in which the receptor is determined to be not within the shell of the aerosol generating device to the state in which the receptor is determined to be within the shell of the aerosol generating device does not affect the overall length of the heating profile.

[0324] In addition, according to variant example 1 of the implementation mode, the control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature corresponding to the passage of time, and to extend the length of the heating profile during a period from a state in which the receptor is determined to be not within the shell of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained based on the detected voltage and current to a state in which the receptor is determined to be within the shell of the aerosol generating device.

[0325] In addition, according to variant example 1 of the implementation method, the control unit is further configured to set the number of aerosol-forming substrates that can be used by the aerosol generating device, and during the execution of the induction heating, after stopping the supply of the alternating current used for the induction heating based on the impedance obtained according to the detected voltage and current, the set number is reduced by one.

[0326] In addition, according to variant example 1 of the implementation mode, the control unit is further configured to, based on the impedance obtained based on the detected voltage and current, continue the supply of the AC for the induction heating without stopping, and do not reduce the set number, when it is determined that the state changes from a state in which the receptor is determined not to be in the shell of the aerosol generating device to a state in which the receptor is determined to be in the shell of the aerosol generating device.

[0327] According to the first variation of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to acquire the temperature of the susceptor based on the impedance of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied, and control the induction heating based on the acquired temperature.

[0328] According to Modification 1 of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to determine whether to stop supply of the alternating current for the induction heating based on comparison between an impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current and a predetermined value.

[0329] In addition, according to variation 1 of the embodiment, there is provided a method for operating an aerosol generating device configured to perform inductive heating on the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including the receptor and an aerosol source, the above-mentioned aerosol generating device comprising a shell into which the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrate can be inserted, and the above-mentioned shell comprises: a power supply; an AC generating circuit for generating AC based on power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply; and an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor, the above-mentioned method comprising: a step of detecting a voltage and a current of a circuit of the above-mentioned induction heating circuit including the AC generated by the above-mentioned AC generating circuit to which is supplied; and a step of stopping the supply of the above-mentioned AC for performing the above-mentioned inductive heating when, during the period when the above-mentioned inductive heating is performed by supplying the above-mentioned AC to the above-mentioned induction heating circuit, it is determined that the above-mentioned receptor is not within the shell of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained based on the above-mentioned detected voltage and current.

[0330] In addition, according to variation 1 of the embodiment, the method further includes: during the induction heating, if it is determined that the receptor is not within the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, a step of notifying an error is performed.

[0331] According to Modification 1 of the embodiment, the method further includes controlling the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature according to a passage of time.

[0332] In addition, according to variation 1 of the embodiment, it also includes: a step of stopping the supply of the above-mentioned alternating current for the above-mentioned induction heating after the above-mentioned error notification, and a step of not stopping the supply of the above-mentioned alternating current for the above-mentioned induction heating when it is determined that the above-mentioned receptor is in the shell of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device based on the value of the detected impedance after the above-mentioned error notification and before the supply of the above-mentioned alternating current for the above-mentioned induction heating is stopped; and it also includes: a step of performing the above-mentioned induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature corresponding to the passage of time, and controlling so that, based on the impedance obtained from the above-mentioned detected voltage and current, the period from the state in which the above-mentioned receptor is determined to be not in the shell of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device to the state in which the above-mentioned receptor is determined to be in the shell of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device does not affect the overall length of the above-mentioned heating profile, or a step of extending the length of the above-mentioned heating profile based on the period from the state in which the above-mentioned receptor is determined to be not in the shell of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the above-mentioned detected voltage and current to the state in which the above-mentioned receptor is determined to be in the shell of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device.

[0333] In addition, according to variant example 1 of the implementation method, it also includes: a step of setting the number of aerosol-forming substrates that can be used by the aerosol generating device; and a step of controlling, during the execution of the induction heating, based on the impedance obtained according to the detected voltage and current, after stopping the supply of the alternating current used for the induction heating, the set number is reduced by one, or, based on the impedance obtained according to the detected voltage and current, when it is determined that the state of the receptor being not in the shell of the aerosol generating device changes to the state of the receptor being in the shell of the aerosol generating device, the supply of the alternating current used for the induction heating is continued without stopping, and the set number is not reduced.

[0334] In addition, according to variation 1 of the embodiment, an aerosol generating device for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including a receptor and an aerosol source comprises the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrate and a shell into which the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrate can be inserted, wherein the above-mentioned shell comprises: a power supply; an AC generating circuit for generating AC based on power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply; an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor; a circuit for detecting the presence or absence of the above-mentioned receptor; and a control unit, which is configured to detect the voltage and current of a circuit including the above-mentioned induction heating circuit to which the AC generated by the above-mentioned AC generating circuit is supplied, and during the period when the above-mentioned induction heating is performed by supplying the above-mentioned AC to the above-mentioned induction heating circuit, when it is determined that the above-mentioned receptor is not in the shell of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained based on the above-mentioned detected voltage and current, the supply of the above-mentioned AC for the above-mentioned induction heating is stopped.

[0335] According to variation 1 of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to notify an error when it is determined that the receptor is not within the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current during the induction heating.

[0336] Hereinafter, a second modification of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0337] According to variant example 2 of the implementation method, an induction heating device is configured to inductively heat the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including the receptor and an aerosol source, and comprises: a power supply; an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor; an AC generating circuit for generating AC based on power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply, wherein the AC is supplied to the above-mentioned induction heating circuit; and a control unit, configured to stop the above-mentioned induction heating and / or notify an error when the above-mentioned receptor is not detected during the execution of the above-mentioned induction heating.

[0338] According to the second modification of the embodiment, the case where the receptor is not detected includes the case where the receptor cannot be detected.

[0339] According to the second modification of the embodiment, the case where the susceptor is not detected includes the case where the susceptor is not detected based on the impedance of the circuit including the induction heating circuit.

[0340] Moreover, according to the modification 2 of the embodiment, a unit for determining the impedance of the circuit including the induction heating circuit is further provided.

[0341] Furthermore, according to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is configured to stop the induction heating and / or to notify an error while the induction heating is being performed.

[0342] Furthermore, according to a second variation of the embodiment, stopping the induction heating includes stopping supply of alternating current to the induction heating circuit.

[0343] In addition, according to a second variation of the embodiment, a unit for detecting a voltage and a current of the circuit including the induction heating circuit is included, and the control unit is configured to obtain the impedance of the circuit including the induction heating circuit based on the detected voltage and the detected current.

[0344] According to the second modification of the embodiment, a means for detecting a voltage and a current is included, and the means for detecting a voltage and a current preferably includes a voltage detection circuit and a current detection circuit.

[0345] Furthermore, according to a second variation of the embodiment, the current detection circuit is configured to detect a current flowing through a coil included in the induction heating circuit.

[0346] Furthermore, according to Modification 2 of the embodiment, the voltage detection circuit is configured to detect a voltage supplied from the power supply.

[0347] According to Modification 2 of the embodiment, the case where the susceptor is not detected includes a case where the control unit is configured to detect, based on the impedance, that the susceptor is not inserted into the induction heating device.

[0348] In addition, according to variation 2 of the embodiment, the receptor is included in the aerosol-forming substrate, the induction heating device includes a shell, and the case where the receptor is not detected includes the case where the control unit is configured to detect based on the impedance that the aerosol-forming substrate is not inserted into the shell.

[0349] Furthermore, according to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to perform an error notification simultaneously with or after the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating is stopped.

[0350] Furthermore, according to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to stop supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating after notifying the error.

[0351] In addition, according to variation 2 of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured not to stop the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating, when it is determined that the receptor is within the induction heating device, based on an impedance obtained from a voltage and a current detected before the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating is stopped.

[0352] In addition, according to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature corresponding to a lapse of time, and to extend the length of the heating profile during a period from when it is determined that the receptor is not in the induction heating device based on the impedance obtained based on the detected voltage and current to when it is determined that the receptor is in the induction heating device.

[0353] In addition, according to variant example 2 of the implementation scheme, the control unit is further configured to set the number of aerosol-forming substrates that can be used by the induction heating device, and when the induction heating is performed by supplying the alternating current to the induction heating circuit, if it is determined that there is no receptor in the induction heating device based on the impedance obtained according to the detected voltage and current, the set number is reduced by one.

[0354] According to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to, when it is determined that the state in which the receptor is determined not to be in the induction heating device changes to the state in which the receptor is determined to be in the induction heating device, based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, continue the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating without stopping, and does not reduce the set number.

[0355] According to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to acquire the temperature of the susceptor based on the impedance of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied, and control the induction heating based on the acquired temperature.

[0356] Furthermore, according to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to determine whether to stop supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating based on a comparison between an impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current and a predetermined value.

[0357] According to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to restart the induction heating when the receptor is detected again after a predetermined time has passed since the induction heating was stopped.

[0358] Furthermore, according to Modification 2 of the embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the induction heating in accordance with a heating profile that at least defines a heating target temperature in accordance with a lapse of time.

[0359] Furthermore, according to the second modification of the embodiment, the time from the stop of the induction heating to the restart of the induction heating is handled as the elapsed time.

[0360] In addition, according to variant example 2 of the implementation method, the control unit is configured to control the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature corresponding to the passage of time, and on the other hand, assuming that no time has passed from the stop of the induction heating to the restart of the induction heating.

[0361] Furthermore, according to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to stop the induction heating after the error notification.

[0362] Furthermore, according to a second variation of the embodiment, the control unit is configured not to stop the induction heating when the receptor is detected again after the error notification and before the induction heating is stopped.

[0363] In addition, according to variation 2 of the embodiment, the induction heating is performed according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature corresponding to the passage of time, and the control unit is configured so that the period from when the receptor cannot be detected to when the receptor is detected again does not affect the overall length of the heating profile.

[0364] According to a second variation of the embodiment, the induction heating is performed according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature according to a lapse of time, and the control unit extends the length of the heating profile based on a period from when the receptor cannot be detected to when the receptor is detected again.

[0365] In addition, according to variant example 2 of the implementation method, an induction heating device is configured to inductively heat the above-mentioned receptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including a receptor and an aerosol source, and comprises: a power supply; an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the above-mentioned receptor; an AC generating circuit for generating AC based on power supplied from the above-mentioned power supply, wherein the AC is supplied to the above-mentioned induction heating circuit; and a control unit, comprising: when the above-mentioned receptor is not detected during the execution of the above-mentioned induction heating, stopping the above-mentioned induction heating and / or notifying an error.

[0366] According to the second variation of the embodiment, a computer program including a command group that, when executed by a computer, causes the induction heating device of the second variation of the embodiment described above to function, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are provided.

[0367] Description of Reference Numerals

[0368] 100…induction heating device, 101…housing, 102…power supply, 104…circuit, 106…coil, 108…aerosol forming substrate, 110…sensor, 112…aerosol source, 114…filter, 116…charging power supply connection part, 118…control part, 120…voltage adjustment circuit, 122…charging circuit, 126…light emitting element driving circuit, 128…button, 130…parallel circuit, 132…interchange Flow generation circuit, 134…voltage detection circuit, 136…current detection circuit, 138…light emitting element, 140…voltage divider circuit, 610…when not in use, 620…when degraded, 630…the amount of power required to consume one aerosol forming substrate, 640…excess power (when not in use), 650…excess power (when degraded), 660…discharge voltage when fully charged, 770…discharge termination voltage, 1410…preheating target temperature, 1415…cooling target temperature, 1420…heating target temperature, 1430…during PRE-HEAT mode, 1435…during INTERVAL mode, 1440…during HEAT mode, 1445…when the heating end condition is satisfied, 1450…when the sensor cannot be detected, 1455…when the sensor can be detected again, 1460…during the period when the sensor cannot be detected, 1710…equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate is not inserted into the induction heating device, 1720…equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate is inserted into the induction heating device, 1710…equivalent circuit (resonance frequency) of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate is not inserted into the induction heating device, 1720…equivalent circuit (resonance frequency) of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate is inserted into the induction heating device.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, which is an aerosol generating device configured to inductively heat an aerosol-forming substrate comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source, A housing is provided in which the aerosol-forming substrate can be inserted, and the housing includes: power supply; an AC generating circuit that generates an AC based on the power supplied from the power source; an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor; and a control unit configured to detect a voltage and a current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied, and to stop supplying the alternating current for performing the induction heating when it is determined that the receptor is not within the housing of the aerosol generating device based on an impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current during the period of performing the induction heating by supplying the alternating current to the induction heating circuit, The control unit is further configured as follows: When it is determined that the receptor is not inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current during the induction heating, an error is notified; setting the number of aerosol-forming substrates that can be used by the aerosol generating device, During the induction heating, after stopping the supply of the alternating current for the induction heating based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, the set number is reduced by one, The control unit is further configured as follows: After the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating is stopped, notifying the error, Based on the impedance obtained according to the detected voltage and current, when it is determined that the state changes from the state in which the receptor is determined to be not in the shell of the aerosol generating device to the state in which the receptor is determined to be in the shell of the aerosol generating device, the supply of the alternating current for the induction heating is continued without stopping, and the set number is not reduced.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least defines a heating target temperature according to a lapse of time.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature according to a lapse of time. The period from when the susceptor is determined to be not in the housing of the aerosol generating device to when the susceptor is determined to be in the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current does not affect the overall length of the heating profile.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit is further configured as follows: controlling the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature according to the passage of time, The length of the heating profile is extended from a state where the susceptor is determined to be not in the housing of the aerosol generating device to a state where the susceptor is determined to be in the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The control unit is further configured as follows: acquiring the temperature of the susceptor based on the impedance of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied, The induction heating is controlled based on the acquired temperature.

6. A method of operating an aerosol generating device configured to inductively heat a susceptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, the aerosol generating device comprising a housing into which the aerosol-forming substrate can be inserted, the housing comprising: power supply; an AC generating circuit that generates an AC based on the power supplied from the power source; as well as an induction heating circuit, for induction heating the susceptor, The method comprises: a step of detecting a voltage and a current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied; and The step of stopping the supply of the alternating current for the induction heating when it is determined that the receptor is not within the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current during the induction heating performed by supplying the alternating current to the induction heating circuit. The method further comprises: During the induction heating, when it is determined that the receptor is not inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, a step of notifying an error occurs, the step of setting the number of aerosol-forming substrates that can be used by the aerosol generating device, During the induction heating, after stopping the supply of the alternating current for the induction heating based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, the set number is reduced by one; a step of controlling the supply of the alternating current for the induction heating to continue without stopping, and without reducing the set number, when it is determined that the state changes from the state in which the receptor is determined to be not in the shell of the aerosol generating device to the state in which the receptor is determined to be in the shell of the aerosol generating device, based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, and The error is notified after the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating is stopped.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The method further includes controlling the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature according to a passage of time.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The step further includes: performing the induction heating according to a heating profile that at least specifies a heating target temperature corresponding to a passage of time, controlling so that the entire length of the heating profile is not affected by the period from when the state in which the receptor is determined to be not in the housing of the aerosol generating device to when the receptor is determined to be in the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, or The step of extending the length of the heating profile from a state where the susceptor is not in the housing of the aerosol generating device to a state where the susceptor is in the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current.

9. An aerosol generating device, which is an aerosol generating device for inductively heating an aerosol-forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, comprising the aerosol-forming substrate and a housing into which the aerosol-forming substrate can be inserted, wherein the housing comprises: power supply; an AC generating circuit that generates an AC based on the power supplied from the power source; an induction heating circuit, used for induction heating the susceptor; a circuit for detecting the presence or absence of the receptor; as well as a control unit configured to detect a voltage and a current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied, During the induction heating performed by supplying the alternating current to the induction heating circuit, if it is determined that the receptor is not within the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, supply of the alternating current for the induction heating is stopped; The control unit is further configured as follows: When it is determined that the receptor is not inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current during the induction heating, an error is notified; setting the number of aerosol-forming substrates that can be used by the aerosol generating device, During the induction heating, after stopping the supply of the alternating current for the induction heating based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, the set number is reduced by one, The control unit is further configured as follows: After the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating is stopped, notifying the error, Based on the impedance obtained according to the detected voltage and current, when it is determined that the state changes from the state in which the receptor is determined to be not in the shell of the aerosol generating device to the state in which the receptor is determined to be in the shell of the aerosol generating device, the supply of the alternating current for the induction heating is continued without stopping, and the set number is not reduced.

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