Aerosol generating system

Abstract

Problem: To provide an arrangement capable of further improving quality of experience for a user using an induction-heated inhalation device. Solution: An aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising: a receiving portion for receiving a substrate containing an aerosol source; a resonant circuit comprising an electromagnetic induction source for inductively heating a susceptor, the susceptor being arranged thermally adjacent to the aerosol source of the substrate housed in the housing portion; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the resonant circuit so as to carry out a process for generating an aerosol using the substrate. The control unit repeatedly switches an operating mode of the resonant circuit to either a first operating mode or a second operating mode in the process of generating an aerosol using the substrate, where the first operating mode includes operating the resonant circuit at a frequency included in a first frequency band, and the second operating mode includes operating the resonant circuit at a frequency included in a second frequency band. The second mode of operation includes operating the resonant circuit at a frequency included in a second frequency band, and the first frequency band and the second frequency band are separated from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system. Background Technology

[0002] Inhalation devices that produce substances to be inhaled by a user are widely used. For example, an inhalation device employs an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a flavor source, including one for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol, to produce an aerosol already endowed with flavor components. The user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavor-endowed aerosol produced by the inhalation device. The act of a user inhaling the aerosol will also be referred to below as "inhalation" or "inhalation action." Examples of devices that can be classified as inhalation devices include devices used as alternatives to cigarettes, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, as well as nebulizers for medical use. It should be noted that electronic cigarettes are a type of inhalation device that generates an aerosol by atomizing a liquid aerosol source. Heated tobacco products are a type of inhalation device that generates an aerosol by heating a solid containing an aerosol source.

[0003] In recent years, induction-heated inhalation devices have been developed that use induction heating sensors to heat an aerosol source and thereby generate an aerosol. For example, PTL 1 below discloses a technique for estimating the temperature of the sensor based on frequency characteristics during induction heating.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] PTL 1: JP 2020-516014 A. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] However, the technology disclosed in PTL 1 has only been developed recently and there is still room for improvement in various aspects.

[0009] This disclosure was designed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an arrangement that can further improve the quality of experience for users using induction heating inhalation devices.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system comprising: a accommodating portion for accommodating a matrix containing an aerosol source; a resonant circuit including an electromagnetic induction source for inducing a heating sensor arranged thermally adjacent to the aerosol source of the matrix disposed in the accommodating portion; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the resonant circuit to perform a process of generating aerosol using the matrix, wherein the control unit repeatedly switches the operating mode of the resonant circuit to a first operating mode or a second operating mode during the process of generating aerosol using the matrix, the first operating mode comprising operating the resonant circuit at a frequency included in a first frequency band, the second operating mode comprising operating the resonant circuit at a frequency included in a second frequency band, and the first frequency band and the second frequency band being separate from each other.

[0012] The second frequency band may include the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit when the temperature of the sensor is the highest temperature expected in the process of using the matrix to generate aerosols.

[0013] The second frequency band may include the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit when the temperature of the sensor is the lowest temperature expected in the process of using the matrix to generate aerosols.

[0014] The first frequency band can be a frequency band higher or lower than the second frequency band.

[0015] In this first operating mode, the control unit can use a fixed frequency included in the first frequency band.

[0016] In this second operating mode, the control unit can use a fixed frequency included in the second frequency band.

[0017] Based on the electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit obtained in the first operating mode, the control unit can switch the first frequency band to a frequency band higher or lower than the second frequency band.

[0018] The control unit can control the operation of the resonant circuit in the second operating mode based on the electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit obtained in the first operating mode.

[0019] The resonant circuit may further include a capacitor, and the control unit may control the operation of the resonant circuit in the second operating mode based on the voltage of the capacitor obtained in the first operating mode.

[0020] The control unit can estimate the temperature of the sensor based on the voltage of the capacitor obtained in the first operating mode, and can control the operation of the resonant circuit in the second operating mode based on the estimated temperature of the sensor and the predefined target temperature of the sensor.

[0021] In this second operating mode, the control unit can control the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the resonant circuit.

[0022] In the first operating mode, the power supplied to the resonant circuit can be less than the power supplied to the resonant circuit in the second operating mode.

[0023] The duration of the first operating mode may be shorter than the duration of the second operating mode.

[0024] The duration of this second operating mode can be variably set.

[0025] The aerosol generation system may further include the matrix, and the matrix may further contain the receptor.

[0026] Advantages of the present invention

[0027] As described above, this disclosure provides an arrangement that can further enhance the quality of experience for users using induction heating inhalation devices. Attached Figure Description

[0028] [ Figure 1 [Illustrated diagram] is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of an inhalation device.

[0029] [ Figure 2 An example of a resonant circuit of an inhalation device according to an embodiment is shown schematically.

[0030] [ Figure 3 [Illustrated diagram] is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of switching the operating mode of an inhalation device according to an embodiment.

[0031] [ Figure 4 [This is a graph showing the relationship between capacitor voltage and driving frequency in a resonant circuit with a resonant frequency in the 300 to 400 kHz frequency band.]

[0032] [ Figure 5 [This is a graph showing the relationship between capacitor voltage and sensor temperature when a resonant circuit in the 300 to 400 kHz frequency band operates at or outside the resonant frequency.]

[0033] [ Figure 6 [1] is a graph showing the relationship between capacitor voltage and driving frequency in a resonant circuit with resonant frequency in the 1000 to 1100 kHz frequency band.

[0034] [ Figure 7 [This is a graph showing the relationship between capacitor voltage and sensor temperature when a resonant circuit operates at or outside the resonant frequency in the 1000 to 1100 kHz frequency band.]

[0035] [ Figure 8 [ ] is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow implemented by an inhalation device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals will be assigned to components having substantially the same functional configuration in the specification and drawings to avoid repetitive descriptions.

[0037] <1. Example of an inhalation device configuration>

[0038] An inhalation device is a device used to generate a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following text, the substance generated by the inhalation device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of an inhalation device. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the inhalation device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a accommodating portion 140, and an electromagnetic induction source 162.

[0040] Power supply unit 111 stores electrical energy. Power supply unit 111 then supplies power to each component of the inhalation device 100 according to control executed by control unit 116. Power supply unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery). Power supply unit 111 may supply direct current (DC) to other components. Alternatively, power supply unit 111 may supply alternating current (AC) converted by inverter circuitry to other components.

[0041] Sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to inhalation device 100. As an example, sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor (e.g., a capacitive microphone, flow sensor, or temperature sensor) and acquires values ​​associated with inhalation performed by the user. As another example, sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device (e.g., a button or switch) for receiving information input from the user.

[0042] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113 may be configured with a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc.

[0043] Memory unit 114 stores various types of information for operating the inhalation device 100. For example, memory unit 114 is configured with a non-volatile storage medium (such as flash memory).

[0044] Communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that can be used include those employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0045] The control unit 116 acts as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the inhalation device 100 according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116 is implemented by a CPU (central processing unit) or electronic circuitry (such as a microprocessor).

[0046] The receiving portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds a rod-shaped matrix 150 while accommodating a portion of the rod-shaped matrix 150 within the internal space 141. The receiving portion 140 has an opening 142 that allows communication between the internal space 141 and the outside, and the receiving portion accommodates the rod-shaped matrix 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the receiving portion 140 is a cylindrical body that includes the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines a cylindrical internal space 141. An airflow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the receiving portion 140. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in the side surface of the suction device 100, which is an inlet for air to enter the airflow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 143, which is an outlet for air to exit from the airflow path to the internal space 141.

[0047] The stick-shaped matrix 150 includes a matrix portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The matrix portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler (e.g., a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, such as water or polyols (e.g., glycerol or propylene glycol), or it may be a solid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. With the stick-shaped matrix 150 held in the receiving portion 140, at least a portion of the matrix portion 151 is received in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Thus, when a user takes the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 into their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an airflow path not shown in the figures and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the matrix portion 151.

[0048] The rod-shaped matrix 150 further includes a sensor 161. The sensor 161 generates heat through electromagnetic induction. The sensor 161 is made of a conductive material (e.g., a metal). It is also desirable that the sensor 161 be magnetic. As an example, the sensor 161 can be configured as a metal plate or a metal rod. The sensor 161 is arranged adjacent to the aerosol source heat. That is, the sensor 161 is positioned in a location where the heat generated in the sensor 161 is transferred to the aerosol source. Figure 1 In the example shown, the receptor 161 is included in the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150. Furthermore, this configuration makes it impossible to touch the receptor 161 from the outside of the rod-shaped matrix 150. For example, the receptor 161 may extend through the central portion of the rod-shaped matrix 150 and may not extend near the outer periphery.

[0049] An electromagnetic induction source 162 induces heating of a sensor 161. When an alternating current is applied to the electromagnetic induction source 162, it generates a fluctuating magnetic field (more specifically, an alternating magnetic field). The electromagnetic induction source 162 is positioned where the generated fluctuating magnetic field overlaps with the internal space 141 of the receiving portion 140, and more specifically, where the fluctuating magnetic field overlaps with the sensor 161 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 housed in the receiving portion 140. The electromagnetic induction source 162 includes, for example, a coil conductor and is configured to be wound around the outer periphery of the receiving portion 140. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field is generated with the rod-shaped substrate 150 housed in the receiving portion 140, the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source 162 penetrates the sensor 161 located in the internal space 141 of the receiving portion 140 and induces heating of the sensor 161. More specifically, eddy current losses occur in the sensor 161, and if the sensor 161 is magnetic, hysteresis losses also occur in the sensor 161, resulting in an increase in the temperature of the sensor 161. The aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped matrix 150 is then heated and atomized by the induction-heated sensor 161, thereby generating an aerosol. As an example, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has begun inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information, power can be supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162. Then, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or has entered predetermined information, power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 can be stopped.

[0050] The above has described a configuration example of the inhalation device 100. Of course, the inhalation device 100 is not limited to the configuration described above, and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0051] The receptor 161 may be disposed within the inhalation device 100, rather than being contained within the rod-shaped matrix 150. As an example, the inhalation device 100 may include the receptor 161 disposed outside the internal space 141. Specifically, the receiving portion 140 may be made of a conductive and magnetic material and may also function as the receptor 161. The receiving portion 140, serving as the receptor 161, contacts the outer periphery of the matrix portion 151 and is therefore adjacent to a heat source of aerosol contained within the matrix portion 151. As another example, the inhalation device 100 may include the receptor 161 disposed within the internal space 141. Specifically, the receptor 161, configured in a leaf-like shape, may be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140 into the internal space 141. When the rod-shaped matrix 150 is inserted into the internal space 141 of the receiving portion 140, the leaf-shaped receptor 161 pierces the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 and inserts into the interior of the rod-shaped matrix 150. This allows the leaf-shaped receptor 161 to be adjacent to the aerosol source heat contained in the matrix portion 151.

[0052] <2. Technical Features>

[0053] (1) Configuration of resonant circuit

[0054] Figure 2 An example of a resonant circuit for an inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment is schematically shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment includes a resonant circuit 160, which includes an electromagnetic induction source 162 and a capacitor 163.

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the resonant circuit 160 is a series resonant circuit in which an electromagnetic induction source 162 and a capacitor 163 are connected in series. The electromagnetic induction source 162 is a so-called induction coil. Figure 2 As shown, the resonant circuit 160 can be an LC resonant circuit including an electromagnetic induction source 162 and a capacitor 163. However, with the rod-shaped substrate 150 containing the sensor 161 housed in the housing portion 140, when the sensor 161 is induced to heat by the electromagnetic induction source 162, the sensor essentially acts as a resistor in the resonant circuit 160. Therefore, the resonant circuit 160 can also be considered as constituting an RLC resonant circuit including the sensor 161.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the resonant circuit 160 includes an inverter circuit 164. The inverter circuit 164 is a half-bridge inverter comprising two FETs (field-effect transistors) 165 (165A and 165B). For example, FET 165A is a P-channel FET, and FET 165B is an N-channel FET. The inverter circuit 164 converts the supplied direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) by repeatedly switching the on / off states of the two FETs 165. The AC power converted by the inverter circuit 164 is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 and the capacitor 163.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the two FETs 165 are turned on / off based on control performed by an IC (integrated circuit) corresponding to the control unit 116. Thus, the control unit 116 controls the driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160, i.e., the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 and the capacitor 163, by controlling the on / off state of the two FETs 165.

[0058] It should be noted that the driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160 can be, for example, from 100 kHz to 7000 kHz. The driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160 is preferably from 300 kHz to 2000 kHz, and even more preferably from 500 kHz to 1000 kHz. The resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160 is preferably within the available range of driving frequencies.

[0059] (2) Heating curve

[0060] The process implemented by control unit 116 to generate an aerosol using a rod-shaped matrix 150 includes controlling the operation of resonant circuit 160 based on a heating profile. The heating profile is control information used to control the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile can also be control information used to control the temperature of sensor 161. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature of sensor 161 (hereinafter also referred to as the "target temperature"). The target temperature can vary depending on the time elapsed since heating began; in this case, the heating profile includes information defining the time-series transition of the target temperature.

[0061] Control unit 116 controls the operation of resonant circuit 160 such that the actual temperature of sensor 161 (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature") changes in a manner similar to the time-series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating curve. Thus, an aerosol is generated according to the planned heating curve. The heating curve is typically designed such that the flavor tasted by the user is optimized when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the rod matrix 150. Therefore, the flavor tasted by the user can be optimized by controlling the operation of resonant circuit 160 based on the heating curve.

[0062] The heating curve may include one or more combinations of the time elapsed since the start of heating and the target temperature to be reached within the relevant elapsed time. Therefore, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the sensor 161 based on the deviation between the current actual temperature and the target temperature in the heating curve corresponding to the current time elapsed since the start of heating. For example, temperature control of the sensor 161 can be achieved using known feedback control. In feedback control, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the resonant circuit 160 based on factors such as the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature.

[0063] Feedback control can be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Derivative Controller). Control unit 116 can supply power from power supply unit 111 to resonant circuit 160 in pulse form via pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, control unit 116 can control the temperature of sensor 161 by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, control unit 116 can perform simple on-off control. For example, control unit 116 can supply power to resonant circuit 160 until the actual temperature of sensor 161 reaches a target temperature, and can interrupt the power supply to resonant circuit 160 when the actual temperature has reached the target temperature.

[0064] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the rod-shaped matrix 150 is also referred to hereinafter as the heating phase. In other words, the heating phase is the period during which the operation of the resonant circuit 160 is controlled based on the heating curve. The start of the heating phase is the moment when heating based on the heating curve begins. The end of the heating phase is the moment when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating phase includes a preheating period and a suction feasible period following the preheating period. The suction feasible period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating period is the period from the start of heating until the start of the suction feasible period. The heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

[0065] (3) Switching between operating modes

[0066] In processes where aerosols are generated using the rod-shaped matrix 150 (i.e., in heating processes based on heating profiles), the control unit 116 repeatedly switches the operating mode of the resonant circuit 160 to either a temperature estimation mode or a heating mode. The temperature estimation mode is an operating mode used to estimate the temperature of the sensor 161 and is an example of a first operating mode. The heating mode is an operating mode used to heat the sensor 161 and is an example of a second operating mode. This configuration allows for the control of the temperature of the sensor 161 while simultaneously monitoring its temperature.

[0067] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the resonant circuit 160 in heating mode based on the electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit 160 obtained in temperature estimation mode. The electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit 160 referred to herein are those corresponding to the temperature of the sensor 161. This configuration allows for the control of the temperature of the sensor 161 while simultaneously monitoring it.

[0068] Control unit 116 controls the operation of resonant circuit 160 in heating mode based on the voltage of capacitor 163 acquired in temperature estimation mode. More specifically, control unit 116 estimates the temperature of sensor 161 based on the voltage of capacitor 163 acquired in temperature estimation mode. Thus, control unit 116 controls the operation of resonant circuit 160 in heating mode based on the estimated temperature of sensor 161. As will be described later, the voltage of capacitor 163 (especially the maximum value of AC voltage) according to the embodiment is strongly correlated with the temperature of sensor 161. Therefore, control unit 116 estimates the temperature of sensor 161 by referring to the acquired voltage of capacitor 163 in a lookup table defining the correspondence between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the estimated temperature value of sensor 161. The lookup table is stored in memory unit 114. This configuration allows the temperature of sensor 161 to be controlled while estimating the temperature of sensor 161 very accurately.

[0069] The ability to estimate the temperature of sensor 161 based on the voltage of capacitor 163 means that the temperature of sensor 161 can be estimated without providing a separate temperature sensor or the like in contact with sensor 161. This is particularly effective in configurations where it is difficult to measure the temperature of sensor 161 by placing a temperature sensor in contact with sensor 161 (e.g., when sensor 161 is built into rod matrix 150).

[0070] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the resonant circuit 160 in heating mode based on the estimated temperature of the sensor 161 and a predefined target temperature of the sensor 161. This configuration allows the control unit 116 to adjust the temperature of the sensor 161 as defined in the heating curve. Therefore, the quality of the user experience can be improved.

[0071] In heating mode, control unit 116 can control the duty cycle of the voltage applied to resonant circuit 160. More specifically, in heating mode, control unit 116 can control the duty cycle of the voltage applied to electromagnetic induction source 162. For example, control unit 116 controls the inductive heating of sensor 161 by controlling the duty cycle of the voltage applied to inverter circuit 164 in feedback control proportional to the difference between the estimated temperature and the target temperature of sensor 161. This configuration allows for appropriate control of the temperature of sensor 161.

[0072] This section will refer to Figure 3 An example describing the relationship between the switching of operating modes and the estimation of the temperature of sensor 161. Figure 3 This is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of switching the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 In the graph 10 shown, the vertical axis represents the temperature of sensor 161, and the horizontal axis represents time. Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 116 repeatedly switches between a temperature estimation mode and a heating mode based on the elapsed time. Thus, based on the temperature of the sensor 161 estimated in the temperature estimation mode, the control unit 116 raises, lowers, or maintains the temperature of the sensor 161 in the subsequent heating mode.

[0073] The power supplied to the resonant circuit 160 in temperature estimation mode can be less than the power supplied to the resonant circuit 160 in heating mode. For example, the voltage applied to the resonant circuit 160 in temperature estimation mode can be lower than the voltage applied to the resonant circuit 160 in heating mode. This configuration allows for mitigation of the adverse effects on the temperature of the sensor 161 caused by temperature estimation processing, such as an unexpected increase in the temperature of the sensor 161 when a voltage is applied to the resonant circuit 160 to estimate the temperature of the sensor 161. Therefore, the temperature of the sensor 161 can be controlled even more accurately.

[0074] However, the small amount of power supplied to the resonant circuit 160 in temperature estimation mode may cause a decrease in the temperature of the sensor 161, as shown in Figure 10. For this reason, the duration of the temperature estimation mode is preferably shorter than the duration of the heating mode, such as... Figure 3 As shown. This configuration enables a reduction in the degree of temperature drop of sensor 161 in the temperature estimation mode. In this way, the temperature of sensor 161 can be appropriately increased at the time when the temperature of sensor 161 should increase. In particular, the temperature of sensor 161 can rise rapidly during the preheating period, which makes it possible to shorten the preheating period.

[0075] The control unit 116 can variably set the duration of the heating mode. As an example, the control unit 116 can set a longer duration of the heating mode for a larger difference between the estimated temperature of sensor 161 and the target temperature. This allows the difference between the estimated temperature of sensor 161 and the target temperature to be quickly eliminated. As another example, the control unit 116 can set a shorter duration of the heating mode for a smaller difference between the estimated temperature of sensor 161 and the target temperature. This allows the temperature of sensor 161 to be estimated more frequently, thus enabling the estimated temperature of sensor 161 to approach the target temperature by a smaller margin. Therefore, this configuration allows for even more precise control of the temperature of sensor 161.

[0076] (4) Control of driving frequency

[0077] The inventors conducted experiments to study the relationship between the driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160 and the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the sensor 161. More specifically, with the rod-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing portion 140, the inventors placed the sensor 161, equipped with a heater, in the same position as the sensor 161. The inventors then heated the sensor 161 to a predetermined temperature using the heater, and subsequently measured the voltage across the capacitor 163 using an oscilloscope connected to both sides of the capacitor 163, while simultaneously changing the driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160 by 2 kHz at a time. It should be noted that the inventors used two types of resonant circuits 160 with different resonant frequencies. The capacitors 163 in these resonant circuits 160 have different capacitances. Reference will be made below. Figures 4 to 7 Describe the results of the experiment in detail.

[0078] – Experimental results in the 300 to 400 kHz frequency band

[0079] Figure 4This is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 in resonant circuit 160 with a resonant frequency in the 300 to 400 kHz frequency band and the driving frequency. The vertical axis of graph 20 represents the voltage of capacitor 163, which increases from bottom to top. The voltage referred to here indicates the maximum AC voltage of capacitor 163. The horizontal axis of graph 30 represents the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160, which increases from left to right. Line 21 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 when the temperature of sensor 161 is at normal operating temperature. Line 22 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 when the temperature of sensor 161 is approximately 100°C. Line 23 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 when the temperature of sensor 161 is approximately 200°C. Line 24 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 when the temperature of sensor 161 is about 280°C.

[0080] As can be seen from region 25 of reference curve 20, when the driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160 is close to F1 kHz (resonant frequency), the voltage of capacitor 163 remains essentially unchanged even with varying temperatures of sensor 161. Meanwhile, as can be seen from region 26 of reference curve 20, when the driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160 is F2 kHz (which is outside the resonant frequency of F1 kHz), the voltage of capacitor 163 varies significantly depending on the temperature difference of sensor 161. In other words, when the resonant circuit 160 operates at frequencies outside the resonant frequency, the voltage of capacitor 163 can be said to clearly reflect the temperature of sensor 161.

[0081] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the temperature of sensor 161 when the resonant circuit 160 operates at or outside the resonant frequency in the 300 to 400 kHz frequency band. The vertical axis of graph 30 represents the voltage of capacitor 163, which increases from bottom to top. The voltage referred to here indicates the maximum value of the AC voltage of capacitor 163. The horizontal axis of graph 30 represents the temperature of sensor 161. Graph 31 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the temperature of sensor 161 when the resonant circuit 160 operates at F1 kHz (the resonant frequency). Graph 32 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the temperature of sensor 161 when the resonant circuit 160 operates at F2 kHz (a frequency outside the resonant frequency). Line 33 is a regression line showing the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the temperature of sensor 161 when the resonant circuit 160 operates at F2 kHz (a frequency outside the resonant frequency).

[0082] As shown in plot 31 of graph 30, when the resonant circuit 160 operates at its resonant frequency, the voltage of capacitor 163 is sometimes the same even when the temperature of sensor 161 varies. Therefore, estimating the temperature of sensor 161 based on the voltage of capacitor 163 would be considered difficult. On the other hand, as shown in plots 32 and line 33 of graph 30, when the resonant circuit 160 operates at frequencies other than its resonant frequency, the voltage of capacitor 163 and the temperature of sensor 161 can be said to have a linear relationship. More specifically, the voltage of capacitor 163 increases as the temperature of sensor 161 increases. In view of the above, when the resonant circuit 160 operates at frequencies other than its resonant frequency, the temperature of sensor 161 can be accurately estimated based on a lookup table that defines this linear relationship.

[0083] – Experimental results in the 1000 to 1100 kHz frequency band

[0084] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 in resonant circuit 160 with a resonant frequency in the 1000 to 1100 kHz frequency band and the driving frequency. The vertical axis of graph 40 represents the voltage of capacitor 163, which increases from bottom to top. The voltage referred to here indicates the maximum AC voltage of capacitor 163. The horizontal axis of graph 40 represents the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160, which increases from left to right. Line 41 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 when the temperature of sensor 161 is at normal operating temperature. Line 42 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 when the temperature of sensor 161 is approximately 100°C. Line 43 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 when the temperature of sensor 161 is approximately 200°C. Line 44 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 when the temperature of sensor 161 is about 280°C.

[0085] As can be seen from region 45 of reference curve 40, when the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 is close to F3 kHz (resonant frequency), the voltage of capacitor 163 remains essentially unchanged even with varying temperatures of sensor 161. Meanwhile, as can be seen from region 46 of reference curve 40, when the driving frequency of resonant circuit 160 is F4 kHz (which is outside the resonant frequency of F3 kHz), the voltage of capacitor 163 varies significantly depending on the temperature difference of sensor 161. In other words, when resonant circuit 160 operates at frequencies outside the resonant frequency, the voltage of capacitor 163 can be said to clearly reflect the temperature of sensor 161.

[0086] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the temperature of sensor 161 when the resonant circuit 160 operates at or outside the resonant frequency in the 1000 to 1100 kHz frequency band. The vertical axis of graph 50 represents the voltage of capacitor 163, which increases from bottom to top. The voltage referred to here indicates the maximum value of the AC voltage of capacitor 163. The horizontal axis of graph 50 represents the temperature of sensor 161. Graph 51 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the temperature of sensor 161 when the resonant circuit 160 operates at F3 kHz (the resonant frequency). Graph 52 shows the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the temperature of sensor 161 when the resonant circuit 160 operates at F4 kHz (a frequency outside the resonant frequency). Line 53 is a regression line showing the relationship between the voltage of capacitor 163 and the temperature of sensor 161 when the resonant circuit 160 operates at F4 kHz (a frequency outside the resonant frequency).

[0087] As shown in plot 51 of graph 50, when the resonant circuit 160 operates at its resonant frequency, no stable relationship is observed between the temperature of the sensor 161 and the voltage of the capacitor 163. Therefore, estimating the temperature of the sensor 161 based on the voltage of the capacitor 163 would be considered difficult. On the other hand, as shown in plots 52 and line 53 of graph 50, when the resonant circuit 160 operates at frequencies other than its resonant frequency, it can be said that there is a linear relationship between the voltage of the capacitor 163 and the temperature of the sensor 161. More specifically, the voltage of the capacitor 163 increases as the temperature of the sensor 161 increases. In view of the above, when the resonant circuit 160 operates at frequencies other than its resonant frequency, the temperature of the sensor 161 can be accurately estimated based on a lookup table that defines this linear relationship.

[0088] – Configuration of the inhalation device 100 based on experimental results

[0089] As described above, the control unit 116 repeatedly switches the operating mode of the resonant circuit 160 to either a temperature estimation mode or a heating mode during the heating process based on the heating curve. Here, the control unit 116 operates the resonant circuit 160 in temperature estimation mode at frequencies included in the first frequency band. Simultaneously, the control unit 116 operates the resonant circuit 160 in heating mode at frequencies included in the second frequency band. The first and second frequency bands are separate from each other. In other words, there is no overlap between the first and second frequency bands. This configuration allows the resonant circuit 160 to be driven at a suitable drive frequency for each of the temperature estimation and heating modes. Therefore, the quality of experience can be further improved for users using the induction heating suction device 100.

[0090] The first frequency band does not include the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160. That is, in temperature estimation mode, the control unit 116 drives the resonant circuit 160 at frequencies other than the resonant frequency. This configuration enables improved accuracy in estimating the temperature of the sensor 161 in temperature estimation mode.

[0091] The first frequency band can be a frequency band lower than the second frequency band. As an example, when the inhalation device 100 includes... Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the resonant circuit 160 is used in the experiment shown, the control unit 116 can use a frequency band around F2kHz, which is lower than the resonant frequency of F1 kHz, as the first frequency band. As another example, when the inhalation device 100 includes Figure 6 and Figure 7 When using the resonant circuit 160 in the experiment shown, the control unit 116 can use a frequency band around F4 kHz, which is lower than the resonant frequency of F3 kHz, as the first frequency band. This configuration enables improved accuracy in estimating the temperature of the sensor 161 in temperature estimation mode, as shown in the reference... Figures 4 to 7 As stated above.

[0092] Simultaneously, the second frequency band includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160. That is, in heating mode, the control unit 116 drives the resonant circuit 160 at frequencies within the resonant frequency region. This configuration enables the suppression of power losses in the electromagnetic induction source 162 and the capacitor 163. Therefore, the sensor 161 can be effectively inductively heated in heating mode.

[0093] As an example, when the inhalation device 100 includes Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the resonant circuit 160 is used in the experiment shown, the control unit 116 can use a frequency band around the resonant frequency of F1 kHz as a second frequency band. As another example, when the inhalation device 100 includes Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the resonant circuit 160 used in the experiment is shown, the control unit 116 can use a frequency band around the resonant frequency of F3kHz as the second frequency band.

[0094] The resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160 can fluctuate depending on the temperature of the sensor 161. From this perspective, when the temperature of the sensor 161 is the temperature expected in the heating process based on the heating curve, the second frequency band preferably includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160. More specifically, when the temperature of the sensor 161 is the highest temperature expected in the heating process based on the heating curve, the second frequency band preferably includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160. For example, if the highest target temperature defined in the heating curve is 300°C, then when the temperature of the sensor 161 is 300°C, the second frequency band preferably includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160. Furthermore, when the temperature of the sensor 161 is the lowest temperature expected in the heating process based on the heating curve, the second frequency band preferably includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160. More simply, when the temperature of the sensor 161 is the temperature before implementing the heating process based on the heating curve (i.e., the normal temperature), the second frequency band preferably includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160. Furthermore, regarding the first frequency band, when the temperature of the sensor 161 is the expected temperature in the heating process based on the heating curve, the first frequency band preferably does not include the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160. This configuration allows for a balance between improving the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the sensor 161 in the temperature estimation mode and improving the efficiency of heating the sensor 161 in the heating mode at any time during heating based on the heating curve.

[0095] In temperature estimation mode, control unit 116 can use a fixed frequency included in the first frequency band. In particular, control unit 116 can use a fixed frequency outside the resonant frequency region in temperature estimation mode. It should be noted that the resonant frequency region can be frequencies included in a range of ±15 kHz from the resonant frequency. The resonant frequency region is preferably included in a range of ±10 kHz from the resonant frequency, more preferably in a range of ±5 kHz from the resonant frequency, and even more preferably in a range of ±2 kHz from the resonant frequency. Furthermore, frequencies outside the resonant frequency can be frequencies deviating from the resonant frequency by at least 5 kHz, preferably at least 10 kHz, and more preferably at least 15 kHz. As an example, when the inhalation device 100 includes... Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the resonant circuit 160 is used in the experiment shown, the control unit 116 can use F2 kHz in temperature estimation mode, which is a frequency other than the resonant frequency. As another example, when the inhalation device 100 includes Figure 6 and Figure 7 When using the resonant circuit 160 in the experiment shown, the control unit 116 can use F4 kHz, a frequency other than the resonant frequency, in temperature estimation mode. This configuration enables improved accuracy in estimating the temperature of the sensor 161.

[0096] In heating mode, control unit 116 can use a fixed frequency included in the second frequency band. Specifically, control unit 116 can use a frequency in the resonant frequency region or the resonant frequency itself in a fixed manner in heating mode. As an example, when the inhalation device 100 includes... Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the resonant circuit 160 is used in the experiment shown, the control unit 116 can use the resonant frequency of F1 kHz in heating mode. As another example, when the inhalation device 100 includes... Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the resonant circuit 160 is used in the experiment shown, the control unit 116 can use a resonant frequency of F3 kHz in heating mode. Power losses in the electromagnetic induction source 162 and capacitor 163 can be minimized by driving the resonant circuit 160 in the resonant frequency region. Therefore, the sensor 161 can be induced and heated most efficiently in heating mode.

[0097] It should be noted that the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160 can be obtained as the factory default value of the suction device 100. Therefore, the drive frequency used in each of the temperature estimation mode and heating mode can be set based on the factory default resonant frequency.

[0098] (5) Processing flow

[0099] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure implemented by the inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown, the inhalation device 100 first receives a user operation to indicate the start of heating (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 may receive a user operation of pressing a predetermined button as a user operation to indicate the start of heating. As another example, the control unit 116 may receive a user operation of inserting the rod-shaped matrix 150 into the receiving portion 140 as a user operation to indicate the start of heating.

[0101] The inhalation device 100 then begins heating based on the heating curve (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 begins applying voltage from the power supply unit 111 to the resonant circuit 160.

[0102] Then, the inhalation device 100 operates in temperature estimation mode. That is, the inhalation device 100 sets the driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160 to a frequency included in the first frequency band and estimates the temperature of the sensor 161 (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 drives the resonant circuit 160 at a frequency other than the resonant frequency and estimates the temperature of the sensor 161 based on the voltage of the capacitor 163.

[0103] Then, the inhalation device 100 operates in heating mode. That is, the inhalation device 100 sets the driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160 to a frequency included in the second frequency band and controls the temperature of the sensor 161 (step S108). For example, the control unit 116 controls the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the resonant circuit 160 in a way that reduces the difference between the estimated temperature and the target temperature of the sensor 161, while driving the resonant circuit 160 at a frequency in the resonant frequency region.

[0104] Then, the inhalation device 100 determines whether to terminate heating (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 determines that heating will be terminated when the elapsed time since the start of heating based on the heating curve has reached a predetermined threshold. For another example, the control unit 116 determines that heating will be terminated when the number of inhalations has reached a predetermined threshold.

[0105] If it is determined that heating should not be terminated (step S110: No), the process returns to step S106.

[0106] Simultaneously, if it is determined that heating will be terminated (step S110: Yes), the inhalation device 100 terminates heating based on the heating curve (step S112). For example, the control unit 116 stops applying voltage from the power supply unit 111 to the resonant circuit 160.

[0107] <3. Supplementary Information>

[0108] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various variations or modifications within the scope of the technical concept disclosed in the claims will be conceived, and it should be understood that any such variations or modifications fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0109] The above embodiments describe an example in which the first frequency band is a frequency band lower than the second frequency band, but this disclosure is not limited to this example. The first frequency band can also be a frequency band higher than the second frequency band, provided that it is separate from the second frequency band. (See reference...) Figure 4It can be seen that, not only in frequency bands lower than the resonant frequency of F1 kHz, but also in higher frequency bands, there are large differences in the voltage of capacitor 163 depending on the temperature difference of sensor 161. Similarly, by referring to... Figure 6 It can be seen that, not only in frequency bands lower than the resonant frequency of F3 kHz, but also in higher frequency bands, there are large differences in the voltage of capacitor 163 depending on the temperature difference of sensor 161. This means that when a frequency band higher than the second frequency band is used as the first frequency band, the temperature of sensor 161 can be accurately estimated based on the voltage of capacitor 163.

[0110] Based on the electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit 160 obtained in the temperature estimation mode, the control unit 116 can switch the first frequency band to a frequency band higher or lower than the second frequency band. More simply, the control unit 116 can switch the first frequency band to a frequency band higher or lower than the second frequency band based on the temperature of the sensor 161 estimated in the temperature estimation mode. For example, the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160 can be expected to decrease as the temperature of the sensor 161 increases. In this case, when the estimated temperature of the sensor 161 is below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 can use a frequency band lower than the second frequency band as the first frequency band, and when the estimated temperature of the sensor is above the predetermined threshold, the control unit can use a frequency band higher than the second frequency band as the first frequency band. If the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160 is expected to increase as the temperature of the sensor 161 increases, the control unit 116 should implement control in the opposite manner to the above. With this configuration, even if the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160 changes in response to a change in the temperature of the sensor 161, the driving frequency of the resonant circuit 160 can be maintained at a frequency far from the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 160 in temperature estimation mode. Therefore, the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the sensor 161 in temperature estimation mode can be improved.

[0111] The above embodiments describe an example in which the resonant circuit 160 is configured as a series resonant circuit (in which the electromagnetic induction source 162 and the capacitor 163 are connected in series), but this disclosure is not limited to this example. The resonant circuit 160 can also be configured as a parallel resonant circuit in which the electromagnetic induction source 162 and the capacitor 163 are connected in parallel.

[0112] The above embodiments describe an example in which the inverter circuit 164 is a half-bridge inverter, but this disclosure is not limited to this example. As an example, the inverter circuit 164 may be a full-bridge inverter. As another example, the inverter circuit 164 may be a single-ended circuit, such as a Class E amplifier. More specifically, for example, the inverter circuit 164 may be a single-ended circuit that includes an N-channel FET but does not include a P-channel FET.

[0113] The aforementioned inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generation system that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user using a matrix containing either an aerosol source or a flavor source. The flavor source is a component used to impart flavor components to the aerosol. The stick matrix 150 is an example of a matrix used in an aerosol generation system. A combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick matrix 150 can also be considered an aerosol generation system.

[0114] In the above embodiments, the rod-shaped matrix 150 is cited as an example of a matrix containing an aerosol source, but the matrix can have any shape. For example, a matrix containing an aerosol source can be formed into a cup-shaped or flat shape. For example, a cup-shaped matrix can be formed by filling a hollow container of any shape with an aerosol source. For example, a flat matrix can be formed by forming the aerosol source into a thin planar shape.

[0115] It should be noted that the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be implemented using software, hardware, or any combination of software and hardware. For example, the program constituting the software is pre-stored on a readable medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) located inside or outside each device. When these programs are subsequently executed, for example by a computer used to control each device described in this specification, they are read into RAM and executed by means of processing circuitry (e.g., a CPU). The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or flash memory. Furthermore, the computer program can be distributed, for example, via a network without using a recording medium. Additionally, the computer can be an application-specific integrated circuit (e.g., an ASIC), a general-purpose processor that performs functions by reading software programs, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be centrally processed by a single computer or processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers. Additionally, in the above embodiments, two or more communication means existing in a single device can be physically implemented using a single medium.

[0116] Furthermore, the processes described using flowcharts or sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps can be implemented in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps can be used, and some processing steps can be omitted.

[0117] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0118] (1) An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising: a containment portion for containing a matrix containing an aerosol source;

[0119] A resonant circuit, comprising an electromagnetic induction source for inducing a heating sensor arranged adjacent to an aerosol heat source of the matrix disposed within the accommodating portion; and

[0120] A control unit is used to control the operation of the resonant circuit in order to implement the process of generating aerosols using the matrix.

[0121] in

[0122] During the process of using the matrix to generate aerosols, the control unit repeatedly switches the operating mode of the resonant circuit to either the first operating mode or the second operating mode.

[0123] The first operating mode includes operating the resonant circuit at frequencies included in the first frequency band.

[0124] The second operating mode includes operating the resonant circuit at frequencies included in the second frequency band, and

[0125] The first frequency band and the second frequency band are separate from each other.

[0126] (2) The aerosol generation system disclosed above (1), wherein the second frequency band includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit when the temperature of the sensor is the highest temperature expected in the process of generating aerosol using the matrix.

[0127] (3) The aerosol generation system as disclosed in (1) or (2) above, wherein the second frequency band includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit when the temperature of the sensor is the lowest temperature expected in the process of generating aerosol using the matrix.

[0128] (4) An aerosol generation system as disclosed in any of (1) to (3) above, wherein the first frequency band is a frequency band higher or lower than the second frequency band.

[0129] (5) An aerosol generating system as disclosed in any of (1) to (4) above, wherein, in the first operating mode, the control unit uses a fixed frequency included in the first frequency band.

[0130] (6) An aerosol generating system as disclosed in any of (1) to (5) above, wherein, in the second operating mode, the control unit uses a fixed frequency included in the second frequency band.

[0131] (7) The aerosol generation system disclosed above (4), wherein, based on the electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit obtained in the first operating mode, the control unit switches the first frequency band to a frequency band higher than the second frequency band or a frequency band lower than the second frequency band.

[0132] (8) An aerosol generation system as disclosed in any of (1) to (7) above, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the resonant circuit in the second operating mode based on the electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit obtained in the first operating mode.

[0133] (9) The aerosol generation system as disclosed in (8) above, wherein the resonant circuit further includes a capacitor, and

[0134] The control unit controls the operation of the resonant circuit in the second operating mode based on the voltage of the capacitor obtained in the first operating mode.

[0135] (10) The aerosol generation system disclosed above (9), wherein the control unit estimates the temperature of the sensor based on the voltage of the capacitor obtained in the first operating mode, and controls the operation of the resonant circuit in the second operating mode based on the estimated temperature of the sensor and the predefined target temperature of the sensor.

[0136] (11) An aerosol generating system as disclosed in any of (8) to (10) above, wherein, in the second operating mode, the control unit controls the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the resonant circuit.

[0137] (12) An aerosol generating system as disclosed in any of (1) to (11) above, wherein the power supplied to the resonant circuit in the first operating mode is less than the power supplied to the resonant circuit in the second operating mode.

[0138] (13) The aerosol generation system as described in any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the duration of the first operating mode is shorter than the duration of the second operating mode.

[0139] (14) An aerosol generating system as disclosed in any of (1) to (13) above, wherein the control unit can variably set the duration of the second operating mode.

[0140] (15) The aerosol generation system disclosed in any of (1) to (14) above further includes the matrix, wherein the matrix further contains the receptor.

[0141] List of reference numerals

[0142] 100 Inhalation Device

[0143] 111 Power Supply Unit

[0144] 112 Sensor Unit

[0145] 113 Notification Unit

[0146] 114 memory cells

[0147] 115 Communication Unit

[0148] 116 Control Unit

[0149] 140 Accommodation Section

[0150] 141 Interior Space

[0151] 142 Opening

[0152] 143 Bottom section

[0153] 150 rod-shaped substrate

[0154] 151 Matrix Part

[0155] 152 Suction nozzle section

[0156] 160° resonant circuit

[0157] 161 receptors

[0158] 162 Electromagnetic Induction Source

[0159] 163 Capacitor

[0160] 164 Inverter Circuit

[0161] 165 FET.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising: The accommodating portion is used to accommodate a matrix containing an aerosol source; A resonant circuit, the resonant circuit including an electromagnetic induction source for inducing a heating sensor, the sensor being arranged adjacent to an aerosol heat source of the matrix disposed in the accommodating portion. as well as A control unit is used to control the operation of the resonant circuit in order to implement the process of generating aerosols using the matrix. in, During the process of using the matrix to generate aerosols, the control unit repeatedly switches the operating mode of the resonant circuit to either the first operating mode or the second operating mode. The first operating mode includes operating the resonant circuit at frequencies included in the first frequency band. The second operating mode includes operating the resonant circuit at frequencies included in the second frequency band, and The first frequency band and the second frequency band are separate from each other.

2. The aerosol generation system as described in claim 1, wherein, The second frequency band includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit when the temperature of the sensor is the highest temperature expected in the process of using the matrix to generate aerosols.

3. The aerosol generation system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second frequency band includes the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit when the temperature of the sensor is the lowest temperature expected in the process of using the matrix to generate aerosols.

4. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first frequency band is either a higher frequency band than the second frequency band or a lower frequency band than the second frequency band.

5. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In this first operating mode, the control unit uses a fixed frequency included in the first frequency band.

6. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, In this second operating mode, the control unit uses a fixed frequency included in the second frequency band.

7. The aerosol generation system as described in claim 4, wherein, Based on the electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit obtained in the first operating mode, the control unit switches the first frequency band to a frequency band higher or lower than the second frequency band.

8. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The control unit controls the operation of the resonant circuit in the second operating mode based on the electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit obtained in the first operating mode.

9. The aerosol generation system as described in claim 8, wherein, The resonant circuit further includes a capacitor, and The control unit controls the operation of the resonant circuit in the second operating mode based on the voltage of the capacitor obtained in the first operating mode.

10. The aerosol generation system as described in claim 9, wherein, The control unit estimates the temperature of the sensor based on the voltage of the capacitor obtained in the first operating mode, and controls the operation of the resonant circuit in the second operating mode based on the estimated temperature of the sensor and the predefined target temperature of the sensor.

11. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, In this second operating mode, the control unit controls the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the resonant circuit.

12. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The power supplied to the resonant circuit in the first operating mode is less than the power supplied to the resonant circuit in the second operating mode.

13. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The duration of the first operating mode is shorter than the duration of the second operating mode.

14. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The duration of the second operating mode can be variably set by the control unit.

15. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising the matrix, wherein, The matrix further contains the receptor.

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