Aerosol generator equipped with internal and external heating systems

Abstract

An aerosol generator is provided, comprising: a housing defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article; an inductor coil disposed in the housing; at least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil; and a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from at least one power supply to the inductor coil, the control circuit configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field to inductively heat a susceptor within the aerosol generating article; and a direct current to the inductor coil to resistively heat the inductor coil, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Using a single coil to supply both heating power to an internal susceptor and to supply resistive heating of the coil itself provides two different heat sources at different locations for an aerosol-forming substrate having a structure that is no more complex than a typical induction heating arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system and an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to release an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article by applying heat to the substrate, either by burning the substrate or without combustion of the substrate. The aerosol-generating article may be cylindrical, such as a cigarette, and the aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco material. It is known to apply heat to such aerosol-generating articles using a heat source external to the aerosol-generating article to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the article.

[0003] However, external heat sources tend to heat the aerosol-forming substrate non-uniformly. The aerosol-forming substrate closest to the heat source, at the center of the aerosol-generating article, is heated more than the aerosol-forming substrate further from the heat source.

[0004] It is also known to use a heat source located within the aerosol-forming substrate to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of such articles. In some aerosol generation systems, the internal heat source is inductively heated using an induction coil located outside the aerosol-generating article and a susceptor material located within the central region of the aerosol-generating article. Heating the aerosol-forming substrate internally avoids the heat that has to reach the aerosol-forming substrate transversely through the wrapper. However, heating the aerosol-forming substrate internally also results in heating of the substrate that is greatest at or closest to the internal heat source and decreases as the distance from the internal heat source into the substrate increases, resulting in the aerosol-forming substrate being heated in a non-uniform manner.

[0005] Uneven heating of an aerosol-forming substrate can mean that not all available volatile materials are released from the aerosol-forming substrate. This is because increasing the level of heat applied to the substrate to completely extract volatile materials from it, whether using external or internal heating, can lead to unintended and undesirable combustion of the substrate near the heat source, which can result in the generation of undesirable compounds and flavors.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an aerosol generation system and aerosol generation device for generating aerosols from an aerosol-forming substrate that efficiently and uniformly heats the aerosol-forming substrate without requiring complex heating arrangements. [Overview of the project]

[0007] According to this disclosure, an aerosol generator is provided. The aerosol generator may include a housing that defines a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article.

[0008] The aerosol generator may include an inductor coil located in a housing. The aerosol generator may include at least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil. The aerosol generator may also include a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from at least one power supply to the inductor coil. The control circuit may be configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field, thereby inductively heating a susceptor in the aerosol generating article. The control circuit may also be configured to supply a direct current to the inductor coil to resistively heat the inductor coil, thereby heating the aerosol generating article.

[0009] According to the first aspect of this disclosure,

[0010] A housing defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article,

[0011] An inductor coil placed in the housing,

[0012] At least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil,

[0013] An aerosol generating device is provided, comprising: a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from at least one power source to an inductor coil, the control circuit configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field and inductively heats a susceptor in an aerosol generating article, and to supply a direct current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil resistively heats the inductor coil and thereby heats the aerosol generating article.

[0014] Using a single coil to supply both heating power to the internal susceptor and the resistance heating of the coil itself provides two different heat sources at different locations for an aerosol-forming substrate with a structure that is less complex than a typical induction heating arrangement.

[0015] The device can change the mode of heat application to the aerosol-forming substrate to one of the following heating regimes. a) Through the resistive heating of the inductor coil only, or primarily through it, b) By heating the susceptor solely through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, or primarily through that, c) A combination of resistive heating of the inductor coil and heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor.

[0016] The control circuit may be configured to adjust the amount of heating provided by induction heating by adjusting the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil during the operation of the device.

[0017] The control circuit may be configured to adjust the amount of heating provided by resistive heating by adjusting the DC current supplied to the inductor coil during the operation of the device.

[0018] The control circuit may be configured to supply alternating current and direct current to the inductor coil at different times. For example, after the device is started, the control circuit may be configured to first supply alternating current to the inductor coil, and then supply direct current to the inductor coil. This may provide rapid aerosol generation at the start of a usage session, but may also provide complete and efficient heating of the entire aerosol-forming substrate throughout the entire usage session. At the beginning of a usage session, the susceptor may be in closer contact with the aerosol-forming substrate, so inductive heating of the internal susceptor may provide aerosol more quickly than external resistance heating. The internal susceptor may also heat up more quickly than the external inductor coil if the susceptor has a lower thermal mass than the inductor coil.

[0019] The control circuit may be configured to supply alternating current and direct current to the inductor coil in an alternating sequence. Alternating external and internal heating may be beneficial to avoid overheating of any part of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0020] The control circuit may be configured to simultaneously supply both alternating current and direct current to the inductor coil. In this way, a larger amount of thermal energy can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate, generating a larger volume of aerosol, without either the susceptor or the coil reaching a temperature at which any part of the aerosol-generating article may burn.

[0021] There are numerous possible methods for combining the heating of the internal susceptor with the heating of the external coil. For example, the inductive heating of the susceptor may be controlled to follow a specific profile throughout the course of the usage session, and the resistive heating of the inductor coil may be controlled to follow a different profile throughout the course of the usage session. The profiles may be selected to provide consistent aerosol delivery throughout the course of the usage session, as well as to provide heating of substantially all aerosol-forming substrates.

[0022] The control circuit may be configured to adjust the DC current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the temperature of the inductor coil at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile.

[0023] The control circuit may be configured to adjust the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the susceptor temperature at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile.

[0024] The control circuit is,

[0025] During the first stage, the supply of AC current is controlled according to the internal power supply profile of the first stage, and the supply of DC current is controlled according to the external power supply profile of the first stage, and, at the discretion of raising the temperature of the susceptor during the first stage, and,

[0026] The system may be configured to optionally raise the temperature of the inductor coil during the second stage, to control the supply of alternating current according to the internal power supply profile of the second stage, and to control the supply of direct current according to the external power supply profile of the second stage, during the second stage following the first stage.

[0027] The average temperature of the inductor coil during the second stage may be higher than the average temperature of the inductor coil during the first stage. The frequency of the alternating current during the first stage may be different from the frequency of the alternating current during the second stage.

[0028] The control circuit is, The number of times a predetermined amount of smoke was extracted by the system, or A predetermined time has elapsed since the first smoke extraction in the system, or A user-activated trigger that is activated, or The system may be configured to initiate a second stage in response to any one or more of the above-mentioned combinations.

[0029] The control circuit may be configured to change the magnitude of the DC current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the inductor coil as a result of the DC current.

[0030] The control circuit may be configured to change the magnitude of the alternating current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the susceptor and inductor coil as a result of the alternating current.

[0031] The control circuit may be configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current during the operation of the device, thereby adjusting the amount of heat generated in the susceptor and inductor coil as a result of the alternating current.

[0032] The inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor changes with the frequency of the alternating current. The frequency is a value f associated with the alternating current that generates a fluctuating magnetic field that maximizes energy transfer to the susceptor. suceptor The frequency may be adjusted to have such a frequency that, as a result, most of the heat is generated by heating the susceptor. The frequency is also a value f associated with the alternating current that generates a magnetic field that provides little to no energy transfer to the susceptor. inductor coil It may be adjusted to have such that, as a result, most of the heat is generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil. The frequency is also a value f associated with the alternating current that results in a combination of susceptor heating and resistive heating of the inductor coil. totalThese frequencies may be adjusted to have the following characteristics. Each of these frequencies varies depending on the materials, physical properties, and configuration of the inductor and susceptor, such as the inductance of the inductor coil and the permeability of the material used for the susceptor.

[0033] The control circuit may be configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or range to a second frequency value or range. The first frequency value or range corresponds to a first heating state of the electric heating arrangement, and the second frequency value or range corresponds to a second heating state of the electric heating arrangement. Preferably, the second frequency value or range may be closer to the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement than the first frequency value or range, such that the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor increases in the second heating state compared to the first heating state. Advantageously, the control circuit may be configured to trigger the adjustment of the alternating current frequency between the first value or range and the second frequency value or range in response to one or more of the following: a) the number of smoke inhalations over a usage session, b) the time elapsed since the start of the usage session, or c) detection of smoke inhalation during the usage session. The control circuit may be configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or range to a second frequency value or range in response to the reception of a signal indicating user smoke inhalation. The control circuit may be configured to maintain the frequency of the alternating current at a second frequency value or range of values ​​for a predetermined period after receiving a signal indicating that smoke extraction is being applied to the aerosol generating system.

[0034] The control circuit may be configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a second frequency value or range to a third frequency value or range after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The third frequency value or range corresponds to a third heating state of the electric heating arrangement. The third frequency value or range is further from the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement than the second frequency value or range, such that the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor decreases in the third heating state compared to the second heating state.

[0035] The resonant frequency may also be determined according to the following equation:

number

[0036] Similar to the control of AC current supply as described above, the control circuit may be configured to initiate or adjust the supply of DC current to the inductor coil in response to one or more of the following: a) the number of smoke extractions over a usage session, b) the time elapsed since the start of the usage session, and c) the detection of smoke extraction during the usage session.

[0037] The control circuit may be configured to activate or increase the supply of DC current to an inductor coil in response to the control circuit receiving a signal indicating that the user is smoking.

[0038] Conveniently, the control circuit may be configured to switch between one or more of the following operating states: a) First operating state in which only alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil. b) A second operating state in which only DC current is supplied to the inductor coil, and c) A third operating state in which both AC and DC currents are supplied to the inductor coil.

[0039] Preferably, the control circuit is a) Number of inhalations during a session of use, b) Time elapsed since the start of the session, and c) Detection of smoke inhalation during a usage session. The system may be configured to select from different first, second, and third operating states depending on one or more of the above.

[0040] The inductor coil may be located inside the chamber. The inductor coil may be configured to be in direct contact with the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. This maximizes conductive heat transfer from the inductor coil to the aerosol-generating article.

[0041] The aerosol generator may further include a thermally conductive bridging element, which is positioned in direct contact with the inductor coil and configured to contact the outer surface of the aerosol generating article in order to conduct the heat generated in the inductor coil to the aerosol generating article.

[0042] At least one of the control circuit and the thermally conductive bridging element may be configured to prevent inductive coupling between the thermally conductive bridging element and the inductor coil during use.

[0043] The control circuit may be configured to provide the alternating current with a frequency selected to prevent inductive coupling between the thermally conductive bridging element and the inductor coil during use.

[0044] The thermally conductive bridging element may be formed from a non-conductive material. The thermally conductive bridging element may be formed from a non-inductively heatable material. The thermally conductive bridging element may contain at least one of polymer materials and metals. The thermally conductive bridging element may contain at least one of aluminum and paramagnetic steel. The paramagnetic steel may include austenitic steel. The thermally conductive bridging element may contain a polymer material and at least one of graphite, graphite-derived material, and hexagonal boron nitride dispersed within the polymer material. The polymer material may contain at least one of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The thermally conductive bridging element may contain polymer material in an amount of 22 to 33 weight percent of the thermally conductive bridging element. Examples of graphite-derived materials include at least one of expanded graphite and graphite nanoplatelets. The thermally conductive bridging element may contain at least one of graphite, graphite-derived material, and hexagonal boron nitride in an amount of 62 to 69 weight percent of the thermally conductive bridging element. The thermally conductive bridging element may further contain at least one additive dispersed within the polymer material. At least one additive may include carbon black. The thermally conductive bridging element may contain at least one additive in an amount of 5 to 9 weight percent of the thermally conductive bridging element.

[0045] The power supply and control circuit may be connected to the thermally conductive bridging element and may also be configured to supply current to the thermally conductive bridging element during use in order to resistively heat the thermally conductive bridging element.

[0046] The inductor coil may be configured to surround the aerosol-forming article when the article is received in the chamber. This allows for both a concentrated magnetic field around the susceptor and heating of the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating article by resistive heating of the coil itself.

[0047] The susceptor may include a susceptor element. The aerosol generator may include a susceptor element, and the susceptor element may be located inside the chamber. The susceptor element may be positioned within the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received inside the chamber. The susceptor element may be an elongated susceptor element extending into the chamber from a closed second end of the chamber. At least a portion of the elongated susceptor element may be located inside the inductor coil. The susceptor element may form all or part of a pin or blade configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received inside the chamber.

[0048] The inductor coil may be suspended within the chamber. This reduces heat loss from the coil to the housing, thereby improving the efficiency of the device. The inductor coil may be a helical coil. The helical coil may include a first end and a second end. The housing may be in contact with the inductor coil only at the first and second ends of the inductor coil.

[0049] The housing may have an inner surface that defines at least partially the chamber. The first end and the second end of the inductor coil may abut the inner surface of the housing. The inner surface of the housing may define a first recess and a second recess, with the first end of the inductor coil positioned in the first recess and the second end of the inductor coil positioned in the second recess.

[0050] The inner surface of the housing may define a first slot and a second slot, with the first end of the inductor coil extending through the first slot and the second end of the inductor coil extending through the second slot. The outer surface of the inductor coil may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing.

[0051] The chamber may have an open first end through which at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the chamber, and a closed second end opposite the open first end.

[0052] The aerosol generator may further include an airflow channel defined between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the inductor coil, which provides fluid communication between a first end of the chamber and a second end of the chamber.

[0053] The aerosol generator may further comprise at least one projection extending into the chamber from a closed second end of the chamber. The housing may comprise an end wall defining the closed second end of the chamber. At least one projection may extend into the chamber from the end wall. At least one projection may be integrally formed with the end wall. At least one projection may comprise at least three projections. The chamber may have a longitudinal axis defining a first direction along which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article may be inserted into the chamber. The at least three projections may be equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis.

[0054] The inductor coil may be positioned such that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received within the inductor coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the chamber. The inductor coil may also be positioned so that it is in direct contact with the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the chamber.

[0055] An inductor coil may be formed from a coiled wire. The coiled wire may comprise a conductive core and a coating on the conductive core. The coating may be electrically insulating. The coating may include at least one of polymers, ceramics, and glass.

[0056] The inductor coil may contain metal. The metal may be copper or stainless steel.

[0057] An inductor coil is, The first tubular portion of the conductive material, The second tubular portion of the conductive material, and The device may also include a helical coil of conductive material extending between a first tubular portion of the conductive material and a second tubular portion of the conductive material.

[0058] The helical coil may be formed integrally with the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. Preferably, each of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and each winding of the helical coil has a maximum width extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inductor coil, and the maximum width of each of the first and second tubular portions is greater than the maximum width of each winding of the helical coil.

[0059] The inductor coil may have a plurality of individual openings in at least one of the first tubular portion of the conductive material and the second tubular portion of the conductive material. The plurality of individual openings may be present in both the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion of the conductive material. The plurality of individual openings may extend around the longitudinal axis of the inductor coil and be distributed symmetrically in the circumferential direction. Each of the individual openings may have a circular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal shape.

[0060] The inductor coil may further comprise a layer of electrical insulating material extending around the outer surface of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the helical coil. The layer of electrical insulating material may comprise a strip of electrical insulating material extending around the outer surface of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the helical coil. The strip of electrical insulating material may extend in a helical shape around the outer surface of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the helical coil. The helical strip of electrical insulating material may be wound in a first direction, and the helical coil may be wound in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The layer of electrical insulating material may be overmolded onto the outer surface of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the helical coil.

[0061] A helical coil of conductive material may have an inner surface, and at least one edge of the windings of the helical coil may have a bevel, chamfer, or fillet.

[0062] An inductor coil may comprise a core layer containing a material with a first electrical resistivity and an outer layer containing a material with a second electrical resistivity, where the first resistivity is higher than the second. The heat generated by the DC current in the coil is mainly generated in the core layer. The AC current is mainly conducted to the outer layer and generates little heat as a result of Joule heating. An electrical insulating layer may be present between the core layer and the outer layer.

[0063] The power supply may include a first DC power supply. The first DC power supply may be a battery. The control circuit may include a DC / AC converter connected to the first DC power supply.

[0064] The control circuit preferably includes a power supply electronic circuit configured to operate at a high frequency. The power supply electronic circuit includes a DC / AC converter connected to a first DC power supply, the DC / AC converter includes a Class E power amplifier including a first transistor switch and an LC load network. The LC load network may include a shunt capacitor and a series connection of the capacitor and an inductor coil. The power supply electronic circuit preferably includes a second DC power supply connected to the LC load network at a position between the capacitor and the inductor coil to supply DC current to the inductor coil. The second DC power supply may be the same power supply as the first DC power supply, for example, the same battery. The power supply electronic circuit may include a choke inductor between the second DC power supply and the capacitor. The choke inductor preferably has a higher inductance value than the inductor coil. The power supply electronic circuit may also include a choke inductor between the first DC power supply and the capacitor. The power supply electronic circuit may include a second switch between the second DC power supply and the inductor coil. The second switch may be a second transistor switch.

[0065] The power supply electronic circuit may include a second capacitor connected in parallel with the inductor coil. This is f suceptor and f inductor coil The difference between them can be reduced.

[0066] For the purposes of this application, the term "high frequency" is understood to mean frequencies in the range of approximately 1 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 30 megahertz (MHz) (including the range of 1 MHz to 30 MHz), more specifically, approximately 1 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 10 MHz (including the range of 1 MHz to 10 MHz), and more specifically, approximately 5 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 7 megahertz (MHz) (including the range of 5 MHz to 7 MHz).

[0067] Class E power amplifiers are generally well-known and are described in detail, for example, in the paper "Class-E RF Power Amplifiers" (by Nathan O. Sokal, published in the bimonthly journal QEX, January / February 2001, pp. 9-20, at the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) in Newington, Connecticut, USA). Class E power amplifiers have advantages in high-frequency operation and at the same time have a simple circuit structure with a minimum number of components (for example, requiring only one transistor switch, which is advantageous compared to a Class D power amplifier with two transistor switches that must be controlled at high frequencies in such a way that when one of the two transistors is on, the other is definitely off)). Furthermore, it is well known that power loss in the switching transistors during switching transitions is minimal for Class E power amplifiers. A Class E power amplifier is preferably a single-ended first-order Class E power amplifier with only a single transistor switch.

[0068] The transistor switch in a Class E power amplifier can be any type of transistor and may be embedded as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). However, it is more preferable that the transistor switch be embedded as a field-effect transistor (FET), such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) or a metal-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MESFET).

[0069] The LC load network of the Class E power amplifier of the induction heating apparatus according to the present invention is configured to operate with low-ohm loads. The term "low-ohm load" is understood to mean an ohm load of less than about 2 ohms. The LC load network includes a shunt capacitor and a series connection of the capacitor with an inductor having a certain ohm resistance. This ohm resistance of the inductor is generally a fraction of an ohm. When operating, the ohm resistance of the susceptor is added to the ohm resistance of the inductor and should be higher than the ohm resistance of the inductor, because the supplied power should be converted into heat as widely as possible within the susceptor so that as much heat as possible is allowed to be transferred from the susceptor to the rest of the aerosol-forming substrate in order to increase the efficiency of the power amplifier and to effectively generate aerosols.

[0070] In another aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating article equipped with an aerosol generating substrate, An aerosol generating system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, wherein an aerosol generating article is received in a chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0071] The aerosol-generating article may be equipped with one or more susceptors. The aerosol-generating article may contain tobacco material.

[0072] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable.

[0073] This disclosure provides a method for controlling an aerosol generating system that generates an aerosol. The system may comprise an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate. The system may comprise a housing defining a chamber that receives at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. The system may comprise an inductor coil disposed within the housing. The system may comprise at least one power source for supplying power to the inductor coil. The system may comprise a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from at least one power source to the inductor coil. The method may comprise supplying an alternating current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field and inductively heats a susceptor in the aerosol generating article. The method may comprise supplying a direct current to the inductor coil to resistively heat the inductor coil, thereby heating the aerosol generating article.

[0074] Further aspects of this disclosure provide a method for generating aerosols by controlling an aerosol generating system, the system being: an aerosol generating article equipped with an aerosol generating substrate, A housing defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, An inductor coil placed in the housing, At least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil, The system comprises a control circuit configured to control the supply of power to an inductor coil from at least one power source, The method is, The inductor coil is supplied with an alternating current so that it generates an alternating magnetic field and inductively heats the susceptor in the aerosol generating material. This includes supplying a direct current to an inductor coil to resistively heat the inductor coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating article.

[0075] The method may include adjusting the alternating current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heating provided by induction heating.

[0076] The method may include adjusting the amount of heating provided by resistive heating by adjusting the DC current to the inductor coil during the operation of the device.

[0077] The method may include supplying alternating current and direct current to an inductor coil at different times.

[0078] The method may include supplying alternating current to the inductor coil first, and then supplying direct current to the inductor coil, after the device has been started up.

[0079] The method may include simultaneously supplying both alternating current and direct current to an inductor coil.

[0080] The method may include changing the magnitude of the DC current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the inductor coil as a result of the DC current.

[0081] The method may include changing the magnitude of the alternating current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the susceptor and inductor coil as a result of the alternating current.

[0082] The method may include adjusting the frequency of the alternating current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the susceptor and inductor coil as a result of the alternating current.

[0083] The method may include adjusting the DC current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the temperature of the inductor coil at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile.

[0084] The method may include adjusting the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the susceptor temperature at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile.

[0085] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate for generating an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol generator is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user’s mouth.

[0086] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate consisting of, or containing, an aerosol-forming material having the ability to release volatile compounds upon heating in order to generate aerosols.

[0087] The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0088] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain a non-tobacco-containing aerosol-forming material.

[0089] When the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of the following: herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, puffed tobacco, and homogenized tobacco, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, fragments, twisted yarn, splinters, or sheets.

[0090] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain, for example, one or more capsules containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0091] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded within a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, fragments, yarns, strips, or sheets. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier, for example, in the form of a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0092] In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco material” refers to material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0093] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises an aggregate of homogenized tobacco material sheets. As used herein, the term “sheet” refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term “aggregated” is used to describe a sheet that is wrapped, folded, or otherwise compressed or clamped substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol-forming compound. As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming compound” is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates aerosol formation during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0094] Suitable aerosol-forming materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanediate and dimethyl tetradecanediate). Preferred aerosol-forming materials are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin).

[0095] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol-forming body. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol-forming bodies.

[0096] As used herein, the term “usage session” refers to a period of time during which the user applies a series of fumes to extract aerosols from an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0097] As used herein, the term “mouthpiece” refers to a part of an aerosol generating article, aerosol generating device, or aerosol delivery system that is placed in the user’s mouth for direct inhalation of an aerosol.

[0098] As used herein, the term “susceptor” refers to an element comprising a material having the ability to convert magnetic field energy into heat. When a susceptor is located in an alternating magnetic field, it heats up. The heating of the susceptor may result from at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced within the susceptor, depending on the electrical properties and magnetism of the susceptor material.

[0099] As used herein, the term “inductively coupled” refers to heating of a susceptor when it is penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. Heating may be caused by the generation of eddy currents within the susceptor. Heating may also be caused by magnetic hysteresis losses.

[0100] As used herein, the term "inhalation" means the act of a user inhaling an aerosol into their body through their mouth or nose.

[0101] When used herein, the terms “upstream” and “forward,” as well as “downstream” and “backward,” when referring to an aerosol generator, are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generator with respect to the direction in which air flows through the aerosol generator during use. The aerosol generator according to the present invention has a proximal end through which aerosols exit the device when in use. The proximal end of an aerosol generator may also be referred to as the mouth end or downstream end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of an aerosol generator may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of a component of an aerosol generator may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position with respect to the airflow path of the aerosol generator. When used herein, the terms “upstream” and “forward,” as well as “downstream” and “backward,” when referring to an aerosol generating article, are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which air flows through the aerosol generating article during use. The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention has a proximal end through which an aerosol exits the article during use. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be called the mouth end or downstream end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be called the upstream end. Components or parts of components of the aerosol-generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The front of a component or part of a component is the part closest to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The rear of a component or part of a component is the part closest to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. [Examples]

[0102] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of any of the features described above, for example, one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0103] Example 1. Aerosol generator, A housing defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, An inductor coil placed in the housing, At least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil, An aerosol generating device comprising: a control circuit configured to control the supply of power to an inductor coil from at least one power source, the control circuit configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field and inductively heats a susceptor in an aerosol generating article, and to supply a direct current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil resistively heats the inductor coil and thereby heats the aerosol generating article. Example 2. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the amount of heating provided by induction heating by adjusting the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil during the operation of the device. Example 3. The aerosol generator according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the amount of heating provided by resistive heating by adjusting the DC current supplied to the inductor coil during the operation of the device. Example 4. The aerosol generator according to Example 1, Example 2, or Example 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply alternating current and direct current to an inductor coil at different times. Example 5. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 4, wherein the control circuit is configured to first supply alternating current to the inductor coil after the aerosol generator is started, and then supply direct current to the inductor coil. Example 6. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply alternating current and direct current to an inductor coil in an alternating order. Example 7. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the control circuit is configured to simultaneously supply both alternating current and direct current to an inductor coil. Example 8. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the DC current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the temperature of the inductor coil at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile. Example 9. An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the susceptor temperature at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile. Example 10. The control circuit During the first stage, the supply of AC current is controlled according to the internal power supply profile of the first stage, and the supply of DC current is controlled according to the external power supply profile of the first stage, and, at the discretion of raising the temperature of the susceptor during the first stage, and, An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, configured to optionally raise the temperature of the inductor coil during the second stage, control the supply of alternating current according to the internal power supply profile of the second stage, and control the supply of direct current according to the external power supply profile of the second stage during the second stage following the first stage. Example 11. The aerosol generator according to Example 10, wherein the average temperature of the inductor coil during the second stage is higher than the average temperature of the inductor coil during the first stage. Example 12. An aerosol generator according to Example 10 or Example 11, wherein the frequency of the alternating current in the first stage is different from the frequency of the alternating current in the second stage. Example 13. The control circuit The number of times a predetermined amount of smoke was extracted by the system, or A predetermined time has elapsed since the first smoke extraction in the system, or A user-activated trigger that is activated, or An aerosol generator according to Example 10, Example 11, or Example 12, configured to initiate a second stage in response to any one or more of the above-mentioned combinations. Example 14. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the control circuit is configured to change the magnitude of the DC current during operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the inductor coil as a result of the DC current. Example 15. An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the control circuit is configured to change the magnitude of the alternating current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the susceptor and inductor coil as a result of the alternating current. Example 16. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current during the operation of the device, thereby adjusting the amount of heat generated in the susceptor and inductor coil as a result of the alternating current. Example 17. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor changes with the frequency of the alternating current. Example 18. The control circuit sets the frequency of the alternating current to a value f associated with the alternating current that generates a fluctuating magnetic field that maximizes energy transfer to the susceptor.suceptor Adjusted to have, and configured such that as a result, most of the heat is generated by heating of the susceptor, the aerosol generator according to Example 17. Example 19. The control circuit is associated with a value f of an alternating current that generates a magnetic field that provides little or no energy transfer to the susceptor inductor coil Adjusted to have, and configured such that as a result, most of the heat is generated by resistive heating of the inductor coil, the aerosol generator according to Example 17 or Example 18. Example 20. The control circuit is configured to adjust the frequency to a value f associated with an alternating current that results in a combination of heating of the susceptor and resistive heating of the inductor coil total The aerosol generator according to Example 17, Example 18, or Example 19, configured to have. Example 21. The control circuit is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or range of values to a second frequency value or range of values, the aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 20. Example 22. The value or range of values of the first frequency corresponds to a first heating state of the electrical heating arrangement, and the value or range of values of the second frequency corresponds to a second heating state of the electrical heating arrangement, the aerosol generator according to Example 21. Example 23. The value or range of values of the second frequency is closer to the resonant frequency of the electrical heating arrangement than the value or range of values of the first frequency such that the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor increases in the second heating state compared to the first heating state, the aerosol generator according to Example 21 or Example 22. Example 24. The aerosol generator according to Example 21, Example 22, or Example 23, wherein the control circuit is configured to trigger an adjustment of the frequency of an alternating current between a first value or range of values ​​and a second value or range of values ​​in response to one or more of the following: a) the number of times smoke has been inhaled over a usage session, b) the time elapsed since the start of a usage session, or c) detection of smoke inhalation during a usage session. Example 25. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 21 to 24, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a first frequency value or range of values ​​to a second frequency value or range of values ​​in response to receiving a signal indicating that the user is inhaling smoke. Example 26. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 21 to 25, wherein the control circuit is configured to maintain the frequency of the alternating current at a second frequency value or range of values ​​for a predetermined period after receiving a signal indicating that smoke extraction is being applied to the aerosol generating system. Example 27. The aerosol generator according to Example 26, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current from a second frequency value or range of values ​​to a third frequency value or range of values ​​after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Example 28. The aerosol generator according to Example 27, wherein the value or range of the third frequency is further from the resonant frequency of the electric heating arrangement than the value or range of the second frequency, such that the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor decreases in the third heating state compared to the second heating state. Example 29. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate or adjust the supply of DC current to an inductor coil in response to one or more of the following: a) the number of times smoke has been taken over a usage session, b) the time elapsed since the start of the usage session, and c) the detection of smoke taking during the usage session. Example 30. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate or increase the supply of DC current to an inductor coil in response to receiving a signal indicating that the user is inhaling smoke. Example 31. The control circuit a) A first operating state in which only alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil, b) A second operating state in which only DC is supplied to the inductor coil, c) An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, configured to switch between one or more operating states, including a third operating state in which both alternating current and direct current are supplied to the inductor coil. Example 32. The control circuit a) Number of inhalations during a session of use, b) Time elapsed since the start of the session, and c) The aerosol generator according to Example 31, configured to select from different first, second, and third operating states in response to one or more detections of smoke inhalation during a session of use. Example 33. An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the inductor coil is located inside the chamber. Example 34. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the inductor coil is configured to be in direct contact with the outer surface of the aerosol generating article. Example 35. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, further comprising a thermally conductive bridging element, wherein the bridging element is positioned in direct contact with an inductor coil and configured to contact the outer surface of the aerosol generating article so as to conduct heat generated in the inductor coil to the aerosol generating article. Example 36. The aerosol generator according to Example 35, wherein at least one of the control circuit and the thermally conductive bridging element is configured to prevent inductive coupling between the thermally conductive bridging element and the inductor coil during use. Example 37. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 36, wherein the control circuit is configured to provide an alternating current with a frequency selected to prevent inductive coupling between a thermally conductive bridging element and an inductor coil during use. Example 38. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 35 to 37, wherein the thermally conductive bridging element is formed from a non-conductive material. Example 39. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 35 to 38, wherein the thermally conductive bridging element is formed from a non-inductively heatable material. Example 40. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 35 to 39, wherein a power supply and control circuit are connected to a thermally conductive bridging element and configured to supply current to the thermally conductive bridging element during use in order to resistively heat the thermally conductive bridging element. Example 41. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 40, wherein the inductor coil is configured to surround the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received in the chamber. Example 42. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, wherein the susceptor contains a susceptor element. Example 43. The aerosol generator according to Example 42, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a susceptor element, and the susceptor element is located inside a chamber. Example 44. The aerosol generator according to Example 43, wherein the susceptor element is arranged to be positioned within the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received into the chamber. Example 45. The aerosol generator according to Example 43 or Example 44, wherein the susceptor element is an elongated susceptor element extending into the chamber from a closed second end of the chamber. Example 46. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 45, wherein at least a portion of the elongated susceptor element is positioned inside the inductor coil. Example 47. The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 42 to 46, wherein the susceptor element forms all or part of a pin or blade configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received in the chamber. Example 48. An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 1 to 47, wherein an inductor coil is suspended inside a chamber. Example 49. An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 1 to 48, wherein the inductor coil includes a helical coil. Example 50. An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 1 to 49, wherein the helical coil has a first end and a second end, and the housing contacts the inductor coil only at the first and second ends of the inductor coil. Example 51. An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 1 to 50, wherein the housing has an inner surface that at least partially defines the chamber, and each of the first end and the second end of the inductor coil abuts against the inner surface of the housing. Example 52. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 51, wherein the inner surface of the housing defines a first recess and a second recess, the first end of the inductor coil is positioned in the first recess, and the second end of the inductor coil is positioned in the second recess. Example 53. An aerosol generator according to Example 51 or Example 52, wherein the inner surface of the housing defines a first slot and a second slot, the first end of the inductor coil extends through the first slot, and the second end of the inductor coil extends through the second slot. Example 54. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 51, 52, or 53, wherein the outer surface of the inductor coil is spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing. Example 55. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 54, wherein the chamber comprises a first open end through which at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the chamber, and a second closed end opposite to the first open end. Example 56. An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 1 to 55, further comprising an airflow channel defined between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the inductor coil, wherein the airflow channel provides fluid communication between a first end of the chamber and a second end of the chamber. Example 57. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 56, further comprising at least one projection extending into the chamber from a closed second end of the chamber. Example 58. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 57, wherein the housing comprises an end wall defining a closed second end of the chamber, and at least one projection extending from the end wall into the chamber. Example 59. The aerosol generator according to Example 58, wherein at least one protrusion is integrally formed with the end wall. Example 60. The aerosol generator according to Example 57, Example 58, or Example 59, wherein at least one projection comprises at least three projections. Example 61. The aerosol generator according to Example 60, wherein the chamber has a longitudinal axis that defines a first direction along which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article may be inserted into the chamber, and at least three projections are equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis. Example 62. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 61, wherein the inductor coil is arranged such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article is received within the inductor coil when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber. Example 63. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 62, wherein the inductor coil is arranged to be in direct contact with the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber. Example 64. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 63, wherein the inductor coil is formed from a coiled wire comprising a conductive core and a coating on the conductive core. Example 65. The aerosol generator according to Example 64, wherein the coating is electrically insulated and, for example, the coating may comprise at least one of polymer, ceramic, and glass. Example 66. The inductor coil, The first tubular portion of the conductive material, The second tubular portion of the conductive material, and An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 65, comprising a helical coil of conductive material extending between a first tubular portion of conductive material and a second tubular portion of conductive material. Example 67. The aerosol generator according to Example 66, wherein a helical coil is integrally formed with a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. Example 68. The aerosol generator according to Example 66 or Example 67, wherein each of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and each winding of the helical coil has a maximum width extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inductor coil, and the maximum widths of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion are greater than the maximum width of each winding of the helical coil. Example 69. The aerosol generator according to Example 66, Example 67, or Example 68, wherein the inductor coil has a plurality of individual openings in at least one of the first tubular portion of the conductive material and the second tubular portion of the conductive material. Example 70. The aerosol generator according to Example 69, wherein multiple individual openings are present in both the first tubular portion of the conductive material and the second tubular portion of the conductive material. Example 71. The aerosol generator according to Example 69 or Example 70, wherein multiple individual openings extend around the longitudinal axis of the inductor coil and are distributed symmetrically in the circumferential direction. Example 72. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 66 to 71, wherein the inductor coil further comprises a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion, and a layer of electrical insulating material extending around the outer surface of the helical coil. Example 73. The aerosol generator according to Example 72, wherein the layer of electrical insulating material comprises a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion, and a piece of electrical insulating material extending around the outer surface of a helical coil. Example 74. The aerosol generator according to Example 73, wherein fragments of an electrical insulating material extend in a helical shape around a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion, and the outer surface of a helical coil. Example 75. An aerosol generator according to Example 73 or Example 74, wherein a helical strip of an electrical insulating material is wound in a first direction, and a helical coil is wound in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. Example 76. An aerosol generator according to Example 72, wherein an electrical insulating layer is overmolded onto the outer surfaces of the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion, and the helical coil. Example 77. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 66 to 75, wherein the helical coil of conductive material may have an inner surface, and at least one edge of the winding of the helical coil may be beveled, chamfered, or filleted. Example 78. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 77, wherein the inductor coil comprises a core layer containing a material with a first electrical resistivity and an outer layer containing a material with a second electrical resistivity, wherein the first electrical resistivity is higher than the second electrical resistivity. Example 79. An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 1 to 78, wherein the power supply comprises a first DC power supply. Example 80. The aerosol generator described in Example 79, wherein the first DC power source is a battery. Example 81. The aerosol generator according to Example 79 or Example 80, wherein the control circuit comprises a DC / AC converter connected to a first DC power supply. Example 82. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 81, wherein the control circuit comprises a power supply electronic circuit configured to operate at a high frequency. Example 83. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 79 to 82, wherein the power supply electronic circuit comprises a DC / AC converter connected to a first DC power supply, and the DC / AC converter comprises a Class E power amplifier including a first transistor switch and an LC load network. Example 84. The aerosol generator according to Example 83, wherein the LC load network includes a shunt capacitor and a series connection of a capacitor and an inductor coil. Example 85. The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 84, wherein the power supply electronic circuit includes a second DC power supply connected to an LC load network at a position between the capacitor and the inductor coil to supply DC current to the inductor coil. Example 86. The aerosol generator according to Example 85, wherein the second DC power supply is the same power supply as the first DC power supply. Example 87. The aerosol generator according to Example 85 or Example 86, wherein the power supply electronic circuit preferably includes a choke inductor between the second DC power supply and the capacitor, and the choke inductor has a higher inductance value than the inductor coil. Example 88. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 84 to 87, wherein the power supply electronic circuit includes a choke inductor between the first DC power supply and a capacitor. Example 89. The aerosol generator according to Example 85, wherein the power supply electronic circuit includes a second switch between a second DC power supply and an inductor coil. Example 90. The aerosol generator according to Example 84, wherein the power supply electronic circuit includes a second capacitor connected in parallel with an inductor coil. Example 91. Aerosol generation system, an aerosol generating article equipped with an aerosol generating substrate, An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 90, wherein an aerosol generating article is received in its chamber. Example 92. The aerosol generating system according to Example 91, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises one or more susceptors. Example 93. An aerosol generating system according to Example 91 or Example 92, wherein the aerosol generating article contains tobacco material. Example 94. A method for generating aerosols by controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the system is an aerosol generating article equipped with an aerosol generating substrate, A housing defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, An inductor coil placed in the housing, At least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil, The system comprises a control circuit configured to control the supply of power to an inductor coil from at least one power source, The method is, The inductor coil is supplied with an alternating current so that it generates an alternating magnetic field and inductively heats the susceptor in the aerosol generating material. A method for generating an aerosol by controlling an aerosol generating system, comprising supplying a direct current to an inductor coil to resistively heat the inductor coil, thereby heating an aerosol generating article. Example 95. The method according to Example 94, comprising adjusting the alternating current during operation of the apparatus to adjust the amount of heating provided by induction heating. Example 96. The method according to Example 94 or Example 95, wherein the method includes adjusting the amount of heating provided by resistive heating by adjusting the DC current to an inductor coil during the operation of the apparatus. Example 97. The method according to Example 94, Example 95, or Example 96, wherein the method includes supplying alternating current and direct current to an inductor coil at different times. Example 98. The method according to any one of Examples 94 to 97, wherein the method includes supplying alternating current to the inductor coil first after the device is started, and then supplying direct current to the inductor coil. Example 99. The method according to any one of Examples 94 to 98, wherein the method includes simultaneously supplying both alternating current and direct current to an inductor coil. Example 100. The method according to any one of Examples 94 to 99, wherein the method includes changing the magnitude of a DC current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the inductor coil as a result of the DC current. Example 101. The method according to any one of Examples 94 to 100, wherein the method includes changing the magnitude of the alternating current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the susceptor and inductor coil as a result of the alternating current. Example 102. The method according to any one of Examples 94 to 101, wherein the method includes adjusting the frequency of the alternating current during the operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the susceptor and inductor coil as a result of the alternating current. Example 103. The method according to any one of Examples 94 to 101, wherein the method includes adjusting the DC current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the temperature of the inductor coil at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile. Example 104. The method according to any one of Examples 94 to 103, wherein the method includes adjusting the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the susceptor temperature at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile.

[0104] The present invention will be further described, for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0105] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1 along line 1-1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system equipped with the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system equipped with the aerosol generator shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates possible configurations of the inductor coil for the devices shown in Figures 1 to 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates the provision of a thermal bridging element between the inductor coil and the aerosol generating article. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the induction heating arrangement of the aerosol generator described in relation to Figures 1 to 5. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of the electrical circuit of the aerosol generator described in relation to Figures 1 to 5. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the electrical circuit of the aerosol generator described in relation to Figures 1 to 5. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates the application of AC current to the inductor coil across the first and second operating stages, as well as the change in the frequency of the AC current between the first and second stages. [Figure 11] Figure 11 illustrates the alternating application of AC and DC currents to the inductor coil during a continuous phase of operation. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates the simultaneous application of AC and DC currents to an inductor coil during at least one operating stage, as well as the frequency change of the AC current during continuous stages. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the application of AC current to the inductor coil and the change in the frequency of the AC current depending on whether or not fume extraction is applied. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a variation of Figure 13, where both the frequency and magnitude of the AC current vary depending on whether or not smoke extraction is applied. [Figure 15] Figure 15 illustrates the target temperature profiles of the susceptor element and inductor coil in the aerosol generation system described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0106] Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol generator 10 according to a first embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 comprises a housing 12 defining a chamber 16 for receiving a portion of an aerosol generating article. The chamber 16 comprises an open end 18 through which the aerosol generating article may be inserted into the chamber 16, and a closed end 20 opposite the open end 18. The cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 extends between the open end 18 and the closed end 20.

[0107] The aerosol generator 10 also includes an inductor coil 24 with a plurality of windings 26 positioned within the chamber 16. The plurality of windings 26 of the inductor coil 24 define a lumen 28 into which a portion of the aerosol generating article is received when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber 16. Advantageously, positioning the inductor coil 24 in direct contact with the aerosol generating article received within the chamber 16 facilitates the transfer of heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil 24 to the aerosol generating article.

[0108] The inductor coil 24 comprises a first end 30 positioned toward the open end 18 of the chamber 16 and a second end 32 positioned toward the closed end 20 of the chamber 16. Each of the first end 30 and the second end 32 is received within a portion of the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16, thereby holding the inductor coil 24 within the chamber 16. The cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 may define a first recess and a second recess, slot, or opening into which the first end 30 and the second end 32 of the inductor coil 24 are respectively received. Alternatively, the first end 30 and the second end 32 of the inductor coil 24 may be fixed to the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 by overmolding the housing 12 over the first end 30 and the second end 32 of the inductor coil 24 during the manufacturing of the housing 12.

[0109] The inductor coil 24 is suspended within the chamber 16 by its first end 30 and second end 32 such that the winding 26 of the inductor coil 24 is spaced away from the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16. Thus, the inductor coil 24 contacts the housing 12 only at its first end 30 and second end 32. Separating the winding 26 of the inductor coil 24 from the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 defines an annular gap 34 between the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16 and the winding 26 of the inductor coil 24. Advantageously, the annular gap 34 reduces or minimizes the transfer of heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil 24 to the housing 12. Advantageously, the annular gap 34 facilitates airflow through the chamber 16 when an aerosol-generating article is received inside the chamber 16.

[0110] To facilitate the insertion of an aerosol-generating article into the chamber 16, the inductor coil 24 is arranged concentrically around the central axis 36 of the aerosol generator 10. To ensure secure positioning of the inductor coil 24 within the chamber 16, the first end 30 and the second end 32 of the inductor coil 24 are held by opposite portions of the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16.

[0111] The housing 12 also defines a plurality of projections 38 extending into the chamber 16 from the closed end 20 of the chamber 16. As further described below, the plurality of projections 38 function to maintain a gap between the end of the aerosol generating article and the closed end 20 of the chamber 16 when the aerosol generating article is fully inserted into the chamber 16. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 12 defines three projections 38 equidistant from the central axis 36 of the aerosol generator 10. Those skilled in the art will understand that the housing 12 may define more or fewer projections 38, and that the arrangement of the projections 38 at the closed end 20 of the chamber 16 may differ.

[0112] The aerosol generator 10 also includes a control circuit 40 and a power supply 42 connected to an inductor coil 24. The control circuit 40 is configured to supply alternating current from the power supply 42 to the inductor coil 24 in order to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0113] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 100 comprising the aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol generating article 102 shown in Figure 1.

[0114] The aerosol generating article 102 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 104 in the form of a cigarette plug, a first hollow acetate tube 106, a second hollow acetate tube 108, a mouthpiece 110, and an outer wrapper 112. The aerosol generating article 102 also comprises a susceptor element 114 disposed within the aerosol-forming substrate 104. During use, a portion of the aerosol generating article 102 is inserted into the chamber 16 and the inductor coil 24 so that the aerosol-forming substrate 104 and the susceptor element 114 are positioned inside a lumen 28 defined by the inductor coil 24. The control circuit 40 supplies alternating current from the power supply 42 to the inductor coil 24, generating an alternating magnetic field that inductively heats the susceptor element 114, which heats the aerosol-forming substrate 104 and generates an aerosol. As will be explained in more detail below, the level of inductive coupling between the inductor coil 24 and the susceptor element 114 (and consequently, heating of the susceptor 114) is affected by the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil 24.

[0115] The airflow through the aerosol generating system 100 during use is illustrated by the dashed line 116 in Figure 3. When the user inhales the mouthpiece 110 of the aerosol generating article 102, negative pressure is generated in the chamber 16. This negative pressure draws air into the chamber 16 through the open end 18 of the chamber. The air entering the chamber 16 then flows through the annular gap 34 between the inductor coil 24 and the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16. When the airflow reaches the closed end 20 of the chamber 16, the air enters the aerosol generating article 102 through the aerosol forming substrate 104. The airflow into the aerosol generating article 102 is facilitated by a gap maintained between the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 102 and the closed end 20 of the chamber 16 by a plurality of protrusions 38. As the airflow passes through the aerosol forming substrate 104, the aerosol generated by the heating of the aerosol forming substrate 104 is entrained in the airflow. Next, the aerosol flows along the length of the aerosol generating article 102 and through the mouthpiece 110 to the user.

[0116] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 150 according to the second embodiment. The aerosol generator 150 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0117] The aerosol generator 150 differs from the aerosol generator 10 only in the addition of a susceptor element 164. The susceptor element 164 has an elongated shape and extends from the closed end 20 of the chamber 16 into the chamber 16. The susceptor element 164 extends along the central axis 36 of the aerosol generator 150 such that the inductor coil 24 extends concentrically around the susceptor element 164.

[0118] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 170 comprising the aerosol generating device 150 and the aerosol generating article 172 shown in Figure 4. The aerosol generating system 170 is similar to the aerosol generating system 100 described with reference to Figure 3, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0119] The aerosol generating system 170 differs from the aerosol generating system 100 in that there is no susceptor element within the aerosol generating article 172. When the aerosol generating article 172 is inserted into the chamber 16, the susceptor element 164 of the aerosol generating device 150 is received within the aerosol forming substrate 104 of the aerosol generating article 172. Figures 4 and 5 show the susceptor element 164 having a pin-shaped or blade-shaped profile, thereby facilitating the penetration of the aerosol forming substrate 104 by the susceptor element 164 during the insertion of the aerosol generating article 172 into the chamber 16 of the aerosol generating device 150. Those skilled in the art will understand that the susceptor element 164 may have a profile other than those shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0120] When the aerosol generating article 172 is inserted into the chamber 16, the operation of the aerosol generating system 170 is the same as the operation of the aerosol generating system 100 described with respect to Figure 3.

[0121] Figure 6 illustrates three possible alternative coil structures for the devices shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0122] The first coil structure is marked as coil structure A. Coil structure A comprises a sleeve 400. The helical coil section 410 is formed by removing material from the sleeve 400.

[0123] The insulating material may be placed in the gap where the material of the sleeve 400 has been removed. This has the advantage of structurally reinforcing the coil structure and may also facilitate the insertion of the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, a layer of insulating material, such as polyimide tape, can be wound around or overmolded around the helical coil section 410 or sleeve 400. This does not significantly interfere with the heat transferred to the aerosol-generating article but improves the structural stability of the coil structure.

[0124] A second coil structure, marked as coil structure B, comprises a sleeve 500 similar to coil structure A, including a helical coil section 510 obtained by material removal. The sleeve 500 comprises a downstream extension portion 550 used to connect the sleeve to the housing 12 of the chamber 16 of the aerosol generator. The extension portion 550 comprises a through-hole 520 to allow airflow into the aerosol generating article through the sleeve.

[0125] The third coil structure, coil structure C, comprises a sleeve 600 having a helical coil section 610 and a downstream extension region 650, which has through-holes 620 that are larger in size and number than the through-holes 520 of coil structure B. Compared to coil structure B, the larger openings 620 offer the advantage of reducing the mass of the structure and thus significantly reduce heat loss caused by heat conduction toward the end region of the sleeve.

[0126] While all the devices described so far use helical coils, other forms of inductor coils can be used. In particular, one or more flat spiral coils or pancake coils can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field within the chamber 16 and provide external heating from the resistance heating of the coils themselves. Such flat spiral coils may be shaped to fit the side walls of the chamber and may be arranged to generate a magnetic field perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. If the inductor coil is intended to be in surface contact with the external surface of the aerosol-generating article, the use of a coil with a flat cross-sectional profile can facilitate the conduction of heat generated by the resistance heating of the coil between the coil and the article.

[0127] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 250 according to a third embodiment. The aerosol generator 250 is similar to the aerosol generator 150 described with reference to Figures 4 and 5, and the same reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

[0128] The embodiment in Figure 7 differs from the embodiments in Figures 4 and 5 in the position of the inductor coil 224 and the provision of a thermal bridging element 228 between the coil 224 and the aerosol generating article 172. The inductor coil 224 is embedded or recessed within the housing of the apparatus 250, and the thermal bridging element 228, formed from a thermally conductive material, is positioned in contact with the inductor coil 224. The thermal bridging element 228 is in the form of an austenitic steel tube. The thermal bridging element 228 partially defines the cylindrical wall of the chamber extending between the open and closed ends of the chamber. The thermal bridging element 228 is positioned so that when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the chamber, the aerosol generating article 172 is received within the thermal bridging element 228 and in direct contact with the thermal bridging element 228. Advantageously, the direct contact between the thermal bridging element 228 and the aerosol generating article 172 facilitates the transfer of heat from the thermal bridging element 228 to the aerosol generating article.

[0129] The inductor coil 224 comprises multiple windings extending around the outer surface of the thermal bridging element 228. The inductor coil 224 is positioned such that the multiple windings are in direct contact with the outer surface of the thermal bridging element 228. Advantageously, positioning the inductor coil 224 in direct contact with the outer surface of the thermal bridging element 228 facilitates the transfer of heat generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coil 224 to the thermal bridging element 228. The inductor coil 224 and the thermal bridging element 228 are arranged concentrically around the central axis of the aerosol generator 250.

[0130] Here, we will explain in detail the control of the devices described in Figures 1 to 7.

[0131] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of components and circuits for generating and supplying alternating current to the inductor coil of an aerosol generator, such as the inductor coil 24 of the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in Figures 1 and 4. A DC power supply 310 is connected to an induction heating arrangement 320. The heating arrangement 320 includes a controller 330, a DC / AC converter 340, a matching network 350, and the inductor coil 240. The DC power supply 310 in Figure 8 corresponds to or forms part of the power supply 42 of the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in Figures 1 and 4. The controller 330, DC / AC converter 340, and matching network 350 correspond to or form part of the control circuit 40 of the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in Figures 1 and 4. The inductor coil 240 corresponds to the inductor coil 24 of the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in Figures 1 and 4. The DC power supply 310 is configured to supply DC power to the heating arrangement 320. More specifically, the DC power supply 310 has a DC supply voltage (V DC ) and DC current (l DC The power supply 310 is configured to supply power to the DC / AC converter 340. The power supply 310 is preferably a battery such as a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply 310 may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply 310 may require recharging. For example, the power supply 310 may have sufficient capacity to enable continuous generation of aerosol for approximately six minutes, or a time period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply 310 may have sufficient capacity to enable discontinuous startup of a predetermined number of fume extractions or heating arrangements.

[0132] The DC / AC converter 340 is configured to supply a high-frequency alternating current to the inductor coil 240. As used herein, the term “high-frequency alternating current” means an alternating current having a frequency of about 500 kilohertz to about 30 megahertz. The high-frequency alternating current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz (e.g., about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, or about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz).

[0133] Figure 9A schematically illustrates a first embodiment of an electrical circuit used to supply electrical energy to the inductor coil 240. The DC / AC converter 340 preferably includes a Class E power amplifier. The Class E power amplifier includes a transistor switch 1320 including a field-effect transistor 1321, for example, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, a transistor switch supply circuit indicated by arrow 1322 for supplying a switching signal (gate-source voltage) to the field-effect transistor 1321, and an LC load network 1323 including a shunt capacitor C1 and a series connection of capacitor C2 and inductor coil L2. Inductor coil L2 corresponds to the inductor coil 240 in Figure 8. Furthermore, a DC power supply 11 including a choke inductor L1 draws a DC current I from the DC power supply 11 during operation. DC Along with, DC supply voltage V DC This is shown to supply. The ohm resistance R represents the total ohm load of 1324, and this is the ohm resistance R of the inductor coil L2. coil And the ohmic resistance R of the susceptor element load It is the sum of the two values. DC power supply 11 corresponds to DC power supply 310 in Figure 8.

[0134] The transistor switch supply circuit 1322 may supply a switching voltage having a rectangular profile to the field-effect transistor 1321. As long as the field-effect transistor 1321 is conducting ("on" state), it essentially constitutes a short circuit (low resistance) so that the entire current flows through the choke L1 and the field-effect transistor 1321. When the field-effect transistor 1321 is not conducting ("off" state), it essentially represents an open circuit (high resistance), so the entire current flows into the LC load network 1323. Switching the field-effect transistor 1321 between the conducting ("on") state and the non-conducting ("off" state) is performed by supplying the DC voltage V DC and DC current I DC The AC voltage V flowing through the inductor coil L2 has a frequency f. AC and AC current I AC Convert to this.

[0135] In the alternative operating mode, the transistor switch supply circuit 1322 receives the supplied DC current I DC It is inactive, meaning that it is not converted to AC current and remains as DC current.

[0136] Therefore, the circuit in Figure 9A has an AC current I AC or DC current I DC This allows supply to one of the inductor coils L2, but AC and I DC Not both at the same time.

[0137] Figure 9B schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the electrical circuit used to supply electrical energy to the inductor coil 240. The circuit in Figure 9B includes all the components of the circuit in Figure 9A, but also includes additional circuits. These additional circuits are discussed below.

[0138] A DC power supply is provided to the inductor coil L2. S This is connected to the inductor coil L2 through the transistor switch 1326. An additional choke inductor L3 is connected to the DC power supply DC S It is placed between and capacitor C2.

[0139] The transistor switch 1326 is driven by the transistor switch supply circuit indicated by arrow 1325 to supply the switching signal (gate-source voltage). DC source DC S This may be a battery, or any means generally capable of generating DC current. In particular, a battery generates AC current I AC DC voltage V to be supplied to the DC / AC converter 340 in order to generate the power. DC The same power supply that generates the signal may also be used. When switch 1326 is activated, DC current I DC2 The current flows through inductors L3 and L2.

[0140] The choke inductor L3 controls the AC current IAC DC power source DC S It has a specific purpose of preventing current from flowing through it. For this purpose, advantageously, the inductance value of L3 is significantly higher than the inductance of inductor coil L2. Similarly, the choke inductor L1 is used when AC current flows through the DC source V DC It does not allow things to flow internally.

[0141] The circuit in Figure 9B shows a) AC current I flowing through capacitor C2, inductor coil L2, and capacitor C1. AC (V DC a) DC current I through inductor L3 and inductor coil L2 (generated by), as well as b) DC current I DC2 This allows for simultaneous or alternating flow of DC current I DC2 Due to the presence of capacitor C2, it does not reach the choke inductor L1, and this is I DC2 It is therefore seen as an open circuit.

[0142] The circuit can also operate without the choke inductor L3, as long as the circuit is configured to operate sequentially with AC and DC currents (i.e., AC and DC are not started simultaneously).

[0143] As will be explained in detail below, AC current I AC If the frequency is such that there is little coupling to the susceptor element, the AC current I AC It is also possible to resistively heat the inductor coil L2. Furthermore, adding a capacitor C3 in parallel with the inductor coil L2 may be advantageous. In this way, the inductor coil L2 becomes more frequency-selective. As will be explained below, the presence of the capacitor C3 is beneficial at frequency f suceptor From frequency f inductor coilSwitching to AC current significantly improves the process of changing from internal heating to external heating, because the difference between the two frequency values ​​is greatly reduced. In this way, the control may be performed more smoothly. Without capacitor C3, the two frequency values ​​may be far apart, slowing down the system's response.

[0144] Although the DC / AC converter 340 is shown as including a Class E power amplifier, the DC / AC converter 340 may use any suitable circuit for converting DC current to AC current. For example, the DC / AC converter 340 may include a Class D power amplifier including two transistor switches. As another example, the DC / AC converter 340 may include a full-bridge power inverter having four switching transistors acting in pairs.

[0145] Returning to Figure 8, the inductor coil 240 may receive AC current from the DC / AC converter 340 via a matching network 350 for optimal suitability to the load, although the matching network 350 is not mandatory. The matching network 350 may comprise a small matching transformer. The matching network 350 can improve the power transfer efficiency between the DC / AC converter 340 and the inductor coil 240.

[0146] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the inductor coil 24 is located around the chamber 16 of the aerosol generators 10 and 150. Therefore, during the operation of the aerosol generators 10 and 150, the high-frequency alternating current I is supplied to the inductor coil 24. ACThis causes the inductor coil to generate a high-frequency alternating magnetic field within the chamber 16 of the aerosol generators 10, 150. The alternating magnetic field preferably has a frequency of 1 to 30 megahertz, preferably 2 to 10 megahertz, for example, 5 to 7 megahertz. As can be seen from Figures 3 and 5, when the aerosol generating articles 102, 172 are inserted into the chamber 16, the aerosol-forming substrate 104 of the aerosol generating article is positioned adjacent to the inductor coil 24 such that the susceptor elements 114, 164 are located within this alternating magnetic field. When the alternating magnetic field penetrates the susceptor elements 114, 164, it causes the susceptor elements to heat up. For example, eddy currents are generated within the susceptor elements 114, 164 that are consequently heated. Further heating is provided by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor elements 114, 164.

[0147] Similarly, the inductor coil 24 itself receives a DC current I DC2 by (and / or AC current I AC When resistively heated, the heat is transferred to the aerosol generating articles 102 and 172 located adjacent to the inductor coil 24.

[0148] The heated susceptor elements 114, 164 and / or heated inductor coil 24 heat the aerosol-forming substrate 104 of the aerosol-generating articles 102, 172 to a temperature sufficient to form an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn downstream through the aerosol-generating articles 102, 172 and is inhaled by the user.

[0149] The controller 330 may be a microcontroller, preferably a programmable microcontroller. The controller 330 is programmed to regulate the power supply from the DC power supply 310 to the induction heating arrangement 320 in order to control the temperature of the susceptor element.

[0150] Figure 10 illustrates one possible scheme for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. The scheme in Figure 10 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9A. For the scheme shown in Figure 10, the AC current I AC The frequency is changed from the first frequency f1 to the second frequency f2, and the AC current I AC Only is supplied to the inductor coils 24, 240. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, frequencies f1 and f2 act over the first and second time intervals, respectively. Frequencies f1 and f2 provide different levels of inductive coupling between the inductor coils 24, 240 and the susceptor elements 114, 164. To elaborate further, frequency f1 is frequency f inductor coil Corresponding to AC current I AC This provides little to no coupling with the susceptor elements 114, 164, generating a magnetic field that allows almost all of the energy in the supplied current to remain within the inductor coils 24, 240, and as a result most of the heat is generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coils. Therefore, the AC current I with frequency f1 over the first time interval AC The application of this method results in the aerosol-forming substrate 104 being heated primarily outside the substrate 104 through the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24, 240. The frequency f2 is equal to the frequency f suceptor Corresponding to AC current I AC This generates a fluctuating magnetic field that best couples with susceptor elements 114 and 164, enabling almost all energy transfer to the susceptor elements, and as a result, most of the heat is generated by heating the susceptor elements. Therefore, an AC current I with frequency f2 over a second time interval AC The application of this method results in the aerosol-forming substrate 104 being heated primarily from within through the heating of the susceptor elements 114 and 164. Therefore, frequencies f1 and f2 correspond to different heating modes or stages of the aerosol generators 10 and 150. Alternatively, frequency f1 or f2 corresponds to frequency f total It may also be compatible with AC current I ACThis results in a simultaneous combination of heating of the susceptor elements 114 and 164 and resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate 104 both internally and externally.

[0151] Figure 11 illustrates another possible scheme for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. In the scheme shown in Figure 11, the AC current I AC This is DC current I at different times DC It is supplied to. The scheme in Figure 11 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9B. The graph above shows the AC current I AC The graph below shows the DC current I DC This scheme requires the controller 330 to alternately operate transistor switches 1320 and 1326 (shown in Figure 9B). In this scheme, heat may be alternately transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 104 from an internal source (through heating of susceptor elements 114, 164) and then from an external source (through heating of inductor coils 24, 240). However, as shown in the consideration of the scheme in Figure 10, the degree of internal heating provided through susceptor elements 114, 164 is such that the AC current I AC It depends on the frequency and the relevant level of inductive coupling between the inductor coils 24, 240 and the susceptor elements 114, 164.

[0152] Figure 12 illustrates another possible scheme for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. The scheme in Figure 12 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9B. In the scheme shown in Figure 12, in the first stage, AC current I AC A first frequency f1' is supplied to the DC current, but not to the AC current. The frequency f1' is selected to maximize inductive coupling to the susceptor elements 114 and 164, and thus maximize heating of the susceptor elements. In the second stage, the AC current I AC A second frequency f2' is supplied, and a DC current I DC I ACThe current is supplied simultaneously. Frequency f2' is selected to reduce inductive coupling to susceptors 114, 164 compared to frequency f1', and thus to provide greater heating of the inductor coils 24, 240 themselves. DC current I DC This also contributes to the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240. Therefore, in the first stage, the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is internally heated by the susceptor elements 114 and 164, and in the second stage, the aerosol-forming substrate is externally heated by the inductor coils 24 and 240.

[0153] Figure 13 illustrates another possible scheme for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. The scheme in Figure 13 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9A. Similar to the scheme in Figure 10, the AC current I AC The frequency is changed between the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2, and the AC current I AC Only is supplied to the inductor coils 24, 240. If it is not detected that fumes are being applied to the aerosol-generating articles 102, 172, an AC current I with frequency f1 is supplied. AC This is supplied to the inductor coils 24 and 240. However, with the detection of smoke extraction applied by the control circuit 40, the AC current I AC The frequency of is switched to frequency f2, and frequency f2 is maintained for the duration of the applied smoke extraction. When the user stops applying the given smoke extraction, AC current I AC The frequency returns to frequency f1. Figure 13 shows the AC current frequency I depending on whether smoke extraction is applied. AC This shows how f1 and f2 alternate. The aerosol generators 10, 150 may include pressure sensors or temperature sensors to assist in detecting applied smoke extraction. Naturally, the inductor coils 24, 240 and susceptor elements 114, 164 may indirectly function as means for determining temperature changes. Frequencies f1 and f2 may correspond to the frequencies in the scheme shown in Figure 10. Thus, frequency f1 is frequency f inductor coil It can handle AC current I ACThis provides little to no coupling with the susceptor elements 114, 164, generating a magnetic field that allows almost all of the energy in the supplied current to remain within the inductor coils 24, 240, and as a result most of the heat is generated by the resistive heating of the inductor coils. Therefore, if no smoke is detected, the AC current I at frequency f1 AC The application of this method results in the aerosol-forming substrate 104 being heated primarily externally through the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24, 240. The frequency f2 is the frequency f suceptor Corresponding to AC current I AC This generates a fluctuating magnetic field that best couples with susceptor elements 114 and 164, enabling almost all energy transfer to the susceptor elements, and as a result, most of the heat is generated by heating the susceptor elements. Therefore, the AC current I at frequency f2 over the duration of smoke absorption application AC The application of this method results in the aerosol-forming substrate 104 being heated primarily from within through the heating of the susceptor elements 114 and 164.

[0154] Figure 14 illustrates another possible scheme for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. The scheme in Figure 14 can be implemented using the electrical circuit in Figure 9A. The scheme in Figure 14 is a variation of the scheme in Figure 13. Similar to the scheme in Figure 13, the AC current I AC The frequency alternates between a first frequency f1 (corresponding when smoke extraction is not applied to aerosol-generating articles 102 and 172) and a second frequency f2 (corresponding when it is detected that smoke extraction has been applied to aerosol-generating articles). However, when the application of smoke extraction is detected, the AC current I AC The magnitude of the AC current I also increases compared to the magnitude of the AC current used when no smoke is detected. AC The frequency returns to f1 as the applied smoke extraction stops and is maintained for the duration of the applied smoke extraction before its magnitude decreases. As described above for Figure 13, frequency f2 is equal to frequency f suceptor Corresponding to AC current I ACThis generates a fluctuating magnetic field that best couples with susceptor elements 114, 164, enabling the transfer of almost all of the supplied current's energy to the susceptor elements, and as a result, most of the heat is generated by heating the susceptor elements. AC current I when smoke absorption is applied AC Increasing the magnitude enhances the heating of susceptor elements 114 and 164 compared to keeping the AC current the same magnitude for frequencies f1 (no smoke extraction applied) and f2 (smoke extraction applied).

[0155] Naturally, there are any number of possible schemes for supplying AC and DC currents to the inductor coils 24, 240 in order to provide a desirable combination of internal and external heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 over time. As described above, the frequency of the AC current can be selected to provide a desired balance between heating of the susceptor element and heating of the coils. The control circuit 40 can be configured to control switches 1320 and 1326 to follow a specific profile of internal and external heating over time.

[0156] Figure 15 shows one possible scheme having target temperature profiles for susceptor elements 114, 164 indicated by dotted line 800, and target temperature profiles for inductor coils 24, 240 indicated by solid line 810. In the initial stage, no DC current is supplied, and the frequency of the AC current is selected for maximum heating of susceptor elements 114, 164. This is provided for rapid internal heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 104. This helps minimize the delay between the startup of the aerosol generator and the generation of aerosol for the user.

[0157] After the initial stage, the target temperatures of the susceptor elements 114 and 164 are reduced. Consequently, the magnitude of the AC current is reduced. At this point, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 rises significantly due to heat transfer from the susceptor elements 114 and 164, and reducing the temperature of the susceptor elements avoids overheating of the aerosol-forming substrate, which can lead to undesirable compounds in the aerosol. However, at this point, the target temperatures of the inductor coils 24 and 240 rise. DC current is supplied to the inductor coils 24 and 240 to raise the temperature of the inductor coils and initiate external heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 104.

[0158] As the system usage session progresses, the target temperature of the inductor coil 810 gradually increases until it approaches or equals the target temperature of the susceptor element 800. This ensures that the outer region of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is completely depleted by the end of the usage session.

[0159] The target temperature profile shown in Figure 15 is merely an example. The target temperature profile can be arranged in any desired manner and does not need to have a stepwise change, but can instead change continuously. As described, the temperatures of the inductor coils 24 and 240 may be raised by AC current of an appropriate frequency, as well as by DC current.

[0160] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, proportions, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number “A” is understood as 10% of “A” ± “A.” In this context, the number “A” may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic modified by the number “A.” In some cases as used in the appended claims, the number “A” may deviate by the proportions listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A housing defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, An inductor coil arranged in the housing, At least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil, An aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from at least one power source to the inductor coil, the control circuit configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field and inductively heats the susceptor in the aerosol generating article, and to supply a direct current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil resistively heats the inductor coil and thereby heats the aerosol generating article; An aerosol generator configured such that, after the device is started, the control circuit first supplies alternating current to the inductor coil, and then supplies direct current to the inductor coil.

2. A housing defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, An inductor coil arranged in the housing, At least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil, An aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from at least one power source to the inductor coil, the control circuit configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field and inductively heats the susceptor in the aerosol generating article, and to supply a direct current to the inductor coil so that the inductor coil resistively heats the inductor coil and thereby heats the aerosol generating article; An aerosol generator in which the control circuit is configured to simultaneously supply both alternating current and direct current to the inductor coil.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil during operation of the device to adjust the amount of heating provided by induction heating.

4. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the amount of heating provided by resistive heating by adjusting the DC current supplied to the inductor coil during operation of the device.

5. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply the alternating current and the direct current to the inductor coil at different times.

6. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current during operation of the device to adjust the amount of heat generated in the susceptor and the inductor coil as a result of the alternating current.

7. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the DC current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the temperature of the inductor coil at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile.

8. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the temperature of the susceptor at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile.

9. an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generating article equipped with an aerosol generating substrate, An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol generating article is received in the chamber of the aerosol generating device.

10. A method for generating aerosols by controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the system is an aerosol generating article equipped with an aerosol generating substrate, A housing defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, An inductor coil arranged in the housing, At least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil, The system comprises a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from at least one power source to the inductor coil, The aforementioned method, The inductor coil is supplied with an alternating current so that it generates an alternating magnetic field and inductively heats the susceptor in the aerosol generating article, and This includes supplying a direct current to the inductor coil to resistively heat the inductor coil, thereby heating the aerosol generating article, A method for generating an aerosol by controlling an aerosol generation system, which includes first supplying an alternating current to the inductor coil after the device has been started, and then supplying a direct current to the inductor coil.

11. A method for generating aerosols by controlling an aerosol generation system, wherein the system is an aerosol generating article equipped with an aerosol generating substrate, A housing defining a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, An inductor coil arranged in the housing, At least one power supply for supplying power to the inductor coil, The system comprises a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from at least one power source to the inductor coil, The aforementioned method, The inductor coil is supplied with an alternating current so that it generates an alternating magnetic field and inductively heats the susceptor in the aerosol generating article, and This includes supplying a direct current to the inductor coil to resistively heat the inductor coil, thereby heating the aerosol generating article, A method for generating an aerosol by controlling an aerosol generation system, which includes simultaneously supplying both alternating current and direct current to the inductor coil.

12. The method according to claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising adjusting the alternating current during operation of the apparatus to adjust the amount of heating provided by induction heating.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising adjusting the DC current to the inductor coil during operation of the apparatus to adjust the amount of heating provided by resistive heating.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising adjusting the DC current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the temperature of the inductor coil at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, comprising adjusting the alternating current supplied to the inductor coil to maintain the temperature of the susceptor at a target temperature or to conform to a target temperature profile.

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