Aerosol generating apparatus and method for generating aerosols by heating an aerosol-forming substrate.

Abstract

An aerosol generator is provided. The aerosol generator comprises a controller, a power circuit, and a heating assembly. The power circuit is configured to generate a first power waveform and a second power waveform that are independently controllable from each other. The heating assembly is for heating a removable aerosol-forming substrate containing or enclosing a susceptor to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating assembly includes an inductor coil. The controller is configured to generate heat by independently controlling the application of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil separately or simultaneously, through either or a combination of i) resistive heating by the inductor coil to externally heat the aerosol-forming substrate, and ii) heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor to internally heat the aerosol-forming substrate. A method for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol therefrom is also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generator and method for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol therefrom. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that aerosols are released from the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article by applying heat to the substrate to avoid burning or combustion of the substrate. It is also known that the aerosol-forming substrate of such an article is heated by applying heat externally. Typically, an aerosol-generating article includes a wrapper that circumferentially encloses the aerosol-forming substrate. The wrapper may hinder heat transfer from the outside of the aerosol-generating article to the aerosol-forming substrate, which may result in insufficient heating of the substrate and an unsatisfactory user experience. The effect of the wrapper, which hinders heat flow, can be overcome by applying additional heat, but the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated in a non-uniform manner. More specifically, the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate is greatest at or adjacent to the wrapper and decreases as the distance from the wrapper to the substrate increases. It is also known that the aerosol-forming substrate of such articles can be heated from within the substrate by using a heating element located inside the aerosol-forming substrate. Internal heating of the aerosol-forming substrate can avoid the need for heat to traverse through the wrapper to reach the substrate. However, internal heating of the aerosol-forming substrate can still result in uneven heating of the substrate, where heating is greatest at or adjacent to the internal heating element and decreases as the distance from the internal heating element to the substrate increases. Uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate can result in only partial depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate at the end of a usage session. When using either external or internal heating of the substrate, increasing the level of heat applied to the substrate to completely deplete the aerosol-forming substrate can lead to unintended and undesirable combustion of the substrate.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to provide improved depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate without burning or combustion of the substrate. [Overview of the project]

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generator is provided, comprising a controller, a power circuit, and a heating assembly for heating a removable aerosol-forming substrate for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, the heating assembly containing or enclosing a susceptor. The power circuit may be configured to generate a first power waveform and a second power waveform that are independently controllable from each other. The heating assembly may include an inductor coil. The controller may be configured to generate heat by independently controlling the application of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil separately or simultaneously, through one or a combination of i) resistive heating by the inductor coil for externally heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and ii) heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor for internally heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0005] The controller may modulate the power circuit to control the application of one or both of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil.

[0006] The heating assembly may include a coil configured to function as both an inductor coil and a resistive heating element. Independent control of the application of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil separately or simultaneously provides greater flexibility in the application of heat to the aerosol-forming substrate by the heating assembly. For example, independent control may allow for changing the level of resistive heating by the inductor coil, or changing the level of heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, or a combination thereof. The controller may be configured to trigger such changes based on one or more of the following: a) fumigation is applied to (or stopped from) the aerosol-forming substrate (or an aerosol-generating article on which the substrate is part); b) cumulative time has elapsed for a usage session or a portion of a usage session; c) the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate cumulatively in response to individual fumigation or after a series of fumigations in a usage session reaches or exceeds a predetermined value; and d) the user manually presses a button or engages with any other user interface, such as a touch-sensitive interface of the aerosol generator.

[0007] Power circuits can take various forms and include one or more current sources, one or more voltage sources, or a combination thereof. Current sources or voltage sources may include one or more AC sources, one or more DC sources, or a combination thereof. The following paragraphs describe some exemplary configurations of power circuits.

[0008] The power circuit may include a first current source and a second current source. The first and second current sources may be connected to an inductor coil to apply two superimposed currents to the inductor coil as a first waveform and a second waveform, respectively. The first and second current sources may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0009] The power circuit may include a first voltage source and a second voltage source. The first and second voltage sources may be connected in series with each other to apply two superimposed voltages to an inductor coil as a first waveform and a second waveform, respectively.

[0010] The power circuit may include a single voltage source or a single current source that can be controlled to provide both a first power waveform and a second power waveform for application to an inductor coil.

[0011] Generally, the inductive coupling between an inductor coil and a susceptor varies with changes in the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the inductor coil. The frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the inductor coil is associated with an alternating current or voltage that generates a fluctuating magnetic field that best or sufficiently couples with the susceptor, allowing almost all of the dissipated energy in the alternating current or voltage to be transferred to the susceptor by eddy currents or Foucault currents and / or magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, with a value of f susceptor It can be adjusted to have a frequency of f. This then results in most of the heat generated from the applied AC current or voltage being produced by heating the susceptor. The frequency is also a value f associated with the AC current or voltage that generates a magnetic field that allows little or no coupling with the susceptor to occur due to Joule heating or resistance heating within the coil, and allows almost all of the dissipated energy in the AC current or voltage to remain within the inductor coil. inductor coil It can be adjusted to have a frequency of f. This then results in most of the heat generated from the applied AC current or voltage being produced by the resistive heating of the inductor coil. The frequency is also a value f associated with the AC current or voltage that provides a combination of susceptor heating (through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor) and resistive heating of the inductor coil. totalThese frequencies may be adjusted to have the following characteristics. Each of these frequencies will vary depending on the materials, physical properties, and configuration of the inductor coil and susceptor, such as the inductance of the inductor coil and the permeability of the material used for the susceptor.

[0012] One of the first and second power waveforms may be optimized to provide resistive heating by an inductor coil. The other of the first and second power waveforms may be optimized to inductively couple the inductor coil to a susceptor, thereby heating the susceptor. Optimization of the first and second waveforms can be achieved by modulating the power circuit by a controller.

[0013] The controller is preferably configured to modulate the power circuit such that (i) resistive heating is performed by applying one or more of the following: a) an alternating current or voltage as a waveform of primary power to the inductor coil at a frequency that inhibits inductive coupling with the susceptor, and b) a direct current or voltage as a waveform of primary power to the inductor coil. Applying an alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil is likely to result in some level of inductive coupling with the susceptor, but the level of inductive coupling will vary depending on the frequency of the applied alternating current or voltage. If the frequency of the applied alternating current or voltage inhibits inductive coupling with the susceptor, it will be understood that most of (e.g., at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) or all of the dissipated energy in the alternating current or voltage will remain in the inductor coil, resulting in resistive heating of the inductor coil rather than heating of the susceptor. Applying a direct current to the inductor coil does not generate an alternating magnetic field and therefore does not result in inductive coupling and heating with the susceptor; instead, the heating effect of the direct current is limited to resistive heating of the inductor coil.

[0014] The controller is preferably configured to modulate the power circuit so that (ii) an alternating current or voltage is applied to the inductor coil as a second power waveform at a frequency that promotes inductive coupling with the susceptor. If the frequency of the applied alternating current or voltage promotes inductive coupling with the susceptor, it will be understood that most of (e.g., at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) or all of the dissipated energy in the alternating current or voltage is transferred to the susceptor via the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, resulting in heating of the susceptor rather than heating of the inductor coil. Heating of the susceptor may result in one or both of eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses.

[0015] The controller is preferably configured to control the application of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coils by modulating the power circuit to operate the heating assembly in each of the first and second heating modes. For the first heating mode, the temperature inside the heating zone heated by the heating assembly is below the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming substrate. For the second heating mode, the temperature inside the heating zone heated by the heating assembly is above the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature. The first heating mode may be referred to as the maintenance heating mode. The second heating mode may be referred to as the boost heating mode or aerosol generation mode.

[0016] Advantageously, the controller is configured to control the application of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil by modulating the power circuit to adjust the ratio of power dissipated by resistive heating of the inductor coil to power dissipated by heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, from a first ratio for the first heating mode to a second ratio for the second heating mode. In this way, heat can be supplied to the aerosol-forming substrate according to the following heating regimes: a) alone or primarily through resistive heating of the inductor coil, b) alone or primarily through heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, and 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. Adjusting the balance between the heat generated through resistive heating of the inductor coil and the heat generated through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor can promote more uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate over usage sessions and provide improved depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0017] Advantageously, the controller may be configured to control the application of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil by modulating the power circuit to operate the heating assembly in a third heating mode, in which the heating assembly generates heat through a combination of resistive heating of the inductor coil and inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor. In this third heating mode, the cumulative energy dissipated by the heating assembly may be greater than that in either the first or second heating mode. This third heating mode may also be used to start the aerosol generator to quickly heat an aerosol-forming substrate that the user is ready to apply the first fume extractor to, and the third heating mode may form a preliminary heating mode that is started before either the first or second heating mode.

[0018] The transition between the first heating mode and the second heating mode, or between any of the first, second, and third heating modes, can be achieved in a variety of different ways, as described in the following paragraphs.

[0019] The controller may be configured to apply or adjust the frequency of an AC current or voltage to the inductor coil when switching between a first heating mode and a second heating mode, such that the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor changes. The frequency-dependent AC current or voltage may form one or both of the first power waveform and the second power waveform. By changing the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, the balance between the heat generated by the susceptor through the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the heat generated through the resistive heating of the inductor coil may be adjusted.

[0020] The controller may be configured to adjust the amplitude of the AC current or voltage to the inductor coil when switching between the first and second heating modes such that the amplitude differs for the second heating mode compared to the first heating mode. The AC current or voltage whose amplitude is relevant may form one or both of the waveforms of the first and second powers. By increasing or decreasing the amplitude of the AC current or voltage, more or less power may be supplied to the inductor coil. If the frequency of the AC current or voltage applied to the inductor coil remains unchanged between the first and second heating modes, the effect of increasing the amplitude is to increase the level of heating of the inductor coil and / or susceptor rather than changing the balance of heat generated by the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor and the heat generated through the resistive heating of the inductor. Changing the amplitude of the AC current or voltage applied to the inductor coil while keeping all other parameters of the AC current or voltage unchanged functions like gain control.

[0021] The controller may be configured to adjust the amplitude of a DC or voltage relative to the inductor coil when switching between the first and second heating modes such that the amplitude differs for the second heating mode compared to the first heating mode. The DC or voltage whose amplitude is associated may form one or both of the waveforms of the first and second powers. By changing the amplitude of the DC or voltage, the level of resistive heating of the inductor coil changes between the first and second heating modes. Changing the amplitude of the DC or voltage while keeping all other parameters of the DC or voltage unchanged functions like gain control.

[0022] The controller may be configured to simultaneously apply both an alternating current or voltage and a direct current or voltage to the inductor coil for one or both of the first and second heating modes. The alternating current or voltage may form one of the first power waveform and the second power waveform, and the direct current or voltage may form the other of the first power waveform and the second power waveform.

[0023] The controller may be configured to simultaneously apply both a first AC current or voltage as a first power waveform and a second AC current or voltage as a second power waveform to the inductor coil for one or both of the first and second heating modes. One of the first AC current or voltage and the second AC current or voltage may provide greater inductive coupling than the other of the first AC current or voltage and the second AC current or voltage. In this way, the first power waveform and the second power waveform may provide different levels of heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor.

[0024] The controller may be configured to apply only AC current or voltage to the inductor coil as one of the first waveform and the second waveform for one of the first heating mode and the second heating mode. The controller may also be configured to apply only DC current or voltage to the inductor coil as the other of the first waveform and the second waveform for the other of the first heating mode and the second heating mode.

[0025] The controller may be configured to modulate the power circuit to apply an alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil for both the first and second heating modes. The controller may also be configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the inductor coil when switching between the first and second heating modes so that the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor changes. The alternating current or voltage may form one or both of the waveforms of the first and second power.

[0026] Advantageously, if the controller is configured to modulate the power circuit to apply an AC current or voltage to the inductor coil for both the first and second heating modes, the controller may be configured to adjust the frequency of the AC current or voltage to the inductor coil when switching between the first and second heating modes to increase the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor. In this way, the level of heating provided by the susceptor can be increased.

[0027] If the controller is configured to modulate the power circuit to apply an alternating current or voltage to an inductor coil for both a first heating mode and a second heating mode, the controller may be configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the inductor coil from a first value or range of values ​​for the first heating mode to a second value or range of values ​​for the second heating mode. The second frequency value or range of values ​​may be closer to the resonant frequency of the heating assembly than the first frequency value or range of values. In this way, the level of heating provided by the susceptor may be increased for the second heating mode than for the first heating mode. The resonant frequency can be determined according to the following equation:

number

[0028] If the controller is configured to modulate the power circuit to apply an alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil for both the first heating mode and the second heating mode, the controller may also be configured to apply only an alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil for the first heating mode. The alternating current or voltage may form one or both of the waveforms of the first power and the second power.

[0029] If the controller is configured to modulate the power circuit to apply alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil for both the first and second heating modes, the controller may also be configured to apply direct current or voltage to the inductor coil in addition to the alternating current for one or both of the first and second heating modes. The direct current or voltage may form one or both of the waveforms for the first power and the second power. The controller may be configured to temporarily suspend the application of direct current or voltage to the inductor coil when switching to the second heating mode.

[0030] The controller may be configured to modulate the power circuit to apply DC or voltage to the inductor coil for a first heating mode, and to introduce AC current or voltage to the inductor coil when switching to a second heating mode. The frequency of the AC current or voltage may be controlled so that all or most of the thermal power dissipated by the heating assembly in response to the supply of AC current or voltage results from the heating of the susceptor rather than the heating of the inductor coil. The DC or voltage may form one of the waveforms of the first power and the second power, and the AC current or voltage may form the other of the waveforms of the first power and the second power. The controller may be configured to temporarily suspend the application of DC or voltage to the inductor coil when switching to the second heating mode. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to maintain the application of DC or voltage to the inductor coil across both the first and second heating modes.

[0031] The controller may be configured to modulate the power circuit to apply to the inductor coil one of a first AC current or voltage and a second DC current or voltage for a first heating mode, and to apply to the inductor coil a superimposed first AC current or voltage and a second DC current or voltage for a second heating mode. The first AC current or voltage may form one of the first power waveform and the second power waveform, and the second AC current or voltage may form the other of the first power waveform and the second power waveform.

[0032] The controller may be configured to modulate the power circuit to apply to the inductor coil one of a first DC or voltage and a second DC or voltage for a first heating mode, and to apply to the inductor coil a superimposed first DC or voltage and a second DC or voltage for a second heating mode. The first DC or voltage may form one of the waveforms of the first power and the second power, and the second DC or voltage may form the other of the waveforms of the first power and the second power.

[0033] Switching between the first and second heating modes, or applying one of the first and second power waveforms to a different inductor coil, may be triggered in a variety of different ways. The trigger may be the controller receiving a signal indicating that smoke extraction is being applied to an aerosol-forming substrate, or an aerosol-generating article on which the substrate forms part. Detection of smoke extraction application (or cessation) may be achieved by using an airflow sensor, pressure sensor, or temperature sensor as part of the aerosol generator. The heating assembly, either by itself or in combination with a susceptor, may function as a means for determining temperature, or for detecting or determining changes in temperature. Alternatively, the trigger may be the user manually pressing a button or engaging with some other user interface, such as a touch-sensitive interface of the aerosol generator, which is connected to the controller.

[0034] The controller is preferably configured to switch between a first heating mode and a second heating mode in response to the reception of a signal indicating applied smoke absorption. In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to apply one of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil in the first heating mode before (or in the absence of) the signal indicating applied smoke absorption, and to switch to apply the other of the first and second waveforms in the second heating mode in response to the reception of the signal indicating applied smoke absorption. In another embodiment, the controller may be configured to apply one of the first power waveforms and second power waveforms to the inductor coil in the first heating mode before (or in the absence of) the signal indicating applied smoke absorption, and to switch to apply both of the first and second power waveforms in the second heating mode in response to the reception of the signal indicating applied smoke absorption.

[0035] The controller may be configured to reduce or stop resistive heating by the inductor coil, and to increase or activate susceptor heating through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, in response to receiving a signal indicating applied smoke absorption.

[0036] The controller may be configured to determine the start and end points of the applied smoke extraction and to maintain the heating assembly in the second heating mode for the duration of the applied smoke extraction. The controller may also be configured to switch back from the second heating mode to the first heating mode upon determination of the end point of the applied smoke extraction. Detection of the start and end points of the applied smoke extraction may be achieved by using a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor as part of the aerosol generator. The heating assembly may function, either by itself or in combination with a susceptor, as a means for determining temperature or for detecting or determining changes in temperature.

[0037] To facilitate the detection of smoke inhalation (and / or the start and end points of smoke inhalation), the aerosol generator may include one or more features described in PCT Patent Applications Publications WO2020 / 216765, WO2022 / 184776, WO2022 / 003072, WO2013 / 098397, and WO2004 / 043175, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. More specifically, PCT Patent Application Publication WO2020 / 216765 relates to detecting smoke inhalation using a temperature sensor to detect temperature changes in the airflow within a receiving cavity of an aerosol generator, indicating that a user is inhaling smoke; PCT Patent Application Publication WO2022 / 184776 relates to detecting smoke inhalation using a heat transfer element and a temperature sensor in contact with the heat transfer element; PCT Patent Application Publication WO2022 / 003072 and WO2013 / 098397 relate to detecting smoke inhalation based on monitoring changes in the power supplied to a heating element used for aerosol generation; and PCT Patent Application Publication WO2004 / 043175 relates to smoke inhalation detection using a manifold.

[0038] The controller is preferably configured to control the supply of electrical energy to the inductor coil so that the temperature of the inductor coil is maintained at a target temperature or conforms to a target temperature profile. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller may be configured to control the supply of electrical energy to the inductor coil so that the temperature of the susceptor is maintained at a target temperature or conforms to a target temperature profile. The target temperature or target temperature profile may be stored in a memory module that is communicably coupled to or integrated with the controller. The target temperature profile may include a first target temperature profile corresponding to the absence of fume extraction and a second target temperature profile corresponding to the application of fume extraction. The first target temperature profile may be associated with a second target temperature associated with a first heating mode and a second heating mode.

[0039] The aerosol generator preferably includes a susceptor. The aerosol generator may include a chamber, the inductor coil surrounding or at least partially defining the peripheral wall of the chamber, and the susceptor disposed within the chamber. The chamber may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate such that the susceptor extends into the aerosol-generating article. The susceptor may extend from the base of the chamber along the longitudinal axis of the chamber. The susceptor may be formed as a pin or a blade. Extending the susceptor into the aerosol-generating substrate facilitates heating of the aerosol-forming substrate during use of the aerosol generator with a level of internal heating corresponding to the degree of inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor. In contrast, the inductor coil allows for external heating of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The inductor coil may be disposed in surface contact with the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, thereby facilitating heat conduction from the inductor coil to the aerosol-generating article.

[0040] As an alternative to a susceptor forming part of an aerosol generator, the susceptor may instead form part of an aerosol generating article, for example, a removable and disposable aerosol generating article. More specifically, an aerosol generating system may be provided comprising an aerosol generator, the aerosol generating system further comprising an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor. The susceptor may be encapsulated within the aerosol-forming substrate or at least partially embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator may include a chamber, the inductor coil surrounding or at least partially defining the peripheral wall of the chamber. The chamber may be configured to receive an aerosol-forming article such that the susceptor is positioned at least partially within the inductor coil. Encapsulating the susceptor with the aerosol-forming substrate or at least partially embedding it within the aerosol-forming substrate facilitates internal heating of the aerosol-forming substrate during use of the aerosol generator, using a level of internal heating corresponding to the degree of inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor. In contrast, the inductor coil allows for external heating of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The inductor coil may be disposed in surface contact with the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, thereby facilitating heat conduction from the inductor coil to the aerosol-generating article.

[0041] The inductor coil may be suspended inside the chamber of the aerosol generator. This reduces heat loss from the inductor coil to the housing of the aerosol generator that defines the chamber, thereby improving the thermal 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.

[0042] The inductor coil may include a flat spiral inductor coil. The inductor coil may have a tubular or helical shape. It is preferable that the inductor coil be both tubular and helical. Tubular and helical coils preferably have a non-circular cross-section when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coil's long axis, i.e., perpendicular to the magnetic center axis of the coil. When the inductor coil is intended to be in surface contact with the outer surface of an 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.

[0043] An inductor coil may be formed from a coiled wire. The coiled wire may include 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.

[0044] The inductor coil may contain gold. The metal may include copper or stainless steel.

[0045] The power circuit preferably includes or is coupled to one or more power sources. One or more power sources may include one or more of the first and second current sources, first and second voltage sources, and single voltage sources described above. The power source may include a DC power source. The DC power source may be a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery. The power circuit may also include a DC / AC converter that is coupled to or can be coupled to a DC power source. It is also possible to have a DC / DC converter between the power source and the DC / AC converter in order to provide at least one of galvanic isolation between the power circuit and the power source, and to apply a different DC voltage level to the DC / AC converter compared to the output voltage of the power source.

[0046] The power circuit is preferably configured to operate at high frequencies. The power circuit may include a DC / AC converter connected to a first DC power supply, the DC / AC converter including a first transistor switch and a Class E power amplifier including an LC load network. The LC load network may include a shunt capacitor and a series connection of a capacitor and an inductor coil. The power circuit may also include a choke inductor between the first DC power supply and the capacitor.

[0047] The power circuit preferably includes a second DC power supply for supplying DC current to the inductor coil, connected to an LC load network at a position between the capacitor and the inductor coil. The second DC power supply may be the same power source as the first DC power supply, for example, the same battery. The power 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 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.

[0048] The power circuit may include a second capacitor, which is connected in parallel with the inductor coil. This allows f susceptor and f inductor coil The difference between them may decrease.

[0049] 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).

[0050] Class E power amplifiers are generally known and are described in detail, for example, in the article “Class-E RF Power Amplifiers,” Nathan O. Sokal, published in the bimonthly magazine QEX, edition January / February 2001, pages 9-20, of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Newington, CT, USA. Class E power amplifiers have advantages in terms of high-frequency operation and also have a simple circuit structure with a minimum number of components (for example, requiring only one transistor switch, which is advantageous over a Class D power amplifier that includes two transistor switches that must be controlled at high frequencies so that one of the two transistors is reliably turned off when the other of the two transistors is on). Furthermore, it is known that power losses in the switching transistors during switching transitions are 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] The LC load network of a Class E power amplifier is preferably configured to operate with a low-ohm load. The term “low-ohm load” is understood to mean an ohm load of less than about 2 ohms. The LC load network may include a shunt capacitor and a series connection of the capacitor with an inductor having an ohm resistance. This ohm resistance of the inductor is generally a fraction of an ohm. In operation, the ohm resistance of the susceptor is added to the ohm resistance of the inductor coil and should be higher than the ohm resistance of the inductor coil, because the supplied power should be converted into heat as widely as possible within the susceptor so that as much heat as possible can 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.

[0053] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol method for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol therefrom. The method may include providing a heating assembly comprising an inductor coil and a susceptor, wherein the inductor coil is located outside the aerosol-forming substrate, and the susceptor is enclosed within the aerosol-forming substrate and located at least partially within the inductor coil. The method may further include providing a power circuit configured to generate a first power waveform and a second power waveform that are independently controllable from each other. The method may further include independently controlling the application of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil separately or simultaneously to generate heat through one or a combination of i) resistive heating by the inductor coil for external heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, and ii) heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor for internal heating of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0054] (i) Resistive heating by the inductor coil preferably involves applying one or more of the following: a) an alternating current or voltage as a waveform of primary power to the inductor coil at a frequency that inhibits inductive coupling with the susceptor, and b) a direct current or voltage as a waveform of primary power to the inductor coil. As discussed in the preceding paragraph, the application of an alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil is likely to result in some level of inductive coupling with the susceptor, although the level of inductive coupling varies depending on the frequency of the applied alternating current or voltage. If the frequency of the applied alternating current or voltage inhibits inductive coupling with the susceptor, it will be understood that most of the energy in the alternating current or voltage (e.g., at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) or all of it remains in the inductor coil, resulting in resistive heating of the inductor coil rather than heating of the susceptor. The application of direct current to the inductor coil does not generate an alternating magnetic field and therefore does not result in inductive coupling and heating with the susceptor; instead, the heating effect of the direct current is limited to resistive heating of the inductor coil.

[0055] (ii) Heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling with the susceptor may involve applying an alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil as a second waveform of power at a frequency that promotes inductive coupling with the susceptor. As described in the preceding paragraph, if the frequency of the applied alternating current or voltage promotes inductive coupling with the susceptor, it will be understood that most of the energy in the alternating current or voltage (e.g., at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) or all of it will be transferred to the susceptor through the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, resulting in heating of the susceptor in preference to heating of the inductor coil. Heating of the susceptor may result in one or both of eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses.

[0056] The method may include controlling the application of a first waveform and a second waveform to an inductor coil to operate the heating assembly in a first heating mode and a second heating mode, respectively. In the first heating mode, the temperature inside the heating zone heated by the heating assembly is below the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming substrate. In the second heating mode, the temperature inside the heating zone heated by the heating assembly is above the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature.

[0057] The method may include controlling the application of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil to adjust the ratio of the power dissipated by resistive heating of the inductor coil to the power dissipated by heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, from a first ratio for the first heating mode to a second ratio for the second heating mode. As described in the preceding paragraph, the first heating mode may be referred to as the maintenance heating mode, and the second heating mode may be referred to as the boost heating mode or the aerosol generation mode.

[0058] The method may include applying or adjusting the frequency of an alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil when switching between a first heating mode and a second heating mode, so as to change the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor.

[0059] The method may include adjusting the amplitude of the alternating current or voltage with respect to the inductor coil when switching between the first heating mode and the second heating mode such that the amplitude differs for the second heating mode compared to the first heating mode.

[0060] The method may include adjusting the amplitude of a DC or voltage relative to an inductor coil when switching between a first heating mode and a second heating mode, such that the amplitude differs for the second heating mode compared to the first heating mode.

[0061] The method may include simultaneously applying alternating current or voltage, and both direct current or voltage, to an inductor coil for one or both of the first heating mode and the second heating mode.

[0062] The method may include simultaneously applying a first AC current or voltage as a first power waveform and a second AC current or voltage as a second power waveform to an inductor coil for one or both of a first heating mode and a second heating mode. One of the first AC current or voltage and the second AC current or voltage may provide greater inductive coupling than the other of the first AC current or voltage and the second AC current or voltage. In this way, the first power waveform and the second power waveform may provide different levels of heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor.

[0063] The method may include applying only an alternating current or voltage as one of the first waveform and the second waveform to one of the first heating mode and the second heating mode, and applying only a direct current or voltage as the other of the first waveform and the second waveform to the inductor coil for the other of the first heating mode and the second heating mode.

[0064] The method may include applying an alternating current or voltage to an inductor coil for both a first heating mode and a second heating mode, and adjusting the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the inductor coil when switching between the first heating mode and the second heating mode to change the inductive coupling of the inductor coil with the susceptor.

[0065] When an alternating current or voltage is applied to the induction coil for both the first heating mode and the second heating mode, the method may include adjusting the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the induction coil when switching between the first heating mode and the second heating mode so as to increase the inductive coupling between the induction coil and the susceptor. In this way, the level of heating provided by the susceptor may increase.

[0066] When an alternating current or voltage is applied to the induction coil for both the first heating mode and the second heating mode, the method may include adjusting the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the induction coil from a value or range of values of the first heating mode to a value or range of values of the second heating mode. The second frequency value or range of values may be closer to the resonant frequency of the heating assembly than the first frequency value or range of values. In this way, the level of heating provided by the susceptor may be increased for the second heating mode rather than for the first heating mode. The resonant frequency may be determined according to the following equation:

Number

[0067] When an alternating current or voltage is applied to the induction coil for both the first heating mode and the second heating mode, the method may include applying only the alternating current or voltage to the induction coil for the first heating mode.

[0068] If alternating current or voltage is applied to the inductor coil for both the first and second heating modes, the method may include applying direct current or voltage to the inductor coil in addition to the alternating current for one or both of the first and second heating modes. The method may include temporarily suspending the application of direct current or voltage to the inductor coil when switching to the second heating mode.

[0069] The method may further include applying a DC or voltage to the inductor coil for the first heating mode. When switching to the second heating mode, an AC current or voltage may be introduced to the inductor coil, and the frequency of the AC current or voltage is controlled so that all, most, or substantially part of the thermal power dissipated by the heating assembly in response to the supply of the AC current or voltage results from heating the susceptor rather than heating the inductor coil. The method may include suspending the application of DC or voltage to the inductor coil when switching to the second heating mode. Alternatively, the method may include maintaining the application of DC or voltage to the inductor coil over both the first and second heating modes.

[0070] The method may include applying a first alternating current or voltage and a second direct current or voltage to an inductor coil for a first heating mode, and applying a first alternating current or voltage and a second direct current or voltage superimposed on each other to the inductor coil for a second heating mode.

[0071] The method may include, for a first heating mode, applying one of a first DC or voltage and a second DC or voltage to an inductor coil, and for a second heating mode, applying the first DC or voltage and the second DC or voltage superimposed on each other to the inductor coil.

[0072] The method may include switching between applying a different waveform of a first power and a second power to an inductor coil in response to receiving a signal indicating that smoke extraction has been applied.

[0073] The method may include switching between a first heating mode and a second heating mode in response to the reception of a signal indicating that smoke extraction has been applied.

[0074] The method may include reducing or stopping resistive heating by the inductor coil in response to receiving a signal indicating applied smoke absorption, and increasing or initiating heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor.

[0075] The method may include determining the start and end points of the applied smoke extraction, and maintaining the heating assembly in a second heating mode for the duration of the applied smoke extraction. The method may further include switching back from the second heating mode to the first heating mode upon determining the end point of the applied smoke extraction.

[0076] The method may include controlling the supply of electrical energy from the power circuit to the inductor coil so that the temperature of the inductor coil is maintained at a target temperature or conforms to a target temperature profile. Alternatively, or additionally, the method may include controlling the supply of electrical energy from the power circuit to the inductor coil so that the temperature of the susceptor is maintained at a target temperature or conforms to a target temperature profile.

[0077] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating system” is used to describe a set of elements configured to provide interaction with an aerosol-forming substrate for generating aerosols.

[0078] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 volatile flavor compounds or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] The terms "Joule heating," "resistance heating," and "resistance heating" are used interchangeably throughout this text and should be understood as synonyms for each other.

[0095] As used herein, the term "inhalation" means the act of a user inhaling an aerosol into their body through their mouth or nose.

[0096] As used herein, when referring to an aerosol generator, the terms “upstream” and “forward,” as well as “downstream” and “backward,” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generator with respect to the direction through which air flows during use of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator according to the present invention has a proximal end through which aerosols exit the device during 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.

[0097] As used herein, when referring to an aerosol-generating article, the terms “upstream” and “front,” and “downstream” and “rear” are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components 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 an aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the mouth end or the downstream end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of an aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of components of an 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 of an aerosol-generating article is the part closest to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The rear of a component or part of a component of an aerosol-generating article is the part closest to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. [Examples]

[0098] 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 other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0099] Example 1: Aerosol generator, Controller and A power circuit configured to generate a first power waveform and a second power waveform that can be controlled independently of each other, A heating assembly for heating a removable aerosol-forming substrate for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, comprising a heating assembly including an inductor coil, wherein the heating assembly includes a heating assembly including an inductor coil. The controller independently controls the application of the first waveform and the second waveform to the inductor coil, either separately or simultaneously. i) Resistive heating by an inductor coil for externally heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and ii) an aerosol generator configured to generate heat by either or a combination of the following: heating of a susceptor through inductive coupling between an inductor coil and a susceptor, for internally heating an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 2: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 1, wherein the power circuit includes a first current source and a second current source, the first current source and the second current source being connected to an inductor coil to apply two superimposed currents to the inductor coil as a first waveform and a second waveform, respectively. Example 3: An aerosol generator according to either Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the power circuit includes a first voltage source and a second voltage source, and the first voltage source and the second voltage source are connected in series with each other to apply two superimposed voltages to an inductor coil as a first waveform and a second waveform, respectively. Example 4: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the power circuit includes a single voltage source or a single current source that can be controlled to provide both a first power waveform and a second power waveform for application to an inductor coil. Example 5: The controller (i) resistance heating, a) AC current or voltage as the waveform of the first power to the inductor coil at a frequency to inhibit inductive coupling with the susceptor, and b) An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, configured to be carried out by applying one or more of DC or voltage as a first power waveform to an inductor coil. Example 6: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the controller is configured such that (ii) heating of the susceptor is carried out by applying an alternating current or voltage to an inductor coil as a second power waveform at a frequency that promotes inductive coupling with the susceptor. Example 7: The controller controls the application of the first and second waveforms to the inductor coil to heat the assembly. In the first heating mode, the temperature inside the heating zone heated by the heating assembly is below the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming substrate, and The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, configured to operate in each of the second heating modes, wherein the temperature inside the heating zone heated by the heating assembly is above the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature. Example 8: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 7, wherein the controller is configured to control the application of a first waveform and a second waveform to an inductor coil to adjust the ratio of power dissipated by resistive heating of the inductor coil to power dissipated by heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor from a first ratio for the first heating mode to a second ratio for the second heating mode. Example 9: The aerosol generator according to either Embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the controller is configured to apply or adjust the frequency of an alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil when switching between a first heating mode and a second heating mode to change the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor. Example 10: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 7 to 9, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the amplitude of an alternating current or voltage to an inductor coil when switching between a first heating mode and a second heating mode such that the amplitude is different for the second heating mode compared to the first heating mode. Example 11: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 7 to 10, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the amplitude of a DC or voltage relative to an inductor coil when switching between a first heating mode and a second heating mode such that the amplitude is different for the second heating mode compared to the first heating mode. Example 12: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 7 to 11, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously apply alternating current or voltage and both direct current or voltage to the inductor coil for one or both of the first heating mode and the second heating mode. Example 13: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 7 to 12, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously apply to an inductor coil both a first AC current or voltage as a first power waveform and a second AC current or voltage as a second power waveform for one or both of a first heating mode and a second heating mode, and one of the first AC current or voltage and the second AC current or voltage provides a greater degree of inductive coupling than the other of the first AC current or voltage and the second AC current or voltage. Example 14: The controller For one of the first heating mode and the second heating mode, only an alternating current or voltage is applied to the inductor coil as one of the first waveform and the second waveform. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 7 to 12, configured to apply only DC or voltage to the inductor coil as the other of the first and second waveforms for the other of the first and second heating modes. Example 15: The controller For both the first and second heating modes, an alternating current or voltage is applied to the inductor coil. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 7 to 13, configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the inductor coil when switching between a first heating mode and a second heating mode to change the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor. Example 16: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 15, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the inductor coil when switching between a first heating mode and a second heating mode to increase the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor. Example 17: The aerosol generator according to either Example 15 or 16, wherein the controller adjusts the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the inductor coil from a value or range of values ​​for a first heating mode to a value or range of values ​​for a second heating mode, and the second frequency value or range of values ​​is closer to the resonant frequency of the heated assembly than the first frequency value or range of values. Example 18: The resonant frequency is determined according to the following equation:

number

number

[0100] The present invention will be further described, for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0101] [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 power 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 power circuit of the aerosol generator described in relation to Figures 1 to 5. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A shows the arrangement of a first voltage source and a second voltage source, which are configured to apply the superimposed first and second voltage waveforms to the inductor coil of the induction heating configuration. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B shows the configuration of a single voltage source configured to apply the superimposed first and second voltage waveforms to the inductor coil of the induction heating configuration. [Figure 11] Figure 11 illustrates the alternative application of AC and DC current waveforms to the inductor coil for induction heating arrangements during continuous operation. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates the alternative application and removal of AC current waveforms to the inductor coil of the induction heating arrangement during the continuous phase of operation, and the continuous application of DC current waveforms throughout the continuous phase. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates the application of the AC current waveform to the inductor coil of an induction heating arrangement over continuous stages of operation, including changes in the frequency of the AC current waveform and the introduction of DC current waveforms that occur during switching between stages. [Figure 14] Figure 14 illustrates the application of the first AC current waveform to the inductor coil of the induction heating arrangement throughout the continuous stages of operation, and the introduction of the second AC current waveform during the switching between stages. [Figure 15] Figure 15 illustrates the application of the first AC current waveform to the inductor coil of an induction heating arrangement throughout the continuous stages of operation, and the introduction of the second AC current waveform and the first DC current waveform during switching between stages. [Figure 16] Figure 16 illustrates the application of the first AC current waveform and the first DC current waveform to the inductor coil of the induction heating arrangement throughout the continuous stages of operation, and the introduction of the second AC current waveform during the switching between stages. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0102] Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol generator 10 according to a first embodiment. The aerosol generator 10 comprises a housing 12 that defines a chamber 16 for receiving a portion of an aerosol generating article. The chamber 16 includes an open end 18 through which the aerosol generating article can 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.

[0103] The aerosol generator 10 also includes an inductor coil 24 with a plurality of windings 26 arranged 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.

[0104] The inductor coil 24 includes 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.

[0105] 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. By separating the winding 26 of the inductor coil 24 from the cylindrical wall 22 of the chamber 16, an annular gap 34 is defined 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.

[0106] To facilitate the insertion of the 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.

[0107] The housing 12 also defines a number of projections 38 extending into the chamber 16 from the closed end 20 of the chamber 16. As will be further described below, the number of projections 38 functions 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 that are 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 vary.

[0108] 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 to generate an alternating magnetic field. The control circuit 40 may also be configured to supply direct current from the power supply 42 to the inductor coil 24.

[0109] For example, the control circuit 40 may include a controller that can generate a first waveform and a second waveform by generating a modulated signal to control the power circuit, for example, a controller that can generate a modulated signal to control the power circuit. As an example, the controller may be configured to generate two different pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals for a desired voltage / current waveform, and these signals are applied to one or more power converters, for example, two DC / AC voltage converters arranged in series, each receiving one of the two modulated signals. The modulated signals can also be superimposed to supply either a voltage or current to a single DC / AC voltage or current converter to generate a superimposed power signal. Naturally, the power circuit may have a combination of voltage converters and current converters.

[0110] 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.

[0111] The aerosol generating article 102 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 104 in the form of a cigarette plug, a first hollow acetate tube (HAT) 106, a second hollow acetate tube (HAT) 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, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate 104 and generating 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. If the control circuit 40 is also configured to supply direct current from the power supply 42 to the inductor coil 24, the direct current will result in resistive heating of the inductor coil 24.

[0112] The airflow through the aerosol generating system 100 during use is illustrated by the dashed line 116 in Figure 3 in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment. When a user inhales the mouthpiece 110 of the aerosol generating article 102, negative pressure is generated in the chamber 16. The 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 an 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The aerosol generator 150 differs from the aerosol generator 10 by 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] The aerosol generating system 170 differs from the aerosol generating system 100 in that it lacks a susceptor element as part of 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.

[0117] After 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.

[0118] Figure 6 illustrates three possible alternative coil structures for the devices shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0119] The first coil structure is marked as coil structure A. Coil structure A includes a sleeve 400. The helical coil section 410 is formed by removing material from the sleeve 400.

[0120] An 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 can 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.

[0121] A second coil structure, marked as coil structure B, includes a sleeve 500 similar to coil structure A, which includes a helical coil section 510 obtained by material removal. The sleeve 500 includes a downstream extension 550 used to connect the sleeve to the housing 12 of the chamber 16 of the aerosol generator. The extension 550 includes a through-hole 520 to allow airflow into the aerosol generating article through the sleeve.

[0122] The third coil structure, coil structure C, includes a sleeve 600 having a helical coil section 610 and a downstream extension region 650, which includes 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.

[0123] 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 to provide external heating from the resistive 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 arranged such 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 heat transfer from the thermal bridging element 228 to the aerosol generating article.

[0126] The inductor coil 224 includes multiple windings extending around the outer surface of the thermal bridging element 228. The inductor coil 224 is positioned so 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.

[0127] Next, the control of the devices described in Figures 1 to 7 will be explained in detail.

[0128] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of components and circuits for generating alternating current and supplying it to the inductor coil of the aerosol generator, such as the inductor coil 24 of the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in Figures 1 and 4. The DC power supply 310 is connected to the 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 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 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 provide 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.

[0129] 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).

[0130] The controller 330 is configured to provide one or more modulated signals to control the output voltage and / or current of the DC / AC converter 340, for example, by pulse width modulation (PWM), step modulation, or other types of modulation.

[0131] Figure 9A schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a power circuit used to supply power energy to an inductor coil 240. The power circuit includes a DC / AC converter 340. 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 (MOSFET), 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. In addition, a DC power supply 11 including a choke inductor L1 supplies the DC current I drawn 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, which 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.

[0132] 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. The choke inductor L1 controls the DC source V DC This prevents the flow of AC current through it.

[0133] 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.

[0134] Therefore, the circuit in Figure 9A, at a given time, has an AC current I AC The waveform or DC current I formed by DC This makes it possible to supply one of two different power waveforms of any of the waveforms formed by to the inductor coil L2, AC and I DC We do not supply both at the same time.

[0135] Figure 9B schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the power circuit used to supply electrical energy to the inductor coil 240. The power 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.

[0136] DC power is supplied to the inductor coil L2. More specifically, DC power supply DC S The inductor coil L2 is connected through the transistor switch 1326. The choke inductor L3 is connected to the DC power supply DC S It is located downstream.

[0137] 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 power supply 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.

[0138] The choke inductor L3 controls the AC current I AC DC power source DC S This prevents current from flowing through it. For this purpose, advantageously, the inductance of L3 is significantly higher than the inductance of inductor coil L2.

[0139] The circuit in Figure 9B shows a) AC current I flowing through capacitor C2, inductor coil L2, and capacitor C1. AC (V DC (generated from), as well as b) DC I through inductor L3 and inductor coil L2 DC2 Enables simultaneous or continuous flow of DC I DC2 Due to the presence of capacitor C2, it does not reach the choke inductor L1, and this is I DC2 It is seen as an open circuit by AC current I AC and DC I DC2 This forms waveforms of different powers that can be supplied simultaneously or continuously to the inductor coil L2.

[0140] The circuit can also operate without the choke inductor L3, as long as the circuit is configured to operate continuously with AC and DC currents (in particular, AC and DC are not started simultaneously).

[0141] 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, as shown in Figure 9B, it may be advantageous to add a capacitor C3 in parallel with the inductor coil L2. 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 sceptor From frequency f inductor coil Switching to this can significantly improve the process of changing the aerosol-forming substrate from internal heating to external heating as a result of the AC current, because the difference between the two frequency values ​​can be significantly reduced. In this way, the control can be performed more smoothly. Without capacitor C3, the two frequency values ​​(f susceptor ,f inductor coil These elements may be far apart from each other, which can cause the system to respond slowly.

[0142] Although the DC / AC converter 340 is illustrated 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.

[0143] 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 load matching, although the matching network 350 is not mandatory. The matching circuit 350 may comprise a small matching transformer. The matching network 350 can improve power transfer efficiency between the DC / AC converter 340 and the inductor coil 240.

[0144] 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, a high-frequency alternating current I may be supplied to the inductor coil 24. AC This causes the inductor coil to generate a high-frequency alternating magnetic field within the chamber 16 of the aerosol generators 10 and 150. High-frequency alternating current I AC The resulting alternating magnetic field preferably has a frequency sufficient to facilitate inductive coupling between the inductor coil 24 and the susceptor elements 114, 164. 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, or at least partially within 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 heating of the susceptor elements. For example, eddy currents are generated within the susceptor elements 114, 164 that are consequently heated. Further heating may be provided by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor elements 114, 164.

[0145] Similarly, the inductor coil 24 itself receives a DC current I DC2 AC current I having a frequency that inhibits the coupling between the inductor coil 24 and the susceptor elements 114, 164 (and / or inhibits the coupling between the inductor coil 24 and the susceptor elements 114, 164) ACWhen resistively heated, the heat is transferred to the aerosol generating articles 102 and 172 located adjacent to the inductor coil 24.

[0146] In one heating mode, the heated susceptor elements 114, 164 and / or the heated inductor coil 24 have the ability to 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 inhaled by the user. However, in another heating mode, the heated susceptor elements 114, 164 and / or the heated inductor coil 24 have the ability to provide the aerosol-forming substrate 104 with a low level of heating below the temperature required to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0147] The controller 330 may be a microcontroller, preferably a programmable microcontroller. The controller 330 is programmed to provide one or more modulated signals 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. The controller 330 and / or the control circuit 40 may also be configured to detect the application of fumes to aerosol generating articles 102, 172 inserted into the aerosol generators 10, 150, for example, the aerosol generators 10, 150 may include an airflow sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor connected to the controller 330 or the control circuit 40.

[0148] The waveform of the power supplied to the inductor coil may be in a different form than that supplied by the power circuits in Figures 9A and 9B. As an example, Figure 10A shows the superimposed first waveforms V AC1 and the second voltage waveform V AC2 Figure 10B illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a first voltage source 41 and a second voltage source 42, which are arranged to apply voltage to an inductor coil L2. The superimposed first waveforms V AC1 and the second voltage waveform VAC2 An exemplary arrangement of a single voltage source 43, configured to apply voltage to an inductor coil L2, is shown.

[0149] Figure 11 illustrates an exemplary scheme for supplying power to inductor coils 24 and 240. In the scheme shown in Figure 11, the current is supplied in a continuous phase, with AC current I AC and DC current I DC It alternates between these two stages. The stage preferably forms part of the usage session of the aerosol generators 10 and 150 in the consumption of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 of the aerosol-generating articles 102 and 172. AC current I AC and DC current I DC This defines the waveforms of the first and second powers, respectively. The scheme in Figure 11 may be implemented using either the power circuit in Figure 9A or Figure 9B. AC current I AC is, frequency f susceptor Having a frequency in or close to it, and an AC current I AC This generates a changing magnetic field that best couples with susceptor elements 114 and 164. Frequency f susceptor AC current I in or near AC The occurrence is due to the AC current I passing through inductor coils 24 and 240. AC This allows for the transfer of almost all of the energy in the flow to the susceptor elements 114, 164, and as a result, the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is heated either alone or primarily internally by the heating of the susceptor elements over the first stage of operation (having a duration Δt1). DC current I DC Because the flow does not generate a changing magnetic field, DC current I DC The supply is the second stage of operation (duration Δ t2 The AC current I results in an aerosol-forming substrate 104 that is heated externally only by resistive heating of the inductor coils 24, 240 (which have the AC current I AC or DC current I DC It will be understood that the change in amplitude of AC current I will result in a corresponding change in the heating level produced by each current. AC However, f susceptorIf controlled to have a frequency even further away from, the AC current I AC This results in an increased heating level provided by the resistive heating of inductor coils 24, 240, while the heating provided by susceptor elements 114, 164 is less. AC current I AC is frequency f total When controlled to have a frequency in or close to it, the AC current I AC This results in a simultaneous combination of heating of the susceptor elements 114, 164 and resistive heating of the inductor coils 24, 240, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate 104 both internally and externally. In a preferred embodiment, a DC current I DC The application of the AC current I may correspond to the "maintenance" heating mode. AC The waveform application may correspond to the "boost" heating mode. Alternatively, DC current I DC The waveform is associated with the boost heating mode, and the AC current I AC This may be associated with a maintenance heating mode. The boost heating mode and the maintenance heating mode provide different levels of heating to the aerosol-forming substrate 104. In the maintenance heating mode, it is preferable that the aerosol-forming substrate 104 be maintained at a temperature below the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming substrate. In the boost heating mode, a higher level of heating is applied to the aerosol-forming substrate 104 compared to the maintenance heating mode, so as to raise the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature above the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature.

[0150] Figure 12 illustrates another exemplary scheme for supplying current to inductor coils 24 and 240. In the scheme shown in Figure 12, the AC current I AC The supply is switched on and off in a continuous phase, and the DC current I DCThe supply is maintained over successive stages. For the scheme of FIG. 11, the stages preferably form part of the usage session of aerosol generating devices 10, 150 in the consumption of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 of aerosol generating articles 102, 172. The AC current I AC and the DC current I DC define the waveform of the respective first power and the waveform of the second power. The scheme of FIG. 12 may be implemented using the power circuit of FIG. 9B. For the scheme of FIG. 12, the successive stages are i) the stage in which smoking is detected as being applied to the aerosol generating articles 102, 172, and ii) the stage in which smoking is not detected as being applied to the aerosol generating articles. When smoking is not detected as being applied to the aerosol generating articles 102, 172, only the DC current I DC is supplied to the inductor coils 24, 240. However, upon determination by the controller 330 that smoking is applied to the aerosol generating articles 102, 172, the AC current I AC is supplied to the inductor coils 24, 240 in addition to the DC current I DC over the duration of the applied smoking. The AC current I AC has a frequency f susceptor at or near which, and the AC current I AC generates a varying magnetic field that optimally couples with the susceptor elements 114, 164. As described above, the generation of the AC current I susceptor at or near the frequency f AC enables the transfer of substantially all of the energy in the flow of the AC current I AC through the inductor coils 24, 240 to the susceptor elements 114, 164, resulting in heating of the susceptor elements. In contrast, the flow of the DC current I DC through the inductor coils 24, 240 results in resistive heating of the inductor coils. Thus, when smoking is not detected as being applied to the aerosol generating articles 102, 172, the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is externally heated only by the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24, 240 (DC current I DC(Due to the flow). However, when the controller 330 detects the application of smoke extraction to the aerosol generating articles 102, 172, the aerosol forming substrate 104 internally (AC current I AC (Through heating of susceptor elements 114, 164 as a result) and externally (DC current I DC As a result, both inductor coils 24 and 240 are heated (through resistance heating). With respect to the scheme in Figure 11, the AC current I AC or DC current I DC It will be understood that the change in amplitude of f will result in a corresponding change in the heating level produced by each current. susceptor AC current I that moves away AC It will be understood that adjusting the frequency will reduce the heating level of the susceptors 114, 164, which is advantageous for increasing the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24, 240. In a preferred embodiment, the DC current I when fume extraction is not applied DC The application of only the AC current I over the duration of the applied smoke extraction may correspond to the "maintenance" heating mode. AC and DC current I DC The application of this combination may correspond to a "boost" heating mode. The boost heating mode and the maintenance heating mode provide different levels of heating to the aerosol-forming substrate 104. In the maintenance heating mode, it is preferable that the aerosol-forming substrate 104 be maintained at a temperature below the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming substrate. In the boost heating mode, a higher level of heating is applied to the aerosol-forming substrate 104 compared to the maintenance heating mode, so as to raise the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature above the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature.

[0151] Figure 13 illustrates another exemplary scheme for supplying current to inductor coils 24 and 240. In the scheme shown in Figure 13, the AC current I AC This is supplied to the inductor coils 24 and 240 in the first and second stages, and DC current I DCIt is supplied only in the second stage. In the schemes of Figures 11 and 12, the stages preferably form part of the usage session of the aerosol generators 10, 150 in the consumption of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 of the aerosol-generating articles 102, 172. AC current I AC and DC current I DC These define the waveforms of the first and second powers, respectively. The scheme in Figure 13 can be implemented using the power circuit in Figure 9B. As shown in Figure 13, the AC current I AC The frequency is adjusted to increase from the first-stage frequency f1 to the second-stage frequency f2. This adjustment of the frequency is achieved by increasing the frequency of the switching signal to the transistor switch 1326. Frequencies f1 and f2 provide different levels of inductive coupling between the inductor coils 24, 240 and the susceptor elements 114, 164. Frequency f1 is equal to frequency f inductor coil It is preferable to correspond to AC current I AC This provides little or no coupling with susceptor elements 114, 164, and AC current I AC This generates a fluctuating magnetic field that allows almost all of the energy to remain within the inductor coils 24, 240, resulting in resistive heating of the inductor coils. Frequency f2 is equal to frequency f susceptor It is preferable to correspond to AC current I AC is AC current I AC A changing magnetic field is generated that best couples with the susceptor elements 114, 164, allowing almost the entire energy to be transferred from the inductor coils 24, 240 to the susceptor elements, resulting in heating of the susceptor elements. As mentioned above, the DC current I through the inductor coils 24, 240 DC This flow leads to resistive heating of the inductor coil. Therefore, in the first stage of operation, the frequency f1 (=f inductor coil ) AC current I AC The supply of heat results in resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240, prioritizing the heating of the susceptor elements 114 and 164. However, in the second stage of operation, the frequency f2 (=f susceptor) AC current I AC The supply of this leads to heating of susceptors 114 and 164, and DC current I DC The supply of the fluid results in resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240. Therefore, in the first stage, the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is heated by the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240, either alone or mainly externally (frequency f1 (=f inductor coil ) AC current I AC As a result, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated, and in the second stage, the aerosol-forming substrate is internally heated at a frequency f2 (=f susceptor ) AC current I AC (Through heating of the susceptor element as a result) and externally (current I DC The result is that both inductor coils 24 and 240 are heated through resistance heating. The first stage of operation corresponds to the absence of detection of fumes applied to aerosol generating articles 102 and 172. The second stage of operation corresponds to the controller 330 detecting the application of fumes to aerosol generating articles 102 and 172. In this case as well, the AC current I AC or DC current I DC It will be understood that the change in amplitude results in a corresponding change in the heating level produced by each current. Preferably, the first stage in which no fume extraction is applied corresponds to the "maintenance" heating mode, and the second stage in which fume extraction is applied corresponds to the "boost" heating mode. In the maintenance heating mode (when no fume extraction is applied), it is preferable that the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is maintained at a temperature below the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming substrate. In the boost heating mode (when fume extraction is applied), a higher level of heating is applied to the aerosol-forming substrate 104 than in the maintenance heating mode, so as to raise the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature above the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature.

[0152] Figure 14 illustrates another exemplary scheme for supplying power to inductor coils 24, 240. In the scheme shown in Figure 14, a first AC current I with a first frequency f1 is used. AC1This is supplied to the inductor coils 24, 240 in the first and second stages, and the second AC current I AC2 In the second stage, the first AC current I AC1 It has a second frequency f2 superimposed on the first. With respect to the schemes in Figures 11 to 13, it is preferable that the steps form part of the usage session of the aerosol generators 10, 150 in the consumption of the aerosol-forming substrate 104 of the aerosol-generating articles 102, 172. First AC current I AC1 and the second AC current I AC2 These define the waveforms of the first and second powers, respectively. Frequencies f1 and f2 provide different levels of inductive coupling between the inductor coils 24, 240 and the susceptor elements 114, 164. Frequency f1 is frequency f inductor coil It is preferable that the first AC current I AC1 This provides little or no coupling with susceptor elements 114, 164, and the first AC current I AC1 This allows almost all of the energy to remain within the inductor coils 24 and 240, generating a changing magnetic field that results in resistive heating of the inductor coils. The frequency f2 is equal to the frequency f susceptor It is preferable that the second AC current I AC2 This is the second AC current I AC2 A changing magnetic field is generated that best couples with the susceptor elements 114, 164, allowing almost the entire energy to be transferred from the inductor coils 24, 240 to the susceptor elements, resulting in heating of the susceptor elements. Therefore, in the first stage of operation, the frequency f1(=f inductor coil ) first AC current I AC1 The supply of heat results in resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240, prioritizing the heating of the susceptor elements 114 and 164. However, in the second stage of operation, the frequency f2 (=f susceptor ) a second AC current I AC2 The introduction of the supply leads to heating of susceptors 114 and 164, and the first AC current I AC1The continuous supply of AC current A maintains the resistive heating of the inductor coils 24 and 240. The first stage of operation corresponds to the absence of detection of fumes applied to aerosol-generating articles 102 and 172. The second stage of operation corresponds to the controller 330 detecting the application of fumes to aerosol-generating articles 102 and 172. In this case as well, the first AC current A AC1 or second AC current I AC2 It will be understood that the change in amplitude results in a corresponding change in the heating level produced by each current. Preferably, the first stage in which no fume extraction is applied corresponds to the "maintenance" heating mode, and the second stage in which fume extraction is applied corresponds to the "boost" heating mode. In the maintenance heating mode (when no fume extraction is applied), it is preferable that the aerosol-forming substrate 104 is maintained at a temperature below the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming substrate. In the boost heating mode (when fume extraction is applied), a higher level of heating is applied to the aerosol-forming substrate 104 than in the maintenance heating mode, so as to raise the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature above the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature.

[0153] Figure 15 illustrates another exemplary scheme for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. The scheme in Figure 15 uses a first AC current I with the respective frequencies f1, f2 present in the scheme in Figure 14. AC1 and the second AC current I AC2 This includes, but additionally, the DC I introduced to the inductor coils 24 and 240 over the second stage. DC It has a supply of DC I over the second stage. DC The supply provides additional resistance heating for inductor coils 24 and 240. The first AC current I AC1 and the second AC current I AC2 , and DC current I DC Each of these defines a separate waveform of power.

[0154] Figure 16 illustrates another exemplary scheme for supplying current to inductor coils 24, 240. The scheme in Figure 16 uses a first AC current I with frequencies f1, f2, respectively, which are present in the scheme in Figure 14. AC1 and the second AC current I AC2 This includes, but additionally, the DC I introduced to the inductor coils 24, 240 over both the first and second stages. DC It has a supply of DC I across both the first and second stages. DC The supply provides resistance heating for inductor coils 24 and 240. The first AC current I AC1 and the second AC current I AC2 , and DC current I DC Each of these defines a separate waveform of power.

[0155] Naturally, there are any number of possible schemes for supplying one or more AC currents and / or one or more DC currents to the inductor coils 24, 240 to provide a desired level of heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 104. It will also be understood that power circuits different from the configurations shown in Figures 9A and 9B may be employed, for example, having an additional power supply and / or being configured with an additional AC / DC power converter in addition to those shown in the power circuits of Figures 9A and 9B.

[0156] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​representing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., should be understood to be modified in all embodiments 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 numerical values ​​that fall within the general standard error to the measured value of the characteristic modified by the number “A.” The number “A” may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that in some cases as used in the appended claims, the amount of deviation of “A” 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. Aerosol generator, Controller and A power circuit configured to generate a first power waveform and a second power waveform that can be controlled independently of each other, A heating assembly for heating a removable aerosol-forming substrate for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heating assembly including an inductor coil, The controller independently controls the application of the first waveform and the second waveform to the inductor coil separately or simultaneously. i) Resistive heating by the inductor coil to externally heat the aerosol-forming substrate and provide maintenance heating power to the aerosol-forming substrate, and ii) an aerosol generator configured to generate heat by either or a combination of the following: heating the aerosol-forming substrate internally and providing boost heating power to the aerosol-forming substrate, or heating the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the power circuit includes a first current source and a second current source, and the first current source and the second current source are connected to the inductor coil to apply two superimposed currents to the inductor coil as the first waveform and the second waveform, respectively.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power circuit includes a first voltage source and a second voltage source, and the first voltage source and the second voltage source are connected in series with each other to apply two superimposed voltages to the inductor coil as the first waveform and the second waveform, respectively.

4. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power circuit includes a single voltage source controllable to provide both the first power waveform and the second power waveform for application to the inductor coil.

5. The controller (i) resistive heating a) an alternating current or voltage as the waveform of the first power to the inductor coil at a frequency that inhibits inductive coupling with the susceptor, and b) The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured to be carried out by applying one or more of the following to the inductor coil: DC as the waveform of the first power or voltage.

6. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller is configured such that (ii) heating of the susceptor is carried out by applying an alternating current or voltage as the waveform of the second power to the inductor coil at a frequency that promotes inductive coupling with the susceptor.

7. The controller controls the application of the first waveform and the second waveform to the inductor coil to the heated assembly. A first heating mode in which the temperature inside the heating zone heated by the heating assembly is below the vaporization temperature or aerosolization temperature of the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming substrate, and The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, configured to operate in each of a second heating mode, wherein the temperature inside the heating zone heated by the heating assembly is equal to or greater than the vaporization temperature or the aerosolization temperature.

8. The aerosol generator according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to control the application of the first waveform and the second waveform to the inductor coil to adjust the ratio of the power dissipated by resistive heating of the inductor coil to the power dissipated by heating of the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor from a first ratio for the first heating mode to a second ratio for the second heating mode.

9. The aerosol generator according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the controller is configured to apply or adjust the frequency of an alternating current or voltage to the inductor coil when switching between the first heating mode and the second heating mode to change the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor.

10. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously apply both alternating current or voltage and direct current or voltage to the inductor coil for one or both of the first heating mode and the second heating mode.

11. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously apply to the inductor coil both a first AC current or voltage as the waveform of the first power and a second AC current or voltage as the waveform of the second power for one or both of the first heating mode and the second heating mode, and one of the first AC current or voltage and the second AC current or voltage provides a greater degree of inductive coupling than the other of the first AC current or voltage and the second AC current or voltage.

12. The aforementioned controller For one of the first heating mode and the second heating mode, only an alternating current or voltage is applied to the inductor coil as one of the first waveform and the second waveform. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, for the other of the first heating mode and the second heating mode, only DC or voltage is applied to the inductor coil as the other of the first waveform and the second waveform.

13. The aforementioned controller For both the first heating mode and the second heating mode, an alternating current or voltage is applied to the inductor coil. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 7 to 11, configured to adjust the frequency of the alternating current or voltage applied to the inductor coil when switching between the first heating mode and the second heating mode to change the inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor.

14. The aforementioned controller For the first heating mode, a DC current or voltage is applied to the inductor coil, The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein when switching to the second heating mode, an alternating current or voltage is introduced into the inductor coil, the frequency of the controlled alternating current or voltage is controlled such that all or most of the thermal power dissipated by the heating assembly in response to the supply of the alternating current or voltage is generated from the heating of the susceptor rather than from the heating of the inductor coil.

15. A method for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the method is To provide a heating assembly comprising an inductor coil and a susceptor, wherein the inductor coil is positioned outside the aerosol-forming substrate, the susceptor is enclosed within the aerosol-forming substrate, and the susceptor is at least partially positioned within the inductor coil. To provide a power circuit configured to generate a first power waveform and a second power waveform that can be controlled independently of each other, The application of the first waveform and the second waveform to the inductor coil, separately or simultaneously, is controlled independently. i) Resistive heating by the inductor coil to externally heat the aerosol-forming substrate and provide maintenance heating power to the aerosol-forming substrate, and ii) A method comprising generating heat by heating the susceptor through inductive coupling between the inductor coil and the susceptor, or a combination thereof, for internally heating the aerosol-forming substrate to provide boost heating power to the aerosol-forming substrate.

Images