Aerosol generator power supply unit

Abstract

This power supply unit 100U comprises: a coil 106 that uses power supplied from a power supply 102 to generate an eddy current in a susceptor 110 which heats an aerosol source 112; a detection circuit that can detect information corresponding to an induced current generated by the coil 106; and a control unit 118 that is configured so as to be able to control the supply of power from the power supply 102 to the coil 106, wherein the control unit 118 is configured so as to be able to identify at least one among the insertion direction of an aerosol formation substrate 108 into an opening 101A and the insertion and removal of the aerosol formation substrate 108 into and out of the opening 101A on the basis of an output from the detection circuit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an apparatus that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate by heating the susceptor by induction heating using an inductor arranged in close proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate having a susceptor (Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6623175 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 6077145 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent No. 6653260 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device with improved functionality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention Dear Mr. / Mrs. Power supply, a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; A notification unit, the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The controller: The insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article relative to the opening can be identified, upon detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article in a first orientation into the opening, starting a supply of power from the power source to the coil; when it is detected that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the opening in an orientation opposite to the first orientation, the notification unit is caused to execute a notification, or the supply of power from the power source to the coil is not started. This is the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device. Another aspect of the present invention is Power supply, a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device comprising: the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The controller: The insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article relative to the opening can be identified, The power supply unit can be operated in an active mode that identifies an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article relative to the opening, and a sleep mode that can be transitioned to the active mode and consumes less power than the active mode, upon detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article in a first orientation into the opening, starting a supply of power from the power source to the coil; delaying the transition from the active mode to the sleep mode upon detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the opening in an orientation opposite to the first orientation. This is the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device. Another aspect of the present invention is Power supply, a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The controller: The insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article into and from the opening can be identified, after completing the supply of power from the power source to the coil, the power source does not supply power to the coil again unless removal of the aerosol-generating article from the opening is detected; This is the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device. Another aspect of the present invention is Power supply, a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; a positive connector to which one end of the coil is connected; a negative connector to which the other end of the coil is connected; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The detection circuit includes: a first resistor having one end connected to the positive connector; a second resistor having one end connected to the negative connector and the other end connected to ground; a switch having one end connected to the other end of the first resistor and the other end connected to the other end of the second resistor; a first detector that detects a voltage applied across the first resistor; a second detector that detects a voltage applied across the second resistor; This is the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device. Another aspect of the present invention is Power supply, a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; a positive connector to which one end of the coil is connected; a negative connector to which the other end of the coil is connected; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The detection circuit includes: A switch having one end connected to the positive connector; a resistor having one end connected to the negative connector and the other end connected to the other end of the switch; a bidirectional current sense amplifier connected to both ends of the resistor and capable of detecting a current flowing through the resistor and a direction of the current; This is the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device. Another aspect of the present invention is Power supply, a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; a negative power supply generating circuit that generates a negative voltage based on the power supplied from the power supply; a positive connector to which one end of the coil is connected; a negative connector to which the other end of the coil is connected; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The detection circuit includes: A switch having one end connected to the positive connector; a resistor having one end connected to the negative connector and the other end connected to the other end of the switch; an operational amplifier having one of an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal connected to one end of the resistor, the other of the inverting input terminal and the non-inverting input terminal connected to the other end of the resistor, and a negative power supply terminal supplied with the negative voltage; This is the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device. Another aspect of the present invention is Power supply, a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; a positive connector to which one end of the coil is connected; a negative connector to which the other end of the coil is connected; an inverter that converts a direct current supplied from the power source into an alternating current and that includes a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The detection circuit includes: a first resistor connecting the positive connector and the positive output terminal; a second resistor connecting the negative connector and the negative output terminal; a first detector that detects a voltage applied across the first resistor; a second detector that detects a voltage applied across the second resistor; This is the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device with improved functionality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an aerosol generating device 100 including a power supply unit 100U according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a circuit 104 illustrated in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 11 is a diagram showing an example of voltage and current waveforms when a pulsating current supplied to a coil 106 is generated by a conversion circuit 132. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the principle of detecting a susceptor 110 based on impedance and the principle of acquiring the temperature of the susceptor 110 based on impedance. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an induced current generated in a coil 106 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining operation modes of a power supply unit 100U. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a diagram showing preferred examples of electronic elements added to the circuit 104 shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the circuit 104 shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the circuit 104 shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the circuit 104 shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of the circuit 104 shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 illustrates a fifth modified example of the circuit 104 shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example process 10 executed by a control unit 118 in a sleep mode. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example process 20 executed by a control unit 118 in a CHARGE mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the number of usable pieces. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example process (main process 30) that is mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the ACTIVE mode. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart for explaining sub-processing 40 and sub-processing 50 that are started in step S33 in the main processing 30 in the ACTIVE mode. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing (main processing 60) that is mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the PRE-HEAT mode. [Figure 19] 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example process 70 executed by the control unit 118 in an INTERVAL mode. [Figure 20] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a main process 80 executed by a control unit 118 in a HEAT mode. [Figure 21]11 is a flowchart for explaining sub-processing (sub-processing 90 and sub-processing 100S) executed in the main processing 60 in the PRE-HEAT mode, the exemplary processing 70 in the INTERVAL mode, and the main processing 80 in the HEAT mode. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a main process 200 of the continuous use determination process in the ACTIVE mode. [Figure 23] 23 is a flowchart for explaining a sub-process 300 executed in the main process 200 of the continuous use determination process shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a main process 400 of the continuous use determination process in ACTIVE mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] <Overall configuration of the aerosol generating device> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an aerosol generating device 100 including a power supply unit 100U according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that Fig. 1 does not show the strict arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of the components.

[0009] The aerosol generation device 100 includes a power supply unit 100U and an aerosol-forming substrate 108 configured so that at least a portion of the substrate 108 can be accommodated in the power supply unit 100U.

[0010] The power supply unit 100U includes a housing 101, a power supply 102, a circuit 104, a coil 106, and a charging power supply connection section 116. The power supply 102 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The circuit 104 is electrically connected to the power supply 102. The circuit 104 is configured to supply power to the components of the power supply unit 100U using the power supply 102. A specific configuration of the circuit 104 will be described later. The charging power supply connection section 116 is an interface for connecting the power supply unit 100U to a charging power supply (not shown) for charging the power supply 102. The charging power supply connection section 116 may be a receptacle for wired charging, a receiving coil for wireless charging, or a combination of these. The charging power supply connected to the charging power supply connection section 116 is a secondary battery built into a housing (not shown) that houses the power supply unit 100U, or an outlet or a mobile battery connected via a charging cable. Housing 101 has, for example, a columnar or flat outer shape, and has an opening 101A formed in a part thereof. Coil 106 has, for example, a spirally wound shape, and is embedded in housing 101 in a state surrounding part or all of opening 101A. Coil 106 is electrically connected to circuit 104, and is used to heat susceptor 110 by induction heating, as described later.

[0011] The aerosol-forming substrate 108 includes a susceptor 110 made of a magnetic material, an aerosol source 112, and a filter 114. The aerosol-forming substrate 108 is, for example, a long and thin columnar article. In the example of FIG. 1, the susceptor 110 is disposed inside the aerosol-forming substrate 108 from one end in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 to the center in the longitudinal direction. The filter 114 is disposed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108. That is, in the aerosol-forming substrate 108, the susceptor 110 is provided eccentrically on one end side in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the N pole of the susceptor 110 is disposed so as to face the opposite side to the filter 114 side. In other words, in the aerosol-forming substrate 108, the N pole of the susceptor 110, the S pole of the susceptor 110, and the filter 114 are arranged in this order in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The aerosol source 112 includes a volatile compound that can be heated to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source 112 may be a solid, a liquid, or both. The aerosol source 112 may include, for example, a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, a liquid, such as water, or a mixture thereof. The aerosol source 112 may include nicotine. The aerosol source 112 may also include tobacco material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Alternatively, the aerosol source 112 may include a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol source 112 is disposed proximate to the susceptor 110, for example, surrounding the susceptor 110.

[0013] The aerosol-forming substrate 108 is in a normal use state as shown in FIG. 1, in which the end of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 on the susceptor 110 side faces the opening 101A of the housing 101, and the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A. The direction of insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 into the opening 101A to obtain this normal use state is referred to as the normal direction. The aerosol-forming substrate 108 can also be physically inserted into the opening 101A in the opposite direction to the normal use state. That is, the aerosol-forming substrate 108 can be inserted into the opening 101A from a state in which the end of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 on the filter 114 side faces the opening 101A of the housing 101, and the direction of insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 into the opening 101A at this time is referred to as the reverse direction. It is possible to configure the power supply unit 100U and the aerosol-forming substrate 108 so that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 cannot be inserted into the opening 101A in any state other than the normal use state, but in this case, the cost increases. Hereinafter, the state in which the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A of the housing 101 will also be referred to as an inserted state. In addition, the state in which the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the opening 101A of the housing 101 will also be referred to as a removed state.

[0014] 1 in which the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A in the forward direction, most (preferably the entire) of the susceptor 110 included in the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is surrounded by the coil 106. In the state shown in FIG. 1, when power is supplied to the coil 106, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor 110, and the aerosol source 112 adjacent to the susceptor 110 is heated to generate an aerosol. Note that in the state in which the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A in the reverse direction, the volume of the susceptor 110 surrounded by the coil 106 (in other words, the length in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108) is smaller than in the state in which the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A in the forward direction.

[0015] <Power supply unit circuit configuration> 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the circuit 104 shown in FIG. 1. The term "switch" described below refers to a semiconductor switching element such as a bipolar transistor or a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). One end and the other end of this switch respectively refer to terminals through which current flows. In the case of a bipolar transistor, the collector terminal and the emitter terminal constitute one end and the other end, and in the case of a MOSFET, the drain terminal and the source terminal constitute one end and the other end. Note that a contactor or a relay may be used as the switch.

[0016] The circuit 104 includes a control unit 118 configured to control components in the power supply unit 100U. The control unit 118 is configured, for example, by an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) mainly composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The circuit 104 includes a power supply connection unit (positive power supply connector BC+ and negative power supply connector BC-) electrically connected to the power supply 102, and a coil connection unit (positive coil connector CC+ and negative coil connector CC-) electrically connected to the coil 106.

[0017] The positive power connector BC+, which is connected to the positive terminal of the power source 102, is provided with a resistor R sense1 One end of resistor R sense1 The other end of the resistor R has a fixed electrical resistance. sense2 One end of resistor R sense2 The other end of the parallel circuit 130 is connected to one end of the parallel circuit 130. The other end of the parallel circuit 130 is connected to one end of the capacitor C2. sense1 One end of the resistor R may be connected to the negative power connector BC-. sense2 One end of resistor R sense1 or the positive power connector BC+. Also, resistor R sense2 One end of the resistor R may be connected to the negative power connector BC-. sense1The other end is connected to one end of the parallel circuit 130 .

[0018] The parallel circuit 130 includes a path including a switch Q1 configured with a P-channel MOSFET (hereinafter also referred to as a "first circuit") and a path including a switch Q2 configured with an npn-type bipolar transistor (hereinafter also referred to as a "second circuit"). The second circuit includes a switch Q2, a resistor R shunt1 , and a resistor R with a fixed electrical resistance shunt2 The emitter terminal of switch Q2 is connected to a resistor R shunt1 One end of resistor R shunt1 The other end of the resistor R shunt2 The source terminal of the switch Q1 is connected to the collector terminal of the switch Q2, and the drain terminal of the switch Q1 is connected to the resistor R shunt2 The other end of the resistor R shunt1 and resistor R shunt2 One of them may be omitted.

[0019] The other end of the capacitor C2 is connected to the anode of a diode D1. The cathode of the diode D1 is connected to a positive coil connector CC+ connected to one end of the coil 106. One end of a resistor R2 having a fixed electrical resistance value is connected to a negative coil connector CC- connected to the other end of the coil 106. The drain terminal of a switch Q4 composed of an N-channel MOSFET is connected to the other end of the resistor R2. The source terminal of the switch Q4 and the negative power connector BC- connected to the negative terminal of the power supply 102 are each connected to the ground. The switch Q4 is controlled to be turned on / off by the control unit 118. The control unit 118 controls the on / off of the switch Q4 by applying a ground switch signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of the switch Q4. Specifically, when the ground detection switch signal is high, the switch Q4 is in an on state, and when the ground switch signal is low, the switch Q4 is in an off state. The switch Q4 is controlled to at least the on state in operation modes other than the ERROR mode, SLEEP mode, and CHARGE mode, which will be described later.

[0020] resistor R sense1 and resistor R sense2 At node A, which connects div1 and resistor R div2 One end of the series circuit is connected to the resistor R. The other end of the series circuit is connected to ground. div1 and resistor R div2 The node connecting these is connected to the control unit 118. This series circuit constitutes a voltage detection circuit 134 that detects the voltage of the power supply 102 (also referred to as power supply voltage). Specifically, the voltage detection circuit 134 detects the output voltage of the power supply 102 through a resistor R div1 and resistor R div2 The analog signal obtained by dividing the voltage by is supplied to the control unit 118.

[0021] resistor R sense2 One end of the resistor R is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP. sense2The other end of the resistor R is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP. The output terminal of the operational amplifier OP is connected to the control unit 118. sense2 and the operational amplifier OP configure a current detection circuit 136 that detects a current (also referred to as a power supply current) flowing from the power supply 102 to the coil 106. The operational amplifier OP may be provided in the control unit 118.

[0022] A line connecting the other end of the parallel circuit 130 and one end of the capacitor C2 is connected to a source terminal of a switch Q3 configured with a P-channel MOSFET and one end of a capacitor C1, in that order from the parallel circuit 130 side. The drain terminal of the switch Q3 and the other end of the capacitor C1 are each connected to a line connecting the drain terminal of the switch Q4 and the other end of the resistor R2. The drain terminal of the switch Q3 and the other end of the capacitor C1 may each be connected to ground. The switch Q3 is on / off controlled by the control unit 118. The switch Q3 and the capacitor C1 convert a direct current (DC current I DC ) into pulsating current (pulsating current I PC ) is converted into a conversion circuit 132.

[0023] One end of a resistor R1 having a fixed electrical resistance value is connected to a node connecting the cathode of the diode D1 and the positive coil connector CC+. The other end of the resistor R1 is connected to a drain terminal of a switch Q5 configured with an N-channel MOSFET. The source terminal of the switch Q5 is connected to the other end of the resistor R2. The switch Q5 is controlled to be turned on / off by the control unit 118. The control unit 118 controls the on / off of the switch Q5 by applying an insertion / removal detection switch signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of the switch Q5. Specifically, when the insertion / removal detection switch signal is high, the switch Q5 is in an on state, and when the insertion / removal detection switch signal is low, the switch Q5 is in an off state.

[0024] The circuit 104 further includes a current detection IC 152 that detects an induced current (described later) flowing through the resistor R1, and a current detection IC 151 that detects an induced current (described later) flowing through the resistor R2. The current detection ICs 151 and 152 will be described in detail later.

[0025] The circuit 104 further includes a fuel gauge integrated circuit (hereinafter, IC) 124. The fuel gauge IC 124 measures the voltage across a resistor R sense1 The remaining capacity measuring IC 124 detects the current flowing through the positive terminal of the power supply 102 and derives battery information such as the remaining capacity of the power supply 102, a state of charge (SOC) indicating the state of charge, and a state of health (SOH) indicating the state of health, based on the detected current value. sense1 The remaining amount measuring IC 124 is capable of detecting the voltage of the power supply 102 using the power supply voltage detection terminal BAT. The remaining amount measuring IC 124 is configured to be capable of communicating with the control unit 118 via serial communication. The control unit 118 transmits an I / F signal from the communication terminal SDA to the communication terminal SDA of the remaining amount measuring IC 124. 2 By transmitting an I / C data signal, an I / C data signal is input from the communication terminal SCL of the control unit 118 to the communication terminal SCL of the remaining amount measuring IC 124. 2 The battery information stored in the remaining charge measuring IC 124 can be acquired in accordance with the timing of transmitting the C clock signal. The protocol used for serial communication between the control unit 118 and the remaining charge measuring IC 124 is I 2 It is not limited to C, but SPI or UART may also be used.

[0026] The circuit 104 further includes a charging circuit 122. The charging terminal BAT of the charging circuit 122 is connected to a resistor R sense2and the parallel circuit 130. The charging circuit 122 is an IC configured to adjust the voltage (potential difference between the input terminal VBUS and the ground terminal GND) supplied from a charging power source (not shown) connected via the charging power source connection unit 116 to a voltage suitable for charging the power source 102 in response to a charging enable signal received at a charging enable terminal CE from the control unit 118. The voltage adjusted by the charging circuit 122 is supplied from a charging terminal BAT of the charging circuit 122. A regulated current may be supplied from the charging terminal BAT of the charging circuit 122. When the charging power source connected to the charging power source connection unit 116 is a secondary battery built in a housing (not shown) that houses the power source unit 100U, the charging circuit 122 may be configured to be built in this housing instead of the power source unit 100U.

[0027] The circuit 104 further includes a voltage divider circuit 140 consisting of two resistors connected to a node connecting the input terminal VBUS of the charging circuit 122 and the positive side of the charging power supply connection unit 116. The end of the voltage divider circuit 140 that is not connected to the above-mentioned node is preferably connected to ground. The output of the voltage divider circuit 140 is connected to the control unit 118. When the charging power supply is connected to the charging power supply connection unit 116, a VBUS detection signal is input to the control unit 118 via the voltage divider circuit 140. When the charging power supply is connected, the VBUS detection signal becomes a value obtained by dividing the voltage supplied from the charging power supply by the voltage divider circuit 140, so that the VBUS detection signal becomes high level. When the charging power supply is not connected, no voltage is supplied to the voltage divider circuit 140, so that the VBUS detection signal becomes low level. When the VBUS detection signal becomes high level, the control unit 118 inputs a high level charge enable signal to the charge enable terminal CE of the charging circuit 122 to cause the charging circuit 122 to start charging control of the power supply 102. The charge enable terminal CE is set to positive logic, but may be set to negative logic. The charging circuit 122 is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 118 via serial communication, similar to the remaining power measurement IC 124. Note that even when the charging circuit 122 is built into a housing that houses the power supply unit 100U, it is preferable that the control unit 118 and the remaining power measurement IC 124 are configured to be able to communicate with the charging circuit 122 via serial communication.

[0028] The circuit 104 further includes a voltage adjustment circuit 120. An input terminal IN of the voltage adjustment circuit 120 is connected to the node A. The voltage adjustment circuit 120 adjusts the voltage V BAT (e.g., 3.2 to 4.2 volts) to adjust the system voltage V supplied to the components in the circuit 104 or the power supply unit 100U. sys (e.g., 3 volts). As an example, the voltage regulation circuit 120 is a linear regulator such as an LDO (low dropout regulator). The system voltage V sysis supplied to the control unit 118, the remaining charge measuring IC 124, the operational amplifier OP, the current detection IC 151, the current detection IC 152, a light emitting element drive circuit 126 described later, and a circuit including a button 128 described later as an operating voltage.

[0029] The circuit 104 further includes a light emitting element 138 such as an LED (light emitting diode), and a light emitting element drive circuit 126 for driving the light emitting element 138. The light emitting element 138 can be used to provide (notify) the user of various information such as the remaining charge of the power supply 102 and the state of the power supply unit 100U, such as the occurrence of an error. The light emitting element drive circuit 126 may store information regarding various light emission modes of the light emitting element 138. The light emitting element drive circuit 126 is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 118 by serial communication, similar to the remaining charge measuring IC 124. The control unit 118 receives an I 2 By transmitting a C data signal to the communication terminal SDA of the light-emitting element drive circuit 126 to specify a desired light-emitting mode, the light-emitting element drive circuit 126 can be controlled to make the light-emitting element 138 emit light in a desired manner. 2 The communication interface is not limited to C, and SPI or UART may be used. The circuit 104 may be equipped with at least one of a speaker and a vibrator controlled by the control unit 118 instead of or in addition to the light-emitting element 138. The light-emitting element 138, the speaker, and the vibrator are used as a notification unit for providing various notifications to the user of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0030] The circuit 104 further includes a circuit including a series circuit of a resistor and a capacitor, and a button 128. One end of the series circuit is connected to the system voltage V sysis supplied to the control unit 118, and the other end of the series circuit is connected to ground. The button 128 is connected between the node connecting the resistor and the capacitor in the series circuit and ground. A button operation detection terminal of the control unit 118 is connected to this node. When the user presses the button 128, the button operation detection terminal of the control unit 118 is connected to ground via the button 128, and a low-level button detection signal is transmitted to the button operation detection terminal. This allows the control unit 118 to determine that the button 128 has been pressed, and to perform various processes according to the operation (for example, a notification of the remaining amount of the power source 102 or a process to start aerosol generation).

[0031] <Heating control and monitor control by the control unit> The first circuit including the switch Q1 in the parallel circuit 130 is used to heat the susceptor 110. The control unit 118 controls the on / off of the switch Q1 by applying a heating switch signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of the switch Q1. Specifically, when the heating switch signal is low, the switch Q1 is in the on state, and when the heating switch signal is high, the switch Q1 is in the off state.

[0032] The second circuit including the switch Q2 in the parallel circuit 130 is used to acquire a value related to the electrical resistance or temperature of the susceptor 110. The value related to the electrical resistance or temperature is, for example, impedance or temperature. The control unit 118 controls the on / off of the switch Q2 by applying a monitor switch signal (high or low) to the base terminal of the switch Q2. Specifically, when the monitor switch signal is low, the switch Q2 is in the on state, and when the monitor switch signal is high, the switch Q2 is in the off state.

[0033] With switch Q4 in the on state and switch Q5 in the off state, the control unit 118 switches between the on state of switch Q1 and the on state of switch Q2 to switch between heating control for inductively heating the susceptor 110 to generate an aerosol and monitor control for acquiring values ​​related to the electrical resistance or temperature of the susceptor 110.

[0034] During heating control, the control unit 118 controls the switch Q3 to be turned on and off by turning the switch Q1 on and the switch Q2 off. This allows the power source 102 to supply high-frequency waves (also referred to as heating power) having a large power required to generate aerosol from the aerosol source 112 to the coil 106. During monitor control, the control unit 118 controls the switch Q3 to be turned on and off by turning the switch Q1 off and the switch Q2 on. In this case, a current flows from the power source 102 to the second circuit, which has a sufficiently larger electric resistance value than the first circuit. Therefore, during monitor control, the power source 102 can supply high-frequency waves (also referred to as non-heating power) having a small power required to obtain a value related to the electric resistance or temperature of the susceptor 110 to the coil 106. The value related to the electric resistance or temperature of the susceptor 110 that can be obtained by monitor control is used to control the power supplied to the coil 106 during heating control.

[0035] The on state of the switch Q1 and the on state of the switch Q2 can be switched at any timing. For example, while the user is inhaling, the control unit 118 may switch the on state of the switch Q1 and the on state of the switch Q2 at any timing.

[0036] The control unit 118 applies a pulsating current (PC) switch signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of the switch Q3 included in the conversion circuit 132 to control the on / off of the switch Q3. Specifically, when the PC switch signal is low, the switch Q3 is in an on state, and when the PC switch signal is high, the switch Q3 is in an off state. In FIG. 2, the conversion circuit 132 is disposed between the parallel circuit 130 and the coil 106. As another example, the conversion circuit 132 may be disposed between the parallel circuit 130 and the power source 102. The pulsating current generated by the conversion circuit 132 is supplied to an induction heating circuit including a capacitor C2, a coil connection portion, and the coil 106. This induction heating circuit includes the susceptor 110 in the inserted state, and does not include the susceptor 110 in the removed state.

[0037] 3 is a diagram showing an example of voltage and current waveforms when the pulsating current supplied to the coil 106 is generated by the conversion circuit 132. The voltage V1 shown in FIG. 3 indicates a voltage waveform applied to the gate terminal of the switch Q1 or the base terminal of the switch Q2. The voltage V2 shown in FIG. 3 indicates a voltage waveform applied to the gate terminal of the switch Q3. The DC current I DC is the DC current I generated by switching the switch Q3 DC The pulsating current I shown in Fig. 3 PC is the pulsating current I flowing to the coil 106 PC 3, the horizontal axis represents time t. Note that for ease of explanation, the voltage applied to the gate terminal of switch Q1 and the voltage applied to the base terminal of switch Q2 are represented on one graph as voltage V1.

[0038] When the voltage V1 becomes low at time t1, the switch Q1 or the switch Q2 is in an on state. When the voltage V2 is high, the switch Q3 is in an off state, and the DC current I DC flows to capacitor C1, and charge accumulates in capacitor C1. As the amount of charge in capacitor C1 increases, the pulsating current I PCstarts to rise. When the voltage V2 is switched to low at time t2, the switch Q3 is turned on. At this time, the DC current I DC The flow of current stops, while the charge stored in the capacitor C1 starts to be discharged. As the amount of charge stored in the capacitor C1 decreases, the pulsating current I PC starts to decrease. After time t3, the same operation is repeated. As a result of the above operation, the pulsating current I PC is generated and flows into the coil 106. Note that the pulsating current is a current whose value oscillates at a predetermined period in the range of 0 amperes or more.

[0039] As can be seen from Figure 3, the pulsating current I PC The frequency f of the power supply 110 is controlled by the switching period of the switch Q3 (i.e., the period of the PC switch signal) T. When the switch Q1 is in the on state, the closer this frequency f is to the resonant frequency f0 of the heating RLC series circuit including the susceptor 110, the coil 106, and the capacitor C2, the higher the efficiency of the energy supply to the susceptor 110.

[0040] When the pulsating current generated as described above flows through the coil 106, an alternating magnetic field is generated around the coil 106. The generated alternating magnetic field induces an eddy current in the susceptor 110. This eddy current and the electrical resistance of the susceptor 110 generate Joule heat (hysteresis loss), which heats the susceptor 110. As a result, the aerosol source 112 around the susceptor 110 is heated and an aerosol is generated.

[0041] The voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136 in the circuit 104 are used to measure the impedance Z of a circuit (a monitoring RLC series circuit described below) on the coil 106 side of the node B. The control unit 118 acquires a voltage value from the voltage detection circuit 134 and a current value from the current detection circuit 136, and calculates the impedance Z based on these voltage values ​​and current values. More specifically, the control unit 118 calculates the impedance Z by dividing the average value or effective value of the acquired voltage values ​​by the average value or effective value of the acquired current values.

[0042] In the inserted state, when the switch Q1 is in the off state and the switch Q2 is in the on state, the resistor R shunt1 and resistor R shunt2 In the extraction state, when the switch Q1 is in the OFF state and the switch Q2 is in the ON state, the resistor R shunt1 and resistor R shunt2 A monitor RLC series circuit is formed by the circuit including the coil 106 and the capacitor C2. The monitor RLC series circuit includes the induction heating circuit described above.

[0043] The impedance Z of the RLC series circuit during monitoring can be obtained as described above. The resistor R shunt1 and resistor R shunt2 By subtracting the resistance value of the circuit including the resistance value of the capacitor C2, the coil connection portion, the coil 106, and the susceptor 110, in the inserted state, the impedance Z x (which is almost equivalent to the electrical resistance value of the susceptor 110) can be calculated. In addition, in the removed state, the impedance Z x It is possible to calculate the impedance Z xBy observing the magnitude of the impedance Z, it is possible to distinguish between the inserted state and the removed state, in other words, to detect the susceptor 110. In addition, when the electrical resistance value of the susceptor 110 has temperature dependency, the calculated impedance Z x Based on this, the temperature of the susceptor 110 can be estimated.

[0044] <Example of susceptor detection and susceptor temperature acquisition> FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the principle of detecting the susceptor 110 based on impedance and the principle of acquiring the temperature of the susceptor 110 based on impedance.

[0045] An equivalent circuit EC1 shown in Fig. 4 shows an equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit during monitoring in the unplugged state. "L" shown in Fig. 4 shows the inductance value of the RLC series circuit during monitoring. Strictly speaking, "L" is a value obtained by combining the inductance components of multiple elements included in the RLC series circuit during monitoring, but it may be equal to the inductance value of the coil 106.

[0046] 4 indicates the capacitance value of the RLC series circuit during monitoring. Strictly speaking, "C2" is a value obtained by combining the capacitance components of multiple elements included in the RLC series circuit during monitoring, but it may be equal to the capacitance value of the capacitor C2.

[0047] The “R circuit " indicates the resistance value of the elements in the RLC series circuit excluding the susceptor 110 during monitoring. circuit " is a value obtained by combining the resistance components of multiple elements included in the RLC series circuit during monitoring.

[0048] "L", "C2", and "R circuitThe value of " can be obtained in advance from a spec sheet of the electronic element or can be experimentally measured in advance and stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of control unit 118 or in a memory IC (not shown) provided outside control unit 118. The impedance Z0 of the RLC series circuit during monitoring in equivalent circuit EC1 can be calculated by the following formula.

[0049]

number

[0050] Here, ω represents the angular frequency of the pulsating power supplied to the RLC series circuit during monitoring. This angular frequency can be calculated by ω = 2πf using the frequency f shown in Figure 3.

[0051] The equivalent circuit EC2 shown in FIG. 4 shows an equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit during monitoring in an inserted state. The difference between the equivalent circuit EC2 and the equivalent circuit EC1 is that the resistance component (R susceptor The impedance Z1 of the RLC series circuit during monitoring in the equivalent circuit EC2 can be calculated by the following formula:

[0052]

number

[0053] In this way, the impedance of the RLC series circuit when monitored in the inserted state is greater than the impedance of the RLC series circuit when monitored in the removed state. The impedance Z0 in the removed state and the impedance Z1 in the inserted state are experimentally obtained in advance, and a threshold value set therebetween is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the control unit 118 or a memory IC (not shown) provided outside the control unit 118. This allows the control unit 118 to determine whether or not the state is inserted, i.e., to detect the susceptor 110, based on whether or not the measured impedance Z is greater than the threshold value. The detection of the susceptor 110 can be regarded as the detection of the aerosol-forming substrate 108.

[0054] As described above, the control unit 118 detects the effective values ​​V of the voltages measured by the voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136. RMS and the effective value of the current I RMS Based on this, the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit during monitoring can be calculated as follows:

[0055]

number

[0056] In addition, the above equation for impedance Z1 is R susceptor Solving for gives the following equation:

number

[0057] Now, if we exclude negative resistance values ​​and replace impedance Z1 with impedance Z, we get the following equation:

number

[0058] Therefore, R susceptorThe relationship between the temperature of the susceptor 110 and the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit during monitoring is calculated by the following formula (5) in the inserted state. susceptor Based on this, the temperature of the susceptor 110 can be obtained.

[0059] Equivalent circuits EC3 and EC4 shown in Figure 4 represent the equivalent circuits of the RLC series circuit during monitoring when pulsating power is supplied to the RLC series circuit during monitoring at the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit during monitoring (when the switching frequency of switch Q3 is resonant frequency f0). Equivalent circuit EC3 represents the equivalent circuit in the unplugged state. Equivalent circuit EC4 represents the equivalent circuit in the plugged state. The resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit during monitoring can be derived as follows:

[0060]

number

[0061] Furthermore, when pulsating power is supplied to the RLC series circuit at the monitoring time at the resonant frequency f0, the following relationship is satisfied. Therefore, with respect to the impedance of the RLC series circuit at the monitoring time shown in Equation 1 and Equation 2, the inductance component and capacitance component of the RLC series circuit at the monitoring time can be ignored.

number

[0062] Therefore, when the switching frequency of the switch Q3 is the resonant frequency f0, the impedance Z0 and the impedance Z1 are as follows.

number

[0063] When the switching frequency of the switch Q3 is the resonant frequency f0, the value R of the resistance component due to the susceptor 110 in the inserted state is susceptorcan be calculated by the following formula:

number

[0064] In this way, using the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit during monitoring when detecting the susceptor 110 and / or when acquiring the temperature of the susceptor 110 based on the impedance is advantageous in terms of ease of calculation. Of course, using the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit during monitoring is also advantageous in terms of supplying the power stored in the power supply 102 to the susceptor 110 efficiently and quickly.

[0065] In the circuit 104, the current detection circuit 136 is disposed in a position on the path between the power source 102 and the coil 106 closer to the coil 106 than the branch point (node ​​A) from the path to the voltage adjustment circuit 120. With this configuration, the current detection circuit 136 can accurately measure the value of the current supplied to the coil 106, which does not include the current supplied to the voltage adjustment circuit 120. Therefore, the electrical resistance value and temperature of the susceptor 110 can be accurately measured or estimated.

[0066] The current detection circuit 136 may be disposed in a position on the path between the power source 102 and the coil 106 closer to the coil 106 than the branch point (node ​​B) from the path to the charging circuit 122. With this configuration, while the power source 102 is being charged (switches Q1 and Q2 are in the off state), the current supplied from the charging circuit 122 is passed through a resistor R sense2 Therefore, the resistor R sense2 In addition, since it is possible to prevent a current from flowing through the operational amplifier OP of the current detection circuit 136 while the power supply 102 is being charged, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0067] The remaining amount measuring IC 124 can measure the voltage of the power supply 102 and the current flowing from the power supply 102 to the coil 106. Therefore, the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit during monitoring can be derived based on the voltage and current measured by the remaining amount measuring IC 124. In general, the remaining amount measuring IC 124 is configured to update data at a one-second cycle. Therefore, when the impedance Z is calculated using the voltage value and current value measured by the remaining amount measuring IC 124, the impedance Z is calculated at the fastest at a one-second cycle. Therefore, the temperature of the susceptor 110 is estimated at the fastest at a one-second cycle. Such a cycle cannot be said to be short enough to appropriately control the heating of the susceptor 110. Therefore, it is desirable not to use the voltage value and current value measured by the remaining amount measuring IC 124 for measuring the impedance Z. That is, preferably, the remaining amount measuring IC 124 is not used as the voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136 as described above. Therefore, the remaining amount measuring IC 124 is not essential in the circuit 104. However, by using the remaining power measurement IC 124, the state of the power supply 102 can be accurately determined.

[0068] <Detection of induced current> An aerosol-forming substrate 108 including a susceptor 110 is inserted inside the coil 106. Even in a power-off state where neither heating control nor monitor control is performed and power is not supplied from the power source 102 to the coil 106 (for example, the switches Q1 and Q2 are in an off state), an induced current is generated in the coil 106 during the process in which the susceptor 110 approaches the coil 106 (the process of transition from the extracted state to the inserted state) and during the process in which the susceptor 110 moves away from the coil 106 (the process of transition from the inserted state to the extracted state). This induced current will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0069] 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining an induced current generated in the coil 106 shown in FIG. 1. State ST1 shows a state when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A in the forward direction (when inserting in the forward direction). State ST2 shows a state when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted into the opening 101A in the forward direction is removed from the opening 101A (when removing in the forward direction). State ST3 shows a state when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A in the reverse direction (when inserting in the reverse direction). State ST4 shows a state when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted into the opening 101A in the reverse direction is removed from the opening 101A (when removing in the reverse direction).

[0070] As shown in state ST1, during insertion in the normal direction, an induced current IDC1 is generated that flows through the coil 106 from the coil connector CC- side to the coil connector CC+ side. As shown in state ST2, during removal in the normal direction, an induced current IDC2 is generated that flows through the coil 106 in the opposite direction to the induced current IDC1.

[0071] As shown in state ST3, during reverse insertion, an induced current IDC3 is generated flowing through the coil 106 from the coil connector CC+ side to the coil connector CC- side. As shown in state ST4, during reverse removal, an induced current IDC4 is generated flowing through the coil 106 in the opposite direction to the induced current IDC3. Since the susceptor 110 is eccentrically provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108, in state ST3, the volume of the susceptor 110 passing through the inside of the coil 106 is smaller than that in state ST1. Therefore, the current value (absolute value) of the induced current IDC3 generated in state ST3 is smaller than the current value (absolute value) of the induced current IDC1 generated in state ST1. Similarly, in state ST4, the volume of the susceptor 110 passing through the inside of the coil 106 is smaller than that in state ST2. Therefore, the current value (absolute value) of the induced current IDC4 generated in state ST4 is smaller than the current value (absolute value) of the induced current IDC2 generated in state ST2.

[0072] Therefore, by detecting the induced currents IDC1, IDC2, IDC3, and IDC4 at a predetermined timing, it is possible to determine whether the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been inserted into the opening 101A (detect insertion), determine whether the insertion direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted into the opening 101A is forward or backward (detect insertion direction), and determine whether the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been removed from the opening 101A (detect removal). Hereinafter, the induced currents IDC2 and IDC3 flowing in the same direction are collectively referred to as induced current IDCa, and the induced currents IDC1 and IDC4 flowing in the same direction are collectively referred to as induced current IDCb.

[0073] In the circuit 104, the induced current IDCa (induced current IDC2 or induced current IDC3) can be detected by the current detection IC 151. Also, the induced current IDCb (induced current IDC1 or induced current IDC4) can be detected by the current detection IC 152. The induced current that may occur in the coil 106 can be detected by the current detection ICs 151 and 152 when the switches Q4 and Q5 are in the on state, respectively, in a state in which no power is supplied from the power source 102 to the coil 106 (the switches Q1 and Q2 are in the off state).

[0074] The current detection IC 151 is configured, for example, by a unidirectional current sense amplifier. The current detection IC 151 includes an operational amplifier that amplifies the voltage across the resistor R2 as a detector for detecting the voltage applied across the resistor R2, and outputs the current value of the current flowing through the resistor R2 as a measured value based on the output of the operational amplifier. A non-inverting input terminal IN+ of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC 151 is connected to a terminal (one end) on the coil connector CC- side of the resistor R2. An inverting input terminal IN- of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC 151 is connected to the other end of the resistor R2. Therefore, when an induced current IDCa occurs in the coil 106 in the above-mentioned power non-supply state, the current detection IC 151 outputs a current value of a predetermined magnitude based on the induced current IDCa from the output terminal OUT. It should be noted that when the current detection IC 151 is configured by a unidirectional current sense amplifier, the current detection IC 151 cannot detect a current flowing in the opposite direction to the induced current IDCa.

[0075] The current detection IC 152 is configured, for example, by a unidirectional current sense amplifier. The current detection IC 152 includes an operational amplifier that amplifies the voltage across the resistor R1 as a detector for detecting the voltage applied across the resistor R1, and outputs the current value of the current flowing through the resistor R1 as a measured value based on the output of the operational amplifier. The non-inverting input terminal IN+ of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC 152 is connected to the terminal (one end) of the coil connector CC+ side of the resistor R1. The inverting input terminal IN- of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC 152 is connected to the other end of the resistor R1. Therefore, when an induced current IDCb occurs in the coil 106 in the above-mentioned power non-supply state, the current detection IC 152 outputs a current value of a predetermined magnitude based on the induced current IDCb from the output terminal OUT. It should be noted that when the current detection IC 152 is configured by a unidirectional current sense amplifier, the current detection IC 152 cannot detect a current flowing in the opposite direction to the induced current IDCb.

[0076] <Operation mode of power supply unit 100U> Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation modes of the power supply unit 100U. As shown in Fig. 6, the operation modes of the power supply unit 100U include seven modes: SLEEP mode, CHARGE mode, ACTIVE mode, PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, HEAT mode, and ERROR mode.

[0077] The SLEEP mode is a mode for saving power by allowing the control unit 118 to execute only processes that consume little power, such as detecting the operation of the button 128 and managing the power source 102.

[0078] In the ACTIVE mode, most functions are enabled except for the power supply from the power source 102 to the coil 106, and the ACTIVE mode consumes more power than the SLEEP mode. When the control unit 118 detects a predetermined operation of the button 128 while the power source unit 100U is operating in the SLEEP mode, the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to the ACTIVE mode. When the control unit 118 detects a predetermined operation of the button 128 while the power source unit 100U is operating in the ACTIVE mode, or when the time during which the button 128 is not operated reaches a predetermined time, the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to the SLEEP mode.

[0079] In the ACTIVE mode, the control unit 118 controls the switches of the circuit 104 so that the circuit is in a state in which an induced current that may occur in the coil 106 can be detected (hereinafter, referred to as an induced current detection state). Specifically, the control unit 118 controls the switches Q1 and Q2 to be in an OFF state and the switches Q4 and Q5 to be in an ON state. In this induced current detection state, when the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC1 has occurred in the coil 106 based on the output of the current detection ICs 151 and 152, it determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been inserted into the opening 101A in the forward direction, and switches the operation mode to the PRE-HEAT mode. When the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC3 has occurred in the coil 106 based on the output of the current detection ICs 151 and 152, it determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been inserted into the opening 101A in the reverse direction, and activates a notification unit composed of the light-emitting element 138 and the like to notify the user that the insertion direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is reverse.

[0080] The PRE-HEAT mode is a mode in which the control unit 118 executes heating control, monitor control, and temperature acquisition processing of the susceptor 110, and heats the susceptor 110 included in the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted into the opening 101A to a first target temperature or for a predetermined time. In the PRE-HEAT mode, the control unit 118 turns on the switch Q4 and turns off the switch Q5, and controls the switches Q1, Q2, and Q3 to perform heating control, monitor control, and temperature acquisition processing of the susceptor 110. When the temperature of the susceptor 110 reaches the first target temperature or a predetermined time has elapsed while the power supply unit 100U is operating in the PRE-HEAT mode, the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to the INTERVAL mode.

[0081] The INTERVAL mode is a mode in which the controller 118 waits for the temperature of the susceptor 110 to drop to a certain level. In the INTERVAL mode, for example, the controller 118 temporarily stops the heating control, performs monitor control and a process of acquiring the temperature of the susceptor 110, and waits until the temperature of the susceptor 110 drops to a second target temperature that is lower than the first target temperature. When the temperature of the susceptor 110 drops to the second target temperature, the controller 118 switches the operation mode to the HEAT mode.

[0082] The HEAT mode is a mode in which the control unit 118 executes heating control, monitor control, and temperature acquisition processing of the susceptor 110, and controls the temperature of the susceptor 110 included in the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted into the opening 101A to a predetermined target temperature. When a preset heating end condition is satisfied, the control unit 118 ends the HEAT mode and switches the operation mode to the ACTIVE mode. The heating end condition is a condition in which a predetermined time has elapsed since the HEAT mode was started, or the number of inhalations by the user has reached a preset value. The PRE-HEAT mode and the HEAT mode are operation modes in which power is supplied from the power source 102 to the coil 106 in order to generate a desired aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate 108.

[0083] Immediately after switching from the HEAT mode to the ACTIVE mode, the control unit 118 performs the continuous use determination process shown in Fig. 6. The continuous use determination process is a process for determining whether the user intends to continue using the new aerosol-forming substrate 108 (hereinafter referred to as continuous use). If the control unit 118 determines that there is an intention to continue use and that the power required for consumption of the aerosol source 112 of the new aerosol-forming substrate 108 can be supplied from the power source 102 (the power remaining amount is sufficient), the control unit 118 switches the operation mode from the ACTIVE mode to the PRE-HEAT mode, and otherwise switches the operation mode from the ACTIVE mode to the SLEEP mode. The continuous use determination process is not essential and can be omitted.

[0084] The CHARGE mode is a mode in which charging of the power source 102 is controlled by power supplied from a charging power source connected to the charging power source connection section 116. When the power source unit 100U is operating in a mode other than the CHARGE mode and the ERROR mode among the seven modes and a charging power source is connected to the charging power source connection section 116, the control section 118 switches the operation mode to the CHARGE mode. When the power source unit 100U is operating in the CHARGE mode and charging of the power source 102 is completed or the charging power source connection section 116 is disconnected from the charging power source, the control section 118 switches the operation mode to the ACTIVE mode.

[0085] The ERROR mode is a mode in which, if an abnormality (error) such as over-discharging or over-charging of the power supply 102 or over-heating of the susceptor 110 occurs in any of the other six operation modes, the safety of the circuit 104 is ensured (for example, all switches are controlled to the off state) and a notification unit notifies the user. If the mode transitions to the ERROR mode, the power supply unit 100U needs to be reset, repaired, or discarded.

[0086] <Discrimination process of the state of the aerosol-forming substrate 108> In the induced current detection state, the control unit 118 can determine which of the states ST1 to ST4 shown in FIG.

[0087] (Determining state ST1) In the induced current detection state, when current detection IC 152, out of current detection IC 151 and current detection IC 152, outputs a current value greater than a predetermined value and this current value is greater than a current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC1 has been generated in coil 106 as a result of the aerosol forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaching opening 101A (coil 106) in the positive direction, that is, the state is ST1.

[0088] (Determining state ST2) In the induced current detection state, when current detection IC 151 outputs a current value greater than a predetermined value, and this current value is greater than or equal to the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110), inserted in the positive direction, is moving away from opening 101A (coil 106), causing an induced current IDC2 to be generated in coil 106, that is, the state is ST2.

[0089] (Determining state ST3) In the induced current detection state, when current detection IC 151, of current detection IC 151 and current detection IC 152, outputs a current value greater than a predetermined value and this current value is less than the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC3 has been generated in coil 106 due to the aerosol forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaching opening 101A (coil 106) in the reverse direction, that is, the state is ST3.

[0090] (Determining state ST4) In the induced current detection state, if current detection IC 152, of current detection IC 151 and current detection IC 152, outputs a current value greater than a predetermined value and this current value is less than the current threshold, the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110), inserted in the reverse direction, is moving away from opening 101A (coil 106), causing an induced current IDC4 to be generated in coil 106, i.e., the state is ST4.

[0091] In addition, even if an induced current occurs in coil 106 in the induced current detection state, the presence of diode D1 prevents this induced current from flowing to capacitor C2 and conversion circuit 132. Therefore, the induced current does not affect conversion circuit 132, and the durability of power supply unit 100U can be improved. On the other hand, during heating control, a pulsating current from conversion circuit 132 passes through diode D1, but this pulsating current is not unnecessarily rectified by diode D1. Therefore, during heating control, an appropriate power can be supplied from power supply 102 to coil 106 to appropriately heat aerosol source 112.

[0092] In addition, in the configuration of circuit 104 shown in Fig. 2, when heating control is performed, a current different from and larger than the induced current flows through resistor R2. For this reason, it is preferable to prevent this large current from being detected by current detection IC 151. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a preferable example of electronic components to be added to circuit 104 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 7, it is preferable to add a load switch 170 and a varistor 171 to circuit 104.

[0093] When a high or low on signal is input from the control unit 118 to the control terminal ON, the load switch 170 turns on the system voltage V sys When an OFF signal is input from the control unit 118 to the control terminal ON, the load switch 170 outputs the system voltage V sys does not output from the output terminal OUT. The output terminal OUT of the load switch 170 is connected to the power supply terminal VDD of the current detection IC 151. The varistor 171 is connected to a line connecting the output terminal OUT of the current detection IC 151 and the control unit 118, and to ground.

[0094] In the induced current detection state, the control unit 118 inputs an ON signal to the load switch 170 to supply power to the current detection IC 151. In a mode in which at least one of heating control and monitor control is performed (PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, and HEAT mode), the control unit 118 inputs an OFF signal to the load switch 170 to stop the power supply to the current detection IC 151 and stop the output of the current detection IC 151. This makes it possible to prevent a large signal from being input to the control unit 118 even if a current different from and larger than the induced current flows through the resistor R2.

[0095] Furthermore, in modes in which at least one of heating control and monitor control is performed (PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, and HEAT mode), even if the load switch 170 is fixed to the on state for some reason, the output of the current detection IC 151 is limited to a low value by the varistor 171 serving as a protective element. Therefore, even if a current different from and larger than the induced current flows through the resistor R2, it is possible to prevent a large signal from being input to the control unit 118.

[0096] 2, by providing either the load switch 170 or the varistor 171, it is possible to obtain the effect of preventing a large signal from being input from the current detection IC 151 to the control unit 118. Also, a Zener diode may be used instead of the varistor 171.

[0097] <First Modification of Circuit 104> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 2. The circuit 104 shown in Fig. 8 is the same as that shown in Fig. 2 except that the resistor R1, the current detection IC 152, and the current detection IC 151 are deleted, the position of the resistor R2 is changed, and a current detection IC 153 is added.

[0098] 8, the drain terminal of the switch Q5 is connected to the coil connector CC+, and the source terminal of the switch Q5 is connected to one end of the resistor R2, the other end of which is connected to the coil connector CC-.

[0099] The current detection IC 153 is configured, for example, by a bidirectional current sense amplifier. The current detection IC 153 includes an operational amplifier that amplifies the voltage across the resistor R2 as a detector for detecting the voltage applied across the resistor R2, and outputs the current value of the current flowing through the resistor R2 as a measured value based on the output of the operational amplifier.

[0100] In the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 8, the switches Q1, Q2, and Q4 are in an off state and the switch Q5 is in an on state, thereby forming an induced current detection state. The current detection IC 153 in this embodiment outputs a positive current value when the inverting input terminal IN- is at a higher potential than the non-inverting input terminal IN+, and outputs a negative current value when the inverting input terminal IN- is at a lower potential than the non-inverting input terminal IN+. In this induced current detection state, when an induced current IDCa occurs in the coil 106, a negative current value of a predetermined magnitude based on the induced current IDCa is output from the current detection IC 153, and when an induced current IDCb occurs in the coil 106, a positive current value of a predetermined magnitude based on the induced current IDCb is output from the current detection IC 153.

[0101] Therefore, in the induced current detection state, the control unit 118 can determine which of the states ST1 to ST4 shown in FIG. 5 it is, based on the output of the current detection IC 153, as will be described below.

[0102] (Determining state ST1) In the induced current detection state, when a positive current value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 153 and this absolute value is greater than or equal to the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC1 has been generated in the coil 106 as the aerosol forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaches the opening 101A (coil 106) in the positive direction, i.e., the state is ST1.

[0103] (Determining state ST2) In the induced current detection state, when a negative current value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 153 and this absolute value is greater than or equal to the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC2 has been generated in the coil 106 as the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) inserted in the positive direction moves away from the opening 101A (coil 106), i.e., the state is ST2.

[0104] (Determining state ST3) In the induced current detection state, when a negative current value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 153 and this absolute value is less than the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC3 has been generated in the coil 106 due to the aerosol forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaching the opening 101A (coil 106) in the reverse direction, i.e., the state is ST3.

[0105] (Determining state ST4) In the induced current detection state, when a positive current value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 153 and this current value is less than the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC4 has been generated in the coil 106 as the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) inserted in the reverse direction has moved away from the opening 101A (coil 106), i.e., the state is ST4.

[0106] <Second Modification of Circuit 104> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 2. The circuit 104 shown in Fig. 9 is the same as that shown in Fig. 8 except that the current detection IC 153 is changed to an operational amplifier 161, and a rail splitter circuit 160 consisting of resistors 591, 592, capacitors 593, and capacitors 594 is added.

[0107] The rail splitter circuit 160 divides the system voltage V sys The rail splitter circuit 160 has an input terminal T1 to which the input system voltage V sys Therefore, two potentials ((V sys / 2) positive potential and (-V sys Then, a positive potential (V sys / 2) is input to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier 161, and is output from the output terminal T2 of the rail splitter circuit 160 as a negative potential (−V sys / 2) is input to the negative power supply terminal of the operational amplifier 161.

[0108] The non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 161 is connected to the terminal (one end) of the resistor R2 on the switch Q5 side. The inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 161 is connected to the other end of the resistor R2. The operational amplifier 161 amplifies and outputs the voltage across the resistor R2. As described above, a negative potential is input to the negative power supply terminal of the operational amplifier 161, so that the operational amplifier 161 can output not only positive voltage values ​​but also negative voltage values.

[0109] 9, the switches Q1, Q2, and Q4 are turned off and the switch Q5 is turned on, thereby forming an induced current detection state. In this induced current detection state, when an induced current IDCa occurs in the coil 106, a negative voltage value of a predetermined magnitude based on the induced current IDCa is output from the operational amplifier 161, and when an induced current IDCb occurs in the coil 106, a positive voltage value of a predetermined magnitude based on the induced current IDCb is output from the operational amplifier 161.

[0110] Therefore, in the induced current detection state, the control unit 118 can determine which of the states ST1 to ST4 shown in FIG. 5 it is, based on the output of the operational amplifier 161, as will be described below.

[0111] (Determining state ST1) In the induced current detection state, when a positive voltage value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the operational amplifier 161 and this absolute value is greater than or equal to a voltage threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC1 has been generated in the coil 106 as a result of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaching the opening 101A (coil 106) in the positive direction, i.e., the state is ST1.

[0112] (Determining state ST2) In the induced current detection state, when a negative voltage value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the operational amplifier 161 and this absolute value is greater than or equal to a voltage threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC2 has been generated in the coil 106 as the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) inserted in the positive direction moves away from the opening 101A (coil 106), i.e., the state is ST2.

[0113] (Determining state ST3) In the induced current detection state, when a negative voltage value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the operational amplifier 161 and this absolute value is less than the voltage threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC3 has been generated in the coil 106 due to the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaching the opening 101A (coil 106) in the reverse direction, i.e., the state is ST3.

[0114] (Determining state ST4) In the induced current detection state, when a positive voltage value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the operational amplifier 161 and this absolute value is less than the voltage threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC4 has been generated in the coil 106 as the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) inserted in the reverse direction has moved away from the opening 101A (coil 106), i.e., the state is ST4.

[0115] <Third Modification of Circuit 104> Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 2. The circuit 104 shown in Fig. 10 is the same as that shown in Fig. 2 except that the conversion circuit 132 is changed to an inverter 162 that converts direct current to alternating current, the resistor R1, the current detection IC 152, and the current detection IC 151 are deleted, and resistors R3, R4, the current detection IC 154, and the current detection IC 155 are added.

[0116] The inverter 162 includes switches Q5 and Q7 configured as P-channel MOSFETs, switches Q6 and Q8 configured as N-channel MOSFETs, a gate driver 162b that controls the gate voltages of the switches Q5 to Q8, a processor (Logic) 162c that controls the gate driver 162b, and an LDO 162a that supplies power to the gate driver 162b and the processor 162c. The positive input terminal IN+ of the inverter 162 is connected to the other end of the parallel circuit 130. The negative input terminal IN- of the inverter 162 is connected to the drain terminal of the switch Q4. The LDO 162a supplies a voltage obtained by adjusting the voltage input to the positive input terminal IN+ to the gate driver 162b and the processor 162c. The processor 162c is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 118 via serial communication, and is controlled by the control unit 118.

[0117] The source terminal of the switch Q5 is connected to the positive input terminal IN+, and the drain terminal of the switch Q5 is connected to the drain terminal of the switch Q6. The source terminal of the switch Q6 is connected to the negative input terminal IN-. The node connecting the switches Q5 and Q6 is connected to the output terminal OUT+.

[0118] The source terminal of the switch Q7 is connected to the positive input terminal IN+, and the drain terminal of the switch Q7 is connected to the drain terminal of the switch Q8. The source terminal of the switch Q8 is connected to the negative input terminal IN-. The node connecting the switches Q7 and Q8 is connected to the output terminal OUT-.

[0119] One end of the resistor R3 is connected to one end of the capacitor C2, and the other end is connected to the output terminal OUT+. One end of the resistor R4 is connected to the coil connector CC-, and the other end is connected to the output terminal OUT-.

[0120] The current detection IC155 is configured, for example, by a unidirectional current sense amplifier. The current detection IC155 includes an operational amplifier that amplifies the voltage across the resistor R3 as a detector for detecting the voltage applied across the resistor R3, and outputs the current value of the current flowing through the resistor R3 as a measured value based on the output of the operational amplifier. The non-inverting input terminal IN+ of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC155 is connected to the terminal of the resistor R3 on the capacitor C2 side. The inverting input terminal IN- of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC155 is connected to the terminal on the output terminal OUT+ side of the resistor R3.

[0121] The current detection IC154 is configured, for example, by a unidirectional current sense amplifier. The current detection IC154 includes an operational amplifier that amplifies the voltage across the resistor R4 as a detector for detecting the voltage applied across the resistor R4, and outputs the current value of the current flowing through the resistor R4 as a measured value based on the output of the operational amplifier. The non-inverting input terminal IN+ of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC154 is connected to the terminal on the coil connector CC- side of the resistor R4. The inverting input terminal IN- of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC154 is connected to the terminal on the output terminal OUT- side of the resistor R4.

[0122] During heating control, the control unit 118 alternately performs a first switch control in which the switches Q1 and Q4 are turned on and the switch Q2 is turned off, the on states of the switches Q5 and Q8 are controlled by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, and the switches Q6 and Q7 are turned off, and a second switch control in which the switches Q5 and Q8 are turned off and the on states of the switches Q6 and Q7 are controlled by PWM control. As a result, the direct current supplied from the power source 102 is converted into an alternating current and supplied to the coil 106.

[0123] During monitor control, the control unit 118 turns on the switches Q2 and Q4 and turns off the switch Q1, alternately performing the first switch control and the second switch control described above. As a result, the direct current supplied from the power source 102 is converted into alternating current and supplied to the coil 106.

[0124] 10, the control unit 118 sets the switches Q1 and Q2 to the OFF state, the switch Q4 to the ON state, and the switches Q6 and Q8 to the ON state to form an induced current detection state. In this induced current detection state, when an induced current IDCa occurs in the coil 106, a current value of a predetermined magnitude based on the induced current IDCa is output from the current detection IC 154, and when an induced current IDCb occurs in the coil 106, a current value of a predetermined magnitude based on the induced current IDCb is output from the current detection IC 155.

[0125] Therefore, in the induced current detection state, the control unit 118 can determine which of the states ST1 to ST4 shown in FIG. 5 it is, based on the outputs of the current detection ICs 154 and 155, as will be described below.

[0126] (Determining state ST1) In the induced current detection state, when the current detection IC 155 outputs a current value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and this absolute value is greater than or equal to the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC1 has been generated in the coil 106 as the aerosol forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaches the opening 101A (coil 106) in the positive direction, i.e., the state is ST1.

[0127] (Determining state ST2) In the induced current detection state, when the current detection IC 154 outputs a current value whose absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and this absolute value is greater than or equal to the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) inserted in the positive direction is moving away from the opening 101A (coil 106), causing an induced current IDC2 to be generated in the coil 106, i.e., the state is ST2.

[0128] (Determining state ST3) In the induced current detection state, when the current detection IC 154 outputs a current value whose absolute value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and this absolute value is less than the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC3 has been generated in the coil 106 due to the aerosol forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaching the opening 101A (coil 106) in the reverse direction, i.e., the state is ST3.

[0129] (Determining state ST4) In the induced current detection state, when the current detection IC 155 outputs a current value whose absolute value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and this current value is less than the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110), which is inserted in the reverse direction, is moving away from the opening 101A (coil 106), causing an induced current IDC4 to be generated in the coil 106, i.e., the state is ST4.

[0130] In the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 10, when heating control is performed, a current different from and larger than the induced current flows through the resistors R3 and R4. For this reason, it is preferable to prevent this large current from being detected by the current detection ICs 154 and 155. Specifically, similar to the example shown in Fig. 7, it is preferable to add at least one of a load switch that controls the power supply to each of the current detection ICs 154 and 155, and a varistor (or a Zener diode) that is connected to the output terminal OUT of each of the current detection ICs 154 and 155.

[0131] 10, in the induced current detection state, it is preferable to prevent the induced current generated in the coil 106 from being input to the inverter 162. For example, a first switch is used to connect a node connecting the output terminal OUT+ of the inverter 162 and the resistor R3 to the ground, and a second switch is used to connect a node connecting the output terminal OUT- of the inverter 162 and the resistor R4 to the ground. Then, the control unit 118 controls the first switch and the second switch to the on state in the induced current detection state, and controls the first switch and the second switch to the off state in the heating control and the monitor control. This makes it possible to prevent the induced current from being input to the inverter 162 by a limiting circuit including the first switch and the second switch.

[0132] 2, 8, 9, and 10 described so far, the current detection IC 151, the current detection IC 152, the current detection IC 153, the current detection IC 154, the current detection IC 155, the operational amplifier 161, etc., make it possible to detect the direction of the induced current flowing through the coil 106, i.e., the induced current IDCa and the induced current IDCb in a distinguishable manner. However, even if the induced current IDCa and the induced current IDCb cannot be distinguished and detected, it is possible to determine the state of the aerosol-forming substrate 108. Hereinafter, a fourth modified example and a fifth modified example of the circuit 104 will be described.

[0133] <Fourth Modification of Circuit 104> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 2. The circuit 104 shown in Fig. 11 is the same as that shown in Fig. 2 except that the resistor R1, the current detection IC 152, and the current detection IC 151 are deleted, the position of the resistor R2 is changed, and a current detection IC 156 is added.

[0134] In the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 11, the drain terminal of the switch Q5 is connected to the coil connector CC+, and the source terminal of the switch Q5 is connected to the coil connector CC-. Also, one end of the resistor R2 is connected to the source terminal of the switch Q5, and the other end is connected to the drain terminal of the switch Q4. In the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 11, the control unit 118 turns off the switches Q1 and Q2 and turns on the switches Q4 and Q5 to form an induced current detection state.

[0135] The current detection IC156 is configured, for example, by a unidirectional current sense amplifier. The current detection IC156 includes an operational amplifier that amplifies the voltage across the resistor R2 as a detector for detecting the voltage applied across the resistor R2, and outputs the current value of the current flowing through the resistor R2 as a measured value based on the output of this operational amplifier. The non-inverting input terminal IN+ of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC156 is connected to the terminal of the resistor R2 on the switch Q5 side. The inverting input terminal IN- of the operational amplifier included in the current detection IC156 is connected to the terminal of the resistor R2 on the switch Q4 side.

[0136] Therefore, when induced current IDCa or induced current IDCb occurs in coil 106 in the induced current detection state, current detection IC 156 outputs a current value of a predetermined magnitude from output terminal OUT. In circuit 104 shown in FIG. 11, induced current is detected only by a single current detection IC 156 configured with a unidirectional sense amplifier. The output of current detection IC 156 has a current value of the same sign except for the magnitude, regardless of whether induced current IDCa or induced current IDCb is present. In this way, current detection IC 156 cannot output information that distinguishes the direction of the induced current generated in coil 106.

[0137] In the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 11, when heating control is performed, a current different from and larger than the induced current flows through the resistor R2. For this reason, it is preferable to prevent this large current from being detected by the current detection IC 156. Specifically, similar to the example shown in Fig. 7, it is preferable to add at least one of a load switch that controls the power supply to the current detection IC 156 and a varistor (or a Zener diode) that is connected to the output terminal OUT of the current detection IC 156.

[0138] Based on the output of the current detection IC 156, the control unit 118 determines which of the states ST1 to ST4 it is, as shown below.

[0139] (Determining state ST1) In ACTIVE mode and induced current detection state, when a current value greater than a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 156 and this current value is greater than or equal to the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC1 has been generated in the coil 106 as the aerosol forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaches the opening 101A (coil 106) in the positive direction, i.e., the state is ST1.

[0140] (Determining state ST2) Immediately after the end of the HEAT mode and in the induced current detection state, when a current value greater than a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 156 and this current value is greater than or equal to the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) inserted in the forward direction has moved away from the opening 101A (coil 106), causing an induced current IDC2 to be generated in the coil 106, i.e., the state is ST2.

[0141] (Determining state ST3) In ACTIVE mode and induced current detection state, when a current value greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 156 and this current value is less than the current threshold value, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC3 has been generated in the coil 106 due to the aerosol forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaching the opening 101A (coil 106) in the reverse direction, i.e., the state is ST3.

[0142] (Determining state ST4) Immediately after the end of the HEAT mode and in the induced current detection state, if a current value greater than or equal to a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 156 and this current value is less than the current threshold, the control unit 118 determines that an induced current IDC4 has been generated in the coil 106 as the aerosol-forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110), which has been inserted in the reverse direction, has moved away from the opening 101A (coil 106), i.e., the state is ST4.

[0143] In this embodiment, the control unit 118 distinguishes between states ST1 to ST4. Alternatively, the control unit 118 may not distinguish between state ST1 and state ST3. That is, in the ACTIVE mode and in the induced current detection state, the control unit 118 may determine that the state is ST1 or ST3 when a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 156. When the control unit 118 determines that the state is ST1 or ST3, the control unit 118 may switch the operation mode to the PRE-HEAT mode. Similarly, immediately after the end of the HEAT mode and in the induced current detection state, the control unit 118 may determine that the state is ST2 or ST4 when a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined value is output from the current detection IC 156.

[0144] <Fifth Modification of Circuit 104> Figure 12 is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the circuit 104 shown in Figure 2. The circuit 104 shown in Figure 12 is the same as that shown in Figure 9 except that the rail splitter circuit 160 is deleted and the operational amplifier 161 is changed to an operational amplifier 162.

[0145] The operational amplifier 162 in the circuit 104 shown in FIG. 12 is the operational amplifier 161 shown in FIG. 9 with the system voltage V sys The negative power supply terminal is connected to ground.

[0146] In the circuit 104 shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 118 controls the switches Q1, Q2, and Q4 to be in the OFF state and the switch Q5 to be in the ON state to form an induced current detection state. When an induced current IDCb occurs in the induced current detection state, the operational amplifier 161 outputs a voltage value equal to or greater than a predetermined value according to the induced current IDCb. On the other hand, when an induced current IDCa occurs in the induced current detection state, the operational amplifier 161 does not output a voltage value equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this way, the output of the operational amplifier 162 becomes a voltage value equal to or greater than a predetermined value only when an induced current IDCb occurs. In other words, the operational amplifier 162 cannot output information that distinguishes the direction of the induced current generated in the coil 106.

[0147] In the circuit 104 shown in Figure 12, the control unit 118 forms an induced current detection state in ACTIVE mode, and when a voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined value and equal to or greater than a voltage threshold is output from the operational amplifier 161 in this induced current detection state, it determines that an induced current IDC1 has been generated in the coil 106 as the aerosol forming substrate 108 (susceptor 110) approaches the opening 101A (coil 106) in the positive direction, that is, that the state is ST1, and switches the operating mode to PRE-HEAT mode.

[0148] 12, the control unit 118 cannot determine, based on the induced current, that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been inserted into the opening 101A in the reverse direction or that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted into the opening 101A in the forward direction has been removed. However, the control unit 118 can determine that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been inserted into the opening 101A in the forward direction.

[0149] As described above, with the configuration of the circuit 104 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8 to FIG. 11, the control unit 118 can detect the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108, detect the removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108, and identify the insertion direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108. For example, if the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 108 and suck the aerosol in both cases of inserting the aerosol-forming substrate 108 in the forward direction and inserting the aerosol-forming substrate 108 in the reverse direction, it is not necessary to identify the insertion direction. For this reason, in such a configuration, it is sufficient for the control unit 118 to only detect the insertion and removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108. That is, the configurations of the control unit 118, the power supply unit 100U, and the circuit 104 can be simplified.

[0150] <Operation of control unit 118> The following describes the operation of control unit 118 in circuit 104 shown in each of Fig. 2 and Fig. 8 to Fig. 12. Current detection ICs 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, and 156 and operational amplifiers 161 and 162 capable of detecting an induced current or a voltage value corresponding to an induced current are hereinafter collectively referred to as induced current detection ICs.

[0151] FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining an example process 10 executed by the control unit 118 in the SLEEP mode. First, the control unit 118 judges whether or not the charging power source is connected to the charging power source connection unit 116 (step S11). This judgment is executed, for example, by the above-mentioned VBUS detection signal. If the charging power source is connected to the charging power source connection unit 116 (step S11: YES), the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to the CHARGE mode. If the charging power source is not connected to the charging power source connection unit 116 (step S11: NO), the control unit 118 judges whether or not a predetermined operation is performed on the button 128 (step S12). An example of this predetermined operation is a long press, a short press, or repeated tapping of the button 128. If the predetermined operation is performed on the button 128 (step S12: YES), the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to the ACTIVE mode. If the predetermined operation is not performed on the button 128 (step S12: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S11.

[0152] FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining an example process 20 executed by the control unit 118 in the CHARGE mode. First, the control unit 118 causes the charging circuit 122 to start charging the power source 102 (step S21). This process is executed, for example, by the control unit 118 inputting a charging enable signal having a predetermined level to the charging enable terminal CE of the charging circuit 122. Next, the control unit 118 judges whether or not the charging power source has been removed from the charging power source connection unit 116 (step S22). This judgment is executed, for example, by the above-mentioned VBUS detection signal. If the charging power source has not been removed from the charging power source connection unit 116 (step S22: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S22. If the charging power source has been removed from the charging power source connection unit 116 (step S22: YES), the control unit 118 causes the charging circuit 122 to end charging the power source 102 (step S23). The charging circuit 122 may terminate charging of the power source 102 without waiting for a command from the control unit 118, based on the charging current or charging voltage of the power source 102 acquired from serial communication with the remaining power measurement IC 124 or input to the charging terminal BAT. After step S23, the control unit 118 sets the number of usable aerosol-forming substrates 108 based on the charging level of the power source 102 (amount of power remaining in the power source 102) (step S24). Here, the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is assumed to be stick-shaped, but the shape of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not limited to this. Therefore, it should be noted that the "usable number" can be generalized to the "usable number". The usable number will be described below with reference to FIG. 15.

[0153] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining the number of usable units. Capacity 610 corresponds to the power source 102 when it has not been used yet (hereinafter referred to as "unused"), and its area indicates the full charge capacity when it is unused. The fact that the power source 102 has not been used yet means that the number of discharges since the power source 102 was manufactured is zero or a predetermined number of discharges or less. An example of the full charge capacity of the power source 102 when it is unused is about 220 mAh. Capacity 620 corresponds to the power source 102 when it has been repeatedly discharged and charged and has deteriorated to a certain extent (hereinafter referred to as "degraded"), and its area indicates the full charge capacity when it is deteriorated. As is clear from FIG. 15, the full charge capacity of the power source 102 when it is unused is larger than the full charge capacity of the power source 102 when it is deteriorated.

[0154] The power amount 630 corresponds to the amount of power (energy) required to consume one aerosol-forming substrate 108, and the area indicates the corresponding amount of power. All four power amounts 630 in FIG. 15 have the same area, and the corresponding amounts of power are also approximately the same. An example of the power 630 required to consume one aerosol-forming substrate 108 is about 70 mAh. As an example, when the heating end condition is satisfied after the transition to the HEAT mode, it can be considered that one aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been consumed.

[0155] The amounts of power 640 and 650 correspond to the charge levels (hereinafter referred to as "surplus power") of the power source 102 after consuming two aerosol-forming substrates 108, and the areas indicate the corresponding amounts of power. As is clear from Fig. 15, the amount of surplus power when not in use is greater than the amount of surplus power when deteriorated.

[0156] Voltage 660 indicates the output voltage of power supply 102 when fully charged, an example of which is approximately 3.64 V. Voltage 670 indicates the end-of-discharge voltage of power supply 102, an example of which is approximately 2.40 V. The output voltage and end-of-discharge voltage of power supply 102 when fully charged are basically constant regardless of deterioration of power supply 102, i.e., regardless of SOH (State Of Health).

[0157] It is preferable that the power source 102 is not used until the voltage reaches the discharge end voltage, in other words, until the charge level of the power source 102 becomes zero. This is because when the voltage of the power source 102 becomes equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage or when the charge level of the power source 102 becomes zero, deterioration of the power source 102 progresses rapidly. Moreover, the closer the voltage of the power source 102 approaches the discharge end voltage, the more the power source 102 deteriorates.

[0158] Furthermore, as described above, when the power source 102 is repeatedly discharged and charged, its full charge capacity decreases, and the amount of surplus power after consuming a certain number of aerosol-forming substrates 108 ("2" in FIG. 15) is smaller when it is degraded than when it is unused.

[0159] Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 118, taking into account deterioration of the power supply 102, set the number of available units so that the power supply 102 is not used until the voltage reaches or near the discharge end voltage, in other words, until the charge level of the power supply 102 becomes zero or near zero. That is, the number of available units can be set, for example, as follows. n=int((eS) / C)

[0160] Here, "n" is the number of usable units, "e" is the charge level of the power source 102 (unit: mAh, for example), "S" is a parameter (unit: mAh, for example) for providing a margin for the surplus power amount when the power source 102 deteriorates, "C" is the amount of power (unit: mAh, for example) required to consume one aerosol-forming substrate 108, and "int()" is a function for rounding down the decimal point in (). Note that "e" is a variable, and can be acquired by the control unit 118 communicating with the remaining amount measuring IC 124. Also, "S" and "C" are constants, and can be experimentally obtained in advance and stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit 118.

[0161] Returning to Fig. 14, after step S24, the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to the ACTIVE mode. Note that step S22 in Fig. 14 can be replaced with a process in which the control unit 118 determines whether or not charging of the power source 102 by the charging circuit 122 has been completed.

[0162] Fig. 16 is a flow chart for explaining an example process (main process 30) that is mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the ACTIVE mode. First, the control unit 118 controls the switch of the circuit 104 to establish an induced current detection state (step S30). The establishment of the induced current detection state in each circuit 104 in Fig. 2 and its modified examples has been described above. In the case where the load switch 170 illustrated in Fig. 7 is added to each circuit 104 shown in Figs. 2, 10, and 11, the control unit 118 turns on the load switch 170 in step S30 to supply power to the current detection IC that constitutes the induced current detection IC.

[0163] Furthermore, the control unit 118 starts a first timer (step S31). By starting the first timer, the value of the first timer increases or decreases from an initial value as time passes. In the following description, the value of the first timer increases as time passes. The first timer stops and is initialized when switching to another operation mode. The same applies to a second timer and a third timer described later.

[0164] Next, the control unit 118 notifies the user of the charge level of the power source 102 (step S32). The notification of the charge level can be realized by the control unit 118 communicating with the light-emitting element drive circuit 126 and causing the light-emitting element 138 to emit light in a predetermined manner based on the information of the power source 102 acquired by communication with the remaining power measurement IC 124. This also applies to other notifications described later. It is preferable that the notification of the charge level is performed temporarily. Note that, in the case where the notification unit includes a speaker or a vibrator, the control unit 118 controls these to notify the user of the charge level by sound or vibration.

[0165] Next, the control unit 118 starts the execution of another process (hereinafter referred to as a "sub-process") so as to be executed in parallel with the main process 30 (step S33). The sub-process started in step S33 will be described later. The execution of the sub-process is stopped when switching to another operation mode. This also applies to the other sub-processes described later.

[0166] Next, the control unit 118 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the first timer (step S34). If the control unit 118 judges that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S34: YES), it performs the process of step S40 described below. If the control unit 118 judges that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S34: NO), it judges whether the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been inserted into the opening 101A based on the output value of the induced current detection IC (step S35).

[0167] When the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the opening 101A (step S35: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S34. When the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A (step S35: YES), the control unit 118 shifts the process to step S36.

[0168] In step S36, the control unit 118 judges whether the insertion direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted into the opening 101A is the forward direction based on the output value of the induced current detection IC. Note that, in the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 12, since the induced current is not detected when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted in the reverse direction, the judgment of YES in step S35 is equivalent to the aerosol-forming substrate 108 being inserted in the forward direction. Therefore, in the circuit 104 shown in Fig. 12, the process of step S36 is omitted and the process of step S38 is performed.

[0169] When the control unit 118 determines that the insertion direction is the reverse direction (step S36: NO), it causes the notification unit to execute an error notification indicating that the insertion direction is the reverse direction, and further resets the value of the first timer to the initial value (step S37). After step S37, the control unit 118 returns the process to step S34. Step S37 can be said to be a process of delaying the transition from the ACTIVE mode to the SLEEP mode. This process can prevent the operation mode from transitioning to the SLEEP mode during the period from when the user removes the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted in the reverse direction until the user reinserts the aerosol-forming substrate 108 into the opening 101A in the normal direction, thereby improving convenience. Note that in step S37, the value of the first timer may not be reset to the initial value, but may be brought close to the initial value by subtraction or the like.

[0170] When the control unit 118 determines that the insertion direction is the normal direction (step S36: YES), it determines whether the set number of available bars is 1 or more (step S38). When the number of available bars is 1 or more (step S38: YES), the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to PRE-HEAT mode. When the number of available bars is less than 1 (step S38: NO), the control unit 118 causes the notification unit to execute a low remaining power notification indicating that the remaining power of the power source 102 is insufficient (step S39). In step S40 after step S39, the control unit 118 controls the switches of the circuit 104 to cancel the induced current detection state, and then switches the operation mode to SLEEP mode.

[0171] In the circuit 104 of Fig. 2, the switch Q5 is turned off, and preferably the power supply to the current detection IC 151 is stopped, to release the induced current detection state. In the circuits 104 of Figs. 8, 9, and 12, the switch Q5 is turned off, to release the induced current detection state. In the circuit 104 of Fig. 10, the switches Q6 and Q8 are turned off, and preferably the power supply to the current detection ICs 154 and 155 is stopped, to release the induced current detection state. In the circuit 104 of Fig. 11, the switch Q5 is turned off, and preferably the power supply to the current detection IC 156 is stopped, to release the induced current detection state.

[0172] If it is determined in step S34 that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S34: YES), the process proceeds to step S40, and then the operation mode is switched to the SLEEP mode.

[0173] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the sub-processing 40 and the sub-processing 50 that are started in step S33 of the main processing 30 in the ACTIVE mode.

[0174] (Subprocess 40) First, the control unit 118 judges whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed on the button 128 (step S44). One example of the predetermined operation is a short press of the button 128. If the predetermined operation has been performed on the button 128 (step S44: YES), the control unit 118 resets the value of the first timer to an initial value (step S45). If the predetermined operation has not been performed on the button 128 (step S44: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S44 in step S45, after which the control unit 118 notifies the user of the charge level of the power source 102 (step S46), similar to step S32 in FIG. 16, and then returns the process to step S44. Note that in step S45, the value of the first timer may not be reset to the initial value, but may be brought closer to the initial value by subtraction or the like.

[0175] (Subprocess 50) First, the control unit 118 judges whether or not the charging power source is connected to the charging power source connection unit 116 (step S51). If the charging power source is not connected to the charging power source connection unit 116 (step S51: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S51. This judgment is performed, for example, by the above-mentioned VBUS detection signal. If the charging power source is connected to the charging power source connection unit 116 (step S51: YES), the control unit 118 cancels the induced current detection state (step S52) and switches the operation mode to the CHARGE mode. Step S52 is the same process as step S40 in FIG. 16. When switching the operation mode to the CHARGE mode, it is preferable that the control unit 118 turns off all of the switches Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4.

[0176] 18 is a flowchart for explaining an example process (main process 60) that is mainly executed by the control unit 118 in the PRE-HEAT mode. First, the control unit 118 releases the induced current detection state (step S60). Step S60 is the same process as step S40 in FIG. 16.

[0177] Next, the control unit 118 starts the heating control and supplies the heating power to the coil 106 (step S61). In the circuits 104 of Figs. 2, 8, 9, 11 and 12, the heating power is generated by turning on the switch Q1, turning off the switch Q2, and then switching the switch Q3. In the circuit 104 of Fig. 10, the heating power is generated by turning on the switch Q1, turning off the switch Q2, and then alternately executing the first switch control and the second switch control described above in the inverter 162. Next, the control unit 118 starts executing a sub-processing so as to be executed in parallel with the main processing 60 (step S62). This sub-processing will be described later.

[0178] Next, the control unit 118 performs monitor control in a state where the heating control is temporarily stopped, supplies non-heating power to the coil 106, and measures the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit during monitoring (step S63). Next, the control unit 118 determines whether or not the susceptor 110 (aerosol-forming substrate 108) is inserted into the opening 101A based on the measured impedance Z (step S64). When the control unit 118 determines that the susceptor 110 is not inserted into the opening 101A (step S64: NO), it ends the heating control (step S66), and further reduces the number of usable substrates by one (step S67), and switches the operation mode to the ACTIVE mode. The determination of NO in step S64 corresponds to a case where the user inserts a new aerosol-forming substrate 108 and then immediately removes it.

[0179] When the control unit 118 determines that the susceptor 110 is inserted into the opening 101A (step S64: YES), the control unit 118 acquires the temperature of the susceptor 110 based on the impedance Z measured in step S63 (step S65). Next, the control unit 118 determines whether the temperature of the susceptor 110 acquired in step S65 has reached the first target temperature (step S66).

[0180] If the temperature of the susceptor 110 has not reached the first target temperature (step S68: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S63. When returning the process to step S63, the control unit 118 resumes the heating control and supplies heating power to the coil 106. If the temperature of the susceptor 110 has reached the first target temperature (step S68: YES), the control unit 118 controls the notification unit to notify the user that preheating has been completed (step S69). After step S69, the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to the INTERVAL mode. Note that the control unit 118 may also determine that preheating has been completed if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the PRE-HEAT mode, and switch the operation mode to the INTERVAL mode.

[0181] 19 is a flowchart for explaining an example process 70 executed by the control unit 118 in the INTERVAL mode. First, the control unit 118 ends the heating control and stops the supply of heating power to the coil 106 (step S71). Next, the control unit 118 starts the execution of a sub-process so that the sub-process is executed in parallel with the main process 70 (step S72). This sub-process will be described later.

[0182] Next, the control unit 118 performs monitor control to supply non-heating power to the coil 106 and measures the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit during monitoring (step S73). Next, the control unit 118 acquires the temperature of the susceptor 110 based on the measured impedance Z (step S74). Next, the control unit 118 determines whether the temperature of the susceptor 110 acquired in step S74 has reached a second target temperature (step S75).

[0183] If the temperature of the susceptor 110 has not reached the second target temperature (step S75: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S73. If the temperature of the susceptor 110 has reached the second target temperature (step S75: YES), the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to the HEAT mode. Note that the control unit 118 may also determine that cooling is complete when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the INTERVAL mode, and switch the operation mode to the HEAT mode.

[0184] In the PRE-HEAT mode, the susceptor 110 is heated rapidly so that the aerosol can be supplied quickly. However, such rapid heating may result in an excessive amount of aerosol being generated. Therefore, by switching to the INTERVAL mode before the HEAT mode, the amount of aerosol generated can be stabilized from the completion point of the PRE-HEAT mode to the completion point of the HEAT mode. According to the main process 70 in FIG. 19, the preheated aerosol-forming substrate 108 can be cooled before the HEAT mode in order to stabilize the aerosol generation.

[0185] 20 is a flowchart for explaining the main process 80 executed by the control unit 118 in the HEAT mode. First, the control unit 118 starts a second timer (step S81). Next, the control unit 118 starts execution of another process (sub-process) so as to be executed in parallel with the main process 80 (step S82). This sub-process will be described later. Next, the control unit 118 starts heating control (step S83).

[0186] After the heating control is started, the control unit 118 performs monitoring control in a state where the heating control is temporarily stopped, supplies non-heating power to the coil 106, and measures the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit during monitoring (step S84). Next, the control unit 118 determines whether or not the susceptor 110 (aerosol-forming substrate 108) is inserted into the opening 101A based on the measured impedance Z (step S85). When the control unit 118 determines that the susceptor 110 is not inserted into the opening 101A (step S85: NO), it ends the heating control (step S86), and further reduces the number of usable units by one (step S87), and switches the operation mode to the ACTIVE mode. The determination of NO in step S85 corresponds to the case where the user removes the aerosol-forming substrate 108 during the aerosol generation.

[0187] When the control unit 118 determines that the susceptor 110 is inserted into the opening 101A (step S85: YES), it acquires the temperature of the susceptor 110 based on the impedance Z measured in step S84 (step S88). Next, the control unit 118 determines whether the temperature of the susceptor 110 acquired in step S88 has reached a predetermined heating target temperature (step S89). The heating target temperature may be a constant value, or may be increased as the number of inhalations or the value of the second timer increases so that the amount of flavor component added to the aerosol is constant.

[0188] If the temperature of the susceptor 110 has reached the heating target temperature (step S89: YES), the control unit 118 stops the heating control and waits for a predetermined time (step S90), and then returns the process to step S83. If the temperature of the susceptor 110 has not reached the heating target temperature (step S89: NO), the control unit 118 determines whether the heating end condition has been met based on the value of the second timer or the number of inhalations by the user since the start of the HEAT mode (step S91).

[0189] If the heating end condition is not satisfied (step S91: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S84. If the heating end condition is satisfied (step S91: YES), the control unit 118 ends the heating control (step S92), decreases the number of usable bottles by one (step S87), and switches the operation mode to ACTIVE mode. When the operation mode is switched from HEAT mode to ACTIVE mode, the control unit 118 executes a continuous use determination process. The details of the continuous use determination process will be described later. In this embodiment, step S91 is executed when it is determined as NO in step S89, but step S91 may be executed in parallel with steps S84, S85, S88, and S89, or may be executed between any of steps S84, S85, S88, and S89.

[0190] FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the sub-processing (sub-processing 90 and sub-processing 100S) executed in the main process 60 in the PRE-HEAT mode, the example process 70 in the INTERVAL mode, and the main process 80 in the HEAT mode.

[0191] (Sub-process 90) First, the control unit 118 determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed on the button 128 (step S95). One example of this predetermined operation is pressing and holding or repeatedly tapping the button 128. If the predetermined operation has been performed on the button 128 (step S95: YES), the control unit 118 ends the heating control or the monitor control (step S96), reduces the number of usable bottles by one (step S97), and switches the operation mode to the ACTIVE mode. If the predetermined operation has not been performed on the button 128 (step S95: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S95.

[0192] (Sub-processing 100S) First, the control unit 118 measures the discharge current (step S101). The discharge current can be measured by the current detection circuit 136. Next, the control unit 118 judges whether the measured discharge current is excessive or not (step S102). If the discharge current is not excessive (step S102: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S101, and if the discharge current is excessive (step S102: YES), the control unit 118 executes a predetermined fail-safe action (step S103). The predetermined fail-safe action is, for example, turning off all of the switches Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. After step S103, the control unit 118 controls the notification unit to notify the user of an error (step S104) and switches the operation mode to the ERROR mode.

[0193] 22 is a flowchart for explaining the main process 200 of the continuous use determination process in the ACTIVE mode. Note that the continuous use determination process illustrated in FIG. 22 can be executed in each of the circuits 104 in FIGS. 2, 8 to 11.

[0194] First, the control unit 118 starts a third timer and sets the continuous heating flag to FALSE (step S201). Next, the control unit 118 notifies the user of the charge level of the power source 102 (step S202). Step S202 is the same as the process of step S32.

[0195] Next, the control unit 118 controls the switches of the circuit 104 to establish an induced current detection state (step S203). Next, the control unit 118 starts execution of another process (sub-process 300 shown in FIG. 23 described later) so as to be executed in parallel with the main process 200 (step S204).

[0196] Next, the control unit 118 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the third timer (step S205). If the control unit 118 judges that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S205: YES), it performs the process of step S210 described below. If the control unit 118 judges that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S205: NO), it judges whether the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been removed from the opening 101A based on the output value of the induced current detection IC (step S206).

[0197] When the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has not been removed from the opening 101A (step S206: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S205. When the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been removed from the opening 101A (step S206: YES), the control unit 118 resets the third timer (step S207). Note that in step S207, the value of the third timer may not be reset to the initial value, but may be brought closer to the initial value by subtraction or the like.

[0198] Note that the control unit 118 may perform the same process as step S202 after step S207. Alternatively, the process of step S202 may be performed between steps S207 and S208, rather than between steps S201 and S203. At the timing when the determination in step S206 becomes YES, the user's attention is directed to the power supply unit 100U. By notifying the user of the remaining power supply 102 at such a timing, the user can easily grasp the remaining power supply 102.

[0199] After step S207, the control unit 118 sets the continuous heating flag to TRUE (step S208). Next, the control unit 118 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the third timer (step S209). If the control unit 118 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S209: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S209. If the control unit 118 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S209: YES), the control unit 118 controls the switches of the circuit 104 to cancel the induced current detection state (step S210), and switches the operation mode from the ACTIVE mode to the SLEEP mode.

[0200] The third timer is used to count the time until the ACTIVE mode is changed to the SLEEP mode. As shown in FIG. 22, if the user immediately removes the aerosol-forming substrate 108 for continuous use after the end of the HEAT mode, the determination in step S206 becomes YES and the third timer is reset. Therefore, the time until the ACTIVE mode is changed to the SLEEP mode is longer than when the user does not remove the aerosol-forming substrate 108 after the end of the HEAT mode (i.e., when there is no intention to use it continuously). In other words, step S207 can be said to be a process for delaying the change from the ACTIVE mode to the SLEEP mode. This process can prevent the operation mode from changing to the SLEEP mode between the time when the user removes the aerosol-forming substrate 108 and the time when the user inserts a new aerosol-forming substrate 108 into the opening 101A, thereby improving convenience.

[0201] FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the sub-processing 300 executed in the main processing 200 of the continuous use determination processing shown in FIG.

[0202] First, the control unit 118 judges whether the continuous heating flag is set to TRUE (step S301). If the continuous heating flag is set to FALSE (step S301: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S301. If the continuous heating flag is set to TRUE (step S301: YES), the control unit 118 judges whether the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A based on the output value of the induced current detection IC (step S302).

[0203] When the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the opening 101A (step S302: NO), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S302. When the control unit 118 determines that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A (step S302: YES), the control unit 118 shifts the process to step S303.

[0204] In step S303, the control unit 118 judges whether the insertion direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted into the opening 101A is the forward direction based on the output value of the induced current detection IC. When the control unit 118 judges that the insertion direction is the reverse direction (step S303: NO), the control unit 118 causes the notification unit to execute an error notification indicating that the insertion direction is reverse (step S304), and further resets the value of the third timer to the initial value (step S305). Note that in step S305, the value of the third timer may not be reset to the initial value, but may be brought closer to the initial value by subtraction or the like. After step S305, the control unit 118 returns the process to step S302.

[0205] Step S305 can be said to be a process for delaying the transition from the ACTIVE mode to the SLEEP mode. This process can prevent the operation mode from transitioning to the SLEEP mode during the time from when the user removes the aerosol-forming substrate 108 that has been mistakenly inserted in the wrong direction until the user reinserts the aerosol-forming substrate 108 in the right direction, thereby improving convenience.

[0206] When the control unit 118 determines that the insertion direction is the normal direction (step S303: YES), it determines whether the set number of available bars is 1 or more (step S306). When the number of available bars is 1 or more (step S306: YES), the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to PRE-HEAT mode. When the number of available bars is less than 1 (step S306: NO), the control unit 118 causes the notification unit to execute a low remaining amount notification indicating that the remaining amount of the power source 102 is insufficient (step S307). After step S307, the control unit 118 controls the switches of the circuit 104 and the like to cancel the induced current detection state (step S308), and then switches the operation mode to SLEEP mode.

[0207] <Main effects of the aerosol generating device 100> As described above, according to the aerosol generating device 100, the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 can be detected based on the induced current generated in the coil 106, and heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 can be automatically started. Therefore, the user can start inhaling the flavored aerosol by simply performing the simple tasks of operating the button 128 to set the power supply unit 100U to the ACTIVE mode, inserting the aerosol-forming substrate 108 in the forward direction into the opening 101A, and holding the filter 114 in the mouth to inhale.

[0208] Moreover, according to the aerosol generating device 100, the insertion direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 can be identified based on the induced current. This makes it possible to prevent the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted in the reverse direction from being heated, thereby preventing the generation of an aerosol having an unintended flavor.

[0209] Moreover, according to the aerosol generating device 100, removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 can be detected based on the induced current. As a result, for example, as described in the continuous use determination process of Fig. 22 and Fig. 23, it is possible to prevent the mode from transitioning to the PRE-HEAT mode unless removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is detected after the end of the HEAT mode. In other words, it is possible to prevent the consumed aerosol-forming substrate 108 from being heated again, and to avoid impairing the inhalation experience of the user.

[0210] <Modification of the continuous use determination process> In the explanation so far, the control unit 118 detects the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108, detects the removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108, and determines the insertion direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 108, based on the induced current generated in the coil 106. However, in principle, it is also possible to detect the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 and the removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 by using the above-mentioned impedance Z, the value of which changes between the inserted state and the removed state.

[0211] However, in order to detect the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 in the ACTIVE mode and transition to the PRE-HEAT mode, it is required that the power supply from the power source 102 to the RLC series circuit during monitoring is performed frequently in the ACTIVE mode. In addition, in order to detect the induced current with high accuracy, the magnetism of the susceptor 110 is required to be strong, but this magnetism may weaken during the period in which the susceptor 110 is heated. In other words, in the ACTIVE mode, the induced current can be detected with high accuracy with low power consumption. Therefore, it is preferable that the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 in the ACTIVE mode is detected based on the induced current, and the removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 in the PRE-HEAT mode, the INTERVAL mode, and the HEAT mode, or immediately after the end of the HEAT mode, is detected based on the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit during monitoring. In this way, the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 can be detected without missing it with low power consumption, and the removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 can also be detected without missing it. The operation will be explained below using a flowchart.

[0212] 24 is a flowchart for explaining the main process 400 of the continuous use determination process in the ACTIVE mode. The continuous use determination process illustrated in FIG. 24 can be executed in each of the circuits 104 in FIGS. 2, 8 to 12.

[0213] First, the control unit 118 starts a third timer and sets the continuous heating flag to FALSE (step S401). Next, the control unit 118 notifies the user of the charge level of the power source 102 (step S402). Step S402 is the same as the process of step S202.

[0214] Next, the control unit 118 starts executing the sub-processing 300 illustrated in Fig. 23 so as to be executed in parallel with the main processing 400 (step S403). Next, the control unit 118 performs monitor control to supply non-heating power to the coil 106 and measure the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit during monitoring (step S404).

[0215] Next, the control unit 118 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the third timer (step S405). When the control unit 118 judges that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S405: YES), the control unit 118 switches the operation mode to the SLEEP mode. When the control unit 118 judges that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S405: NO), the control unit 118 judges whether the susceptor 110 (aerosol-forming substrate 108) is inserted into the opening 101A based on the measured impedance Z (step S406). When the control unit 118 judges that the susceptor 110 is inserted into the opening 101A (step S406: YES), the control unit 118 returns the process to step S404.

[0216] When the control unit 118 determines that the susceptor 110 is not inserted into the opening 101A, that is, that the aerosol-forming substrate 108 has been removed (step S406: NO), it resets the third timer (step S407). Note that in step S407, the value of the third timer may be made closer to the initial value by subtraction or the like instead of being reset to the initial value.

[0217] After step S407, the control unit 118 sets the continuous heating flag to TRUE (step S408). Next, the control unit 118 controls the switches of the circuit 104 to release the induced current detection state (step S409). After step S409, the control unit 118 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the third timer (step S410). If the control unit 118 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S410: YES), it switches the operation mode to the SLEEP mode. If the control unit 118 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S410: NO), it returns the process to step S410.

[0218] As described above, by utilizing induced current to detect the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 and utilizing impedance Z to detect the removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108, insertion detection and removal detection can be performed with high accuracy without increasing power consumption.

[0219] The orientation of the magnetic poles of the susceptor 110 in the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. For example, the S pole and N pole may be reversed in Fig. 1. That is, in the aerosol-forming substrate 108, the S pole of the susceptor 110, the N pole of the susceptor 110, and the filter 114 may be arranged in this order in the longitudinal direction.

[0220] In this case, when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A in the forward direction, the induced current IDC3 shown in Figure 5 is generated, and when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted in the forward direction is removed from the opening 101A, the induced current IDC4 shown in Figure 5 is generated, and when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A in the reverse direction, the induced current IDC1 shown in Figure 5 is generated, and when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 inserted in the reverse direction is removed from the opening 101A, the induced current IDC2 shown in Figure 5 is generated, and the induced current IDC3 is larger than the induced current IDC1 and the induced current IDC4 is larger than the induced current IDC2. Keeping this in mind, the insertion / removal of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 and the determination of the insertion direction can be performed.

[0221] Furthermore, when this configuration is used, in the circuit 104 shown in Figure 12, the terminal of resistor R2 on the coil connector CC- side is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 162, and the terminal of resistor R2 on the switch Q5 side is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 162, so that the voltage corresponding to the induced current IDC3 generated when the aerosol forming substrate 108 is inserted into the opening 101A can be detected by the operational amplifier 162.

[0222] This specification describes at least the following items. Note that, in parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-mentioned embodiment are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0223] (1) a power source (power source 102); A coil (coil 106) that generates an eddy current in a susceptor (susceptor 110) that heats an aerosol source (aerosol source 112) using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller (control unit 118) configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening (opening 101A) into which an aerosol-generating article (aerosol-forming substrate 108) including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit. A power supply unit (power supply unit 100U) of an aerosol generation device (aerosol generation device 100).

[0224] During the process of inserting the aerosol-generating article including the susceptor into the opening, an induced current may be generated in the coil. The direction of this induced current may change depending on the direction of the susceptor inserted into the opening (the insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article). In (1), at least one of the insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article and the insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article can be identified based on the output of the detection circuit. This makes it possible to control according to the insertion direction or insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article, thereby improving the functionality of the aerosol generating device.

[0225] (2) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), A notification unit (light emitting element 138) is provided. The controller: The insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article relative to the opening can be identified, upon detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article in a first orientation (forward direction) into the opening, the power source starts supplying power to the coil; when detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the opening in a direction opposite to the first direction (reverse direction), causing the notification unit to issue a notification, or not starting the supply of power from the power source to the coil. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0226] According to (2), when the aerosol-generating article is inserted in a direction opposite to the first direction, at least one of the effects of preventing the aerosol source from being heated and the effect of making the user aware that the insertion direction is reversed and encouraging the user to insert the aerosol source in the correct direction can be obtained. This makes it possible to improve the functionality of the aerosol generating device.

[0227] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), The controller: The insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article relative to the opening can be identified, The power supply unit can be operated in an active mode (ACTIVE mode) that identifies the insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article relative to the opening, and a sleep mode (SLEEP mode) that can be transitioned to the active mode and consumes less power than the active mode, upon detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article in a first orientation (forward direction) into the opening, the power source starts supplying power to the coil; delaying the transition from the active mode to the sleep mode when detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the opening in a direction opposite to the first direction (reverse direction); Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0228] In a situation where the aerosol-generating article is inserted in a direction opposite to the first direction, it is highly likely that the user wishes to generate aerosol. In (3), in such a situation, the time required to transition from active mode to sleep mode is longer. In other words, transition from active mode to sleep mode can be prevented while the aerosol-generating article is being reinserted in the first direction. This allows aerosol generation to start automatically when the user reinserts the aerosol-generating article in the correct direction, without the user being aware of the mode change.

[0229] (4) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), The controller: The insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article into and from the opening can be identified, After the supply of power from the power source to the coil is completed (HEAT mode is ended), the supply of power from the power source to the coil is not executed again unless removal of the aerosol-generating article from the opening is detected (unless the continuous heating flag in Figures 22 and 23 becomes TRUE). Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0230] According to (4), the aerosol-generating article is not heated unless removal of the aerosol-generating article is detected, so that heating of a used aerosol-generating article is suppressed, thereby preventing a loss of the inhalation experience of the user.

[0231] (5) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (4), The controller: The insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article into and from the opening can be identified, The power supply unit can be operated in an active mode (ACTIVE mode) that identifies insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article into and from the opening, and a sleep mode (SLEEP mode) that can be transitioned to the active mode and consumes less power than the active mode, delaying a transition from the active mode to the sleep mode when removal of the aerosol-generating article from the opening is detected. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0232] In a situation where the aerosol-generating article is removed, the user may wish to continue generating aerosol. In (5), in such a situation, the time required to transition from active mode to sleep mode is longer. In other words, transition from active mode to sleep mode can be prevented while the user is reinserting a new aerosol-generating article. This allows aerosol generation to start automatically when the user inserts a new aerosol-generating article.

[0233] (6) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5), A notification unit (light emitting element 138) is provided. The controller: The insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article into and from the opening can be identified, When removal of the aerosol-generating article from the opening is detected, the notification unit is caused to notify the remaining power level of the power source. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0234] When the aerosol generating article is removed, the user's attention is directed to the aerosol generating device. According to (6), the remaining power level is notified to the user at such a timing, so that the user can easily grasp the remaining power level.

[0235] (7) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (6), a positive side connector (coil connector CC+) to which one end of the coil is connected; and a negative side connector (coil connector CC-) to which the other end of the coil is connected, The detection circuit includes: A first resistor (resistor R1 in FIG. 2) having one end connected to the positive connector; a second resistor (resistor R2 in FIG. 2) having one end connected to the negative connector and the other end connected to ground; a switch (switch Q5 in FIG. 2) having one end connected to the other end of the first resistor and the other end connected to the other end of the second resistor; a first detector (current detection IC152 in FIG. 2) that detects a voltage applied to both ends of the first resistor; A second detector (current detection IC151 in FIG. 2) that detects a voltage applied to both ends of the second resistor. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0236] According to (7), since the direction of the induced current can be distinguished by the detection circuit, at least one of the insertion direction and the insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article can be distinguished. Therefore, the aerosol generating device can have higher functionality.

[0237] (8) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (6), a positive side connector (coil connector CC+) to which one end of the coil is connected; and a negative side connector (coil connector CC-) to which the other end of the coil is connected, The detection circuit includes: A switch (switch Q5 in FIG. 8) having one end connected to the positive connector; A resistor (resistor R2 in FIG. 7) having one end connected to the negative connector and the other end connected to the other end of the switch; A bidirectional current sense amplifier (current detection IC153 in FIG. 8) connected to both ends of the resistor and capable of detecting a current flowing through the resistor and its direction. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0238] According to (8), since the direction of the induced current can be distinguished by the detection circuit, at least one of the insertion direction and the insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article can be distinguished. Therefore, the aerosol generating device can have higher functionality.

[0239] (9) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (6), Based on the power supplied from the power supply, a negative voltage (−0.5V in FIG. 9) sys ), a negative power supply generating circuit (rail splitter circuit 160 in FIG. 9 ) that generates a positive side connector (coil connector CC+) to which one end of the coil is connected; and a negative side connector (coil connector CC-) to which the other end of the coil is connected, The detection circuit includes: A switch (switch Q5 in FIG. 9) having one end connected to the positive connector; A resistor (resistor R2 in FIG. 9) having one end connected to the negative connector and the other end connected to the other end of the switch; an operational amplifier (operational amplifier 161 in FIG. 9) having one of an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal connected to one end of the resistor, the other of the inverting input terminal and the non-inverting input terminal connected to the other end of the resistor, and having a negative power supply terminal supplied with the negative voltage; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0240] According to (9), since the direction of the induced current can be distinguished by the detection circuit, at least one of the insertion direction and the insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article can be distinguished. Therefore, the aerosol generating device can have higher functionality.

[0241] (10) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (6), a positive side connector (coil connector CC+) to which one end of the coil is connected; a negative side connector (coil connector CC-) to which the other end of the coil is connected; an inverter (inverter 162 in FIG. 10) that converts the direct current supplied from the power source into alternating current and that includes a positive output terminal (output terminal OUT+) and a negative output terminal (output terminal OUT-); The detection circuit includes: A first resistor (resistor R3 in FIG. 10) that connects the + side connector and the + side output terminal; a second resistor (resistor R4 in FIG. 10) connecting the negative connector and the negative output terminal; a first detector (current detection IC155 in FIG. 10) that detects a voltage applied to both ends of the first resistor; and a second detector (current detection IC154 in FIG. 10) that detects a voltage applied to both ends of the second resistor. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0242] According to (10), since the direction of the induced current can be distinguished by the detection circuit, at least one of the insertion direction and the insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article can be distinguished. Therefore, the aerosol generating device can have higher functionality. [Explanation of symbols]

[0243] 100 Aerosol Generator 100U Power Supply Unit 101 Housing 101A aperture 102 Power supply 104 Circuit 106 Coil 108 Aerosol forming substrate 110 Susceptor 112 Aerosol Sources 114 Filters 116 Charging power connection 118 Control Unit

Claims

1. Power supply, a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; A notification unit, the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The controller: The insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article relative to the opening can be identified, upon detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article in a first orientation into the opening, starting a supply of power from the power source to the coil; when it is detected that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the opening in an orientation opposite to the first orientation, the notification unit is caused to execute a notification, or the supply of power from the power source to the coil is not started. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

2. A power source; a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device comprising: the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The controller: The insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article relative to the opening can be identified, The power supply unit can be operated in an active mode that identifies an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article relative to the opening, and a sleep mode that can be transitioned to the active mode and consumes less power than the active mode, upon detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article in a first orientation into the opening, starting a supply of power from the power source to the coil; delaying the transition from the active mode to the sleep mode upon detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the opening in an orientation opposite to the first orientation. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

3. A power source; a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The controller: The insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article into and from the opening can be identified, after completing the supply of power from the power source to the coil, the power source does not supply power to the coil again unless removal of the aerosol-generating article from the opening is detected; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

4. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The controller: The insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article into and from the opening can be identified, The power supply unit can be operated in an active mode that identifies insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article into and from the opening, and a sleep mode that can be transitioned to the active mode and consumes less power than the active mode, delaying a transition from the active mode to the sleep mode when removal of the aerosol-generating article from the opening is detected. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

5. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A notification section is provided, The controller: The insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article into and from the opening can be identified, When removal of the aerosol-generating article from the opening is detected, the notification unit is caused to notify the remaining power level of the power source. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

6. A power source; a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; a positive connector to which one end of the coil is connected; a negative connector to which the other end of the coil is connected; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The detection circuit includes: a first resistor having one end connected to the positive connector; a second resistor having one end connected to the negative connector and the other end connected to ground; a switch having one end connected to the other end of the first resistor and the other end connected to the other end of the second resistor; a first detector that detects a voltage applied across the first resistor; a second detector that detects a voltage applied across the second resistor; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

7. A power source; a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; a positive connector to which one end of the coil is connected; a negative connector to which the other end of the coil is connected; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The detection circuit includes: A switch having one end connected to the positive connector; a resistor having one end connected to the negative connector and the other end connected to the other end of the switch; a bidirectional current sense amplifier connected to both ends of the resistor and capable of detecting a current flowing through the resistor and a direction of the current; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

8. A power source; a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; a negative power supply generating circuit that generates a negative voltage based on the power supplied from the power supply; a positive connector to which one end of the coil is connected; a negative connector to which the other end of the coil is connected; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The detection circuit includes: A switch having one end connected to the positive connector; a resistor having one end connected to the negative connector and the other end connected to the other end of the switch; an operational amplifier having one of an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal connected to one end of the resistor, the other of the inverting input terminal and the non-inverting input terminal connected to the other end of the resistor, and a negative power supply terminal supplied with the negative voltage; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

9. A power source; a coil for generating eddy currents in a susceptor that heats an aerosol source using power supplied from the power source; A detection circuit capable of detecting information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; A controller configured to be able to control the supply of power from the power source to the coil; an opening into which an aerosol-generating article including the susceptor and the aerosol source can be inserted and which is at least partially surrounded by the coil; a positive connector to which one end of the coil is connected; a negative connector to which the other end of the coil is connected; an inverter that converts a direct current supplied from the power source into an alternating current and that includes a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal; Equipped with the controller is configured to be able to identify at least one of an insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the opening and insertion / removal of the aerosol-generating article into / from the opening based on an output of the detection circuit; The detection circuit includes: a first resistor connecting the positive connector and the positive output terminal; a second resistor connecting the negative connector and the negative output terminal; a first detector that detects a voltage applied across the first resistor; a second detector that detects a voltage applied across the second resistor; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

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