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

Abstract

To provide an induction heating device that is able to automatically start heating an aerosol-forming base material.SOLUTION: A control unit 118 is for an induction heating device configured to inductively heat a susceptor 110 of an aerosol-forming base material 108, which contains the susceptor 110 and an aerosol source 112, and is configured to stop the inductive heating or report an error when the susceptor 110 cannot be detected during execution of the inductive heating.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an induction heating device capable of dealing with the removal of an aerosol-forming substrate.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The first problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an improved induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0005] The second problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an induction heating device capable of automatically starting the heating of an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0006] The third problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an induction heating device capable of dealing with the removal of an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0007] The fourth problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an induction heating device capable of heating an aerosol-forming substrate more appropriately.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to solve the above-described first problem, there is provided an induction heating device for heating an aerosol forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, the induction heating device including a power supply, a coil for heating the susceptor by induction heating, and a parallel circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power supply and the coil, wherein the first circuit is used for heating the susceptor, and the second circuit is used for obtaining a value related to the electrical resistance or temperature of the susceptor, and an alternating current generation circuit arranged between the parallel circuit and the coil or between the parallel circuit and the power supply.

[0009] In one embodiment, the alternating current generation circuit is arranged between the parallel circuit and the coil, and the alternating current generation circuit includes a third switch.

[0010] In one embodiment, the third switch includes a MOSFET.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first circuit includes a first switch, the alternating current generation circuit includes a third switch, and when the third switch is switched at a predetermined period, the first switch remains in an on state.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first switch and the third switch include MOSFETs.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second circuit includes a second switch, the alternating current generation circuit includes a third switch, and when the third switch is switched at a predetermined period, the second switch remains in an on state.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second switch includes a bipolar transistor and the third switch includes a MOSFET.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first circuit includes a first switch including a MOSFET, and the second circuit includes a second switch including a bipolar transistor.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first circuit includes a first switch, the second circuit includes a second switch, the alternating current generation circuit includes a third switch, and when switching is performed between the first switch and the second switch, switching at a predetermined period of the third switch is continued.

[0017] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a current detection circuit and a voltage detection circuit that are used to measure the impedance of a circuit including the susceptor.

[0018] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a remaining amount measurement IC configured to measure the remaining amount of the power supply. The remaining amount measurement IC is not used as the current detection circuit and / or the voltage detection circuit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a voltage adjustment circuit configured to adjust the voltage of the power supply to generate a voltage supplied to components in the induction heating device. The current detection circuit is disposed at a position closer to the coil than a branch point from the path to the voltage adjustment circuit in a path between the power supply and the coil.

[0020] In one embodiment, the current detection circuit is not disposed in a path between a charging circuit for charging the power supply and the power supply.

[0021] To solve the above-described second problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an induction heating device for induction heating a susceptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including the susceptor and an aerosol source, the induction heating device including a power supply, an alternating current generation circuit that generates an alternating current from the power supplied from the power supply, an induction heating circuit for induction heating the susceptor, and a control unit that detects the susceptor based on an impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied, and the control unit configured to start the induction heating in response to the detection of the susceptor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to obtain a temperature of the susceptor based on an impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied, and control the induction heating based on the obtained temperature.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control unit may have at least a first mode in which an impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied is measured, and a second mode in which an impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied is not measured.

[0024] In one embodiment, the induction heating device may further include a connection unit configured to be connectable to a charging power supply, and the control unit may be further configured to execute the processing in the first mode until a predetermined time elapses after detecting the removal of the charging power supply from the connection unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, the induction heating device may further include a button, and the control unit may be further configured to shift to the first mode in response to a predetermined operation being performed on the button.

[0026] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a button, and the control unit activates a timer so that the value increases or decreases over time from an initial value in response to a transition to the first mode. In response to the value of the timer reaching a predetermined value, the control unit transitions to the second mode, and in response to a predetermined operation being performed on the button, the control unit may be further configured to execute any one of returning the value of the timer to the initial value, bringing the value of the timer closer to the initial value, and moving the predetermined value farther away from the value of the timer.

[0027] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a connection portion configured to be connectable to a charging power source, and the control unit may be further configured such that while detecting the connection of the charging power source to the connection portion, the impedance of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied is not measured.

[0028] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to measure the impedance of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied at the resonance frequency of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied.

[0029] In one embodiment, the induction heating device may further include a first circuit and a second circuit configured to be selectively activated to apply energy to the susceptor, and the second circuit having a higher resistance than the first circuit.

[0030] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to use the first circuit to perform the induction heating and measure the impedance of the circuit while the induction heating is being performed.

[0031] Also, in order to solve the above-described second problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating an induction heating device for induction heating a susceptor of an aerosol forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, the induction heating device including a power supply, an alternating current generation circuit that generates an alternating current from the power supplied from the power supply, and an induction heating circuit for induction heating the susceptor, the method including: detecting the susceptor based on an impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied; and starting the induction heating in response to the detection of the susceptor.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-described second problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an induction heating device for induction heating a susceptor of an aerosol forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, the induction heating device including: the aerosol forming substrate; a power supply; an alternating current generation circuit that generates an alternating current from the power supplied from the power supply; an induction heating circuit for induction heating the susceptor; and a control unit configured to detect the susceptor based on an impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied and start the induction heating in response to the detection of the susceptor.

[0033] In order to solve the above-described third problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a control unit for an induction heating device configured to induction heat a susceptor of an aerosol forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, the control unit being configured to stop the induction heating or notify an error when the susceptor cannot be detected during the execution of the induction heating.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to stop the induction heating when the susceptor cannot be detected during the execution of the induction heating.

[0035] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to notify an error simultaneously with or after the stop of the induction heating.

[0036] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to resume the induction heating when the susceptor is detected again before a predetermined time elapses after the induction heating is stopped.

[0037] In one embodiment, the induction heating follows a heating profile in which at least a heating target temperature according to the passage of time is determined, while the control unit may be configured to control the induction heating as if time has elapsed also during the period from the stop of the induction heating to the resumption thereof.

[0038] In one embodiment, the induction heating follows a heating profile in which at least a heating target temperature according to the passage of time is determined, while the control unit may be configured to control the induction heating as if no time has elapsed during the period from the stop of the induction heating to the resumption thereof.

[0039] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to notify an error when the susceptor cannot be detected during the execution of the induction heating.

[0040] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to stop the induction heating after notifying the error.

[0041] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured not to stop the induction heating when the susceptor is detected again after notifying the error and before stopping the induction heating.

[0042] In one embodiment, the induction heating follows a heating profile in which at least a heating target temperature according to the passage of time is determined, and the control unit may be configured such that the period from when the susceptor cannot be detected to when the susceptor is detected again does not affect the overall length of the heating profile.

[0043] In one embodiment, the induction heating follows a heating profile in which at least a heating target temperature according to the passage of time is determined, and the control unit may be configured to extend the length of the heating profile based on the period from when the susceptor cannot be detected until the susceptor is detected again.

[0044] Also, in order to solve the above-described third problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an induction heating device including a power supply, an alternating current generation circuit that generates alternating current from the power supplied from the power supply, an induction heating circuit for induction heating a susceptor included in an aerosol forming substrate, and the control unit, wherein the control unit is further configured to detect the susceptor based on the impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied.

[0045] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to obtain the temperature of the susceptor based on the impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied, and to control the induction heating based on the obtained temperature.

[0046] Also, in order to solve the above-described third problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an induction heating device including a power supply that supplies power for induction heating a susceptor included in an aerosol forming substrate, and the control unit, wherein the control unit sets the number of usable aerosol forming substrates that can be induction heated until the power supply is charged based on the remaining amount of the power supply, and when at least a part of the aerosol forming substrate cannot be detected during the execution of the induction heating, the induction heating is stopped and the number of usable substrates is decreased.

[0047] Further, in order to solve the above-described third problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an induction heating device including a power supply for supplying power for inductively heating at least a part of an aerosol-forming substrate, and the control unit, wherein the control unit sets the number of available uses, which is the number of aerosol-forming substrates that can be inductively heated until the power supply is charged, based on the remaining amount of the power supply, and when the susceptor is detected again after the susceptor cannot be detected during the execution of the inductive heating, the inductive heating is continued and the number of available uses is not decreased.

[0048] Also, in order to solve the above-described third problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating an induction heating device configured to inductively heat the susceptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including the susceptor and an aerosol source, the method including the step of stopping the inductive heating or notifying an error when the susceptor cannot be detected during the execution of the inductive heating.

[0049] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-described third problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an induction heating device for inductively heating the susceptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including the susceptor and an aerosol source, the induction heating device including the aerosol-forming substrate, a power supply, an alternating current generation circuit that generates an alternating current from the power supplied from the power supply, an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, and a control unit configured to stop the inductive heating or notify an error when the susceptor cannot be detected during the execution of the inductive heating.

[0050] In order to solve the above-described fourth problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, the induction heating device including a circuit including a coil for heating the susceptor by induction heating, the susceptor being heated by a heating mode including a plurality of phases, and the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the coil being different in at least a part of the plurality of phases.

[0051] In one embodiment, in the preheating mode for preheating the susceptor that is executed before the heating mode, the frequency of the alternating current is the resonance frequency of the circuit.

[0052] In one embodiment, in the preheating mode for preheating the susceptor that is executed before the heating mode, the frequency of the alternating current is configured to be closest to the resonance frequency of the circuit as compared with the plurality of phases of the heating mode.

[0053] In one embodiment, in the heating mode, the frequency of the alternating current is a frequency other than the resonance frequency of the circuit.

[0054] In one embodiment, as the plurality of phases constituting the heating mode progress, the frequency of the alternating current increases, and suction by the user is detected based on the change in the alternating current or the change in the impedance of the circuit.

[0055] In one embodiment, as the plurality of phases constituting the heating mode progress, the frequency of the alternating current increases in a frequency region higher than the resonance frequency.

[0056] In one embodiment, as the plurality of phases constituting the heating mode progress, the frequency of the alternating current increases in a frequency region lower than the resonance frequency.

[0057] In one embodiment, as the plurality of phases constituting the heating mode progress, the frequency of the alternating current decreases.

[0058] In one embodiment, in the interval mode for cooling the susceptor that is executed between the preheating mode and the heating mode, the frequency of the alternating current is the resonance frequency of the circuit.

[0059] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a power supply, and the circuit is a parallel circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power supply and the coil. The first circuit is used for heating the susceptor, and the second circuit is used for obtaining a value related to the electrical resistance or temperature of the susceptor. The induction heating device further includes the parallel circuit, and the second circuit is used in the interval mode.

[0060] To solve the above-described fourth problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is further provided an induction heating device for heating an aerosol forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, the induction heating device including a circuit including a coil for heating the susceptor by induction heating, wherein the susceptor is heated by a heating mode including a plurality of phases, and the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the coil is constant over the plurality of phases.

[0061] In one embodiment, the frequency of the alternating current is the resonance frequency of the circuit.

[0062] In one embodiment, in an interval mode that is executed before the heating mode and cools the susceptor after preheating the susceptor, the frequency of the alternating current is the resonance frequency of the circuit.

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

[0064] In one embodiment, when it is determined that the temperature of the susceptor has reached a predetermined temperature or higher in the heating mode, the heating of the susceptor is interrupted.

[0065] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further includes a power supply, and the circuit is a parallel circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power supply and the coil. The first circuit is used for heating the susceptor, and the second circuit is used for obtaining a value related to the electrical resistance or temperature of the susceptor. The parallel circuit is further provided. While the heating of the susceptor is interrupted, the temperature of the susceptor is monitored using the second circuit.

[0066] In one embodiment, when it is determined that the temperature of the susceptor is lower than the predetermined temperature in the heating mode, the heating of the susceptor is resumed using the first circuit.

[0067] In one embodiment, when it is determined that the temperature of the susceptor is lower than a temperature lower than the predetermined temperature by a predetermined temperature in the heating mode, the heating of the susceptor is resumed using the first circuit.

[0068] In one embodiment, the circuit further includes an AC generation circuit arranged between the parallel circuit and the coil or between the parallel circuit and the power supply. The AC generation circuit includes a third switch, and the third switch is switched at a predetermined period even while the heating of the susceptor is interrupted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0069]

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Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 13C

Figure 13D

Figure 13E

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that embodiments of the induction heating apparatus according to the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, an induction heating apparatus for electronic cigarettes and an induction heating apparatus for heated tobacco.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of an induction heating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that FIG. 1 does not show the exact arrangement, shape, dimensions, positional relationship, etc. of the components.

[0072] The induction heating apparatus 100 includes a housing 101, a power source 102, a circuit 104, and a coil 106. The power source 102 may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The circuit 104 is electrically connected to the power source 102. The circuit 104 is configured to supply power to the components of the induction heating apparatus 100 using the power source 102. The specific configuration of the circuit 104 will be described later. The induction heating apparatus 100 includes a charging power source connection part 116 for connecting the induction heating apparatus 100 to a charging power source (not shown) for charging the power source 102. The charging power source connection part 116 may be a receptacle for wired charging, a power receiving coil for wireless charging, or a combination thereof.

[0073] The induction heating apparatus 100 is configured to be able to accommodate at least a part of an aerosol formation substrate 108 including a susceptor 110, an aerosol source 112, and a filter 114. The aerosol formation substrate 108 may be, for example, a smoking article.

[0074] The aerosol source 112 may contain a volatile compound that can generate an aerosol when heated. The aerosol source 112 may be solid, liquid, or may contain both solid and liquid. The aerosol source 112 may include, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, a liquid such as water, or a mixed liquid thereof. The aerosol source 112 may contain nicotine. The aerosol source 112 may also include a tobacco material formed by aggregating particulate tobacco. Alternatively, the aerosol source 112 may include a non-tobacco-containing material.

[0075] The coil 106 is embedded in the housing 101 at the proximal end of the housing 101. The coil 106 is configured to surround a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 accommodated in the induction heating device 100 when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100. The coil 106 may have a helically wound shape. The coil 106 is electrically connected to the circuit 104 and is used to heat the susceptor 110 by induction heating as described later. By heating the susceptor 110, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source 112. The user can inhale the aerosol through the filter 114.

[0076] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the circuit 104 in detail. The circuit 104 includes a control unit 118 configured to control components within the induction heating device 100. The control unit 118 may be constituted by a microcontroller unit (MCU). The circuit 104 is also electrically connected to the power supply 102 through a power connection portion and to the coil 106 through a coil connection portion. The circuit 104 includes a path (hereinafter also referred to as the "first circuit") including a switch Q 1 arranged between the power supply 102 and the coil 106, and a path (hereinafter also referred to as the "second circuit") including a switch Q 1 arranged in parallel with the switch Q 2 and includes a parallel circuit 130.

[0077] The first circuit is used for heating the susceptor 110. As an example, switch Q 1 may be a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET). The control unit 118 controls the on / off of switch Q 1 by applying a heating switch signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of switch Q 1 . For example, when switch Q 1 is a P-channel type MOSFET, switch Q 1 is in the on state when the heating switch signal is low.

[0078] The second circuit is used for obtaining a value related to the electrical resistance or temperature of the susceptor 110. The value related to the electrical resistance or temperature may be, for example, impedance, temperature, etc. The current flowing through switch Q 2 when switch Q 2 is in the on state is smaller compared to the current flowing through switch Q shunt1 and resistor R shunt2 etc. when switch Q 1 is in the on state. Therefore, a bipolar transistor, which is lower in cost and smaller in size than a MOSFET but not suitable for large currents, may be used as switch Q 1 . As shown in the figure, the second circuit may include resistor R 2 and resistor R shunt1 . The control unit 118 controls the on / off of switch Q shunt2 by applying a monitor switch signal (high or low) to the base terminal of switch Q 2 . For example, when switch Q 2 is an npn type bipolar transistor, switch Q 2 is in the on state when the monitor switch signal is low. 2 is in the on state.

[0079] The control unit 118 controls the on state of switch Q 1 and the on state of switch Q 2By switching between the on state, the susceptor 110 can be induction-heated to generate an aerosol, and between a mode of acquiring a value related to the electrical resistance or temperature of the susceptor 110. Switch Q 1 's on state and switch Q 2 The switching between being in the on state can be performed at any timing. For example, while a puff is being performed by the user, the control unit 118 can turn switch Q 1 on and switch Q 2 off. In this case, after the puff is finished, the control unit 118 can turn switch Q 1 off and switch Q 2 on. Alternatively, while a puff is being performed by the user, the control unit 118 can switch between the on state of switch Q 1 and the on state of switch Q 2 at any timing.

[0080] The circuit 104 includes an alternating current generation circuit 132 that includes switch Q 3 and capacitor C 1 . As an example, switch Q 3 may be a MOSFET. The control unit 118 controls the on / off of switch Q 3 by applying an alternating current (AC) switch signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of switch Q 3 . For example, when switch Q 3 is a P-channel type MOSFET, switch Q 3 is in the on state when the AC switch signal is low. In FIG. 2, the alternating current generation circuit 132 is disposed between the parallel circuit 130 and the coil 106. As another example, the alternating current generation circuit 132 may be disposed between the parallel circuit 130 and the power supply 102. The alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit 132 is supplied to an induction heating circuit including capacitor C 2 , a coil connection part, and coil 106.

[0081] FIG. 3 shows switch Q when the alternating current supplied to coil 106 is generated by alternating current generation circuit 1321 The gate terminal of or switch Q 2 The voltage V applied to the base terminal 1 , switch Q 3 The voltage V applied to the gate terminal of switch Q 2 , switch Q 3 The current I generated by the switching of switch Q DC And the current I flowing through coil 106 AC Is a diagram conceptually representing the relationship with the horizontal axis being time t. To simplify the explanation, switch Q 1 The voltage applied to the gate terminal of and switch Q 2 The voltage applied to the base terminal of is represented as V 1 In one graph. Note that this is the case.

[0082] Time t 1 When V 1 Becomes low, switch Q 1 Or Q 2 Becomes on. When V 2 Is high, switch Q 3 Becomes off, and the current I DC Flows to capacitor C 1 And charge is accumulated in capacitor C 1 At time t 2 When V 2 Is switched to low, switch Q 3 Becomes on. In this case, while the flow of current I DC Stops, the charge accumulated in C 1 Is discharged. After time t 3 , the same operation is repeated. As a result of the above operation, as shown in FIG. 3, an alternating current I AC Is generated and flows to coil 106.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, when switch Q 3 Is switched at a predetermined period T, switch Q 1 May remain on. Also, when switch Q 3 Is switched at a predetermined period T, switch Q 2may remain in the on state. Also, switch Q 1 and switch Q 2 when switching is performed between and switch Q 3 the switching according to a predetermined period T of may be continued.

[0084] The above configuration of the AC generation circuit 132 is only an example. It should be understood that various elements for generating the alternating current I AC such as integrated circuits like DC / AC inverters can be used as the AC generation circuit 132.

[0085] As understood from FIG. 3, the frequency f of the alternating current I AC is controlled by the switching period of switch Q 3 (that is, the switching period of the AC switch signal) T. When switch Q 1 is in the on state, the closer the frequency f is to the resonance frequency f 2 of the RLC series circuit including the susceptor 110 (or the circuit including the susceptor 110), the coil 106, and the capacitor C 0 the higher the efficiency of energy supply to the susceptor 110 becomes. Although details will be described later, it should be noted that when the aerosol forming substrate 108 is inserted into the housing 101, the susceptor 110 is included in this RLC series circuit, and when the aerosol forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the housing 101, the susceptor 110 is not included in this RLC series circuit.

[0086] When the alternating current generated as described above flows through the coil 106, an alternating magnetic field is generated around the coil 106. The generated alternating magnetic field induces eddy currents in the susceptor 110. Joule heat is generated by the eddy currents and the electrical resistance of the susceptor 110, and the susceptor 110 is heated. As a result, the aerosol source around the susceptor 110 is heated and aerosol is generated.

[0087] Returning to FIG. 2, the circuit 104 includes R div1 and R div2It includes a voltage detection circuit 134 including a voltage dividing circuit having. The voltage detection circuit 134 can measure the voltage value of the power supply 102. The circuit 104 also has an R sense2 It includes a current detection circuit 136 including. As shown in the figure, the current detection circuit 136 may include an operational amplifier. Alternatively, the operational amplifier may be included in the control unit 118. The current detection circuit 136 can measure the value of the current flowing in the direction of the coil 106. The voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136 are used to measure the impedance of the circuit. This circuit includes a susceptor 110 when an aerosol forming substrate 108 is inserted into the housing 101, and does not include a susceptor 110 when the aerosol forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the housing 101. In other words, when the aerosol forming substrate 108 is inserted into the housing 101, the resistance component of the susceptor 110 is included in the measured impedance, and when the aerosol forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the housing 101, the resistance component of the susceptor 110 is not included in the measured impedance. For example, as shown in the figure, the control unit 118 acquires a voltage value from the voltage detection circuit 134 and acquires a current value from the current detection circuit 136. The control unit 118 calculates the above impedance based on these voltage values and current values. More specifically, the control unit 118 divides the average value or the effective value of the voltage value by the average value or the effective value of the current value to calculate the above impedance.

[0088] Switch Q 1 is turned off, and when the switch Q 2 is turned on, the resistance R shunt1 and the resistance R shunt2 The circuit including and the susceptor 110, the coil 106, and the capacitor C 2 form an RLC series circuit. The impedance of the RLC series circuit can be obtained as described above. From the obtained impedance, the resistance R shunt1 and the resistance R shunt2By subtracting the resistance value of the circuit including the resistance value of , the impedance of the susceptor 110 can be calculated. When the impedance of the susceptor 110 has temperature dependence, the temperature of the susceptor 110 can be estimated based on the calculated impedance.

[0089] The circuit 104 may include a remaining amount measurement integrated circuit (IC) 124. The circuit 104 may include a resistor R used for the remaining amount measurement IC 124 to measure the value of the current for charging and discharging the power supply 102. sense1 The resistor R sense1 may be connected between the SRN terminal and the SRP terminal of the remaining amount measurement IC 124. The remaining amount measurement IC 124 may obtain a value related to the voltage of the power supply 102 via the BAT terminal. The remaining amount measurement IC 124 is an IC configured to be able to measure the remaining amount of the power supply 102. In addition, the remaining amount measurement IC 124 may be configured to record information such as information related to the degradation state of the power supply 102. For example, the control unit 118 transmits an I 2 C data signal from the SDA terminal of the control unit 118 to the SDA terminal of the remaining amount measurement IC 124, and in accordance with the timing of transmitting an I 2 C clock signal from the SCL terminal of the control unit 118 to the SCL terminal of the remaining amount measurement IC 124, values related to the remaining amount of the power supply 102, values related to the degradation state of the power supply 102, etc. stored in the remaining amount measurement IC 124 can be obtained.

[0090] Normally, the remaining amount measurement IC 124 is configured to update data at a cycle of 1 second. Therefore, when attempting to calculate the impedance of the above RLC series circuit using the voltage value and current value measured by the remaining amount measurement IC 124, the impedance is calculated at a cycle of 1 second at the fastest. Therefore, the temperature of the susceptor 110 is estimated at a cycle of 1 second at the fastest. Such a cycle cannot be said to be short enough to appropriately control the heating of the susceptor 110. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is desirable not to use the voltage value and current value measured by the remaining amount measurement IC 124 for measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. That is, preferably, the remaining amount measurement IC 124 is not used as the voltage detection circuit 134 and current detection circuit 136 as described above. Therefore, in the induction heating apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the remaining amount measurement IC 124 is not essential. However, by using the remaining amount measurement IC 124, the state of the power supply 102 can be accurately grasped.

[0091] The induction heating apparatus 100 may include a light emitting element 138 such as an LED. The circuit 104 may include a light emitting element drive circuit 126 for driving the light emitting element 138. The light emitting element 138 can be used to provide various information such as the state of the induction heating apparatus 100 to the user. The light emitting element drive circuit 126 may store information regarding various light emission modes of the light emitting element 138. The control unit 118 can control the light emitting element drive circuit 126 to cause the light emitting element 138 to emit light in a desired manner by transmitting an I 2 C data signal from the SDA terminal of the control unit 118 to the SDA terminal of the light emitting element drive circuit 126 to specify a desired light emission mode.

[0092] Circuit 104 may include a charging circuit 122. The charging circuit 122 may be an IC configured to adjust the voltage (the potential difference between the VBUS terminal and the GND terminal) supplied from a charging power source (not shown) connected via the charging power connection portion 116 in response to a charging enable signal from the control unit 118 received at the CE terminal to a voltage suitable for charging the power supply 102. The adjusted voltage is supplied from the BAT terminal of the charging circuit 122. Note that an adjusted current may be supplied from the BAT terminal of the charging circuit 122. Circuit 104 may also include a voltage dividing circuit 140. When the charging power source is connected, a VBUS detection signal is transmitted from the VBUS terminal of the charging circuit 122 to the control unit 118 via the voltage dividing circuit 140. When the charging power source is connected, the VBUS detection signal becomes a value obtained by dividing the voltage supplied from the charging power source by the voltage dividing circuit 140, so the VBUS detection signal becomes high level. When the charging power source is not connected, it is connected to ground via the voltage dividing circuit 140, so the VBUS detection signal becomes low level. Therefore, the control unit 118 can determine that charging has started. Note that the CE terminal may be positive logic or negative logic.

[0093] Circuit 104 may include a button 128. When the user presses the button 128, a low-level button detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 118 by being connected to ground via the button 128. Thereby, the control unit 118 can determine that the button has been pressed and can control the circuit 104 to start aerosol generation.

[0094] Circuit 104 may include a voltage adjustment circuit 120. The voltage adjustment circuit 120 adjusts the voltage V of the power supply 102 BAT (for example, 3.2 to 4.2 volts) to generate a voltage V sys (for example, 3 volts) to be supplied to components within the circuit 104 or within the induction heating device 100. As an example, the voltage adjustment circuit 120 may be a linear regulator such as an LDO (low dropout regulator). As shown, the voltage V generated by the voltage adjustment circuit 120 sysIt may be supplied to the VDD terminal of the control unit 118, the VDD terminal of the remaining amount measurement IC 124, the VDD terminal of the light emitting element drive circuit 126, the circuit including the button 128, etc.

[0095] As shown in the figure, the current detection circuit 136 may be arranged at a position closer to the coil 106 than the branch point (point A in FIG. 2) from the path to the voltage adjustment circuit 120 in the path between the power supply 102 and the coil 106. According to this configuration, the current detection circuit 136 can accurately measure the value of the current supplied to the coil 106 without including the current supplied to the voltage adjustment circuit 120. Therefore, the impedance and temperature of the susceptor 110 can be accurately measured or estimated.

[0096] The circuit 104 may be configured such that the current detection circuit 136 is not arranged in the path between the charging circuit 122 and the power supply 102. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the current detection circuit 136 may be arranged at a position closer to the coil 106 than the branch point (point B in FIG. 2) from the path to the charging circuit 122 in the path between the power supply 102 and the coil 106. With this configuration, during charging of the power supply 102 (the switches Q 1 and Q 2 are in the off state), it is possible to prevent the current supplied from the charging circuit 122 from flowing through the resistor R sense2 in the current detection circuit 136. Therefore, the possibility of the resistor R sense2 failing can be reduced. Also, since it is possible to prevent current from flowing through the operational amplifier of the current detection circuit 136 during charging of the power supply 102, the power consumption can be suppressed.

[0097] The circuit 104 may also include a switch Q 4 that is switched between an on state and an off state by a ground switch signal transmitted from the control unit 118.

[0098] Next, an exemplary process executed by the control unit 118 of the induction heating device 100 will be described. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the control unit 118 has at least seven modes, namely, SLEEP, CHARGE, ACTIVE, PRE-HEAT, INTERVAL, HEAT, and ERROR, and the processes executed by the control unit 118 for each mode will be described. The induction heating of the susceptor 100 by the induction heating device 100 is configured by the PRE-HEAT mode, the INTERVAL mode, and the HEAT mode.

[0099] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 400 executed by the control unit 118 when in the SLEEP mode. The SLEEP mode may be a mode for reducing power consumption when the induction heating device 100 is not in use.

[0100] S410 indicates a step of determining whether the connection to the charging power connection portion 116 of the charging power source is detected. Based on the above-described VBUS detection signal, the control unit 118 can determine that the connection of the charging power source is detected. If it is determined that the connection of the charging power source is detected (''Yes'' in S410), the control unit 118 shifts to the CHARGE mode, and if not (''No'' in S410), the process proceeds to step S420. As a specific example, in S410, it is determined as ''Yes'' when the VBUS detection signal is at a high level, and it is determined as ''No'' when the VBUS detection signal is at a low level.

[0101] S420 indicates a step of determining whether a predetermined operation on the button 128 of the induction heating device 100 is detected. Based on the above-described button detection signal, the control unit 118 can determine that a predetermined operation on the button 128 is detected. An example of the predetermined operation in step S420 is a long press or continuous tapping of the button 128. If it is determined that a predetermined operation on the button 128 is detected (''Yes'' in S420), the control unit 118 shifts to the ACTIVE mode, and if not (''No'' in S420), the process returns to step S410.

[0102] According to the exemplary process 400, in response to detecting the connection of the charging power source, the control unit 118 shifts to the CHARGE mode, and in response to detecting the operation of the button, the control unit 118 shifts to the ACTIVE mode. In other words, if the control unit 118 does not detect either the connection of the charging power source or the operation of the button, the control unit 118 continues to stay in the SLEEP mode.

[0103] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 500 executed by the control unit 118 when in the CHARGE mode. The exemplary process 500 can be started in response to the control unit 118 shifting to the CHAEGE mode.

[0104] S510 indicates a step of executing a process for starting the charging of the power supply 102. The process for starting the charging of the power supply 102 may include a process of turning on the charging enable signal described above or starting the transmission of the signal. Turning on the charging enable signal means setting the level of the charging enable signal according to the logic of the CE terminal. That is, when the CE terminal is in positive logic, the charging enable signal is set to a high level, and when the CE terminal is in negative logic, the charging enable signal is set to a low level.

[0105] S520 indicates a step of determining whether the control unit 118 has detected the removal of the charging power source from the charging power source connection part 116. Based on the VBUS detection signal described above, the control unit 118 can detect the removal of the charging power source from the charging power source connection part 116. If it is determined that the charging power source has been removed (''Yes'' in S520), the process proceeds to step S530; otherwise (''No'' in S520), the process returns to step S520.

[0106] S530 shows a step of executing a process for ending the charging of power supply 102. The process for ending the charging of power supply 102 may include a process of turning off the charging enable signal described above or stopping the transmission of the signal. Turning off the charging enable signal means making the level of the charging enable signal not conform to the logic of the CE terminal. That is, when the CE terminal is positive logic, the charging enable signal is set to a low level, and when the CE terminal is negative logic, the charging enable signal is set to a high level.

[0107] S540 shows a step of setting the available number of aerosol-forming substrates 108 (although the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is assumed to be in a stick shape, the shape of the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not limited to this. Therefore, it should be noted that the 'available number' can be generalized to the 'available quantity'). Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the available number will be described. FIG. 6 is a pseudo-graph for explaining the available number.

[0108] 610 corresponds to power supply 102 when it has not been used yet (hereinafter referred to as 'when not in use'), and its area indicates the full charge capacity when not in use. Note that the fact that power supply 102 has not been used yet may mean that the number of discharge times since power supply 102 was manufactured is zero or less than a first predetermined number of discharge times. An example of the full charge capacity of power supply 102 when not in use is about 220 mAh. 620 corresponds to power supply 102 when it has been used in the induction heating device 100, more precisely, when discharge and charge have been repeated and a certain degree of deterioration has occurred (hereinafter referred to as 'when deteriorated'), and its area indicates the full charge capacity when deteriorated. As is clear from FIG. 6, the full charge capacity of power supply 102 when not in use is larger than the full charge capacity of power supply 102 when deteriorated.

[0109] 630 corresponds to the amount of electric power (energy) required to consume one aerosol-forming substrate 108, and its area indicates the corresponding amount of electric power. All four 630s in FIG. 6 have the same area, and the corresponding amounts of electric power are also approximately the same. An example of the amount of electric power 630 required to consume one aerosol-forming substrate 108 is about 70 mAh. Note that when suction for a predetermined number of times or heating for a predetermined period of time is performed, one aerosol-forming substrate 108 may be considered to have been consumed.

[0110] 640 and 650 correspond to the charge level of the power supply 102 (hereinafter referred to as "remaining electric power amount") after two aerosol-forming substrates 108 have been consumed, and their areas indicate the corresponding amounts of electric power. As is clear from FIG. 6, the remaining electric power amount 640 when unused is larger than the remaining electric power amount 650 when deteriorated.

[0111] 660 indicates the output voltage of the power supply 102 when fully charged, and an example thereof is about 3.64V. The voltage of the power supply 102 when fully charged is basically constant regardless of the deterioration of the power supply 102, that is, regardless of the SOH (State Of Health), so that 660 is the same for the power supply 102 (610) when unused and the power supply 102 (620) when deteriorated.

[0112] 670 indicates the discharge cut-off voltage of the power supply 102, and an example thereof is about 2.40V. The discharge cut-off voltage of the power supply 102 is basically constant regardless of the deterioration of the power supply 102, that is, regardless of the SOH, so that 670 is the same for the power supply 102 (610) when unused and the power supply 102 (620) when deteriorated.

[0113] The power supply 102 is preferably not used until the voltage reaches the discharge cut-off voltage 670, in other words, until the charge level of the power supply 102 becomes zero. This is because when the voltage of the power supply 102 becomes equal to or lower than the discharge cut-off voltage 670 or when the charge level of the power supply 102 becomes zero, the deterioration of the power supply 102 progresses rapidly. Also, the closer the voltage of the power supply 102 approaches the discharge cut-off voltage 670, the more the deterioration of the power supply 102 progresses.

[0114] Also, as described above, when the power supply 102 is used, or more precisely, when discharging and charging are repeated, its full charge capacity decreases, and the surplus power after consuming a predetermined number (2 in FIG. 6) of aerosol forming substrates 108 is smaller when deteriorated (650) than when unused (640).

[0115] Therefore, the control unit 118 preferably sets the available number so that it is not used until the voltage reaches the discharge termination voltage 670 or in its vicinity, in other words, until the charge level of the power supply 102 becomes zero or in its vicinity, anticipating the deterioration of the power supply 102. That is, the available number can be set as follows, for example. n = int((e - S) / C) Here, n is the available number, e is the charge level of the power supply 102 (unit: mAh for example), S is a parameter (unit: mAh for example) for leaving a margin for the surplus power 650 when the power supply 102 is deteriorated, C is the power required to consume one aerosol forming substrate 108 (unit: mAh for example), and int() is a function that truncates the decimal part inside (). Note that e is a variable and can be obtained by the control unit 118 communicating with the remaining amount measurement IC 124. Also, S and C are constants and can be obtained experimentally in advance and stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit 118. In particular, S can be the surplus power 650 obtained when the power supply 102 is discharged a second predetermined number of times (>> the first predetermined number of times), that is, when the assumed deterioration occurs, or a value obtained by adding +α to the surplus power. In addition, when the SOH obtained by the control unit 118 communicating with the remaining amount measurement IC 124 reaches a predetermined value, the control unit 118 may determine that the deterioration of the power supply 102 has progressed sufficiently and prohibit the charging and discharging of the power supply 102. That is, the deteriorated state when calculating S refers to a state where the SOH has not reached a predetermined value but the deterioration has progressed more than when unused.

[0116] Returning to FIG. 5, after step S540, the control unit 118 shifts to the ACTIVE mode. In the above-described embodiment, in step S520, it is determined whether the control unit 118 detects the removal from the charging power supply connection unit 116 of the charging power supply. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the charging circuit 122 determines the completion of the charging of the power supply 102 and whether the control unit 118 receives the determination by I2C communication or the like.

[0117] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary process (hereinafter referred to as "main process") 700 mainly executed by the control unit 118 when in the ACTIVE mode. The main process 700 can start in response to the control unit 118 shifting to the ACTIVE mode.

[0118] S705 indicates a step of starting the first timer. By starting the first timer, the value of the first timer changes from the initial value and increases or decreases over time. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the value of the first timer increases over time. Also, the first timer may be stopped when the control unit 118 shifts to another mode. The same applies to the second timer and the third timer described later.

[0119] S710 indicates a step of notifying the user of the charging level of the power supply 102. The notification of the charging level can be realized by the control unit 118 communicating with the light-emitting element drive circuit 126 based on the information of the power supply 102 obtained by communicating with the remaining amount measurement IC 124 and causing the light-emitting element 138 to emit light in a predetermined manner. The same applies to other notifications described later. The notification of the charging level is preferably performed temporarily.

[0120] S715 indicates a step of starting another process (hereinafter referred to as "sub-process") so as to be executed in parallel with the main process 700. The sub-process started in this step will be described later. Also, the execution of the sub-process may be stopped when the control unit 118 shifts to another mode. The same applies to other sub-processes described later.

[0121] S720 shows a step of determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the first timer. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (\"Yes\" in S720), the control unit 118 shifts to the SLEEP mode. Otherwise (\"No\" in S720), the process proceeds to step S725.

[0122] S725 shows a step of controlling to supply non-heating AC power to a circuit for inductively heating the above-described RLC series circuit, that is, the susceptor 110 which is at least a part of the aerosol formation substrate 108, and measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. The non-heating AC power is 1 by turning off switch Q 2 and turning on switch Q 3 and then switching switch Q 0 may be generated. The average value or effective value of the energy applied to the RLC series circuit by the supply of the non-heating AC power is smaller than the average value or effective value of the energy applied to the RLC series circuit by the supply of the heating AC power described later. Note that the non-heating AC power preferably has the resonance frequency f

[0123] Note that the supply of the non-heating AC power is only for measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Therefore, after data for measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit (for example, the effective value V RMS of the voltage measured by the voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136 described later and the effective value I RMS of the current) is acquired, the supply of this non-heating AC power may be promptly stopped. On the other hand, the supply of this non-heating AC power may be continued until a predetermined time point, for example, until the control unit 118 shifts to another mode. The stop of the supply of the non-heating AC power can be realized by one or both of turning off switch Q 2 and stopping the switching of switch Q 3 and turning it off. Note that at the time of step S725, switch Q1 It should be noted that it may originally be in the off state.

[0124] S730 shows a step of determining whether the measured impedance is abnormal. When the impedance measured in step 725 is not within the range of impedance including the measurement error defined based on the impedance measured when the normal aerosol generation substrate 108 is properly inserted into the induction heating device 100, the control unit 118 can determine that the measured impedance is abnormal. If it is determined that the impedance is abnormal (''Yes'' in S730), the process proceeds to step S735; otherwise (''No'' in S730), the process proceeds to step S745.

[0125] S735 shows a step of executing a predetermined fail-safe action. The predetermined fail-safe action may include turning off all of switches Q 1 , Q 2 and Q 3 to the off state.

[0126] S740 shows a step of giving a predetermined error notification to the user. After step S740, the control unit 118 shifts to the ERROR mode for performing predetermined error processing. Note that the specific processing in the ERROR mode is omitted.

[0127] S745 shows a step of determining whether the susceptor 110 is detected based on the impedance measured in step S725. Note that the detection of the susceptor 110 can be regarded as the detection of the aerosol formation substrate 108 including the susceptor 110. The detection of the susceptor 110 based on the impedance will be described later.

[0128] S750 shows a step of determining whether the number of available units is 1 or more. If the number of available units is 1 or more (''Yes'' in S750), the control unit 118 shifts to the PRE-HEAT mode; otherwise (''No'' in S750), the process proceeds to step S755.

[0129] S755 indicates a step of performing a predetermined low remaining amount notification to notify the user that the remaining amount of the power of the power source 102 is low. After step S755, the control unit 118 shifts to the SLEEP mode.

[0130] As will be described later, according to the PRE-HEAT process that can be shifted from step S750, the induction heating of the aerosol formation substrate 108 is performed. Therefore, according to the main process 700, the automatic induction heating of the aerosol formation substrate 108 after inserting the aerosol formation substrate 108 into the housing 101 is realized.

[0131] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary first sub-process 800 that is started in step S715 in the main process 700 of the ACTIVE mode.

[0132] S810 indicates a step of determining whether a predetermined operation on the button 128 is detected. An example of the predetermined operation in step S810 is a short press of the button 128. When it is determined that a predetermined operation on the button 128 is detected (''Yes'' in S810), the process proceeds to step S820, and otherwise (''No'' in S810), the process returns to step S810.

[0133] S820 indicates a step of resetting the first timer and returning its value to the initial value. Instead of this embodiment, the value of the first timer may be made closer to the initial value, or the predetermined time in step S720 may be made farther from the value of the first timer.

[0134] S830 indicates a step of notifying the user of the charging level of the power source 102. After step S830, the process returns to step S810.

[0135] According to the main process 700, the control unit 118 may shift to the SLEEP mode when a predetermined time has elapsed after shifting to the ACTIVE mode. According to the sub-process 800, a predetermined operation on the button 128 enables the charging level of the power supply 102 to be notified to the user again, and the shift to the SLEEP mode can be postponed.

[0136] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary second sub-process 900 that is activated in step S715 in the main process 700 in the ACTIVE mode.

[0137] S910 indicates a step of determining whether the connection to the charging power supply connection part 116 of the charging power supply is detected. If it is determined that the connection of the charging power supply is detected (''Yes'' in S910), the control unit 118 shifts to the CHARGE mode. Otherwise (''No'' in S910), the process returns to step S910. Similar to step S410, the control unit 118 can determine that the connection of the charging power supply is detected based on the above-described VBUS detection signal. When shifting to the CHARGE mode, the control unit 118 turns off all of the switches Q 1 , Q 2 and Q 3 preferably.

[0138] According to the second sub-process 900, in response to the connection of the charging power supply, the control unit 118 automatically shifts to the CHARGE mode.

[0139] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary process (main process) 1000 mainly executed by the control unit 118 when in the PRE-HEAT mode. The main process 1000 can start in response to the control unit 118 shifting to the PRE-HEAT mode.

[0140] S1010 indicates a step of controlling to start supplying heating AC power to the RLC series circuit. The heating AC power turns on the switch Q 1 and turns off the switch Q 2With it turned off, switch Q 3 is generated by switching it. The average value or effective value of the energy supplied to the RLC series circuit by the supply of heating AC power is greater than the average value or effective value of the energy supplied to the RLC series circuit by the supply of the above-described non-heating AC power.

[0141] S1020 shows a step of starting another process (sub-process) so as to be executed in parallel with the main process 1000. The sub-process started in this step will be described later.

[0142] S1030 shows a step of executing a process according to the detection of the susceptor 110. This step will be described later. The step includes at least a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit.

[0143] S1040 shows a step of obtaining at least a part of the temperature of the susceptor 110 or the aerosol formation substrate 108 (hereinafter, for convenience, referred to as "susceptor temperature") from the impedance measured in step S1030. The acquisition of the susceptor temperature based on the impedance will be described later. In step S1050 to be described later, step S1040 may be omitted by using a preheating target impedance corresponding to the preheating target temperature instead of the preheating target temperature. In this case, in step S1050, the impedance and the preheating target impedance are compared.

[0144] S1050 shows a step of determining whether the obtained susceptor temperature has reached a predetermined preheating target temperature. If it is determined that the susceptor temperature has reached the preheating target temperature ("Yes" in S1050), the process proceeds to step S1060, and if not ("No" in S1050), the process returns to step S1030. Note that even when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the PRE-HEAT mode, it may be determined as "Yes" in step S1050 assuming that the preheating is completed.

[0145] S1060 indicates a step of notifying the user that the preheating of the aerosol formation substrate 108 has been completed. This notification may be performed by the LED 138, or may be performed by a vibration motor or a display (not shown). After step S1060, the control unit 118 shifts to the INTERVAL mode.

[0146] According to the main process 1000, preheating of the aerosol formation substrate 108 can be realized.

[0147] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary process (main process) 1100 mainly executed by the control unit 118 when in the INTERVAL mode. The main process 1100 can start in response to the control unit 118 shifting to the INTERVAL mode.

[0148] S1110 indicates a step of controlling to stop the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit. The stop of the supply of heating AC power can be realized by turning off the switch Q 1 and / or stopping the switching of the switch Q 3 and turning it off. Note that it should be noted that at the time of step S1110, the switch Q 2 may originally be in the off state.

[0149] S1120 indicates a step of starting another process (sub-process) so as to be executed in parallel with the main process 1100. The sub-process started in this step will be described later.

[0150] S1130 indicates a step of controlling to supply non-heating AC power to the RLC series circuit and measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. This step may be the same as step S725 of the main process 700 in the ACTIVE mode.

[0151] S1140 indicates the step of obtaining the susceptor temperature from the measured impedance. Note that in step S1150 described later, step S1140 may be omitted by using the cooling target impedance corresponding to the cooling target temperature instead of the cooling target temperature. In this case, in step S1150, the impedance is compared with the cooling target impedance.

[0152] S1150 indicates the step of determining whether the obtained susceptor temperature has reached a predetermined cooling target temperature. When it is determined that the susceptor temperature has reached the cooling target temperature (\"Yes\" in S1150), the control unit 118 shifts to the HEAT mode. Otherwise (\"No\" in S1150), the process returns to step S1130. Note that even when a predetermined time has elapsed since the INTERVAL mode was started, it may be determined as \"Yes\" in step S1150 assuming that the cooling is completed.

[0153] In the PRE-HEAT mode, the susceptor is rapidly heated so that the aerosol can be supplied rapidly. On the other hand, such rapid heating may cause an excessive amount of the generated aerosol. Therefore, by executing the INTERVAL mode before the HEAT mode, the amount of the generated aerosol can be stabilized from the completion time of the PRE-HEAT mode to the completion time of the HEAT mode. In other words, according to the main process 1100, the preheated aerosol forming substrate 108 can be cooled before the HEAT mode for stabilizing the aerosol generation.

[0154] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary process (main process) 1200 mainly executed by the control unit 118 when in the HEAT mode. The main process 1200 can be started in response to the control unit 118 shifting to the HEAT mode.

[0155] S1205 indicates the step of starting the second timer.

[0156] S1210 shows a step of starting another process (sub - process) to be executed in parallel with the main process 1200. The sub - process started in this step will be described later.

[0157] S1215 shows a step of controlling to start supplying heating AC power to the RLC series circuit.

[0158] S1220 shows a step of executing a process according to the detection of the susceptor 110. Although this step will be described later, this step includes at least a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit.

[0159] S1225 shows a step of obtaining the susceptor temperature from the impedance measured in step S1220. Note that in step S1230 described later, by using the heating target impedance corresponding to the heating target temperature instead of the heating target temperature, step S1225 may be omitted. In this case, in step S1230, the impedance and the heating target impedance are compared.

[0160] S1230 shows a step of determining whether the obtained susceptor temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined heating target temperature. If the susceptor temperature is equal to or higher than the heating target temperature (\"Yes\" in S1230), the process proceeds to step S1235; otherwise (\"No\" in S1230), the process proceeds to step S1240.

[0161] S1235 shows a step of controlling to stop supplying heating AC power to the RLC series circuit and then waiting for a predetermined time. This step is intended to temporarily stop the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit and lower the susceptor temperature that has become equal to or higher than the heating target temperature.

[0162] S1240 indicates a step of determining whether a predetermined heating end condition is satisfied. Examples of the predetermined heating end condition may include a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the second timer, a condition that a predetermined number of inhalations have been performed using the currently used aerosol-forming substrate 108, or an OR condition of these conditions. The method for detecting inhalation will be described later. If it is determined that the heating end condition is satisfied ( "Yes" in S1240), the process proceeds to step S1245; otherwise ( "No" in S1240), the process returns to step S1220.

[0163] S1245 indicates a step of decreasing the available number by one. After step S1245, the control unit 118 shifts to the SLEEP mode.

[0164] According to the main process 1200, the susceptor temperature can be maintained at a predetermined temperature for aerosol generation in a desired manner.

[0165] Hereinafter, the processes according to the detection of the susceptor 110, which have been described above in relation to the main process 1000 in the PRE-HEAT mode and the main process 1200 in the HEAT mode, will be explained.

[0166] FIG. 13A is a flowchart of a process 1300A according to the detection of an exemplary susceptor 110.

[0167] S1305 indicates a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Note that before step S1305, the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit has been started.

[0168] S1310 indicates a step of determining whether the susceptor 110 has been detected based on the measured impedance. If the susceptor 110 is detected based on the impedance ( "Yes" in S1310), the exemplary process 1300A ends and returns to the main process 1000 or the main process 1200; otherwise ( "No" in S1310), the process proceeds to step S1315.

[0169] S1315 indicates a step of stopping the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit.

[0170] S1320 indicates a step of decreasing the available number by one. After step S1320, the control unit 118 shifts to the ACTIVE mode.

[0171] According to the exemplary process 1300A, induction heating can be stopped when the aerosol formation substrate 108 is removed during induction heating, etc. Thereby, the safety of the induction heating device 100 can be improved, and waste of the power stored in the power supply 102 can be reduced. Further, according to the exemplary process 1300A, when the aerosol formation substrate 108 is removed, the control unit 118 decreases the available number by one. Thereby, compared with the case where the available number is not decreased, it becomes difficult for the voltage of the power supply 102 after the available number is completely consumed to reach the discharge termination voltage or near the discharge termination voltage. Therefore, it is also possible to suppress the acceleration of the deterioration of the power supply 102.

[0172] FIG. 13B is a flowchart of a process 1300B in response to the detection of another exemplary susceptor 110. Since some steps included in the exemplary process 1300B are common to the exemplary process 1300A, the differences will be described below.

[0173] In the exemplary process 1300B, after step S1315, it proceeds to step 1325.

[0174] S1325 indicates a step of giving a predetermined error notification to the user. This predetermined error notification corresponds to the failure to detect the susceptor 110 during induction heating due to the aerosol formation substrate 108 being accidentally removed, etc. This predetermined error notification may be given by the LED 138 or the like.

[0175] S1330 indicates a step of starting the third timer.

[0176] S1335 shows a step of controlling to supply non-heating AC power to the RLC series circuit and measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. This step may be the same as step S725 in the main process 700 in the ACTIVE mode.

[0177] S1340 shows a step of determining whether the susceptor 110 has been detected based on the measured impedance. If it is determined that the susceptor 110 has been detected based on the impedance (\"Yes\" in S1340), the process proceeds to step S1350; otherwise (\"No\" in S1340), the process proceeds to step S1345.

[0178] S1350 shows a step of restarting the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit, which was stopped in step S1315.

[0179] S1345 shows a step of determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the third timer. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (\"Yes\" in S1345), the process proceeds to step S1320; otherwise (\"No\" in S1345), the process returns to step S1335.

[0180] Exemplary process 1300B will be further described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a graph showing the change in susceptor temperature. The vertical axis of this graph corresponds to temperature, and the horizontal axis corresponds to time.

[0181] 1410 indicates the predetermined preheat target temperature described above in relation to the main process 700 in the PRE-HEAT mode.

[0182] 1415 indicates the predetermined cooling target temperature described above in relation to the main process 1100 in the INTERVAL mode.

[0183] 1420 indicates the predetermined heating target temperature described above in relation to the main process 1200 in the HEAT mode. As will be described later, the HEAT mode has a heating profile including a plurality of phases to which different heating target temperatures are applied. 1420 more specifically indicates the heating target temperature of the first phase in the heating profile of the HEAT mode.

[0184] 1430 indicates the period of the PRE-HEAT mode. That is, the period of the PRE-HEAT mode generally ends when the susceptor temperature reaches the predetermined preheating target temperature 1410.

[0185] 1435 indicates the period of the INTERVAL mode. That is, the period of the INTERVAL mode generally starts when the susceptor temperature reaches the preheating target temperature 1410 and ends when the cooling target temperature 1415 is reached.

[0186] 1440 indicates the period of the HEAT mode. That is, the period of the HEAT mode generally starts when the susceptor temperature reaches the cooling target temperature 1415 and ends at time 1445. 1445 indicates when the heating end condition is satisfied (step S1240 of the main process 1200).

[0187] 1450 indicates when the susceptor 110 cannot be detected, that is, when it cannot be determined in step S1310 of the exemplary process 1300B that the susceptor 110 has been detected based on impedance (``No'' in step S1310). 1455 indicates when the susceptor 110 can be detected again, that is, when it is determined in step S1340 of the exemplary process 1300B that the susceptor 110 has been detected based on impedance (``Yes'' in step S1340). S1460 indicates the period during which the susceptor 110 could not be detected.

[0188] According to the exemplary process 1300B, while the heating target temperature according to the passage of time follows at least a defined heating profile, induction heating can be controlled assuming that time has passed also from step S1315, which is the stop of the process for induction heating, to step S1350, which is the restart of the process for induction heating. Therefore, substantially, the heating profile corresponding to the period S1460 during which the susceptor 110 could not be detected can be skipped.

[0189] FIG. 13C is a flowchart of a process 1300C in response to the detection of yet another exemplary susceptor 110. Since some steps included in the exemplary process 1300C are common to the exemplary processes 1300A or 1300B, differences will be described below.

[0190] S1355 indicates a step of detecting the susceptor 110 based on the measured impedance. This step is similar to step S1310, but differs in that if it is determined that the susceptor 110 could not be detected ("No" in S1355), the process proceeds to step S1325.

[0191] In the exemplary process 1300C, after step S1330, the process proceeds to step S1360.

[0192] S1360 indicates a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Step S1360 is similar to step S1335, but in step S1360, it is not necessary to control to supply non-heating AC power to the RLC series circuit. This is because at the time of step S1360, the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit has not been stopped.

[0193] S1365 shows a step of determining whether susceptor 110 has been detected based on the measured impedance. This step is similar to step S1340, but if it is determined that susceptor 110 has been detected based on the impedance (\"Yes\" in S1365), the process returns to step S1305; otherwise (\"No\" in S1365), the process proceeds to step S1370.

[0194] S1370 shows a step of determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the third timer. This step is similar to step S1345, but if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (\"Yes\" in S1370), the process proceeds to step S1315; otherwise (\"No\" in S1370), the process returns to step S1360.

[0195] Exemplary process 1300C will be further described with reference to FIG. 14. Hereinafter, differences from the above description of exemplary process 1300B will be described.

[0196] 1450 indicates when susceptor 110 cannot be detected, that is, when it cannot be determined in step S1355 of exemplary process 1300C that susceptor 110 has been detected based on the impedance (\"No\" in step S1355). 1455 indicates when susceptor 110 can be detected again, that is, when it is determined in step S1365 of exemplary process 1300C that susceptor 110 has been detected based on the impedance (\"Yes\" in step S1365).

[0197] As described above, the HEAT mode has a heating profile that includes multiple phases to which different heating target temperatures are applied. Further, the processing in the HEAT mode can include processing for changing the heating target temperature at one or more timings (for example, step S2115 in FIG. 21 described later). According to the exemplary processing 1300C, the period S1460 during which the susceptor 110 could not be detected will not affect the one or more timings. This is because the exemplary processing 1300C does not have steps S1315 and S1350 in the exemplary processing 1300B. That is, according to the exemplary processing 1300C, the period S1460 during which the susceptor 110 could not be detected can be made not to affect the overall length of the heating profile.

[0198] FIG. 13D is a flowchart of a processing 1300D in response to the detection of yet another exemplary susceptor 110.

[0199] Since some steps included in the exemplary processing 1300D are common to the exemplary processing 1300A, 1300B, or 1300C, the differences will be described below.

[0200] S1375 is a step similar to step S1310, but the difference is that when it is determined that the susceptor 110 has been detected based on impedance, the processing proceeds to step S1385.

[0201] In the exemplary processing 1300D, after step S1325, the processing proceeds to step S1380.

[0202] S1380 indicates a step of stopping the activated second timer and starting the third timer. By stopping the second timer, the value of the second timer will not increase with the passage of time. In other words, the progress of the heating profile is interrupted.

[0203] S1385 indicates a step of determining whether the second timer has been stopped. This step may be a step of determining whether step S1380 has been executed. If it is determined that the second timer has been stopped ( "Yes" in S1385), the process proceeds to step S1390. Otherwise ( "No" in S1385), the exemplary process 1300D ends and returns to the main process 1000 or the main process 1200.

[0204] S1390 indicates a step of restarting the stopped second timer. By restarting the second timer, the value of the second timer will increase again due to the passage of time from the value when the second timer was stopped. In other words, the progress of the heating profile is restarted.

[0205] The exemplary process 1300D will be further described with reference to FIG. 14. Hereinafter, the differences between the exemplary process 1300B and the above-described explanation will be described.

[0206] 1450 indicates when the susceptor 110 cannot be detected, that is, when it cannot be determined in step S1375 of the exemplary process 1300D that the susceptor 110 has been detected based on impedance ( "No" in step S1375).

[0207] That is, according to the exemplary process 1300D, while the heating target temperature according to the passage of time at least follows a determined heating profile, induction heating can be controlled as if no time has passed between step S1315, which is the stop of the process for induction heating, and step S1350, which is the restart of the process for induction heating. Therefore, the progress of the heating profile can be substantially interrupted.

[0208] FIG. 13E is a flowchart of an exemplary process 1300E for processing according to the detection of yet another exemplary susceptor 110. Since some steps included in the exemplary process 1300E are common to the exemplary processes 1300A, 1300B, 1300C, or 1300D, the differences will be described hereinafter.

[0209] S1392 is the same step as step S1310, but the difference is that when it is determined that the susceptor 110 is detected based on impedance, the process proceeds to step S1394.

[0210] S1394 indicates a step of determining whether the third timer has been started. This step may be a step of determining whether step S1330 has been executed. When it is determined that the third timer has been started (''Yes'' in S1394), the process proceeds to step S1396; otherwise (''No'' in S1394), the exemplary process 1300E ends and returns to the main process 1000 or the main process 1200.

[0211] S1396 indicates a step of executing a predetermined process based on the value of the third timer. This predetermined process may be a process of extending one of a plurality of phases included in the HEAT mode by the length of the value of the third timer, that is, the period during which the susceptor 110 could not be detected. In other words, this predetermined process may be a process of delaying at least one of one or more timings for changing the heating target temperature by the length of the period during which the susceptor 110 could not be detected. This can be achieved, for example, by delaying the timing determined to be changed in step S2105 of FIG. 21 described later. Note that the extension of the phase and / or the delay of the timing for changing the heating target temperature do not necessarily have to be performed only by the length of the period during which the susceptor 110 could not be detected. The phase may be extended or the timing for changing the heating target temperature may be delayed by a value obtained by performing an operation such as addition or subtraction of a predetermined value to the length of the period during which the susceptor 110 could not be detected, or by a value unrelated to the length of the period during which the susceptor 110 could not be detected.

[0212] The exemplary process 1300E will be further described with reference to FIG. 14. Hereinafter, the differences between the exemplary process 1300C and the above-described explanation will be described.

[0213] 1450 indicates the situation when the susceptor 110 cannot be detected, that is, when it cannot be determined in step S1392 of the exemplary process 1300E that the susceptor 110 is detected based on impedance ( "No" in step S1392).

[0214] According to the exemplary process 1300E, based on the period 1460 from step S1392 when the aerosol-forming substrate cannot be detected to step S1365 when the aerosol-forming substrate is detected again, the timing of changing the heating target temperature can be delayed, so that the phase of the heating profile can be filled or extended. That is, according to the exemplary process 1300E, based on the period 1460 when the susceptor 110 cannot be detected, the length of the heating profile can be extended.

[0215] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an exemplary first sub-process 1500 that is activated in step S1020 of the main process 1000 in the PRE-HEAT mode, step S1120 of the main process 1100 in the INTERVAL mode, or step S1210 of the main process 1200 in the HEAT mode.

[0216] S1510 indicates a step of determining whether a predetermined operation on button 128 is detected. This predetermined operation may be the same as or different from the predetermined operation in steps S420 and S810. An example of the predetermined operation in step S1510 is a long press or continuous tapping of button 128. If it is determined that a predetermined operation of the button is detected ( "Yes" in S1510), the process proceeds to step S1520; otherwise ( "No" in S1510), the process returns to step S1510.

[0217] S1520 indicates a step of performing control to stop the supply of alternating current power. When the first sub - process 1500 is activated in step S1020 or step S1210, this alternating current power is heating alternating current power. When the first sub - process 1500 is activated in step S1120, this alternating current power will be non - heating alternating current power.

[0218] S1530 indicates a step of decreasing the available number by one. According to the sub - process 1500, when the supply of alternating current power is stopped by the user's operation, the control unit 118 decreases the available number by one. Thereby, compared with the case where the available number is not decreased, the voltage of the power supply 102 after the aerosol - forming substrate 108 of the available number is completely consumed is less likely to reach the discharge termination voltage or near the discharge termination voltage. Therefore, it is also possible to suppress the acceleration of the deterioration of the power supply 102.

[0219] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an exemplary second sub - process 1600 that is activated in step S1020 of the main process 1000 in PRE - HEAT mode, step S1120 of the main process 1100 in INTERVAL mode, or step S1210 of the main process 1200 in HEAT mode.

[0220] S1610 indicates a step of measuring the discharge current. The discharge current can be measured by the current detection circuit 136.

[0221] S1620 indicates a step of determining whether the measured discharge current is excessive. If it is determined that the discharge current is excessive (''Yes'' in S1620), the process proceeds to step S1630. Otherwise (''No'' in S1620), the process returns to step S1610.

[0222] S1630 indicates a step of executing a predetermined fail - safe action.

[0223] S1640 indicates a step of giving a predetermined error notification to the user. This predetermined error notification corresponds to the excessive discharge current. After step S1640, the control unit 118 shifts to the ERROR mode. This error notification may be given by the LED 138.

[0224] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the principle of detecting the susceptor 110 which is at least a part of the aerosol forming substrate 108 based on impedance, and the principle of obtaining the temperature of the susceptor 110 which is at least a part of the aerosol forming substrate 108 based on impedance.

[0225] 1710 shows the equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the induction heating device 100.

[0226] L indicates the value of the inductance of the RLC series circuit. Strictly speaking, L is the value obtained by synthesizing the inductance components of a plurality of elements included in the RLC series circuit, but it may be considered equal to the value of the inductance of the coil 106.

[0227] C 2 indicates the value of the capacitance of the RLC series circuit. C 2 is strictly the value obtained by synthesizing the capacitance components of a plurality of elements included in the RLC series circuit, but it may be considered equal to the value of the capacitance of the capacitor C 2 of.

[0228] R Circuit indicates the resistance value of the RLC series circuit. R Circuit is the value obtained by synthesizing the resistance components of a plurality of elements included in the RLC series circuit.

[0229] L, C 2 and R Circuit The values of can be obtained in advance from the specification sheet of the electronic element or measured experimentally in advance, and can be stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit 118.

[0230] The impedance Z of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the induction heating device 100 0 can be calculated by the following formula.

[0231]

Equation

[0232] On the other hand, 1720 shows the equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100. The difference between 1720 and 1710 lies in the resistance component (R susceptor ) due to the susceptor 110, which is at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate 108. The impedance Z of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100 1 can be calculated by the following formula.

[0233]

Equation

[0234] That is, the impedance of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100 is greater than when it is not inserted. The impedance Z 0 when the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the induction heating device 100 and the impedance Z 0 when it is inserted are experimentally determined in advance, and the set threshold value between them is stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit 118. Based on whether the measured impedance Z is greater than the threshold value, it is possible to determine whether the aerosol-forming substrate 108 is inserted into the induction heating device 100, that is, whether the susceptor 110 is detected. As described above, the detection of the susceptor 110 can be regarded as the detection of the aerosol-forming substrate 108.

[0235] Note that the control unit 118 calculates the effective value V of the voltage measured by the voltage detection circuit 134 and the current detection circuit 136, respectively. RMS And the effective value I of the current RMS Based on this, the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit can be calculated as follows.

Equation

[0236] Also, for Z 1 Solving the above equation for R susceptor yields the following equation.

Equation

[0237] Here, excluding the negative resistance value and replacing Z 1 with Z gives

Equation

[0238] R suceptor The relationship between and the susceptor temperature is experimentally determined in advance and stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit 118. Based on the further calculated R from the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit, the susceptor temperature can be obtained. suceptor

[0239] Figure 18 shows the equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when AC power is supplied at the resonance frequency f 0 of the RLC series circuit. 1810 and 1820 respectively show the equivalent circuits of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate 108 is not inserted into the induction heating device 100 and when it is inserted. The resonance frequency f 0 can be derived as follows.

[0240]

Equation

[0241] Also, since the following relationship is satisfied at the resonance frequency f 0 with respect to the impedance of the RLC series circuit, the inductance component and the capacitance component of the RLC series circuit can be ignored.

Number

[0242] Therefore, the impedance Z 0 of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate 108 at the resonance frequency f is not inserted into the induction heating device 100 0 and the impedance Z 1 of the RLC series circuit when it is inserted are as follows.

Number

[0243] Also, the value R 0 of the resistance component by the susceptor 110 which is at least a part of the aerosol forming substrate 108 when the aerosol forming substrate 108 at the resonance frequency f is inserted into the induction heating device 100 susceptor can be calculated by the following formula

Number

[0244] Thus, using the resonance frequency f 0 of the RLC series circuit in one or both of detecting the susceptor 110 and obtaining the susceptor temperature based on the impedance is advantageous in terms of ease of calculation. Of course, using the resonance frequency f 0 of the RLC series circuit is also advantageous in terms of supplying the power stored in the power supply 102 to the susceptor 110 with high efficiency and high speed.

[0245] (Specific Example 1 of Heating Profile) Hereinafter, specific examples of the heating profile will be described.

[0246] In this example, the induction heating device 100 can more appropriately heat the aerosol formation substrate 108 by changing the switching frequency of the alternating current generation circuit 132 in the PRE-HEAT mode, the INTERVAL mode, and the HEAT mode composed of a plurality of phases.

[0247] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing graphs (a), (b), and (c) respectively representing the temperature of the susceptor 110, the switching frequency of the alternating current generation circuit 132, and the change in the impedance of the circuit 104 in the induction heating device 100 of this example. Similar to FIG. 14, in FIG. 19, the arrow 1430 indicates the period of the PRE-HEAT mode, the arrow 1435 indicates the period of the INTERVAL mode, and the arrow 1440 indicates the period of the HEAT mode. Also, in (a), the solid line graph indicates the temperature of the susceptor 110, and the dashed line graph indicates the target temperature (preheating target temperature, cooling target temperature, heating target temperature) in each period.

[0248] Note that in FIG. 19, it is illustrated such that the temperature of the susceptor 110 (or susceptor temperature) reaches the heating target temperature and the phase switches, but this is because it illustrates an ideal behavior. That is, the behavior illustrated in FIG. 19 corresponds to the case where, in the exemplary process shown in FIG. 21 described later, the switching frequency of the switch Q 3 coincides with the timing when the temperature of the susceptor 110 first reaches the heating target temperature. Generally, the temperature of the susceptor 110 will repeat the behavior of decreasing due to a temporary stop of the heating alternating current power after reaching the heating target temperature and then rising again. Therefore, generally, the temperature of the susceptor 110 reaching the heating target temperature and the phase switching do not coincide. The same applies to FIGS. 20 and 22.

[0249] As shown in (b), in this example, the switch Q of the AC generation circuit 132 3 has a switching frequency that is the resonance frequency f 0 during the PRE-HEAT mode period 1430 and the INTERVAL mode period 1435, and is constant within these periods. And during the HEAT mode period 1440, the switching frequency of the switch Q 3 is controlled to increase step by step as each phase progresses (the timing for increasing the switching frequency of the switch Q 3 is scheduled in advance. The same applies to the specific example 2 described later). Also, when the switching frequency of the switch Q 3 changes, the impedance of the circuit 104 also changes. As the switching frequency of the switch Q 3 increases step by step, the impedance of the circuit 104 also continues to increase as shown in (c). In the case of this example, it is possible to detect a temporary temperature drop when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the aerosol source 112 due to the change in the impedance of the circuit 104 (or the change in the alternating current supplied to the coil 106). That is, when it is detected that the temperature has dropped, it may be determined that the user has inhaled the aerosol.

[0250] Also, during the HEAT mode period 1440, the switching frequency of the switch Q 3 may be controlled to start from the resonance frequency f 0 and gradually move away from the resonance frequency f 0 as shown by the solid line graph in (b), or may be controlled to once drop significantly from the resonance frequency f 0 and then gradually approach the resonance frequency f 0 as shown by the dashed line graph in (b). Also, in the former case, as the plurality of phases constituting the HEAT mode 1440 progress, the switch Q 3The switching frequency increases in a frequency region higher than the resonance frequency. In the latter case, as the plurality of phases constituting the HEAT mode 1440 proceed, switch Q 3 The switching frequency increases in a frequency region lower than the resonance frequency. A rapid temperature rise is required only in the PRE-HEAT mode, and in the gradual temperature rise in the HEAT mode, highly efficient heating by induction heating may be rather unsuitable. Therefore, in this example, by removing the switching frequency of switch Q 3 from the resonance frequency f 0 a gentle temperature rise can be achieved. By changing the frequency for each phase in this way, the susceptor 110 can be appropriately heated.

[0251] Also, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the changes in the temperature of the susceptor 110, the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132, and the impedance of the circuit 104 in the induction heating apparatus 100. Also in this example, switch Q of the AC generation circuit 132 3 The switching frequency is the resonance frequency f in the period 1430 of the PRE-HEAT mode and the period 1435 of the INTERVAL mode 0 and is constant within these periods. However, in the period 1440 of the HEAT mode in this example, the switching frequency of switch Q 3 is controlled to gradually decrease as each phase proceeds. Also, by gradually decreasing the switching frequency of switch Q 3 the impedance of the circuit 104 also continues to decrease. When the detection of the user's aerosol inhalation is not performed, the switching frequency of switch Q may be controlled to decrease according to the progress of the phase in the HEAT mode as in this example 3 and thereby a gentle temperature rise can be achieved.

[0252] Also, in the period 1440 of the HEAT mode, the switching frequency of switch Q 3 is the resonance frequency f as shown by the solid line graph in (b) 0Once it has risen significantly from the starting point, it may be controlled to gradually approach the resonance frequency f 0 or, as shown by the dashed graph in (b), it may be controlled to start from the resonance frequency f 0 and gradually move away from the resonance frequency f 0 . Also, in the former case, as the plurality of phases constituting the HEAT mode progress, the switching frequency of switch Q 3 decreases in a frequency region higher than the resonance frequency, and in the latter case, as the plurality of phases constituting the HEAT mode progress, the switching frequency of switch Q 3 decreases in a frequency region lower than the resonance frequency.

[0253] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flowchart of exemplary processing mainly executed by the control unit 118 when in the HEAT mode. In the flowchart of FIG. 21, the processing of step S2105, step S2110, and step S2115 is further added to the flowchart of FIG. 12. Since the other steps are the same as those in FIG. 12, the description thereof is omitted.

[0254] Step S2105 shows a step of determining whether it is the timing to change the switching frequency of switch Q 3 . Here, if it is determined that it is the timing to change the switching frequency of switch Q 3 (``Yes'' in step S2105), then in step S2110, the switching frequency of switch Q 3 is changed (increased or decreased). Then, in step S2115, the heating target temperature is increased by a predetermined value. If it is determined in step S2105 that it is not the timing to change the switching frequency of switch Q 3 (``No'' in step S2105), then the processing of step S2110 and step S2115 is skipped (that is, switch Q 3(Do not change the switching frequency). Note that the processing in step S2110 and the processing in step S2115 may be executed in the reverse order or may be executed in parallel.

[0255] (Specific Example 2 of Heating Profile) Furthermore, another specific example of the heating profile will be described. In this example, in the PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, and HEAT mode consisting of a plurality of phases, the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132 is fixed at a specific frequency without changing, and in particular, in this example, it is fixed at the resonance frequency.

[0256] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing graphs (a), (b), and (c) respectively representing the temperature of the susceptor 110, the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132, and the change in the impedance of the circuit 104 in the induction heating apparatus 100 of this example. As shown in (b), in this example, the induction heating apparatus 100 fixes the switching frequency of the AC generation circuit 132 at the resonance frequency in the PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, and HEAT mode consisting of a plurality of phases.

[0257] FIGS. 23 and 24 are diagrams showing flowcharts of exemplary processing mainly executed by the control unit 118 when in the HEAT mode. The flowchart of FIG. 23 is different in that the heating control of step S2310 is executed instead of step S1235 in FIG. 12, and steps S2320 and S2325 are added. Since the other steps are the same as those in FIG. 12, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0258] Step S2320 indicates a step of determining whether it is the timing for the second timer to change the heating target temperature. If it is determined that it is the timing to change the heating target temperature ( "Yes" in step S2320), in step S2325, the heating target temperature is increased by a predetermined value. If it is determined in step S2320 that it is not the timing to change the heating target temperature ( "No" in step S2320), the process of step S2325 is skipped (that is, the heating target temperature is not changed).

[0259] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating an example of the details of the heating control in step S2310. Step S23101 indicates a step of controlling to stop the supply of heating AC power to the RLC series circuit. Step S23102 indicates a step of controlling to start the supply of non - heating AC power to the RLC series circuit in order to measure the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Step S23103 indicates a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Step S23104 indicates a step of controlling to stop the supply of non - heating AC power to the RLC series circuit. Step S23105 indicates a step of obtaining the susceptor temperature from the impedance measured in step S23103. Note that the processes of steps S23101 to S23105 may be the same as the processes in the flowchart described above. Further, step S23106 indicates a step of determining whether the susceptor temperature obtained in step S23105 is less than or equal to (predetermined heating target temperature - Δ). When the susceptor temperature is less than or equal to (predetermined heating target temperature - Δ), the heating control is terminated and the process proceeds to step S1215 in FIG. 23. When the susceptor temperature is higher than (predetermined heating target temperature - Δ), the process returns to step S23102. That is, when the susceptor temperature is higher than (heating target temperature - Δ), the susceptor temperature is continuously monitored in the second high - resistance circuit including the switch Q 2 and at this time, the switch Q 3It may be switched at a predetermined cycle even while the heating of the susceptor 110 is interrupted. When the susceptor temperature becomes equal to or lower than (heating target temperature - Δ), the switch Q 1 is turned on again to reheat the susceptor 110 in the first circuit. Also, when Δ is a value larger than "0", hysteresis can be provided in the heating control. More specifically, the value of Δ is about 5°C at maximum.

[0260] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but it should be understood that these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that changes, additions, improvements, etc. to the embodiments can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0261] In the above-described embodiment, the control using the resonance frequency f of the RLC series circuit 0 has been described. However, since there are product tolerances in the elements constituting the RLC circuit, it is not necessary to strictly use the resonance frequency f 0 . For example, there may be a deviation of about ±5% from the resonance frequency f 0 calculated from the actual parameters of the elements constituting the RLC series circuit.

[0262] In the above-described embodiment, the user's suction is detected based on the change in impedance. Instead of this, the user's suction may be detected using a suction sensor (not shown) in FIG. 2.

[0263] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 118 detects the aerosol generation substrate 108 based on the susceptor 110. Instead of this, the aerosol generation substrate 108 may be detected from a marker or RFID provided on the aerosol formation substrate 108. It will be obvious that such a marker or RFID also constitutes at least a part of the aerosol formation substrate 108.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0264] 100… Induction heating device, 101… Housing, 102… Power supply, 104… Circuit, 106… Coil, 108… Aerosol forming substrate, 110… Susceptor, 112… Aerosol source, 114… Filter, 116… Charging power supply connection part, 118… Control part, 120… Voltage adjustment circuit, 122… Charging circuit, 126… Light emitting element drive circuit, 128… Button, 130… Parallel circuit, 132… Alternating current generation circuit, 134… Voltage detection circuit, 136… Current detection circuit, 138… Light emitting element, 140… Voltage dividing circuit, 610… When not in use, 620… When deteriorated, 630… Electric energy required to consume one aerosol forming substrate, 640… Excess electric energy (when not in use), 650… Excess electric energy (when deteriorated), 660… Discharge voltage at full charge, 770… Discharge termination voltage, 1410… Pre-heating target temperature, 1415… Cooling target temperature, 1420… Heating target temperature, 1430… Period of PRE-HEAT mode, 1435… Period of INTERVAL mode, 1440… Period of HEAT mode, 1445… When the heating end condition is satisfied, 1450… When the susceptor cannot be detected, 1455… When the susceptor can be detected again, 1460… Period during which the susceptor cannot be detected, 1710… Equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate is not inserted into the induction heating device, 1720… Equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate is inserted into the induction heating device, 1710… Equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate is not inserted into the induction heating device (resonance frequency), 1720… Equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol forming substrate is inserted into the induction heating device (resonance frequency)

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for inductively heating a susceptor of an aerosol forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, comprising a housing into which the aerosol forming substrate can be inserted, and within the housing, a power supply, an alternating current generation circuit that generates alternating current from the power supplied from the power supply, an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, a detection circuit including a circuit for detecting the voltage and current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied, a control unit configured to start the induction heating when it is determined based on the value obtained from the detection circuit that at least a part of the aerosol forming substrate is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device, a voltage adjustment circuit connected to the power supply and the control unit, a remaining amount measurement IC configured to measure the remaining amount of the power supply, a charging circuit connected to the power supply, wherein, the current is detected at a position closer to the alternating current generation circuit than a branch point from the path to the voltage adjustment circuit and closer to the alternating current generation circuit than a branch point from the path to the charging circuit in a path between the power supply and the alternating current generation circuit, the remaining amount measurement IC measures the remaining amount of the power supply by measuring the value of the current charged and discharged to the power supply at a position closer to the power supply than a branch point to the charging circuit in the path, an aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the voltage is detected in a path between the power supply and the alternating current generation circuit.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount measurement IC is not included in the detection circuit.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, acquires the temperature of the susceptor based on the value obtained from the detection circuit, and is further configured to control the induction heating based on the acquired temperature.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, is configured to be able to detect whether at least a part of the aerosol forming substrate is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device, and in a first mode, detects whether at least a part of the aerosol forming substrate is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device further configured not to detect whether at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device in a second mode different from the first mode.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising a connection part configured to be connectable to a charging power source, wherein the control unit is further configured to execute the processing of the first mode until a predetermined time elapses after detecting the removal of the charging power source from the connection part.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising an operation part for receiving an operation from a user of the aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit is an aerosol generating device that shifts to the first mode in response to a predetermined operation being performed on the operation part.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising an operation part for receiving an operation from a user of the aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit is an aerosol generating device that returns to the first mode in response to a predetermined operation being performed on the operation part after shifting to the second mode in response to the elapse of a predetermined time after shifting to the first mode.

9. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a connection part configured to be connectable to a charging power source, wherein the control unit is further configured such that the voltage and the current of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied are not measured while the connection of the charging power source to the connection part is detected.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit is further configured to measure the voltage and the current of the circuit at the resonance frequency of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied.

11. An operating method of an aerosol generating device for inductively heating a susceptor of an aerosol-forming substrate including the susceptor and an aerosol source, the aerosol generating device comprising: a housing into which the aerosol-forming substrate can be inserted, and within the housing, a power source, an alternating current generating circuit that generates alternating current from the power supplied from the power source, an inductive heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, A detection circuit including a circuit for detecting the voltage and current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied; A control unit; A voltage adjustment circuit connected to the power supply and the control unit; A remaining amount measurement IC configured to measure the remaining amount of the power supply; A charging circuit connected to the power supply; Comprising; The method includes the control unit: When it is determined based on the value obtained from the detection circuit that at least a part of the aerosol formation substrate is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generation device, starting the induction heating; Obtaining the remaining amount of the power supply measured by the remaining amount measurement IC; Including; The current is detected at a position closer to the alternating current generation circuit than the branch point from the path to the voltage adjustment circuit and closer to the alternating current generation circuit than the branch point from the path to the charging circuit in the path between the power supply and the alternating current generation circuit. The method for measuring the remaining amount of the power supply by the remaining amount measurement IC by measuring the value of the current charged and discharged to the power supply at a position closer to the power supply than the branch point to the charging circuit in the path.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The voltage is detected in the path between the power supply and the alternating current generation circuit.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The remaining amount measurement IC is not included in the detection circuit.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The control unit is configured to be able to detect whether at least a part of the aerosol formation substrate is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generation device. The method includes the control unit: A first mode of detecting whether at least a part of the aerosol formation substrate is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generation device until a predetermined time has elapsed after detecting the removal of the charging power supply from the connection part of the aerosol generation device configured to be connectable to the charging power supply, and a second mode of not detecting whether at least a part of the aerosol formation substrate is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generation device, and executing the processing of the first mode; Shifting from the second mode to the first mode in response to a predetermined operation being performed on an operation unit that receives an operation from a user of the aerosol generation device. Measuring the voltage and current of the circuit at the resonant frequency of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied A method further comprising at least one of the above. **Claim 15** An aerosol generating device for inductively heating the susceptor of an aerosol forming substrate including a susceptor and an aerosol source, comprising: the aerosol forming substrate; a housing into which the aerosol forming substrate can be inserted, and within the housing: a power supply; an alternating current generation circuit that generates alternating current from the power supplied from the power supply; an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor; a detection circuit including a circuit for detecting the voltage and current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generation circuit is supplied; a control unit configured to start the induction heating when it is determined based on the value obtained from the detection circuit that at least a part of the aerosol forming substrate is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device; a voltage adjustment circuit connected to the power supply and the control unit; a remaining amount measurement IC configured to measure the remaining amount of the power supply; a charging circuit connected to the power supply; wherein the current is detected at a position closer to the alternating current generation circuit than a branch point from the path to the voltage adjustment circuit and closer to the alternating current generation circuit than a branch point from the path to the charging circuit in a path between the power supply and the alternating current generation circuit; the remaining amount measurement IC measures the remaining amount of the power supply by measuring the value of the current charged and discharged to the power supply at a position closer to the power supply than a branch point to the charging circuit in the path; An aerosol generating device. **Claim 16** The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein the voltage is detected in a path between the power supply and the alternating current generation circuit. **Claim 17** The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein the remaining amount measurement IC is not included in the detection circuit.

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