Aerosol generation device and operation method therefor

Abstract

An induction heating device capable of automatically initiating heating of an aerosol-forming gas is provided. A control unit (118) for an induction heating device configured to induce heating of a susceptor (110) of an aerosol forming gas (108) including a susceptor (110) and an aerosol source (112) is configured to stop induction heating or notify an error if the susceptor (110) cannot be detected while induction heating is being performed.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an induction heating device capable of handling the removal of aerosol-forming gases. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, a device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming gas is known by using an inductor placed in close proximity to an aerosol-forming gas having a susceptor, and heating the susceptor by induction heating (Patent Documents 1-3). Prior art literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6623175 Publication Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6077145 Publication Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 6653260 Publication The problem to be solved

[0004] The first problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an improved induction heating device for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming gas.

[0005] The second problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an induction heating device capable of automatically initiating the heating of an aerosol-forming gas.

[0006] The third problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an induction heating device capable of handling the removal of aerosol-forming gases.

[0007] The fourth problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an induction heating device capable of more appropriately heating an aerosol-forming gas. means of solving the problem

[0008] In order to solve the first problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source is provided, comprising: a coil for heating the susceptor by means of a power source and induction heating; a parallel circuit comprising a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power source 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 generating circuit arranged between the parallel circuit and the coil or between the parallel circuit and the power source.

[0009] In one embodiment, the AC generating circuit is positioned between the parallel circuit and the coil, and the AC generating 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, and the alternating current generating circuit includes a third switch, and when the third switch is switched at a predetermined period, the first switch remains in the 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, and the AC generating circuit includes a third switch, and when the third switch is switched at a predetermined cycle, the second switch remains in the ON state.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second switch comprises a bipolar transistor, and the third switch comprises 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, and the alternating current generating circuit includes a third switch, and when a switch is made between the first switch and the second switch, a switch according to a predetermined period of the third switch is continued.

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

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

[0019] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further comprises a voltage regulating circuit configured to adjust the voltage of the power source to generate a voltage supplied to a component within the induction heating device. The current detection circuit is positioned in a path between the power source and the coil, at a location closer to the coil than a branch point from the path to the voltage regulating circuit.

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

[0021] In order to solve the second problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device for inductively heating a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source is provided, the device comprising a power source, an alternating current generating circuit that generates alternating current from power supplied from the power source, an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to detect the susceptor based on the impedance of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied, and to initiate the induction heating in response to the detection of the susceptor.

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

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

[0024] In one embodiment, a connection part configured to be connectable to a charging power source is further provided, and the control part may be further configured to perform the processing of the first mode until a predetermined time elapses after detecting the disconnection of the charging power source from the connection part.

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

[0026] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further comprises a button, and the control unit may be further configured to start a timer such that the value increases or decreases from an initial value over time in response to transition to the first mode, transition to the second mode in response to the value of the timer reaching a predetermined value, and in response to a predetermined operation being performed on the button, perform one of returning the value of the timer to an initial value, bringing the value of the timer close to an initial value, or moving the predetermined value away from the value of the timer.

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

[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 generating circuit is supplied at the resonant frequency of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied.

[0029] In one embodiment, the induction heating device comprises a first circuit and a second circuit configured to be selectively effective for supplying energy to the susceptor, and may further comprise the first circuit and the second circuit having a higher resistance than the first circuit.

[0030] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to measure the impedance of the circuit while performing the induction heating using the first circuit while performing the induction heating.

[0031] In addition, to solve the second problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an induction heating device for induction heating a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source is provided, wherein the induction heating device comprises a power source, an alternating current generating circuit that generates alternating current from power supplied from the power source, and an induction heating circuit for induction heating the susceptor, and the method comprises a step of detecting the susceptor based on the impedance of a circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied, and a step of initiating the induction heating in response to the detection of the susceptor.

[0032] In addition, to solve the second problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device for induction heating a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source is provided, the device comprising: the aerosol-forming gas; a power source; an alternating current generating circuit that generates alternating current from power supplied from the power source; an induction heating circuit for induction heating the susceptor; and a control unit configured to detect the susceptor based on the impedance of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied, and to initiate the induction heating in response to the detection of the susceptor.

[0033] In order to solve the third problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a control unit for an induction heating device configured to induce heating of a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source is provided, wherein the control unit is configured to stop the induction heating or notify an error when the susceptor becomes unreachable while the induction heating is being performed.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to stop the induction heating when the susceptor can no longer be detected while the induction heating is being performed.

[0035] In one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to notify an error simultaneously with or after the cessation 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 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the induction heating was stopped.

[0037] In one embodiment, the induction heating may be configured such that the heating target temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile, and the control unit may be configured to control the induction heating by allowing time to elapse between the cessation of the induction heating and the resumption of the induction heating.

[0038] In one embodiment, the induction heating may be configured such that the heating target temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile, while the control unit may be configured to control the induction heating such that no time elapses between the cessation of the induction heating and the resumption of the induction heating.

[0039] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to notify an error if the susceptor becomes undetectable while the induction heating is being performed.

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

[0041] In one embodiment, the control unit may be configured not to stop the induction heating if it detects the susceptor again after the error notification, on the other hand, before the induction heating is stopped.

[0042] In one embodiment, the induction heating is configured such that the heating target temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile, and the control unit may be configured such that the period from when the susceptor can no longer be detected until the susceptor is detected again does not affect the entire length of the heating profile.

[0043] In one embodiment, the induction heating may be configured such that the heating target temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile, and the control unit may be configured to extend the length of the heating profile based on the period from when the susceptor can no longer be detected until the susceptor is detected again.

[0044] In addition, to solve the third problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device is provided comprising a power source, an alternating current generating circuit that generates alternating current from power supplied from the power source, an induction heating circuit for inductively heating a susceptor included in an aerosol-forming gas, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is further configured to detect the susceptor based on the impedance of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied.

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

[0046] In addition, to solve the third problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device is provided comprising a power source for supplying power to induce heating a susceptor containing an aerosol-forming gas and a control unit, wherein the control unit sets a number of usable gas that can be induce heated until the power source is charged based on the remaining amount of the power source, and is configured to stop the induction heating and reduce the number of usable gas when at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas becomes undisturbed while the induction heating is being performed.

[0047] In addition, to solve the third problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device is provided comprising a power source for supplying power for induction heating at least a portion of an aerosol-forming gas and a control unit, wherein the control unit sets a usable number, which is the number of aerosol-forming gases capable of induction heating until the power source is charged, based on the remaining amount of the power source, and continues the induction heating when the susceptor is detected again after the susceptor has become undetectable while the induction heating is being performed, while the induction heating device is configured not to reduce the usable number.

[0048] In addition, to solve the third problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an induction heating device configured to induce heating of a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source is provided, the method comprising a step of stopping the induction heating or notifying an error when the susceptor becomes undetectable while the induction heating is being performed.

[0049] In addition, to solve the third problem described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device for inductively heating a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source is provided, the device comprising: the aerosol-forming gas and a power source; an AC generating circuit that generates AC from power supplied from the power source and an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor; and a control unit configured to stop the induction heating or notify an error when the susceptor becomes unreachable while the induction heating is being performed.

[0050] In order to solve the aforementioned fourth problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source is provided, the device comprising a circuit including a coil for heating the susceptor by induction heating, wherein the susceptor is heated by a heating mode consisting of a plurality of phases, and the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the coil is different in at least some of the plurality of phases.

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

[0052] In one embodiment, in a preheating mode for preheating the susceptor executed before the heating mode, the frequency of the alternating current is configured to be closest to the resonant frequency of the circuit 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 a plurality of phases constituting the heating mode proceed, the frequency of the alternating current increases, and suction by the user is detected by a change in the alternating current or a change in the impedance of the circuit.

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

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

[0057] In one embodiment, as a plurality of phases constituting the heating mode proceed, the frequency of the alternating current is reduced.

[0058] In one embodiment, in the interval mode for cooling the susceptor 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 comprises a power source, and the circuit further comprises a parallel circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power source 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 in the interval mode, the second circuit is used.

[0060] In order to solve the aforementioned fourth problem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source is also provided, comprising a circuit including a coil for heating the susceptor by induction heating, wherein the susceptor is heated by a heating mode consisting of a plurality of phases and the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the coil over the plurality of phases is constant.

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

[0062] In one embodiment, in an interval mode that is executed before the heating mode to preheat the susceptor and then cool the susceptor, the frequency of the alternating current is the resonance frequency of the circuit.

[0063] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further comprises a power source, and the circuit further comprises a parallel circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power source 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 in the interval mode, the second circuit is used.

[0064] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the temperature of the susceptor in the heating mode has become higher than a predetermined temperature, the heating of the susceptor is stopped.

[0065] In one embodiment, the induction heating device further comprises a power source, and the circuit further comprises a parallel circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit arranged in parallel between the power source 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 while the heating of the susceptor is stopped, 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 in the heating mode has fallen below the predetermined temperature, 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 in the heating mode has become lower than a temperature only slightly lower than the predetermined temperature, the heating of the susceptor is resumed using the first circuit.

[0068] In one embodiment, the circuit further comprises an alternating current generating circuit disposed between the parallel circuit and the coil or between the parallel circuit and the power source, and the alternating current generating circuit includes a third switch, and the third switch is switched at a predetermined period while the heating of the susceptor is interrupted. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0069] [Fig. 1] This is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 2] This is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 3] Voltage applied to the gate terminal of switch Q1 or the base terminal of switch Q2, voltage applied to the gate terminal of switch Q3, and current I DCand current I AC It is a diagram that conceptually represents the relationship between with time t on the horizontal axis. [Fig. 4] This is a flow chart showing an example of processing of the SLEEP mode performed by the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 5] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the CHARGE mode performed by the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 6] This is a pseudo-graph to explain the number of available units. [Fig. 7] This is a flowchart showing an example of a main process in ACTIVE mode executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 8] This is a flowchart showing an example processing of a sub-ACTIVE mode executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 9] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing of another sub of the ACTIVE mode, which is executed by the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 10] This is a flowchart showing an example of a main process of a PRE-HEAT mode executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 11] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the main INTERVAL mode, which is executed by the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 12] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the main HEAT mode, which is executed by the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 13a] This is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process following the detection of an example susceptor, which is executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 13b] This is a flowchart showing a process for detecting another example of a susceptor, which is executed by the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 13c] This is a flowchart showing a process for detecting another example of a susceptor, which is executed by the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 13d] This is a flowchart showing a process for detecting a susceptor of another example, which is executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 13e] This is a flowchart showing a process for detecting another example of a susceptor, which is executed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 14] This is a graph showing an example of a change in the temperature of a susceptor of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 15] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a sub-mode of PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, or HEAT mode performed by a control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 16] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing of other sub-modes of PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, or HEAT mode, which is executed by the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 17] This is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit. [Fig. 18] This is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit at the resonant frequency. [Fig. 19] This is a drawing showing graphs illustrating examples of changes in the temperature of the susceptor of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the switching frequency of the AC generating circuit, and the impedance of the circuit, respectively. [Fig. 20] This is a drawing showing graphs illustrating examples of changes in the temperature of the susceptor of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the switching frequency of the AC generating circuit, and the impedance of the circuit, respectively. [Fig. 21] This is a diagram showing a flowchart of an example process that is mainly executed when the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in HEAT mode. [Fig. 22] This is a figure showing graphs illustrating examples of changes in the temperature of the susceptor of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the switching frequency of the AC generating circuit, and the impedance of the circuit, respectively. [Fig. 23] This is a diagram showing a flowchart of an example process that is mainly executed when the control unit of an induction heating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in HEAT mode. [Fig. 24] This is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of the heat treatment of step (S2310). Specific details for implementing the invention

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

[0071] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of an induction heating device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 1 does not show the strict arrangement, shape, dimensions, positional relationships, etc. of the components.

[0072] An induction heating device (100) comprises 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 device (100) using the power source (102). The specific configuration of the circuit (104) will be described later. The induction heating device (100) is provided with a charging power connection part (116) for connecting the induction heating device (100) to a charging power source (not shown) for charging the power source (102). The charging power connection part (116) may be a receptacle for wired charging, a receiving coil for wireless charging, or a combination thereof.

[0073] The induction heating device (100) is configured to accommodate at least a portion of an aerosol-forming gas (108) comprising a susceptor (110), an aerosol source (112), and a filter (114). The aerosol-forming gas (108) may be, for example, a smoking article.

[0074] The aerosol source (112) may include a volatile compound capable of generating an aerosol by heating. The aerosol source (112) may be a solid, a liquid, or both a solid and a liquid. The aerosol source (112) may include, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, a liquid such as water, or a mixture of these liquids. The aerosol source (112) may include 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 filled into the housing (101) at the proximal end of the housing (101). The coil (106) is configured to surround the portion of the aerosol-forming gas (108) contained in the induction heating device (100) when the aerosol-forming gas (108) is inserted into the induction heating device (100). The coil (106) may have a spirally 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 below. 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) is configured to control components within the induction heating device (100) and has a control unit (118). The control unit (118) may be configured by a micro controller unit (MCU). The circuit (104) is also electrically connected to a power source (102) via a power connection unit and electrically connected to a coil (106) via a coil connection unit. The circuit (104) has a parallel circuit (130) including a path (hereinafter also referred to as the "first circuit") including a switch Q1 placed between the power source (102) and the coil (106), and a path (hereinafter also referred to as the "second circuit") including a switch Q2 placed in parallel with the switch Q1.

[0077] The first circuit is used for heating the susceptor (110). As an example, the switch Q1 may be a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). The control unit (118) controls the on / off of the switch Q1 by applying a heating switch signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of the switch Q1. For example, when the switch Q1 is a P-channel type MOSFET, the switch Q1 is turned on when the heating switch signal is low.

[0078] The second circuit is used to obtain 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. When switch Q2 is in the ON state, the current flowing through switch Q2 is the resistance R described later. shunt1 and resistance R shunt2 Due to the above, the current flowing through switch Q1 when switch Q1 is in the ON state is small. Therefore, a bipolar transistor, which is lower cost and smaller than a MOSFET but not suitable for high currents, may be used as switch Q2. As shown, the second circuit has a resistor R shunt1 and resistance R shunt2 It may include. The control unit (118) controls the on / off of switch Q2 by applying a monitor switch signal (high or low) to the base terminal of switch Q2. For example, if switch Q2 is an npn type bipolar transistor, switch Q2 becomes on when the monitor switch signal is low.

[0079] The control unit (118) can switch between a mode that inductively heats the susceptor (110) to generate an aerosol and a mode that obtains a value related to the electrical resistance or temperature of the susceptor (110) by switching the ON state of switch Q1 and the ON state of switch Q2. The switching between the ON state of switch Q1 and the ON state of switch Q2 can be performed at any timing. For example, while a user is performing a puff, the control unit (118) may set switch Q1 to the ON state and switch Q2 to the OFF state. In this case, after the puff is finished, the control unit (118) may set switch Q1 to the OFF state and switch Q2 to the ON state. Alternatively, while a user is performing a puff, the control unit (118) may switch between the ON state of switch Q1 and the ON state of switch Q2 at any timing.

[0080] The circuit (104) is provided with an AC generating circuit (132) including a switch Q3 and a capacitor C1. As an example, the switch Q3 may be a MOSFET. The control unit (118) controls the on / off state of the switch Q3 by applying an AC switch signal (high or low) to the gate terminal of the switch Q3. For example, if the switch Q3 is a P-channel type MOSFET, the switch Q3 is turned on when the AC switch signal is low. In FIG. 2, the AC generating circuit (132) is positioned between the parallel circuit (130) and the coil (106). As another example, the AC generating circuit (132) may be positioned between the parallel circuit (130) and the power supply (102). The AC generated by the AC generating circuit (132) is supplied to an induction heating circuit including a capacitor C2, a coil connection unit, and the coil (106).

[0081] FIG. 3 shows a voltage V1 applied to the gate terminal of switch Q1 or the base terminal of switch Q2, a voltage V2 applied to the gate terminal of switch Q3, and a current I generated by switching of switch Q3 when the alternating current supplied to the coil (106) is generated by the alternating current generating circuit (132). DC and current I flowing through the coil (106) AC This is a diagram conceptually representing the relationship with time t on the horizontal axis. For the sake of simplicity, it should be noted that the voltage applied to the gate terminal of switch Q1 and the voltage applied to the base terminal of switch Q2 are represented as a single graph as V1.

[0082] At time t1, when V1 becomes low, switch Q1 or Q2 is turned on. When V2 is high, switch Q3 is turned off, and current I DC It flows into capacitor C1, and charge accumulates in capacitor C1. When V2 switches to low at time t2, switch Q3 turns on. In this case, current I DC While the flow of stops, the charge accumulated in C1 is discharged. After time t3, the same operation is repeated. As a result of the above operation, as shown in FIG. 3, an alternating current I AC A is generated and flows into the coil (106).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, when switch Q3 is switched for a predetermined period T, switch Q1 may remain in the ON state. Also, when switch Q3 is switched for a predetermined period T, switch Q2 may remain in the ON state. Also, when switching occurs between switch Q1 and switch Q2, switching of switch Q3 for a predetermined period T may continue.

[0084] The above-described configuration of the alternating current generating circuit (132) is merely an example. Alternating current I ACIt should be understood that various components for generating AC, such as integrated circuits like DC / AC inverters, can be used as AC generation circuits (132).

[0085] As can be understood from Fig. 3, alternating current I AC The frequency f is controlled by the switching period T of switch Q3 (i.e., the switching period of the AC switch signal). When switch Q1 is in the ON state, the energy supply efficiency to the susceptor (110) increases as the corresponding frequency f approaches the resonance frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit including the susceptor (110) (or the circuit including the susceptor (110)), the coil (106), and the capacitor C2. Although details will be described later, it should be noted that when an aerosol-forming gas (108) is inserted into the housing (101), the susceptor (110) is included in this RLC series circuit, and when an aerosol-forming gas (108) is not inserted into the housing (101), the susceptor (110) is not included in this RLC series circuit.

[0086] As described above, an alternating current is generated and flows through the coil (106), thereby generating an alternating magnetic field around the coil (106). The generated alternating magnetic field causes eddy currents within the susceptor (110). Due to the eddy currents and the electrical resistance of the susceptor (110), Joule heat is generated, and the susceptor (110) is heated. As a result, an aerosol source around the susceptor (110) is heated, and an aerosol is generated.

[0087] Returning to Fig. 2, the circuit (104) is R div1 and R div2 A voltage detection circuit (134) including a voltage divider circuit having is provided. The voltage value of the power source (102) can be measured by the voltage detection circuit (134). The circuit (104) also includes R sense2A current detection circuit (136) including a voltage detection circuit (134) is provided. As illustrated, the current detection circuit (136) may include an op-amp (Operational Amplifier). Alternatively, the op-amp may be included within the control unit (118). The value of the current flowing in the direction of the coil (106) can be measured by the current detection circuit (136). The voltage detection circuit (134) and the current detection circuit (136) are used to measure the impedance of the circuit. The circuit includes a susceptor (110) when an aerosol-forming gas (108) is inserted into the housing (101), and does not include a susceptor (110) when an aerosol-forming gas (108) is not inserted into the housing (101). In other words, when an aerosol-forming gas (108) is inserted into the housing (101), the measured impedance includes the resistance component of the susceptor (110), and when an aerosol-forming gas (108) is not inserted into the housing (101), the measured impedance does not include the resistance component of the susceptor (110). For example, as illustrated, the control unit (118) obtains a voltage value from the voltage detection circuit (134) and obtains a current value from the current detection circuit (136). The control unit (118) calculates the impedance based on these voltage and current values. More specifically, the control unit (118) calculates the impedance by dividing the average or effective value of the voltage value by the average or effective value of the current value.

[0088] When switch Q1 is turned off and switch Q2 is turned on, resistor R shunt1 and resistance R shunt2 An RLC series circuit is formed by a circuit including and a susceptor (110), a coil (106), and a capacitor C2. The impedance of the RLC series circuit can be obtained as described above. From the obtained impedance, resistance R shunt1 and resistance R shunt2The impedance of the susceptor (110) can be calculated by subtracting the resistance value of the circuit containing the resistance value. If the impedance of the susceptor (110) has a temperature dependency, the temperature of the susceptor (110) can be estimated based on the calculated impedance.

[0089] The circuit (104) may be provided with a remaining capacity measuring integrated circuit (IC) (124). The circuit (104) may be provided with a resistor R used by the remaining capacity measuring IC (124) to measure the value of the current being charged and discharged from the power source (102). sense1 You may also provide resistor R sense1 It may be connected between the SRN terminal and the SRP terminal of the remaining amount measuring IC (124). The remaining amount measuring IC (124) may obtain a value regarding the voltage of the power supply (102) by interposing the BAT terminal. The remaining amount measuring IC (124) is an IC configured to measure the remaining amount of the power supply (102). Furthermore, the remaining amount measuring IC (124) may be configured to record information regarding the deterioration state of the power supply (102), etc. For example, the control unit (118) may connect from the SDA terminal of the control unit (118) to the SDA terminal of the remaining amount measuring IC (124). 2 By transmitting a C data signal, I from the SCL terminal of the control unit (118) to the SCL terminal of the remaining amount measurement IC (124) 2 In accordance with the timing of transmitting the C clock signal, values ​​regarding the remaining amount of power (102) and values ​​regarding the deterioration state of power (102) stored (stored) within the remaining amount measurement IC (124) can be obtained.

[0090] Typically, the remaining amount measuring IC (124) is configured to update data at a 1-second interval. Therefore, when attempting to calculate the impedance of the RLC series circuit using the voltage and current values ​​measured by the remaining amount measuring IC (124), the impedance is calculated at a 1-second interval even at maximum speed. Consequently, the temperature of the susceptor (110) is estimated at a 1-second interval even at maximum speed. Such a interval cannot be considered sufficiently short to properly control the heating of the susceptor (110). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable not to use the voltage and current values ​​measured by the remaining amount measuring IC (124) for measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. That is, preferably, the remaining amount measuring IC (124) is not used as the voltage detection circuit (134) and current detection circuit (136) as described above. Therefore, in the induction heating device (100) according to this embodiment, the remaining amount measuring IC (124) is not essential. However, by using a remaining amount measuring IC (124), the power (102) status can be accurately determined.

[0091] The induction heating device (100) may be equipped with a light-emitting element (138), such as an LED. The circuit (104) may be equipped with a light-emitting element driving circuit (126) for driving the light-emitting element (138). The light-emitting element (138) may be used to provide various information, such as the status of the induction heating device (100), to a user. The light-emitting element driving circuit (126) may store information regarding various light-emitting modes of the light-emitting element (138). The control unit (118) [receives] from the SDA terminal of the control unit (118) I 2 By transmitting a C data signal to the SDA terminal of the light-emitting element driving circuit (126) to specify a desired light-emitting mode, the light-emitting element driving circuit (126) can be controlled to emit light in a desired manner.

[0092] The circuit (104) may be equipped with a charging circuit (122). The charging circuit (122) may be an IC configured to adjust the voltage (potential difference between the VBUS terminal and the GND terminal) supplied from a charging power source (not shown) connected via a charging power source connection unit (116) to a voltage suitable for charging the power source (102) in response to a charging enable signal received from a control unit (118) at the CE terminal. The adjusted voltage is supplied from the BAT terminal of the charging circuit (122). Additionally, the adjusted current may be supplied from the BAT terminal of the charging circuit (122). The circuit (104) may also be equipped with a voltage divider 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 divider circuit (140). When the charging power supply is connected, the VBUS detection signal becomes a high level because the voltage supplied from the charging power supply is divided by the voltage divider circuit (140). When the charging power supply is not connected, the VBUS detection signal becomes a low level because it is connected to the gland through the voltage divider circuit (140). Therefore, the control unit (118) can determine that charging has started. In addition, the CE terminal may be positive logic or negative logic.

[0093] The circuit (104) may be equipped with a button (128). When a user presses the button (128), a low-level button detection signal is transmitted to the control unit (118) by connecting to the gland through the button (128). By this, the control unit (118) can determine that the button has been pressed and can control the circuit (104) to start aerosol generation.

[0094] The circuit (104) may be provided with a voltage adjustment circuit (120). The voltage adjustment circuit (120) is for the voltage V of the power source (102). BATVoltage V supplied to a component in the circuit (104) or induction heating device (100) by adjusting (e.g., 3.2 to 4.2 volts). sys It is configured to generate (e.g., 3 volts). As an example, the voltage regulating circuit (120) may be a linear regulator, such as a low dropout regulator (LDO). As illustrated, the voltage V generated by the voltage regulating circuit (120) sys Silver may be supplied to a circuit including the VDD terminal of the control unit (118), the VDD terminal of the remaining amount measuring IC (124), the VDD terminal of the light-emitting element driving circuit (126), and the button (128).

[0095] As described, the current detection circuit (136) may be positioned closer to the coil (106) than the branch point (point A in FIG. 2) from the path between the power source (102) and the coil (106). With this configuration, the current detection circuit (136) can accurately measure the value of the current supplied to the coil (106), excluding the current supplied to the voltage adjustment circuit (120). Thus, the impedance or 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 placed in the path between the charging circuit (122) and the power source (102). Specifically, as illustrated, the current detection circuit (136) may be placed in the path between the power source (102) and the coil (106) at a location closer to the coil (106) than the branch point (point B in FIG. 2) from the path to the charging circuit (122). With this configuration, while the power source (102) is charging (switches Q1 and Q2 are off), the current supplied from the charging circuit (122) passes through the resistor R in the current detection circuit (136). sense2 It can prevent the flow. Therefore, resistance Rsense2 This can reduce the possibility of failure. In addition, since current can be prevented from flowing to the op-amp of the current detection circuit (136) during charging of the power supply (102), power consumption can be suppressed.

[0097] The circuit (104) may also be provided with a switch Q4 that switches between an ON state and an OFF state by a ground switch signal transmitted from the control unit (118).

[0098] Next, the processing of an example executed by the control unit (118) of the induction heating device (100) is described. Furthermore, 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 processing executed by the control unit (118) for each mode is described. In addition, 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 example processing (400) executed by the control unit (118) when in SLEEP mode. SLEEP mode may be a mode that reduces power consumption when the induction heating device (100) is not in use.

[0100] S410 represents a step for determining whether the connection of the charging power to the charging power connection unit (116) of the charging power has been detected. The control unit (118) can determine that the connection of the charging power has been detected based on the VBUS detection signal described above. If it is determined that the connection of the charging power has been detected ("Yes" in S410), the control unit (118) transitions to the CHARGE mode, and if not ("No" in S410), the processing proceeds to step (S420). As a specific example, in S410, if the VBUS detection signal is at a high level, it is determined as "Yes," and if the VBUS detection signal is at a low level, it is determined as "No."

[0101] S420 represents a step for determining whether a predetermined operation on a button (128) of an induction heating device (100) has been detected. The control unit (118) may determine that a predetermined operation on the button (128) has been detected based on the button detection signal described above. Additionally, an example of a predetermined operation in step (S420) is pressing or repeatedly pressing the button (128). If it is determined that a predetermined operation on the button (128) has been detected ("Yes" in S420), the control unit (118) transitions to ACTIVE mode, and if not ("No" in S420), the processing returns to step (S410).

[0102] According to the example processing (400), the control unit (118) transitions to CHARGE mode in response to detecting the connection of a charging power source and transitions to ACTIVE mode in response to detecting the operation of a button. In other words, if the control unit (118) does not detect both the connection of a charging power source and the operation of a button, it remains in SLEEP mode.

[0103] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example process (500) executed by the control unit (118) when in CHARGE mode. The example process (500) may be initiated in response to the control unit (118) transitioning to CHARGE mode.

[0104] S510 represents a step for executing a process to start charging the power supply (102). The process to start charging the power supply (102) may include 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, if the CE terminal is positive logic, the charging enable signal is set to a high level, and if the CE terminal is negative logic, the charging enable signal is set to a low level.

[0105] S520 represents a step for determining whether the separation of the charging power from the charging power connection part (116) has been detected. The control unit (118) can detect the separation of the charging power from the charging power connection part (116) based on the VBUS detection signal described above. If it is determined that the separation of the charging power has been detected ("Yes" in S520), the processing proceeds to step (S530), and if not ("No" in S520), the processing returns to step (S520).

[0106] S530 represents a step for executing a process to terminate the charging of the power supply (102). The process to terminate the charging of the power supply (102) may include 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 follow the logic of the CE terminal. That is, if the CE terminal is positive logic, the charging enable signal is set to a low level, and if the CE terminal is negative logic, the charging enable signal is set to a high level.

[0107] S540 represents a step for setting the number of usable aerosol-forming gas (108) based on the charge level of the power source (102) (amount of power remaining in the power source (102)). (It is assumed that the aerosol-forming gas (108) is stick-shaped, but the shape of the aerosol-forming gas (108) is not limited to this. Therefore, it should be noted that the "number of usable gas" can be generalized to the "number of usable gas".) Below, the number of usable gas will be explained with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a pseudo-graph for explaining the number of usable gas.

[0108] 610 corresponds to the power source (102) when it is not yet in use (hereinafter referred to as "when not in use"), and its area represents the full charge capacity when not in use. Furthermore, the fact that the power source (102) is not yet in use may mean that the number of discharge cycles after the power source (102) is manufactured is zero or less than a first predetermined number of discharge cycles. An example of the full charge capacity of the power source (102) when not in use is approximately 220 mAh. 620 corresponds to the power source (102) when it is used in the induction heating device (100), and more precisely, when discharge and charging are repeated and deterioration has progressed to a certain extent (hereinafter referred to as "when deteriorated"), and its area represents the full charge capacity when deteriorated. As is clear from FIG. 6, the full charge capacity of the power source (102) when not in use is greater than the full charge capacity of the power source (102) when deteriorated.

[0109] 630 represents the amount of power (energy) whose area corresponds to the amount of power required to consume one aerosol-forming gas (108). In FIG. 6, all four 630s have the same area, and the corresponding amount of power is approximately the same. Also, an example of the amount of power (630) required to consume one aerosol-forming gas (108) is about 70 mAh. Additionally, one aerosol-forming gas (108) may be considered to have been consumed when a predetermined number of suctions or heating is performed over a predetermined period of time.

[0110] 640 and 650 represent the amount of power corresponding to the area of ​​the power source (102) after consuming two aerosol-forming gases (108) (hereinafter referred to as "surplus power"). As is clear from FIG. 6, the surplus power (640) when not in use is greater than the surplus power (650) when deteriorated.

[0111] 660 represents the output voltage when the power supply (102) is fully charged, and an example is about 3.64V. In order for 660 to be the same for the power supply (102) (610) when not in use and the power supply (102) (620) when deteriorated, the voltage when the power supply (102) is fully charged is basically constant regardless of the deterioration of the power supply (102), that is, regardless of the SOH (State Of Health).

[0112] 670 represents the discharge termination voltage of the power source (102), and an example is about 2.40V. In order for 670 to be the same in the power source (102) (610) when not in use and in the power source (102) (620) when deteriorated, the discharge termination voltage of the power source (102) is basically constant regardless of the deterioration of the power source (102), that is, regardless of SOH.

[0113] It is preferable that the power source (102) not be used until the voltage reaches the discharge cutoff voltage (670), in other words, until the charge level of the power source (102) becomes zero. This is because if the voltage of the power source (102) becomes lower than the discharge cutoff voltage (670) or if the charge level of the power source (102) becomes zero, the deterioration of the power source (102) proceeds rapidly. Also, as the voltage of the power source (102) approaches the discharge cutoff voltage (670), the deterioration of the power source (102) proceeds.

[0114] Also, as described above, when the power source (102) is used, specifically when discharge and charging are repeated, its full charge capacity decreases, and the amount of excess power after consuming a predetermined number (2 in FIG. 6) of aerosol-forming gases (108) is smaller when deteriorated (650) than when not in use (640).

[0115] Accordingly, the control unit (118) is preferably set to a number of usable units so that, after anticipating the deterioration of the power supply (102), the voltage reaches the discharge termination voltage (670) or near it, in other words, until the charge level of the power supply (102) becomes zero or near it. That is, the number of usable units can be set as follows, for example.

[0116] n=int((eS) / C)

[0117] Here, n is the number of available units, e is the charge level of the power source (102) (unit is, for example, mAh), S is a parameter (unit is, for example, mAh) for providing a margin in the surplus power amount (650) when the power source (102) deteriorates, C is the amount of power required to consume one aerosol-forming gas (108) (unit is, for example, mAh), and int() is a function that discards the decimal part inside (). Also, e is a variable and can be obtained by the control unit (118) communicating with the remaining amount measuring IC (124). Also, S and C are integers and can be experimentally determined in advance and stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit (118). In particular, S may be the surplus power amount (650) obtained when the power source (102) is discharged experimentally for a second predetermined number of discharges (>> first predetermined number of discharges), that is, when the assumed degradation occurs, or a value obtained by adding +α to the said surplus power amount. In addition, the control unit (118) may prohibit charging and discharging of the power source (102) if the SOH obtained by communicating with the remaining amount measuring IC (124) reaches a predetermined value, and determines that the degradation of the power source (102) is sufficiently progressing. That is, when calculating S, the state of degradation refers to a state where the SOH does not reach a predetermined value but the degradation has progressed compared to when it is not in use.

[0118] Returning to FIG. 5, after step (S540), the control unit (118) transitions to ACTIVE mode. Additionally, in the above-described embodiment, in step (S520), the control unit (118) determined whether or not it detected the separation of the charging power source from the charging power connection unit (116). Alternatively, the charging circuit (122) may determine the completion of charging of the power source (102) and determine whether or not the control unit (118) received the determination via I2C communication, etc.

[0119] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example processing (hereinafter referred to as “main processing”) (700) that is primarily executed by the control unit (118) when in ACTIVE mode. The main processing (700) can be initiated in response to the control unit (118) transitioning to ACTIVE mode.

[0120] S705 indicates a step for starting the first timer. By starting the first timer, the value of the first timer increases or decreases from the initial value over time. Furthermore, it is assumed below that the value of the first timer increases over time. Also, the first timer may be stopped when the control unit (118) transitions to another mode. The same applies to the second timer and the third timer described later.

[0121] S710 represents a step of notifying the user of the charge level of the power supply (102). Notification of the charge level can be realized by the control unit (118) communicating with the light-emitting element driving circuit (126) based on information of the power supply (102) obtained through communication with the remaining amount measuring IC (124), and causing the light-emitting element (138) to emit light in a predetermined shape. The same applies to other notifications described later. It is preferable that the notification of the charge level be performed temporarily.

[0122] S715 represents a step for initiating another process (hereinafter referred to as "sub-process") so as to be executed in parallel with the main process (700). The sub-process initiated in this step will be described later. Additionally, the execution of the sub-process may be stopped when the control unit (118) transitions to another mode. The same applies to the other sub-process described later.

[0123] S720 represents a step for determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the first timer. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed ("Yes" in S720), the control unit (118) transitions to SLEEP mode, and if not ("No" in S720), the processing proceeds to step (S725).

[0124] S725 represents a step of measuring the impedance of an RLC series circuit by controlling the supply of non-heating AC power to the circuit described above, that is, a circuit for inductively heating a susceptor (110) which is at least part of an aerosol-forming gas (108). The non-heating AC power may be generated by turning switch Q1 off, turning switch Q2 on, and then switching switch Q3. The average or effective value of energy that can be supplied to the RLC series circuit by the supply of non-heating AC power is smaller than the average or effective value of energy supplied to the RLC series circuit by the supply of heating AC power described later. In addition, it is preferable that the non-heating AC power has a resonance frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit.

[0125] In addition, the supply of non-heating AC power is intended solely for measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Therefore, the data for measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit (e.g., the effective value V of the voltage measured by the voltage detection circuit (134) and current detection circuit (136) described later, respectively) RMS and the effective value of the current IRMS After ) is acquired, the supply of this non-heating AC power may be stopped immediately. Meanwhile, the supply of this non-heating AC power may continue until a predetermined point in time, for example, until the control unit (118) transitions to another mode. Stopping the supply of the non-heating AC power can be achieved by turning switch Q2 to the off state and stopping the switching of switch Q3 to the off state, or both. Also, it should be noted that at the time of step (S725), switch Q1 may be in the off state from the beginning.

[0126] S730 represents a step for determining whether the measured impedance is abnormal. The control unit (118) may determine that the measured impedance is abnormal when the impedance measured in step (S725) does not fall within the range of impedance including the measurement error determined based on the impedance measured when a regular aerosol generating gas (108) is properly inserted into the induction heating device (100). If the impedance is determined to be abnormal ("Yes" in S730), the processing proceeds to step (S735), and if not ("No" in S730), the processing proceeds to step (S745).

[0127] S735 represents a step for executing a specified fail-safe action. The specified fail-safe action may include turning switches Q1, Q2, and Q3 all off.

[0128] S740 indicates a step of providing a predetermined error notification to the user. After step (S740), the control unit (118) transitions to an ERROR mode to perform a predetermined error processing. Additionally, the specific processing of the ERROR mode is omitted.

[0129] S745 represents a step for determining whether the susceptor (110) has been detected based on the impedance measured in step (S725). Additionally, the detection of the susceptor (110) can be considered as the detection of an aerosol-forming gas (108) containing the susceptor (110). The detection of the susceptor (110) based on impedance will be described later.

[0130] S750 represents a step for 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) transitions to PRE-HEAT mode, and if not ("No" in S750), the processing proceeds to step (S755).

[0131] S755 represents a step of providing a predetermined low remaining amount notification to the user indicating that the remaining amount of power of the power source (102) is low. After step (S755), the control unit (118) transitions to SLEEP mode.

[0132] As described later, induction heating of the aerosol-forming gas (108) is achieved through the PRE-HEAT treatment that can be carried out from step (S750). Accordingly, through the main treatment (700), automatic induction heating of the aerosol-forming gas (108) is realized after the aerosol-forming gas (108) is inserted into the housing (101).

[0133] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example first sub-process (800) that is initiated in step (S715) of the main processing (700) of the ACTIVE mode.

[0134] S810 represents a step for determining whether a predetermined operation on the button (128) has been detected. Additionally, an example of a predetermined operation in step (S810) is a short press of the button (128). If it is determined that a predetermined operation on the button (128) has been detected ("Yes" in S810), the processing proceeds to step (S820), and if not ("No" in S810), the processing returns to step (S810).

[0135] S820 represents a step of resetting the first timer to return its value to an initial value. Instead of this embodiment, the value of the first timer may be brought close to the initial value, or a predetermined time in step (S720) may be moved away from the value of the first timer.

[0136] S830 represents a step of notifying the user of the charge level of the power supply (102). After step (S830), the process returns to step (S810).

[0137] According to the main processing (700), the control unit (118) transitions to SLEEP mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since transitioning to ACTIVE mode, and according to the sub-processing (800), the charging level of the power supply (102) is notified to the user again by a predetermined operation of the button (128), thereby delaying the transition to SLEEP mode.

[0138] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example second sub-process (900) that is initiated in step (S715) of the main processing (700) of the ACTIVE mode.

[0139] S910 represents a step for determining whether the connection of the charging power to the charging power connection unit (116) has been detected. If it is determined that the connection of the charging power has been detected ("Yes" in S910), the control unit (118) transitions to CHARGE mode, and if not ("No" in S910), the processing returns to step S910. Similar to step (S410), the control unit (118) can determine that the connection of the charging power has been detected based on the VBUS detection signal described above. Additionally, when transitioning to CHARGE mode, it is preferable for the control unit (118) to turn off switches Q1, Q2, and Q3.

[0140] According to the second sub-processing (900), in response to the connection of the charging power source, the control unit (118) automatically transitions to the CHARGE mode.

[0141] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example processing (main processing) (1000) that is primarily executed by the control unit (118) when in PRE-HEAT mode. The main processing (1000) can be initiated in response to the control unit (118) transitioning to PRE-HEAT mode.

[0142] S1010 represents a step for controlling the initiation of the supply of AC power for heating to an RLC series circuit. The AC power for heating is generated by turning switch Q1 on, turning switch Q2 off, and then switching switch Q3. The average or RMS value of the energy supplied to the RLC series circuit by the supply of AC power for heating is greater than the average or RMS value of the energy supplied to the RLC series circuit by the supply of AC power for non-heating described above.

[0143] S1020 represents a step for initiating another process (sub-process) to be executed in parallel with the main process (1000). The sub-process initiated in this step will be described later.

[0144] S1030 represents a step for performing processing based on the detection of the susceptor (110). This step will be described later. The step includes, at least, a step for measuring the impedance of an RLC series circuit.

[0145] S1040 represents a step for obtaining the temperature of at least a portion of the susceptor (110) or the aerosol-forming gas (108) (hereinafter referred to as "susceptor temperature" for convenience) from the impedance measured in step (S1030). The acquisition of the susceptor temperature based on impedance will be described later. Additionally, in step (S1050) 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.

[0146] S1050 represents a step for determining whether the acquired 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); otherwise, if it is not ("No" in S1050), the process returns to step (S1030). Additionally, even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the PRE-HEAT mode was initiated, it may be determined as "Yes" in step (S1050) assuming that preheating is complete.

[0147] S1060 represents a step of notifying the user that the preheating of the aerosol-forming gas (108) is complete. This notification may be given via an LED (138), or via a vibration motor or display not shown. After step (S1060), the control unit (118) transitions to INTERVAL mode.

[0148] According to the main process (1000), preheating of the aerosol-forming gas (108) can be realized.

[0149] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example processing (main processing) (1100) that is primarily executed by the control unit (118) when in INTERVAL mode. The main processing (1100) may be initiated in response to the control unit (118) transitioning to INTERVAL mode.

[0150] S1110 represents a step for controlling the supply of AC power for heating to an RLC series circuit to be stopped. Stopping the supply of AC power for heating can be achieved by turning switch Q1 to the off state and stopping the switching of switch Q3 to the off state, or both. Additionally, it should be noted that at the time of step (S1110), switch Q2 may be in the off state from the beginning.

[0151] S1120 represents a step for initiating another process (sub-process) to be executed in parallel with the main process (1100). The sub-process initiated in this step will be described later.

[0152] S1130 represents a step of controlling the supply of non-heating AC power to an RLC series circuit to measure the impedance of the RLC series circuit. This step may be the same as the step (S725) of the main processing (700) of the ACTIVE mode.

[0153] S1140 represents a step of obtaining the susceptor temperature from the measured impedance. Additionally, in the step (S1150) described later, step (S1140) may be omitted by using a cooling target impedance corresponding to the cooling target temperature instead of the cooling target temperature. In this case, in step (S1150), the impedance and the cooling target impedance are compared.

[0154] S1150 represents a step for determining whether the acquired susceptor temperature has reached a predetermined cooling target temperature. If it is determined that the susceptor temperature has reached the cooling target temperature ("Yes" in S1150), the control unit (118) transitions to HEAT mode, and if not ("No" in S1150), the processing returns to step (S1130). Additionally, even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the INTERVAL mode began, it may be determined as "Yes" in step (S1150) that cooling is complete.

[0155] In PRE-HEAT mode, the susceptor is rapidly heated to supply aerosol quickly. However, this rapid heating may result in an excess amount of aerosol being generated. Therefore, by executing INTERVAL mode before HEAT mode, the amount of aerosol generated can be stabilized from the completion time of PRE-HEAT mode to the completion time of HEAT mode. In other words, according to the main process (1100), the preheated aerosol-forming gas (108) can be cooled before HEAT mode to stabilize aerosol generation.

[0156] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example processing (main processing) (1200) that the control unit (118) primarily executes when in HEAT mode. The main processing (1200) may be initiated in response to the control unit (118) transitioning to HEAT mode.

[0157] S1205 indicates the step of starting the second timer.

[0158] S1210 represents a step for initiating another process (sub-process) to be executed in parallel with the main process (1200). The sub-process initiated in this step will be described later.

[0159] S1215 represents a step for controlling the initiation of the supply of alternating current power for heating to an RLC series circuit.

[0160] S1220 represents a step for executing processing based on the detection of the susceptor (110). This step will be described later, but the step includes, at least, a step for measuring the impedance of an RLC series circuit.

[0161] S1225 represents a step of obtaining the susceptor temperature from the impedance measured in step (S1220). Additionally, in the step (S1230) described later, step (S1225) may be omitted by using the heating target impedance corresponding to the heating target temperature instead of the heating target temperature. In this case, the impedance and the heating target impedance are compared in step (S1230).

[0162] S1230 represents a step for determining whether the acquired susceptor temperature is above a predetermined heating target temperature. If the susceptor temperature is above the heating target temperature ("Yes" in S1230), the process proceeds to step (S1235), and if it is not ("No" in S1230), the process proceeds to step (S1240).

[0163] S1235 indicates a step of waiting for a predetermined time after controlling the supply of AC power for heating to the RLC series circuit to be stopped. This step is intended to temporarily stop the supply of AC power for heating to the RLC series circuit to lower the susceptor temperature, which has exceeded the target heating temperature.

[0164] S1240 represents a step for determining whether a predetermined heating termination condition has been satisfied. Examples of the predetermined heating termination condition may be a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the second timer, a condition that a predetermined number of suctions have been performed using the currently used aerosol-forming gas (108), or an OR condition of these conditions. A method for detecting suction will be described later. If it is determined that the heating termination condition has been satisfied ("Yes" in S1240), the process proceeds to step (S1245), and if not ("No" in S1240), the process returns to step (S1220).

[0165] S1245 represents a step of decreasing the number of available units by one. After step (S1245), the control unit (118) transitions to SLEEP mode.

[0166] According to the main processing (1200), the susceptor temperature can be maintained at a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol in a desired mode.

[0167] Hereinafter, processing based on the detection of the susceptor (110) described above will be explained in relation to the main processing (1000) of the PRE-HEAT mode and the main processing (1200) of the HEAT mode.

[0168] FIG. 13a is a flowchart of processing (1300A) following detection of the example susceptor (110).

[0169] S1305 represents a step for measuring the impedance of an RLC series circuit. It should be noted that prior to step (S1305), the supply of AC power for heating to the RLC series circuit has begun.

[0170] S1310 represents a step for 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 example processing (1300A) is terminated and the process returns to the main processing (1000) or the main processing (1200); otherwise, if it is not detected ("No" in S1310), the processing proceeds to step (S1315).

[0171] S1315 indicates a step for stopping the supply of alternating current power for heating to an RLC series circuit.

[0172] S1320 represents a step of decreasing the number of available units by one. After step (S1320), the control unit (118) transitions to ACTIVE mode.

[0173] According to the example processing (1300A), induction heating can be stopped when the aerosol-forming gas (108) is separated during induction heating. By doing so, the safety of the induction heating device (100) can be improved, and at the same time, the waste of power stored in the power source (102) can be reduced. Also, according to the example processing (1300A), when the aerosol-forming gas (108) is separated, the control unit (118) reduces the number of usable units by one. By doing so, compared to the case where the number of usable units is not reduced, the voltage of the power source (102) after the number of usable units is consumed becomes difficult to reach the discharge termination voltage or the vicinity of the discharge termination voltage. Therefore, the acceleration of deterioration of the power source (102) can be suppressed.

[0174] FIG. 13b is a flowchart of processing (1300B) following the detection of another example susceptor (110). Since some steps included in the example processing (1300B) are common to the example processing (1300A), the differences will be explained below.

[0175] In the example processing (1300B), after step (S1315), the process proceeds to step (S1325).

[0176] S1325 indicates a step for providing a predetermined error notification to the user. This predetermined error notification corresponds to a failure to detect the susceptor (110) during induction heating, such as due to incorrect separation of the aerosol-forming gas (108). This predetermined error notification may be provided by an LED (138), etc.

[0177] S1330 indicates the step of starting the third timer.

[0178] S1335 represents a step of controlling the supply of non-heating AC power to an RLC series circuit to measure the impedance of the RLC series circuit. This step may be the same as the step (S725) of the main processing (700) of the ACTIVE mode.

[0179] S1340 represents a step for 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 processing proceeds to step (S1350), and if not ("No" in S1340), the processing proceeds to step (S1345).

[0180] S1350 represents a step of restarting the supply of alternating current power for heating to an RLC series circuit that was stopped in step (S1315).

[0181] S1345 represents a step for 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).

[0182] Regarding the example processing (1300B), further explanation is provided 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.

[0183] 1410 represents the predetermined preheating target temperature described above in relation to the main processing (700) of the PRE-HEAT mode.

[0184] 1415 represents the predetermined cooling target temperature described above in relation to the main processing (1100) of the INTERVAL mode.

[0185] 1420 represents a predetermined target heating temperature described above in relation to the main processing (1200) of the HEAT mode. Additionally, as will be described later, the HEAT mode has a heating profile comprising a plurality of phases to which different target heating temperatures are applied. More specifically, 1420 represents the target heating temperature of the first phase in the heating profile of the HEAT mode.

[0186] 1430 indicates the duration of the PRE-HEAT mode. That is, the duration of the PRE-HEAT mode ends approximately when the susceptor temperature reaches a predetermined preheating target temperature (1410).

[0187] 1435 indicates the duration of the INTERVAL mode. That is, the duration of the INTERVAL mode is roughly initiated when the susceptor temperature reaches the preheating target temperature (1410) and terminated when it reaches the cooling target temperature (1415).

[0188] 1440 indicates the duration of the HEAT mode. That is, the duration of the HEAT mode is roughly initiated when the susceptor temperature reaches the cooling target temperature (1415) and ends at time point (1445). 1445 indicates when the heating termination condition is satisfied (step (S1240) of the main processing (1200)).

[0189] 1450 indicates when the susceptor (110) can no longer be detected, that is, when it cannot be determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected based on impedance in step (S1310) of the example processing (1300B) ("No" of step (S1310)). 1455 indicates when the susceptor (110) can be detected again, that is, when it is determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected based on impedance in step (S1340) of the example processing (1300B) ("Yes" of step (S1340)). S1460 indicates the period during which the susceptor (110) could not be detected.

[0190] According to the example processing (1300B), while the target heating temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile, the induction heating can be controlled by considering the time elapsed between the step (S1315) of stopping the processing for induction heating and the step (S1350) of resuming the processing for induction heating. Therefore, the heating profile corresponding to the period (S1460) during which the susceptor (110) could not be detected can be skipped.

[0191] FIG. 13c is a flowchart of a processing (1300C) following the detection of another example susceptor (110). Since some steps included in the example processing (1300C) are common to example processing (1300A) or (1300B), the differences are described below.

[0192] S1355 represents a step of detecting a susceptor (110) based on the measured impedance. This step is similar to step (S1310), but differs in that if it cannot be determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected ("No" in S1355), the processing proceeds to step (S1325).

[0193] In the example processing (1300C), after step (S1330), the processing proceeds to step (S1360).

[0194] S1360 represents a step for measuring the impedance of an RLC series circuit. Step (S1360) is similar to Step (S1335), but in Step (S1360), it is not necessary to control the supply of 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 is not stopped.

[0195] S1365 represents a step for determining whether the susceptor (110) has been detected based on the measured impedance. This step is similar to step (S1340), but differs in that if it is determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected based on the impedance ("Yes" in S1365), the processing returns to step (S1305), and if not ("No" in S1365), the processing proceeds to step (S1370).

[0196] S1370 represents a step for determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the value of the third timer. This step is similar to step (S1345), but differs in that if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed ("Yes" in S1370), the processing proceeds to step (S1315), and if not ("No" in S1370), the processing returns to step (S1360).

[0197] The example processing (1300C) will be further explained with reference to FIG. 14. Additionally, the differences between the example processing (1300B) and the description above will be explained below.

[0198] 1450 indicates when the susceptor (110) can no longer be detected, that is, when it cannot be determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected based on impedance in step (S1355) of the example processing (1300C) ("No" of step (S1355)). 1455 indicates when the susceptor (110) can be detected again, that is, when it is determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected based on impedance in step (S1365) of the example processing (1300C) ("Yes" of step (S1365)).

[0199] As described above, the HEAT mode has a heating profile comprising multiple phases to which different heating target temperatures are applied. Additionally, the processing of the HEAT mode may include a process for changing the heating target temperature at one or more timings (e.g., step (S2115) of FIG. 21 described later). Furthermore, according to the example processing (1300C), the period (S1460) during which the susceptor (110) could not be detected does not affect the corresponding one or more timings. This is because the example processing (1300C) does not have steps (S1315) and (S1350) in the example processing (1300B). That is, according to the example processing (1300C), the period (S1460) during which the susceptor (110) could not be detected can be prevented from affecting the entire length of the heating profile.

[0200] FIG. 13d is a flowchart of processing (1300D) following detection of a susceptor (110) of another example.

[0201] Since some steps included in example processing (1300D) are common to example processing (1300A), (1300B) or (1300C), differences are explained below.

[0202] S1375 is the same step as step (S1310), but differs in that when it is determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected based on impedance, the processing proceeds to step (S1385).

[0203] In the example processing (1300D), after step (S1325), the process proceeds to step (S1380).

[0204] S1380 indicates a step of stopping the running second timer and starting the third timer. By stopping the second timer, the value of the second timer does not increase over time. In other words, the progress of the heating profile is stopped.

[0205] S1385 represents a step for determining whether the second timer has been stopped. This step may be a step for 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 example process (1300D) is terminated and returns to the main process (1000) or the main process (1200).

[0206] S1390 indicates a step for resuming the stopped second timer. Upon resuming the second timer, the value of the second timer increases again over time from the value at which it was stopped. In other words, the progress of the heating profile resumes.

[0207] The example processing (1300D) will be further explained with reference to FIG. 14. Additionally, the differences between the example processing (1300B) and the description above will be explained below.

[0208] 1450 indicates when the susceptor (110) cannot be detected, that is, when it cannot be determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected based on impedance in step (S1375) of the example processing (1300D) ("No" of step (S1375)).

[0209] That is, according to the example processing (1300D), while the heating target temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile, the induction heating can be controlled by not allowing time to elapse between the step (S1315) where the processing for induction heating is stopped and the step (S1350) where the processing for induction heating is resumed. Therefore, the progress of the heating profile can be substantially stopped.

[0210] FIG. 13e is a flowchart of example processing (1300E) following the detection of another example susceptor (110). Since some steps included in example processing (1300E) are common to example processing (1300A), (1300B), (1300C), or (1300D), the differences will be explained below.

[0211] S1392 is the same step as step (S1310), but differs in that when it is determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected based on impedance, the processing proceeds to step (S1394).

[0212] S1394 represents a step for determining whether the third timer has been started. This step may be a step for determining whether step (S1330) has been executed. If it is determined that the third timer has been started ("Yes" in S1394), the processing proceeds to step (S1396); otherwise ("No" in S1394), the example processing (1300E) is terminated and returns to the main processing (1000) or the main processing (1200).

[0213] S1396 represents a step for executing a predetermined process based on the value of the third timer. This predetermined process may be a process of extending one of the plurality of phases included in the HEAT mode by the length of the period during which the susceptor (110) could not be detected, i.e., the value of the third timer. In other words, this predetermined process may be a process of delaying at least one of the 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 realized, for example, by delaying the timing determined to be changed in step (S2105) of FIG. 21 described later. Furthermore, the extension of the phase and / or the delay of the timing for changing the heating target temperature does not necessarily have to be performed by the length of the period during which the susceptor (110) could not be detected. The timing for extending the phase or changing the target heating temperature may be delayed by a value obtained by performing an operation such as adding or subtracting a predetermined value on 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.

[0214] The example processing (1300E) will be further explained with reference to FIG. 14. Additionally, the differences between the example processing (1300C) and the description above will be explained below.

[0215] 1450 indicates when the susceptor (110) can no longer be detected, that is, when it cannot be determined that the susceptor (110) has been detected based on impedance in step (S1392) of the example processing (1300E) ("No" of step (S1392)).

[0216] According to the example processing (1300E), the timing for changing the target heating temperature can be delayed based on the period (1460) from step (S1392), when the aerosol-forming gas can no longer be detected, to step (S1365), when the aerosol-forming gas is detected again, so the phase of the corresponding heating profile can be supplemented or extended. That is, according to the example processing (1300E), the length of the heating profile can be extended based on the period (1460) when the susceptor (110) could not be detected.

[0217] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example first sub-process (1500) that is initiated in step (S1020) of the main processing (1000) of PRE-HEAT mode, step (S1120) of the main processing (1100) of INTERVAL mode, or step (S1210) of the main processing (1200) of HEAT mode.

[0218] S1510 represents a step for determining whether a predetermined operation on the button (128) has been detected. This predetermined operation may be the same as or different from the predetermined operation in steps (S420) or (S810). Additionally, an example of the predetermined operation in step (S1510) is pressing and holding or repeatedly pressing the button (128). If it is determined that a predetermined operation of the button has been detected ("Yes" in S1510), the processing proceeds to step (S1520), and if not ("No" in S1510), the processing returns to step (S1510).

[0219] S1520 represents a step for performing control to stop the supply of AC power. If the first sub-process (1500) is started in step (S1020) or step (S1210), this AC power is AC power for heating, and if the first sub-process (1500) is started in step (S1120), this AC power is AC power for non-heating.

[0220] S1530 represents a step of reducing the number of available units by one. According to the sub-process (1500), the control unit (118) reduces the number of available units by one when the supply of AC power is stopped by user operation. By doing so, compared to the case where the number of available units is not reduced, the voltage of the power supply (102) after the aerosol-forming gas (108) of the number of available units has been consumed becomes difficult to reach the discharge termination voltage or the vicinity of the discharge termination voltage. Therefore, the acceleration of deterioration of the power supply (102) may be suppressed.

[0221] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an example second sub-process (1600) that is initiated in step (S1020) of the main processing (1000) of PRE-HEAT mode, step (S1120) of the main processing (1100) of INTERVAL mode, or step (S1210) of the main processing (1200) of HEAT mode.

[0222] S1610 represents a step for measuring the discharge current. The discharge current can be measured by a current detection circuit (136).

[0223] S1620 represents a step for 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), and if it is not ("No" in S1620), the process returns to step (S1610).

[0224] S1630 represents a step that executes a predetermined fail-safe action.

[0225] S1640 indicates a step for providing a predetermined error notification to the user. This predetermined error notification corresponds to an excessive discharge current. After step (S1640), the control unit (118) transitions to an ERROR mode. This error notification may be provided by an LED (138).

[0226] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining the principle of detecting a susceptor (110) which is at least part of an aerosol-forming gas (108) based on impedance, and the principle of obtaining the temperature of a susceptor (110) which is at least part of an aerosol-forming gas (108) based on impedance.

[0227] 1710 represents an equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming gas (108) is not inserted into the induction heating device (100).

[0228] L represents the value of the inductance of the RLC series circuit. Strictly speaking, L is the value obtained by synthesizing the inductance components of multiple elements included in the RLC series circuit, but it may be said to be the same as the value of the inductance of the coil (106).

[0229] C2 represents the capacitance value of the RLC series circuit. Strictly speaking, C2 is the value obtained by synthesizing the capacitance components of multiple elements included in the RLC series circuit, but it may be considered identical to the capacitance value of capacitor C2.

[0230] R Circuit represents the resistance value of an RLC series circuit. R Circuit is the value obtained by combining the resistance components of multiple elements included in an RLC series circuit.

[0231] L, C2 and R Circuit The value of can be obtained in advance from the specification sheet of the electronic device or measured experimentally in advance and stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit (118).

[0232] The impedance Z0 of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming gas (108) is not inserted into the induction heating device (100) can be calculated by the following formula.

[0233]

[0234] Here, ω represents the angular frequency of the alternating current power supplied to the RLC series circuit (ω=2πf; f is the frequency of the alternating current power).

[0235] Meanwhile, 1720 represents an equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit when an aerosol-forming gas (108) is inserted into an induction heating device (100). The difference between 1720 and 1710 is that the resistance component (R) caused by the susceptor (110), which is at least part of the aerosol-forming gas (108), is susceptor The point is that ) exists. The impedance Z1 of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming gas (108) is inserted into the induction heating device (100) can be calculated by the following equation.

[0236]

[0237] That is, when the aerosol-forming gas (108) is inserted into the induction heating device (100), the impedance of the RLC series circuit becomes greater than when it is not inserted. The impedance Z0 when the aerosol-forming gas (108) is not inserted into the induction heating device (100) and the impedance Z0 when it is inserted are experimentally determined in advance, and a threshold set between them is stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit (118). By this, it is possible to determine whether the aerosol-forming gas (108) is inserted into the induction heating device (100), that is, whether the susceptor (110) is detected, based on whether the measured impedance Z is greater than the corresponding threshold. As described above, the detection of the susceptor (110) can be considered as the detection of the aerosol-forming gas (108).

[0238] Additionally, the control unit (118) has an 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 of the current I RMS Based on this, the impedance Z of an RLC series circuit can be calculated as follows.

[0239]

[0240] Also, the above equation of Z1 is R susceptor Solving for this yields the following equation.

[0241]

[0242] Here, excluding the negative resistance value, if we switch Z1 to Z,

[0243]

[0244] R susceptor By experimentally determining the relationship between the susceptor temperature in advance and storing it in advance in the memory (not shown) of the control unit (118), the calculated R is greater than the impedance Z of the RLC series circuit. susceptor It is possible to obtain the susceptor temperature based on this.

[0245] FIG. 18 shows an equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit when AC power is supplied at the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit. 1810 and 1820 respectively show equivalent circuits of an RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming gas (108) is not inserted into the induction heating device (100) and when it is inserted. The resonant frequency f0 can be derived as follows.

[0246]

[0247] In addition, since the following relationship is satisfied at the resonant frequency f0, the inductance and capacitance components of the RLC series circuit can be neglected with respect to the impedance of the RLC series circuit.

[0248]

[0249] Accordingly, the impedance Z0 of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming gas (108) at the resonant frequency f0 is not inserted into the induction heating device (100) and the impedance Z1 of the RLC series circuit when it is inserted are as follows.

[0250]

[0251] Also, the value R of the resistance component by the susceptor (110), which is at least a part of the aerosol-forming gas (108), when the aerosol-forming gas (108) at the resonance frequency f0 is inserted into the induction heating device (100). susceptor It can be calculated by the following formula.

[0252]

[0253] In this way, when detecting the susceptor (110) and when acquiring the susceptor temperature based on impedance, using the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit in one or both cases is advantageous in terms of ease of calculation. Of course, using the resonant frequency f0 of the RLC series circuit is also advantageous in terms of supplying power stored in the power source (102) to the susceptor (110) with high efficiency and high speed.

[0254] (Specific example of a heating profile 1)

[0255] Specific examples of heating profiles are described below.

[0256] In the present example, the induction heating device (100) can more appropriately heat the aerosol-forming gas (108) by changing the switching frequency of the alternating current generating circuit (132) in the PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, and HEAT mode consisting of a plurality of phases.

[0257] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing graphs (a), (b), and (c) respectively representing the temperature of the susceptor (110), the switching frequency of the AC generating circuit (132), and the impedance change of the circuit (104) in the induction heating device (100) of the present 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) for each period.

[0258] Additionally, in FIG. 19, it is depicted as if the phase transition coincides with the temperature of the susceptor (110) (or susceptor temperature) reaching the heating target temperature, but this is because ideal behavior is depicted. That is, the behavior depicted in FIG. 19 corresponds to the case where the timing of changing the switching frequency of switch Q3 coincides with the timing when the temperature of the susceptor (110) first reaches the heating target temperature, in the example processing shown in FIG. 21 described later. Generally, after reaching the heating target temperature, the temperature of the susceptor (110) decreases due to the temporary suspension of the AC power for heating and repeats the behavior of rising again. Therefore, generally, the temperature of the susceptor (110) reaching the heating target temperature does not coincide with the phase transition. The same applies to FIG. 20 and 22.

[0259] As illustrated in (b), in this example, the switching frequency of switch Q3 of the AC generating circuit (132) is the resonant frequency f0 during the period of the PRE-HEAT mode (1430) and the period of the INTERVAL mode (1435), and is constant during these periods. Then, during the period of the HEAT mode (1440), the switching frequency of switch Q3 is controlled to increase stepwise as each phase progresses (the timing for increasing the switching frequency of switch Q3 is pre-scheduled. The same applies to the specific example 2 described later). Also, when the switching frequency of switch Q3 changes, the impedance of the circuit (104) also changes. As the switching frequency of switch Q3 increases stepwise, the impedance of the circuit (104) also continues to increase as illustrated in (c). In the case of the present example, it is possible to detect a temporary temperature drop when a user inhales an aerosol generated from an aerosol source (112) by a change in the impedance of the circuit (104) (or a change in the alternating current supplied to the coil (106). That is, if a temperature drop is detected, it may be determined that the user has inhaled an aerosol.

[0260] Additionally, during the HEAT mode period (1440), the switching frequency of switch Q3 may be controlled to start from the resonant frequency f0 and gradually move away from the resonant frequency f0, as indicated by the solid line graph of (b), or it may be controlled to drop significantly from the resonant frequency f0 for a while and then gradually move closer to the resonant frequency f0, as indicated by the dashed line graph of (b). Furthermore, in the former case, as the multiple phases constituting the HEAT mode (1440) progress, the switching frequency of switch Q3 increases in a frequency region higher than the resonant frequency, and in the latter case, as the multiple phases constituting the HEAT mode (1440) progress, the switching frequency of switch Q3 increases in a frequency region lower than the resonant frequency. Rapid temperature rise is required only in the PRE-HEAT mode, and high-efficiency heating by induction heating may not be suitable for the stepwise temperature rise in the HEAT mode. In this example, a gradual temperature rise can be achieved by excluding the switching frequency of switch Q3 from the resonant frequency f0. By changing the frequency in each phase in this way, the susceptor (110) can be heated appropriately.

[0261] Also, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the temperature of the susceptor (110) in the induction heating device (100), the switching frequency of the AC generating circuit (132), and the change in impedance of the circuit (104). In this example as well, the switching frequency of switch Q3 of the AC generating circuit (132) is the resonant frequency f0 during the period of the PRE-HEAT mode (1430) and the period of the INTERVAL mode (1435), and is constant during these periods. However, during the period of the HEAT mode (1440) of this example, the switching frequency of switch Q3 is controlled to decrease stepwise as each phase progresses. Also, by gradually lowering the switching frequency of switch Q3, the impedance of the circuit (104) also continues to decrease. In cases where aerosol inhalation detection by the user is not performed, the switching frequency of switch Q3 may be controlled to decrease as the phase progresses in HEAT mode, as in the present example, and a gradual temperature rise can be achieved by doing so.

[0262] Additionally, during the HEAT mode period (1440), the switching frequency of switch Q3 may be controlled to rise significantly from the resonant frequency f0 and then gradually approach the resonant frequency f0, as indicated by the solid line graph of (b), or it may be controlled to start from the resonant frequency f0 and gradually move away from the resonant frequency f0, as indicated by the dashed line graph of (b). Furthermore, in the former case, as the multiple phases constituting the HEAT mode progress, the switching frequency of switch Q3 decreases in a frequency region higher than the resonant frequency, and in the latter case, as the multiple phases constituting the HEAT mode progress, the switching frequency of switch Q3 decreases in a frequency region lower than the resonant frequency.

[0263] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an example processing mainly executed by the control unit (118) when in 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. As for the steps other than these, the description is omitted because they are the same as those in FIG. 12.

[0264] Step (S2105) represents a step for determining whether the second timer is the timing to change the switching frequency of switch Q3. If it is determined that it is the timing to change the switching frequency of switch Q3 ("Yes" in Step (S2105)), the switching frequency of switch Q3 is changed (increased or decreased) in Step (S2110). Then, in Step (S2115), the heating target temperature is raised by a predetermined value. If it is determined that it is not the timing to change the switching frequency of switch Q3 in Step (S2105) ("No" in Step (S2105)), the processing of Step (S2110) and Step (S2115) is skipped (i.e., the switching frequency of switch Q3 is not changed). Additionally, the processing of Step (S2110) and the processing of Step (S2115) may be executed in reverse order or in parallel.

[0265] (Specific example of a heating profile 2)

[0266] Furthermore, other specific examples of heating profiles are described. In this example, the switching frequency of the AC generating circuit (132) is fixed to a specific frequency without changing the PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, and HEAT mode consisting of multiple phases, and in particular in this example, it is fixed to a resonant frequency.

[0267] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing graphs (a), (b), and (c) respectively representing the temperature of the susceptor (110), the switching frequency of the AC generating circuit (132), and the impedance of the circuit (104) in the induction heating device (100) of the present example. As shown in (b), in the present example, the induction heating device (100) fixes the switching frequency of the AC generating circuit (132) to the resonant frequency in the PRE-HEAT mode, INTERVAL mode, and HEAT mode consisting of a plurality of phases.

[0268] FIGS. 23 and FIGS. 24 are diagrams showing a flowchart of an example process that is mainly executed by the control unit (118) when in HEAT mode. The flowchart of FIG. 23 differs in that the heating control of step (S2310) is executed instead of step (S1235) of FIG. 12, and steps (S2320) and (S2325) are added. As for the steps other than these, the description is omitted because they are the same as those in FIG. 12.

[0269] Step (S2320) represents a step for determining whether the second timer is the timing 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)), the heating target temperature is increased by a predetermined value in Step (S2325). If it is determined that it is not the timing to change the heating target temperature in Step (S2320) ("No" in Step (S2320)), the processing of Step (S2325) is skipped (i.e., the heating target temperature is not changed).

[0270] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of heating control of step (S2310). Step (S23101) represents a step of controlling to stop the supply of AC power for heating to an RLC series circuit. Step (S23102) represents a step of controlling to start the supply of AC power for non-heating to an RLC series circuit in order to measure the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Step (S23103) represents a step of measuring the impedance of the RLC series circuit. Step (S23104) represents a step of controlling to stop the supply of AC power for non-heating to an RLC series circuit. Step (S23105) represents a step of obtaining the susceptor temperature from the impedance to be measured in step (23103). Additionally, the processing of steps (S23101) to (S23105) may be the same as the processing described in the aforementioned flowchart. Additionally, step (S23106) represents a step for determining whether the susceptor temperature obtained in step (S23105) is below (a predetermined heating target temperature - Δ). If the susceptor temperature is below (a predetermined heating target temperature - Δ), the heating control is terminated, and the process proceeds to step (S1215) of FIG. 23. If the susceptor temperature is higher than (a predetermined heating target temperature - Δ), the process returns to step (S23102). That is, if the susceptor temperature is higher than (a heating target temperature - Δ), the susceptor temperature is continuously monitored by a second circuit with high resistance including switch Q2. At this time, switch Q3 may be switched at a predetermined cycle even while the heating of the susceptor (110) is stopped. Then, when the susceptor temperature becomes below (a heating target temperature - Δ), switch Q1 is turned ON again, and the susceptor (110) is reheated in the first circuit. In addition, when Δ is greater than "0", hysteresis can be introduced into the heating control. More specifically, the value of Δ is at most about 5°C.

[0271] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that modifications, additions, improvements, etc., to the embodiments may be appropriately made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure shall not be limited by any of the embodiments described above, but shall be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0272] In the above-described embodiment, control using the resonant frequency f0 of an RLC series circuit was explained; however, since there are product tolerances in the components constituting the RLC circuit, it is not necessary to strictly use the resonant frequency f0. For example, a difference of about ±5% from the resonant frequency f0 calculated from the actual parameters of the components constituting the RLC series circuit is acceptable.

[0273] In the above-described embodiment, the user's suction was detected by a change in impedance, but instead, the user's suction may be detected by using a suction sensor not shown in FIG. 2.

[0274] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit (118) detected the aerosol-generating gas (108) based on the susceptor (110), but instead, the aerosol-generating gas (108) may be detected from a marker or RFID installed on the aerosol-generating gas (108). It will be clear that such a marker or RFID also constitutes at least a part of the aerosol-generating gas (108).

[0275] A variation of the above-described embodiment, Example 1, is described below.

[0276] According to a modified embodiment 1, an aerosol generating device configured to inductively heat a susceptor of an aerosol forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source comprises a housing into which the aerosol forming gas can be inserted, and within the housing, a power source, an AC generating circuit that generates an AC from power supplied from the power source, an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, and a control unit configured to detect the voltage and current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied, and to stop the supply of the AC for inductive heating when, while the induction heating is being performed by supplying the AC to the induction heating circuit, it is determined that the susceptor is not within the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current.

[0277] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured to notify an error when it is determined that the susceptor is not inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current while the induction heating is being performed.

[0278] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured to notify an error simultaneously with or after the cessation of the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating.

[0279] In addition, according to Variation 1 of the embodiment, the control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to at least a predetermined heating profile such that the heating target temperature over time is controlled.

[0280] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured to stop the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating after notification of the error.

[0281] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured not to stop the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating when it is determined that the susceptor is inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current before the stoppage of the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating.

[0282] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to at least a predetermined heating profile, such that the heating target temperature over time is controlled, and the period from a state in which the susceptor is determined not to be inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current to a state in which the susceptor is determined to be inside the housing of the aerosol generating device does not affect the entire length of the heating profile.

[0283] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to at least a predetermined heating profile, and based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, extend the length of the heating profile based on the period from a state in which the susceptor is determined not to be inside the housing of the aerosol generating device to a state in which the susceptor is determined to be inside the housing of the aerosol generating device.

[0284] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured to set the number of aerosol-forming gases available in the aerosol generating device, and while the induction heating is being performed, stop the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, and then reduce the set number by one.

[0285] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured such that when it is determined that the susceptor is not inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating is not stopped and continues, while the set number is not reduced.

[0286] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured to acquire the temperature of the susceptor based on the impedance of the circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied, and to control the induction heating based on the acquired temperature.

[0287] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured to determine whether to stop the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating based on a comparison of the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current with a predetermined value.

[0288] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, a method of operation of an aerosol generating device configured to inductively heat a susceptor of an aerosol forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a housing into which the aerosol forming gas can be inserted, and within the housing comprises a power source, an alternating current generating circuit that generates alternating current from power supplied from the power source, and an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, and the method comprises a step of detecting the voltage and current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied, and a step of stopping the supply of the alternating current for inductively heating when, while the induction heating is being performed by supplying the alternating current to the induction heating circuit, it is determined that the susceptor is not within the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current.

[0289] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the method further includes a step of notifying an error when it is determined that the susceptor is not inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current while the induction heating is being performed.

[0290] In addition, according to Variation 1 of the embodiment, the induction heating further includes a step of controlling the heating target temperature over time according to at least a predetermined heating profile.

[0291] Furthermore, according to a modified embodiment 1, as a step of stopping the supply of alternating current for performing the induction heating after notification of the error, the method further includes a step of not stopping the supply of alternating current for the induction heating when, after notification of the error and, on the other hand, before stopping the supply of alternating current for performing the induction heating, it is determined based on the value of the detected impedance that the susceptor is inside the housing of the aerosol generating device; and as a step of performing the induction heating according to at least a predetermined heating profile with a heating target temperature over time, the period from a state in which the susceptor is determined not to be inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current to a state in which the susceptor is determined to be inside the housing of the aerosol generating device is such that it does not affect the entire length of the heating profile, or from a state in which the susceptor is determined not to be inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, the susceptor is the aerosol It further includes a step of controlling to extend the length of the heating profile based on the period until a state is determined to be within the housing of the generating device.

[0292] Additionally, according to a modified embodiment 1, the method further includes a step of setting the number of aerosol-forming gases available in the aerosol generating device, and a step of controlling the method so as not to stop the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating and not to reduce the set number by one, or, when it is determined that the susceptor is not inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current while the induction heating is being performed, the method further includes a step of continuing the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating without stopping it, and controlling the method so as not to reduce the set number, when it is determined that the susceptor is inside the housing of the aerosol generating device from a state where the susceptor is not inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current.

[0293] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, an aerosol generating device for inductively heating a susceptor of an aerosol forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source comprises the aerosol forming gas and a housing into which the aerosol forming gas can be inserted, and within the housing, a power source, an AC generating circuit that generates AC from power supplied from the power source, an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, a circuit that detects the presence or absence of the susceptor, and a control unit configured to detect the voltage and current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied, and to stop the supply of the AC for inductive heating when it is determined that the susceptor is not in the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current while the induction heating is being performed by supplying the AC to the induction heating circuit.

[0294] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 1, the control unit is further configured to notify an error when it is determined that the susceptor is not inside the housing of the aerosol generating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current while the induction heating is being performed.

[0295] A modified example 2 of the above-described embodiment is described below.

[0296] According to a modified embodiment 2, an induction heating device configured to induce heating of a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source comprises a power source, an induction heating circuit for inducing heating of the susceptor, an alternating current generating circuit that generates alternating current from power supplied from the power source, wherein the alternating current is supplied to the induction heating circuit, and a control unit configured to stop the induction heating and / or notify an error when the susceptor is not detected while the induction heating is being performed.

[0297] In addition, according to modified embodiment 2, cases where the susceptor is not detected include cases where the susceptor cannot be detected.

[0298] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the case in which the susceptor is not detected includes the case in which the susceptor is not detected based on the impedance of the circuit including the induction heating circuit.

[0299] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, means for determining the impedance of the circuit including the induction heating circuit is further provided.

[0300] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is configured to stop the induction heating and / or notify an error while the induction heating is being performed.

[0301] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, stopping the induction heating includes stopping the supply of alternating current to the induction heating circuit.

[0302] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, means for detecting the voltage and current of the circuit including the induction heating circuit are included, and the control unit is configured to acquire the impedance of the circuit including the induction heating circuit based on the detected voltage and current.

[0303] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, means for detecting voltage and current are included, and the means for detecting voltage and current preferably includes a voltage detection circuit and a current detection circuit.

[0304] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the current detection circuit is configured to detect the current flowing through the coil included in the induction heating circuit.

[0305] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the voltage detection circuit is configured to detect the voltage supplied from the power source.

[0306] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the case in which the susceptor is not detected includes a case in which the control unit is configured to detect that the susceptor is not inserted into the induction heating device based on the impedance.

[0307] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the susceptor is included in the aerosol-forming gas, and the induction heating device includes a housing, and when the susceptor is not detected, the control unit is configured to detect that the aerosol-forming gas is not inserted into the housing based on the impedance.

[0308] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured to notify an error simultaneously with or after the cessation of the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating.

[0309] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured to stop the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating after notifying the error.

[0310] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured not to stop the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating when it is determined that the susceptor is within the induction heating device based on the impedance obtained from the voltage and current detected before stopping the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating.

[0311] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured to control the induction heating according to at least a predetermined heating profile, and based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, extend the length of the heating profile based on the period from a state in which the susceptor is determined not to be in the induction heating device to a state in which the susceptor is determined to be in the induction heating device.

[0312] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured to reduce the set number by one when it is determined that there is no susceptor in the induction heating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current while the induction heating is being performed by supplying the alternating current to the induction heating circuit.

[0313] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured such that when it is determined that the susceptor is not in the induction heating device based on the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current, the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating is not stopped and continues, while the set number is not reduced.

[0314] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured to acquire the temperature of the susceptor based on the impedance of the circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied, and to control the induction heating based on the acquired temperature.

[0315] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured to determine whether to stop the supply of the alternating current for performing the induction heating based on a comparison of the impedance obtained from the detected voltage and current with a predetermined value.

[0316] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured to resume the induction heating when the susceptor is detected again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the induction heating was stopped.

[0317] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is configured to control the induction heating such that the heating target temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile.

[0318] In addition, according to modified embodiment 2, the time from the cessation of the induction heating to the resumption of the induction heating is treated as the elapsed time.

[0319] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is configured to control the induction heating such that the heating target temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile, while the time between the cessation of the induction heating and the resumption of the induction heating does not elapse.

[0320] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is further configured to stop the induction heating after notification of the error.

[0321] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the control unit is configured not to stop the induction heating when the susceptor is detected again after the notification of the error, on the other hand, before the induction heating is stopped.

[0322] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the induction heating is configured such that the heating target temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile, and the control unit is configured such that the period from when the susceptor can no longer be detected until the susceptor is detected again does not affect the entire length of the heating profile.

[0323] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, the induction heating is configured such that the heating target temperature over time follows at least a predetermined heating profile, and the control unit is configured to extend the length of the heating profile based on the period from when the susceptor can no longer be detected until the susceptor is detected again.

[0324] In addition, according to a modified embodiment 2, an induction heating device configured to induce heating of a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source, the induction heating device comprises a power source, an induction heating circuit for inducing heating of the susceptor, an alternating current generating circuit that generates alternating current from power supplied from the power source, wherein the alternating current is supplied to the induction heating circuit, and a control unit, wherein the method of operation of the induction heating device comprises stopping the induction heating and / or notifying an error when the susceptor is not detected while the induction heating is being performed.

[0325] In addition, according to Variation 2 of the embodiment, a computer program comprising a group of instructions that, when executed by a computer, function as an induction heating device of Variation 2 of the embodiment described above, and a computer-readable storage medium storing said computer program are provided. Explanation of the symbols

[0326] 100… Induction heating device, 101… Housing, 102… Power supply, 104… Circuit, 106… Coil, 108… Aerosol-forming gas, 110… Susceptor, 112… Aerosol source, 114… Filter, 116… Charging power connector, 118… Control unit, 120… Voltage regulation circuit, 122… Charging circuit, 126… Light-emitting element driving circuit, 128… Button, 130… Parallel circuit, 132… AC generation circuit, 134… Voltage detection circuit, 136… Current detection circuit, 138… Light-emitting element, 140… Voltage divider circuit, 610… When not in use, 620… When degraded, 630… Amount of power required to consume 1 aerosol-forming gas, 640… Surplus power (when not in use), 650… Excess power (during degradation), 660… Discharge voltage at full charge, 770… Discharge termination voltage, 1410… Preheating target temperature, 1415… Cooling target temperature, 1420… Heating target temperature, 1430… Duration of PRE-HEAT mode, 1435… Duration of INTERVAL mode, 1440… Duration of HEAT mode, 1445… When heating termination conditions are met, 1450… When the susceptor becomes undetectable, 1455… When the susceptor becomes undetectable again, 1460… Period during which the susceptor was undetectable, 1710… Equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming gas is not inserted into the induction heating device, 1720… Equivalent circuit of the RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the induction heating device, 1710… Equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming gas is not inserted into the induction heating device (resonant frequency), 1720… Equivalent circuit of an RLC series circuit when the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the induction heating device (resonant frequency)

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating device for inductively heating a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source, the device comprises a housing capable of inserting the aerosol-forming gas, and within the housing, a power source, an AC generating circuit that generates AC from power supplied from the power source, an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, and a detection circuit that detects the voltage and current of a circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied, and a control unit configured to initiate the induction heating when it is determined that at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device based on a value obtained from the detection circuit, and a voltage regulating circuit connected to the power source and the control unit, wherein the current is detected at a position closer to the AC generating circuit than to a branch point from the path to the voltage regulating circuit in a path between the power source and the AC generating circuit, and the control unit detects whether at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device, and a first An aerosol generating device further configured to detect whether at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device in a mode different from the first mode, and not to detect whether at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device in a second mode different from the first mode. Claim 2 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the voltage is detected in a path between the power source and the alternating current generating circuit. Claim 3 The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a remaining amount measuring IC configured to measure the remaining amount of the power supply, wherein the remaining amount measuring IC is not included in the detection circuit. Claim 4 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a charging circuit connected to the power source, wherein the current is detected at a position closer to the AC generating circuit than at a branch point from the path to the charging circuit in a path between the power source and the AC generating circuit. Claim 5 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to acquire the temperature of the susceptor based on a value acquired from the detection circuit and to control the induction heating based on the acquired temperature. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a connection part configured to be connectable to a charging power source, wherein the control part is further configured to execute the processing of the first mode until a predetermined time elapses after detecting the disconnection of the charging power source from the connection part. Claim 8 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an operating unit, wherein the control unit is further configured to transition to the first mode in response to a predetermined operation being performed on the operating unit. Claim 9 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an operating unit, wherein the control unit transitions to the second mode after a predetermined time has elapsed following transition to the first mode, and then returns from the second mode to the first mode as a predetermined operation is performed on the operating unit. Claim 10 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7 to 9, further comprising a connection portion configured to be connectable to a charging power source, wherein the control portion is further configured such that the voltage and current of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied are not measured while detecting the connection of the charging power source to the connection portion. Claim 11 An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7 to 9, wherein the control unit is further configured to measure the voltage and the current of the circuit at the resonant frequency of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied. Claim 12 A method of operation of an aerosol generating device for inductively heating a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a housing capable of inserting the aerosol-forming gas, and within the housing, a power source, an AC generating circuit that generates an AC from power supplied from the power source, an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, a detection circuit that includes a circuit for detecting the voltage and current of the induction heating circuit to which the AC generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied, a control unit, and a voltage adjustment circuit connected to the power source and the control unit, wherein the method comprises a step of initiating the induction heating when the control unit determines, based on a value obtained from the detection circuit, that at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device, wherein the current is detected at a position closer to the AC generating circuit than a branch point from the path to the voltage adjustment circuit in the path between the power source and the AC generating circuit, and wherein the method comprises the control unit of the aerosol-forming gas A method comprising at least one of the following steps: a first mode for detecting whether at least a portion is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device, and a second mode for not detecting whether at least a portion of the aerosol forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device; and a control unit for measuring the voltage and the current of the circuit at the resonant frequency of the circuit to which the alternating current generated by the alternating current generating circuit is supplied. Claim 13 A method according to claim 12, wherein the voltage is detected in a path between the power source and the alternating current generating circuit. Claim 14 A method according to claim 12, further comprising a remaining amount measuring IC configured to measure the remaining amount of the power supply, wherein the remaining amount measuring IC is not included in the detection circuit. Claim 15 A method according to claim 12, further comprising a charging circuit connected to the power source, wherein the current is detected at a position closer to the AC generating circuit than at a branch point from the path to the charging circuit in a path between the power source and the AC generating circuit. Claim 16 A method according to claim 13, further comprising at least one of the steps of: a step in which the control unit detects the disconnection of the charging power source from the connection unit configured to be connected to the charging power source as a connection unit of the aerosol generating device and executes the processing of the first mode until a predetermined time has elapsed; and a step in which the control unit transitions from the second mode to the first mode in response to a predetermined operation being performed on the operation unit of the aerosol generating device. Claim 17 An aerosol generating device for inductively heating a susceptor of an aerosol-forming gas comprising a susceptor and an aerosol source, the device comprises the aerosol-forming gas and a housing capable of inserting the aerosol-forming gas, wherein the device comprises, within the housing, a power source, an AC generating circuit that generates alternating current from power supplied from the power source, an induction heating circuit for inductively heating the susceptor, and a detection circuit that detects the voltage and current of the circuit including the induction heating circuit to which the alternating current generated by the AC generating circuit is supplied, and a control unit configured to initiate the induction heating when it is determined that at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device based on a value obtained from the detection circuit, and a voltage regulating circuit connected to the power source and the control unit, wherein the current is detected at a position closer to the AC generating circuit than to a branch point from the path to the voltage regulating circuit in the path between the power source and the AC generating circuit, and the control unit determines whether at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device An aerosol generating device further configured to detect whether, in a first mode, at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device, and in a second mode different from the first mode, not to detect whether at least a portion of the aerosol-forming gas is inserted into the housing of the aerosol generating device. Claim 18 An aerosol generating device according to claim 17, wherein the voltage is detected in a path between the power source and the alternating current generating circuit. Claim 19 The aerosol generating device of claim 17 further comprises a residual amount measuring IC configured to measure the residual amount of the power supply, wherein the residual amount measuring IC is not included in the detection circuit. Claim 20 An aerosol generating device according to claim 18, further comprising a charging circuit connected to the power source, wherein the current is detected at a position closer to the AC generating circuit than at a branch point from the path to the charging circuit in a path between the power source and the AC generating circuit. Claim 21 delete

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