JP2022525972A - Smoking substitute system - Google Patents

Abstract

Heat-not-burn tobacco devices are described. The device includes a heater and a controller configured to operate the heater according to at least two user-selectable operating modes. The operation mode can be selected by the user via the user input means. The heater is adapted to engage with heated tobacco consumables, which contain the active ingredient for delivery to the user. At least two user-selectable operating modes are a first mode in which the heater operates to deliver a first amount of active ingredient to the user, and a heater delivers a second amount of active ingredient to the user. Includes a second mode that operates in such a manner. The second amount of active ingredient is greater than the first amount of active ingredient. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

[1] The present invention relates to a smoking substitution system, and more particularly to a smoking substitution system including a heat-not-burn tobacco device.

[2] Tobacco smoking is generally regarded as exposing smokers to potentially harmful substances. It is generally believed that significant amounts of potentially harmful substances are produced through the burning of tobacco and / or the heat caused by the burning of tobacco, as well as the components of the burning tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself. There is.

[3] Traditional combustible smoking articles, such as cigarettes, typically include a columnar tobacco rod containing tobacco strips surrounded by a wrapper, usually axially in contact with the rolled tobacco rod. Also includes a columnar filter aligned with. The filter usually contains a filter material circumscribed by a plug wrap. The rolled tobacco rod and filter are bundled together by a rolled strip of chip paper circumscribing the entire length of the filter and adjacent portions of the rolled tobacco rod. Traditional cigarettes of this type are used by igniting the end opposite the filter to burn a cigarette rod. Smokers receive mainstream smoke into their mouth by inhaling at the mouth end or filter end of the cigarette.

[4] Combustion of organic materials such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful by-products. Various smoking substitution systems (or "substitute smoking systems") have been proposed to avoid smoking tobacco.

[5] Such smoking substitution systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapy for people who want to quit smoking and overcome their dependence on nicotine.

[6] Smoking substitution systems include an electronic system that allows the user to simulate smoking behavior by producing an aerosol (also known as "steam"), which is passed through the mouth and into the lungs. Inhaled (inhaled) and then exhaled. Inhaled aerosols usually have nicotine and / or flavoring without the odor and health risks associated with conventional smoking, or with less odor and health risks.

[7] In general, smoking substitution systems are intended to provide a substitute for smoking habits while providing users with the same experience and satisfaction that they have experienced with traditional smoking and flammable tobacco products. ing. Some smoking substitute systems use smoking substitutes (also known as "consumables"), which are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes and have a circle with a mouthpiece at one end. It has a columnar shape.

[8] The popularity and use of smoking substitution systems has grown rapidly over the past few years. Originally marketed as an aid to addicted smokers who want to quit smoking, consumers are increasingly seeing smoking substitution systems as a desirable lifestyle accessory.

[9] There are several different categories of smoking substitution systems, each utilizing a different smoking substitution approach.

[10] One approach for smoking substitution systems is the so-called heat-not-burn tobacco (“HT”) approach, in which the tobacco (not the “e-liquid”) is heated or heated. Release steam. HT is also known as "non-combustion heating type" ("HNB"). The tobacco may be a leaf tobacco or a reconstituted tobacco. The vapor can contain nicotine and / or flavor. In the HT approach, the intent is that the tobacco is heated without being burned, i.e. the tobacco is not burned.

[11] A typical HT smoking substitution system can include devices and consumables. Consumables can include tobacco material. Devices and consumables may be configured to be physically coupled together. In use, the heating element of the device may apply heat to the tobacco material, and the airflow through the tobacco material causes the components in the tobacco material to be released as vapor. The vapor may also be formed from carriers in the tobacco material, which carriers may include, for example, propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin, as well as volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapor may be accompanied by a stream of air inhaled through the cigarette.

[12] As steam passes through the consumables (accompanied by an air stream) from the place of evaporation to the outlet of the consumables (eg, mouthpiece), the steam cools, condenses, and is inhaled by the user. To form an aerosol for. Aerosols usually contain volatile compounds.

[13] In the HT smoking substitution system, we believe that heating, in contrast to burning tobacco material, reduces or reduces the amount of more harmful compounds normally produced during smoking. Has been. As a result, the HT approach can reduce the odor and / or health risks that can occur through tobacco burning, tobacco burning, and pyrolytic degradation.

[14] In order to enhance the user experience and improve the functionality of the HT smoking surrogate system, an improved design of the smoking surrogate system, in particular the HT smoking surrogate system, is needed.

[15] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above issues.

[16] Most generally, one aspect of the invention relates to a heated tobacco device that can operate in different modes, and another aspect of the invention relates to a non-combustion heated device that controls steam production.

[17] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a heat-not-burn tobacco device comprising a heater and a controller configured to operate the heater according to at least two user-selectable modes of operation. The mode of operation can be selected by the user via user input means, the heater is adapted to engage the heated tobacco consumables, and the heated tobacco consumables are for delivery to the user. There are at least two user-selectable operating modes that include the active ingredient of the first mode in which the heater operates to deliver a first amount of active ingredient to the user and the heater has a second amount of activity. The second amount of active ingredient is greater than the first amount of active ingredient, including a second mode that operates to deliver the ingredient to the user.

[18] By providing a heat-not-burn tobacco device that includes a controller that operates the device in at least two user-selectable modes, the device can operate in a powerful mode that provides more delivery of the active ingredient of the consumable. can.

[19] The features of the optional selection will be described below. These are applicable alone or in any combination with any aspect.

[20] Optionally, in the second mode, the controller operates the heater to deliver the active ingredient at a faster rate than in the first mode.

[21] Optionally, the controller is configured to operate the heater at the first operating temperature in the first mode and at the second operating temperature in the second mode, the second operation. The temperature is higher than the first operating temperature.

[22] Optionally, the controller is configured to operate the heater for the first consumable cycle duration in the first mode and for the second consumable cycle duration in the second mode. The second consumable cycle duration is longer than the first consumable cycle duration.

[23] Optionally, the controller is configured to choose from at least two modes of operation based on the user default mode.

[24] Optionally, the controller is configured to allow the user to set the user default mode.

[25] Optionally, the controller is configured to set the user default mode based on the device usage history.

[26] Optionally, the active ingredient is nicotine.

[27] Optionally, the device further comprises a consumable detector sensor that detects the type of consumable engaged in the heater or the active ingredient content of the consumable.

[28] Optionally, the controller is configured to choose from at least two modes of operation based on the type of consumables detected or the active ingredient content of the consumables of the detected type.

[29] Optional, user input means include buttons.

[30] Optionally, user input means include a touch screen.

[31] Optionally, the user input means includes a motion sensor that detects a predetermined movement of the device.

[32] Optionally, user input means include voice recognition means.

[33] It is advantageous that the controller be configured to allow the device to operate in a second mode based on the type and / or content of the consumables.

[34] According to a second aspect of the invention, a non-combustion heating device including a heater and a controller is provided, the controller heating the aerosol-forming substrate engaged in the heater to a predetermined operating temperature. As such, the heater is configured to operate the heater in at least two modes, in which at least two modes the vapor forms with first visibility from the aerosol-forming substrate. It comprises a first mode in which the vapor is formed from the aerosol-forming substrate with a second visibility, the first visibility being lower than the second visibility.

[35] By providing a non-combustion heated device that includes a controller to control steam production, it is possible to operate the device in two modes with different steam generation. In the first mode, the steam produced is less visible. This mode is sometimes referred to as "stealth mode" because the use of the device is not so obvious to outside observers due to the low visibility of the vapor. In the second mode, the visibility of the steam produced is higher than in the first mode.

[36] The benefit of device operation in the first mode is that the intensity of flavor and the intensity of nicotine are increased. Although not bound by theory, it is believed that the relative concentrations of nicotine and flavoring agents in the aerosol can be higher when the device operates in a mode that produces a vapor with lower visibility. Low visibility vapors may also be desirable for aesthetic purposes, for example, for users who want to reduce the amount of visible vapor produced when in public places.

[37] The terms "first visibility" and "second visibility" refer to the visibility of vapors produced by an aerosol-forming substrate (eg, HNB consumables) during a smoking session, eg, inhaled from an aerosol-forming substrate. Refers to the visibility of the vapor exhaled by the user after it has been discharged. Such visibility may generally be assessed by eye, but by using a more accurate method known to those of skill in the art to determine how much vapor scatters incident light. May be good. The higher "visibility" vapors as defined herein scatter or attenuate incident light to a greater extent, thereby giving the observer greater visibility (ie, "more cloudy" or "more cloudy" or "". It's more hazy. ") It looks.

[38] Optionally, the controller is configured to operate the heater at a first predetermined operating temperature in the first mode and a second predetermined operating temperature in the second mode. The first predetermined operating temperature is lower than the second predetermined operating temperature.

[39] Controlling the temperature of the heater in different modes is a way to provide different steam visibility. Although not desired to be constrained by theory, it is believed that different evaporation temperatures of nicotine on the one hand and aerosol-forming material on the other can be utilized to regulate the visibility of the vapor. By choosing the temperature at which a smaller amount of aerosol-forming material evaporates from the aerosol-forming substrate, it is possible to reduce the amount of vapor produced, thereby reducing the visibility of the vapor.

[40] In some embodiments, the first predetermined operating temperature is at least 25 ° C, for example at least 30 ° C, at least 35 ° C, at least 40 ° C, at least 45 ° C, at least 25 ° C above the second predetermined operating temperature. 50 ° C, at least 55 ° C, or at least 60 ° C lower.

[41] In some embodiments, the first predetermined operating temperature is 140-170 ° C. Within this temperature range, acceptable levels of nicotine are evaporated from the aerosol-forming substrate with respect to the amount of other material (aerosol-forming material) that contributes to the visibility of the vapor.

[42] In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is higher than 170 ° C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is at least 180 ° C, for example at least 185 ° C, at least 190 ° C, at least 195 ° C, or at least 200 ° C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is above 170 ° C and below about 220 ° C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is 175-220 ° C, for example 175-215 ° C, 175-210 ° C, 180-210 ° C, 190-210 ° C, or 195-205 ° C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is about 200 ° C.

[43] In some embodiments, the first predetermined operating temperature is 140-170 ° C. and the second predetermined operating temperature is higher than 170 ° C. and about 220 ° C. or lower. In some embodiments, the first predetermined operating temperature is 140-170 ° C and the second predetermined operating temperature is at least 200 ° C.

[44] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to change the pressure drop in the consumables. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to change the pressure drop in the aerosol-forming article between a first state and a second state, the pressure drop in the aerosol-forming article in the first state. Is greater than the second state. The larger pressure drop provides a reduction in the level of visible vapor from the aerosol-forming article, such a first state corresponds to the first mode of the device.

[45] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to change the airflow to control the pressure drop based on the selected mode. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to change the airflow entering the device between a first state and a second state, the airflow entering the device in the first state being the first. Less than the state of 2.

[46] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to change the airflow so that the pressure drop in the first mode is greater than the pressure drop in the second mode. To.

[47] In some embodiments, the controller detects the type of consumables present on the device when switching between the first mode and the second mode, which is one or more device functions. It is configured to be incorporated into the parameters of. In other words, the actions taken by the controller when switching between modes may depend on the type of consumables present in the device. For example, certain consumables may require a greater temperature reduction between the second mode and the first mode in order to achieve a given reduction in steam visibility. Similarly, certain consumables may require a greater increase in pressure drop between the second mode and the first mode in order to achieve a given reduction in steam visibility.

[48] In some embodiments, the device is adapted to move the heater and aerosol-forming substrate relative to each other in order to vary the amount of contact between the heater and the substrate, depending on the mode selected. To. By changing the degree of contact between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate, the amount of visible vapor produced by the device is changed. The greater the amount of contact between the heater and the substrate, the greater the amount of steam produced for a given heater temperature. The movement of the heater with respect to the aerosol-forming substrate may be achieved by causing the movement of the heater, the aerosol-forming substrate, or both. For example, the device may be adapted to run a heater. In some embodiments, the heater is adapted to move linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device, and thus the extent to which the heater is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate can be varied. In some embodiments, the device is adapted to move the aerosol-forming substrate to the heater to provide larger or smaller contact between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate, as needed. Will be done.

[49] Optionally, the contact amount between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate in the first mode is smaller than the contact amount between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate in the second mode.

[50] In some embodiments, the heater is a rod heater adapted to be inserted into the upstream end of the HNB consumable during a smoking session, and the device heats the upstream end of the consumable. In response to the mode selection, the heater and consumables are adapted to move relative to each other to achieve a particular degree of insertion of the vessel. The device may be adapted in response to the selection of the second mode to bring the heater and consumables closer to each other and increase the visibility of the steam produced thereby. The device may be adapted in response to the selection of the first mode to separate the heater and consumables from each other and reduce the visibility of the steam produced thereby. In some embodiments, in the second mode, a portion of the heater, about 10 mm long, is inserted into the consumable. In some embodiments, in the first mode, a portion of the heater, about 5 mm long, is inserted into the consumable.

[51] In some embodiments, the device comprises user input means for the user to select a mode. In some embodiments, the user input means include a user interface, through which the user can select a mode, eg, a first mode or a second mode. In some embodiments, the user interface comprises one or more buttons or switches for selecting a particular mode.

[52] In some embodiments, the device further comprises an output means configured to indicate to the user the currently selected mode of operation (eg, first or second mode). The device can include a display that shows the user the currently selected mode. For example, the device can include one or more lights (eg, LEDs) that are lit according to the selected mode, or a screen containing instructions for the selected mode.

[53] In some embodiments, the controller selects the mode selected over at least one full smoking cycle, ie, the time the heater is activated for smoking a single HNB consumable. Configured to maintain. This ensures that the user gets the desired smoking experience over the entire cycle and is not disturbed by switching between any unwanted modes.

[54] The device can include an elongated body. The end of the elongated body may be configured to engage the aerosol-forming article. For example, the body may be configured to engage a heated tobacco (HT) consumable (or a non-combustible heated (HNB) consumable). The terms "heat-not-burn tobacco" and "non-combustion heated" are used interchangeably herein to describe the type of consumables that are heated rather than burned (or such consumables). Used indistinguishably to describe devices for use with the product). The device can include a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the consumable (ie, engage with the consumable). The aerosol-forming article may be of the type comprising an aerosol-forming body (eg, carried by an aerosol-forming substrate).

[55] The device can include a heater that heats the aerosol-forming article. The heater can include a heating element, which may be in the form of a rod extending from the body of the device. The heating element can extend from the end of the body configured to engage the aerosol-forming article.

[56] The heater (and thus the heating element) may be tightly attached to the body. The heating element can be elongated to demarcate the longitudinal axis and can have, for example, a substantially circular transverse profile (ie, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the heating element). , The heating element may be substantially cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element can have a rectangular transverse profile (ie, the heater may be a "blade heater"). Alternatively, the heating element may be in the form of a tube (ie, the heater may be a "tubular heater"). The heating element may take other forms (eg, the heating element may have an oval transverse profile). The shape and / or size (eg, diameter) of the transverse profile of the heating element may be generally consistent over the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.

[57] The heating element may be 15 mm to 25 mm in length, for example 18 mm to 20 mm in length, for example about 19 mm in length. The heating element can have a diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, for example 2 mm to 2.3 mm, for example about 2.15 mm.

[58] The heating element may be made of ceramic. The heating element can include a core containing Al2O3 (eg, a ceramic core). The core of the heating element can have a diameter of 1.8 mm to 2.1 mm, for example 1.9 mm to 2 mm. The heating element can include an outer layer containing Al2O3 (eg, an outer ceramic layer). The thickness of the outer layer may be 160 μm to 220 μm, for example 170 μm to 190 μm, for example about 180 μm. The heating element can include a heating track, which can extend longitudinally along the heating element. The heating track may be sandwiched between the outer layer of the heating element and the core. The heating track can include tungsten and / or rhenium. The heating truck can have a thickness of about 20 μm.

[59] The heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device) and can extend from the inner base of the cavity towards the opening of the cavity (eg, along the longitudinal axis). The length of the heating element (ie, the length along the longitudinal axis of the heater) can be less than the depth of the cavity. Therefore, the heating element can extend over only a portion of the length of the cavity. That is, the heating element does not have to extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.

[60] The heating element may be configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming article (eg, HT consumables) when the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In that respect, the distal end of the heating element (ie, distal from the base of the heating element attached to the device) can include a tapered portion, thereby allowing the heating element to be inserted into the aerosol-forming article. Can be facilitated. When the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element can completely penetrate the aerosol-forming article. That is, the entire length or substantially the entire length of the heating element may be accepted by the aerosol-forming article.

[61] The heating element can have less than or substantially the same length as the axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate that forms part of the aerosol-forming article (eg, HT consumables). Thus, when such an aerosol-forming article is engaged to the device, the heating element can penetrate only the aerosol-forming substrate and not the other components of the aerosol-forming article. The heating element can penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate over substantially the axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. Therefore, heat can be transferred from the heating element (eg, its outer peripheral surface) to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate when penetrated by the heating element. That is, heat can be transferred radially outward (in the case of a columnar heating element) or, for example, radially inward (in the case of a tubular heater).

[62] If the heater is a tubular heater, the heating element of the tubular heater can surround at least a portion of the cavity. When a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element can surround the portion of the aerosol-forming article (ie, heat that portion of the aerosol-forming article). In particular, the heating element can surround the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. That is, when the aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article may be located adjacent to the inner surface of the (tubular) heating element. When the heating element is activated, heat is transferred radially inward from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

[63] The cavity can include a (eg, circumferential) wall (or walls), and the (tubular) heating element can extend around at least a portion of this wall. In this way, the wall may be located between the inner surface of the heating element and the outer surface of the aerosol-forming article. The wall of the cavity (or walls) may be formed from a heat conductive material (eg, metal) to allow heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat can be conducted from the heating element through the cavity wall (or walls) to the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article received in the cavity.

[64] In some embodiments, the device can include a cap placed at the end of the body configured to engage the aerosol-forming article. If the device includes a heater with a heating element, the cap can at least partially enclose the heating element. The cap may be movable between an open position where access to the heating element is provided and a closed position where the cap at least partially surrounds the heating element. The cap may be slidably engaged with the body of the device and may be slidable between the open and closed positions.

[65] The cap can define at least a portion of the device cavity. That is, the cavity may be completely defined by a cap, or each of the cap and body may define a portion of the cavity. If the cap completely defines the cavity, the cap can include an opening for receiving the heating element into the cavity (when the cap is in the closed position). The cap can include an opening into the cavity. The openings may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-forming article. That is, the aerosol-forming article may be inserted into the cavity (engaged with the device) through the opening.

[66] The cap may be configured such that when the aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device (eg, received in the cavity), only a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, a portion of the aerosol-forming article (the portion that is not accepted by the cavity) may protrude from the opening (ie, extend beyond the opening). This (protruding) portion of the aerosol-forming article may be the end of the aerosol-forming article (eg, the oral end), which may be accepted by the user's mouth for the purpose of inhaling the aerosol formed by the device. ..

[67] The device may include a power source or may be connectable to a power source (eg, a power source separate from the device). The power source may be electrically connectable to the heater. In that respect, changing the electrical connection of the power supply to the heater (eg, toggle) can affect the condition of the heater. For example, the heater can be toggled between the on and off states by toggling the electrical connection of the power supply to the heater. The power supply may be a power store. For example, the power source may be a battery or a rechargeable battery (eg, a lithium ion battery).

[68] The device can include input connections (eg, USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The input connection may be configured to connect to an external power source such as a power supply. The input connection may optionally be used as a substitute for an internal power source (eg, a battery or a rechargeable battery). That is, the input connection may be electrically connectable to the heater (to provide power to the heater). Therefore, in some embodiments, the input connection may form at least a portion of the device's power supply.

[69] If the power source includes a rechargeable power source (such as a rechargeable battery), the input connection may be used to charge and recharge the power source.

[70] The device can include a user interface (UI). In some embodiments, the UI can include input means for receiving action commands from the user. The input means of the UI can allow the user to control at least one form of operation of the device. In some embodiments, the input means may include a power button for switching the device between an on state and an off state. In some embodiments, the input means can include motion sensors that receive motion commands from the user by detecting motion of the device. In some embodiments, the input means can include a microphone that receives an action command by the user's sound. In some embodiments, the input means may include a touch screen in which the user provides action commands by touch. In some embodiments, the operation command can include a mode change that modifies the user experience by changing the operation mode of the device.

[71] In some embodiments, the UI may additionally or otherwise include output means for communicating information to the user. In some embodiments, the output means may include a light to indicate to the user the condition of the device (and / or aerosol-forming article). In some embodiments, the output means can include tactile feedback to indicate the state of the device. In some embodiments, the output means may include a display screen for displaying the state of the device. The state of the device (and / or aerosol-forming article) shown to the user can include a state indicating the operation of the heater. For example, the state can include whether the heater is in the off state or in the on state. In some embodiments, the UI unit can include at least one of a button, a display, a touch screen, a switch, a light, and the like. For example, the output means may include one or more (eg, two, three, four, etc.) light emitting diodes (“LEDs”), which may be located in the body of the device.

[72] The device may further include a puff sensor (eg, an air flow sensor), which forms part of the input means of the UI. The puff sensor may be configured to detect that the user has inhaled at the end (ie, the end (mouth side end)) of the aerosol-forming article. The puff sensor may be, for example, a pressure sensor or a microphone. The puff sensor may be configured to produce a signal indicating the state of the puff. The signal can indicate, for example, in the form of a binary signal that the user has inhaled (aerosol from an aerosol-forming article). Alternatively, or in addition, the signal can indicate the characteristics of the suction (eg, the flow rate of the suction, the length of time of the suction, etc.). The pressure sensor / air flow sensor can detect, for example, a pressure drop in a consumable item. Alternatively, the sensor can detect the airflow entering the device.

[73] The device can further include a consumable detector sensor (eg, a nicotine sensor, a tobacco sensor), which can form part of the input means of the UI. The consumables detector sensor may be configured to detect the type of cigarette used or present in the consumables. The consumables detector sensor may be configured to detect the nicotine content present in the consumables. The consumables detector sensor can detect the type or nicotine content of the cigarette based on the detection of the active compound / molecule in the consumables. The consumable detector sensor may be configured to produce a signal indicating the type or nicotine content of the cigarette. The signal can indicate the type of consumable that is inserted into the device, for example in the form of a binary signal. For example, a consumable detector sensor can determine the visual characteristics of a consumable. For example, the color of the consumable can indicate the type of consumable. Alternatively, the consumable can include a detectable visual queue (eg, a barcode) that can be detected by the consumable detector sensor. In addition, or otherwise, the signal can indicate the properties / properties of the consumable.

[74] The device may include or be connectable to a controller, the controller may be configured to control at least one function of the device. The controller can include a microcontroller, which may be mounted, for example, on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller can also include memory, such as non-volatile memory. The memory can contain an instruction, which, when executed, can cause the controller to perform a specific task or step of the method. If the device contains an input connection, the controller may be connected to the input connection.

[75] The controller may be configured to control the operation of the heater (and, for example, the heating element). Therefore, the controller may be configured to control evaporation of the aerosol-forming portion of the aerosol-forming article engaged with the device. The controller may be configured to control the intensity of the aerosol delivery by controlling the operation of the heater. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the duration of aerosol delivery by controlling the operation of the heater. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the amount of aerosol delivery. The controller may be configured to control the functionality of the device so as to control the amount of steam produced according to the user's preference. The controller may be configured to produce low-visibility steam or non-visibility steam in a particular mode. It controls the temperature of the heater, controls the pressure of the air flow, and controls the relative position of the aerosol-forming substrate and the heater to change the degree of contact between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate. This may be achieved by controlling one or more of the device functions, such as. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the voltage applied to the heater by a power source. For example, the controller may be configured to toggle between applying the full output voltage (of the power supply) to the heater and not applying the voltage to the heater. Alternatively, or in addition, the control unit may implement a more complex heater control protocol.

[76] The device may further include a voltage regulator for adjusting the output voltage supplied by the power supply to form a regulated voltage. The adjustment voltage may then be applied to the heater.

[77] In some embodiments, if the device includes a UI, the controller may be operably connected to one or more components of the UI. The controller may be configured to receive command signals from UI input means. The controller may be configured to control the heater in response to a command signal. For example, the controller may be configured to receive "on" and "off" command signals from the UI, and the heater may be controlled to be in the corresponding on or off state in response. The controller may be configured to receive a command signal from the consumable detector sensor and may control the heater in response. In addition, the controller may be configured to receive command signals from the user via input means to change the mode of the device to control the amount of aerosol delivery.

[78] The controller may be configured to send an output signal to a component of the UI. The UI may be configured to convey information to the user via the output means in response to such an output signal (received from the controller). For example, if the device contains one or more LEDs, the LEDs may be operably connected to the controller. Therefore, the controller may be configured to control the lighting of the LEDs (eg, in response to an output signal). For example, the controller may be configured to control the lighting of the LEDs according to the state of the heater (eg, on or off).

[79] If the device includes a sensor (eg, a puff / airflow sensor / consumables detector sensor), the controller may be operably connected to the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (eg, indicating the condition of the device and / or the engaged aerosol-forming article). The controller may be configured to control the form of the heater or output means based on the signal from the sensor.

[80] The device provides a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly (eg, via Bluetooth® (eg, Bluetooth low energy connection) or Wi-Fi®) with an external device. Can include. Similarly, the input connection may be configured to make a wired connection to the external device to provide communication between the device and the external device.

[81] The external device may be a mobile device. For example, the external device may be a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or smart car. An application (eg, an app) may be installed on an external device (eg, a mobile device). The application can facilitate communication between the device and the external device over a wired or wireless connection.

[82] The wireless or wired interface may be configured to carry signals between the external device and the controller of the device. In this respect, the controller can control the morphology of the device in response to the signal received from the external device. Alternatively, or in addition, the external device can respond to a signal received from the device (eg, the controller of the device).

[83] In a third aspect, a system (eg, a smoking substitute system) comprising the device according to the first aspect and an aerosol-forming article is provided. The aerosol-forming article can include an aerosol-forming substrate at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming article. The article may be in the form of a smoking substitute, such as a heated tobacco (HT) consumable (also known as a non-combustible heated (HNB) consumable).

[84] In a fourth aspect, a non-combustion heating device including a heater and a controller is provided in which the controller heats the aerosol-forming substrate engaged to the heater to a predetermined operating temperature. The predetermined operating temperature is 140 to 170 ° C.

[85] Since the normal operating temperature of an HNB device is about 200 ° C. or higher, this embodiment provides a device capable of operating at a lower temperature, thereby delivering a steam with lower visibility. And thereby provide the advantages mentioned above.

[86] All of the options and preferences mentioned above in connection with the second aspect apply equally to the fourth aspect with the necessary modifications.

[87] In particular, the controller may be further configured to operate the heater to heat the aerosol-forming substrate engaged to the heater to a second predetermined operating temperature, the second predetermined. The operating temperature is higher than 170 ° C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is at least 180 ° C, for example at least 185 ° C, at least 190 ° C, at least 195 ° C, or at least 200 ° C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is above 170 ° C and below about 220 ° C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is 175-220 ° C, for example 175-215 ° C, 175-210 ° C, 180-210 ° C, 190-210 ° C, or 195-205 ° C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is about 200 ° C.

[88] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a method of reducing the amount of steam produced by a non-combustion heating device, wherein the non-combustion heating device includes a heater and a controller, and the controller is a heater. Is configured to operate to heat the aerosol-forming substrate engaged in the heater to a predetermined operating temperature, the method comprising reducing the predetermined operating temperature to a temperature of 140-170 ° C.

[89] In a sixth aspect, a system (eg, a smoking substitute system) comprising the device according to the second or fourth aspect and an aerosol-forming article is provided. The aerosol-forming article can include an aerosol-forming substrate at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming article. The article may be in the form of a smoking substitute, such as a heated tobacco (HT) consumable (also known as a non-combustible heated (HNB) consumable).

[90] A seventh aspect of the invention is a method of using a device according to a second or fourth aspect, or a system according to a sixth aspect.

[91] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the direction of vapor / aerosol flow, i.e., the downstream end of the article / consumable is due to the aerosol being inhaled by the user. The mouth end or exit that exits the consumables. The upstream end of the article / consumable is the end opposite to the downstream end.

[92] The aerosol-forming substrate can be heated to release at least one volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of the article / consumable.

[93] To produce an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one volatile compound, such volatile compound being intended to be vaporized / aerosolized and upon inhalation by the user. Can provide a distraction effect and / or a medicinal effect. Suitable chemically and / or physiologically active volatile compounds are nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opioids, cathinone and cathinone. A group consisting of (cathinone), kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A (salvinorin A), any combination, functional equivalents, and / or synthetic alternatives described above. Include with things.

[94] Aerosol-forming substrates can include plant materials.植物材料は、Ａｍａｒａｎｔｈｕｓ ｄｕｂｉｕｓ、Ａｒｃｔｏｓｔａｐｈｙｌｏｓ ｕｖａ－ｕｒｓｉ（クマコケモモ）、Ａｒｇｅｍｏｎｅ ｍｅｘｉｃａｎａ、Ａｍｉｃａ、Ａｒｔｅｍｉｓｉａ ｖｕｌｇａｒｉｓ、Ｙｅｌｌｏｗ Ｔｅｅｓ（イエローティー）、Ｇａｌｅａ ｚａｃａｔｅｃｈｉｃｈｉ、Ｃａｎａｖａｌｉａ ｍａｒｉｔｉｍａ（Ｂａｙｂｅａｎ（ベイビーン））、Ｃｅｃｒｏｐｉａ ｍｅｘｉｃａｎａ（Ｇｕａｍｕｒａ（グアムラ）） 、Ｃｅｓｔｒｕｍ ｎｏｃｔｕｍｕｍ、Ｃｙｎｏｇｌｏｓｓｕｍ ｖｉｒｇｉｎｉａｎｕｍ（ｗｉｌｄ ｃｏｍｆｒｅｙ（ワイルドコンフリー））、Ｃｙｔｉｓｕｓ ｓｃｏｐａｒｉｕｓ、ｄａｍｉａｎａ（ダミアナ）、Ｅｎｔａｄａ ｒｈｅｅｄｉｉ、Ｅｓｃｈｓｃｈｏｌｚｉａ ｃａｌｉｆｏｍｉｃａ（Ｃａｌｉｆｏｒｎｉａ Ｐｏｐｐｙ（ハナビシソウ））、Ｆｉｔｔｏｎｉａ ａｌｂｉｖｅｎｉｓ、Ｈｉｐｐｏｂｒｏｍａ ｌｏｎｇｉｆｌｏｒａ、Ｈｕｍｕｌｕｓ ｊａｐｏｎｉｃａ（Ｊａｐａｎｅｓｅ Ｈｏｐｓ（カナムグラ)), Humulus lupurus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Letuce Opium (Wild lettuce)), Laggera alata, Leonortis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Moserwort) cardinalis, Lobelia infrata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Leonurus (motherwort), Leonurus (motherwort), Leonurus (Motherwort) )), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis green. ant's Head (elephant head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia doriri (Tobacco Sage), Salvia spp. , Sida acata (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Skullcaps anaphita (Mexicana), Skullcaps, Skullcaps, Skullcaps , At least one plant material selected from the list including Skullcap, Zamia latifolia (Maconha Braava), any combination, functional equivalents, and / or synthetic alternatives described above. Can be included with.

[95] The plant material may be tobacco. Any type of tobacco may be used. This includes, but is not limited to, iron tube dried tobacco, Burleigh potatoes, Maryland tobacco, dark air dried tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark fire dried tobacco, peric tobacco, and rustica tobacco. It also includes the tobacco blends mentioned above.

[96] Tobacco includes leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, homogeneous tobacco, chopped tobacco, extruded tobacco, chopped rug tobacco, and / or reconstituted tobacco (eg, slurry recon or paper). It can include one or more of the recon).

[97] Aerosol-forming substrates can include collection sheets of homogeneous (eg, paper / slurry recon) tobacco, or collection pieces / strips formed from such sheets.

[98] Aerosol-forming substrates can include one or more additives selected from wetting agents, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous / non-aqueous solvents, and binders.

[99] The flavoring agent may be provided in solid or liquid form. Flavoring agents can include menthol, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavors (including, for example, citrus, cherries, etc.), vanilla, spices (eg, ginger, cinnamon, etc.), and tobacco flavors. The flavoring agent may be uniformly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate or may be provided at distant locations and / or at various concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

[100] The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantially columnar shape so that the article / consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. Aerosol-forming substrates can have a diameter of 5-10 mm, such as 6-9 mm or 6-8 mm, such as about 7 mm. Aerosol-forming substrates can have an axial length of 10-15 mm, for example 11-14 mm, such as about 12 or 13 mm.

[101] Articles / consumables can include at least one filter element. The end filter element may be located downstream / mouth end of the article / consumable.

[102] The filter element or at least one filter element (eg, the terminal filter element) may be composed of cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow. At least one filter element (eg, the terminal filter element) may be composed of activated carbon. At least one filter element (eg, a terminal element) may be composed of paper. The filter elements or each filter element may be circumscribed at least partially (eg, entirely) by a plug wrap, such as a paper plug wrap.

An circumscribed chip layer, such as a chip paper layer, can be used to connect end filter elements (downstream ends of articles / consumables) to upstream elements to form articles / consumables. The chip paper can have an axial length longer than the axial length of the end filter element, so the chip paper is completely circumscribed to the end filter element and the wrap layer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.

[104] In some embodiments, the article / consumable comprises an aerosol cooling element adapted to cool the aerosol produced (by heat exchange) from the aerosol-forming substrate before it is inhaled by the user. be able to.

[105] Articles / consumables can include spacer elements that define a space or cavity between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the consumable. The spacer element can include a paper cylinder. The spacer element may be circumscribed by a (paper) wrap layer.

[106] The present invention includes such combinations unless the combination of embodiments and preferred features described is expressly unacceptable or explicitly avoided.

[107] Those skilled in the art may appreciate that the features or parameters described in connection with any one of the above embodiments may apply to any other embodiment, except where they are mutually exclusive. Will be recognized. Further, except as mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may apply to any aspect and / or any other feature or parameter described herein. It may be combined with a parameter.

[108] For embodiments that illustrate the principles of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the invention can be understood and further aspects and features thereof can be recognized. I will discuss it in more detail.
[109] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a smoking substitution system. [110] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a modification of the smoking substitution system of FIG. 1A. [111] FIG. 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking substitution system in which consumables are engaged with a device. [112] FIG. 2B is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking substitution system in which consumables are detached from the device. [113] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the consumables of the first embodiment of the smoking substitution system. [114] FIG. 2D is a detailed view of the end of the device of the first embodiment of the smoking substitution system. [115] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a heat-not-burn tobacco device. [116] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment.

[117] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures. Further embodiments and embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[118] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram providing a schematic overview of the smoking substitution system 100. The system 100 includes a substitute smoking device 101 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable 102, the consumable 102 including an aerosol-forming body 103. The system is configured to evaporate the aerosol-forming body by heating the aerosol-forming body 103 (forming the vapor / aerosol for inhalation by the user).

[119] In the system shown, the heater 104 is configured to form part of the consumables 102 and heat the aerosol-forming body 103. In this modification, the heater 104 is electrically connectable to the power source 105, for example when the consumables 102 are engaged with the device 101. The heat from the heater 104 evaporates the aerosol forming body 103 to generate steam. The vapor then condenses to form an aerosol, which is finally aspirated by the user.

[120] The system 100 further includes a power source 105, which forms part of the device 101. In other embodiments, the power supply 105 may be located outside the device 101 (although it may be connectable to the device 101). The power source 105 can be electrically connected to the heater 104 so that power can be supplied to the heater 104 (that is, for the purpose of heating the aerosol forming body 103). Therefore, by controlling the electrical connection of the power source 105 to the heater 104, control of the state of the heater 104 is provided. The power source 105 may be a power store, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery (eg, a lithium ion battery).

[121] System 100 further includes an I / O module including a connector 106 (eg, in the form of a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured to connect to an external power source, such as a power supply port. The connector 106 may be used as a substitute for the power supply 105. That is, the connector 106 may be electrically connectable to the heater 104 so as to supply electricity to the heater 104. In such an embodiment, the device does not have to include a power source, instead the power source of the system may include a connector 106 and an external power source (where the connector 106 provides an electrical connection).

[122] In some embodiments, the connector 106 may be used to charge and recharge the power source 105 if the power source 105 comprises a rechargeable battery.

[123] System 100 also includes a user interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 can include input means for receiving commands from the user. The input means of the UI 107 allows the user to control at least one form of operation of the system 100. The input means may be in the form of, for example, a button, a touch screen, a switch, a microphone, a motion sensor, or the like.

[124] UI 107 also includes output means for communicating information to the user. The output means can include, for example, a light (eg, an LED), a display screen, a speaker, a vibration generator, and the like.

[125] The system 100 further includes a controller 108 configured to control at least one function of the device 101. In the embodiments shown, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but in other embodiments it may be separate from the device 101 (but connectable to the device 101). The controller 108 may be configured to control the operation of the heater 104, for example, to control the voltage applied to the heater 104 from the power source 105. The controller 108 toggles the power supply to the heater 104 between an on state in which the total output voltage of the power supply 105 is applied to the heater 104 and an off state in which no voltage is applied to the heater 104. May be configured.

[126] Although not shown, the system 100 can also include a voltage regulator for adjusting the output voltage from the power source 105 to form a regulated voltage. The adjustment voltage may then be applied to the heater 104.

[127] In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 is operably connected to the UI 107. Therefore, the controller 108 can receive the input signal from the input means of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 can transmit an output signal to the UI 107. In response, the output means of the UI 107 can convey information to the user based on the output signal. The controller also includes a memory 109, which is a non-volatile memory. The memory 109 includes an instruction, which, when executed, causes the controller to perform a particular task or step of the method.

[128] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the system 100 of FIG. 1A. In the system 100'of FIG. 1B, the heater 104 forms part of the device 101 rather than the consumables 102. In this modification, the heater 104 is electrically connected to the power source 105.

[129] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a heated tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system 200. The system 200 is an example of the systems 100, 100'described in connection with FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B. The system 200 includes the HT device 201 and the HT consumables 202. The above description of FIGS. 1A and 1B is also applicable to the system 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B and will therefore not be repeated.

[130] The device 201 and the consumables 202 are configured to allow the consumables 202 to engage the device 201. FIG. 2A shows the device 201 and the consumables 202 engaged, and FIG. 2B shows the device 201 and the consumables 202 disconnected.

[131] Device 201 includes a body 209 and a cap 210. In use, the cap 210 is engaged at the end of the body 209. Although not clear from these figures, the cap 210 is movable with respect to the body 209. In particular, the cap 210 is slidable and can slide along the longitudinal axis of the main body 209.

[132] The device 201 is an output means (part of the UI of the device 201) in the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 linearly arranged on the outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201 along the longitudinal axis of the device 201. Includes). The button 212 is also located on the outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201 and is axially (ie, along the longitudinal axis) isolated from the plurality of LEDs 211.

[133] FIG. 2C shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the consumables 202 of the system 200. Consumables 202 are generally similar to cigarettes. In that respect, the consumables 202 have a substantially columnar shape with a diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 70 mm. Consumables 202 include an aerosol-forming substrate 213, an end filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215, and a spacer element 216. In other embodiments, the consumables may further include a cooling element. The cooling element can cool the vapor by exchanging heat with the vapor formed by the aerosol-forming substrate 213 to facilitate the condensation of the vapor.

[134] The aerosol-forming substrate 213 is substantially columnar, located at the upstream end 217 of the consumables 202, and includes the aerosol-forming body of the system 200. In that respect, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release vapor. The released vapor is then entrained in an air stream flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The air flow is created by the action of the user inhaling at the downstream end 218 (ie, the end or mouth end) of the consumable 202.

[135] In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 comprises a tobacco material, the tobacco material comprising, for example, any suitable portion of a tobacco plant (eg, leaves, stems, roots, skins, seeds, and flowers). be able to. Tobacco is of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, homogeneous tobacco, chopped tobacco, extruded tobacco, chopped rug tobacco, and / or reconstituted tobacco (eg, slurry recon or paper recon). It can include one or more. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 can include a collection sheet of homogeneous (eg, paper / slurry recon) tobacco, or collection pieces / strips formed from such sheets.

[136] To produce an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 comprises at least one volatile compound, such a volatile compound is intended to be vaporized / aerosolized and when inhaled. The user can be provided with a distraction effect and / or a medicinal effect. The aerosol-forming substrate 213 can further comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of wetting agents (eg, propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin), flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous / non-aqueous solvents, and / or binders.

[137] The terminal filter element 214 is also substantially columnar and is located at the downstream end 218 of the consumables 202, downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The end filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow filter element in which holes 219 (eg, for airflow) are formed. The diameter of the hole 219 is 2 mm. The terminal filter element 214 is formed from a porous (eg, monoacetate) filter material. As mentioned above, the downstream end 218 of the consumables 202 (ie, where the end filter 214 is located) forms the mouthpiece portion of the consumables 202 that the user inhales. Airflow is drawn in from the upstream end 217 through the components of the consumables 202 and exits from the downstream end 218. The air flow is driven by the user sucking in at the downstream end 218 (ie, the mouthpiece portion) of the consumables 202.

[138] The upstream filter element 215 is located axially adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 213 between the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and the terminal filter element 214. Like the terminal filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow filter element, with holes 220 extending axially through the hollow filter element. In this way, the upstream filter 215 can act as an air flow limiter. The upstream filter element 215 is formed from a porous (eg, monoacetate) filter material. The hole 220 of the upstream filter element 215 has a larger diameter (3 mm) than the terminal filter element 214.

[139] The spacer 216 is in the form of a paper cylinder and defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214. The spacer 216 acts to allow both vapor / aerosol cooling and mixing from the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The spacer has an outer diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14 mm.

[140] Although not apparent from these figures, the aerosol-forming substrate 213, upstream filter 215, and spacer 216 are circumscribed by a paper wrap layer. The end filter 214 is circumscribed by the chip layer, which also circumscribes a portion of the paper wrap layer (to connect the end filter 214 to the remaining components of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and the terminal filter 214 are circumscribed by an additional layer of wrap in the form of a plug wrap.

[141] With reference to device 201 again, FIG. 2D shows a detailed view of the end of device 201 configured to engage consumables 202. The cap 210 of the device 201 includes an opening 221 into the internal cavity 222 defined by the cap 210 (more obvious from FIG. 2D). The openings 221 and cavities 222 are formed to receive at least a portion of the consumables 202. When the consumables 202 are engaged with the device 201, a portion of the consumables 202 is received into the cavity 222 through the opening 221. After engagement (see FIG. 2B), the downstream end 218 of the consumables 202 projects from the opening 221 and thus also from the device 201. The opening 221 includes a laterally arranged notch 226. When the consumables 202 are received in the opening 221 these notches 226 remain open and can be used, for example, to hold a cover for covering the ends of the device 201.

[142] FIG. 2E shows a cross-sectional view of a central longitudinal plane through device 201. The device 201 is shown with the consumables 202 engaged.

[143] Device 201 includes a heater 204, the heater 204 comprising a heating element 223. The heater 204 forms part of the body 209 of the device 201 and is tightly attached to the body 209. In the embodiments shown, the heater 204 is a rod heater and the heating element 223 has a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments, the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (eg, a heating element having a rectangular transverse profile) or a tubular heater (eg, a heating element having a tubular shape).

[144] The heating element 223 of the heater 204 projects from the internal base of the cavity 222 toward the opening 221 along the longitudinal axis. As is clear from this figure, the length of the heating element (ie, the length along the longitudinal axis) is smaller than the depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude from or extend beyond the opening 221.

[145] When the consumables 202 are received in the cavity 222 (shown in FIG. 2E), the heating element 223 penetrates into the aerosol-forming substrate 213 of the consumables 202. In particular, the heating element 223, when inserted, extends over almost the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate 213. Therefore, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is radially transferred from the outer peripheral surface of the heating element 223 to the aerosol-forming substrate 213.

[146] Alternatively, the heater 204 is movably attached to the body 209. The heater can be moved longitudinally so that the longitudinal position of the heating element 223 can be varied, thereby controlling the exposure of consumables to the heating element.

[147] Device 201 further includes an electronic device cavity 224. A power source in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (lithium ion battery) is located in the electronic device cavity 224.

[148] Device 201 includes a connector in the form of USB port 206 (ie, forming part of the IO module of device 201). For example, the connector may otherwise be, for example, a micro USB port or a USB-C port. The USB port 206 may be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 205.

[149] Device 201 includes a controller (not shown) located in the electrical device cavity 224. The controller includes a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to the controller 208 (ie, connected to the PCB and microcontroller).

[150] Controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of device 202. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the operation of the heater 204. Such control of the operation of the heater 204 may be achieved by the controller toggled the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery 205 to the heater 204. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in response to the user pressing the button 212. By pressing the button 212, the controller may allow a voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to the heater 204 (the heating element 223 is heated).

[151] The controller is also configured to control the LED 211 in response to a (eg, detected) state of device 201 or consumables 202. For example, the controller can control the LEDs to indicate whether the device 201 is on or off (eg, when the device is on, one or more of the LEDs , May be lit by the controller).

[152] Device 201 includes additional input means (ie, in addition to button 212) in the form of puff sensor 225. The puff sensor 225 is configured to detect that the user has inhaled (ie, inhaled) at the downstream end 218 of the consumables 202. The puff sensor 225 may be in the form of, for example, a pressure sensor, a flow meter, or a microphone. The puff sensor 225 is operably connected to the controller 208 in the electrical device cavity 224, so a signal from the puff sensor 225 indicating the puff state (ie, sucking or not sucking) forms an input to the controller 208. (Therefore, it may be reacted by controller 208).

[153] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the heat-not-burn tobacco device 301.

[154] Device 301 includes a heater 304 that includes a heating element.

[155] Device 301 includes a consumable detector sensor 328 and a puff sensor 325. The signal from the puff sensor is used to activate a mode change from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode to the first mode after detecting a predetermined puff signal from the user. It's okay. In some embodiments, the predetermined puff signal may be, for example, that the puff by the user exceeds the puff duration threshold. In some embodiments, the puff sensor 325 detects a predetermined puff duration and then changes modes from a first mode to a second mode, or from a second mode to a first mode. The signal can be given to the controller 308.

[156] The consumables detector sensor 328 is configured to detect various types of consumables or cigarettes. The consumable detector sensor 328 can detect the level of nicotine content present in tobacco. The consumables detector sensor 328 can detect chemicals or molecules, for example, to identify levels of tobacco and / or nicotine content. The consumable detector sensor 328 may be as a biosensor, which in use contacts the consumables to identify the type of cigarette or nicotine level. The consumables detector sensor 328 may be the aerosol sensor, which detects the chemicals present in the aerosol from the consumables to detect tobacco type and / or nicotine levels. The consumable detector sensor 328 is operably coupled to the controller 308. The consumables detector sensor 328 can signal the controller 308 to indicate the type of cigarette present in the consumables 202. The signal from the consumables detector sensor 328 forms an input to the controller 308, which controller 308 selects an operating mode based on this input.

[157] Controller 308 is configured to operate the heater of device 202 according to at least two user-selectable operating modes. The two user-selectable operation modes are the first and second modes. The first mode may be considered normal or standard mode. In the first mode, a first amount of nicotine is delivered to the user. The second mode may be considered a "boost" or "powerful" mode. In the second mode, a second amount of nicotine is delivered to the user. The second quantity is larger than the first quantity. In other words, the device delivers more nicotine to the user when operating in the second mode than in the first mode.

[158] There are multiple mode of operation mechanisms to achieve differences in nicotine delivery between modes of operation. Some of such mechanisms are illustrated here. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other mechanisms are possible.

[159] In some embodiments, the duration of the consumable cycle is longer in the second mode than in the first mode. In other words, the heater is maintained at the operating temperature in the second mode for a longer period of time than in the first mode. Therefore, the device is capable of delivering a larger amount of nicotine in the second mode than in the first mode. For example, the heater operates for 5 minutes in the second mode instead of 4 minutes in the first mode. This allows the user to obtain a "powerful" consumable cycle in which more nicotine is delivered. A consumable cycle is a period in which a single consumable is heated for use by the user.

[160] In some embodiments, in the second mode, the controller 308 is configured to operate the heater at a higher temperature than in the first mode. At higher temperatures, more nicotine may be output for each puff made by the user. Therefore, nicotine is delivered in the second mode at a faster rate than in the first mode. The controller 308 may be configured to increase the temperature of the heater 304 by controlling the power supply to the heater.

[161] The second mode can be selected by the user by using the user interface of the device. The user interface can include at least one of a button, a touch screen, a motion sensor, or a voice recognition means. Any of these components may be used to select or change the operating mode of the device. In embodiments that include motion sensors, the device may be configured to change mode of operation in response to detecting that a predetermined motion of the device has been performed by the user.

[162] In some embodiments, the device has a default mode, which is one of a first or second mode of operation. The device operates according to the default mode until the user changes the mode (eg, using the device's user interface). In some embodiments, the device is configured to allow the user to change the default mode. In some embodiments, the device is configured to select a default mode based on the device usage history.

[163] In an alternative proposal configured to regulate the visibility of the vapor formed from the aerosol-forming substrate, the controller 208 is configured to operate the heater of device 201 according to at least two alternative modes. Ru. These modes may be user-selectable modes. The two user operation modes are the first and second modes. In the first mode, the controller 208 is configured to control the heating of the heater 204 within a predetermined range. In one embodiment, the predetermined range is 140-170 ° C. In this mode, the steam produced is less visible. In addition, the controller 208 is configured to deliver, in the first mode, nicotine and flavor in the aerosol / vapor, which is primarily produced from the aerosol-forming substrate 202, with minimal or zero aerosol visibility. The second mode is the normal / standard mode, and the visibility of the vapor produced from the aerosol-forming substrate 202 is greater than that of the first mode. In the second mode, the controller is configured to maintain the temperature of the heater above 170 ° C (eg, about 200 ° C). The controller 208 is configured to operate the device in a first mode or a second mode throughout the consumable cycle. The operating temperature for the first mode can vary depending on the type of aerosol-forming substrate 202 selected.

[164] Controller 208 is configured to change the airflow through the device in order to change the pressure drop in the consumables and ultimately the amount of vapor produced. Changing the airflow causes a pressure drop in the device. The pressure drop has a correlation with the visibility of the vapor formed. Therefore, a low pressure drop gives visible steam, and as the pressure drop increases, the visibility of the steam decreases. Therefore, in order to operate the device in the first mode, the controller 208 adjusts the airflow to produce a higher pressure drop. In addition, the device includes a mechanism for controlling the flow rate of air entering the device. Alternatively, the device can control the opening of the device's inlet port (not shown) to vary the pressure drop of the airflow entering the device. Similarly, the opening of the air flow passage formed in the device can be modified to vary the pressure drop in the device.

[165] The controller 208 may also be configured to move the heater 204 relative to the aerosol-forming substrate 202 in order to change the amount of contact between the heater and the substrate according to the mode selected. The contact amount of the heater in the first mode is smaller than that in the second mode. That is, in the first mode, the exposure of the aerosol-forming substrate to the heater is smaller than the exposure of the aerosol-forming substrate to the heater in the second mode. The exposure of the aerosol-forming substrate 202 to the heater can change the visibility of the vapor. In the first mode, the exposure of the aerosol-forming substrate 202 is reduced, and as a result, the amount of heat transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 202 is also reduced. Therefore, the controller 202 can move the heater 204 relative to the aerosol-forming substrate 202 so as to change the amount of contact between the heater 204 and the aerosol-forming substrate 202. Alternatively, the controller can vary the length of the cavity 222 for insertion / retention of the aerosol-forming substrate / consumables 202, varying the amount of contact between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate 202. Therefore, the heater can be kept fixed.

[166] The features disclosed in the above description, or the claims below, or in the accompanying drawings, are in their particular form, or means of performing the disclosed function, or to obtain the disclosed results. The method or process is appropriately expressed and may be utilized to realize the invention in a wide variety of forms thereof, either separately or in any combination of such features.

Although the invention has been described with exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those of skill in the art given this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above are considered to be exemplary rather than limiting. Various changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the gist and scope of the invention.

[168] To avoid any doubt, all theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purpose of improving the reader's understanding. We do not want to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[169] All item names used herein are for structural purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[170] Throughout the specification, including the scope of the claims that follow, the words "have," "comprise," and "include," and "having," unless otherwise required by the context. , "Comprises," "comprising," and "incuring," although variations will be understood to imply including the described perfect or step, or a group of perfect or step. It does not exclude any other perfect or step, or group of perfect or step.

[171] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" shall include multiple references unless expressly indicated otherwise. Please note. As used herein, the range may be expressed as "about" one particular value and / or "about" another particular value. When such a range is represented, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, by using the prefix "about", it will be appreciated that when a value is expressed as an approximation, a particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" associated with the numerical value is optional and means, for example, ± 10%.

[172] The words "preferred" and "preferred" are used herein to refer to embodiments of the invention that can provide a particular benefit under some circumstances. Will be done. However, it should be understood that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. Accordingly, reference to one or more preferred embodiments does not imply or imply that the other embodiments are not useful and exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure or claims. It is not intended.

Claims (14)

Heat-not-burn tobacco device
With a heater,
The operating mode is selectable by the user via user input means, including a controller configured to operate the heater according to at least two user selectable operating modes.
The heater is adapted to engage with a heated tobacco consumable, wherein the heated tobacco consumable contains an active ingredient for delivery to the user.
The at least two user-selectable operation modes are
A first mode in which the heater operates to deliver a first amount of active ingredient to the user.
The heater comprises a second mode in which the heater operates to deliver a second amount of active ingredient to the user.
A heat-not-burn tobacco device in which the second amount of active ingredient is greater than the first amount of active ingredient. The device of claim 1, wherein in the second mode, the controller operates the heater to deliver the active ingredient at a faster rate than in the first mode. The controller is configured to operate the heater at a first operating temperature in the first mode and at a second operating temperature in the second mode. The device according to claim 1 or 2, which is higher than the first operating temperature. The controller is configured to operate the heater for the first consumable cycle duration in the first mode and for the second consumable cycle duration in the second mode. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second consumable cycle duration is longer than the first consumable cycle duration. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller is configured to select from at least the two operating modes based on the user default mode. The device of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to allow the user to set the user default mode. The device of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to set the user default mode based on the usage history of the device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the active ingredient is nicotine. The device of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising a consumables detector sensor that detects the type of consumables engaged with the heater or the active ingredient content of the consumables. 9. The controller is configured to select from at least two modes of operation based on the active ingredient content of the type of consumables detected or the consumables of the type detected. The device described. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the user input means includes a button. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the user input means includes a touch screen. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the user input means includes a motion sensor that detects a predetermined movement of the device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the user input means includes a voice recognition means.

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