JP2022525973A - Smoking substitute system - Google Patents

Abstract

The non-combustion heating device is configured to switch from lock operation mode to unlock operation mode based on detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event and / or receiving a predetermined user input, and is non-combustion. The heater of the heating device is configured to be disabled during the locking mode and enabled during the unlocking mode. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

[1] The present invention relates to, but is not limited to, a smoking substitution system, including a non-combustion heating device, and a method of operating the device in different operating modes.

[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] Currently available HT smoking substitute devices are typically shipped in standby mode. That is, the HT smoking substitute device may be supplied with sufficient energy stored in the built-in battery so that it can be used as soon as the user removes the device from the packaging. However, such devices can be inadvertently activated during storage or transportation, thereby presenting a safety risk.

[15] 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.

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

[17] Most commonly, the present invention is configured to switch from a lock operation mode to an unlock operation mode based on the detection of the occurrence of a predetermined event or the receipt of a predetermined user input. Regarding non-combustion heating devices.

[18] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the lock operation mode is switched to the unlock operation mode based on the detection of the occurrence of a predetermined event and / or the reception of a predetermined user input. The non-combustion heating device is provided as described above, and the heater of the non-combustion heating device is configured to be disabled during the lock operation mode and enabled during the unlock operation mode. ..

[19] Accidental or unwarranted device activation during storage and / or shipping of the device by providing a non-combustion heated device that leaves the device's heater in an disabled or inactive state in lock mode. Can be avoided. A more versatile device is provided that intelligently keeps the device's heater in a disabled state when shipped and / or stored. Therefore, the device should not activate the heater if the on button is unintentionally pressed during lock mode and / or during shipment of the device.

[20] In lock mode of operation, the device is not deactivated as a whole. That is, when put into the lock operation mode, the heater may be deactivated, but the device may remain in operation, for example the controller and user interface of the device may remain in operation. More specifically, in the lock operation mode, the battery of the device does not energize the heater via the controller.

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

[22] Optionally, the device may include a controller configured to switch the device from a locked mode of operation to an unlocked mode of operation and enable the heater in the unlocked mode of operation. For example, the device heater may not be energized in unlocked mode of operation and may require additional user input to activate the device heater.

[23] Optionally, the predetermined user input comprises a predetermined user press sequence in the user interface of the device. The user interface may be a button or another user interface such as a switch and a touch-sensitive screen. A predetermined user press sequence can minimize the possibility of switching the device from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode by randomly pressing a button during shipment / packaging of the device. For example, a predetermined user press sequence is configured such that a random press in the user interface is less likely to match the predetermined user press sequence. Thus, the device can intelligently prevent unintended device activation during storage and / or shipping. For example, a predetermined user press or button press sequence may (i) press the button a predetermined number of times, eg, five times, (ii) press the button and hold it for a predetermined period, eg, 3 seconds. (Iii) The button may be pressed a predetermined number of times, and the button may be held down for a predetermined period while each button is pressed.

[24] Optionally, the predetermined user input comprises a predetermined movement of the device, which further comprises a motion sensor for detecting the predetermined movement. The motion sensor may be configured to sense the movement or vibration of the device, whereby the controller may be configured to recognize the pattern of the sensed motion and compare it to a given motion. When the perceived pattern of perceived movement matches a given movement, the controller can switch the device from lock operation mode to unlock operation mode. The predetermined movement includes, for example, one or more of a swirling movement, an arcing or swaying movement, and a longitudinal movement.

[25] Optionally, the heater is configured to be enabled in unlock operation mode when further user input is received by the device, the predetermined user input being different from the further user input. This can provide an extra safety layer to avoid unwanted activation of the heater. For example, if a device is inadvertently switched from locked mode to unlocked mode, the device's heater remains inactive until additional user input is entered on the device, eg, in the user interface. May be. Predetermined user input and additional user input may be input in the same user interface or may be input in different user interfaces.

[26] Optionally, the given event is i) an electrical connection has been established between the device and the external device, ii) relative movement between the cap of the device and the body of the device (eg). , The cap of the device is lifted from the device), and iii) the device is engaged with consumables, including one or more. This can provide the benefit of switching the device from the locked mode of operation to the unlocked mode of operation only with user intervention. That is, none of these events can occur without physical user intervention during storage and / or shipping of the device, and thus the device can be further prevented from accidental activation.

[27] For example, said relative movement involves removing or lifting the cap from the body of the device. Such movement may be detected by a microswitch or trigger provided between the cap and the body of the device. For example, establishing the electrical connection involves connecting the device to an external device such as a computing device or power supply. Both of these given events can indicate the user's onset of use of the device, and therefore when the controller detects the lifting of the cap and the connection of the device to an external device or power source, the controller locks the device from the operating mode. It is advantageous to be able to switch to the unlock operation mode.

[28] For example, in some embodiments, the consumable may be packaged separately from the device during storage and shipping, so that the device is such that the consumable is engaged with the device, eg consumable. When it detects that the device has been inserted into the cavity of the device, the controller can determine the user's first use of the device, and thus the controller can switch the device from lock operation mode to unlock operation mode. ..

[29] Optionally, the device is configured to switch from unlocking mode to locking mode upon receiving a second predetermined user input, the second predetermined user input being the user of the device. It is a second predetermined user pressing sequence in the interface, and the second predetermined user input is different from the predetermined user input. This allows the user to reactivate the lock operation mode, which is advantageous to prevent accidental activation of the heater. This can be especially beneficial when the device is being transported, for example during a daily commute, or when it is taken on an airplane.

[30] 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).

[31] 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. In one embodiment, the heater of the device is configured to be disabled in lock mode and enabled in unlock mode. However, the device heater is enabled in the unlock operating mode, but the device heater should require additional user input to be activated.

[32] 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.

[33] 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.

[34] 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.

[35] 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.

[36] 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.

[37] The heating element can have a smaller 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).

[38] 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.

[39] 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.

[40] 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.

[41] 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.

[42] 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. ..

[43] 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).

[44] 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.

[45] 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.

[46] 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 one embodiment, the UI input means may be configured to receive user input in order to switch the device from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode. In one embodiment, the user input for switching the device from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode may be a predetermined button pressing sequence. In one example, the input means can also include touch screen input and the like.

[47] 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 be configured to indicate to the user the current mode of operation of the device. For example, the output means may be one of a tactile feedback means, a voice feedback means, and a visual feedback means, which means that it has detected the occurrence of a predetermined event or has received a predetermined user input. Based on at least one of these, it is configured to indicate to the user the switching of the device from lock mode to unlock mode. In some embodiments, the output means may also include a light to indicate to the user the condition of the device (and / or aerosol-forming article). 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.

[48] 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.).

[49] 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.

[50] The controller is coupled to the heater and is configured to control the operation of the heater (and, for example, the heating element). In some embodiments, the controller is configured to switch the device from locked operating mode to unlocked operating mode and enable the heater in unlocked operating mode in response to receiving additional user input. It's okay. In addition, 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 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.

[51] 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. In some embodiments, the voltage regulator may be used to control the supply of voltage to the heater in locked and unlocked modes of operation. For example, in the lock operation mode, no voltage is supplied to the heater, and in the unlock mode, the heater is configured to receive voltage from the power source.

[52] 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. Further, the controller receives a command for switching the device from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode via the user input means, and detects the occurrence of a predetermined event in response to the command, or the predetermined user input. May be configured to indicate that the unlock operation mode has been disabled by the output means based on the receipt of.

[53] 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). In another example, the controller may be configured to control the lighting of an LED indicating that the device has been switched to unlock operation mode. Further, the controller may be configured to indicate that the device has been switched from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode by other output means such as a tactile sensor and a voice sensor.

[54] If the device includes a sensor (eg, a puff / airflow 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.

[55] 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.

[56] 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.

[57] 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).

[58] In a second 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).

[59] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the direction of vapor / aerosol flow, that is, the downstream end of an article / consumable is for the aerosol to be 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.

[60] 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.

[61] 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.

[62] 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.

[63] 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.

[64] 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).

[65] The aerosol-forming substrate can include a collection sheet of homogeneous (eg, paper / slurry recon) tobacco, or collection pieces / strips formed from such sheets.

[66] The aerosol-forming substrate can include one or more additives selected from wetting agents, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous / non-aqueous solvents, and binders.

[67] 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.

[68] 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.

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

[70] 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.

[71] 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.

[72] 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.

[73] The article / consumable may include a spacer element that defines 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.

[74] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of using the system according to the second aspect is provided, in which an aerosol-forming article is inserted into the device and a heater of the device is used. Includes heating the article.

[75] In some embodiments, the method can include inserting the article into a cavity within the body of the device and, when inserting the article, penetrating the article into the heating element of the device. ..

[76] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of switching a non-combustion heating device from a lock operation mode to an unlock operation mode, in which the detection of the occurrence of a predetermined event and the occurrence of a predetermined event are provided. / Or receiving a given user input and switching the non-combustion heating device from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode, the heater of the non-combustion heating device is disabled during the lock operation mode. And configured to be enabled during the unlock operation mode.

[77] Optionally, receiving the predetermined user input includes receiving a predetermined user press sequence in the user interface of the device and / or detecting a predetermined movement of the device in the motion sensor of the device. ..

[78] Optionally, the detection of the occurrence of a given event is i) that an electrical connection has been established between the device and the external device, ii) the movement of the cap of the device, and iii) the device. Includes detecting one or more of the consumables being engaged in.

[79] Optionally, this method further comprises receiving additional user input on the device to enable the heater during the unlock operation mode, where the given user input is different from the additional user input. ..

[80] Optionally, the method further comprises switching from the unlocking mode to the locking mode when a second predetermined user input is received, the second predetermined user input being the user of the device. It is a second predetermined user pressing sequence in the interface, and the predetermined user input is different from the second predetermined user input.

[81] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a device is provided, which method comprises putting the device into a locking mode of operation and packaging the device. By packaging the device in the locked mode of operation, accidental or unwarranted activation of the device may be avoided during storage and / or shipping of the device.

[82] Optionally, the packaging comprises packaging the device into a product packaging, and the user interface of the device is configured to be evaluable when the device is accepted into the product packaging.

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

[84] 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.

[85] 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.
[86] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a smoking substitution system. [87] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a modification of the smoking substitution system of FIG. 1A. [88] FIG. 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking substitution system in which consumables are engaged with a device. [89] FIG. 2B is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking substitution system in which consumables are detached from the device. [90] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the consumables of the first embodiment of the smoking substitution system. [91] FIG. 2D is a detailed perspective view of the end of the device of the first embodiment of the smoking substitution system. [92] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the smoking substitution system. [93] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing how to operate the system.

[94] 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.

[95] 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).

[96] 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. In some embodiments, the heater 104 is configured to be disabled in the locking mode and remain enabled in the unlocking mode.

[97] 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 is electrically connectable to the heater 104 so that the power source 105 can supply power to the heater 104 (ie, 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).

[98] The system 100 further includes an I / O module including a connector 106 (eg, in the form of a USB port, a Micro USB port, a 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).

[99] 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.

[100] The 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, or the like.

[101] 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.

[102] The system 100 further includes a controller 108 and a memory 109 operably coupled to the controller 108, the controller 108 being 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 is configured to switch the device from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode based on detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event or receiving a predetermined user input. The controller 108 may be configured to control the operation of the heater 104, for example the controller may be configured to disable the heater 104 in the lock operation mode and enable the heater 104 in the unlock operation mode. .. The controller 108 may be further configured to control the operation of the heater 104, for example, may be configured 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. Further, in one example, the controller 108 may be configured to power the heater 104 in unlock mode when it receives further user input, and the controller 108 powers the heater 104 in lock mode. It is configured not to provide.

[103] 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.

[104] 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.

[105] Further, the system can also include a sensor 110 coupled to a controller 108 in a non-combustion heated device 101. The sensor 110 may be a motion sensor mounted within a device (not shown), the motion sensor being configured to generate an input in response to detection of motion of the device 101. The controller 108 is configured to switch the device 101 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode in response to receiving the input from the sensor 110.

[106] 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.

[107] 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 an HT device 201 configured to switch from a lock operation mode to an unlock operation mode based on detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event and / or receiving a predetermined user input. Includes 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.

[108] The device 201 and the consumables 202 are configured so that the consumables 202 can be engaged with 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.

[109] 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.

[110] 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.

[111] 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.

[112] 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.

[113] 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.

[114] 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.

[115] 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.

[116] 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.

[117] 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.

[118] 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.

[119] 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.

[120] 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.

[121] 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).

[122] 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.

[123] 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.

[124] 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.

[125] 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.

[126] 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). The controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of the device 201. 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).

[127] In one embodiment, the controller 208 is configured to switch the device 201 between two modes of operation, i.e., from a lock operation mode to an unlock operation mode. In one embodiment, the controller 208 is configured to switch the device 201 from a lock operation mode to an unlock operation mode based on detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event and / or receiving a predetermined user input. May be done. In one example, the predetermined user input for switching the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode may include a predetermined user press or button press sequence on the button 212. For example, a predetermined button pressing sequence may include (i) pressing the button 212 a predetermined number of times, eg, five times, (ii) pressing the button 212 and holding it for a predetermined period of time, eg, 3 seconds, or ( iii) The button 212 may be pressed a predetermined number of times, and the button 212 may be held down for a predetermined period while each button is pressed. The heater 204 of the device 201 remains disabled in the lock operation mode, for example the heater 204 is not energized during the lock operation mode. Therefore, when the controller 208 switches the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode, the controller 208 enables the heater 204.

[128] Enabling the heater 204 during the unlocked operating state does not necessarily mean that the heater 204 is active (eg, energized), which also means heating. If additional user input for activating the vessel 204 is received by the device 201, it can include a state in which the heater 204 is ready to receive power from the power source. Thus, in some embodiments, the heater 204 is activated only upon receiving the additional user input from the device 201, eg, via the UI. The predetermined user input for switching the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode is different from the additional user input required to activate the heater 204 in the unlock operation mode.

[129] Controller 208 is further configured to switch device 201 from lock mode to unlock mode when it detects the occurrence of a given event, for example one or more of the given conditions. .. For example, the controller 208 may be configured to switch the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode when it detects that the cap 210 of the device 201 has been lifted from the device 201. Such movement may be detected by an electronic or mechanical trigger provided between the cap 210 and the device 201. In another example, controller 208 locks device 201 when it detects that a connection has been established between device 201 and an external computing device, for example via a USB socket or an external power source, such as a wall socket. It may be configured to switch from the operating mode to the unlocking operating mode. In another example, the controller 208 may be configured to switch the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode when it detects that the consumables 202 have been inserted into the cavity 222 of the device 201. Such engagement may be detected by an electronic or mechanical trigger provided in the cavity 222.

[130] A given event can include the occurrence of multiple events. For example, the controller 208 may be configured to switch the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode when it detects both the movement of the cap 210 and the insertion of the consumable 202 into the cavity 222.

[131] In some embodiments, the controller 208 is configured to switch the device 201 from a lock operation mode to an unlock operation mode in response to receiving an input from the sensor 110. The sensor 110 may be a motion sensor that generates the input in response to detection of motion of the device 201. In one example, the sensor 110 may be configured to generate the input when the device is moved in a particular predetermined pattern. In another example, the controller 207 is configured to analyze the movement of the device and match it with a predetermined pattern stored in memory, thereby locking the device 201 when a positive match is registered. Switch from mode to unlock operation mode. The predetermined movement includes, for example, one or more of a swirling movement, an arcing or swaying movement, and a longitudinal movement.

[132] In another embodiment, the controller 208 is further configured to switch from an unlock operation mode to a lock operation mode, eg, to reactivate the lock operation mode. In particular, the controller 208 reactivates the lock operation mode in response to receiving a second predetermined user input, eg, a second predetermined user press sequence in the UI. In one embodiment, the second predetermined user input is different from the predetermined user input for reactivating the lock operation mode on the device 201.

[133] The controller 208 is also configured to control the LED 211 in response to a (eg, detected) state of the 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). In addition, the controller 208 controls the LED to indicate that the device 201 has been switched from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode, for example, whether the device is in the lock operation state or the unlock operation state. Can be done. The device 201 further includes other output means such as a tactile sensor, a voice sensor, etc. to provide tactile / voice feedback indicating that the device 201 has been switched from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode.

[134] Device 202 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).

[135] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a method of switching the device from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode.

[136] As shown in FIG. 3, method 300 includes one or more blocks performed by controller 208 of device 201. Method 300 may be described in the general context of controller executable instructions. In general, controller executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions that perform specific functions or perform specific abstract data types.

[137] The order in which Method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of described method blocks may be combined in any order to carry out Method 300. You can do it. In addition, individual blocks may be removed from Method 300 without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Further, the method 300 may be carried out with any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[138] At block 301, the controller 208 receives a predetermined user input or detects the occurrence of a predetermined event required to switch the device from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode. It is configured to do at least one of.

[139] In one exemplary embodiment, the predetermined user input received by the controller 208 for switching the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode may include a predetermined button press sequence. For example, the predetermined button pressing sequence is (i) pressing the button 212 a predetermined number of times, for example five times, (ii) pressing the button 212 and holding it for a predetermined period of time, for example, 3 seconds. Alternatively, (iii) the button 212 may be pressed a predetermined number of times, and the button 212 may be held down for a predetermined period while each button is pressed.

[140] In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined event for switching the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode can include a plurality of events or conditions. For example, the controller 208 may be configured to switch the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode when it detects that the cap 210 of the device 201 has been lifted. In another example, when the controller 208 detects that a connection has been established between the device 201 and one of the external computing device and the external power supply, the controller 208 changes the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode. It may be configured to switch. In another example, the controller 208 may be configured to switch the device 201 from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode when it detects the insertion of the consumables 202 into the cavity 222 of the device 201. At block 302, the controller 208 pre-registers / stores (i) whether the user input matches a predetermined input stored in memory 109, or (ii) a detected event in memory 109. Detects whether or not it matches a predetermined event.

[141] At block 303, controller 208 travels along the path of "yes" to switch the device from lock operation mode to unlock operation mode. In this method, (i) the received user input matches a predetermined user input stored in the memory 109, or (ii) the detected event is registered / stored in the memory 109. Only after confirming that the event is matched, the process proceeds to block 303. This method then proceeds to block 304, where controller 208 activates heater 204 of device 201.

[142] At block 305, controller 208 proceeds along the path of "No", either because (i) the user input does not match a predetermined user input match stored in memory 109, or (ii) detected. Since the recorded event does not match the predetermined event recorded / stored in the memory 109, the device is not switched from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode.

[143] 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.

[144] 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.

[145] 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.

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

[147] 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 preclude any other perfect or step, or group of perfect or step.

[148] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular "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%.

[149] 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 (19)

A non-combustion heated (HNB) device configured to switch from lock mode to unlock mode based on detecting the occurrence of a given event and / or receiving a given user input. A non-combustion heating type (HNB) device, wherein the heater of the non-combustion heating type device is configured to be disabled during the lock operation mode and enabled during the unlock operation mode. The device of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to switch the device from the lock operation mode to the unlock operation mode and enable the heater in the unlock operation mode. The device of claim 1 and 2, wherein the predetermined user input comprises a predetermined user press sequence in the user interface of the device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined user input includes a predetermined movement of the device, and the device further includes a motion sensor for detecting the predetermined movement. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined event comprises establishing an electrical connection between the device and an external device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined event comprises a relative movement between the cap of the device and the body of the device. 6. The device of claim 6, wherein the relative movement between the cap of the device and the body of the device is the movement of the cap being lifted from the device or the body of the device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined event comprises engaging a consumable item with the device. The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the heater is configured to be enabled in the unlock operation mode when further user input is received by the device, and the predetermined user input is different from the further user input. The device according to any one of 8. When the device receives a second predetermined user input, it is configured to switch from the unlock operation mode to the lock operation mode, and the second predetermined user input is the user interface of the device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second predetermined user pressing sequence is, wherein the predetermined user input is different from the second predetermined user input. A system comprising the non-combustion heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and an aerosol-forming article. A method of switching a non-combustion heated device from a locked operation mode to an unlocked operating mode, detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event and / or receiving a predetermined user input, and locking the non-combustion heated device. The heater of the non-combustion heating device is configured to be disabled during the lock operation mode and enabled during the unlock operation mode, including switching from the operation mode to the unlock operation mode. How to do it. 12. The receipt of a given user input comprises receiving a given user press sequence at the user interface of the device and / or detecting a given movement of the device with a motion sensor of the device. The method described in. The detection of the occurrence of the predetermined event is i) the establishment of an electrical connection between the device and the external device, ii) the movement of the cap of the device, and iii) the consumables on the device. 12. The method of claim 12 or 13, comprising detecting one or more of the engagements. 14. The method of claim 14, wherein the relative movement between the cap of the device and the body of the device is the movement of the cap being lifted from the device or the body of the device. Claims 12-15, further comprising receiving additional user input on the device to enable the heater during the unlock operation mode, wherein the predetermined user input is different from the further user input. The method described in any one of the above. Further including switching from the unlock operation mode to the lock operation mode when a second predetermined user input is received, the second predetermined user input is a second predetermined in the user interface of the device. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, which is a user pressing sequence of the above, wherein the predetermined user input is different from the second predetermined user input. The method for manufacturing the device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the device is put into a lock operation mode and the device is packaged. 18. The packaging comprises packaging the device in a product packaging, wherein the user interface of the device is configured to be evaluable when the device is accepted in the product packaging. The method described in.

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