TW202041161A - Smoking substitute system - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat not burn device is described. The heat not burn device is configured to control the operation of the heat not burn device based on a measurement of ambient temperature

Description

Smoking Alternative System

The present invention is related to smoking replacement systems, and particularly (but not exclusively) related to heat-not-burn appliances. The present invention is also related to a method for controlling the operation of a heat-not-burn device based on the measured ambient temperature.

It is generally believed that smoking grass exposes smokers to potentially harmful substances. It is generally believed that a large amount of potentially harmful substances are produced through the heat caused by the burning and/or burning of tobacco and the burning tobacco components in the tobacco smoke itself.

Conventional flammable smoking products (such as cigarettes) generally include cylindrical tobacco rods and usually also cylindrical filters. Cylindrical tobacco rods include shredded tobacco surrounded by wrapping paper, and the filter is adjacent to the wrapped tobacco rod. Align the ground axis. Filters generally include filter material enclosed by a plug sleeve. The wrapped tobacco rod and the filter are joined together by a wrapped tipping paper tape, which wraps the entire length of the filter and the adjacent part of the wrapped tobacco rod. This conventional cigarette is used by igniting the end opposite to the filter and burning the tobacco rod. Smokers receive mainstream smoke into their mouths by smoking at the mouth end or filter end of the cigarette.

It is known that the burning of organic materials (such as tobacco) produces tar and other potentially harmful by-products. Various smoking alternative systems (or "alternative smoking systems") have been proposed to avoid smoking grass.

This type of smoking replacement system can form part of nicotine replacement therapy, which is aimed at people who want to stop smoking and overcome their dependence on nicotine.

Smoking alternative systems include electronic systems that allow users to simulate smoking by generating smoke (also called "vapor"). The smoke is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhalation) and then exhaled. Inhaled smoke generally contains nicotine and/or flavoring agents, which do not have or have less odor and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

In general, the smoking substitution system aims to provide alternatives to smoking rituals, while at the same time providing a similar experience to users and providing satisfaction to those who have experience in traditional smoking and flammable tobacco products. Some smoking replacement systems use smoking replacement products (also called "consumables") that are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes that are cylindrical in form and have a mouthpiece at one end.

In the past few years, the popularity and use of smoking alternative systems has grown rapidly. Although originally marketed as an aid to habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking, consumers increasingly regard the smoking alternative system as a desirable lifestyle accessory.

There are many different types of smoking replacement systems, each using a different method of smoking replacement.

One method used for smoking alternative systems is the so-called heated tobacco ("HT") method, in which tobacco (rather than "e-liquid") is heated or warmed to release vapor. HT is also called "heat not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco can be tobacco leaf or reconstituted tobacco. The vapor may contain nicotine and/or flavoring agents. In the HT method, the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not ignited, that is, the tobacco does not experience combustion.

A typical HT smoking replacement system can include equipment and consumables. The consumable may include tobacco material. The equipment and consumables can be configured to be physically coupled together. In use, the heating element of the device can be used to impart heat to the tobacco material, wherein the air flow through the tobacco material causes the components in the tobacco material to be released as vapor. The vapor may also be formed by a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may, for example, include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin) and additional volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapor can be entrained in the air stream drawn through the tobacco.

As the vapor passes through the consumable (entrained in the air stream) from the vaporization position to the outlet of the consumable (such as the mouthpiece of the cigarette holder), the vapor cools and condenses to form smoke for the user to inhale. Smoke will usually contain volatile compounds.

In the HT smoking replacement system, it is believed that heating rather than igniting the tobacco material causes fewer or smaller amounts of the more harmful compounds that are usually produced during smoking. Thus, the HT method can reduce the odor and/or health risks that may be caused by the ignition, combustion, and pyrolysis degradation of tobacco.

It may be necessary to improve the design of smoking replacement systems (especially HT smoking replacement systems) to enhance user experience and improve the function of HT smoking replacement systems.

This disclosure is designed in view of the above considerations.

In the broadest sense, the present invention is related to a heat-not-burn device and a method of controlling the operation of the heat-not-burn device based on the ambient temperature.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heating and non-combustion device includes: a heater for heating a smoke forming substrate; an ambient temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of the device; and a controller configured to The heater is operated in at least two operating modes, wherein the controller is configured to deactivate at least one of the at least two operating modes based at least on ambient temperature measurement.

The optional features will now be listed. These features are applicable individually or in any combination with any aspect.

Optionally, the at least two operation modes include a high temperature operation mode and a low temperature operation mode, wherein the heater is maintained at a higher temperature in the high temperature operation mode, and the heater is maintained at a lower temperature in the low temperature operation mode under.

Optionally, the controller is configured to allow the user to select from a high temperature operation mode and a low temperature operation mode.

Optionally, if the ambient temperature measurement is higher than or equal to a predetermined intermediate temperature maximum operating ambient temperature, the high temperature operating mode is disabled.

Optionally, if the ambient temperature measurement is higher than or equal to the predetermined high temperature maximum operating ambient temperature, both the high temperature operating temperature mode and the low temperature operating temperature mode are disabled.

Optionally, the heater includes an ambient temperature sensor.

Optionally, the controller is configured to perform ambient temperature measurement when power is not supplied to the heater.

Optionally, the controller is configured to wait for a predetermined cooling time before taking the ambient temperature measurement after the last time power is supplied to the heater.

Optionally, the predetermined cooling time is greater than one minute; optionally, greater than 2 minutes, optionally greater than three minutes.

Optionally, the ambient temperature sensor is an ambient temperature sensor in the controller.

Optionally, the device further includes a rechargeable power source to soften the power sent to the heater.

According to a second aspect, a heat-not-burn device is provided, including: an ambient temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of the device; a heater for heating a smoke forming substrate; and a controller configured to control The amount of power supplied to the heater, where the amount of power supplied to the heater is measured based on at least the ambient temperature.

Optionally, the device further includes a heater temperature sensor configured to measure the current temperature of the heater.

Optionally, the controller is configured to control the power supplied to the heater to adjust the temperature of the heater, wherein the amount of power supplied to the heater is based on a comparison of the ambient temperature measurement with the current temperature of the heater. Optionally, the power supplied to the heater is pulse width modulated.

Optionally, the ambient temperature sensor is an ambient temperature sensor in the controller.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat-not-burn (HNB) device, including a heater configured to operate at a first temperature in a first heating mode and to operate at a second heating mode in a second heating mode. Operating at a temperature, the second temperature is higher than the first temperature; and a sensor configured to measure the ambient temperature; wherein the heating not burning device is configured to deactivate the second heating when the measured ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold mode.

The first heating mode can be defined as a normal operating mode, for example, the heater can be operated at a first temperature, which is a typical operating temperature. The first heating mode may be an operation mode for heating the consumable at a standard operating temperature. The second heating mode can be defined as a boost operation mode. For example, the heater can be operated at a second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature. When operating in the second heating mode, the consumable may be able to quickly reach the required temperature and/or be heated at a higher temperature, thereby increasing the rate of smoke generation.

The first temperature may range from 300°C to 330°C, preferably, the first temperature may range from 305°C to 325°C, and may be 315°C. The second temperature may range from 330°C to 360°C, preferably, the second temperature may range from 335°C to 355°C, and may be 345°C.

For example, when a monoacetate filter is used in an aerosol forming article, the predetermined threshold may be at least 40°C. Alternatively, for example, when hollow cavities are used in an aerosol forming article instead of a monoacetate filter, the predetermined threshold may range from 35°C to 40°C.

However, during warmer seasons or at locations with tropical climates, the ambient temperature may be so high that when the heater is operated at the second temperature, the heater may overheat consumables, for example, the heater may disadvantageously cause consumables to produce Too much smoke or produce undesirable volatiles. Therefore, advantageously, by deactivating the second operating mode once the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold or a predetermined threshold temperature, the device can be prevented from generating undesired volatiles. In addition, the risk of overheating at the heater can be greatly reduced.

Optionally, the device may include a controller electrically connected to the heater and the sensor. The controller is configured to receive the measured ambient temperature from the sensor, and to determine that the measured ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value. After the threshold, the second heating mode is deactivated. The sensor can be configured to continuously measure the ambient temperature, and accordingly feed the measured ambient temperature to the controller. Accordingly, the controller can be configured to compare the measured ambient temperature with a predetermined threshold temperature in the storage of the device. If the measured ambient temperature is determined to have exceeded the predetermined threshold, the controller may deactivate the second heating mode. Therefore, the controller can be configured to intelligently control the heating of consumables based on the ambient temperature.

Alternatively, the controller may be configured to deactivate the second heating mode by switching the operation of the heater from the second heating mode to the first heating mode. That is, the heater is not turned off, but operates at a reduced temperature. This ensures that the equipment continuously produces smoke.

Alternatively, the controller can be configured to deactivate the second heating mode by completely deactivating the heater. That is, the controller can stop power supply to the heater to allow the heater and/or consumables to cool. Once the device receives a user input such as turning on the device, or after a predetermined period of time (eg, 30 seconds), the heater can continue to operate in the first operating mode.

Optionally, the device further includes an output member configured to output one or more of tactile feedback, audio feedback, and visual feedback after the second heating mode is disabled. For example, the output member may be a tactile device for providing the tactile feedback. The output member may be a buzzer or speaker for providing audio feedback. The output member may be an LED, an LED array, or any other visual indicator known to those skilled in the art. After the second heating mode is disabled, the controller can activate the output member for outputting one or more of tactile feedback, audio feedback, and visual feedback. In some embodiments, the output member can be used to indicate to the user that the ambient temperature of the device is too high and therefore the second heating mode has been disabled. In this way, a universal device is provided that can notify the user that the second heating mode is disabled.

Optionally, it further includes a user interface, wherein after receiving user input at the user interface, the heater is configured to switch between the operation in the second heating mode and the operation in the first heating mode. This can advantageously allow the user to manually specify the required operating temperature. For example, the controller may be configured to receive user input via the user interface to switch from the first heating mode to the second heating mode. If the controller detects that the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller may further generate a feedback to indicate to the user that the second heating mode is not activated through the output member.

Optionally, if the measured ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the heater is prevented from being switched from operating in the first operating mode to the second operating mode. Optionally, the device is configured to output one or more of tactile feedback, audio feedback, and visual feedback through the output member when the heater is prevented from being switched from operating in the first operating mode to the second operating mode. That is, when the measured ambient temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller prevents the user from manually switching to the second operation mode, and thereby informs the user.

The device may include an elongated body. The end of the elongate body can be configured for engagement with an aerosol forming article. For example, the main body may be configured to engage with heating tobacco (HT) consumables (or heating not burn (HNB) consumables). The terms "heated tobacco" and "heat not burn" are used interchangeably herein to describe the type of consumable that is heated rather than burned (or used interchangeably to describe equipment for use with such consumables). The device may include a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the consumable (ie for engaging with the consumable). The aerosol forming article may be of a type that includes an aerosol forming agent (for example, an aerosol forming agent carried by an aerosol forming substrate).

The device may include a heater for heating the aerosol forming article. The heater may include a heating element in the form of a rod extending from the main body of the device. The heating element may extend from the end of the main body configured for engagement with the aerosol forming article. In one embodiment, the heater is configured to operate in a dual heating mode. Precisely, the heater is configured to operate at a first temperature in the first heating mode and at a second temperature in the second heating mode, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

The heater (and therefore the heating element) can be rigidly mounted to the main body. The heating element may be elongated so as to define a longitudinal axis, and may for example have a substantially circular transverse profile (ie transverse to the longitudinal axis of the heating element) (ie the heating element may be substantially cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element may have a rectangular transverse profile (ie the heater may be a "blade heater"). Alternatively, the heating element may be in the shape of a tube (ie, the heater may be a "tube heater"). The heating element may take other forms (for example, the heating element may have an oval transverse profile). The shape and/or size (for example, diameter) of the lateral profile of the heating element may be approximately the same for the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.

The length of the heating element may be between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example between 18 mm and 20 mm, for example about 19 mm. The diameter of the heating element may be between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, for example between 2 mm and 2.3 mm, for example about 2.15 mm.

The heating element may be formed of ceramic. The heating element may include a core containing Al ₂ O ₃ (for example a ceramic core). The core of the heating element may have a diameter of 1.8 mm to 2.1 mm (for example between 1.9 mm and 2 mm). The heating element may include an outer layer (for example, an outer ceramic layer) containing Al ₂ O ₃ . The thickness of the outer layer may be between 160 μm and 220 μm, for example between 170 μm and 190 μm, for example about 180 μm. The heating element may include a heating rail extending longitudinally along the heating element. The heating rail can be sandwiched between the outer layer of the heating element and the core. The heating rail may include tungsten and/or rhenium. The heating rail may have a thickness of about 20 μm.

The heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device) and may extend from the inner base of the cavity towards the opening of the cavity (for example along the longitudinal axis). The length of the heating element (ie, the length along the longitudinal axis of the heater) may be less than the depth of the cavity. Therefore, the heating element may only extend up to a part of the length of the cavity. That is, the heating element may not extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.

The heating element may be configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming article (eg, HT consumable) when the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In that regard, the distal end of the heating element (ie, the distal end relative to the base of the heating element where the heating element is mounted to the device) may include a tapered portion, which may facilitate the insertion of the heating element into the aerosol forming article. The heating element can completely penetrate the aerosol-forming article when it is received in the cavity. That is, the entire length or substantially the entire length of the heating element can be received in the aerosol-forming article.

The heating element may have a length that is less than or substantially the same as the axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate, which forms part of the aerosol-forming article (eg, HT consumable). Therefore, when such an aerosol-forming article is joined to a device, the heating element can only penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate and not other parts of the aerosol-forming article. The heating element can penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate up to substantially the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. Therefore, when the heating element penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate, heat can be conducted from the heating element (for example, the outer peripheral surface of the heating element) to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate. That is, the heat can be conducted radially outwards (in the case of cylindrical heating elements) or, for example, radially inwards (in the case of tubular heaters).

If the heater is a tube heater, the heating element of the tube heater may surround at least a part of the cavity. When a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element may surround a portion of the aerosol-forming article (ie in order to heat that portion of the aerosol-forming article). In detail, the heating element may surround the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. In other words, when the aerosol-forming product is joined to the device, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming product can be located near the inner surface of the (tubular) heating element. When the heating element is activated, heat can be conducted radially inward from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the aerosol forming substrate.

The cavity may comprise (for example circumferential) one or more walls, and the (tubular) heating element may extend around at least a part of the one or more walls. In this way, the wall can be located between the inner surface of the heating element and the outer surface of the aerosol-forming article. One or more walls of the cavity may be formed of a thermally conductive material (such as metal) to allow heat conduction from the heating element to the aerosol forming article. Therefore, heat can be conducted from the heating element through one or more cavity walls to the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article received in the cavity.

The device may include one or more temperature sensors, the one or more temperature sensors including an ambient temperature sensor and a heater temperature sensor. The ambient temperature sensor detects the ambient temperature of the device, and the heater temperature sensor measures the temperature of the heater (especially the heater rod). The temperature sensor can be configured to generate a corresponding signal indicating the ambient temperature or the heater temperature. In another aspect, the ambient temperature sensor can also measure the temperature of the heater. In addition, the heater temperature can also measure the temperature of the ambient air.

In some embodiments, the device may include a top cover provided at the end of the main body, the top cover being configured for engagement with the aerosol forming article. If the device includes a heater with a heating element, the top cover may at least partially surround the heating element. The top cover is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the inlet and outlet are provided to the heating element. In the closed position, the top cover at least partially surrounds the heating element. The top cover can be slidably engaged with the main body of the device, and can be slidable between an open position and a closed position.

The top cover may define at least a part of the cavity of the device. That is, the cavity may be completely defined by the top cover, or each of the top cover and the main body may define a part of the cavity. If the top cover completely defines the cavity, the top cover may include holes for receiving the heating element into the cavity (when the top cover is in the closed position). The top cover may include an opening to the cavity. The opening may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol forming article. In other words, the aerosol-forming product can be inserted through the opening and inserted into the cavity (in order to engage with the device).

The top cover 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 part of the aerosol-forming article (the part that is not received in the cavity) may protrude from the opening (ie, extend beyond the opening). This (protruding) part of the aerosol-forming article may be the terminal (eg mouth) end of the aerosol-forming article, which is received in the user's mouth for the purpose of inhaling the smoke formed by the device.

The device may include a power source or be connectable to a power source (for example, a power source separate from the device). The power source may be electrically connected to the heater. In that regard, changing (such as switching) the electrical connection of the power supply to the heater can affect the state of the heater. For example, switching the electrical connection of the power supply to the heater can switch the heater between an on state and an off state. The power source can be a power storage. For example, the power source may be a battery or a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium ion battery).

Devices can include input connections (eg, USB ports, micro USB ports, USB-C ports, etc.). The input connection can be configured for connection to an external power source, such as a main power supply socket. In some cases, the input connection can be used as an alternative to internal power sources such as batteries or rechargeable batteries. That is, the input connection can be electrically connected to the heater (to provide power to the heater). Therefore, in some forms, the input connection may form at least part of the power supply of the device.

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

The device may include a user interface (UI). In some embodiments, the UI may include an input member to receive operation commands from the user. The input member of the UI may allow the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the device. In some embodiments, the input member may include a power button to switch the device between an on state and an off state. In some embodiments, the input member of the UI may allow the user to switch the device between the first heating mode and the second heating mode.

In some embodiments, the UI may additionally or alternatively include output components to convey information to the user. In some embodiments, the output member may be configured to indicate to the user that the second heating mode is disabled if the ambient temperature is determined to have exceeded a predetermined threshold temperature. In some embodiments, the output member may include a light to indicate to the user the condition of the device (and/or aerosol forming article). The conditions of the device (and/or aerosol forming article) indicated to the user may include conditions that indicate the operation of the heater. For example, the condition may include whether the heater is in an off state or an on state. In some embodiments, the UI unit may include at least one of buttons, displays, touch screens, switches, lights, and so on. For example, the output member may include one or more (eg, two, three, four, etc.) light emitting diodes ("LEDs") located on the body of the device.

The device may further include a puff sensor (for example, an air flu sensor), and the puff sensor forms a part of the input component of the UI. The puff sensor can be configured to detect that the user draws on the end (ie, the terminal (mouth) end) of the smoke forming article. The puff sensor may be, for example, a pressure sensor or a microphone. The puff sensor can be configured to generate a signal indicating the state of puff. The signal may instruct the user to puff (puff the smoke from the aerosol-forming product) so that it is, for example, in the form of a binary signal. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may indicate the characteristics of the suction (eg, the flow rate of the suction, the length of the suction, etc.).

The device may include a controller, or may be connected to the controller, and the controller may be configured to control at least one function of the device. The controller may include a microcontroller, and the microcontroller may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), for example. The controller may also include memory, such as non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions, which, when implemented, can cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method. If the device includes an input connection, the controller can be connected to the input connection.

The controller can be configured to control the operation of the heater (and, for example, the heating element). The controller may be electrically connected to the heater and the sensor, and may be configured to control the operation of the heater (and, for example, the heating element) based on the measurement of the sensor. In one example, the sensor is a temperature sensor used to detect the ambient temperature of the device. In one aspect, the controller may be configured to receive the measured ambient temperature from the sensor, and deactivate the second heating mode after determining that the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. Therefore, the controller can be configured to control the vaporization of smoke forming part of the aerosol forming article engaged with the device. The controller can be configured to control the voltage applied by the power source to the heater. For example, the controller can be configured to switch between applying the full output voltage (of the power source) to the heater and not applying voltage to the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can implement more complex heater control protocols.

The device may further include a voltage regulator to adjust the output voltage supplied by the power supply to form a regulated voltage. The adjusted voltage can then be applied to the heater. In some embodiments, a voltage regulator may be used to control the output voltage supplied to the heater based on the ambient temperature measurement to operate in one of the first heating mode and the second heating mode.

In some embodiments, if the device includes a UI, the controller may operate one or more components connected to the UI. The controller can be configured to receive command signals from the input components of the UI. The controller can be configured to control the heater in response to the command signal. For example, the controller can be configured to receive "on" and "off" command signals from the UI, and in response to this, the heater can be controlled to be in the corresponding on or off state. Further, the controller may be configured to receive a command for controlling the heater or device to switch from the first heating mode to the second heating mode via the user input member. In response to this, the controller may be configured to indicate that the second heating mode is disabled through the output member if the controller detects that the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature.

The controller can be configured to send output signals to UI components. The UI can be configured to respond to such output signals (output signals received from the controller) to convey information to the user via the output component. For example, if the device includes one or more LEDs, the LEDs can be operatively connected to the controller. Therefore, the controller can be configured (for example, in response to the output signal) to control the lighting of the LED. For example, the controller can be configured to control the lighting of the LED according to the state of the heater (for example, on or off). In another example, the controller may be configured to control the lighting of the LED, which lighting indicates that the second heating mode is deactivated. Further, the controller can be configured to indicate to the user that the second heating mode is disabled through other output components (such as touch sensors and audio sensors, etc.).

If the device includes a sensor (such as a puff/air flu sensor/temperature sensor), the controller can be operatively connected to the sensor. The controller can be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (this signal, for example, indicates the condition of the device and/or the aerosol forming product being joined). The controller can be configured to control one aspect of the heater or output member based on the signal from the sensor.

The device may include a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly with external devices (for example, via Bluetooth (such as Bluetooth low energy connection) or Wi-Fi wireless communication). Similarly, the input connection can be configured for wired connection to an external device to provide communication between the device and the external device.

The external device can be a mobile device. For example, the external device may be a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, or a smart car. You can install applications (such as apps) on external devices (such as mobile devices). Applications can facilitate communication between the device and external devices via wired or wireless connections.

The wireless or wired interface can be configured to transmit signals between the external device and the device's controller. In this regard, the controller can control one aspect of the device in response to a signal received from the external device. Alternatively or additionally, the external device may respond to signals received by the slave device (for example, the controller of the slave device).

In the fourth aspect, a system (for example, a smoking replacement system) is provided, including the device and an aerosol forming article as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect. The aerosol-forming article may include an aerosol-forming substrate at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming article. The product may be in the form of a smoking substitute product, such as heating tobacco (HT) consumables (also known as heating not burning (HNB) consumables).

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the direction of vapor/mist flow, that is, the downstream end of the product/consumable is the mouth end or outlet where the smoke leaves the consumable for inhalation by the user The flow direction of the situation. The upstream end of the product/consumable is the opposite end of the downstream end.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be heated to release at least one volatile compound that can form aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate can be located at the upstream end of the article/consumable.

In order to generate smoke, the aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one volatile compound, which is intended to be vaporized/atomized and can provide leisure and/or medical effects to the user when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/or physiologically active volatile compounds include the group consisting of nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opioids, norpseudoephedrine and cathinone, and carfalactone , Myristyl ether, β-carboline alkaloid, salvinorin A (salvinorin A), and any combination of the foregoing items, functional equivalents, and/or synthetic substitutes.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include plant material. The plant material may include at least one plant material selected from the list including the following items: Amaranthus dubius , Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ( Bearberry ), Argemone mexicana , Amica , Artemisia vulgaris , Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi , Canavalia maritima ( Garcan Bean ) , Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum ( wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica ( Hualing grass), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica ( Japanese hops), Humulus lupulus (hops), Lactuca virosa (poison lettuce), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca ( motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (honey grass (Honeyweed)), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata ( Indian tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (False Nepeta), Nicotiana species (tobacco), Nymphaea alba (white lily), Nymphaea caerulea (blue lily), poppy, Passiflora incamata (passionflower) Pedicularis densiflora (Indian warrior) Pedicularis groenlandica (elephant head), Salvia divinorum , Salvia dorrii (tobacco sage), Salvia species (sage), Scutellaria galericulata , Scutellaria lateriflora , Scutellaria nana , Scutellaria species, Sida acuta (wire grass), Sida rhombifolia , Silene capensis , Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus , Tumera diffusa (Mexican beet), Verbascum (Mulbascum), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava), and any of the foregoing items Combinations, functional equivalents, and/or synthetic substitutes.

The plant material may be tobacco. Any type of tobacco can be used. This includes but is not limited to flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark-cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-cured tobacco, perique tobacco, and yellow flower tobacco. This also includes blends of the aforementioned tobaccos.

Tobacco may include one or more of the following items: leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, shredded tobacco, and/or reconstituted Tobacco (such as pulp restructuring or paper restructuring).

The aerosol-forming substrate may include agglomerated pieces of homogeneous (e.g., paper/pulp reconstituted) tobacco or aggregate fragments/strips formed from such sheets.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more additives selected from the group consisting of humectants, flavorings, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents, and binders.

The seasoning can be provided in solid or liquid form. It may include menthol, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavors (including, for example, citrus, cherry, etc.), vanilla, spices (such as ginger, cinnamon), and tobacco flavors. The flavoring can be uniformly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate, or can be provided in isolated locations and/or in varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so that the product/consumable is similar to a conventional cigarette. Its diameter may be between 5 and 10 mm, for example between 6 and 9 mm or between 6 and 8 mm, for example about 7 mm. Its axial length can be between 10 and 15 mm, for example between 11 and 14 mm, for example about 12 or 13 mm.

The article/consumable may include at least one filter element. There may be a terminal filter element at the downstream/oral end of the article/consumable.

The filter element or at least one of the filter elements (eg, terminal filter element) may include cellulose acetate or polypropylene fiber bundles. At least one filter element (for example, a terminal filter element) may include activated carbon. At least one filter element (for example a terminal element) may comprise paper. The or each filter element may be at least partially (for example completely) surrounded by a plug sleeve (for example a paper plug sleeve).

The final filter element (located at the downstream end of the product/consumable) can be joined to the upstream element forming the product/consumable by wrapping the tipping layer (such as the tipping paper layer). The tipping paper may have an axial length that is longer than the axial length of the terminal filter element, so that the tipping paper completely encloses the terminal filter element plus a wrapper around any adjacent upstream element.

In some embodiments, the article/consumable may include a smoke cooling element that is adapted to cool the smoke generated by the aerosol-forming substrate (generated by heat exchange) before the smoke is inhaled by the user.

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 may comprise a cardboard tube. The spacer elements can be bound by a (paper) wrapping layer.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the system according to the fourth aspect. The method includes the steps of: inserting an aerosol-forming product into a device; and using a heater of the device to heat the product.

In some embodiments, the method may include the following steps: inserting the article into the cavity in the body of the device, and penetrating the article with the heating element of the device after the article is inserted.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a heat-not-burn device having a heater configured to operate at a first temperature in a first heating mode and in a second heating mode Operating at a second temperature, the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The method further includes the following steps: sensing the ambient temperature, and deactivating the second heating mode when the measured ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Optionally, the method includes the following steps: receiving the ambient temperature from the sensor by the controller, and deactivating the second heating mode after determining that the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Advantageously, the method includes the steps of: by the controller, deactivating the second heating mode by switching the operation of the heater from the second heating mode to the first heating mode.

Conveniently, the first heating mode described in the method is the normal mode, and the second heating mode described in the method is the boost mode.

Advantageously, the method includes the following steps: generating one of tactile feedback, audio feedback, and visual feedback via the output member, the feedback indicating to the user that the controller has deactivated the second heating mode.

Conveniently, the method includes the steps of: receiving a user input for switching from the first heating mode to the second heating mode via a user input component, and if the controller detects that the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, then outputting The component generates feedback indicating to the user that the second heating mode is not activated.

The present invention includes combinations of the described aspects and preferred features, unless such combinations are clearly inadmissible or explicitly avoided.

The skilled person will understand that the features or parameters described with respect to any of the above aspects can be applied to any other aspects except where mutually exclusive. And, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein can be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

The aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand additional aspects and embodiments. All documents mentioned in this article are incorporated into this article by reference.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram that provides a general overview of the smoking replacement system 100. The system 100 includes an alternative smoking device 101 and an aerosol forming article in the form of a consumable 102 including an aerosol 103. The system is configured to vaporize the aerosol forming agent by heating the aerosol forming agent 103 (to form a vapor/mist for inhalation by the user).

In the illustrated system, the heater 104 forms a part of the consumable 102 and is configured to heat the aerosol forming agent 103. In this modification, the heater 104 may be electrically connected to the power source 105 when the consumable 102 is engaged with the device 101, for example. The heat from the heater 104 vaporizes the aerosol forming agent 103 to generate steam. The vapor then condenses to form smoke, which is ultimately inhaled by the user. In some embodiments, the heater 104 is configured to operate in two operating modes. In detail, the heater 104 is configured to operate at a first temperature in the first heating mode and to operate at a second temperature in the second heating mode, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. In the depicted embodiment, the heater is configured to operate at a first temperature of 315°C and a second temperature of 345°C.

The system 100 further includes a power supply 105 forming part of the device 101. In other embodiments, the power supply 105 may be located outside the device 101 (but may be connected to this device). The power source 105 may be electrically connected to the heater 104 so that it can supply power to the heater 104 (ie, for the purpose of heating the aerosol forming agent 103). Therefore, control of the electrical connection of the power supply 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104. The power source 105 may be a power storage, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium ion battery).

The system 100 further includes an I/O module including a connector 106 (for example, in the form of a USB port, a micro USB port, a USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured for connection to an external power source (eg, a main power supply socket). The connector 106 can be used instead of the power supply 105. That is, the connector 106 may be electrically connected to the heater 104 in order to supply electric power to the heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead include the connector 106 and an external power source (the connector 106 provides electrical connection to this external power source).

In some embodiments, if the power source 105 includes a rechargeable battery, the connector 106 can be used to charge and recharge the power source 105.

The system 100 also includes a user interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 may include an input member to receive commands from the user. The input member of UI 107 allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input member may be in the form of buttons, touch screens, switches, microphones, etc., for example.

The UI 107 also includes output components to convey information to the user. The output member may include, for example, a lamp (such as an LED), a display screen, a speaker, a vibration generator, and so on.

The system 100 further includes a controller 108 and a memory 109 operatively coupled to the controller 108. The controller is configured to control at least one function of the device 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but in other embodiments can be separated from the device 101 (but can be connected to this device). The controller 108 is configured to sense the ambient temperature, and in response to this, if the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, the second heating mode is disabled. In one aspect, the predetermined threshold temperature is previously determined and stored in the memory 109 of the device 101. The controller 108 is configured to control the operation of the heater 104, and may be configured to control the voltage applied from the power source 105 to the heater 104, for example. The controller 108 can be configured to switch the supply of power to the heater 104 between an on state and an off state. In the on state, the full output voltage of the power supply 105 is applied to the heater 104, and in the off state, the The heater 104 applies voltage. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined threshold or threshold temperature is 40°C.

Although not shown, the system 100 may also include a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the power supply 105 to form a regulated voltage. The adjusted voltage can then be applied to the heater 104.

In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 may also be operatively connected to the UI 107. Therefore, the controller 108 can receive input signals from the input members of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 can transmit an output signal to the UI 107. In response to this, the output component 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 instructions that, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method.

Further, the system may also include a sensor 110 coupled to the controller 108 in the heat-not-burn device 101. The sensor 110 may be a temperature sensor installed inside the device and configured to measure the ambient temperature of the air outside the device 101. In addition, the sensor 110 can be configured to continuously monitor the ambient temperature and send the measured ambient temperature to the controller 108, so that the controller 108 can determine whether the second heating mode needs to be disabled.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the system 100 of FIG. 1A. In the system 100' of FIG. 1B, the heater 104 forms a part of the device 101 instead of a part of the consumable 102. In this modification, the heater 104 is electrically connected to the power source 105.

2A and 2B illustrate a heated tobacco (HT) smoking replacement system 200. The system 200 is an example of the system 100, 100' described in relation to FIG. 1A or 1B. The system 200 includes an HT device 201 and an HT consumable 202, and the HT device can be configured to disable the second heating mode when the measured ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. The above description of FIGS. 1A and 1B can be applied to the system 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and will therefore not be repeated.

The device 201 and the consumable 202 are configured such that the consumable 202 can be coupled with the device 201. FIG. 2A shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in an engaged state, and FIG. 2B shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in a disengaged state.

The device 201 includes a main body 209 and a top cover 210. In use, the top cover 210 is joined at the end of the main body 209. Although it cannot be seen from the drawing, the top cover 210 is movable relative to the main body 209. In detail, the top cover 210 is slidable and can slide along the longitudinal axis of the main body 209.

The device 201 includes an output member in the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 (forming a part of the UI of the device 201), and these LEDs 211 are linearly arranged along the longitudinal axis of the device 201 and arranged in the main body of the device 201 209 on the outer surface. The button 212 is also arranged on the outer surface of the main body 209 of the device 201 and is axially spaced apart from the LEDs 211 (ie, spaced along the longitudinal axis).

2C shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the consumables of 202 of the system 200. The consumable 202 is roughly similar to a cigarette. In that regard, the consumable 202 has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 70 mm. The consumable 202 includes an aerosol-forming substrate 213, a terminal filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215, and a spacer element 216. In other embodiments, the consumable may further include a cooling element. The cooling element may exchange heat with the vapor formed by the aerosol-forming substrate 213 to cool the vapor to promote condensation of the vapor.

The aerosol forming substrate 213 is substantially cylindrical and located at the upstream end 217 of the consumable 202 and includes the aerosol forming agent of the system 200. In that regard, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release vapor. The released vapor is then entrained in the air stream flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The air flow is generated by the user's suction action on the downstream 218 (ie, terminal or mouth) end of the consumable 202.

In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 includes a tobacco material, and this tobacco material may, for example, include any suitable part of a tobacco plant (such as leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds, and flowers). Tobacco may include one or more of the following items: leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, shredded tobacco, and/or reconstituted Tobacco (such as pulp restructuring or paper restructuring). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 may include agglomerated pieces of homogeneous (eg, paper/pulp reconstituted) tobacco or agglomerated fragments/strips formed from such sheets.

In order to generate smoke, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 includes at least one volatile compound, which is intended to be vaporized/atomized and can provide leisure and/or medical effects to the user when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate 213 may further include one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of wetting agents (such as propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin), flavors, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents, and/or binders.

The terminal filter element 214 is also substantially cylindrical, and is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and located at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The terminal filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow cavity filter element and has a cavity 219 formed therethrough (for example for air flow). The diameter of the cavity 219 is 2 mm. The terminal filter element 214 is formed of a porous (for example, monoacetate) filter material. As described above, the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 (ie, where the terminal filter 214 is located) forms the mouthpiece of the consumable 202, and the user draws on the mouthpiece. Air flow is drawn from the upstream end 217, through the components of the consumable 202, and drawn from the downstream end 218. The air flow is driven by the user who draws on the downstream end 218 (ie, the mouth portion of the cigarette holder) of the consumable 202.

The upstream filter element 215 is axially located near the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and between the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and the terminal filter 214. Similar to the final filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow cavity filter element such that it has a cavity 220 extending axially through the hollow cavity filter element. As such, the upstream filter 215 can act as an air flow restrictor. The upstream filter element 215 is formed of a porous (for example, monoacetate) filter material. The cavity 220 of the upstream filter element 215 has a larger diameter (3 mm) than the final filter element 214.

The spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube, and defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214. The spacer 216 is used to allow the vapor/smoke from the aerosol forming substrate 213 to cool and mix. The spacer has an outer diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14 mm.

Although not visible from the drawing, the aerosol-forming substrate 213, the upstream filter 215, and the spacer 216 are surrounded by a paper wrapper. The terminal filter 214 is bound by a tipping layer, which also wraps a part of the paper wrapping layer (in order to connect the terminal filter 214 to the rest of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and the final filter 214 are surrounded by another wrapper in the form of a plug sleeve.

Now returning to the device 201, FIG. 2D shows a detailed view of the end of the device 201, which is configured to be engaged with the consumable 202. The top cover 210 of the device 201 includes an opening 221 (which can be better seen from FIG. 2D) leading to an internal cavity 222 defined by the top cover 210. The opening 221 and the cavity 222 are formed to receive at least a part of the consumable 202. During the joining of the consumable 202 and the device 201, a part of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and received into the cavity 222. After engagement (refer to FIG. 2B ), the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221 and therefore also protrudes from the device 201. The opening 221 includes a notch 226 disposed laterally. When the consumable 202 is received in the opening 221, these notches 226 remain open and can be used, for example, to hold the cover in place to cover the end of the device 201.

Figure 2E shows a cross-section through a central longitudinal plane, which passes through the device 201. The device 201 is shown engaged with the consumable 202.

The device 201 includes a heater 204 including a heating element 223. The heater 204 forms a part of the main body 209 of the device 201 and is rigidly mounted to the main body 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 204 is a rod heater with a heating element 223, which has a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments, the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (for example, a heating element with a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube heater (for example, a heating element with a tubular form).

The heating element 223 of the heater 204 protrudes from the inner base of the cavity 222 toward the opening 221 along the longitudinal axis. As is obvious from the drawing, the length of the heating element (ie along the longitudinal axis) is less than the depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude from the opening 221 or extend beyond the opening.

When the consumable 202 is received in the cavity 222 (as shown in FIG. 2E ), the heating element 223 penetrates the smoke forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In detail, when the heating element 223 is inserted in the aerosol-forming substrate 213, the heating element extends almost the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate. Therefore, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is conducted radially from the outer peripheral surface heating element 223 to the aerosol-forming substrate 213.

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

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

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

The controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of the 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 can be accomplished by the controller switching 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. Depressing the button 212 may cause the controller to allow voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to the heater 204 (in order to heat the heating element 223).

In one aspect, the controller 208 is configured to control the operation mode of the heater 204. The operation mode of the heater 204 may be, for example, a first heating mode and a second heating mode. The controller 208 is configured to disable the second heating mode by comparing the measured ambient temperature with a predetermined threshold temperature. Precisely, the controller 208 is configured to receive the measured ambient temperature of the device 201 from the sensor 110, and thereby deactivate the second heating mode when the measured ambient temperature is determined to have exceeded a predetermined threshold temperature. The heater 204 of the device 201 operates at a first temperature in the first heating mode and operates at a second temperature in the second heating mode. In one example, the second temperature can be higher than the first temperature, that is, the first mode can be defined as a normal operation mode. In the normal operation mode, the consumable 202 is heated at a stable temperature, and the second mode can be defined as The boost heating mode, in the boost heating mode, heats the consumable 202 more quickly when the heater is operated at a higher temperature. In the depicted embodiment, the heater is configured to operate at a first temperature of 315°C and a second temperature of 345°C. The predetermined threshold or predetermined threshold temperature is 40°C.

The controller 208 is configured to continuously receive input in the form of a measured ambient temperature from the sensor 110, and to deactivate the second heating mode when the ambient temperature is determined to have exceeded a predetermined threshold. This type of determination is performed using the memory 109, which stores a predetermined threshold temperature, and when the measured ambient temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold temperature, the second heating mode is disabled. In detail, the predetermined threshold temperature stored in the memory 109 defines a cut-off value, and when the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold temperature, the consumable should not be heated.

In one aspect, the device 201 receives a user input to switch the device 201 (more specifically, the heater 204) from operating in the first heating mode to the second heating mode via the user interface, and the controller 208 will detect The measured ambient temperature is compared with a predetermined threshold temperature stored in the memory 109, and accordingly, the controller 208 may or may not switch from the first heating mode to the second heating mode. For example, if the measured ambient temperature is determined to have exceeded the predetermined threshold temperature, the controller 208 does not allow the heater mode to be switched to operate in the second heating mode, and therefore the heating continues in the first heating mode. On the other hand, if the ambient temperature is determined to be lower than the predetermined threshold temperature, the controller 208 allows the device 201 (for example, the heater 204) to operate in the second heating mode.

In an illustrative aspect, when the heater has been operating in the second heating mode, after determining that the measured ambient temperature has exceeded a predetermined threshold, the controller 208 is configured to operate the heater 204 Switching from the second heating mode to the first heating mode (ie by operating the device at the first temperature instead of the second temperature) to deactivate the second heating mode. In other embodiments, the controller may completely stop the heater instead of switching the operating heater to a lower temperature (such as the first temperature). This allows the heater and consumables to cool down more quickly.

The controller is also configured to control the LED 211 in response to (eg, detected) conditions of the device 201 or the consumable 202. For example, the controller may control the LED to indicate whether the device 201 is in the on state or the off state (for example, when the device is in the on state, one or more of the LEDs may be lit by the controller). In addition, the controller 208 may also control the LED to indicate that the second mode is disabled when the measured ambient temperature is determined to have exceeded a predetermined threshold temperature. The device 201 additionally includes other output components (such as a touch sensor, an audio sensor, etc.) to provide the user with tactile/audio feedback indicating that the second mode has been disabled.

The device 201 includes an additional input member in the form of a puff sensor 225 (ie an input member other than the button 212). The puff sensor 225 is configured to detect that the user draws (ie inhales) at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The puff sensor 225 may be in the form of a pressure sensor, a flow meter, or a microphone, for example. The puff sensor 225 is operatively connected to the controller 208 in the cavity 224 of the electronic device, so that the signal from the puff sensor 225 indicating the state of puff (that is, puffing or not puffing) forms a signal to the controller 208 Input (and can therefore be responded to by the controller 208).

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method for deactivating the second heating mode when the detected ambient temperature is determined to have exceeded a predetermined threshold temperature.

As shown in FIG. 3, the method 300 includes one or more blocks implemented by the controller 208 of the device 201. The method 300 can be described in the general context of controller executable instructions. Generally speaking, controller executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, programs, modules, and functions, which perform specific functions or implement specific abstract data types.

The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method 300. In addition, individual blocks can be deleted from block 300 without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Moreover, the method 300 can be implemented with any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of the above items.

At block 301, the controller 208 receives the measured ambient temperature from the temperature sensor 110. It should be noted that although the step of receiving user input for changing the device from the first heating mode to the second heating mode is not explicitly shown, this step may be performed before step 301. At block 302, the controller compares the measured environment with a predetermined threshold temperature stored in the memory 109, and determines whether the measured environment temperature has exceeded the threshold temperature based on the comparison. In detail, when the controller 208 receives a user request for switching the device 201 from the first heating mode to the second heating mode, the controller 208 will receive the measured value from the sensor 110 at a specific time. The ambient temperature is compared with a predetermined threshold temperature, and a decision is made accordingly as discussed in blocks 303 and 304.

At block 303, the controller 208 moves along the "Yes" path to disable the second heating mode, or in other words, prevent the second heating mode from being activated, that is, when the determined ambient temperature is found to exceed the predetermined value stored in the memory 109 Of the threshold. In addition, the controller 208 also indicates to the user that the second mode is unavailable (for example, disabled) through various output components. Precisely, the controller 208 may be coupled with an output member configured to generate one of tactile feedback, audio and visual feedback to indicate to the user that the controller 208 has disabled the second heating mode.

At block 304, when the measured ambient temperature is not found to exceed the predetermined threshold, the controller 208 moves along the “no” path and does not deactivate the second heating mode, for example, to activate or continue to activate the second heating mode.

The flowchart of the method is not explicitly disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 208 is configured to disable the second heating mode by switching the operation of the heater from the second heating mode to the first heating mode. . Further, the flowchart does not clearly disclose the first heating mode and the second heating mode. However, it should be confirmed that the first mode can be the normal mode. In the normal mode, the consumable 202 can be heated at a stable temperature, and the second mode can be It is a boost mode. In the boost mode, the consumable 202 is quickly heated at a higher temperature.

The device 201 may include one or more temperature sensors (as shown in Figure 4). The ambient temperature sensor 428 is used to measure the surrounding or ambient temperature of the device 401 (ie, the temperature near the device). In some embodiments, the environmental sensor is positioned to measure the temperature of the air flow entering the device. In such embodiments, the ambient temperature sensor 428 is located upstream of the heater. In some embodiments, the ambient temperature sensor 428 is located upstream of where the air flow enters the consumable. In some embodiments, the inflowing air passes through the ambient temperature sensor 428 during inhalation. After passing through the ambient temperature sensor 428, the air passes through the consumable. In some embodiments, the ambient temperature sensor 428 is part of the controller 208.

Vapor is generated when the smoke forming substrate is heated. The air flow drawn through the consumables ultimately comes from the ambient air source. If the ambient air temperature is too high, the vapor temperature may be uncomfortably high for the user and may not be suitable for inhalation. In contrast, if the ambient temperature is too low, the effectiveness of the equipment may be impaired (for example, due to reduced steam production). This may reduce the user experience in a cold environment. By using an ambient temperature sensor, the temperature of the vapor entering the user's oral cavity can be adjusted. The vapor temperature can be adjusted by controlling the temperature of the heater 404 depending on the ambient temperature measurement from the ambient temperature sensor 428.

The ambient air temperature is measured using an ambient temperature sensor. The controller 408 receives a signal indicating the ambient air temperature (ambient temperature measurement). Based on the ambient temperature measurement, the controller 408 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater to obtain optimal heating of the heater 404 and improved steam temperature and user experience. In some embodiments, if the ambient temperature is high, the power supplied to the heater is reduced. In some embodiments, if the ambient temperature exceeds the temperature threshold, the power supplied to the heater is reduced. Similarly, if the ambient air temperature is low, the controller 408 may increase the power supplied to the heater to obtain the optimal heating temperature. In some embodiments, if the ambient temperature is below the lower temperature threshold, the power supplied to the heater is increased. The controller 408 may periodically monitor the ambient temperature and adjust the power supplied to the heater 404 during the cycle of consumables. Alternatively, the controller may measure the ambient temperature once at the beginning of the consumable cycle, and depending on one ambient temperature measurement to set the power supplied to the heater during the consumable cycle.

In some embodiments, the device also includes a heater temperature sensor for measuring the current operating temperature of the heater. The heater temperature sensor can be a separate part of the heater (such as a thermocouple), or the temperature sensor can be implemented using the resistance heating rail of the heater (for example, by combining the measured resistance of the heater with the heater The model of how the resistance of the rail changes with the temperature is compared to calculate the heater temperature for implementation).

The power supplied to the heater may depend on the ambient temperature measurement and the heater measurement. In some embodiments, the power supplied to the heater may depend on the comparison of two temperature measurements, such as the difference between two temperature measurements.

In another embodiment, the heater temperature sensor measures the temperature of the heater and provides a signal to the controller 408.

In some embodiments, the controller controls the amount of power supplied to the heater by changing the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power supply.

In another embodiment, the controller 408 may deactivate at least one operating mode of the device in response to the ambient temperature measurement. In some embodiments, the device implements two operating modes: a first operating mode and a second operating mode. During the first operating mode, the heater is maintained at a lower operating temperature, and during the second operating mode, the heater is The heater is maintained at a higher operating temperature. The lower operating temperature can be between 260 and 320 degrees Celsius. The higher operating temperature can be between 320 and 380 degrees Celsius.

If the ambient temperature exceeds the intermediate temperature threshold, the high temperature mode can be disabled. The intermediate temperature threshold can be 35 degrees Celsius. If the ambient temperature exceeds the high temperature threshold, the high temperature mode and low temperature mode can be disabled. The high temperature threshold can be 50 degrees Celsius. This can improve user safety.

In some embodiments, the user may be able to select the operating mode of the device. If one or both of the modes are disabled due to ambient temperature, the controller can be configured to, for example, use a user interface component (such as LED or tactile feedback) to indicate to the user that the disabled mode is not available.

Because the controller 408 controls the power supply to the heater, this improves battery power saving.

The device 401 also includes an input member in the form of a puff sensor (not shown). The puff sensor is the same as the puff sensor described above for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1E.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the scope of the following patent applications, or in the drawings can be used alone or in any combination of such features to implement the present invention in various forms, as appropriate, etc. Features are expressed in their specific forms or in terms of means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or procedures for obtaining the disclosed results.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the above exemplary embodiments, when this disclosure is given, those skilled in the art will understand many equivalent variations and modifications. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and non-limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanation provided in this article is provided for the purpose of improving readers' understanding. The inventor does not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used in this article are for organizational purposes only and are not construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification (including the scope of patent applications below), unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "having", "including", and "including" and their variants will be understood to imply inclusion of the stated integer or Steps, or integers or groups of steps, but do not exclude any other integers or steps, or groups of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the scope of the accompanying patent application, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one specific value and/or to "about" another specific value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from one specific value and/or to another specific value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent "about", it will be understood that this particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" with respect to numerical values is optional and means, for example, +/-10%.

The terms "preferably" and "preferably" are used herein to refer to embodiments of the present invention that can provide certain benefits in some cases. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different conditions. Therefore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply or imply that other embodiments are useless, and are not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the patent application.

100: Smoking Alternative System 101: Alternative smoking equipment 102: Consumables 103: Smoke forming agent 104: heater 105: power supply 106: Connector 107: User Interface (UI) 108: Controller 109: Memory 110: Sensor 200: Smoking Alternative System 201: HT equipment 202: HT consumables 204: heater 205: Rechargeable battery 206: USB port 208: Controller 209: Subject 210: top cover 211: Light-emitting diode (LED) 212: Button 213: Smoke forming substrate 214: terminal filter element 215: Upstream filter element 216: Spacer element 217: Upstream 218: Downstream 219: Hole 220: cavity 221: open 222: cavity 223: heating element 224: Electronic device cavity 225: Puff Sensor 226: Notch 300: method 301: Block 302: Block 303: Block 304: Block 401: Equipment 404: heater 405: Power 408: Controller 428: Ambient Temperature Sensor 429: Heater temperature sensor 100’: System

The embodiments that illustrate the principles of the present invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the present invention can be understood and other aspects and features of the present invention can be understood. In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a smoking replacement system;

Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a modification of the smoking substitution system of Figure 1A;

Figure 2A is a front view of the first embodiment of the smoking replacement system, in which the consumable is engaged with the device;

Figure 2B is a front view of the first embodiment of the smoking substitution system, where the consumables are detached from the device;

2C is a cross-sectional view of the consumables of the first embodiment of the smoking replacement system;

Figure 2D is a detailed view of the end of the device of the first embodiment of the smoking replacement system;

Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the alternative smoking system;

Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a method for operating system; and

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a heat-not-burn device according to an embodiment of the smoking replacement system.

Domestic deposit information (please note in the order of deposit institution, date and number) no Foreign hosting information (please note in the order of hosting country, institution, date and number) no

300: method

301: Block

302: Block

303: Block

304: Block

Claims (15)

A heat-not-burn equipment, including: A heater for heating a smoke forming substrate; An ambient temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of the device; and A controller configured to operate the heater in at least two operating modes, wherein the controller is configured to deactivate at least one of the at least two operating modes based at least on the ambient temperature measurement. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least two operation modes include a high temperature operation mode and a low temperature operation mode, wherein the heater is maintained at a higher temperature in the high temperature operation mode, and in the The heater is maintained at a lower temperature in the low temperature operation mode. The device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to allow the user to select from the high temperature operation mode and the low temperature operation mode. The device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein if the ambient temperature measurement is higher than or equal to a predetermined mid-temperature maximum operating ambient temperature, the high-temperature operating mode is disabled. The device according to claim 4, wherein if the ambient temperature measurement is higher than or equal to a predetermined high temperature maximum operating environment temperature, both the high temperature operating temperature mode and the low temperature operating temperature mode are disabled. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heater includes the ambient temperature sensor. The device according to claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to perform the ambient temperature measurement when power is not supplied to the heater. The device according to claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to wait for a predetermined cooling time before measuring the ambient temperature after power is supplied to the heater last time. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ambient temperature sensor is an ambient temperature sensor in the controller. The device described in any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes a rechargeable power source for softening the power supplied to the heater. A heat-not-burn equipment, including: An ambient temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of the device; A heater for heating an aerosol forming substrate; and A controller is configured to control an amount of power supplied to the heater, wherein the amount of power supplied to the heater is based on at least the ambient temperature measurement. The device according to claim 11, further comprising a heater temperature sensor, and the heater temperature sensor is configured to measure the current temperature of the heater. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to control the power supplied to the heater to adjust the temperature of the heater, wherein the amount of power supplied to the heater is based on the ambient temperature measurement and the heating A comparison of the current temperature of the device. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the power supplied to the heater is pulse width modulated. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the ambient temperature sensor is an ambient temperature sensor in the controller.

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