TW202348150A - An aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (10) comprising a heating assembly (12). The heating assembly (12) comprises a heating compartment (14) arranged to receive an aerosol generating article (16). The aerosol generating device (10) further comprises a detection mechanism (18). The detection mechanism (18) is configured to detect user commands based on movement of the aerosol generating article (16) in the heating compartment (14) by a user. Each one of a set of different defined movements (19) of the aerosol generating article (16) in the heating compartment (14) by a user corresponds to a different assigned user command detectable by the detection mechanism (18). The aerosol generating device (10) further comprises a controller (20) configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (10) based on user commands detected by the detection mechanism (18).

Description

aerosol generating device

The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol-generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol-generating device for heating an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

The popularity and use of risk-reducing or risk-modifying devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an alternative to using traditional tobacco products. A variety of different devices and systems are available that heat or increase the temperature of an aerosol-generating substrate without burning it to produce an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

Commonly used risk reduction or risk improvement devices are aerosol generating devices or so-called heat-not-burn devices. This type of device works by heating the aerosol-generating substrate (eg contained in an aerosol-generating article such as a heated tobacco rod) in a heated chamber to a temperature typically between 150°C and 300°C. C range of temperatures to produce aerosols or vapors. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature within this range without burning or burning the aerosol-generating substrate produces vapor, which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.

Typically, the aerosol generating device includes user input (eg in the form of a button) for various user commands such as turning on a heater. It would be desirable to have access to more user commands (eg, increase temperature, or display battery status) to provide the user with greater control of the device. Often, providing access to more user commands requires additional buttons, or different presses of one or more existing buttons (such as a long press or different button combinations). Such arrangements are typically more complex and therefore less user-friendly.

Therefore, there is a need to provide an aerosol generating device that alleviates this disadvantage.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes: A heating assembly, wherein the heating assembly includes a heating compartment arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article; a detection mechanism configured to detect a user command based on movement of the aerosol-generating article by the user in the heating compartment, wherein the aerosol-generating article performs a set of different movements in the heating compartment Each of the defined movements corresponds to a different assigned user command detectable by the detection mechanism; and A controller configured to control operation of the aerosol generating device based on user commands detected by the detection mechanism.

In examples of the present disclosure, manipulation of the aerosol-generating article by a user in a heated compartment enables easy access to a potentially very large number of different user commands. This provides the user with greater control over the device using only a single user input (i.e., manipulation of the aerosol-generating article in the heated compartment). This arrangement does not require the provision of additional buttons, or different pressing patterns of one or more existing buttons to provide additional user commands. Therefore, the device is less complex and more user-friendly.

The set of different defined movements may include the user causing the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heated compartment, wherein clockwise rotation and counter-clockwise rotation correspond to different assigned user commands. The set of different defined movements may include the user tilting the aerosol-generating article in the heated compartment, where different tilt directions correspond to different assigned user commands. Thus, a potentially very large number of different user commands can be easily accessed by a simple user action.

Possibly, the detection mechanism includes a plurality of inputs, wherein the inputs are arranged such that each defined movement in the set of different defined movements enables an input corresponding to a user command assigned to that kind of movement. This arrangement ensures that each defined movement corresponds, by means of a specific input, to the user command assigned to that type of movement.

Possibly, the detection mechanism includes at least one movable member, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that the at least one movable member is moveable by a defined movement of the aerosol-generating article in the heating compartment by a user. bit to enable the input corresponding to the user command assigned to this qualified move. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for enabling input based on defined movement of the aerosol-generating article by the user within the heated compartment.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured to cause the user to tilt the aerosol-generating article in the heating compartment to displace the movable member to activate and assign the user to tilt the aerosol-generating article in the heating compartment. input corresponding to the user command. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for enabling input based on the user tilting the aerosol-generating article within the heated compartment.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that the user tilts the aerosol-generating article in the heating compartment in any one of a set of different directions to displace the movable member to enable use with the user. The aerosol-generating article is tilted in the direction corresponding to the user command input. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for enabling different inputs based on the user tilting the aerosol-generating article in different directions within the heating compartment.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that the user causes the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heating compartment to displace the movable member comprising the magnet so that the orientation of the magnet relative to the Hall sensor changes to enable Input in the form of a Hall sensor output signal resulting from the change in orientation corresponding to a user command assigned to the user causing the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heated compartment correspond. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for determining whether the user has caused the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heated compartment based on an easily detectable Hall sensor output signal.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that the user causes the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heated compartment to displace the movable member comprising the magnet to change the orientation of the magnet relative to the Hall sensor, wherein, A first input is enabled by clockwise rotation in the form of a first Hall sensor output signal caused by the orientation change, the first input being assigned to the user for clockwise rotation The command corresponds; and A second input is enabled by counterclockwise rotation in the form of a second Hall sensor output signal caused by the orientation change, the second input being assigned to the user for counterclockwise rotation The command corresponds to the first Hall sensor output signal and the second Hall sensor output signal are different. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for determining whether the user has rotated the aerosol-generating article clockwise or counterclockwise in the heated compartment based on an easily detectable and easily distinguishable Hall sensor output signal.

The magnet may include a diametrically magnetized circular magnet having a north and south pole. The north pole may be defined by one curved side and the south pole may be defined by an opposite curved side.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that the user causes the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heating compartment to displace the movable member comprising the openings such that one or more of the openings are moved into alignment with the openings arranged in the heating compartment. Light emitters and light receivers on both sides of the movable member are aligned and misaligned to enable input in the form of light intensity characteristics that are assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heated compartment Corresponds to the user command. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether the user has caused the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heated compartment based on readily detectable light intensity characteristics.

Possibly, the detection mechanism is configured such that the user causes the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heating compartment to displace one or more of the triangular-shaped openings. The triangular shaped opening moves into alignment and misalignment with light emitters and light receivers arranged on both sides of the movable member to define a light intensity characteristic, wherein, A first input in the form of a first light intensity characteristic enabled by clockwise rotation, the first input corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; and The second input is in the form of a second light intensity characteristic enabled by counterclockwise rotation, the second input corresponding to a user command assigned to counterclockwise rotation, wherein the first light intensity characteristic and the second light intensity characteristic are different. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether the user has rotated the aerosol-generating article clockwise or counterclockwise in the heated compartment based on easily detectable and easily distinguishable light intensity characteristics.

Possibly, the detection mechanism includes at least one image sensor, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that the at least one image sensor detects the aerosol-generating article when the user causes the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heating compartment. Changes between successive images of the aerosol-generating article to enable input in the form of successive image features corresponding to user commands assigned to the user causing the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heated compartment. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether the user has caused the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heated compartment based on readily detectable sequential image features.

Possibly, the detection mechanism includes at least one image sensor, wherein the detection mechanism is configured such that the at least one image sensor detects the aerosol-generating article when the user causes the aerosol-generating article to rotate in the heating compartment. Changes between successive images of an aerosol-generating article, where, The first input is in the form of a first continuous image feature enabled by clockwise rotation, the first input corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; and The second input is in the form of a second continuous image feature enabled by counterclockwise rotation, the second input corresponding to the user command assigned to counterclockwise rotation, wherein the first continuous image feature and the second continuous image The characteristics are different. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether the user has rotated the aerosol-generating article clockwise or counterclockwise in the heating compartment based on easily detectable and easily distinguishable consecutive image features.

The detection mechanism may include an LED for illuminating the aerosol-generating article to facilitate detection of a continuous image.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring first to FIG. 1 , a first example of an aerosol generating device 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is diagrammatically shown. Aerosol generating device 10 is configured for use with aerosol generating article 16 such that aerosol generating device 10 and aerosol generating article 16 together form an aerosol generating system.

The aerosol-generating device 10 may also be referred to as a "heated tobacco device", a "heated tobacco device", a "device for vaporizing tobacco products", etc., which are interpreted as being suitable for achieving these effects device. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol-generating matrix.

The aerosol generating device 10 is a handheld portable device (meaning that the user can hold and support the device with one hand without assistance). The aerosol generating device 10 has a first (or proximal) end 48 and a second (or distal) end 50 and includes a device housing 52 .

Aerosol generating device 10 includes controller 20 . The aerosol generating device 10 may include a user interface for controlling operation of the aerosol generating device 10 via the controller 20 .

Controller 20 may be configured, for example, in response to user input (such as pressing a button to activate aerosol-generating device 10 ), or in response to detection of airflow through aerosol-generating device 10 , or in response to a user as described in more detail below. command to detect the start of use of the aerosol generating device 10. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, airflow through the aerosol generating device 10 indicates inhalation or "puffing" by the user. The aerosol generating device 10 may, for example, include a suction detector (such as an airflow sensor) (not shown) to detect airflow through the aerosol generating device 10 .

Controller 20 includes electronic circuitry. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a power source 54 such as a battery. The power supply 54 and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at high frequencies with the inductively heated steam generating device 10 . For example, the power supply 54 and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at a frequency between approximately 80 kHz and 500 kHz, possibly between approximately 150 kHz and 250 kHz, and possibly approximately 200 kHz. The power supply 54 and electronic circuitry may be configured (if desired) to operate at higher frequencies (eg, in the MHz range).

The aerosol generating device 10 includes a heating assembly 12 . The heating assembly 12 further includes a heating compartment 14 . The heating compartment 14 is arranged to receive an aerosol generating article 16 . In some examples, heating compartment 14 has a substantially cylindrical cross-section. The heating compartment 14 defines a cavity.

The heating compartment 14 has a first end 56 and a second end 58 . The heating compartment 14 includes an opening 60 at a first end 56 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 16 . In the example shown, the heating compartment 14 includes a substantially cylindrical side wall 62, ie a side wall 62 having a substantially circular cross-section.

Aerosol-generating article 16 includes an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating matrix can be any type of solid or semi-solid material. Example types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particulates, gels, strips, loose leaves, cut leaves, formulated tobacco, porous materials, foams, or sheets. The aerosol-generating matrix may include plant-derived materials, and may particularly include tobacco. The aerosol generating matrix may advantageously comprise reconstituted tobacco.

The aerosol-generating matrix may include an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of aerosol formers include polyols and mixtures thereof, such as glycerol or propylene glycol. Typically, the aerosol-generating matrix may include an aerosol-forming agent content of between about 5% and about 50% (on a dry weight basis). In some examples, the aerosol-generating matrix 16 may include an aerosol-forming agent content between about 10% and about 20% (on a dry weight basis), possibly about 15% (on a dry weight basis).

When heated, aerosol-generating matrices can release volatile compounds. The volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavor compounds such as tobacco flavoring.

The shape of the aerosol generating article 16 corresponds to the shape of the heating compartment 14 . The aerosol generating article 16 may be generally cylindrical or rod-shaped. The aerosol generating article 16 may be formed substantially in the shape of a rod and may broadly resemble a cigarette having a tubular region having an aerosol generating matrix arranged in a suitable manner. The aerosol-generating article 16 may be a disposable and replaceable article, which may, for example, contain tobacco as the aerosol-generating matrix. The aerosol generating article 16 may be a heated tobacco rod. Aerosol generating products 16 series consumables.

The aerosol-generating article 16 has a first end 64 (mouth end), a second end 66, and includes a filter 68 at the first end 64. The filter 68 acts as a mouthpiece and may include a breathable plug (eg, including cellulose acetate fibers).

The aerosol-generating substrate and filter 68 may be wrapped by a paper wrapper, and thus may be embodied as an aerosol-generating article 16 . One or more vapor collection areas, cooling areas, and other structures may also be included in some designs.

To use aerosol-generating device 10 , a user inserts aerosol-generating article 16 into heating compartment 14 through opening 60 such that second end 66 of aerosol-generating article 16 is positioned at second end 58 of heating compartment 14 and such that A filter 68 at the first end 64 of the aerosol-generating article 16 projects from the first end 56 of the heating compartment 14 to allow engagement by the user's lips.

The heating assembly 12 includes a heater (not shown) arranged to heat the aerosol-generating matrix of the aerosol-generating article 16 received in the heating compartment 14 .

Heating component 12 may be an induction heating component (not shown). The induction heating assembly further includes an induction coil (not shown). The induction coil is arranged to be excited to generate an alternating electromagnetic field to inductively heat an inductively heatable susceptor (not shown) (ie, a heater).

Inductively heated susceptors may be arranged around the perimeter of the heating compartment 14 . Alternatively, an inductively heatable susceptor may be arranged to protrude from the second end 58 into the heating compartment 14 (eg, as a heating blade or heating needle) for insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16 into the aerosol-generating device 10 When penetrating aerosol, a matrix is generated. In other examples, inductively heatable susceptors are instead disposed in the aerosol-generating matrix during manufacture of the aerosol-generating article 16 . In such an example, the aerosol-generating article 16 includes an inductively heatable susceptor.

The induction coil can be energized by power supply 54 and controller 20 . The induction coil may include Litz wire or Litz cable. However, it should be understood that other materials may be used.

An induction coil may extend around the heating compartment 14 . Accordingly, the induction coil may be annular. The shape of the induction coil may be essentially spiral. In some examples, the circular cross-section of the helical induction coil may facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16 and optionally one or more inductively heatable susceptors into the heating compartment 14 and ensure uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate. .

The inductively heated susceptor includes an electrically conductive material. The inductively heated susceptor may include one or more of the following, but is not limited to: graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, aluminum, iron, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, mild steel, stainless steel, mild steel and its alloys (for example, nickel-chromium or nickel-copper), and composites of metallic materials. In some examples, the inductively heatable susceptor includes a metal selected from the group consisting of mild steel, stainless steel, and low carbon stainless steel.

In use, by applying an electromagnetic field in its vicinity, the inductively heated sensor(s) generate heat due to eddy currents and hysteresis losses, thereby causing the conversion of electromagnetic energy into thermal energy.

The induction coil may be arranged to operate, in use, by a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density between about 20 mT and about 2.0 T at the point of highest concentration.

An alternative approach is to use a resistive heating element (not shown). In such a case, the heater includes a resistance heater (not shown). The resistive heater may surround the aerosol-generating substrate and transfer heat to the outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate, for example the resistive heater may be arranged around the perimeter of the heating compartment 14 . Alternatively, a resistive heater may be arranged to protrude from the second end 58 into the heating compartment 14 (eg, as a heating blade or heating needle) to pass through the aerosol-generating article 16 when inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10 The aerosol creates a matrix. In use, current from power source 54 is supplied directly to the resistive heater to generate heat.

In use, heat from a heater (ie, an inductively heated susceptor or a resistive heater) is transferred to the aerosol of the aerosol-generating article 16 positioned in the heating compartment 14 , such as by conduction, radiation, and convection. The substrate is generated to heat the aerosol-generating substrate (but not to burn the aerosol-generating substrate) and thereby generate vapor, which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of aerosol-generating device 10 , such as through filter 68 . Vaporization of the aerosol-generating matrix is aided by the addition of air from the surrounding environment, such as through an air inlet (not shown).

Generally speaking, vapors are substances that are in the gas phase at temperatures below their critical temperature, which means that vapors can condense into liquids by increasing their pressure without lowering the temperature, while aerosols are fine solid particles or a suspension of liquid droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with respect to the form of the respirable medium produced for inhalation by the user.

The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a detection mechanism 18 . The detection mechanism 18 is configured to detect user commands based on movement of the aerosol-generating article 16 within the heating compartment 14 by the user. Accordingly, the detection mechanism 18 is configured to detect a user command based on manipulation of the aerosol-generating article 16 by the user in the heating compartment 14 .

Each of a set of different defined movements 19 that the user causes the aerosol-generating article 16 to make in the heating compartment 14 corresponds to a different assigned user command detectable by the detection mechanism 18 .

Controller 20 is configured to control operation of aerosol generating device 10 based on user commands detected by detection mechanism 18 .

The user commands include at least the following items: turn on the heater of the heating assembly 12 to start the heating process; increase the temperature of the heating compartment 14; decrease the temperature of the heating compartment 14; display the status of the battery 54. As anticipated above, the controller 20 may also be configured to detect initiation of use of the aerosol generating device 10 in response to a user command.

In the example of the present disclosure, manipulation of the aerosol-generating article 16 by the user in the heated compartment 14 enables easy access to a potentially very large number of different user commands. This provides the user with greater control over the device 10 using only a single user input (ie, manipulation of the aerosol-generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14). This arrangement does not require the provision of additional buttons, or different pressing patterns of one or more existing buttons to provide additional user commands. As a result, the device 10 is less complex and more user-friendly.

As shown in Figure 2a, in some examples, the set of different defined movements 19 includes the user causing the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate within the heated compartment 14. The user causing the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate within the heating compartment 14 means that the user causes the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate or move to some extent about the longitudinal axis of the heating compartment 14 . Clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation correspond to different assigned user commands. Accordingly, the detection mechanism 18 is configured such that clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the aerosol-generating article 16 provide different user commands.

As shown in Figure 2b, in some examples, the set of different defined movements 19 includes the user tilting the aerosol-generating article 16 within the heating compartment 14. Different tilt directions correspond to different assigned user commands.

In some examples, the set of different defined movements 19 may include the user causing the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate within the heated compartment 14 (as shown in Figure 2a) and the user causing the aerosol-generating article 16 to tilt within the heated compartment 14. (As shown in Figure 2b). In such an example, clockwise rotation, counterclockwise rotation, and different tilt directions each correspond to a different assigned user command.

Thus, a potentially very large number of different user commands can be easily accessed by a simple user action.

In the example shown, detection mechanism 18 includes a plurality of inputs 22 . The inputs 22 are arranged such that each defined movement in the set of different defined movements 19 activates an input 22 corresponding to the user command assigned to that type of movement 19 . This arrangement ensures that each defined movement corresponds, by means of a specific input 22, to the user command assigned to that movement.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6 , a second example of an aerosol generating device 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The aerosol generating device 100 is similar to the aerosol generating device 10 described above, and the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding elements.

The detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol-generating device 100 is configured to enable the user to tilt the aerosol-generating article 16 within the heating compartment 14 activating the input 22 . Input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article 16 to tilt in the heating compartment 14 .

In the example shown, the detection mechanism 18 is configured to cause the user to tilt the aerosol-generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 in any one of a set of different directions enabled with the aerosol-generating article assigned to the user. 16 The user command to tilt in this direction corresponds to the input 22. Accordingly, the user tilting the aerosol-generating article 16 in different directions within the heating compartment 14 enables different inputs 22 . Each input 22 that is enabled corresponds to a user command assigned to the user to tilt the aerosol-generating article 16 in a particular direction. This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for enabling different inputs 22 based on the user tilting the aerosol-generating article 16 in different directions within the heating compartment 14 .

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , in the example shown, the input 22 or inputs 22 include strain gauges 25 . In particular, inputs 22 in the form of strain gauges 25 are provided on opposite sides (labeled 1 and 2) of the heating compartment 14 towards the top of the heating compartment 14 and on its outer surface 27. In fact, only a single strain gauge 25 is visible in Figure 5 . In use, when the aerosol-generating article 16 is tilted in a direction to contact the interior surface 29 of one of the opposite sides (1 or 2), the strain gauges 25 located on the corresponding exterior surface 27 will sense a force. , thus enabling input 22. The enabled input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article 16 to tilt in the heating compartment 14 in that direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10 , a third example of an aerosol generating device 110 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The aerosol generating device 110 is similar to the aerosol generating devices 10, 100 described above and the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding elements.

The detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol generating device 110 includes at least one movable member 24 . In the example shown, at least one movable member 24 is in communication with the heating compartment 14 . At least one movable member 24 may be provided or at least partially provided in the heating compartment 14 .

The detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol-generating device 110 is configured such that the user tilts the aerosol-generating article 16 within the heating compartment 14 to displace the movable member 24 to enable the input 22 . Input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article 16 to tilt in the heating compartment 14 . This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for enabling input 22 based on the user tilting aerosol-generating article 16 within heating compartment 14 .

In the example shown, the detection mechanism 18 is configured such that a user tilting the aerosol-generating article 16 within the heating compartment 14 in any one of a set of different directions displaces the movable member 24 to enable and An input 22 corresponding to a user command to tilt the aerosol-generating article 16 in this direction is assigned to the user. Accordingly, the user tilting the aerosol-generating article 16 in different directions within the heating compartment 14 enables different inputs 22 . Each input 22 that is enabled corresponds to a user command assigned to the user to tilt the aerosol-generating article 16 in a particular direction. This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for enabling different inputs 22 based on the user tilting the aerosol-generating article 16 in different directions within the heating compartment 14 .

As best shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the example shown, the input 22 or inputs 22 are provided behind the respective movable member(s) 24. Input 22 includes pressing a button 23 or a tactile switch.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, in the example shown, two inputs 22 (labeled A and B) in the form of push buttons 23 are provided on opposite sides of the heating compartment 14 and on corresponding movable members 24 ( Marked 1 and 2) behind. The movable member 24 forms the top section of the heating compartment 14 . In use, when the aerosol-generating article 16 is tilted in a direction to displace one of the two movable members 24 (1 or 2), the button 23 (A or B) located behind the movable member 24 is Press to enable input 22. The enabled input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article 16 to tilt in the heating compartment 14 in that direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13 , a fourth example of an aerosol generating device 120 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The aerosol generating device 120 is similar to the aerosol generating devices 10, 100, 110 described above and the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding elements.

As best shown in Figure 12b, the detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol generating device 120 is configured such that the user causes the aerosol generating article 16 to rotate within the heating compartment 14 displacing the movable member 24. In the example shown, the movable member 24 includes a magnet 26 as shown in FIG. 13 . Displacing the movable member 24 causes the orientation of the magnet 26 to change relative to the Hall sensor 28 (labeled A) to enable communication with a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate in the heated compartment 14 The corresponding input is 22. Input 22 is in the form of a Hall sensor output signal caused by a change in the orientation of magnet 26 relative to Hall sensor 28 .

This arrangement provides a robust mechanism for determining whether the user has caused the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate within the heated compartment 14 based on an easily detectable Hall sensor output signal.

In the example shown, the first input 22 is enabled by clockwise rotation in the form of a first Hall sensor output signal driven by the magnet 26 relative to the Hall sensor. 28 caused by orientation change. The first input 22 corresponds to the user command assigned to clockwise rotation. The second input 22 is enabled by counterclockwise rotation in the form of a second Hall sensor output signal caused by a change in orientation of the magnet 26 relative to the Hall sensor 28 . The second input 22 corresponds to the user command assigned to counterclockwise rotation. The first Hall sensor output signal and the second Hall sensor output signal are different, so that the two Hall sensor output signals can be distinguished.

In the example shown, magnet 26 includes a diametrically magnetized circular magnet 30 having a north pole 32 and a south pole 34 . North pole 32 is defined by one curved side of circular magnet 30 . The south pole 34 is defined by the opposite curved sides of the circular magnet 30 . In such an example, the movable member 24 is a diametrically magnetized circular magnet 30 having a north 32 and south 34 pole.

In the example shown, a diametrically magnetized circular magnet 30 is positioned towards the top of the heating compartment 14 . Rotating the aerosol-generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 will cause the circular magnet 30 to also rotate (ie, rotate). Therefore, the Hall sensor 28 detects the rotation of the circular magnet 30 . The direction of rotation of the circular magnet 30 and therefore the aerosol generating article 16 is determined based on the induced current on the Hall sensor 28 . Accordingly, two different user commands may be executed depending on the direction of rotation of the aerosol-generating article 16 .

This arrangement provides a robust method for determining whether the user has rotated the aerosol-generating article 16 clockwise or counterclockwise in the heating compartment 14 based on an easily detectable and easily distinguishable Hall sensor output signal. institution.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-18 , a fifth example of an aerosol generating device 130 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The aerosol generating device 130 is similar to the aerosol generating devices 10, 100, 110, 120 described above and the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding elements.

The detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol generating device 130 is also configured to enable the user to rotate the aerosol generating article 16 within the heating compartment 14 to displace the movable member 24 . Movable member 24 includes opening 38 . In particular, the movable member 24 is a disk 45 having openings 38 extending therethrough. Displacing the movable member 24 moves one or more of the openings 38 into alignment and misalignment with the light emitters 40 and light receivers 42 disposed on both sides of the movable member 24 to enable and distribute to a user Inputs corresponding to user commands causing the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate in the heating chamber 14 are entered. This input is in the form of light intensity features.

This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether the user has caused the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate within the heated compartment 14 based on readily detectable light intensity characteristics.

The movable member 24 may include a triangular-shaped opening 44 (best shown in FIG. 17 ). In such an example, the first input 22 is enabled by clockwise rotation in the form of a first light intensity characteristic, which is diagrammatically represented in Figure 18a. The first input 22 corresponds to the user command assigned to clockwise rotation.

Referring to Figure 18a, reading the graph from left to right, the first light intensity characteristic is characterized by the movement of each triangular shaped opening 44 in the movable member 24 as the user moves the aerosol-generating article 16 clockwise in the heated compartment 14 When rotated and displaced to align with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42, the light intensity gradually increases from a base value to a maximum value. In effect, first, a dark light will appear, and then, that dark light will brighten to its maximum value. As each triangular-shaped opening 44 moves out of alignment with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42, the light intensity will drop sharply to the base value. The observed light intensity characteristics are caused by each triangularly shaped opening 44 moving with its tip first aligned with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 .

The second input 22 is enabled by counterclockwise rotation in the form of a second light intensity characteristic, which is diagrammatically represented in Figure 18b. The second input 22 corresponds to the user command assigned to counterclockwise rotation.

Referring to Figure 18b, reading the graph from right to left, the second light intensity characteristic is characterized as each triangular-shaped opening 44 in the movable member 24 as the user moves the aerosol-generating article 16 counterclockwise in the heated compartment 14 When rotated and displaced to align with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42, the light intensity increases sharply from a base value to a maximum value. In fact, first, a bright light with maximum light intensity value will appear, and then, as each triangular shaped opening 44 moves out of position with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42, the bright light will dim to the base value. The observed light intensity characteristics are caused by each triangular-shaped opening 44 moving with its flat end first aligned with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 .

Accordingly, the triangularly shaped openings 44 are arranged such that clockwise rotation of the aerosol-generating article 16 moves each triangularly shaped opening 44 with its tip first aligned with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 . Furthermore, the triangularly shaped openings 44 are arranged such that counterclockwise rotation of the aerosol-generating article 16 moves each triangularly shaped opening 44 so that the flat end is aligned first with the light emitter 40 and light receiver 42 .

Therefore, the first light intensity characteristic and the second light intensity characteristic are different, making it possible to easily distinguish the two light intensity characteristics.

As best shown in Figures 15a and 15b, in the example shown the disk 45 is positioned towards the top of the heating compartment 14. Rotating the aerosol-generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 will cause the disk 45 to also rotate (ie, rotate). The direction of rotation of the disk 45 and therefore the aerosol-generating article 16 is determined based on the detected light intensity characteristic (ie, whether a first light intensity characteristic is detected or a second light intensity characteristic is detected). Accordingly, two different user commands may be executed depending on the direction of rotation of the aerosol-generating article 16 .

This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether the user has rotated the aerosol-generating article 16 clockwise or counterclockwise in the heating compartment 14 based on easily detectable and easily distinguishable light intensity characteristics.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-21 , a sixth example of an aerosol generating device 140 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The aerosol generating device 140 is similar to the aerosol generating devices 10, 100, 110, 120, 130 described above and the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding elements.

The detection mechanism 18 of the aerosol generating device 140 includes at least one image sensor 46 (eg, as shown in Figure 21). The detection mechanism 18 is configured such that the at least one image sensor 46 detects changes between successive images of the aerosol-generating article 16 as the user causes the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate in the heating chamber 14 to enable continuous rendering of the aerosol-generating article 16 . Input in the form of image features22. Input 22 corresponds to a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate in the heating compartment 14 .

This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether the user has caused the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate within the heating compartment 14 based on readily detectable sequential image features.

As best shown in Figure 20b, in the example shown, the first input 22 is in the form of a first continuous image feature enabled by clockwise rotation. The first input 22 corresponds to the user command assigned to clockwise rotation. The second input is enabled by counterclockwise rotation in the form of a second continuous image feature. The second input 22 corresponds to the user command assigned to counterclockwise rotation. The first continuous image feature and the second continuous image feature are different such that the two continuous image features can be easily distinguished.

This arrangement provides another robust mechanism for determining whether the user has rotated the aerosol-generating article 16 clockwise or counterclockwise in the heating compartment 14 based on readily detectable and easily distinguishable consecutive image features. .

In some examples, detection mechanism 18 includes an LED that illuminates aerosol-generating article 16 to facilitate detection of a continuous image.

In the example shown, at least one image sensor 46 is provided behind a glass window forming part of the top of the heating compartment 14 . Accordingly, movement of the aerosol-generating article 16 is detected by motion tracking (detecting changes between consecutive images).

In some examples, the detection mechanism 18 is configured such that the user tilts or rotates the aerosol-generating article 16 in the heated compartment 14 , respectively. Different inputs corresponding to user commands22. For example, the detection mechanism 18 may include an arrangement of the second example aerosol generating device 100 or the third example aerosol generating device 110 , and the fourth example aerosol generating device 120 , the fifth example aerosol generating device 130 , or the sixth example Any one of the aerosol generating devices 140 illustrates an arrangement of aerosol generating devices.

In such an example, the user tilting the aerosol-generating article 16 in different directions within the heating compartment 14 may enable different inputs 22 . Each input 22 that is enabled corresponds to a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article 16 to tilt in the heating compartment 14 in a particular direction. Additionally, in such examples, clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the aerosol-generating article 16 within the heating compartment 14 may also enable different inputs 22 . Each input 22 that is enabled corresponds to a user command assigned to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the aerosol-generating article 16 in the heating compartment 14 , respectively.

In some examples, the user causing the aerosol-generating article 16 to rotate and/or tilt the aerosol-generating article 16 to varying degrees within the heating compartment 14 may correspond to different user commands. For example, rotate 45 degrees, rotate 90 degrees, rotate 180 degrees, and rotate 360 degrees can correspond to different user commands.

The figures also illustrate methods of manufacturing aerosol generating devices 10, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The figures also illustrate methods of providing an aerosol generating system in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the foregoing paragraphs, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

This disclosure encompasses any combination of all possible variations of the above-described features unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "include", "including" and the like are to be construed in an inclusive rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to" to explain.

10, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140: Aerosol generating device 12:Heating component 14: Heated compartment 16:Aerosol-generating products 18:Testing agency 19:Limited movement 20:Controller 22:Input 23: Press the button 24: Movable components 25:Strain gauge 26:Magnet 27:External surface 28: Hall sensor 30:Circular magnet 32:Arctic 34:Antarctica 38:Open your mouth 40:Light transmitter 42: Optical receiver 44:Open your mouth 45:Plate 46:Image sensor 48: First end, near end 50: Second end, far end 52:Device housing 54:Power supply 56:First end 58:Second end 60:Open your mouth 62:Side wall 64:First end 66:Second end 68:Filter

[Fig. 1] is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generating device;

[Fig. 2a] is a diagrammatic perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 1, showing clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the aerosol-generating article;

[Fig. 2b] is a diagrammatic perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 1, showing an example tilt direction of the aerosol-generating article;

[Fig. 3] is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a second example of the aerosol generating device;

[Figure 4] is a diagrammatic top view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 3;

[Fig. 5] is a diagrammatic top detailed view of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 3;

[Figure 6] Diagrammatic view of the strain gauge;

[Fig. 7] is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a third example of the aerosol generating device;

[Figure 8] is a diagrammatic top view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 7;

[Fig. 9] A diagrammatic top detailed view of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 7;

[Figure 10] is a diagrammatic three-dimensional view of pressing the button;

[Fig. 11] is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a fourth example of an aerosol generating device;

[Fig. 12a] is a diagrammatic cross-sectional detailed view of the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 11, including an aerosol-generating article;

[Fig. 12b] is another diagrammatic cross-sectional detailed view of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 11 showing clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the aerosol generating article;

[Figure 13] is a diagrammatic three-dimensional view of a circular magnet;

[Fig. 14] is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a fifth example of the aerosol generating device;

[Fig. 15a] is a diagrammatic cross-sectional detailed view of the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 14, including an aerosol-generating article;

[Fig. 15b] is another diagrammatic cross-sectional detailed view of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 14, showing clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the aerosol generating article;

[Figure 16] is a diagrammatic perspective view of the optical transmitter/receiver arrangement;

[Figure 17] A diagrammatic detailed view of a triangular-shaped opening and a light source;

[Fig. 18a] is a graphical representation of the first light intensity characteristic;

[Fig. 18b] is a graphical representation of the second light intensity characteristic;

[Fig. 19] is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a sixth example of the aerosol generating device;

[Fig. 20a] is a diagrammatic cross-sectional detailed view of the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 19, including an aerosol-generating article;

[Fig. 20b] Another diagrammatic cross-sectional detailed view of the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 19 showing clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the aerosol-generating article; and

[Figure 21] is a diagrammatic perspective view of the image sensor arrangement.

10:Aerosol generating device

12:Heating component

14: Heated compartment

16:Aerosol-generating products

18:Testing agency

20:Controller

22:Input

48: First end, near end

50: Second end, far end

52:Device housing

54:Power supply

56:First end

58:Second end

60:Open your mouth

62:Side wall

64:First end

66:Second end

68:Filter

Claims (15)

An aerosol generating device (10), comprising: A heating assembly (12), wherein the heating assembly (12) includes a heating compartment (14) arranged to receive the aerosol-generating article (16); A detection mechanism (18) configured to detect a user command based on movement of the aerosol-generating article (16) by the user in the heating compartment (14), wherein the aerosol-generating article (16) Each of a set of different defined movements (19) performed in the heating compartment (14) corresponds to a different assigned user command capable of being detected by the detection mechanism (18); and A controller (20) configured to control operation of the aerosol generating device (10) based on user commands detected by the detection mechanism (18). The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the set of different defined movements (19) includes the user causing the aerosol generating article (16) to rotate in the heated compartment (14), wherein clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation correspond to different assigned user commands. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the set of different defined movements (19) includes the user tilting the aerosol-generating article (16) in the heating compartment (14), wherein the different defined movements The tilt directions correspond to different assigned user commands. An aerosol generating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection mechanism (18) includes a plurality of inputs (22), wherein the inputs (22) are arranged to cause the set of different defined movements Each qualified movement in (19) enables an input (22) corresponding to the user command assigned to that type of movement (19). The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism (18) includes at least one movable member (24), wherein the detection mechanism is configured to enable the at least one movable member (24) to The aerosol-generating article (16) is displaced by a defined movement (19) of the aerosol-generating article (16) in the heated compartment (14) by the user to enable an input corresponding to a user command assigned to the defined movement (19). twenty two). The aerosol-generating device of claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism (18) is configured to enable a user to tilt the aerosol-generating article (16) in the heating compartment (14) so that the movable member (24) ) is shifted to enable an input (22) corresponding to a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article (16) to tilt in the heated compartment (14). The aerosol-generating device of claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism (18) is configured to enable a user to move the aerosol-generating article (16) on the heated barrier in any one of a set of different directions. Tilt in the chamber (14) displaces the movable member (24) to enable input (22) corresponding to a user command assigned to the user to tilt the aerosol-generating article (16) in that direction. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism (18) is configured to enable a user to rotate the aerosol generating article (16) in the heating compartment (14) to include a magnet (26) Displacement of the movable member (24) causes the orientation of the magnet (26) relative to the Hall sensor (28) to enable an input (22) in the form of a Hall sensor output signal which The sensor output signal is caused by the orientation change and the input (22) corresponds to a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article (16) to rotate in the heated compartment (14). The aerosol-generating device of claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism (18) is configured to enable a user to rotate the aerosol-generating article (16) in the heating compartment (14) to include a magnet (26) The movable member (24) is displaced to change the orientation of the magnet (26) relative to the Hall sensor (28), where, The first input (22) is enabled by clockwise rotation in the form of a first Hall sensor output signal caused by a change in orientation, which first input (22) is assigned to Corresponds to the user command of clockwise rotation; and The second input (22) is enabled by counterclockwise rotation in the form of a second Hall sensor output signal caused by the orientation change, the second input (22) being assigned Corresponding to the user command of counterclockwise rotation, the first Hall sensor output signal and the second Hall sensor output signal are different. The aerosol generating device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the magnet (26) includes a diametrically magnetized circular magnet (30) having a north pole (32) and a south pole (34). ), wherein the north pole (32) is defined by one curved side and the south pole (34) is defined by the opposite curved side. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism (18) is configured to enable a user to rotate the aerosol generating article (16) in the heating compartment (14) to include the opening (38) The movable member (24) is displaced such that one or more of the openings (38) move to align with the light emitter (40) and light receiver arranged on both sides of the movable member (24) (42) Alignment and misalignment to enable input in the form of a light intensity characteristic with user commands assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article (16) to rotate in the heated compartment (14) corresponding. The aerosol-generating device of claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism (18) is configured to enable a user to rotate the aerosol-generating article (16) in the heating compartment (14) to include a triangular-shaped opening. The movable member (24) of (44) is displaced such that one or more of the triangular-shaped openings (44) move to align with the openings arranged on both sides of the movable member (24). The light emitter (40) and light receiver (42) are aligned and misaligned to define light intensity characteristics, where, A first input (22) in the form of a first light intensity characteristic enabled by clockwise rotation, the first input (22) corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; and A second input (22) in the form of a second light intensity characteristic enabled by counterclockwise rotation corresponds to a user command assigned to counterclockwise rotation, wherein the first light intensity characteristic and the The second light intensity characteristic is different. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism (18) includes at least one image sensor (46), wherein the detection mechanism (18) is configured such that the at least one image sensor The detector (46) detects changes between successive images of the aerosol-generating article (16) as the user rotates the aerosol-generating article (16) in the heated chamber (14) to enable the presentation of successive images. An input (22) in the form of a feature corresponding to a user command assigned to the user to cause the aerosol-generating article (16) to rotate in the heating compartment (14). The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the detection mechanism (18) includes at least one image sensor (46), wherein the detection mechanism (18) is configured such that the at least one image sensor The detector (46) detects changes between successive images of the aerosol-generating article (16) as the user rotates the aerosol-generating article (16) in the heated compartment (14), wherein, A first input (22) in the form of a first continuous image feature enabled by clockwise rotation, the first input (22) corresponding to a user command assigned to clockwise rotation; and The second input is in the form of a second continuous image feature enabled by counterclockwise rotation, the second input (22) corresponding to the user command assigned to counterclockwise rotation, wherein the first continuous image feature and the third Two consecutive image features are different. The aerosol generating device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the detection mechanism (18) includes an LED for illuminating the aerosol generating article (16) to facilitate detection of continuous images.

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