JP2025523041A - Aerosol generator with two interface buttons - Google Patents

Abstract

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a housing; a cavity within the housing for receiving an aerosol generating article; a heating device for heating the aerosol generating article within the cavity; a power source for supplying power to the heating device; control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heating device; a first button located on the housing and connected to the control circuitry; and a second button located on the housing and connected to the control circuitry, wherein the first button has a different size and/or shape than the second button, the first button is configured to activate a first function of the device, and the second button is configured to activate a second function of the device, the first function being different from the second function.
[Selected figure] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device that includes a housing and a first button and a second button located on the housing. The first button has a different size or shape than the second button and can be used to activate different functions of the aerosol generating device.

Aerosol generating devices configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, are known in the art. Typically, an inhalable aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate or material, which may be located within, around, or downstream of the heater. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a separate aerosol-generating article component configured to engage the aerosol-generating device. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol, which is inhaled by the consumer.

It may also be desirable to provide various operating modes of an aerosol generating device. For example, it may be desirable to provide different heating profiles so that a user can choose to generate different amounts of aerosol at different times. In particular, the device may have a normal mode in which aerosol is generated, and a boost mode in which aerosol is generated at a faster rate or in a larger volume by increasing the temperature of the heater or by activating more parts of the heater simultaneously.

It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that allows a user to easily and intuitively switch between different functions, particularly while using the device to generate an aerosol.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device, comprising:
Housing and
a cavity within the housing for receiving an aerosol-generating article;
a heating device for heating the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity;
a first button located on the housing;
and a second button located on the housing.

The first button may have a different size and/or shape than the second button. The first button may be configured to activate a first function of the device. The second button may be configured to activate a second function of the device, the first function being different from the second function.

The aerosol generating device may include a power source arranged to provide power to the heating device. The power source may include a battery. The power source may include a plurality of batteries. The battery or batteries may include rechargeable batteries, such as lithium ion batteries.

The aerosol generating device may include a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heating device. The control circuit may include a microcontroller. The first button may be connected to the microcontroller. The second button may be connected to the microcontroller.

Providing buttons of different sizes and/or shapes allows for intuitive control by the user. For example, a larger button may be used to turn the device on and off and to activate a default heating mode. A smaller button may be used for additional functionality, such as boosting aerosol generation. Alternatively, a smaller button may be used to turn the device on and off and to activate a default heating mode, and a larger button may be used for additional functionality, such as boosting aerosol generation.

The control circuit may be configured to provide power to the heating assembly. In a first mode, the control circuit may be configured to provide power to the heating assembly to achieve a first heating profile. In a second mode, the control circuit may be configured to provide power to the heating assembly to achieve a second heating profile. The first heating profile may be different from the second heating profile. As used herein, the term "heating profile" refers to a change in temperature of the heating assembly, or a portion of the heating assembly, or a change in power provided to the heating assembly, over a single use session of the aerosol generating device, or a period of time corresponding to a single use session.

The control circuitry may be configured to switch between different modes in response to actuation of the first or second button by a user. The control circuitry may be configured to turn the device on in response to actuation of the first or second button by a user. The control circuitry may be configured to turn the device off in response to actuation of the first or second button by a user. Depressing the first button or the second button for at least a predetermined amount of time may be required to turn the device on or off.

In one embodiment, the first function is a first mode of operation in which the aerosol generating article is heated to generate aerosol. The second function may be a second mode of operation in which the aerosol generating article is heated to generate aerosol at a higher rate than in the first mode. The first mode of operation may correspond to a "normal" mode of operation and the second mode of operation may correspond to a "boost" mode of operation. The control circuitry may provide more power to the heating device in the second mode than in the first mode. In one example, the first button is larger than the second button. This allows the larger button to be used to initiate normal operation of the device and the smaller button to change to the boost mode when desired by the user. By providing a larger button to activate what is likely to be a normal mode of operation and a smaller button to transition to what is likely to be a less common mode of operation, intuitive and easy to operate controls are provided to the user.

The first button may be configured to activate one or more functions of the device. The particular function activated by actuation of the first button may depend on the number of times the first button is actuated or the duration of the actuation of the first button. The second button may be configured to activate two or more functions of the device. The particular function activated by actuation of the second button may depend on the number of times the second button is actuated or the duration of the actuation of the second button.

The microcontroller may be configured to activate a first function in response to detecting activation of a first button for a predetermined length of time. The microcontroller may be configured to activate a second function in response to detecting activation of a second button for a predetermined length of time. The second button may be a dedicated "boost mode" button. Actuation of the second button may transition the microcontroller from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation. Actuation of the second button may transition the microcontroller from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation. This provides a simple intuitive way to enter and exit the boost mode of operation.

Alternatively, this may be a first button that is a "boost mode button." Actuation of the first button may transition the microcontroller from the first operating mode to the second operating mode. Actuation of the first button may transition the microcontroller from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

The device may have a pre-heat mode in which the heating assembly is heated to a predetermined temperature below the temperature at which significant aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating article. The microcontroller may be configured to transition from the pre-heat mode to a heating mode in which aerosol is generated in response to actuation of the first button or the second button.

The microcontroller may have a low power mode and one or more operating modes that use more power than the low power mode. The microcontroller may be configured to transition from the low power mode to the operating mode in response to detecting activation of at least one of the first button and/or the second button. The microcontroller may have an initial operating mode different from the preheat mode or the heating mode. The microcontroller may be configured to transition from the initial operating mode to the preheat mode or the heating mode in response to actuation or multiple activations of the first button and/or the second button. The microcontroller may not transition directly from the low power mode to the preheat mode or the heating mode.

In one embodiment, the microcontroller may be configured to transition from the low power mode to the initial operating mode in response to a first actuation of the first button. The device may then transition from the initial operating mode to the first heating mode in response to a second actuation of the first button. When in the first heating mode, the device may transition to a second heating mode, which may be a higher power mode than the first heating mode, in response to a first actuation of the second button. The device may transition from the second heating mode to the first heating mode in response to a second actuation of the second button or in response to a further actuation of the first button.

The microcontroller may transition from any operating mode or heating mode to the low power mode in response to continuous actuation of the first button for a first predetermined period. The microcontroller may transition from any operating mode or heating mode to the low power mode in response to continuous actuation of the second button for a first predetermined period.

The microcontroller may automatically transition from the first heating mode and/or the second heating mode to the initial operating mode after a predetermined period of operation in the first heating mode and/or the second heating mode. This may prevent or mitigate heating of the aerosol-generating article for longer than desired. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be designed to be heated for a maximum of six minutes in the first heating mode or five minutes in the second heating mode, after which the probability of generating undesirable aerosol components with continued heating increases. The microcontroller may automatically discontinue heating of the aerosol-generating article in the cavity of the device after a predetermined time. The control circuitry may include one or more sensors for sensing removal or replacement of the aerosol-generating article.

The microcontroller may have a configuration mode in which operating parameters of the device may be set through an interface on a connected device, such as a smartphone running a dedicated app. The microcontroller may transition from the initial operating mode to the configuration mode in response to actuation of the first button or the second button for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times. The microcontroller may transition from the initial operating mode to the configuration mode in response to simultaneous actuation of the first and second buttons for a predetermined period of time.

The aerosol generating device may include a display. The display may be connected to the control circuitry. The display may include multiple light sources, such as LEDs.

The display may indicate the operating status of the aerosol generating device. For example, the display may indicate the current operating mode of the device. The light source may flash or emit different colors of light to provide information to the user.

The display may indicate the status of one or more components of the aerosol generating device. For example, the display may indicate the charge status of a battery. The display may indicate the completion of a pre-heating process. The display may indicate an overheating condition of a heating device.

The display may include an annular outer illumination ring and one or more inner illumination elements within the outer illumination ring. The outer illumination ring may be illuminated independently of the inner illumination element or elements and therefore may convey different information. The outer illumination ring may include multiple light sources. The multiple light sources may be independently illuminated.

The housing may include a partially opaque or diffusive cover layer over at least a portion of the display. The partially opaque or diffusive cover layer may cover one or more inner lighting elements.

The device may also include tactile feedback elements that provide tactile feedback during some operational modes or during transitions from one operational mode to another.

The housing may have a size and shape that allows it to be easily grasped by a user's one hand.

The housing may have multiple faces. The first button and the second button may be provided on the same face of the housing, one on the other.

The housing may be generally cubic. The housing may have a length, a width, and a thickness. The length may be in a longitudinal direction, the width may be in a first transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the thickness may be in a second transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first transverse direction. The housing may have a length that is greater than its width and thickness. The housing may have a width that is greater than its thickness.

The housing may have a first end face and a second end face extending in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The housing may have an opening in a first end surface that provides access to the cavity. In use, the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity through the opening.

Part or all of the display may be provided on the first edge.

The housing may include a gripping surface extending longitudinally between the end faces. A first button and a second button may be provided on the gripping surface. In use, a user's hand may grip the gripping surface without contacting the first end face.

The first and second buttons may be provided on a surface of the housing perpendicular to the end surface. The first and second buttons may be longitudinally aligned with one another. The first and second buttons may be provided on a gripping surface closer to the first end surface than the second end surface. The second button may be provided closer to the first end surface than the first button. This may allow a user's index finger, or index and middle fingers, to easily operate both the first and second buttons when gripping the device with the first end surface facing towards the user's mouth.

The gripping surface may comprise two opposing planar surfaces perpendicular to the second transverse direction. The two opposing planar surfaces are separated by a thickness of the housing. The two opposing planar surfaces may be joined by a curved surface in the first transverse direction on opposing sides of the housing. This provides a comfortable surface for gripping with the palm and fingers of one hand. First and second buttons may be provided on one of the curved surfaces. This may provide the buttons in a natural position for one or more of a user's fingertips when gripping the device. The user's fingers may be comfortably wrapped around the curved surface to activate the first and second buttons.

The first and second buttons may be provided on the curved surface furthest from the opening.

The housing may include an additional switch, button, or interface element on the curved surface closest to the opening. This may provide the additional switch, button, or interface element at a natural position for the user's thumb when gripping the device. The additional switch, button, or interface element may be used to operate a shutter for the opening. The additional interface element may be a rotatable knob or dial.

The device may include an end button or switch on the first end. The end button or switch may be provided within the display. The end button or switch may be used to activate further functions of the aerosol generating device.

The housing may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be separate. The first housing portion may house at least a portion of the power source. The first housing portion may include a display. The first housing portion may include a first button and a second button. The second housing portion may house the cavity and the heating device. The second housing portion may be generally cylindrical. The first housing portion may include a channel complementary to the shape of the second housing portion.

The provision of separable first and second housing portions may allow for a modular design in which different heating devices may be used with the same control circuitry and power supply.

The length of the housing may be between 60mm and 100mm, preferably between 70mm and 80mm, and more preferably between 71mm and 74mm.

The width of the housing may be between 25mm and 50mm, preferably between 30mm and 40mm, more preferably about 35mm.

The thickness of the housing may be between 13mm and 25mm, preferably between 16mm and 22mm, and more preferably between 18mm and 20mm.

The heating device may be an induction heating device. The heating device may include one or more induction coils and one or more induction heating susceptor elements. The one or more induction coils may be connected to a control circuit. The one or more susceptor elements may be provided as part of or in close proximity to an inner surface of the cavity to efficiently transfer heat to the aerosol-generating article.

The one or more induction coils may be disposed outside the cavity. The one or more induction coils may be helical coils. The one or more induction coils may have a magnetic axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the one or more induction coils comprise two induction coils spaced apart longitudinally. The first coil and the second coil may be substantially identical or may be different from one another. For example, they may have different numbers of coil turns. In another embodiment, the one or more induction coils comprise a single induction coil. The single induction coil may have a variable pitch between successive turns of the coil. The one or more induction coils may be formed from copper.

The one or more susceptor elements may comprise a tubular susceptor element that surrounds at least a portion of the cavity. The one or more susceptors may comprise an iron tube. The iron tube may have a coating formed, for example, from nickel and/or phosphorus.

The heating device may include one or more temperature sensors coupled to a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the supply of power to the heating device based at least in part on signals from the one or more temperature sensors.

In a preferred embodiment, the power source comprises a battery. For example, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), or lithium polymer battery (LiPo). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. Preferably, the power source is rechargeable. The power source may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for multiple uses of the aerosol generating device.

If there are separable housing parts, a battery may be provided in each of the housing parts.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device is preferably a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article is preferably a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs.

The aerosol generating device is preferably a "heat-not-burn" device. The control circuitry is configured to control the supply of power to the heating device such that the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating article is heated to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released but no combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate occurs.

The present disclosure also provides an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as described herein and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases a volatile compound that can form an aerosol. As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" means a substrate that is made of or includes an aerosol-forming material that has the ability to release a volatile compound upon heating to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of a powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco, volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also contain capsules, for example, containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco, volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or additionally, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be disposed at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may comprise a cellulose acetate filter plug.

The aerosol-generating article may be cylindrical. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 70 mm to 80 mm, preferably approximately 75 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a diameter of 5 mm to 8 mm, preferably approximately 6.7 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 580 mg to 620 mg. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 30 to 40 mmWG.

The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

Example 1. An aerosol generating device, comprising:
Housing and
a cavity within the housing for receiving an aerosol-generating article;
a heating device for heating the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity;
a first button located on the housing;
and a second button located on the housing.

Example 2. The aerosol generating device of Example 1, wherein the first button has a different size and/or shape than the second button.

Example 3. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the first button is configured to activate a first function of the device.

Example 4. The aerosol generating device of Example 3, wherein the second button is configured to activate a second function of the device, and the first function is different from the second function.

Example 5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a power source for providing power to the heating device.

Example 6. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 5, wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries.

Example 7. An aerosol generating device according to Example 5 or Example 6, wherein the aerosol generating device is provided with a control circuit that controls the power supply from the power source to the heating device.

Example 8. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 7, wherein the control circuit comprises a microcontroller, the first button is connected to the microcontroller, and the second button is connected to the microcontroller.

Example 9. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 7 or Example 8, wherein the control circuitry is configured to power the heating assembly in different modes.

Example 10. The aerosol generating device of Example 9, wherein in a first mode, the control circuit is configured to provide power to the heating assembly to achieve a first heating profile, and in a second mode, the control circuit is configured to provide power to the heating assembly to achieve a second heating profile, the first heating profile being different from the second heating profile.

Example 11. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 9 or Example 10, wherein the control circuitry may be configured to switch between different modes in response to activation of the first or second button by a user.

Example 12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 7 to 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to turn on the device in response to activation of the first or second button by a user.

Example 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 7 to 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to turn off the device in response to activation of the first or second button by a user.

Example 14. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 12 or Example 13, in which pressing the first or second button for at least a predetermined period of time is required to turn the device on or off.

Example 15. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 3 to 14, wherein the first function is a first operating mode in which the aerosol-generating article is heated to generate an aerosol.

Example 16. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 4 to 15, wherein the second function is a second mode of operation in which the aerosol-generating article is heated to generate aerosol at a faster rate than in the first mode.

Example 17. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the first button is larger than the second button.

Example 18. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the first button is configured to activate two or more functions of the device.

Example 19. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 18, in which the particular function activated by actuation of the first button depends on the number of times the first button is actuated or the duration of actuation of the first button.

Example 20. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the second button is configured to activate two or more functions of the device.

Example 21. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 20, in which the particular function activated by actuation of the second button depends on the number of times the second button is actuated or the duration of actuation of the second button.

Example 22. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 21, wherein the microcontroller is configured to activate a first function in response to detecting activation of the first button for a predetermined length of time.

Example 23. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 22, wherein the microcontroller is configured to activate a second function in response to detecting activation of the second button for a predetermined length of time.

Example 24. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the second button may be a dedicated boost mode button.

Example 25. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 24, wherein actuation of the second button transitions the microcontroller from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

Example 26. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 25, wherein actuation of the second button transitions the microcontroller from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

Example 27. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the device has a preheat mode in which the heating assembly is heated to a predetermined temperature below the temperature at which significant aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating article.

Example 28. The aerosol generating device of Example 27, wherein the microcontroller is configured to transition from the preheat mode to a heating mode in which the aerosol is generated in response to actuation of the first or second button.

Example 29. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 29, wherein the microcontroller has a low power mode and an operating mode that uses more power than the low power mode.

Example 30. The aerosol generating device of Example 29, wherein the microcontroller is configured to transition from the low power mode to the operating mode in response to detecting activation of at least one of the first button and the second button.

Example 31. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 30, wherein the microcontroller has an initial operating mode different from the preheating mode or the heating mode, and the microcontroller is configured to transition from the initial operating mode to the preheating mode or the heating mode in response to actuation or multiple activations of the first button and/or the second button.

Example 32. The aerosol generating device of Example 31, wherein the microcontroller is configured to transition from the low power mode to the initial operating mode in response to detecting a first actuation of the first button.

Example 33. The aerosol generating device of Example 32, wherein the device transitions from the initial operating mode to the first heating mode in response to a second actuation of the first button.

Example 34. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 25, wherein when in the first heating mode, the device transitions to a second heating mode, which is a higher power mode than the first heating mode, in response to a first actuation of the second button.

Example 35. The aerosol generating device of Example 34, wherein the device transitions from the second heating mode to the first heating mode in response to a second actuation of the second button or in response to a further actuation of the first button.

Example 36. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 35, wherein the microcontroller automatically transitions from the first heating mode and/or the second heating mode to the initial operating mode after a predetermined period of operation in the first heating mode and/or the second heating mode.

Example 37. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 36, wherein the microcontroller automatically stops heating the aerosol-generating article within the cavity of the device after a predetermined time.

Example 38. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 7 to 37, wherein the control circuit includes one or more sensors for detecting removal or replacement of the aerosol generating article.

Example 39. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 38, wherein the microcontroller has a configuration mode in which the operating parameters of the device can be set through an interface on a connected device, such as a smartphone running a dedicated app.

Example 40. The aerosol generating device of Example 39, wherein the microcontroller transitions from the initial operating mode to the configuration mode in response to actuation of the first button or the second button at a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times.

Example 41. The aerosol generating device of example 39 or example 40, wherein the microcontroller transitions from the initial operating mode to the configuration mode in response to simultaneous actuation of the first and second buttons for a predetermined period of time.

Example 42. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, the aerosol generating device having a display.

Example 43. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 42, in which the display includes multiple light sources such as LEDs.

Example 44. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 42 or Example 43, wherein the display indicates the operating status of the aerosol generating device.

Example 45. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 42, Example 43, or Example 44, wherein the display indicates the status of one or more components of the aerosol generating device.

Example 46. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 42 to 45, wherein the display indicates completion of the preheating process.

Example 47. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 42 to 46, wherein the display includes an annular outer illuminated ring and one or more inner illumination elements within the outer illuminated ring.

Example 48. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 47, wherein the outer illumination ring may be illuminated independently of one or more inner illumination elements and therefore may convey different information.

Example 49. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 47 or Example 48, wherein the outer illumination ring includes multiple light sources, and the multiple light sources can be independently illuminated.

Example 50. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 42 to 49, wherein the housing includes a partially opaque or diffusive cover layer over at least a portion of the display.

Example 51. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 50, in which a partially opaque or partially opaque diffusive cover layer covers one or more inner lighting elements.

Example 52. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 51, further comprising a tactile feedback element that provides tactile feedback during one or more operational modes or during a transition from one operational mode to another.

Example 53. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 52, wherein the housing has a size and shape that allows it to be easily held in one hand of a user.

Example 54 An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 53, wherein the housing has multiple sides and the first button and the second button are provided on the same side of the housing, one above the other.

Example 55. An aerosol generating device as described in Examples 1 to 54, wherein the housing is generally cubic.

Example 56. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 55, wherein the housing has a length, a width and a thickness, the length being in a longitudinal direction, the width being in a first transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the thickness being in a second transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first transverse direction, and the housing has a length greater than its width and thickness, and a width greater than its thickness.

Example 57. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 56, wherein the housing has first and second end faces extending in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the housing has an opening in the first end face providing access to the cavity, and the aerosol generating article can be inserted into the cavity through the opening.

Example 58. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 57, in which part or all of the display is provided on the first end surface.

Example 59. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 57 or Example 58, wherein the housing has a gripping surface extending longitudinally between the end surfaces, and the first button and the second button are provided on the gripping surface.

Example 60. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 57, Example 58 or Example 59, wherein the first button and the second button are provided on a surface of the housing perpendicular to the end surface.

Example 61. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 56 to 60, wherein the first button and the second button are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction.

Example 62. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 59, Example 60, or Example 61, in which the first button and the second button are provided on a gripping surface closer to the first end surface than the second end surface.

Example 63. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 57 to 62, in which the second button is provided closer to the first end face than the first button.

Example 64. An aerosol generating device comprising the aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 59 to 63. The gripping surface includes two opposing planar surfaces perpendicular to the second transverse direction, the two opposing planar surfaces being separated by a thickness of the housing, and the two opposing planar surfaces being joined by curved surfaces on opposing sides of the housing in the first transverse direction.

Example 65. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 64, wherein the first and second buttons are provided on one of the curved surfaces.

Example 66. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 65, wherein the first and second buttons are provided on the curved surface furthest from the opening.

Example 67. An aerosol generating device having a housing as described in Example 64, Example 65, or Example 66.

Example 68. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 67, in which an additional switch, button, or interface element may be used to operate a shutter for the aperture.

Example 69. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 67 or Example 68, wherein the further interface element may be a rotatable knob or dial.

Example 70. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 57 to 69, wherein the device comprises an end face button or switch on the first end face.

Example 71. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 70, wherein an end face button or switch is provided within the display.

Example 72. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 71, in which the housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and the first housing portion and the second housing portion are separable.

Example 73. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 72, wherein the first housing portion contains a power source, a display, and at least a portion of the first and second buttons.

Example 74. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 72 or 73, wherein the second housing portion comprises a cavity and a heating device.

Example 75. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 72 to 74, wherein the first housing portion has a channel that is complementary in shape to the second housing portion.

Example 76. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 75, in which the length of the housing is 60 mm to 100 mm, preferably 70 mm to 80 mm, and more preferably 71 mm to 74 mm.

Example 77. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 76, wherein the width of the housing is 25 mm to 50 mm, preferably 30 mm to 40 mm, more preferably about 35 mm.

Example 78. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 77, in which the thickness of the housing is 13 mm to 25 mm, preferably 16 mm to 22 mm, and more preferably 18 mm to 20 mm.

Example 79. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 78, wherein the heating device is an induction heating device.

Example 80. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 79, wherein the heating device includes one or more induction coils and one or more induction heating susceptor elements.

Example 81. An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples 80, wherein one or more susceptor elements are provided as part of or adjacent to the inner surface of the cavity.

Example 82. An aerosol generating device as described in either Example 80 or Example 81, wherein one or more induction coils are provided around the cavity.

Example 83. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 80, 81, or 82, wherein one or more induction coils are helical coils.

Example 84. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 80 to 83, wherein one or more induction coils may have a magnetic axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Example 85. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 80 to 84, wherein the one or more induction coils consist of two induction coils spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

Example 86. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 80 to 84, wherein the one or more induction coils comprise a single induction coil, and the single induction coil preferably has a variable pitch between successive turns of the coil.

Example 87. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 80 to 86, wherein one or more susceptor elements include a tubular susceptor element that surrounds at least a portion of the cavity.

Example 88. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 87, wherein the heating device includes one or more temperature sensors connected to a control circuit, and the control circuit may be configured to control the supply of power to the heating device based at least in part on a signal from the one or more temperature sensors.

Example 89. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 5 to 88, in which the power source is a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as lithium cobalt (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), or a lithium polymer battery (LiPo).

Example 90. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 5 to 88, wherein the power source is a charge storage device such as a capacitor.

Example 91. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 5 to 90, wherein the power source is rechargeable.

Example 92. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 5 to 91, wherein the power source has a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for multiple uses of the aerosol generating device.

Example 93. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 92, wherein the aerosol generating article is a smoking article that produces a nicotine-containing aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of a user through the mouth of the user.

Example 94. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 5 to 93, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the supply of power to the heating device such that the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating article is heated to a temperature at which the volatile compound is released but combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate does not occur.

Example 95. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 94 and an aerosol generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example 96. The aerosol generating system of Example 95, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a tobacco plug.

Example 97. The aerosol generating system of Example 96, wherein the tobacco plug comprises one or more of a powder, granules, pellets, flakes, spaghetti, strips or sheets comprising one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco rib fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.

Example 98. An aerosol generating system as described in Example 96 or Example 97, wherein the tobacco plug includes additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco plug.

Example 99. An aerosol generating system as described in Example 95, Example 96, Example 97, or Example 98, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug.

Example 100. An aerosol generating system as described in Example 99, wherein the mouthpiece is located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

Example 101. An aerosol generating system as described in Example 99 or 100, wherein the mouthpiece includes a cellulose acetate filter plug.

Example 102. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 95 to 101, wherein the aerosol generating article is cylindrical and has a length of 70 mm to 80 mm, preferably approximately 75 mm.

Example 103. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 95 to 102, wherein the aerosol generating article is cylindrical and has a diameter of 5 mm to 8 mm, preferably approximately 6.7 mm.

Example 104. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 95 to 103, wherein the aerosol generating article has a mass of 580 milligrams to 620 milligrams.

Example 105. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 95 to 104, wherein the aerosol generating article has a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 30 to 40 mm WG.

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a user holding the aerosol generating device of FIG. FIG. 4 illustrates the transitions between different operating modes of the aerosol generating device of FIG. FIG. 5 illustrates alternative transitions between different operational modes of the aerosol generating device of FIG.

1 illustrates an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a housing 12 including a first housing portion 16 and a second housing portion 14. The second housing portion 14 is configured for removable attachment to the first housing portion 16. A first electrical contact 62 is positioned on the first housing portion 16 and a second electrical contact 52 is positioned on the second housing portion 14. The first electrical contact 52 and the second electrical contact 62 are positioned to contact each other when the second housing portion 14 is attached to the first housing portion 16. The first electrical contact 52 and the second electrical contact 62 may each include multiple electrical contacts, such as a positive power connection, a negative power connection, and one or more data connections.

The aerosol generating device 10 also comprises a control circuit 19 and a first power source 20 positioned within the second housing portion 16. The first power source 20 is a power source comprising a rechargeable battery. A charging electrical contact in the form of a USB-C connector is included at an end of the first housing portion 16 and may be configured to receive a supply of power from an external device. The control circuit 19 is configured to control the supply of power received from the external device to recharge the first power source 20.

The second housing portion 14 defines a chamber 28 in the form of a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article 80 and an opening 36 located at an end of the cavity. The opening 36 is located at a first end of the second housing portion 14. When the aerosol generating article 80 is received within the cavity, the aerosol generating article 80 and the aerosol generating device 10 together form an aerosol generating system.

The aerosol generating device 10 further includes an electric heating device 22, 23, in this embodiment, with a controller 18 disposed within the second housing portion 14. The electric heating device comprises an inductor coil wound around the cavity and a tubular susceptor element 23 within the inductor coil 22 and surrounding the cavity. The controller 18 is configured to control the supply of power from the first power source 20 to the induction coil 22 via the first electrical contact 52 and the second electrical contact 62 when the first housing portion 16 is attached to the second housing portion 14. In use, the power supplied to the induction coil 22 generates a varying magnetic field that inductively heats the susceptor 23 within the aerosol-generating article 80 received within the cavity to generate an aerosol.

The controller 18 may include an additional power source, such as a battery or supercapacitor, so that the second housing portion may be separated from the first housing portion and used separately.

Two buttons 24, 26 are provided on the first housing portion 16. The buttons 24, 26 are each connected to the control circuit 19. The first and second buttons are used to select an operating mode of the device. A display 30 is provided on a first end face of the device. The display provides an indication of the status and operating mode of the device.

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the device of Figure 1, showing the exterior of the device. Figure 3 shows the device in a user's hand with an aerosol-generating article inserted, showing how the device is held when in use.

The device has a generally cubic shape, but with a curved gripping surface that contacts the palm and fingers of a user. The device fits comfortably in one hand. The device has a length, a width, and a thickness, the length being greater than the width, and the width being greater than the thickness. The device has two end faces, at a top and a bottom. A cavity 36 is accessible from the first end face, and an aerosol generating article 80 is inserted into the cavity from the first end face. A display 30 is also positioned on the first end face. The display comprises an outer display ring 32 and an inner display 34 positioned within the outer display ring. The outer display ring and inner display 34 each comprise a number of LEDs that can be independently illuminated by control circuitry 19 to indicate device status or operating mode, as described. The LEDs may flash or blink to indicate different states.

Between the two end faces is the gripping surface of the housing. The gripping surface has two generally flat surfaces that extend in the length and width directions of the device, and two curved surfaces that connect the flat surfaces and extend in the length and thickness directions of the device.

The first and second buttons 24, 26 are provided on the curved surface adjacent the display 30 and furthest from the cavity 36 (e.g., in the direction of the width of the device). The first button 24 is larger than the second button 26. The buttons are aligned with one another in the length direction. In this position, the buttons can be easily actuated by the user's fingers, as shown in FIG. 3. Both buttons may be actuated by the user's index finger, or the user may choose to actuate the first button with his or her middle finger and the second button with his or her index finger.

In operation, the first and second buttons are used to transition between operating modes of the device. Figure 4 is an example diagram of operating modes and transitions between those modes.

The device starts in a standby or low power mode 100. To activate the device, the user presses the first button 24 or the second button 26. Pressing this button is indicated by the number 1 in FIG. 4. The button sends a disconnect signal to the microcontroller, activating it. The device then enters a ready mode 200 where the user can select other modes. The ready mode may be indicated by initial illumination of the display (e.g., by illumination of the outer ring 32 of the display and/or the inner display). The degree to which the ring is illuminated may indicate the battery charge status.

If no button is pressed within a predetermined period of time, the device returns to standby mode 100. The transition resulting from a timeout is indicated by T in FIG. 4. The display is then turned off.

To use the device to generate an aerosol, an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the device. The device must first enter a preheat mode 300 to bring the article up to a preheat temperature before the user can puff on the device. To enter preheat mode, the user activates the first button 24 or the second button 26. The preheat mode is then entered. The outer display 32 may be gradually illuminated around its circumference to indicate the progress of preheating. Once preheating is complete, the outer ring display 34 may be fully illuminated around its circumference so that the user knows the device has entered a heating mode 310 in which it may be used. The device may also provide a vibration to indicate that it is ready for use. The user may then puff on the aerosol-generating article to draw aerosol from the article.

To stop the preheat mode, the user may press and hold the first button 24 or the second button, indicated as 1' in FIG. 4. If the first button is held for more than a predefined time (e.g., 2 seconds), the device returns to the ready mode. The outer display may be switched off, for example, when a timeout (T) has elapsed.

The heating mode will automatically end after a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) (indicated by T1) and the device will return to the ready mode. If the user wishes to abort the heating mode earlier, the first button 24 or the second button 26 may be pressed and held for more than a predetermined length (e.g., 2 seconds). The device will then return to the ready mode.

The user may enter boost mode from heating mode by pressing the second button 26. Boost mode provides more power to the heating device, thus boosting aerosol production. The inner display may emit a red light to indicate that boost mode is in progress. The device may also vibrate. To exit boost mode, the user may press the second button again, and the device will return to normal heating mode.

Boost mode will automatically end after 4 minutes (indicated as T2) and the device will return to Ready mode. If the user wishes to exit Boost mode earlier, they may press and hold first button 24 or second button 26 for more than a predetermined length of time (e.g., 2 seconds) and the device will return to Ready mode.

The device also has a configuration mode where device settings can be changed, and device information can be accessed by the user on a connected device, such as a smartphone. To enter the configuration mode, the user can press and hold both the first and second buttons together. The inner and outer displays may then flash to indicate that the configuration mode has been entered. The device will exit the configuration mode based on a timeout T3. If no device connection is made within a predefined time or if the connected device is disconnected, the aerosol generating device will return to the ready mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of the operating modes and the transitions between those modes. This embodiment is similar to that described with reference to FIG. 4. However, in this embodiment, the second button 26 is used to initiate the boost mode at the start of the heating cycle, rather than after the heating cycle has begun.

In this example, either the first button 24 or the second button 26 (as in FIG. 4) is used to transition from the standby mode 100 to the ready mode 200. When in the ready mode, the user presses the second button 26 for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) to initiate boost preheat 305 and then enter the boost mode 320. If the user presses the first button 24 or the second button 26 for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) at any point in the preheat or boost modes, heating stops and the device transitions to the ready mode 200. Once in the ready mode 200, if neither button is pressed for a timeout period (T), the device transitions to the standby mode 100.

In this example, after the user presses the second button 26 to initiate boost pre-heat, the boost mode is entered after the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold and/or after a predetermined pre-heat time. The boost mode is then activated for a predetermined time, after which heating stops and the device transitions to the ready mode. Additionally, when the device is in the heating mode 310, the second button 26 can be pressed to enter the boost mode 320. In the example of FIG. 5, the boost pre-heat mode 305 can take longer than the normal pre-heat mode 300.

The transitions illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 are only one example of the operation of an aerosol generating device described herein. The control circuitry may be configured to respond differently to button actuation and may provide different visual or tactile indications to the user. For example, to transition between any two modes, the button may need to be actuated for a predetermined period of time. If the button is not actuated long enough, no transition occurs. Alternatively, or additionally, the button may need to be actuated multiple times within a predetermined period of time to effect a transition between two operating modes.

Claims (15)

An aerosol generating device, comprising:
Housing and
a cavity within the housing for receiving an aerosol-generating article;
a heating device for heating the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity;
a power source for supplying power to the heating device;
a control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heating device;
a first button located on the housing and connected to the control circuit;
a second button located on the housing and connected to the control circuit;
the first button has a different size and/or shape than the second button;
the first button is configured to activate a first function of the device;
An aerosol generating device, wherein the second button is configured to activate a second function of the device, the first function being different from the second function. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the first function is a first operating mode in which the aerosol generating article is heated to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second function is a second operating mode in which the aerosol generating article is heated to generate aerosol at a different rate or in a different manner than in the first mode. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein in the second operating mode, aerosol is generated at a faster rate or in a larger volume than in the first operating mode. The aerosol generating device of claim 3 or 4, wherein actuation of the second button transitions the control circuit from the first operating mode to the second operating mode. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein actuation of the second button transitions the control circuit from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control circuit comprises a microcontroller having a low power mode and an operating mode that uses more power than the low power mode. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the microcontroller is configured to transition from the low power mode to the operational mode in response to detecting activation of at least one of the first button and the second button. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing has multiple faces, and the first button and the second button are provided on the same face of the housing. the housing has a length, a width, and a thickness, the length being a longitudinal direction, the width being a first transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the thickness being a second transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first transverse direction;
the housing has a length greater than its width and thickness, and a width greater than its thickness;
An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing has first and second end faces extending in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a gripping surface extending in the longitudinal direction between the end faces, and the first button and the second button are provided on the gripping surface. The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the first button and the second button are aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first button and the second button are provided on the gripping surface closer to the first end face than the second end face, and the second button is provided closer to the first end face than the first button. The aerosol generating device of claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the housing has an opening in a first end surface, the opening providing access to the recess. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising a display on the first end surface. An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising a plug of tobacco or tobacco material.