RU2810293C2 - Aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating system, and detector device for detecting residues of aerosol forming substrate in aerosol-generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol-generating devices.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions related to an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating system, and a detector device for detecting residues of an aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity for housing an aerosol-generating product and containing an aerosol-forming substrate, a heater configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity, a power supply, a residue detection means for detecting residues of the aerosol-forming substrate, cavity or on the heater and controller. The controller is configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity, receiving signals from the residue detection means indicating the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater, and determining an indicator of the amount of substrate residue, forming an aerosol, in a cavity or on a heater based on one or more signals received from a residue detector.

EFFECT: reducing the accumulation of aerosol-forming substrate residues on the aerosol-generating device.

25 cl, 9 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol generating systems and aerosol generating devices having means for detecting the accumulation of aerosol-forming substrate residues on the aerosol generating device.

Aerosol-generating systems are known in the art in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned. The purpose of such aerosol-generating systems is to reduce known harmful smoke components produced by combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

Thus, from the publication RU 2665449 C2, an electronic steam supply system is known, including: an evaporator for evaporating liquid for inhalation by the user of the electronic steam supply system, a power source containing an element or battery for supplying power to the evaporator, and a power control system to compensate for level changes The power supply voltage supplied to the vaporizer via the power supply uses pulse width modulation, thereby providing a more constant level of vaporized liquid output for user inhalation.

From publication US 2018/199627 A1, a hand-held evaporative device is known, comprising an elongated body, a reservoir configured to contain evaporated liquid, a nebulizer inside the elongated body configured to generate steam from the evaporated liquid, wherein the atomizer contains a heating element and an internal elongated tube extending between the reservoir and the heating element, and a flow modulator configured to modulate the flow of fluid through the inner elongate tube from the reservoir to the heating element.

Typically, in such aerosol or vapor generating systems, the aerosol or vapor is generated by transfer of heat from a heater of the aerosol generating device to an aerosol generating substrate or material in the aerosol generating article that is physically separate from the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article may be located within, around, or downstream of the heater. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heater to the aerosol-forming substrate and are entrained by air passing through the aerosol-generating article. When the released compounds are cooled, they condense to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by the consumer.

Typically, aerosol-generating articles for use with aerosol-generating devices contain an aerosol-generating substrate that is assembled, often with other elements or components, in the form of a rod. Typically such a rod is shaped and sized for insertion into the cavity of an aerosol generating device that contains a heater for heating the aerosol generating substrate. An aerosol generating system in which the aerosol generating article can be replaced without having to remove and replace the heater of the aerosol generating device is desirable, in particular, to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing the aerosol generating article.

In some aerosol generating systems, the aerosol generating device includes a heater having one or more heating elements configured to surround an aerosol generating article inserted into a cavity of the device. In some aerosol generating systems, the aerosol generating device includes a heater having one or more heating elements configured to penetrate an aerosol generating article inserted into a cavity of the device, resulting in direct contact between the one or more heating elements and the substrate. forming an aerosol in the product. Direct contact between the heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate may be desirable because it allows the aerosol-forming substrate to be effectively heated by the heating element and can provide nearly instantaneous heat transfer from the heating element to at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate by conduction. promoting rapid aerosol generation.

Interaction between the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article during use may result in the formation of deposits or residues, particularly from the aerosol generating substrate, that remain on the walls of the device cavity and on the device heater after removal of the article from the cavity. Such deposits or residues may adversely affect the operation of the aerosol generating system and aerosol generation.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that reduces the accumulation of aerosol-forming substrate residues on the aerosol generating device. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that promotes efficient heat transfer between the heater and the aerosol-generating substrate. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that facilitates the generation of an aerosol having consistent properties.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity for housing an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate; a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity; power unit; residue detection means; and controller. The residue detection tool is suitable for detecting residues of aerosol-forming substrate in a cavity or on a heater. The controller is configured to: control the supply of power from the power supply to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity; receiving signals from the residue detection means indicating the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater; and determining an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater based on one or more signals received from the residue detector.

The present inventors have discovered that the accumulation of aerosol-forming substrate residues on and around the heater of the aerosol-generating device can adversely affect the operation of the aerosol-generating device. For example, buildup of residue on a device's heater may increase the time it takes for the heater to reach the desired temperature. The present inventors have also realized that the accumulation of aerosol-forming substrate residues on and around the heater of the aerosol-generating device can adversely affect the aerosol generated by the device. For example, heating the residue of the aerosol-generating substrate over multiple uses of the system may cause the residue to release undesirable volatile compounds that alter the flavor of the aerosol generated by the system.

Advantageously, the aerosol generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with means for detecting residual aerosol-forming substrate remaining in the cavity or on the heater after the aerosol generating article has been removed from the cavity, and a controller configured to receive signals from means for detecting residues and determining an indicator of the amount of residues of the aerosol-forming substrate remaining in the cavity or on the heater. Determining an indicator of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue remaining in the cavity or on the heater may enable the device to do one or more of the following: alert the user to an unacceptable accumulation of aerosol-forming substrate residue; taking steps to prevent further use of the device until the residues have been removed; and performing actions to remove residues.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating substrate may be part of the aerosol-generating article. As used herein, an aerosol generating device is an electrically heated aerosol generating device comprising a heater, a power supply, and a controller configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the heater to heat an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol generating product may be an article that generates an aerosol that is inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating product may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article is preferably a heated aerosol-generating article, which is an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate that is designed to be heated, rather than burned, to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol generating article may be a tobacco stick or may contain a tobacco stick.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released as a result of heating the substrate to form an aerosol. The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate may contain fewer known harmful constituents than would be produced by combustion or pyrolytic degradation of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco, for example containing tobacco containing material that contains volatile tobacco aromatic compounds that are released from the substrate when heated. In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises homogenized tobacco material, such as molded leaf tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco material. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material and a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming substance. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming substances are glycerin and propylene glycol.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, beads, grains, thin tubes, strips or sheets containing one or more more of the following: herbal leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, processed tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and blasted tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in loose form or may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate material may be contained in paper or wrapper and shaped like a rod. If the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a rod, the entire rod, including any wrapping paper, is considered the aerosol-forming substrate.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate is contained in an aerosol-generating article, for example, a rod-shaped article shaped like a cigarette. The aerosol generating article is preferably of a suitable size and shape to interact with the aerosol generating device to bring the aerosol generating substrate into contact with the heating element of the device. For example, the aerosol generating article may have an overall length of from about 30 mm to about 100 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 12 mm. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be used to describe the relative position of elements or components of a smoking article. For simplicity, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein refer to the relative position along the shaft of the smoking article with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is drawn through the shaft.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate residue” means organic materials adhering or deposited in the cavity or on the heater. Residual aerosol-forming substrate typically contains an aerosol-forming substrate that may or may not have been heated by the device's heater to release volatile compounds. Residues of the aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited in the cavity or on the heater at any time during use of the aerosol-generating device with an aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-forming substrate, for example, when the article is inserted into the cavity, when the article is heated by the heater to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate and when the article is removed from the cavity.

Specifically, aerosol-generating substrate residue refers to residue remaining in the cavity or on the heater after removal of the aerosol-generating article from the cavity.

As used herein, references to residues of the aerosol-forming substrate “in the cavity or on the heater” include residues in the device cavity, on the device heater, and both in the cavity and on the device heater.

As used herein, the term “residue detection means” refers to any aerosol generating device, apparatus, or device configuration for detecting residues of an aerosol-forming substrate in a cavity or on a heater. The residue detection means includes both dedicated residue detectors and sensors provided in the aerosol generating device to detect residues of the aerosol forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater, and wherein the aerosol generating devices have heaters and controllers specifically configured to detection of aerosol-forming substrate residues on the heater. The residue detection means is preferably configured to detect residues of the aerosol-forming substrate remaining in the cavity or on the heater after the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-forming substrate has been removed from the cavity.

As used herein, the definition of an “indicator” of the amount of residue of an aerosol-forming substrate in a cavity or on a heater refers to both the determination of absolute values of the amount of residue in a cavity or on a heater, such as volume or thickness of residue, and the determination of relative values, such as compared with specified threshold values.

In some preferred embodiments, the controller is further configured to compare a determined amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue with a threshold value. The threshold value may be a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value may be stored in the controller's memory. The threshold value may be set during the calibration procedure before using the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol.

The threshold value may correspond to the maximum amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue allowed in the cavity or on the heater. Accordingly, if a certain amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue exceeds a threshold value, it may be determined that the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity or on the heater exceeds the allowable amount.

The controller may be further configured to prevent power from the power supply from being supplied to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity when a certain value exceeds a threshold value. Advantageously, cutting off power to the heater to heat the aerosol-forming substrate can suppress or prevent the aerosol-generating device from generating aerosol when the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity or on the heater exceeds an acceptable level. This can ensure that the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device does not contain unacceptable amounts of volatile compounds released when the residual aerosol-forming substrate is heated in the cavity or on the heater.

The controller may also be configured to continue preventing power from the power supply from being supplied to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity until a subsequent determined value is equal to or below a threshold value.

In some embodiments, the controller may be further configured to: supply power to the heater to increase the temperature of the heater to a first temperature to heat the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity sufficiently to form an aerosol; and energizing the heater to raise the temperature of the heater to a second temperature higher than the first temperature to thermally separate organic materials adhered or deposited in the cavity or on the heater.

The controller may be configured to increase the temperature of the heater to a second temperature when a certain value exceeds a threshold value.

Preferably, the first temperature is high enough to cause the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate and thus the formation of an aerosol. Preferably, the first temperature is below the temperatures at which the aerosol-forming substrate burns.

Preferably the first temperature is below about 375 degrees Celsius. For example, the first temperature may be from 80 degrees Celsius to 375 degrees Celsius, for example, from 100 degrees Celsius to 350 degrees Celsius. The duration of exposure of the heater at the first temperature can be fixed. For example, the first temperature may be maintained for a period greater than 2 seconds, such as 2 seconds to 10 seconds. The length of time the heater is held at the first temperature can be variable. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a sensor that detects when the user drags on the product, and the timing can be controlled by the length of time the user drags on the product.

Preferably, the second temperature is high enough to thermally separate the organic compounds in contact with the heater. In other words, the second temperature is a temperature high enough to separate the remaining aerosol-forming substrate from the heater. Thermal release of organic compounds can occur during pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is a process in which chemical compounds are decomposed by heat. Organic compounds typically pyrolyze to form organic vapors and liquids which, as used herein, may migrate away from the heater, leaving it in a purified state. Accordingly, the process of raising the temperature of the heater to a second temperature to separate the aerosol-forming substrate from the heater and cavity may be referred to herein as a purification cycle or a pyrolysis cycle.

Preferably, the organic materials deposited on the heater are thermally separated when the temperature of the heater is raised to approximately 430 degrees Celsius or higher. For example, the temperature may be raised to more than 475 degrees Celsius or to more than 550 degrees Celsius. The temperature can be increased to higher temperatures, such as above 600 degrees Celsius or above 800 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, the heater is maintained at the second temperature for a period of time to cause thermal release of the organic compounds. For example, the heater can be held at the second temperature for more than 5 seconds. Preferably, the heater is maintained at the second temperature for a period of 5 to 60 seconds, for example 10 to 30 seconds.

The heater may be any suitable type of heater.

In some embodiments, the heater is configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the heater is designed to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate while the aerosol-forming substrate is located within the cavity. The heater may be located inside the cavity. The heater may fit into the cavity. The heater may be an elongated heater. The elongated heater may be in the form of a plate. The elongated heater may be shaped like a pin. The elongated heater may be shaped like a cone. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes an elongated heater configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed into the cavity.

The heater may include at least one heating element. The at least one heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the device includes only one heating element. In some embodiments, the device includes multiple heating elements.

The heater may include at least one resistive heating element. Preferably the heater comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements. Preferably, the resistive heating elements are electrically connected in parallel. Advantageously, providing multiple resistive heating elements electrically connected in parallel can facilitate the delivery of the desired electrical power to the heater while reducing or minimizing the voltage required to provide the desired electrical power. Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate the heater can make it easier to reduce or minimize the physical size of the power supply.

Suitable materials for forming the at least one resistive heating element include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials, Made of ceramic material and metal material. Such composite materials may contain alloyed or unalloyed ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal® and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys.

In some embodiments, the at least one resistive heating element includes one or more stamped portions of an electrically resistive material, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the at least one resistive heating element may comprise a heating wire or filament, such as a Ni-Cr (nickel chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire.

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element comprises an electrically insulating substrate, wherein the at least one resistive heating element is provided on the electrically insulating substrate.

The electrically insulating substrate may comprise any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulating substrate may comprise one or more of the following: paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polyimide. Ceramics may include mica, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) or zirconia (ZrO2). Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 40 watts per meter kelvin, preferably less than or equal to about 20 watts per meter kelvin, and ideally less than or equal to about 2 watts per meter kelvin.

The heater preferably comprises a heating element comprising a rigid electrically insulating substrate with one or more electrically conductive tracks or wire disposed on its surface. Preferably, the size and shape of the electrically insulating substrate allows it to be inserted directly into the aerosol-forming substrate. If the electrically insulating substrate is not sufficiently rigid, the heating element may contain additional reinforcing agent. Current may pass through one or more electrically conductive paths to heat the heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the heater includes an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement may include an inductor and a power supply configured to supply high frequency oscillating current to the inductor. As used herein, the term “high frequency oscillatory current” means oscillatory current with a frequency between 500 kHz and 30 MHz. The heater may advantageously include a DC-AC converter for converting DC power supplied by the DC power supply to AC current. The induction coil may be configured to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field to receive the high-frequency oscillating current from the power supply. The induction coil may be configured to generate a high frequency oscillatory electromagnetic field within the cavity of the device. In some preferred embodiments, the induction coil may substantially surround the cavity of the device. The induction coil may extend at least partially along the length of the cavity of the device.

The heater may include an induction heating element. The induction heating element may be a current collecting element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element containing a material that is capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When the current collector element is in an alternating electromagnetic field, the current collector heats up. Heating of the current collector element may result from at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the current collector, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the current collector material.

The susceptor element may be positioned such that when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil induces a current in the susceptor element, resulting in heating of the susceptor element. In these embodiments, the aerosol generating device is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (magnetic field strength) of 1 to 5 kiloamperes per meter (kA/m), preferably 2 to 3 kA/m, for example, approximately 2.5 kA/m. The electrically controlled aerosol generating device is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, eg 1 to 10 MHz, eg 5 to 7 MHz.

In some embodiments, the current collecting element is located in the aerosol generating article. In these embodiments, the current collecting element is preferably positioned in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The current collecting element may be located in the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the current collecting element is located in the aerosol generating device. In these embodiments, the current collecting element may be located in the cavity. The aerosol generating device may contain only one current-receiving element. The aerosol-generating device may contain several current-receiving elements.

In some embodiments, the susceptor element is configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is configured to be inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is positioned within a cavity.

The current collecting element may comprise any suitable material. The current collecting element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the elongated current collecting element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel compounds, titanium and composite metal materials. Preferred current collecting elements contain metal or carbon. Advantageously, the current collecting element may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, for example ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles and ferrite. A suitable pantograph element may be made of or comprise aluminum. The current collecting element preferably contains more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred elongated current collecting elements can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

The current collecting element may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer located on the non-metallic core. For example, the current collecting element may include metal tracks formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating system includes at least one resistive heating element and at least one induction heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating system includes a combination of resistive heating elements and induction heating elements.

The residue detection means may comprise any suitable configuration of an aerosol generating device, sensor, or combination of sensors for detecting residues of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity, on the heater, or both in the cavity and on the heater.

In some preferred embodiments, the heater includes a resistive heating element, and the residue detection means comprises a controller configuration such that the controller is configured to: measure the resistance of the heating element; and determining an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate on the heating element based on the measured resistance of the heating element. In these preferred embodiments, the residue detection means is specifically configured to detect residues of the aerosol-generating substrate remaining on the heater after the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the cavity.

Preferably, configuring the controller to measure the resistance of the resistive heating element of the heater and determine an indication of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue on the heater based on the measured resistance minimizes the number of components of the aerosol-generating device.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising: a housing defining a cavity for housing an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate; an elongated heater configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the cavity, the heater comprising a resistive heating element; power unit; and controller. In these particularly preferred embodiments, the controller may be configured to: control the supply of power from the power supply to the heater; measuring the resistance of a resistive heating element; and determining an amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate on the heater based on the measured resistance of the resistive heating element.

In some embodiments, the determination of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity is based on the rate of change of resistance measurements of the resistive heating element. The presence of residual aerosol-forming substrate on the heater may increase the length of time during which the temperature of the heater rises from a first temperature to a second temperature when a predetermined power is applied to the heater. Since heater resistance depends on heater temperature, the rate of change of heater temperature can be related to the rate of change of heater resistance. As a result, the presence of residual aerosol-forming substrate on the heater can reduce the rate of change of resistance of the heating element for a given power supplied to the heater. Advantageously, measuring the rate of change of resistance of the heater can provide an indication of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue on the heater without the need for additional sensors in the aerosol generating device.

The controller may be configured to determine an indicator of the amount of aerosol-generating substrate residue in the cavity based on resistance measurements measured after the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the cavity. Advantageously, this ensures that the residue detection means detects residues of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater instead of detecting the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating article placed in the cavity.

In some preferred embodiments, the controller is configured to determine an indicator of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity based on resistance measurements taken at least a predetermined period of time after power supply from the power supply to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate is stopped, in cavities. Advantageously, waiting a predetermined period of time after heating the heater before performing residue detection can provide the controller with a reasonably reliable indication that the aerosol generating article has been removed from the cavity, without the need to include additional sensors in the device.

In some preferred embodiments, the controller is configured to: supply power from a power supply to a heater to heat an aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity; stopping power supply to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, measuring the resistance of the resistive heating element of the heater; and determining an indicator of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue on the heater based on measurements of the resistance of the resistive heating element.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a user's puff pattern on the aerosol generating device based on resistance measurements of one or more heating elements of the heater. The controller may be further configured to determine an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater based on the user's determined puff pattern. The determination of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity or on the heater may be based on changes in a certain user puff pattern over time.

The performance of the aerosol generating device, and in particular the resistive heater of the aerosol generating device, may be altered by the presence of residues in the cavity or on the heater. The inventors of the present invention have found that such a change in the characteristics of the aerosol generating device may result in a change in the use of the aerosol generating device by the user. For example, a user may draw more heavily through an aerosol-generating device having residue of the aerosol-generating substrate in the cavity or on the heater than a user using a device that does not have residue in the cavity or on the heater. This change in use may result from, for example, a change in the draw resistance of the aerosol generating device or a decrease in the volume of aerosol generated by the device.

The user's determined tightening characteristic may be any suitable characteristic. For example, the user's particular puff characteristic may be one or more of puff volume and puff duration.

The user's tightening characteristics on the device may be reflected in the temperature and, in turn, the resistance of the heater's resistive heating element. Air flow through the aerosol-generating device caused by the user's puff may cause the heater's temperature to decrease. Heater temperature fluctuations caused by user tightening on the device may be time dependent and different from other heater temperature fluctuations. In addition, changes in heater temperature fluctuations caused by user tightening on the device can be detected over time. The controller may be configured to monitor changes in temperature fluctuations of the heater caused by the user drawing air on the device, may be used over time, and determine an indicator of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity or on the heater based on the detected changes.

The residue detection means may comprise one or more residue detectors. A residue detector includes any detector or sensor that is suitable for detecting residues in a cavity or on a heater. In particular, suitable residue detectors include: volatile organic compound (VOC) detectors; carbon dioxide detectors, optical detectors; acoustic detectors; and capacitive detectors. The one or more residue detectors may be electromechanical devices. The one or more residue detectors may be any of a mechanical device, an optical device, an optical-mechanical device, and a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor. Preferably, one or more residue detectors are microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors. One or more residue detectors may be located in or around the cavity. One or more residue detectors may be located in the cavity. One or more residue detectors may be located on the surface of the cavity. One or more residue detectors may be located on the heater.

In some embodiments, the residue detection means comprises a volatile organic compound detector. The residue detection means may comprise one or more sensors for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As used herein, the term "organic compound" means any compound containing at least elemental carbon and one or more of hydrogen, halogens, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon or nitrogen, excluding oxides of carbon and inorganic carbonates and bicarbonates. As used herein, the term “volatile organic compound (VOC)” means any organic compound having a vapor pressure of 0.01 kilopascal (kPa) or more at a temperature of 293.15 kelvin (K) or having an appropriate volatility under particular conditions of use. For the purposes of this document, the definitions of “organic compound” and “volatile organic compound” are taken from Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control).

The one or more VOC sensors may be any suitable type of sensor. For example, suitable VOC sensors include: electrochemical gas sensors, such as chemically sensitive field effect transistors; chemical resistive sensors; sensors with metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure; catalytic sensors (pellistors); microcantilever array sensors; sensors based on surface acoustic waves (SAW); photoionization detectors (PIDs) and infrared sensors.

Some exemplary suitable VOC sensors that are currently available include: SGP30 and SGPC3 from Sensirion AG; TGS2602 from FIGARO USA., INC; and MiCS-VZ-89TE from SGX Sensortech Limited.

In some embodiments, the residue detection means comprises a gas sensor for detecting the presence of one or more gases in the cavity. Preferably, one or more gas sensors may be configured to detect carbon dioxide.

The inventors of the present invention have discovered that the residues of the aerosol-forming substrate may emit certain gases. Gases emitted by the aerosol-forming substrate residues can be detected by a gas detector and used to determine the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residues present in the cavity or on the heater.

The one or more gas sensors may be any suitable type of gas sensor. Suitable types of gas sensors include: electrochemical gas sensors, such as chemically sensitive field effect transistors; chemical resistive sensors; sensors with metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure; catalytic sensors (pellistors); microcantilever array sensors; sensors based on surface acoustic waves (SAW); photoionization detectors (PIDs) and infrared sensors.

Some exemplary suitable gas sensors that are currently available include: SGP30 and SGPC3 from Sensirion AG; CDM7160-C00 and TGS2602 from FIGARO USA., INC; and MiCS-VZ-89TE from SGX Sensortech Limited.

In some embodiments, the residue detection means comprises an optical detector. The optical detector may include a light source. The light source may be designed to direct light into the cavity. The optical detector may include a light sensor. The light sensor may be configured to receive light from the cavity.

Preferably, the optical detector includes a light source and a light sensor. The optical detector may further comprise one or more light guides. One or more light guides may be configured to direct light from the light source into the cavity. One or more light guides may be configured to direct light from the cavity to the light sensor.

The light source may be any suitable light source. Typically the light source contains a light emitting diode (LED). Preferably, the light source is configured to emit white light. In other words, it is preferable that the light source be configured to emit a wide range of wavelengths. For example, if the light source includes an LED, the light source may further comprise a phosphor configured to absorb light from the LED and fluoresce light at various additional wavelengths. The light source may contain several LEDs configured to emit waves of different lengths.

The light sensor may be any suitable light sensor. Typically the light sensor is a photodetector, such as a photodiode. For example, the light sensor may include a PN photodiode, a PIN photodiode, or an avalanche photodiode. The light sensor may comprise a phototransistor.

In embodiments containing an optical detector, it is preferred that the surfaces defining the cavity are configured to reflect wavelengths of light emitted by the light source. For example, the surfaces of the cavity may be white. The surfaces forming the cavity may be painted or otherwise coated with a reflective coating, such as a white coating. The material forming the surfaces of the cavity may be white.

The present inventors have found that spectroscopy can be used to detect the presence of residues in a cavity. In particular, the inventors have found that diffuse absorption spectroscopy can be used to determine the amount of residual aerosol-forming substrate present in a cavity. A photodiode can be used to measure the light intensity inside the cavity, which can provide an indication of the amount of residue in the cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate residue may have a specific optical signature that can be controlled by the controller.

In some embodiments, the light sensor includes light guides. The light guides may be located at any suitable location in the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the heater may include light guides. For example, the light guides may be attached to a heater holder. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a retrieval device for removing the aerosol generating article from the cavity, and the retrieval device may include one or more light guides. In these embodiments, one or more light guides may be configured to be compatible with one or more of the light source and the light sensor when the extraction device is positioned on the aerosol generating device.

In some embodiments, the residue detection means comprises an acoustic detector.

The cavity may have a certain acoustic resonant frequency. Residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity can change the mass and shape of the cavity, changing the resonant frequency of the cavity. The heater may have a specific acoustic resonance frequency. Residue of aerosol-forming substrate on the heater can change the mass and shape of the heater, changing the resonant frequency of the heater.

The inventors of the present invention have found that an acoustic detector can be used to detect a change in the acoustic resonance frequency of one or more of the cavity and the heater. A change in the acoustic resonance frequency of the cavity can provide an indication of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity. A change in the resonant frequency of the heater can provide an indication of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue on the heater.

The acoustic detector may be configured to generate vibrations (ie, a mechanical wave or a sound wave). The frequency of the generated vibrations can be variable. The acoustic detector may include an output transducer. The output transducer can convert the electrical signal into oscillations. In particular, the output converter may be a loudspeaker. Typically the loudspeaker is an electroacoustic transducer. Preferably, the oscillator is a crystal loudspeaker, such as a piezoelectric loudspeaker.

The acoustic detector may be configured to receive a mechanical wave. The acoustic detector may include an input transducer. The input transducer can convert the oscillations into an electrical signal. The input transducer may be a piezoelectric transducer.

Preferably, the acoustic detector is a piezoelectric acoustic wave sensor.

The acoustic detector may be located on the surface of the cavity. Preferably, the acoustic detector is located on the heater. Preferably, the heater is an elongate heater configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate, and an acoustic detector is located on the heater.

In some embodiments, the residue detection means comprises a capacitive sensor. The present inventors have discovered that the aerosol-forming substrate residue may have dielectric properties that can be determined using a capacitive sensor.

Preferably, the capacitive sensor is located in or around the cavity. The capacitive sensor may extend over at least a portion of the base of the cavity. The capacitive sensor may extend over at least a portion of the side wall of the cavity.

The capacitive sensor may include at least two electrodes. Preferably, the capacitive sensor comprises two interdigitated electrodes. In embodiments comprising a capacitive sensor having two interdigitated electrodes, each of the interdigitated electrodes includes a plurality of protrusions electrically coupled together by a main path and spaced apart from each other to provide spacing between adjacent protrusions. The projections and spaces of each electrode can be arranged in a regular or periodic pattern. Typically, two interdigitated electrodes are arranged such that the projections of each electrode extend into the spaces between the projections of the other electrode.

The projections of each interdigitated electrode may be substantially identical. The spacing between the projections of each interdigitated electrode may be substantially identical. The width of the gaps between adjacent electrode protrusions may be called the spatial wavelength λ or the electrode gap width.

An example of a suitable pair of interdigitated electrodes would be the DRP-G-IDEPT10 sensor from DropSens™.

One of the electrodes of the pair of interdigitated electrodes can be configured as a drive electrode. An oscillating voltage may be applied to the drive electrode. The other electrode may be configured as a sensing electrode. The sensing electrode can sense the electric field generated by the driving electrode. The electric field generated by the drive electrode contains an electric edge field due to stray electric fields at the edges of the drive electrode fingers. Electric fringe fields contain a component that extends beyond the surface on which the interdigitated electrodes are located in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. Therefore, the electric fringe field generated by the driving electrode passes into the material located above or adjacent to the electrodes.

The electrical properties of the material located above or adjacent to a pair of interdigitated comb electrodes can influence the electrical fringe field generated by the drive electrode. For example, the dielectric properties of a material located above or adjacent to a pair of interdigitated electrodes can influence the electric fringe field generated. Thus, the sensing electrode of a pair of interdigitated electrodes can sense changes in the electrical properties of a material located above or adjacent to the pair of interdigitated electrodes.

If the aerosol-forming substrate remnants are located above or adjacent to the electrodes, the electric fringing field may pass into the aerosol-forming substrate remnants.

In some embodiments, the residue detection means comprises a puff detector. The puff detector may comprise any suitable sensor capable of detecting a puff characteristic on the aerosol generating device. For example, the puff detector may include an air flow sensor, such as a pressure sensor. A puff detector may be located in the air flow path of the device and configured to detect a user's puff pattern on the aerosol generating device. The user's puff characteristic may be the volume or duration of the puff. The controller may be configured to detect changes in puff characteristics over time, typically over multiple puffs, such as ten or twenty puffs. The controller may be configured to determine whether a change in the puff characteristic over time provides an indication of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity. The controller may be configured to determine whether a change in the puff characteristic over time provides an indication of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue on the heater.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine the residue amount based on measurements from the residue detection means when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity and the heater is energized to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. Particularly, in embodiments in which the residue detection means determines the residue amount indicator based on the user's puff pattern on the device, the controller is configured to determine the residue amount indicator based on measurements from the residue detection means when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity and The heater is powered to heat the substrate to form the aerosol.

In other embodiments, it is preferred that the controller be configured to determine the residue rate when the aerosol-forming substrate is not placed in the cavity. In particular, in embodiments containing one or more residue detectors, it is preferred that the controller be configured to determine a residue reading when the aerosol-forming substrate is not placed in the cavity.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a button, switch, or other type of user input means to initiate detection of residues in the cavity or heater. In these embodiments, the user is responsible for determining when the aerosol-forming substrate is not placed in the cavity. When the user input means is activated by the user, the controller is configured to determine the amount of residues.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a residue quantity indicator based on signals received from the residue detection means after the aerosol generating article has been removed from the cavity. In these embodiments, the controller is configured to determine that the aerosol generating article has been removed from the cavity. Advantageously, this ensures that the residue detection means detects residues of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater instead of detecting the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating article placed in the cavity.

The controller may be configured to determine that the aerosol generating article has been removed from the cavity by any suitable means.

In some preferred embodiments, the controller is configured to determine an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity based on signals received from the residue detection means after power supply from the power supply is interrupted to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the controller is configured to determine an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity based on signals received from the residue detection means at least a predetermined period of time after power supply from the power supply to the heater for heating the substrate is stopped, forming an aerosol in the cavity. Advantageously, waiting a predetermined period of time after heating the heater before performing residue detection can provide the controller with a reasonably reliable indication that the aerosol generating article has been removed from the cavity, without the need to include additional sensors in the device.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises aerosol generating article detection means configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating article in the cavity. The means for detecting an aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more suitable sensors. For example, means for detecting an aerosol-generating article may include one or more proximity sensors. The proximity sensor may be, for example, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor.

The controller may be configured to receive signals from means for detecting an aerosol-generating article. The controller may be further configured to determine an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-generating substrate in the cavity based on signals received from the residue detection means when the signals from the aerosol-generating article detection means indicate that the aerosol-generating article is not placed into the cavity.

The aerosol generating device contains a controller. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The controller may contain additional electronic components. In some embodiments, the controller may include residue detection means.

The aerosol generating device contains a power supply. The power supply may be a DC power supply. In preferred embodiments, the power supply is a battery. The power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. However, in some embodiments, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity to store sufficient energy for one or more user operations, such as one or more aerosol generation sessions. For example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide continuous heating of the aerosol-forming substrate for a period of approximately six minutes, which corresponds to the typical time required to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow a given number of puffs or individual activations of the heater.

The aerosol generating device preferably includes a residue indicator to indicate to the user a certain amount of residue in the cavity or on the heater. The residue indicator may comprise a visual indicator such as a display or one or more light sources. The remaining indicator may include an audible indicator such as a loudspeaker or buzzer. Typically, the remaining indicator is connected to the controller. The controller may be configured to send a signal to the residue indicator to indicate to the user a certain amount of residue in the cavity or on the heater. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to send a signal to the residue indicator when a certain amount of residue in the cavity or on the heater exceeds a threshold value. Advantageously, providing the aerosol generating device with one or more residue indicators may allow the controller of the aerosol generating device to alert the user when an unacceptable amount of aerosol generating substrate residue has been detected in the cavity or on the heater.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises a housing. Preferably, the housing at least partially defines a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. The housing may have a proximal end and a distal end. A camera may be located at the near end of the device.

The body can be elongated. Preferably the housing is cylindrical in shape. The body may be composed of any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of such materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for use in the food or pharmaceutical industries, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably the material is light and non-fragile.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device may have a length of from about 70 millimeters to about 120 millimeters. The aerosol generating device may be a hand-held device. In other words, the aerosol generating device may be sized and shaped to be held in the user's hand.

The aerosol generating device may include at least one air inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. In embodiments in which the aerosol generating device includes a housing, preferably the housing at least partially defines the at least one air inlet. Preferably, the at least one air inlet is in fluid communication with the distal end of the cavity. In embodiments in which the at least one heater is at least one elongated heater located within the cavity, preferably the at least one elongate heater extends into the cavity from a distal end of the cavity.

The aerosol generating device preferably includes a heater indicator to indicate when the at least one heater is activated. The heater indicator may include a light source that is activated when the at least one heater is activated.

The aerosol generating device may include at least one of an external plug or connector and at least one external electrical contact allowing the aerosol generating device to be connected to another electrical device, such as a charger. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a USB plug or USB connector to allow the aerosol generating device to be connected to another USB equipped device. For example, a USB plug or USB connector may allow the aerosol generating device to be connected to a USB charger to charge a rechargeable power supply within the aerosol generating device. The USB connector or plug may support data transfer to or from the aerosol-generating device, or both to and from the device. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating device may be coupled to a computer to transmit data to the device, such as new heating profiles for new aerosol generating products.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device, and a case for housing the aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises: a device cavity for housing an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate; a heater designed to heat the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity of the device; power unit; and a device controller configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity of the device. The case contains a case cavity for housing an aerosol generating device; a residue detector configured to detect residues of the aerosol-generating substrate in the device cavity or on the heater when the aerosol generating device is placed in the housing cavity; and a case controller. The case controller is configured to: receive signals from the residue detector indicating the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the device cavity or on the heater; and determining an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity of the device or on the heater based on the signals received from the residue detector.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a case for housing an aerosol generating device is provided. The case contains: a case cavity for housing an aerosol generating device; a residue detector for detecting residues of the aerosol-forming substrate in the device; and a case controller. The case controller is configured to: receive signals from the residue detector indicating the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the device; and determining an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity based on the signals received from the residue detector.

Advantageously, providing a case to house the aerosol generating device and providing a case with an aerosol substrate residue detector allows the aerosol generating device to remain small and lightweight without additional residue detector components, while also providing a system with the residue detection benefits described above in regarding the first aspect of the invention.

Advantageously, the size of the case as a whole is larger than the size of the aerosol generating device, which may allow the use of a larger residue detector in the case rather than in the aerosol generating device.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, both the aerosol generating device and the charger may include residue detection means. The aerosol generating device may include first residue detecting means, and the charger may include second residue detecting means.

The features of the case described herein may be equally applicable to the case of the aerosol generating system according to the second aspect of the invention and the case of the third aspect of the invention.

The case contains a case cavity for housing the aerosol generating device. The case may be configured such that the aerosol generating device can be placed in the cavity of the case only when the aerosol generating article is not placed in the aerosol generating device. For example, the cavity of the case may be sized to accommodate the aerosol generating device, but not the aerosol generating device containing the aerosol generating article housed in the device. Advantageously, in these embodiments, having the residue detector in the housing rather than the aerosol generating device can ensure that measurements by the residue detector are made only when the cavity of the aerosol generating device does not contain the aerosol generating article.

Preferably the case comprises a case body. The case body may at least partially define a cavity of the case to accommodate the aerosol generating device. The case body may substantially surround or enclose the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is placed within the cavity of the case.

The cavity of the case may be an open cavity having at least one end open to receive the aerosol generating device. The case body may contain several parts. The case body may comprise a first part and a second part. The second part may be movable relative to the first part. The second part may be rotatable or sliding relative to the first part. The second part may be detachable from the first part. The first part and the second part may be configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the cavity of the case can be opened to accommodate the aerosol generating device. In the closed position, the cavity of the case may be closed to substantially surround or enclose the aerosol generating device. The first portion may be a main portion substantially defining the cavity of the case, and the second portion may be a lid. The lid may be movable relative to the main part to open and close the cavity of the case.

The case body may be made of any of the materials listed above for the body of the aerosol generating device. The case body can be made of the same material as the device body. Preferably the case is portable. The case may be a hand held case. In other words, the case may be sized and shaped to be held in the user's hand.

The residue detector in the case may be any suitable residue detector as described above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention. In particular, suitable residue detectors include: volatile organic compound (VOC) detectors; gas detectors such as carbon dioxide detectors, optical detectors; acoustic detectors; and capacitive detectors.

One or more residue detectors may be located at any suitable location in the case. One or more residue detectors may be located at a location in or around the cavity of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is placed in the cavity of the case. If the case includes a case body having a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion, a case controller may be located in the first portion, and one or more residue detectors may be located in the second portion. If the case includes a case body having a body and a lid, one or more residue detectors may be located on the lid. In these embodiments, the case controller may be located in the main body of the case. The case controller and one or more residue sensors located on the lid may be flexibly connected. Advantageously, placing one or more residue detectors on the lid of the case may allow one or more residue detectors to be moved close to or within the cavity of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is placed in the cavity of the case and the lid is moved from an open position to a closed position.

If the residue detector includes a VOC detector, a carbon dioxide detector, other gas detectors, or an optical detector, the detector may be located in the device cavity or outside the device cavity when the aerosol generating device is placed in the housing cavity. If the residue detector includes an acoustic detector or a capacitive detector, the residue detector may be located in the cavity of the device. In particular, if the residue detector includes an acoustic detector, the acoustic detector may be positioned in contact with the surface of the device cavity or heater, or at least in contact with the residue on the surface of the device cavity or heater.

In some embodiments, the case includes a case body having a projection. The protrusion may be configured to be located in the device cavity when the aerosol generating device is placed in the housing cavity. One or more residue detectors may be located on the protrusion such that one or more residue detectors are located in the device cavity when the aerosol generating device is placed in the housing cavity. If the case includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion, the second portion may include a protrusion, and the protrusion may be configured to be received in the device cavity when the aerosol generating device is placed in the case cavity and the first and the second part is located in the closed position.

If the residue detector includes an optical detector, the case may contain a light source and a light sensor. The light source may be configured to direct light into the cavity of the aerosol generating device placed in the cavity of the case. The light sensor may be configured to receive light from the cavity of the aerosol generating device placed in the cavity of the case. Preferably, the optical detector also includes light guides for directing light between the optical detector and the cavity of the aerosol generating device housed in the cavity of the case. In these embodiments, the aerosol generating device configured to be located in the cavity of the case may include a window in the portion of the device body defining the cavity of the device. A window in the portion of the device body that defines the device cavity may allow light from an optical detector of the case to pass into the device cavity and may allow light to exit the device cavity and be received by the optical detector. The window may be an opening in the device body. The window may contain a material that is transparent to light from the optical detector. The window may be a light guide.

In some embodiments, the case may include a button, switch, or other type of user input means to initiate detection of residues in the device cavity or on a heater of the aerosol generating device placed in the case cavity. When the user input means is activated by the user, the case controller is configured to determine the remaining quantity indicator.

In some embodiments, the case may be configured to trigger detection of residues in the device cavity or on a heater of the aerosol generating device placed in the case cavity when the case lid is closed. In some embodiments, the case may be configured to trigger detection of residues in the device cavity or on a heater of the aerosol generating device placed in the case cavity for a predetermined period of time after the case lid is closed. For example, the predetermined period of time may be from about 10 seconds to about 30 seconds after the case lid is closed.

Preferably, the case includes a residue indicator to indicate to the user a certain amount of residue in the cavity or on the heater. The residue indicator may comprise a visual indicator such as a display or one or more light sources. The remaining indicator may include an audible indicator such as a loudspeaker or buzzer. Typically the remaining indicator is connected to the case controller. The case controller may be configured to send a signal to the residue indicator to indicate to the user a certain amount of residue on the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the case controller is configured to send a signal to the residue indicator when a certain amount of residue in the cavity or on the heater exceeds a threshold value. Advantageously, providing the case with one or more residue indicators may allow the case controller to alert the user when an unacceptable amount of aerosol-forming substrate has been detected on the aerosol-generating device.

In some embodiments, the case controller is further configured to send a residue signal to the device controller when a certain amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate on the aerosol-generating device exceeds a threshold value. In these embodiments, the device controller may be configured to receive residue signals from the case controller and prevent the power supply from supplying power to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity when the residue signal is received.

The case controller may be further configured to send a no-residue signal to the device controller when a determined amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue on the aerosol-generating device is equal to or below a threshold value. In these embodiments, the device controller may be configured to receive no-residue signals from the case controller and provide power from the device power supply to a heater to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity when no-residue signal is received.

In some embodiments, the case controller is configured to send a purge signal to the device controller when a certain amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity or heater exceeds a threshold value. In these embodiments, the device controller may be configured to: supply power to the heater to increase the temperature of the heater to a first temperature to heat the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity sufficiently to generate an aerosol, receive purge signals from the case controller, and provide power to the heater to raise the temperature of the heater to a second temperature higher than the first temperature to thermally separate organic materials adhered or deposited in the cavity upon receiving a cleaning signal from the case controller.

Configuring the aerosol generating system such that the case controller initiates a pyrolytic cleaning cycle of the aerosol generating device can ensure that the aerosol generating device is located in the case when the cleaning cycle is performed. Advantageously, the case may provide additional protection to the user from the heater of the aerosol generating device during a cleaning cycle when the heater is heated to a second temperature.

If the case includes a case body having a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion, the case controller may be configured to send a purge signal to an aerosol generating device located in the cavity of the case when the first portion and the second portion are positioned in closed position. Advantageously, this can ensure that the case body substantially surrounds or encloses the aerosol generating device during the pyrolytic cleaning cycle.

The case preferably contains a power supply. The case's power supply is typically housed within the case's body. Preferably, the power supply of the case is a DC power supply. Typically the power supply for the case is a battery. The power supply of the case may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. However, in some embodiments, the case power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The case's power supply may need to be recharged. The power supply of the case may have a capacity to store enough energy to charge the power supply of the aerosol generating device several times, such as 10 or 20 times.

The case may further include power transmission circuitry housed within the case. The power transfer circuitry may be configured to transfer energy from the enclosure power supply to the device power supply when the aerosol generating device is placed within the enclosure cavity.

If the aerosol generating device includes residue detection means, the device controller may be configured to communicate the determined residue amount over a communication link with one or more of the case, the external device, and the external server. If the case includes residue detection means, the case controller may be configured to communicate the determined residue amount over a communication link with one or more of the aerosol generating device, the external device, and the external server. Externally, the device can be any suitable device, such as a personal computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The external server may be a remote server. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to communicate with a cloud server over the Internet. The communication channel may be suitable for flowing data from a device controller to one or more of a case, an external device, or an external server. The communication channel may be suitable for flowing data from the case to one or more of an aerosol generating device, an external device, or an external server. Preferably, the communication channel is suitable for bidirectional data flow between the aerosol generating device and the case. The communication channel may be suitable for bidirectional data flow between one or more of the aerosol generating device, case and an external device or external server.

In some embodiments, the communication channel is a wired communication channel. In some embodiments, the communication channel is a wireless communication channel. Preferably, the communication channel operates in accordance with an interface standard. An interface standard is a standard that describes one or more functional characteristics, such as code conversion, channel assignment, or protocol compatibility, or physical characteristics, such as electrical, mechanical, or optical characteristics, necessary to enable the exchange of information between two or more systems or parts of equipment. Examples of suitable interface standards for a communications link include, but are not limited to, the Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) family of standards; Universal Serial Bus (USB); Bluetooth®; FireWire (a trademark of Apple, Inc. for their IEEE 1394 interface), IrDA (Infrared Data Association - a communication standard for exchanging data over short distances using infrared light); ZigBee (a specification based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for wireless personal area networks) and other Wi-Fi standards.

At least one of the device controller and the case controller may include a communication interface, such as, for example, at least telemetry circuitry and an antenna. More specifically, data and commands may be transmitted and received during uplink or downlink telemetry between one or more of a device controller, a case controller, and an external device or external server using a communication interface. In at least one embodiment, the communication interface is a wireless interface using one or more wireless (e.g., radio frequency) communication protocols, such as, for example, Bluetooth®, WI-FI, any ultra high frequency (UHF) protocol, any protocol in the range of ultra high frequencies (microwave), low frequencies, etc.

In some embodiments, the device controller includes a communication interface. In some embodiments, the case controller includes a communication interface. In some embodiments, the device controller includes a first communication interface, and the case controller includes a second communication interface.

In some preferred embodiments, the controller of the aerosol generating system, such as a device controller or a case controller, may be configured to communicate a determined residue count to an external device, such as a user's smartphone, via a short-range communication protocol, such as Bluetooth®, and the external device may be configured to transmit the determined balance quantity indicator to an external server, such as a cloud server, over a network such as the Internet.

It should be understood that the aerosol generating device of the first aspect of the present invention may comprise any of the features described above with respect to the aerosol generating system of the second aspect of the present invention. For example, the aerosol generating device of the first aspect may comprise a controller comprising a communication interface.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a residue detector device is provided for detecting residues of an aerosol-forming substrate in an aerosol-generating device. The residue detector device comprises: a detector cavity for housing at least a portion of the aerosol generating device; and a residue detector configured to detect residues of the aerosol-forming substrate in a portion of the aerosol generating device placed in the detector cavity.

The residue detector of the residue detection device may be any suitable residue detector as described above with respect to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention. In particular, suitable residue detectors include: volatile organic compound (VOC) detectors; carbon dioxide detectors, optical detectors; acoustic detectors; and capacitive detectors.

The detector cavity may be of any suitable shape or size. For example, in some embodiments containing an optical detector, the cavity may have a substantially hemispherical shape to reflect light in all directions so that the light can be directed onto as many surfaces of the cavity and the heater of the aerosol generating device as possible. For example, in some embodiments containing a gas detector, such as a carbon dioxide detector, the detector cavity may have a substantially cylindrical shape that is similar to the shape and size of the proximal end of the aerosol generating device so that the proximal end of the aerosol generating device can be tightly located in the detector cavity.

One or more residue detectors of the detector device may be located at any suitable location on the detector device. Preferably, one or more residue detectors are located in or around the detector cavity.

In some embodiments, the residue detector device includes a protrusion in the detector cavity. The protrusion in the detector cavity may be configured to accommodate the aerosol generating device cavity when a portion of the aerosol generating device is placed in the detector cavity. One or more residue detectors of the residue detection device may be located on the protrusion such that the one or more residue detectors are placed in the cavity of the aerosol generating device when a portion of the aerosol generating device is placed in the cavity of the detector.

Preferably, the residue detector includes a housing defining a detector cavity. The detector controller is preferably located in the detector housing. Preferably, the residue detection device further comprises a power supply. Preferably, the detector power supply is located in the detector housing.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the residue detection device includes an indicator to indicate that the cavity or heater of the aerosol generating device requires cleaning. The indicator may be a visual indicator, such as one or more LEDs, or an audible indicator, such as a buzzer. The controller may be configured to send a signal to the indicator when a determined amount of residue in the cavity or heater of the aerosol generating device exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Sending a signal to the indicator can activate the indicator, alerting the user that the aerosol generating device requires cleaning.

The residue detection device may be similar in many aspects to the case of the second and third embodiments of the present invention. However, typically the residue detection device is not configured to surround or surround the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the detector cavity of the residue detection device is configured to accommodate a proximal portion of the aerosol generating device containing the device cavity and the heater.

In some preferred embodiments, the residue detection device is part of the cleaning system for the aerosol generating device. The cleaning system may include a cleaning tool, such as a brush. The cleaning tool may be configured to remove residual aerosol-generating substrate from the cavity and heater of the aerosol-generating device. The cleaning system may be composed of two parts: the first part contains a residue detection device, and the second part contains a cleaning tool. The first and second parts can be designed to be detachably attached to each other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for housing an aerosol-forming substrate, a power supply, a heater, and a residue detection means, the method comprising: supplying power from the power supply to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, placed in a cavity; loss of power supply to the heater; measuring the amount of residue in the cavity or on the heater using the residue detection means for a predetermined time after power is removed from the heater; and determining an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater based on the measurements obtained from the residue detection means.

In some embodiments, the method further includes comparing a determined amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity or heater with a predetermined threshold value. In some embodiments, the method further includes sending an indicator to the user when a determined indicator of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity or on the heater exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The indicator sent from the controller to the user may include, for example, the activation of a light source, the display of a message or other information on a display, or the sound of a buzzer or loudspeaker.

In some embodiments, the method further includes energizing the heater to increase the temperature of the heater to thermally separate organic materials adhering or deposited in the cavity or on the heater when a certain amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity or on the heater exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

In some embodiments, the method further includes preventing power from being applied to a heater of the aerosol generating device when a certain amount of aerosol generating substrate residue in the cavity or on the heater exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

It should be understood that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention may also be equally applicable to any other aspect of the invention. In particular, the features of residue detectors described with respect to the aerosol generating device may also be applicable to a case for the aerosol generating device, and vice versa.

Embodiments of the invention will now be 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 an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 shows an approximate relationship between the resistance of the heating element of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1, over time with varying amounts of aerosol-forming substrate located on the surface of the heater;

fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the capacitive residue detector of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 3;

fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a heater and optical residue detector of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a heater assembly having light guides, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system comprising a case and an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of a portion of an aerosol generating system including a case and an aerosol generating device, according to another embodiment of the present invention; And

fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a residue detection device in cooperation with an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a device configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article (not shown) containing a solid aerosol-generating substrate and a filter wrapped together in a rod-like manner, as in a conventional cigarette. The aerosol generating device 100 is a portable device that is designed to be held by the user's hand. The aerosol generating device 100 includes a housing 102 that is generally cylindrical in shape, approximately 90 mm in length and approximately 14 mm in diameter.

An open cylindrical cavity 104 is provided at the proximal end of the housing 102 of the device 100 for housing an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating article. An elongated plate heater 106 extends into the cavity 104 to penetrate the aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating article, placed in cavity 104. Heater 106 includes a plurality of resistive heating elements or tracks located on an electrically insulating polyimide substrate.

A power supply 108 in the form of a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of approximately 120 milliamp-hours is located within the housing 102.

Controller 110 is also housed in housing 102. Controller 110 contains a microprocessor (not shown). The controller 110 is connected to the heater 106 and the power supply 108, and the controller 110 is configured to control the supply of power from the power supply 108 to the heater 106.

In this embodiment, controller 110 is configured to measure the resistance of one of the electrically resistive heating elements of heater 106. The electrical resistance of the electrically resistive heating element provides an indication of the temperature of heater 106. Controller 110 is configured to control the temperature of heater 106 by controlling power supplied from power supply 108 to the heater 106, based on measurements of the resistance of the electrically resistive heating element.

An electrical connector 112 is located on the distal end surface of the housing 102 opposite the cavity 104. The power supply 108 and the controller 110 are connected to the electrical connector 112.

According to the present invention, the aerosol generating device 100 includes residue detection means. In this embodiment, the residue detection means comprises a heater 106 and a controller configuration 110. The controller is configured to measure the electrical resistance of the electrically resistive heating element of the heater 106 for a predetermined period of time after power is removed from the heater 106 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. In this device, the preset time period is 30 seconds, which has been found to provide a reasonable amount of time approximately equal to the time required for the user to remove the aerosol generating product from the device after use and for the lingering aerosol generated during use to dissipate from the cavity.

After a predetermined period of time, the controller 110 is configured to supply a predetermined power to the heater 106 to increase the temperature of the heater by a nominal amount. The controller 110 is further configured to measure the resistance of the electrically resistive heating element and determine the rate of change of resistance of the electrically resistive heating element when the temperature of the heater 106 is increased by a nominal amount. In this embodiment, the controller 110 is configured to monitor the rate of change of resistance of the heating element and compare the measured rate of change with a threshold value. The threshold value is a predetermined threshold value that is stored in a memory device (not shown) of the controller 110. If the rate of change of resistance is below the threshold value, this provides an indication that an unacceptable amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue is present on the heater, which adversely affects the operation heater characteristics.

In fig. 2 is an exemplary graph depicting exemplary changes in the resistance of an electrically resistive heating element of heater 106 over time for a given power applied to heater 106 when there are three different amounts of aerosol-forming substrate residue on the surface of heater 106. As shown in FIG. 2, the highest rate of change of resistance of the heating element 150 is measured when there is no aerosol-forming substrate residue on the surface of the heater 106. A slightly lower rate of change of resistance 152 of the heating element is measured when there is a thin coating of aerosol-forming substrate residue on the surface of the heater 106. The slowest rate of change of resistance 154 of the heating element is measured when the surface of the heater 106 has a thick coating of aerosol-forming substrate residue. A predetermined threshold value 156 for the rate of change or resistance of the heating element is also shown in FIG. 2. The preset threshold value determines the minimum acceptable rate of resistance change, which indicates the maximum amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue that will be tolerated on the heater.

Returning to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a residue indicator 114 in the form of an LED located on the outer surface of the housing 102. In this embodiment, the controller 110 is configured to illuminate the LED 114 if it is determined that the measured rate of change of resistance of the heating element is below a threshold value. 156. The residue indicator LED 114 provides the user with an indication that the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity and on the heater exceeds an acceptable level and the heater 106 requires cleaning.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the controller may be configured to prevent the heater from being energized to heat the aerosol-forming substrate if the measured rate of change of resistance of the heating element is determined to be below a threshold value.

In fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device 200 is substantially similar to the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1, and like reference numerals are used to denote like features. The aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. 3 is configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article (not shown) containing a solid aerosol-generating substrate and a filter wrapped together in the shape of a rod, as in a conventional cigarette. The aerosol generating device 200 is a portable device that is designed to be held by a user's hand. The aerosol generating device 200 includes a housing 202 that is generally cylindrical in shape, approximately 90 mm in length and approximately 14 mm in diameter.

An open cylindrical cavity 204 is provided at the proximal end of the housing 202 of the device 200 for housing the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article. An elongated plate heater 206 extends into the cavity 204 to penetrate the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article placed in cavity 204. Heater 206 includes a plurality of resistive heating elements or tracks located on an electrically insulating polyimide substrate.

The cavity 204 is substantially cylindrical, has a circular base 205 and a tubular side wall extending from the periphery of the base 205 to the open end of the cavity 204. A heater 206 extends into the cavity through the base 205.

A power supply 208 in the form of a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of approximately 120 milliamp-hours is located within the housing 202.

Also housed within the housing 202 is a controller 210. The controller 210 contains a microprocessor (not shown). The controller 210 is connected to the heater 206 and the power supply 208, and the controller 210 is configured to control the supply of power from the power supply 208 to the heater 206.

An electrical connector 212 is located on the distal end surface of the housing 202 opposite the cavity 204. The power supply 208 and the controller 210 are connected to the electrical connector 212.

According to the present invention, the aerosol generating device 200 includes residue detection means. In this embodiment, the residue detector comprises a residue detector 218. Residue detector 218 is a capacitive sensor, as shown in FIG. 4.

The capacitive sensor 218 includes a pair of ring electrodes 220, 222 located at the base 205 of the cavity 204. The ring electrodes 220, 222 are located concentrically and surround the heater 206. The ring electrodes 220, 222 are interdigitated electrodes, each electrode having multiple projections that are uniformly spaced spaced apart and arranged so that the protrusions of one electrode extend into the spaces between the protrusions of the other electrode.

The first annular electrode 220 includes a plurality of projections 221 extending radially outward from the annular main track. The projections 221 of the first electrode 220 are spaced apart to provide uniform spacing between adjacent projections 221. The second annular electrode 222 includes a plurality of projections 223 extending radially inward from the annular main track. The projections 223 of the second electrode 222 are spaced to provide uniform spacing between adjacent projections 223. The number of projections 221 of the first electrode 220 is the same as the number of projections 223 of the second electrode 222. The projections 221 of the first electrode 220 are substantially identical to the projections 223 of the second electrode 222, having the same length and width. The projections 221 of the first electrode 220 extend into spaces between adjacent projections 223 of the second electrode 222, and the projections 223 of the second electrode 222 extend into spaces between adjacent projections 221 of the first electrode 220.

The first electrode 220 and the second electrode 222 are spaced generally at a constant distance around the circumference of the electrodes. The second electrode 220 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the base 205 of the cavity 204 such that the second electrode substantially defines the base 205 of the cavity 204. In this arrangement, the capacitive residue sensor 218 is configured to detect residues of the aerosol-forming substrate at the periphery of the base 205 of the cavity 204.

The controller 210 is configured to supply an alternating voltage to the first electrode 220, so that the first electrode 220 is configured as a driving electrode. The controller 210 is further configured to sense a voltage at the second electrode 222, such that the second electrode 222 is configured as a sensing electrode. The controller 210 is further configured to use the voltage measured at the second electrode 222 to determine the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the first and second electrodes 220, 222.

When an oscillatory voltage is applied to the first electrode 220, an electric field is established between the first and second electrodes 220, 222 in the space between the electrodes. The electric field between the first and second electrodes 220, 222 includes an edge field that extends from the base 205 into the cavity 204. The edge field acts on the aerosol-forming substrate residues located at the base 205 of the cavity 204, above and adjacent to the capacitive sensor 218. The capacitance of the capacitor, formed by the first and second electrodes 220, 222 changes when the fringing field acts on the aerosol-forming substrate residues located at the base 205 of the cavity 204 as a result of the dielectric properties of the aerosol-forming substrate residues and, in turn, the voltage at the second electrode 223 , measured by the controller 210, changes. The amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue based 205 on the cavity 204 is related to the amount of change in capacitance of the capacitive residue sensor 218. Accordingly, the capacity of the capacitive residue sensor 218 may provide an indication of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate based 205 on the cavity 204.

In this embodiment, aerosol generating device 200 further includes an indicator in the form of a buzzer 214 to provide an audible warning to the user when it is determined that the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in cavity 204 exceeds an acceptable level.

The aerosol generating device 200 includes a switch 215 that can be pressed by a user to cause the controller 210 to measure the capacitance of the capacitive residue sensor 218 to determine the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity 204. The controller 210 is configured to compare the determined capacitance of the capacitive sensor 218. 218 residues with a given threshold value. When the determined capacity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller determines that the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in cavity 204 exceeds an acceptable level. Accordingly, when the determined capacity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller 210 is configured to send a signal to the buzzer 214 to activate the buzzer 214 to alert the user that the cavity 204 requires cleaning.

In this embodiment, the controller 210 is further configured to prevent power from being supplied to the heater 206 when a certain capacitance exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Thus, the user must clean the cavity 204 before the aerosol generating device can be used again. After cavity 204 is cleaned, the user must press button 215 a second time to cause controller 210 to determine the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in cavity 204 a second time. If controller 210 determines that the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity is within an acceptable level, controller 210 is configured to provide power from power supply 208 to heater 206 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

In this embodiment, a capacitive residue sensor is located at the base of the cavity. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the capacitive residue sensor may be located on one or more side walls of the cavity. The first and second electrodes may have interdigitated projections extending on a side wall of the cavity in a direction between a proximal end and a distal end of the cavity. Such a capacitive sensor located on the side wall of the cavity may be configured to detect residual aerosol-forming substrate on or near the side wall of the cavity.

In fig. 5 shows a proximal end of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device is substantially similar to the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1, and like reference numerals are used to denote like features. The aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 5 is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article (not shown) and includes a housing 302 that is generally cylindrical in shape, approximately 90 mm in length and approximately 14 mm in diameter. An open cavity 304 is provided at the proximal end of the housing 302 to accommodate the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. An elongated plate-type heater 306 extends into the cavity 304 to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article housed in the cavity 304. Heater 306 includes multiple resistive heating elements or tracks located on an electrically insulating polyimide substrate.

Cavity 304 is generally cylindrical with a circular base. Heater 306 extends into cavity 304 through a slot in the base.

In this embodiment, housing 302 includes a retrieval device 303 at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device. The extraction device 303 defines the cavity 304 and is configured to be located on a distal portion of the housing 302. The extraction device 303 includes substantially tubular side walls and a base portion that extends inwardly from the tubular side walls to form the base of the cavity 304. The base portion includes a slot for receiving a heater. 306 when the retrieval device is placed in the distal portion of the housing 302. The retrieval device 303 is configured to facilitate removal of the aerosol generating article from the heater 306. Removing the retrieving device 303 from the distal portion of the housing 302 in the proximal direction removes the aerosol generating article trapped in the cavity 304, from heater 306.

A power supply (not shown) in the form of a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of approximately 120 milliamp-hours is located within the housing 302.

Also housed within the housing 302 is a controller 310. The controller 310 contains a microprocessor (not shown). The controller 310 is connected to the heater 306 and the power supply, and the controller 310 is configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the heater 306.

According to the present invention, the aerosol generating device includes residue detection means. In this embodiment, the residue detection means comprises an optical residue detector. The optical residue detector includes a light source 320 in the form of an LED, configured to emit substantially white light, and a light sensor 322 in the form of a photodiode. LED 320 and photodiode 322 are mounted on opposite sides of controller 310 such that LED 320 and photodiode 322 are located on opposite sides of the aerosol generating device.

The optical residue detector further includes a pair of light guides 324, 326. The pair of light guides 324, 326 are located on opposite sides of the retrieval device 303 at distal portions of the retrieval device 303 that overlap with the distal portion of the housing 302 when the retrieval device 303 is located in the distal portion of the housing 302.

The first light guide 324 is designed to align with the LED 320 when the extraction device 303 is placed in the distal portion of the housing 302. The first light guide 324 directs light from the LED into the cavity 304 substantially along the surface of the base of the cavity 304.

The second light guide 326 is configured to align with the photodiode 326 when the extraction device 303 is located in the distal portion of the housing 302. The second light guide 326 directs light from the cavity 304 to the photodiode 326, particularly from the base of the cavity 304.

In this arrangement, the optical residue detector is configured to direct light of a wide range of wavelengths into the cavity 304 substantially along the base of the cavity 304 and direct the light from the cavity 304 to the photodiode 322. Accordingly, the optical residue detector is configured to detect the presence of residues of the aerosol-forming substrate , in cavity 304, particularly at the base of cavity 304.

The aerosol generating device controller 310 is configured to determine the amount of residue of the aerosol generating substrate in the cavity 304 and on the heater 306 based on measurements of the intensity of light incident on the photodiode 322. The controller 310 is generally configured to use such residue determinations like a controller 210 of the device 200 described above and shown in FIG. 4.

In fig. 6 shows a heater assembly 400 for an aerosol generating device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the heater assembly 400 includes a plurality of resistive heating elements 402 disposed on an electrically insulating polyimide substrate 404. The electrically insulating substrate 404 and resistive heating elements 402 are configured as an elongated heating plate that is configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate. The proximal end of the electrically insulating substrate 404 tapers to a point to facilitate insertion of the heater into the aerosol-forming substrate.

According to the present invention, the heater assembly 400 includes a pair of light guides 424, 426 for an optical residue detector. The light guides 424, 426 are configured similar to the light guides 324, 326 of the aerosol generating device described above and shown in FIG. 5. The light guides 424, 426 are designed to extend along the distal portion of the electrically insulating substrate 404, on which no resistive heating elements 402 are located. The distal portion of the electrically insulating substrate 404 and the light guides 424, 426 are molded from a heat-resistant plastic mass to attach the light guides 424, 426 to the electrically insulating substrate 404 and providing a support 405 for securing the heater assembly 400 to the body of the aerosol generating device.

When the heater assembly 400 is located in the aerosol generating device, a first light guide 424 is configured to direct light from a light source of the optical residue detector of the device to a device cavity at the base of the cavity, and a second light guide 246 is configured to direct light from the base of the device cavity to a photodetector of the optical residue detector devices. The heater assembly arrangement shown in FIG. 4 may provide a simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive method for creating an aerosol generating device with an optical residue detector.

In fig. 7 shows an aerosol generating system including a case 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In fig. 7 also shows the aerosol generating device 100 described above and shown in FIG. 1, placed in a 500 case.

The case 500 shown in FIG. 7 is a portable charging case having a case body 502 that is shaped and sized to be held in the user's hand and to fit in the user's clothing pocket. The housing 502 is generally a rectangular parallelepiped having a length of approximately 20 mm, a width of approximately 50 mm, and a height of approximately 110 mm.

The case body 502 defines a case cavity 504 for housing the aerosol generating device. In fig. 7, the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1, is located in the cavity 504 of the case. The case cavity 504 is open at the proximal end of the case body 502 to accommodate the aerosol generating device, and closed at the distal end of the case body 502 opposite the proximal end. The cover 505 is pivotally attached to the proximal end of the case body 502 by a hinge and is rotatable relative to the case body 502 between an open position and a closed position. When the lid 505 is in the closed position, the lid 505 is configured to close the open end of the case cavity 504. In the closed position, the case body 502 and the cover 505 substantially surround or enclose the aerosol generating device 100 when the aerosol generating device 100 is placed in the case cavity 504. When the lid 505 is in the open position, the open end of the case cavity 504 is not closed, and the aerosol generating device 100 can be inserted into and removed from the case cavity 504.

The case power supply 506, in the form of a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of approximately 2900 milliamp-hours (mAh), is housed within the case body 502.

An electrical connector 508 is located at the closed distal end of the housing cavity 504 for housing the aerosol generating device 100. An electrical connector 508 is connected to the case power supply 506 and is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding electrical connector 112 of the aerosol generating device 100 when the aerosol generating device is completely enclosed in the chamber 504.

The case controller 510 is also housed in the case body 502. The case controller 510 is coupled to the case power supply 506 and the electrical connector 508 and is configured to control the supply of power from the case power supply 506 to the electrical connector 508.

The case controller 510 and the electrical connector 508 are configured to supply power to the aerosol generating device 100 housed in the case cavity 504, and are also configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device 100 to transmit data to the aerosol generating device 100, and for receiving data from the aerosol generating device 100.

Case controller 510 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and also includes a communications interface (not shown), which in this embodiment includes telemetry circuitry and an antenna for bidirectional communication with an external device or server. In this embodiment, the communication interface is a wireless interface that uses the Bluetooth® protocol to communicate with an external device or server. Typically, the communication interface is configured to communicate with a user's smartphone.

According to the present invention, the case 500 contains a residue detector 518. A residue detector 518 is located on the cover 505 of the case 500, immediately above the proximal end of the case cavity 504. In this position, the residue detector 518 is located above the open end of the cavity 104 of the aerosol generating device 100 when the aerosol generating device 100 is placed in the case cavity 504 and the lid 505 is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the cover 505 of the case 500 may include a protrusion designed to be positioned in the device cavity 504 when the aerosol generating device 100 is placed in the case cavity 504 and the cover 505 is in the closed position. In these embodiments, the residue detector 518 may be located on the protrusion.

In this embodiment, residue detector 518 is a VOC detector. Accordingly, volatile organic compounds released from aerosol-forming substrate residues in the device cavity 104 or on the heater 106 can be detected by the VOC detector 518 of the case 500. The residue detector 518 is electrically coupled to the case controller 510 via a flexible circuit (not shown). The flexible circuitry provides a reliable electrical connection between the residue detector 518 and the case controller 510 while also allowing the lid 505 to be rotated relative to the case body 502.

The case controller 510 is configured to take readings from the residue detector 518 for a predetermined period of time after the lid 505 is moved to the closed position. In this embodiment, the predetermined time period is ten seconds. The case controller 510 is configured to determine an indicator of the amount of residue in the device cavity 104 or on the heater 106 based on one or more residue detector readings. Specifically, in this embodiment, the case controller 510 is configured to compare one or more readings from the residue detector 518 with a predetermined threshold value. When one or more readings from residue detector 518 exceed a predetermined threshold, case controller 510 is configured to determine that the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in device cavity 104 and heater 106 exceeds an acceptable level. When one or more readings from residue detector 518 exceed a predetermined threshold, case controller 510 is configured to initiate a cleaning cycle in aerosol generating device 100.

When one or more readings from the residue detector 518 exceed a predetermined threshold value, the case controller 510 is configured to send a purge signal to the controller 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 via a communication link through the electrical connectors 508, 112.

In this embodiment, the device controller 110 is configured to receive a clear signal from the case controller 510. When device controller 110 receives a cleaning signal from case controller 510, device controller 110 is configured to supply power to heater 106 in a cleaning cycle. In the cleaning cycle, the device controller 110 energizes the heater to increase the temperature of the heater sufficiently to thermally separate organic materials adhered or deposited in the device cavity 104 or on the heater 106.

After each determination of the amount of residue in the device cavity 104 or on the heater 106, the case controller 510 is further configured to output a residue signal based on the determination to the communication interface of the case controller 510. The communication interface is designed to transmit a signal about balances to the user's smartphone via a communication channel using the Bluetooth® protocol.

It is envisaged that a program can be stored on the user's smartphone to analyze the residue information in the residue signal. In some embodiments, a program stored on a user's smartphone may not be configured to analyze data received in a residue signal, but rather may be configured to forward the data or signal to an external server, such as a cloud server, for analysis.

In some embodiments, the case 500 may further include a graphical display on the outer surface of the case body 502. The case controller 510 may be further configured to display inventory information based on a specific metric to the user on a display.

In some embodiments, the case controller may not be configured to initiate residue detection within a predetermined period of time after the lid is moved to the closed position, but instead may be provided on the case with a switch to be operated by the user to initiate residue detection. In these embodiments, the user can determine when to initiate residue detection and the cleaning cycle.

In fig. 8 shows a proximal portion of an aerosol generating system including a case 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention and the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1 housed in a case 600. The case 600 shown in FIG. 8 is substantially similar to the case 500 shown in FIG. 7, and the same reference numerals are used to describe the same features. The case 600 is a portable charging case having a case body 602 that is shaped and sized to be held in the user's hand and to fit in the user's clothing pocket.

The case body 602 defines a case cavity 604 and includes a cover 605, both of which are identical to the case cavity 504 and cover 505 described above with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. The case power supply 606, in the form of a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of approximately 2900 milliamp-hours (mAh), is housed within the case body 602. An electrical connector (not shown) is also located at the distal end of the housing cavity 604 for housing an aerosol generating device, as described above with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. The case controller 610 is housed within the case body 602 and is located and configured substantially as described above with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

According to the present invention, the case 600 contains a residue detector. In this embodiment, the residue detector is an optical residue detector comprising an LED light source 620 configured to emit substantially white light, a photodiode light sensor 622, and two light guides 624, 626.

In this embodiment, the housing 102 of the aerosol generating device includes a window 107 at the base of the device cavity 104. The window 107 allows light to pass through the device body 102 into and out of the device cavity 104. In this embodiment, the window 107 consists of a transparent heat-resistant plastic material. However, in other embodiments, the window may be a slot or space in the device housing 104 to allow light to pass in and out of the device cavity 104.

The optical residue detector light guides 624, 627 of the case 600 are designed to direct light into and out of a window 107 in the device housing 102 when the aerosol generating device 100 is placed in the case cavity 604. The first light guide 624 is configured to direct light from the LED 620 into the device cavity 104 through a window 107 in the device housing 102. The second light guide 626 is configured to direct light from the device cavity 104 to the photodiode 622 through a window 107 in the device housing 102.

The case controller 610 is configured to determine the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the device cavity 104 and on the heater 106 based on readings from the photodiode 622.

In fig. 9 shows a residue detection device 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The residue detection device 700 includes a residue detector body 702 defining a substantially hemispherical detector cavity 704. The detector cavity 704 is shaped and sized to accommodate the proximal portion of an aerosol generating device, such as the aerosol generating device 100 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 9.

According to the present invention, the residue detection device 700 includes a residue detector. In this embodiment, the residue detector is an optical residue detector comprising an LED light source 706 configured to emit substantially white light and a photodiode light sensor 708.

An LED 706 is located toward the edge of the hemispherical detector cavity 704 and is configured to direct light toward the opposite side of the detector cavity 704. The surface of the detector cavity 704 is provided with a reflective coating to reflect light from the LED 708. The hemispherical shape of the detector cavity 704 causes light incident on the surface of the cavity 704 to be reflected in all directions, so that light from the LED 706 can strike most surfaces of the cavity 104 device and heater 106 of the aerosol generating device 100 when the proximal end of the aerosol generating device 100 is placed in the detector cavity 704.

A photodiode 708 is located at one end of a channel 710 that extends along the center of the detector housing 702 from the surface of the detector cavity 704 to the photodiode 708. The channel 710 is configured to allow light to pass from the detector cavity 704 to the photodiode 708. In this embodiment, the channel is an empty channel , but in some embodiments, the channel may comprise a light guide, such as an optical fiber.

The residue detection device 700 further includes a power supply 712 and a controller 714 housed in the detector housing 702. The residue detection device 700 also includes a switch 716 and a visual indicator 716 in the form of an LED on the outer surface of the detector housing 702.

The detector controller 714 is configured to control the supply of power from the detector power supply 712 to the optical residue detector LED 706 and photodiode 708 and to the visual indicator LED 716. The detector controller 714 is further configured to light the optical residue detector LED 706 and take readings from the photodiode 708, when the user presses switch 716. The controller is configured to determine an amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the device cavity 104 and at a heater 106 of the aerosol-generating device 100 located in the detector cavity 704 based on signals from the photodiode 708. When the amount is determined residues exceeds a predetermined threshold value stored in the memory of the detector controller 714, the detector controller 714 is configured to illuminate the visual indicator LED 716 to alert the user that the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residues in the device cavity 104 and on the heater 106 is above an acceptable level level, and the aerosol generating device 100 requires cleaning.

It should be understood that in other embodiments, the residue detection device may include other residue detectors. For example, the residue detector device may comprise one or more of a VOC detector and a carbon dioxide detector. In other embodiments, a residue detection device may also be part of the cleaning system. The cleaning system may include a residue detection device and a cleaning tool, such as a brush. The cleaning tool and the residue detection device may be designed to be detachably attached to each other. A connecting device may be provided for detachably attaching the cleaning tool and the residue detection device to each other.

Claims (61)

1. A device that generates an aerosol and contains: a cavity for housing an aerosol-generating article and containing an aerosol-generating substrate; a heater configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity; power unit; residue detection means for detecting residues of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater; And controller configured to: - controlling the supply of power from the power supply to the heater for heating the substrate, which forms an aerosol and is placed in the cavity; - receiving signals from the residue detection means indicating the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater; And - determining an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater based on one or more signals received from the residue detector. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to prevent power from the power supply from being supplied to the heater for heating the aerosol generating substrate in the cavity when a certain value exceeds a threshold value. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: supply power to the heater to increase the temperature of the heater to a first temperature for heating the aerosol-generating substrate housed in the cavity from 80 to 375° C.; and energizing the heater to raise the temperature of the heater to a second temperature higher than the first temperature to thermally separate organic materials adhering or deposited in the cavity or on the heater, wherein the controller is configured to raise the temperature of the heater to a second temperature when a certain temperature exceeds the threshold value. 4. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims. 1-3, wherein the heater is an elongated heater configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the cavity. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater comprises a resistive heating element. 6. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the residue detection means has a controller configuration such that the controller is configured to: measuring the resistance of a resistive heating element; And determining an indicator of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity or on the heater based on the measured resistance of the resistive heating element. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, in which the controller is additionally configured to: supplying power from the power supply to a heater for heating the substrate forming an aerosol and placed in the cavity; stopping power supply to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the cavity, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, measuring the resistance of the resistive heating element of the heater; And determining the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue on the heater based on measurements of the resistance of the resistive heating element. 8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims. 5-7, in which the determination of the amount of aerosol-forming substrate residue in the cavity is based on the rate of change of resistance measurements of the resistive heating element. 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to determine the user's puff characteristics from measurements of the resistance of the heating element. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to determine an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater based on a determined puff pattern of the user. 11. The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the determination of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity or on the heater is based on a change in a determined characteristic of the user's puff over time. 12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 9-11, in which the determined characteristic of the user's puff is the puff volume. 13. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the determined characteristic of the user's puff is the duration of the puff. 14. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the residue detection means comprises a residue detector located in or around the cavity. 15. The aerosol generating device of claim 14, wherein determining the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity is based on signals received from the residue detector for at least a predetermined period of time after power supply from the power supply to the a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity. 16. The aerosol generating device of claim 14 or 15, wherein the residue detector comprises a volatile organic compound (VOC) detector. 17. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the residue detector comprises an optical detector. 18. The aerosol generating device of claim 17, wherein the optical detector comprises a light source configured to direct light into the cavity, and a light sensor configured to receive light from the cavity. 19. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the residue detector comprises a capacitor. 20. The aerosol generating device of claim 14 or 15, wherein the residue detector comprises an acoustic detector. 21. An aerosol generating system containing: a device that generates an aerosol and contains: - a cavity of the device for housing an aerosol-generating product and containing an aerosol-forming substrate; - a heater configured to heat the substrate forming an aerosol and placed in the cavity; - device power supply; And - a device controller configured to control the supply of power from the device power supply to the heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the device cavity; And a case for housing an aerosol generating device, containing: - the cavity of the case to accommodate the aerosol-generating device; - a residue detector configured to detect residues of the aerosol-generating substrate in the cavity of the device or on the heater when the aerosol-generating device is placed in the cavity of the case; And - a case controller configured to: receiving signals from the residue detector indicating the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity of the device or on the heater; And determining the amount of substrate residues forming an aerosol in the cavity of the device or on the heater based on signals received from the residue detector. 22. The aerosol generating system of claim 21, wherein the residue detector comprises at least one of a volatile organic compound (VOC) detector, an optical detector, a condenser, and an acoustic detector. 23. An aerosol generating system according to claim 21 or 22, in which: The case controller is additionally configured to: - comparing a certain value of the amount of substrate residues forming an aerosol in the cavity of the device or on the heater with a threshold value; And - sending a cleaning signal to the controller of the aerosol-generating device when a certain indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity of the device or on the heater exceeds a threshold value; And The device controller is additionally configured to: - supplying power to the heater to increase the temperature of the heater to a first temperature for heating the substrate forming an aerosol and placed in the cavity, from 80 to 375°C; - receiving a cleaning signal from the case controller; And - energizing the heater to raise the temperature of the heater to a second temperature higher than the first temperature to thermally separate organic materials adhering or deposited in the cavity or on the heater upon receiving a cleaning signal from the case controller. 24. A residue detection device for detecting residues of an aerosol-forming substrate in an aerosol generating device, wherein the residue detection device comprises: a residue detector cavity for housing at least a portion of the aerosol generating device; a residue detector configured to detect residues of the aerosol-forming substrate on a portion of the aerosol generating device located in the cavity of the residue detector; And controller configured to: - receiving signals from the residue detector indicating the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate on the part of the aerosol generating device placed in the cavity of the residue detector; And - determining an indicator of the amount of residue of the aerosol-forming substrate on the part of the aerosol-generating device placed in the cavity of the residue detector, based on the signals received from the residue detector. 25. The residue detection device of claim 24, wherein the residue detector comprises at least one of a volatile organic compound (VOC) detector, an optical detector, a capacitor and an acoustic detector.

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