RU2813256C2 - Aerosol-generating apparatus and method for controlling such an apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electrical engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to aerosol-generating apparatus and methods for controlling aerosol-generating apparatus. Aerosol-generating apparatus comprises: a heating unit configured to heat the aerosol-forming material; an input interface configured to receive an input signal to select the working mode from multiple working modes, wherein the multiple working modes include multiple heating modes, wherein the multiple heating modes include a first heating mode and a second heating mode; wherein, when the apparatus is operating in the first heating mode, a component of the heating unit should be heated to a first temperature, and when the apparatus is operating in the second heating mode, the component of the heating unit should be heated to a second temperature; and a controller configured to perform the following: detect an effect on the input interface corresponding to the input signal; based on the detected effect on the input interface corresponding to the input signal, detect the selected working mode from the multiple heating modes; and, depending on the detected effect on the input interface, activate the heating unit in order to start heating the aerosol-forming material.

EFFECT: easier use of the apparatus.

21 cl, 9 dwg

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices and methods for controlling aerosol generating devices.

State of the art

Smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to create alternative means in which the generation of the respirable medium is carried out without the use of a combustion process. Examples of such products are heating devices in which the release of substances is carried out by heating, but not by burning the material. The material may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Disclosure of the invention

The first aspect of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising:

a heating block configured to heat the aerosol-forming material;

an input interface configured to receive an input signal for selecting an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes; And

controller configured to:

i. detection of influence on the input interface; And

ii. turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material depending on the detected impact on the input interface.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

detecting an impact on the input interface, wherein the input interface is configured to receive an input signal for selecting an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes; And

turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material depending on the detected impact on the input interface.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of drawings

In fig. 1 is a front view of an example of an aerosol generating device;

in fig. 2 is a front view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1, with outer shell removed;

in fig. 3 is a sectional view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1;

in fig. 4 – aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 2, disassembled;

in fig. 5a is a cross-sectional view of the heating block of the aerosol-generating device;

in fig. 5b is an enlarged view of the portion of the heating block shown in FIG. 5a;

in fig. 6 – front view of the device;

in fig. 7 – diagram of the system, which includes a controller, a heating block, an input interface and an indicator unit;

in fig. 8 – block diagram of the device control method.

Carrying out the invention

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" refers to materials that produce vaporized components when heated, typically in the form of an aerosol. The aerosol-forming material includes any tobacco-containing material and may, for example, contain one or more of the following components, namely tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. In addition, the aerosol-forming material may include other non-tobacco products which, depending on the type of product, may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming material, for example, may be a solid, liquid, gel, paste, or the like. In addition, the aerosol-forming material may be, for example, a combination or mixture of different materials. The aerosol-forming material is also called "smoking material".

A device is known that heats an aerosol-forming material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material, typically to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user without burning the aerosol-forming material. Such a device is sometimes called an "aerosol generating device", an "aerosol supply device", a "non-combustion heating device", a "tobacco product heating device" or a "tobacco heating device" and the like. Likewise, so-called electronic cigarettes are currently on the market, which typically vaporize an aerosol-forming material into a liquid that may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming material can be used in the form of a rod, cartridge, cassette, etc. or may be a part thereof inserted into the device. A heater for heating and evaporating the aerosol-forming material may be provided as an "integral" part of the device.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to insert into it an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. The term "article" in the context of the present invention is a component including or containing an aerosol-forming material that is heated during operation for the purpose of evaporation, as well as, if necessary, other components. The user may insert this product into an aerosol generating device prior to heating to form an aerosol that is subsequently inhaled by the user. The specified product may have, for example, a given or specific size, allowing it to be inserted into a heating chamber of the device configured to receive the specified product.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is disclosed including an input interface configured to receive an input signal for selecting an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes. In this way, the user can interact with or control the input interface to control the device. The device further includes a controller that detects an impact on the input interface and turns on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material depending on the detected impact on the input interface.

Thus, the device begins heating the aerosol-forming material only after the controller detects an impact on the input interface.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the controller is configured to: (i) detect a selected operating mode based on an effect on an input interface; and (ii) upon detection of the selected operating mode, turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected operating mode. Thus, the device can begin heating the aerosol-forming material only after the controller has determined which of a variety of operating modes has been selected. This may be useful when operating modes include modes that do not require heating, or when the user inadvertently operates the input interface but does not select an operating mode. A device that begins heating the aerosol-forming material only after selecting an operating mode may be more energy efficient. The plurality of operating modes may include, for example, a heating mode and a setting mode. Setup mode allows the user to configure device settings. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the controller includes a heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material when the selected operating mode is a heating mode.

As mentioned above, a variety of operating modes may include a heating mode and a setting mode. If it has been determined that an action on the input interface indicates a heating mode selection, the controller is configured to: (i) determine the selected heating mode based on the action; and (ii) turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode. If the input interface has been determined to indicate selection of a setting mode, the controller is configured to: (i) turn on the device in the setting mode without turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments of the invention, the controller determines the selected tuning mode based on the impact. Accordingly, the device starts heating only if the selected operating mode is heating mode. This can provide energy savings. In setup mode, the user can configure device settings. For example, he can select settings that correspond to one or more heating modes. The user can also select settings for the haptic component. For example, it can select specific parameters based on the haptic feedback provided by the haptic component. The setup mode may also allow the user, for example, to check the battery charge of the device.

Preferably, the controller turns on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode at substantially the same time as the selected heating mode is determined. For example, these two events can occur simultaneously. This reduces the wait time required for the user to wait to start using the device. In other embodiments, there may be a slight delay between these events, such as less than 1 second, less than 0.5 seconds, less than 0.1 seconds, less than 0.01 seconds, or less than 0.001 seconds.

In the above-described embodiments of the invention, the device begins to operate (turns on either in the heating mode or in the setting mode) only after the controller determines the selected operating mode. In a second embodiment of the invention, the device may begin operating in heating mode even before the controller determines the selected operating mode. For example, the controller may turn on the heating unit to begin heating before an operating mode (ie, heating mode or setting mode) is selected. This can be useful in reducing the time between initial exposure to the input interface and actual use of the device. For example, one might assume that the user is more likely to act on the input interface to turn on the device in heating mode rather than in setting mode, so heating begins immediately after the user acts on the input interface, even if the user later selects heat mode rather than heating mode. settings.

Thus, in the second embodiment of the invention, the plurality of operating modes may include a heating mode and a setting mode, wherein the controller is configured to detect an operating mode selection based on an effect on the input interface and turn on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material before detecting the mode selection work. Accordingly, the controller starts heating before the user selects an operating mode, immediately after detecting an (initial) impact on the input interface. Thus, heating begins regardless of whether the user selects a heating mode or proceeds to select a setting mode.

In some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of operating modes includes only a heating mode.

Regardless of whether it includes a plurality of operating modes, only a heating mode, or includes both a heating mode and setting modes, the heating unit may begin heating the aerosol-forming material before detecting a selection of the operating mode. Upon detecting the heating mode selection, the controller may turn on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode. Before selecting the heating mode, the controller may switch the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material at a first speed, and after detecting the selection of the heating mode, the controller may switch the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material at a second speed different from the first speed. The second speed may depend on the selected heating mode, while the first speed may be a set speed or a "default" speed.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the selected operating mode is a setting mode, wherein the controller is configured to turn off the heating unit to stop heating the aerosol-forming material after detecting that the selected operating mode is a setting mode. Accordingly, if the user proceeds to select the setting mode, the device stops heating. By this point in time, the device may have already consumed a small amount of energy. However, this may be an acceptable compromise to reduce the time required to heat the aerosol-forming material to full temperature when the user selects a heating mode. As mentioned above, it can be assumed that in most cases the user selects the heating mode.

The input interface is sometimes also called the user interface. The input interface can be in the form of a button, touch screen, dial, pen, or wireless connection to a mobile device (for example, Bluetooth). The input interface allows the user to select an operating mode from a variety of operating modes. When an input interface is affected, it can send one or more signals to the controller indicating the impact. Based on this signal(s), the controller can determine the selected operating mode, such as heating mode or setting mode.

The input interface may be in the form of a sensor that detects the inserted aerosol-forming material. This sensor can detect the type of product inserted, and the operating mode can be determined based on the detected product type.

In all embodiments described above, the input interface may include a single button for receiving an input signal to select an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes. Thus, with a single button the user can switch on different operating modes. Having just one interface to enable multiple modes can simplify device management and reduce the number of device components. Reducing the number of components can reduce the weight of the device and also reduces the number of parts that can break or fail, increasing the reliability of the device. The button can be a software button or a hardware button.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the input signal includes an indication that the button has been released, as well as an indication of the amount of time the button was held down before being released. Depending on the input signal indicating that the button has been released, the controller is configured to determine a selected operating mode based on the length of time the button was held down before being released. Accordingly, the selection of the operating mode can be made based on the length of time during which the button is held down. This may make the device easier to manage. In some embodiments, this also saves device power because short, random button presses do not select an operating mode. For example, the controller may be configured to determine a selected operating mode if the period of time during which the button was pressed is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and does not determine the selected operating mode if the period of time during which the button was pressed when pressed, less than the threshold value. This threshold value can serve as a "buffer" function, preventing the device from turning on in any operating mode if a button is accidentally pressed.

The controller can receive an input signal from the input interface. An input signal indicating that a button has been released, as well as the length of time it has been pressed, may be sent from the input interface to the controller in the form of one or more signals. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the signal may indicate a period of time, or the signal may indicate a button press, such that the period of time during which the button was held down can be calculated by the controller from the signals indicating the times when the button was pressed and released. .

The heating mode may be determined to be the selected operating mode if the period of time for which the button was held down is within the first time period, and the setting mode may be determined to be the selected operating mode if the period of time for which the button was held down is within the first time period. state is within a second time period, the second time period beginning after the end of the first time period. This can be convenient because it allows you to quickly select a heating mode. Typically, the user will likely turn on the heating mode more often than the setting mode, so this saves time.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the first time period may begin 5 seconds after the button is pressed. The second period of time may begin, for example, 8 seconds after the button is pressed. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the end of the first time period coincides with the start of the second time period. For example, if the button is pressed for more than 5 seconds and less than 8 seconds, the heating mode is selected. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the end of the first time period occurs before the start of the second time period. For example, the first time period may end 7 seconds after the initial button press (ie, 1 second before the start of the second time period). Accordingly, if the button is held down for more than 5 seconds and less than 7 seconds, the heating mode is selected. If the button is held down for 7.5 seconds, the mode is not selected. Preferably, the end of the first time period is selected to coincide with the start of the second time period in order to reduce the time for selecting different operating modes.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the device is configured such that if the amount of time during which the button is held down is greater than or equal to a first time period threshold and less than a second time period threshold, the device operates in a first heating mode; if the amount of time the button is held down is greater than or equal to the second time period threshold, the device operates in the second heating mode. The first time period threshold may be, for example, 3 seconds, and the second time period threshold may be, for example, 5 seconds. The device may be configured to operate in a setting mode if the amount of time the button is held down is greater than or equal to a third time period threshold. The second heating mode may be selected if the amount of time the button was held down is greater than or equal to the second time period threshold and less than the third time period threshold. The third time period threshold may be, for example, 8 seconds.

In some embodiments of the invention, the device includes an indicator assembly, wherein the controller is configured to turn on the indicator assembly to provide an indication depending on the amount of time the button is held down. The indication may turn on when the operating mode is selected. Accordingly, the user may be notified/informed that he has held down the button for a certain period of time.

In some embodiments of the invention, the device may operate in two or more different heating modes. For example, each mode may heat the aerosol-forming material to different temperatures and/or heat the aerosol-forming material for different periods of time.

The controller may be configured to turn on the heating block to heat at a first speed while the button is held down for an initial period of time without being released, and turn on the heating block to heat at a second speed while the button continues to be held down after the initial period of time. , with the first speed being lower than the second speed. This can protect the device from accidentally pressing a button, acting as a buffer to save power. Moreover, in a possible embodiment of the invention, if the button is held down for a period of time that is less than the initial period of time, the setting mode is selected, and if the button is held down for a period of time greater than the initial period of time, the heating mode is selected . Thus, during the initial period of time, the user may still try to select a setup mode, for example, to check the battery charge. Heating at a lower rate before this initial period of time may provide energy savings since there is a possibility that the user will select the setting mode. "Initial time period" may be considered a threshold value of the time period.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the heater begins heating before the operating mode is selected, the controller may be configured to turn on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material: (i) before the operating mode selection is detected; and (ii) after a specified period of time has elapsed since the initial impact was detected on the input interface. Accordingly, the device may have a built-in time delay to prevent the device from turning on when the button is accidentally pressed, in order to save energy. The time delay may be, for example, 0.5 seconds after the initial impact is detected.

In some embodiments of the invention, to allow the user to verify that the device is ready for use, the aerosol generating device includes an indicator assembly indicating that the device is ready for use by the user to inhale an aerosol. This avoids the user having to wait longer than necessary to take a puff of the aerosol, which could result in wasted aerosol and reduced user satisfaction with the device.

“Ready for use” may mean that the aerosol-forming material has reached the desired/sufficient temperature, or that the aerosol-forming material has generated the desired/sufficient volume of aerosol, or that the user can take the first puff from the device to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming material.

The heating block may be an induction heating block. For example, the heating block may include one or more induction windings and a current collector. The heating block may contain one or more induction windings that serve to heat the heating element. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the heating block may be a resistive heating block. For example, it may resistively heat one or more components that heat the aerosol-forming material.

The controller may be configured to turn on the indicator assembly to indicate that the device is ready for operation for a predetermined period of time (or at a predetermined point in time) after the heating unit is turned on to heat the aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time is less than about 30 seconds, or less than about 20 seconds, or less than about 15 seconds, or less than about 10 seconds after the heating block is turned on for heating. In other embodiments of the invention, the predetermined period of time is less than about 60 seconds, or less than about 50 seconds, or less than about 40 seconds.

It has been found that certain heating blocks, such as induction heating blocks, are capable of heating the aerosol-forming material to a suitable temperature in a shorter period of time compared to other types of heating blocks. Accordingly, the user of the device can take a puff from the aerosol inhalation device for a predetermined period of time, for example, less than about 20 seconds. Since certain heating blocks can quickly heat the aerosol-forming material, by the time the device indicates that it is ready to operate, the aerosol-forming material will have already released a sufficient amount of aerosol.

As stated above, the device may be configured to operate in one of two heating modes, namely a first heating mode or a second heating mode, wherein when the device is operating in the first heating mode, the heater block component must be heated to a first temperature, and when the device operates in the second heating mode, the heater block component must be heated to the second temperature. The second temperature may be higher than the first temperature.

The first temperature may be from about 240°C to about 260°C, and the second temperature may be from about 270°C to about 290°C. The temperature of the aerosol-forming material may be slightly lower than the temperature of the heating element.

The first heating mode may be known as the "default mode" and the second heating mode may be known as the "boost mode". In the second heating mode, the device may, for example, generate a larger volume of aerosol (or a higher concentration of aerosol) than in the first heating mode.

In some embodiments of the invention, the indicator assembly provides an indication that the heating block has begun heating the aerosol-forming material. This may prevent the user from attempting to restart the device.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes a visual component configured to provide a visual indication. For example, the visual component may be a light emitting diode (LED), a plurality of LEDs, a display, an electrophoretic display, or a mechanical element that moves to indicate, for example, one or more device states. In some embodiments of the invention, the visual component is configured to emit light.

In another embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes a haptic component configured to provide haptic feedback. For example, the haptic component may be a touch motor that causes the device to vibrate.

In another embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes an audible indicator configured to emit sounds. A transducer, buzzer, beeper, etc. can be used as a sound indicator.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the indicator assembly includes a tactile component and a visual component. The haptic component may be configured to provide a sensory indication that the heating unit has begun heating the aerosol-forming material. The visual component may be configured to provide a visual indication that the device is ready for operation.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the heating block contains an induction winding for generating an alternating magnetic field, and a current collector configured to heat the aerosol-forming material, wherein the current collector can heat up when an alternating magnetic field passes through it. The controller is configured to turn on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode by turning on the induction winding to generate an alternating magnetic field. Accordingly, the current collector may be a heated component of the heater block. For example, the induction winding may be configured to heat the pantograph to a first temperature in a first heating mode. In the second heating mode, the induction winding can heat the pantograph to a second temperature.

It has been discovered that induction heating systems can heat aerosol-forming material to a suitable temperature in a shorter period of time compared to other types of heating blocks, such as resistive heating blocks.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the above-described aerosol generating device is disclosed. The disclosed method includes: detecting an impact on an input interface, wherein the input interface is configured to receive an input signal for selecting an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes; and turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material depending on the detected impact on the input interface.

The disclosed method may also include detecting an operating mode selection based on an effect on an input interface, and, in response to detecting the operating mode selection, turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected operating mode.

The plurality of operating modes may include a heating mode and a setting mode, and the method may further include:

upon detection of input interface interference indicating a heating mode selection, turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode: and

when an influence on the input interface is detected indicating the selection of the setting mode, turning on the device in the setting mode without turning on the heating block to heat the aerosol-forming material.

The input interface may comprise a single button for receiving an input signal to select an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes, and the method may further include:

detecting that the button has been released;

detecting the period of time during which the button was held down until the moment it was released; And

determining the selected operating mode based on the period of time during which the button was held down until the moment it was released.

The method may further include turning on an indicator assembly of the device to provide an indication depending on the amount of time the button has been held down.

The plurality of operating modes may include a heating mode and a setting mode, and the method may further include:

detection of the selected operating mode based on the impact on the input interface; And

turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material until the selection of the operating mode is detected.

The selected operating mode may be a setting mode, wherein the method may further include turning off the heating unit to stop heating the aerosol-forming material once the selected operating mode is determined to be a setting mode.

The method may further include turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material:

until the operating mode selection is detected; And

after a specified period of time has elapsed since the initial impact was detected on the input interface.

Although the proposed method is described for any type of heating block, it should be understood that this method is also applicable to a device with an induction heating block.

Preferably, said device is a tobacco heating device, also called a non-combustion heating device.

In fig. 1 shows an example of an aerosol generating device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming medium/material. In principle, the device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable element containing an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or some other respirable medium that is inhaled by the user of the device 100.

The device 100 includes a housing 102 (in the form of an outer shell) surrounding and housing various components of the device 100. At one end, the device 100 has an opening 104 through which the article 110 can be inserted into it for heating by a heating block. During operation, article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into a heating block, wherein it may be heated by one or more components of the heating block.

The device 100 in the exemplary embodiment includes a first end member 106 including a cover 108 movable relative to the first end member 106 to cover the opening 104 when the article 110 is not inserted. In fig. 1, cover 108 is shown in an open position, however, cover 108 can be moved to a closed position. For example, the user may slide the cover 108 in the direction of arrow "A".

The device 100 may also include an input interface 112, which may include a button or switch that can be pressed to control the device 100. For example, the input interface 112 can be used by a user to turn on the device 100.

The device 100 may also include an electrical connector/component, such as a jack/input 114, into which a cable may be inserted to charge the battery of the device 100. For example, the jack 114 may be a charging jack, such as a USB charging jack. In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, jack 114 may be used to transfer data between device 100 and another device, such as a computer.

In fig. 2 shows the device 100 shown in FIG. 1, with the outer shell 102 removed and the product 110 removed. The device 100 has a longitudinal axis 134.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first end member 106 is located at one end of the device 100, and a second end member 116 is located at the other end of the device 100. The first and second end members 106, 116 together at least partially define the end surfaces of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member member 116 at least partially defines the bottom surface of device 100. The edges of the outer shell 102 may also form portions of the end surfaces. In the present example, cover 108 also forms part of the top surface of device 100.

The end of the device closest to the opening 104 is also referred to as the proximal end (or mouthpiece end) of the device 100 because it is closest to the user's mouth during operation. During operation, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104, activates the user control element 112 to turn on the heating of the aerosol-generating material, and takes a puff of the aerosol generated in the device. As a result, the aerosol flows through the device 100 along the path of the aerosol to the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device, located further from the opening 104, is also called the distal end of the device 100 because during operation, this end is furthest from the user's mouth. The user draws in an aerosol generated in the device, and the aerosol flows in a direction away from the distal end of the device 100.

In addition, the device 100 includes a power source 118. The power source 118 may be, for example, a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries are, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating unit to supply electrical power when needed and is controlled by a controller (not shown) to heat the aerosol-forming material. In this example, the battery is attached to a central support 120, which holds the battery 118 in place. The center support 120 is also called a battery support or battery holder.

The device further includes at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and a memory device. The PCB 122 may also include one or more printed conductors that serve to electrically connect various electronic components of the device 100. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB 122 to provide power to the device 100. The connector 114 may also be electrically connected to the battery through the printed circuits. conductors.

In the exemplary embodiment of the device 100, the heating block is an induction heating block and includes various components for heating the aerosol-forming material of the article 110 by induction heating. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object (such as a pantograph) through electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an inductive element, such as one or more induction windings, and a device for causing a varying electrical current, such as alternating current, to pass through the inductive element. A changing electric current passing through an inductive element creates a changing magnetic field in it. The changing magnetic field penetrates the pantograph, suitably positioned relative to the inductive element, generating eddy currents inside the pantograph. The pantograph has electrical resistance to eddy currents and thus the flow of eddy currents overcoming the above electrical resistance causes the pantograph to heat up due to Joule heat. In cases where the pantograph contains ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated due to losses from magnetic hysteresis in the pantograph, i.e. by changing the orientation of magnetic dipoles in a magnetic material as a result of their alignment with a changing magnetic field. With induction heating, compared to heating by conduction, for example, heat is generated inside the pantograph, resulting in rapid heating. In addition, in this case, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the current collector, which expands the design and application possibilities.

The induction heating assembly of the device 100 in the present embodiment includes a current collector 132 (hereinafter referred to as a "susceptor"), a first induction winding 124, and a second induction winding 126. The first and second induction windings 124, 126 are made of electrically conductive material. In the present example, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are made of high frequency winding wire/cable wound in a helical shape to create helical induction windings 124, 126. The high frequency winding wire comprises a plurality of separately insulated wires twisted together to form a single wire. High-frequency winding wires serve to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the considered embodiment of the device 100, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are made of copper high-frequency winding wire with a rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments of the invention, the high frequency winding wire may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as circular.

The first induction winding 124 is configured to create a first varying magnetic field to heat the first section of the pantograph 132, and the second induction winding 126 is configured to create a second varying magnetic field to heat the second section of the pantograph 132. In the example under consideration, the first induction winding 124 is located adjacent to the second induction winding 126 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 134 of device 100 (ie, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 do not overlap). The current collector 132 may include one current collector or two or more current collectors. The ends 130 of the first and second induction windings 124, 126 can be connected to the PP 122.

It should be understood that in some embodiments of the invention, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 may differ from each other in at least one of their characteristics. For example, the first induction winding 124 may have at least one characteristic that is different from the second induction winding 126. More specifically, in one possible embodiment, the first induction winding 124 may have an inductance value that is different from the inductance of the second induction winding 126. How shown in Fig. 2, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are of different lengths such that the first induction winding 124 is wound around a smaller portion of the pantograph 132 than the second induction winding 126. Thus, the number of turns of the first induction winding 124 may be different from the number of turns of the second induction winding. 126 (provided that the distance between the individual turns is practically the same). In yet another example, the first induction winding 124 may be made of a different material than the second induction winding 126. In some embodiments, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 may be substantially the same.

In the present example, the first induction winding 124 and the second induction winding 126 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the induction windings are activated at different times. For example, the first induction winding 124 may be operated first to heat the first portion of the article 110, and later the second induction winding 126 may be turned on to heat the second portion of the article 110. Winding the turns in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the idle winding when used with a control circuit. a certain type. As shown in FIG. 2, the first induction winding 124 is a right-hand wound helix, and the second induction winding 126 is a left-hand wound helix. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the induction windings 124, 126 may be wound in one direction, or the first induction winding 124 may be a left-hand wound helix and the second induction winding 126 may be a right-hand wound helix.

The current collector 132 in this embodiment of the invention is a hollow member and thus is a receptacle into which the aerosol-forming material is inserted. For example, an article 110 may be inserted into the pantograph 132. In the exemplary embodiment, the pantograph 132 is tubular in shape with a circular cross-section.

Shown in FIG. 2, device 100 further includes an insulating element 128, which may be generally tubular in shape and at least partially surround the current collector 132. The insulating element 128 may be made of any insulating material, such as plastic. In this particular embodiment of the invention, the insulating element is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating element 128 may help isolate various components of the device 100 from heat generated in the current collector 132.

The insulating element 128 may also fully or partially support the first and second induction windings 124, 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are located around the insulating element 128 and contact the radially outer surface of the insulating element 128. In some embodiments of the invention, the insulating element 128 is not adjacent to the first and second inductive windings 124, 126. For example, there may be a small the gap between the outer surface of the insulating element 128 and the inner surface of the first and second induction windings 124, 126.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the pantograph 132, the insulating element 128, and the first and second induction windings 124, 126 are located coaxially relative to the central longitudinal axis of the pantograph 132.

In fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the device 100. In this example, the outer shell 102 is present. Here, the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second induction windings 124, 126 is more clearly visible.

The device 100 further includes a base 136 connected to one end of the pantograph 132 and serving to lock the pantograph 132 in place. The base 136 is connected to the second end member 116.

The device may also further include a second circuit board 138 coupled to input interface 112.

The device 100 further includes a second cover/cap 140 and a spring 142 located near the distal end of the device 100. The spring 142 allows the second cover 140 to be opened to provide access to the pantograph 132. The user can open the second cover 140 to clean the pantograph 132 and/or the base 136.

The device 100 further includes an expansion chamber 144 that extends from the proximal end of the pantograph 132 to the device opening 104. Located at least partially within the expansion chamber 144 is a retaining clip 146 adjacent to and retaining the article 110 when the article 110 is inserted into the device 100. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to the end member 106.

In fig. 4 is an illustration of the device 100 shown in FIG. 1, disassembled, without outer shell 102.

In fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device 100 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5b shows the area shown in FIG. 5A, enlarged. In fig. 5A and 5B show an article 110 inserted into the pantograph 132, the size of which is selected such that the outer surface of the article 110 fits tightly against the inner surface of the pantograph 132. This provides the most efficient heating. The article 110 in the present embodiment of the invention contains an aerosol-forming material 110a. This aerosol-forming material 110a is located within the pantograph 132. The article 110 may also include other components such as a filter, wrapping materials, and/or a cooling structure.

As can be seen from Fig. 5B, the outer surface of the pantograph 132 is separated from the inner surface of the induction windings 124, 126 by a distance 150 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the pantograph 132. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the distance 150 may be from about 3 to 4 mm, about 3 to 3 .5 mm or approximately 3.25 mm.

In fig. 5B also shows that the outer surface of the insulating element 128 is separated from the inner surface of the induction windings 124, 126 by a distance 152 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the pantograph 132. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the distance 152 is approximately 0.05 mm. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the distance 152 is substantially equal to 0 mm, such that the inductive windings 124, 126 touch and fit tightly against the insulating element 128.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the wall 154 of the pantograph 132 is from about 0.025 to 1 mm, or about 0.05 mm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the length of pantograph 132 is between about 40 and 60 mm, between about 40 and 45 mm, or about 44.5 mm.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the wall 156 of the insulating element 128 is from about 0.25 to 2 mm, from about 0.25 to 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm.

In fig. 6 shows the device 100 in a front view. As briefly discussed above, the device may include an input interface 112. In some embodiments of the invention, a user may operate the input interface 112 to control the device 100. An indicator node may be located adjacent to the input interface 112 that may indicate to the user the occurrence of one or more events, such as when the device is ready for use and/or when the device has shut down. The indicator assembly may also indicate the mode in which the device 100 is operating.

In fig. 6 shows an external element 202 located above (ie in front of) the indicator assembly. In other embodiments of the invention, the indicator assembly may be located in another location of the device. In the example under consideration, the indicator assembly includes a visual component configured to provide a visual indication. The visual component contains a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit electromagnetic radiation, such as light, to indicate certain events to the user. It should be appreciated that the indicator assembly may alternatively or additionally include a tactile component or an audible indicator. In the subject device 100, the indicator assembly includes a visual component and a tactile component.

The external element 202 is the outermost component of the input interface 112. The user can press the external element 202 to operate the device 100. The external element 202 includes a plurality of holes 204 through which light from a plurality of LEDs can pass. In the example, device 100 includes four LEDs that light up in sequence when the heating block heats the aerosol-forming material. When all four LEDs light up, the user can be informed that the device is ready for use. The first of the four LEDs may light up after the user selects an operating mode, or when the user first operates the input interface 112.

In fig. 7 shows a system including a controller 302 (e.g., one or more processors), a heating block 304, an indicator assembly 306, and an input interface 112. The controller 302 is in communication communication with the heating block 304, an indicator assembly 306, and an input interface 112 via one or more wires. or wireless connections (shown in dotted lines). In some embodiments of the invention, indicator assembly 306 may be absent.

The controller 302 may be located, for example, on the PCB 122. The controller 302 may control the operation of the device 100, such as turning on the heating block 304 to heat the aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments, the controller 302 detects an influence on the input interface 112 and responds by controlling the heating block 304 and the indicator assembly 306. Thus, the user can provide an input signal to the input interface 112 to control the device. Using the input interface 112, a heating mode or a setting mode can be selected.

Indicator node 306 may indicate to the user that one or more events have occurred. To cause indicator node 306 to begin making an indication, controller 302 may send a signal or command to indicator node 306. In the example shown in FIG. 6, indicator assembly 306 includes a visual component containing a plurality of LEDs. Alternatively or additionally, other types of indicator assemblies 306 may be used.

In this example, heating block 304 includes one or more induction windings that create one or more magnetic fields to heat the current collector. The controller 302 may drive the induction coil(s) of the device 100 to generate an alternating magnetic field. For example, controller 302 may send one or more signals to the induction coil(s). Once the induction winding(s) begin to generate an alternating magnetic field, the pantograph 132 heats up, which in turn causes any aerosol-forming material located adjacent to the pantograph 132 to heat up. It should be noted that the following description also applies to other types of heating blocks 304.

The controller 302 may turn on one or more induction windings to heat the current collector to a temperature of from about 240°C to about 290°C. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device is configured to operate in a first heating mode or a second heating mode, wherein the first and second heating modes are heating modes. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the device is operating in the first (default) heating mode, the controller 302 may turn on the first induction winding 124 to heat the first region of the pantograph 132 to a temperature of from about 240°C to about 260°C, such as about 250°C C. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the device may operate in a second (boosted) heating mode, wherein the controller 302 may include a first induction winding 124 to heat the first region of the pantograph 132 to a temperature of from about 270°C to about 290°C, such as about 280 °C.

The second induction winding 126 may generate a second magnetic field later during the heating cycle. For example, the second induction winding 126 may generate the second magnetic field for about 60 seconds to about 130 seconds after the first induction winding 124 finishes generating the first magnetic field. The second induction winding is configured to heat the second region of the pantograph 132. In some embodiments, both induction windings 124, 126 operate simultaneously.

After heating of the pantograph 132 by the first induction winding 124 begins, the first region of the pantograph 132 can reach a predetermined temperature within 2 seconds. However, it may take longer for heat to penetrate the aerosol-forming material. For example, it may take up to 60 seconds for the temperature of the aerosol-forming material to approach the temperature of the susceptor 132. Due to the efficient nature of induction heating, the aerosol generated during the first 10 to 30 seconds may still be inhalable even though the aerosol-forming material is still not fully heated.

Input interface

As discussed above, the controller 302 detects an impact on the input interface 112 and accordingly turns on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material depending on the detected impact on the input interface 112. Using the input interface 112, the operating mode of the device can be selected. In some embodiments of the invention, the operating modes include one or more heating modes and one or more setting modes.

In the exemplary example, input interface 112 includes a single button, wherein input interface 112 sends one or more signals or data to controller 302 to indicate that the user has acted on input interface 112. In a particular embodiment of the invention, one or more signals indicate that that the user released the button, and the amount of time the button was held down before it was released. Thus, the user can press and hold the button, and the controller 302 will determine the selected operating mode depending on the length of time the button was held down.

Accordingly, the device can operate in a certain mode depending on the period of time during which the button was held down. The selected operating mode may be determined by the controller 302 by comparing the amount of time the button is held down with one or more threshold time periods.

The device 100 may be configured to operate in a first heating mode or a second heating mode. Thus, in particular, if the period of time during which the button was held down is greater than or equal to the first time period threshold and less than the second time period threshold, the controller 302 commands the device to operate in the first heating mode. If the amount of time the button is held down is greater than or equal to the second time period threshold, the device operates in the second heating mode. The first time period threshold may be, for example, 3 seconds, and the second time period threshold may be, for example, 5 seconds. Thus, using the same button, the user can switch on different operating modes. If the user presses the button for more than 3 seconds but less than 5 seconds, the device operates in the first heating mode.

In a specific example, if the period of time during which the button was held down is greater than or equal to the third time period threshold, the device is configured to operate in a setting mode. Setup mode allows the user to configure device settings. The third time period threshold may be greater than the second time period threshold. In the specific example, the third time period threshold is 8 seconds. If the user presses the button for more than 5 seconds but less than 8 seconds, the device operates in the second heating mode.

Accordingly, in one example, a heating mode may be determined to be the selected mode if the period of time during which the button was held down is within the first period of time, and a setting mode may be determined to be the selected mode if the period of time within which the button was held down is within the second time period. The first time period may start 5 seconds after the button is pressed and end 8 seconds after the button is pressed. The second period of time can begin 8 seconds after the button is pressed. This can be convenient because it allows you to quickly select a heating mode. Typically, the user turns on the heating mode more often than the setting mode, so this saves time.

In another example, if the amount of time the button was held down is greater than or equal to the fourth time period threshold but less than the first time period, the device may display the power level of the power supply 118. This battery charge indication mode may be, for example , setup mode. The fourth time period threshold may be, for example, 1 second. If the user presses the button for more than 1 second but less than 3 seconds, the device can display the power level. The power level may be indicated by indicator assembly 306. For example, if the power level is between 0 and 25%, one of the four LEDs may light up. If the power level is between 25 and 50%, two LEDs may light up. When the power level is between 50 and 75%, three LEDs may light up. If the power level is between 75 and 100%, four LEDs may light up. The LED glow can be uniform or vary over time. For example, one of the four LEDs may flash to indicate that the power level is less than 10%.

Only one specific type of input interface 112 has been described above. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the user selects an operating mode using a touch screen. In another possible embodiment of the invention, one or more input interfaces may be provided. For example, to turn on the device in the first heating mode, the user may operate the first input interface, and to turn on the device in the second heating mode, the user may operate the second input interface.

Start of heating after selecting the operating mode

In the first example, the device begins to operate (turns on in either heating mode or setting mode) only after the controller 302 determines that the operating mode has been selected. Thus, the controller 302 may detect an initial impact on the input interface when the user begins to hold down the button, but does not turn on the heating unit to heat the aerosol-forming material until the controller 302 determines that the heating mode has been selected. This can provide energy savings because the user can operate the input interface 112 to select a setting mode rather than a heating mode.

Accordingly, if controller 302 determines, based on input interface 112, that a heating mode has been selected, controller 302 turns on heating unit 304 to begin heating the aerosol-forming material. The heating block 304 may be operated in accordance with the specific heating mode selected. The operating mode can be selected, for example, by the duration of holding the button pressed.

If the controller 302 determines that a setting mode has been selected, the controller 302 may turn on the device in the setting mode without turning on the heating block 304 to heat the aerosol-forming material. Thus, the device only starts heating if the selected operating mode is heating mode.

Start heating before selecting operating mode

In the second example, controller 302 turns on heating block 304 to begin heating before controller 302 determines whether heating mode or setting mode has been selected. This may be useful in reducing the time between initial exposure to input interface 112 and actual use of the device. For example, it may be assumed that the user is more likely to operate the input interface 112 to turn on the device in the heating mode rather than in the setting mode, so heating begins immediately after the controller 302 determines that the input interface 112 has been affected, even if controller 302 later determines that the selected mode is not a heating mode, but a setting mode.

Thus, in this second example, the controller 302 is configured to detect an operating mode selection based on an effect on the input interface 112 and turn on the heating block 304 to begin heating the aerosol-forming material before detecting the operating mode selection.

If the controller 302 subsequently detects that a heating mode has been selected, the controller may turn on the heating unit 304 to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode. This may involve continuing to heat the aerosol-forming material at the same rate as before. In another possible embodiment of the invention, this may involve changing the current heating rate to a second, different rate. Accordingly, before the controller 302 determines the heating mode selection, the controller 302 may turn on the heating block 304 to begin heating the aerosol-forming material at a first speed, and after detecting the heating mode selection, the controller 302 may switch the heating block 304 to begin heating the aerosol-forming material at a second speed. different from first speed. The first speed may be lower than the second speed to reduce the amount of energy wasted since there is still a chance that the user will select the setting mode.

If the controller 302 detects a setting mode selection, the controller 302 turns off the heating unit 304 to stop heating the aerosol-forming material.

In one example, the controller 302 turns on heating the heating block 304 at a first speed while the button is held down for an initial period of time, and turns on heating the heating block 304 at a second rate while the button continues to be held down after the initial period of time, wherein first speed is lower than second speed. At this point, the controller 302 has not yet determined which operating mode has been selected. The initial period may be, for example, 1, 2 or 3 seconds after the button is pressed. In some cases, if the button is released before the initial period of time has elapsed, the controller 302 may turn off the heating unit 304 to stop heating. This can protect the device from accidentally pressing a button, acting as a buffer to save power. Short presses of the button may indicate that the press was made accidentally.

Additionally, as stated above, the user may want to check the device's battery charging status by holding the button down for more than 1 second and less than 3 seconds. Thus, if the button has been pressed for less than 3 seconds, the heating block 304 may produce heating at a first, lower rate. If the button has been pressed for more than 3 seconds, the heating block 304 may heat at a second, higher rate. Thus, during the initial period of time (ie, for a period of less than 3 seconds), the user may still attempt to select a setting mode, for example, to check the battery charge. Heating at a lower rate before this initial period of time may provide energy savings since there is a possibility that the user will select the setting mode to check the battery charge.

In fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a method for controlling an aerosol-generating device. The proposed method includes (block 402) detecting an influence on an input interface, wherein the input interface is configured to receive an input signal for selecting an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes. The method also includes (block 404) turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material depending on the detected influence on the input interface.

The examples given herein are illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention are possible. It should be understood that any feature described for any embodiment of the invention may be used alone or in combination with one or more features of any other possible embodiment or any combination of any other possible embodiments of the invention. In addition, equivalent solutions and modifications may be used without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims below.

Claims (60)

1. Aerosol-generating device containing: a heating block configured to heat the aerosol-forming material; an input interface configured to receive an input signal for selecting an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes a plurality of heating modes, wherein the plurality of heating modes includes a first heating mode and a second heating mode, wherein when the device is operating in the first heating mode, the heating block component must be heated to a first temperature, and when the device is operated in the second heating mode, the heating block component must be heated to a second temperature; And controller configured to: detecting an impact on the input interface corresponding to the input signal; detecting a selected operating mode from the plurality of heating modes based on the detected effect on the input interface corresponding to the input signal; And turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material depending on the detected impact on the input interface. 2. Aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, in which the controller is configured to: determining the selected operating mode based on the impact on the input interface; And, in response to determining the selected operating mode, turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected operating mode. 3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the plurality of operating modes includes a plurality of heating modes and a setting mode, and: upon determining an effect on the input interface indicating the selection of a heating mode from a plurality of heating modes, the controller is configured to: determining the selected heating mode based on the impact; And turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode; when determining the impact on the input interface indicating the choice of the configuration mode, the controller is configured to: transferring the device to the setting mode without turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, in which the plurality of operating modes includes a plurality of heating modes and a setting mode, wherein the controller is configured to: detecting the selection of an operating mode based on the impact on the input interface; And turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material until the selection of the operating mode is detected. 5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, in which the selected operating mode is a setting mode, and the controller is configured to: turning off the heating unit to stop heating the aerosol-forming material after detecting that the selected operating mode is a setting mode. 6. Aerosol-generating device according to claim 4 or 5, in which the controller is configured to: turning on the heating block to start heating the aerosol-forming material: until the operating mode selection is detected; And after a specified period of time has elapsed since the initial impact was detected on the input interface. 7. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 2-6, wherein the input interface includes a single button for receiving an input signal to select an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the input signal contains an indication that the button has been released and an indication of the period of time during which the button was held down before being released, depending on the input signal containing an indication that the button has been released, the controller is configured to determine a selected operating mode based on the length of time the button was held down before being released. 9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the heating mode of the plurality of heating modes is determined as the selected operating mode if the period of time during which the button was held down is within the first time period and the setting mode is determined, if the period of time during which the button was held down is within a second time period, the second time period starting after the end of the first time period. 10. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 8 or 9, which contains an indicator assembly, wherein the controller is configured to turn on the indicator assembly to provide an indication depending on the period of time during which the button is held down. 11. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 8–10, in which the controller is configured to: turning on the heating block to heat at a first speed while the button is pressed for an initial period of time without being released, and turning on the heating block to heat at a second speed while the button continues to be held down after the initial period of time, the first speed being lower than the second speed. 12. A method for controlling an aerosol-generating device, including: detecting an impact on an input interface, wherein the input interface is configured to receive an input signal for selecting an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes a plurality of heating modes, wherein the plurality of heating modes includes a first heating mode and a second heating mode wherein when the device is operated in a first heating mode, the heating block component must be heated to a first temperature, and when the device is operated in a second heating mode, the heating block component must be heated to a second temperature; detecting a selected operating mode from the plurality of heating modes based on the detected effect on the input interface corresponding to the input signal; And turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material depending on the detected influence on the input interface corresponding to the input signal. 13. The method according to claim 12, which additionally includes: detection of operating mode selection based on the impact on the input interface; And, in response to detecting the selection of the operating mode, turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected operating mode. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes a heating mode and a setting mode, the method further comprising: upon detecting an impact on the input interface indicating the selection of a heating mode, turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material in accordance with the selected heating mode; And when an impact is detected on the input interface indicating the selection of the setting mode, placing the device in the setting mode without turning on the heating block to begin heating the aerosol-forming material. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the input interface comprises a single button for receiving an input signal to select an operating mode from among a plurality of operating modes, the method further comprising: detecting that the button has been released; detecting the period of time during which the button was held down until the moment it was released; And determining the selected operating mode based on the period of time during which the button was held down until the moment it was released. 16. The method of claim 15, which further includes activating an indicator assembly of the device to provide an indication depending on the amount of time the button has been held down. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes a heating mode and a setting mode, the method further comprising: detection of operating mode selection based on the impact on the input interface; And turning on the heating unit to begin heating the aerosol-forming material until the selection of the operating mode is detected. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the selected operating mode is a setting mode, wherein the method further includes: turning off the heating unit to stop heating the aerosol-forming material after detecting that the selected operating mode is a setting mode. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the input interface comprises a single button for receiving an input signal to select an operating mode from among a plurality of operating modes, the method further comprising: detecting that the button has been released; detecting the period of time during which the button was held down until the moment it was released; And determining the selected operating mode based on the period of time during which the button was held down until the moment it was released. 20. The method of claim 19, which further includes activating an indicator assembly of the device to provide an indication depending on the amount of time the button is held down. 21. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 17–20, including: turning on the heating block to start heating the aerosol-forming material: until the operating mode selection is detected; And after a specified period of time has elapsed since the initial impact was detected on the input interface.

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