Smoking replacement system

Abstract

Systems are disclosed having a smoking replacement device that includes one or more heaters for heating consumables engaged with the device, and a controller configured to control the one or more heaters in accordance with a first heating mode and a second heating mode. The first heating mode is used to heat "heat-not-burn" consumables, and the second heating mode is used to heat electronic cigarette consumables.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number 202080034569.3, application date March 13, 2020, and invention name “Smoking Replacement System”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to smoking replacement systems and particularly, but not exclusively, to a smoking replacement system comprising a device and an aerosol-forming article. Background Art

[0003] Smoking tobacco is generally considered to expose the smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally believed that a large number of potentially harmful substances are produced by the burning of tobacco and / or the heat caused by the combustion of the tobacco and the components of the burned tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.

[0004] Traditional combustible smoking articles, such as cigarettes, typically include a cylindrical tobacco rod consisting of tobacco shreds wrapped by a wrapper, and generally also include a cylindrical filter axially aligned in abutment with the wrapped tobacco rod. The filter generally includes a filter material surrounded by a plug wrap. The wrapped tobacco rod and the filter are connected together by a plugging paper band wrapped around the entire length of the filter and the adjacent portion of the wrapped tobacco rod. This type of traditional cigarette is used by lighting the end opposite to the filter and burning the tobacco rod. The smoker receives mainstream smoke into their mouth by inhaling at the mouth end or filter end of the cigarette.

[0005] It is known that the combustion of organic materials such as tobacco produces tar and other potentially harmful by-products. In order to avoid smoking tobacco, various smoking replacement systems (or "alternative smoking systems") have been proposed.

[0006] Such a smoking replacement system may form part of a nicotine replacement therapy for people wishing to stop smoking and overcome dependence on nicotine.

[0007] Smoking replacement systems include electronic systems that allow users to simulate the act of smoking by generating an aerosol (also called "vapor") that is drawn (inhaled) into the lungs through the mouth and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically carries nicotine and / or flavorings without or with less odor and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

[0008] Typically, smoking alternative systems are intended to provide an alternative to the smoking habit while providing the user with an experience and satisfaction similar to that of traditional smoking and combustible tobacco products. Some smoking alternative systems use smoking alternative articles (also referred to as "consumables") that are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes and are in the form of a cylinder with a nozzle at one end.

[0009] The popularity and use of smoking replacement systems has grown rapidly over the past few years. Although initially marketed as an aid to help habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking, consumers increasingly view smoking replacement systems as an adjunct to a desired lifestyle.

[0010] There are many different kinds of smoking replacement systems, each using a different method of replacing smoking.

[0011] One method used in smoking replacement systems is the so-called heated tobacco ("HT") method, in which tobacco (rather than "e-liquid") is heated or warmed to release vapor. HT is also called "heat not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco can be tobacco leaf or reconstituted tobacco. The vapor can contain nicotine and / or flavorings. In the HT method, the purpose is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, that is, the tobacco does not undergo combustion.

[0012] Typical HT smoking alternative system can comprise device and consumables.Consumables can comprise tobacco material.Device and consumables can be configured to be physically connected together.In use, heat can be transferred to tobacco material by the heating element of device, wherein the air flow through tobacco material makes the component in tobacco material be released as steam.Steam can also be formed by the carrier (this carrier can for example comprise propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerine) in tobacco material and other volatile compounds released from tobacco.The steam released can be entrained in the air flow of suction through tobacco.

[0013] As the vapor passes through the consumable (entrained in the air flow) from the vaporization site to the outlet (eg, nozzle) of the consumable, the vapor cools and condenses to form an aerosol that the user breathes in. The aerosol will typically contain volatile compounds.

[0014] In HT smoking replacement systems, heating rather than burning tobacco materials is believed to result in less or less harmful compounds that are typically produced during smoking. Therefore, the HT method can reduce the odor and / or health risks that may be produced by burning, combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.

[0015] Another method is the so-called "vaporization" method, in which a vaporizable liquid, often referred to as (and referred to herein as) "e-liquid," is heated by a heating device (referred to herein as an electronic cigarette or "e-cigarette" device) to produce an aerosol vapor that is inhaled by the user. E-liquids typically include a base liquid and nicotine and / or flavorings. Thus, the resulting vapor also typically contains nicotine and / or flavorings. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin.

[0016] A typical electronic cigarette device includes a mouthpiece, a power source (usually a battery), a tank for containing electronic cigarette liquid, and a heating device. In use, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats the electronic cigarette liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapor") that is inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece.

[0017] Electronic cigarettes can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, there is a "closed system" vaporized smoking alternative device that typically has a sealed tank and a heating element. The tank is pre-filled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by the end user. A subset of closed system vaporized smoking alternative systems includes a body that includes a power source, wherein the body is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable including a tank and a heating element. In this way, when the tank of the consumable has been emptied, the consumable is discarded. The body can be reused by connecting it to a new, replacement consumable. Another subset of closed system vaporized smoking alternative systems is completely disposable and is for one-time use only.

[0018] There are also "open system" vaporized smoking replacement systems, which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by the user. In this way, the entire device can be used multiple times.

[0019] Improvements in the design of smoking replacement systems may be needed to enhance the user experience and provide more functionality to the user.

[0020] In view of the above considerations, the present disclosure has been designed. Summary of the invention

[0021] In the most general case, the present invention relates to a smoking substitute device capable of operating both an electronic cigarette and a heat-not-burn consumable product.

[0022] According to the present invention, a smoking substitute device is provided, which comprises: one or more heaters for heating consumables; and a controller configured to control the one or more heaters according to a first and a second heating mode, wherein the first heating mode is used to heat a heat-not-burn consumable, and the second heating mode is used to heat an electronic cigarette consumable.

[0023] By providing a smoking alternative device that can work in two different heating modes, the device can accommodate multiple types of consumables. This means that the user does not need two different devices to support heating without burning and electronic cigarette consumables (i.e., the device provides a cross-vaporization experience). As described above, heating without burning consumables generally include tobacco leaves or reconstituted tobacco in solid form, while electronic cigarette consumables include electronic cigarette liquid (i.e., liquid) formed by a base liquid and nicotine and / or flavorings. At this point, heating without burning consumables generally include solid aerosol-forming substrates, while electronic cigarette consumables generally include aerosol-forming liquids contained in, for example, cans.

[0024] Optional features will now be described. These may be applied alone or in any combination with any aspect.

[0025] The first heating mode and the second heating mode can be operated by a single heater. That is, the controller can control the single heater differently depending on whether the heating mode is the first heating mode or the second heating mode. This can simplify the maintenance of the device and minimize the manufacturing cost of the device.

[0026] The heater may include first and second heating tracks for heating the consumable. The first and second tracks may be configured to heat to different temperatures (e.g., when the same voltage is applied to the two tracks). The first and second tracks may be configured to heat at different rates (e.g., when the same voltage is applied to the two tracks). The first and second tracks may be located in different areas of the heating element. The first and second tracks may be different shapes and / or sizes. The first and second tracks may be formed of different materials. The first and second tracks may be configured to have different impedances. The two tracks may be electrically connected to the same power supply. The two tracks may be electrically connected to each other.

[0027] The first heating track may be configured to be in direct contact with an aerosol-forming substrate of the consumable.The second heating track may be configured to be in contact with a heating element of the consumable, such that the second heating track may be configured to indirectly heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the consumable.

[0028] In the first heating mode, the first track may be activated and the second track may be deactivated. In the second heating mode, the first track may be deactivated and the second track may be activated. In other words, in each of the two heating modes, only one track may be activated. Therefore, each track may be configured to operate in one of the two heating modes. For example, the first track may be configured to heat a heat-not-burn consumable, while the second track may be configured to heat an electronic cigarette consumable (or vice versa).

[0029] In one of the first and second heating modes, the first and second tracks may both be activated, and in the other of the first and second heating modes, the first track may be activated and the second track may be deactivated. In other words, in one heating mode, a single track may be activated, while in the other heating mode, both tracks may be activated. This may be suitable when one of the two heating modes requires more heating than the other, or when one of the two heating modes requires faster heating than the other. For example, in the second heating mode, both heating tracks may be activated, while in the first heating mode, only one heating track may be activated (or vice versa).

[0030] The device may include a first and a second heater. In this case, in one of the first and second heating modes, the first and second heaters may both be activated, and in the other of the first and second heating modes, the first heater may be activated and the second heater may be deactivated. In other words, in one heating mode, only one heater may be activated, while in the other heating mode, both heaters may be activated. As above, this may be suitable when one of the two heating modes requires more heating than the other, or when one of the two heating modes requires faster heating than the other. For example, in the second heating mode, both heaters may be activated, while in the first heating mode, only one heater may be activated (or vice versa).

[0031] The device may include a first heater configured to work according to a first heating mode and a second heater configured to work according to a second heating mode. In this embodiment, the heater can only work alone (rather than working simultaneously). The first and second heaters can be configured to heat to different temperatures (for example, when the same voltage is applied to the two heaters). The first and second heaters can be configured to heat at different rates (for example, when the same voltage is applied to the two heaters). The first and second heaters can have different shapes and / or sizes and / or can have different heater track arrangements. The first and second heaters can be formed of different materials. One of the first and second heaters can be an internal heater (for example, for inserting in a consumable), and the other of the first and second heaters can be an external heater (for example, in contact with the consumable but not inserted in the consumable).

[0032] The first heater may be configured to be in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate of the consumable.The second heater may be configured to be in contact with the heating element of the consumable, such that the second heater may indirectly heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the consumable.

[0033] The device may include a consumable detection sensor for detecting the type of consumables engaged with the device. The controller may be configured to control one or more heaters in response to the detected consumable type. For example, the consumable detection sensor may be a switch or button activated by one consumable type rather than another consumable type. Alternatively, the sensor may be an RFID reader or a barcode reader. At this point, the consumable may be provided with a barcode or RFID tag read by the device. The sensor may detect the shape, size and / or color of the consumable (e.g., by a light sensor). The controller may switch between a first heating mode and a second heating mode according to the detected consumable type.

[0034] The device may include a user input module configured to receive a selection of a consumable type from a user. The user input module may form a part of a user interface (UI) of the device. The controller may be configured to control one or more heaters in response to the selected consumable type. The input module may include, for example, a switch, a button, a touch screen, etc. When the input module includes a touch screen, two consumable type selections may be presented to the user, and the consumable type may be selected by touching the screen at an appropriate position. The controller may switch between a first mode and a second mode depending on the consumable type selected by the user.

[0035] The user input module may allow the user to control other aspects of the operation of the device. For example, the user input module may include a power button to switch the device between an on state and an off state. In some embodiments, the UI may additionally or alternatively include an output mechanism to convey information to the user (i.e., it may include a touch screen). The output mechanism may be configured to indicate the current mode of the device (i.e., whether the heater is operating according to the first mode or the second mode). In some embodiments, the output mechanism may include a light to indicate the status of the device (and / or aerosol-forming article) to the user. The status of the device (and / or aerosol-forming article) indicated to the user may include indicating the status of the operation of the heater (i.e., the mode of at least one heater). For example, the status may include whether the heater is in an off state or an on state. The output mechanism may include one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) light emitting diodes ("LEDs") that may be located on the body of the device.

[0036] The device may include a valve for controlling the airflow through the consumable. For example, the device may include an inlet for supplying air to the consumable (i.e., when the user inhales). The valve may be located in a channel connecting the inlet to the consumable. The valve may be configured to change the airflow through the channel (e.g., by changing the size of a portion of the channel). The valve may include an actuator for changing the position of the valve. The actuator may be controlled by a controller. Depending on whether one or more heaters are operated according to a first heating mode or a second heating mode, the controller may cause the actuator to move the valve between a first position and a second position. For example, when the device is in the second mode (i.e., when heating the electronic cigarette consumable), a larger airflow may be provided through the consumable. In other words, the controller may be configured to move the valve to a first position in the first mode and to a second position in the second mode, and the valve may allow a larger airflow in the second position.

[0037] The device may also include a suction sensor (e.g., an airflow sensor). The suction sensor may be configured to detect a user inhalation through the consumable. The suction sensor may be, for example, a pressure sensor or a microphone. The suction sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicating a suction state. The signal may indicate that the user is inhaling (aerosol from an aerosol-forming product), so it is, for example, in the form of a binary signal. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may indicate the characteristics of the suction (e.g., the flow rate of the suction, the length of time of the suction, etc.). The second heating mode may include controlling at least one heater in response to detection of a user inhalation. For example, when in the second heating mode, the controller may start at least one heater or a specific heating track only when an inhalation is detected (or within a period of time when an inhalation is detected).

[0038] In some embodiments, electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn consumables can be configured to allow different airflows to pass therethrough, rather than changing the airflow through the device via a valve. For example, the consumables may include different opening sizes, or other units for providing different airflows. In this case, a suction sensor may alternatively provide a unit for detecting which type of consumables is engaged with the device. The suction sensor can detect airflow characteristics that may be different between different consumable types. This information can be provided to a controller, and in response, the controller can switch between a first mode and a second mode.

[0039] The first heating mode may include activating at least one heater for a predetermined time period. The first heating mode may include activating the heater for a predetermined maximum time period. In other words, the controller may be configured to deactivate the heater before the predetermined time period is completed if, for example, a user turns the device off.

[0040] The device may include a body supporting the heater, and a cap detachably engaged with the body. The cap may be configured to hold a consumable, such that when engaged with the body, the heater is capable of heating the consumable (e.g., by being inserted into or in contact with the consumable). The cap may be interchangeable with another (separate) cap. One of the caps may be configured to hold a heat-not-burn consumable, and the other may be configured to hold an e-cigarette consumable.

[0041] The body of the device may be elongated. The end of the elongated body may be configured to engage with a consumable. The terms "heated tobacco" and "heat not burn" are used interchangeably herein to describe consumables of the type that are heated rather than burned (or interchangeably to describe devices used with such consumables). The device may include a cavity configured to accommodate at least a portion of the consumable (i.e., for engaging with the consumable).

[0042] At least one heater may include a heating element, which may be in the form of a rod extending from the body of the device. For simplicity, only one heating element is described below, but as mentioned above, the device may include multiple heating elements, and some or all of these heating elements may be as described below.

[0043] At least one heater (and therefore the heating element) may be securely mounted to the body. The heating element may be elongated so as to define a longitudinal axis, and may, for example, have a substantially circular transverse profile (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heating element) (i.e. the heating element may be substantially cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element may have a rectangular transverse profile (i.e. the heater may be a "blade heater"). Alternatively, the heating element may be in the shape of a tube (i.e. the heater may be a "tubular heater"). The heating element may take other shapes (e.g., the heating element may have an elliptical transverse profile). The shape and / or size (e.g., diameter) of the transverse profile of the heating element may be substantially uniform over the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.

[0044] The heating element may be 15 mm to 25 mm long, such as 18 mm to 20 mm long, such as about 19 mm long. The heating element may have a diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, such as 2 mm to 2.3 mm in diameter, such as about 2.15 mm in diameter.

[0045] The heating element may be formed of ceramic. The heating element may include a core (e.g., a ceramic core) comprising Al2O3. The diameter of the core of the heating element may be 1.8 mm to 2.1 mm, for example 1.9 mm to 2 mm. The heating element may include an outer layer (e.g., an outer ceramic layer) comprising Al2O3. The thickness of the outer layer may be 160 μm to 220 μm, for example 170 μm to 190 μm, for example about 180 μm. As described above, the heating element may include one or more heating tracks, which may extend longitudinally along the heating element. The heating track may be sandwiched between the outer layer and the core of the heating element. The heating track may contain tungsten and / or rhenium. The heating track may have a thickness of about 20 μm.

[0046] The heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device) and may extend from the interior base of the cavity toward the opening of the cavity (e.g. along the longitudinal axis). The length of the heating element (i.e. along the longitudinal axis of at least one heater) may be less than the depth of the cavity. Thus, the heating element may extend within only a portion of the length of the cavity. In other words, the heating element may not extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.

[0047] In the case where at least one heater is configured to be inserted into a consumable, the distal end of the heating element of the at least one heater (i.e., away from the base of the heating element mounted to the device) may include a tapered portion, which may facilitate the insertion of the heating element into the consumable. When the consumable is contained in the cavity, the heating element may completely penetrate the consumable. In other words, the entire length or substantially the entire length of the heating element may be contained in the consumable.

[0048] The length of the heating element can be less than or substantially equal to the axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-forming liquid (i.e., or can) portion of the consumable. Therefore, when such consumables are engaged with the device, the heating element of at least one heater only penetrates into the aerosol-forming substrate or can, rather than other components of the consumables. The heating element can penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate or can on substantially the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate or can of the consumable. Therefore, when penetrated by the heating element, heat can be transferred from the heating element (e.g., the peripheral surface of the heating element) to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-forming liquid. In other words, heat can be transferred, for example, radially outward (in the case of a cylindrical heating element) or radially inward (in the case of a tubular heater).

[0049] In the case where at least one heater is, for example, a tubular heater, the heating element of the tubular heater may surround at least a portion of the cavity. When a portion of the consumable is contained in the cavity, the heating element may surround that portion of the consumable (i.e., so as to heat that portion of the consumable). In particular, the heating element may surround an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-forming liquid (can) of the consumable. In other words, when the consumable is engaged with the device, the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-forming liquid can of the consumable may be positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the (tubular) heating element. When the heating element is activated, heat may be transferred radially inwards from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-forming liquid of the consumable.

[0050] The cavity may comprise a (e.g. circumferential) wall (or walls), and the (tubular) heating element may extend around at least a portion of the wall. In this way, the wall may be located between the inner surface of the heating element and the outer surface of the consumable. The wall (or walls) of the cavity may be formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g. metal) to allow heat conduction from the heating element to the consumable. Thus, heat may be conducted from the heating element through the cavity wall (or walls) to an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-forming liquid of the consumable contained in the cavity.

[0051] In some embodiments, the heater may be configured to provide heat to a heating element of a consumable (rather than directly heating an aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-forming liquid of the consumable). In this case, at least one heater may include a heat transfer plate for contacting a corresponding heat transfer plate of the consumable. Such heat transfer may, for example, be suitable for an e-cigarette system in which the consumable includes a tank containing an aerosol-forming liquid (e.g., e-liquid).

[0052] A cap may be provided at an end of the body, the cap being configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article. When engaged with the body, the cap may at least partially enclose at least one heater. The cap may be movable between an open position in which access to the heater is provided and a closed position in which the cap at least partially encloses the heating element. The cap may be slidably engaged with the body of the device and may slide between an open position and a closed position.

[0053] The cap may define at least a portion of the cavity of the device. In other words, the cavity may be completely defined by the cap, or each of the cap and the body may define a portion of the cavity. In the case where the cap completely defines the cavity, the cap may include a hole for accommodating at least one heater in the cavity (when the cap is in a closed position). The cap may include an opening leading to the cavity. The opening may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of a consumable. In other words, the consumable may be inserted through the opening and enter the cavity (so as to engage with the device). The opening and the cavity may be configured to accommodate electronic cigarette consumables and heat-not-burn consumables.

[0054] The cap may be configured such that when the consumable is engaged with the device (e.g. contained in the cavity), only a portion of the consumable is contained in the cavity. In other words, a portion of the consumable (not contained in the cavity) may protrude from the opening (i.e. extend beyond the opening). This (protruding) portion of the consumable may be the terminal (e.g. mouth) end of the consumable, which may be contained in the mouth of a user for the purpose of inhaling an aerosol formed by the device.

[0055] The device may include a power source or may be connected to a power source (e.g., a power source separate from the device). The power source may be electrically connected to at least one heater. In this regard, changing (e.g., switching) the electrical connection between the power source and the at least one heater may affect the state of the at least one heater. For example, switching the electrical connection between the power source and the at least one heater may switch the at least one heater between an on state and an off state. The power source may be a power storage device. For example, the power source may be a battery or a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery).

[0056] The device may include an input connection (e.g., a USB port, a micro USB port, a USB-C port, etc.). The input connection may be configured to connect to an external power source, such as a power outlet. In some cases, the input connection may be used as a substitute for an internal power source (e.g., a battery or rechargeable battery). In other words, the input connection may be electrically connected to the heater (for providing power to the heater). Thus, in some forms, the input connection may form at least part of the power supply for the device.

[0057] Where the power source comprises a rechargeable power source (eg, a rechargeable battery), the input connection may be used to charge and recharge the power source.

[0058] The controller may include, for example, a microcontroller that may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller may also include a memory, such as a non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions that, when implemented, may cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method. Where the apparatus includes an input connection, the controller may be connected to the input connection.

[0059] The controller may be configured to control the voltage applied by the power supply to the heater. For example, the controller may be configured to switch between applying the full output voltage (of the power supply) to the heater and applying no voltage to the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may implement a more complex heater control protocol (i.e., one that may differ depending on the heating mode).

[0060] The device may further comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage supplied by the power supply to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater.

[0061] As described above, in the case where the device includes a UI, the controller may be operably connected to one or more components of the UI. The controller may be configured to receive a command signal from an input mechanism of the UI. The controller may be configured to control the heater in response to the command signal. For example, in addition to controlling the mode of at least one heater, the controller may be configured to receive "on" and "off" command signals from the UI, and in response, at least one heater may be controlled so as to be in a corresponding on or off state.

[0062] The controller may be configured to send an output signal to a component of the UI. The UI may be configured to communicate information to a user via an output mechanism in response to such an output signal (received from the controller). For example, where the device includes one or more LEDs, the LEDs may be operably connected to the controller. Thus, the controller may be configured to control the illumination of the LEDs (e.g., in response to the output signal). For example, the controller may be configured to control the illumination of the LEDs according to the (e.g., on or off) state of at least one heater and the mode of at least one heater.

[0063] Where the device comprises a sensor (e.g. a puff / airflow sensor), the controller may be operably connected to the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (e.g. indicating a state of the device and / or an engaged aerosol-forming article). The controller may be configured to control an aspect of the heater or output mechanism based on the signal from the sensor.

[0064] The device may include a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly with an external device (e.g., via Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth low energy connection) or WiFi). Similarly, the input connection may be configured as a wired connection with an external device to provide communication between the device and the external device.

[0065] The external device may be a mobile device. For example, the external device may be a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, or a smart car. An application (e.g., an app) may be installed on the external device (e.g., a mobile device). The application may facilitate communication between the device and the external device via a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0066] The wireless interface or wired interface can be configured to transmit signals between the external device and the controller of the device. At this point, the controller can control an aspect of the device in response to a signal received from the external device. Alternatively or additionally, the external device can respond to a signal received from the device (e.g., from the controller of the device).

[0067] In a second aspect, a smoking alternative kit is provided, comprising: a device as described above with respect to the first aspect; a first cap detachably engaged with the device, the first cap being configured to accommodate a heat-not-burn consumable product so that when engaged with the device, the heater is capable of heating the heat-not-burn consumable product; and a second cap detachably engaged with the device, the cap assembly being configured to accommodate an electronic cigarette consumable product so that when engaged with the device, the heater is capable of heating the electronic cigarette consumable product.

[0068] In a third aspect, a system (e.g., a smoking replacement system) is provided, comprising a device according to the first aspect and a smoking replacement consumable. The system may include other consumables. The system may include heat-not-burn consumables and electronic cigarette consumables.

[0069] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the direction of flow of the vapor / aerosol, i.e. the downstream end of the article / consumable is the mouth end or outlet where the aerosol leaves the consumable for inhalation by the user. The upstream end of the article / consumable is the end opposite the downstream end. The heat-not-burn consumable may include an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0070] The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release at least one volatile compound that can form an aerosol.The aerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of the article / consumable product.

[0071] In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporized / aerosolized and that can provide a recreational and / or medical effect to the user when inhaled. Suitable chemically and / or physiologically active volatile compounds for providing a recreational effect to the user include: nicotine, caffeine, kavalactones, mysticin, β-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A, and any combination, functional equivalents and / or synthetic substitutes of the foregoing. Suitable chemically and / or physiologically active volatile compounds for providing a medical effect to the user include: cocaine, opium and opioids, theophylline and cathinones, and any combination, functional equivalents and / or synthetic substitutes of the foregoing.

[0072] The aerosol-forming substrate may include plant materials. The plant material may include at least one plant material selected from the following list: Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Bearberry, Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima, Baybean, Cecropia mexicana, Guamura, Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum, wild comfrey, Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica, California Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Japanese Hops (Humulus japonica), Hops (Humulus lupulus), Lettuce Opium (Lactucavirosa), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Honeyweed (Leonurus sibiricus), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Nicotiana species (Nicotiana species), White Lily (Nymphaea alba), Blue Water Lily (Nymphaeacaerulea), Lily), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant's Head, Salvia divinorum, Tobacco Sage, Salvia species, Sage, Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellarianana, Skullcap, Wireweed, Sidarhombifolia, Silene capensis, Clove, Tagetes lucida, Mexican Tarragon, Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Damiana, Mullein, Zamia cycad latifolia, Maconha Brava) and any combination, functional equivalents and / or synthetic substitutes thereof. The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one plant material selected from the following for medical effect: opium poppy, Passiflora incamata, Passionflower, and any combination, functional equivalents and / or synthetic substitutes thereof.

[0073] The plant material can be tobacco. Any type of tobacco can be used. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark air-cured tobacco, spice tobacco, dark smoked tobacco, perique tobacco, and rustica tobacco. This also includes blends of the above tobaccos.

[0074] The tobacco may include one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut tobacco and / or reconstituted tobacco (eg, pulp-based or paper-based).

[0075] The aerosol-forming substrate of the heat not burn consumable product may comprise collected homogenised (eg reconstituted paper / pulp) tobacco sheets or collected shreds / rods formed from such sheets.

[0076] The aerosol-forming substrate of the heat-not-burn consumable product may comprise one or more additives selected from humectants, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous / non-aqueous solvents and binders.

[0077] The flavoring agent may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavors (including, for example, citrus, cherry, etc.), vanilla, spices (e.g., ginger, cinnamon), and tobacco flavors. The flavoring agent may be uniformly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate, or may be provided in separate locations and / or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0078] The aerosol-forming substrate of the heat-not-burn consumable may be formed substantially cylindrically so that the product / consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. Its diameter may be 5 mm to 10 mm, such as 6 mm to 9 mm or 6 mm to 8 mm, such as about 7 mm. Its axial length may be 10 mm to 15 mm, such as 11 mm to 14 mm, such as about 12 mm or 13 mm.

[0079] The heat-not-burn consumable may include at least one filter element. There may be a terminal filter element at the downstream / mouth end of the product / consumable.

[0080] The filter element or at least one filter element (e.g. a terminal filter element) may consist of cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow. The at least one filter element (e.g. a terminal filter element) may consist of activated carbon. The at least one filter element (e.g. a terminal element) may consist of paper. The or each filter element may be at least partially (e.g. completely) surrounded by a filter rod wrap (e.g. a paper filter rod wrap).

[0081] The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of the product / consumable) may be connected to an upstream element forming the product / consumable by surrounding a tipping layer (e.g. a layer of tipping paper). The axial length of the tipping paper may be longer than the axial length of the terminal filter element, so that the tipping paper completely surrounds the terminal filter element and around the wrapping layer of any adjacent upstream element.

[0082] In some embodiments, the heat-not-burn consumable product may include an aerosol-cooling element adapted to cool the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate (by heat exchange) prior to inhalation by a user.

[0083] The heat not burn consumable may comprise a spacer element defining a space or cavity between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the consumable. The spacer element may comprise a cardboard tube. The spacer element may be surrounded by a (paper) wrapping layer.

[0084] The electronic cigarette consumables may be configured to be received and retained in the cavity of the device (ie, so as to engage with the device). The electronic cigarette consumables may be retained by, for example, an interference fit, one screwed onto the other (or onto the other), a bayonet fit, or by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0085] The e-cigarette consumable may include a canister which may define a reservoir for storing an aerosol precursor. The aerosol precursor may be in the form of an e-liquid (stored in the reservoir).

[0086] The e-cigarette consumable may be a "single-use" consumable. That is, after the e-liquid in the tank is depleted, the intention may be that the user disposes of the entire consumable. Alternatively, the e-liquid may be the only truly "single-use" part of the system. For example, the tank may be refillable with e-liquid, or another component of the system (either built into the device or external to the device, such as a refill cartridge) may define a reservoir for the e-liquid.

[0087] As described above, the electronic cigarette consumable may include a heating element configured to receive heat from the heater of the device to heat and vaporize the electronic cigarette liquid. The electronic cigarette consumable may include a porous core that transports the electronic cigarette liquid from the tank to the heating element. The heating element of the electronic cigarette consumable may be a heating wire that is wound (e.g., spirally) around at least a portion of the porous core, so that when the heating element is heated by the heater of the device, heat can be transferred from the heating element to the electronic cigarette liquid transported by the core. This heat transfer can vaporize the electronic cigarette liquid, and the resulting vapor can be entrained in the airflow through the consumable.

[0088] As described above, the electronic cigarette consumable may also include one or more heater connectors for thermally connecting the heater of the device to the heating element of the consumable. The heater connector may be in the form of a heat-conducting element or contact (e.g., a metal plate) and may be disposed on a surface of the electronic cigarette consumable that faces the device during use.

[0089] The invention includes any combination of aspects and preferred features described, unless such a combination is obviously impossible or clearly avoided.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, unless mutually exclusive, the features or parameters described in any one of the above aspects may be applicable to any other aspects. In addition, unless mutually exclusive, any features or parameters described herein may be applicable to any aspect and / or combined with any other features or parameters described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] In order that the present invention may be understood, and in order that other aspects and features of the present invention may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the present invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0092] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the smoking replacement system;

[0093] Figure 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking replacement system in which a consumable is engaged with the device;

[0094] Figure 2B is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking replacement system in which the consumable is detached from the device;

[0095] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of a consumable product of a first embodiment of a smoking replacement system;

[0096] Figure 2D is a cross-sectional view of another consumable of the first embodiment of the smoking replacement system;

[0097] Figure 2E is a detailed view of an end portion of a device of a first embodiment of a smoking replacement system;

[0098] Figure 2F is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a smoking replacement system;

[0099] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram that provides a general overview of the smoking alternative system;

[0100] Figure 4A is a front view of a second embodiment of a smoking replacement system in which a consumable is engaged with the device; and

[0101] Figure 4B is a front view of a second embodiment of the smoking replacement system with the consumable product detached from the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0103] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram providing a general overview of a smoking replacement system 100. The system 100 comprises an alternative smoking device 101 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable 102, the consumable 102 comprising an aerosol precursor 103. The system is configured to vaporize the aerosol precursor 103 by heating the aerosol precursor 103 (so as to form a vapor / aerosol for inhalation by a user).

[0104] The heater 104 forms part of the device 101 and is configured to heat the aerosol precursor 103 of the consumable 102. The heater 104 is electrically connected to a power source 105. The heat from the heater 104 vaporizes the aerosol precursor 103 to produce vapor. The vapor then condenses to form an aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.

[0105] The power source 105 may form part of the device 101 or may be external to (but connectable to) the device 101. The power source 105 is electrically connected to the heater 104 so that it can supply power to the heater 104 (i.e., for the purpose of heating the aerosol precursor 103). Therefore, control of the electrical connection of the power source 105 to the heater 104 provides control over the state of the heater 104. The power source 105 may be a power storage device, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery).

[0106] The system 100 further includes an I / O module that includes a connector 106 (e.g., in the form of a USB port, a micro USB port, a USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured to connect to an external power source, such as a power outlet. The connector 106 can be used in place of the power source 105. In other words, the connector 106 can be electrically connected to the heater 104 to provide power to the heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead include the connector 106 and the external power source (the connector 106 provides an electrical connection to the external power source).

[0107] In some embodiments, where the power source 105 includes a rechargeable battery, the connector 106 can be used to charge and recharge the power source 105 .

[0108] The system 100 also includes a user interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 may include an input mechanism for receiving commands from a user. The input mechanism of the UI 107 allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input mechanism may be, for example, in the form of a button, a touch screen, a switch, a microphone, etc.

[0109] UI 107 also includes an output mechanism for conveying information to the user. The output mechanism may, for example, include a light (eg, an LED), a display screen, a speaker, a vibration generator, and the like.

[0110] The system 100 also includes a controller 108 configured to control at least one function of the device 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but in other embodiments, the controller 108 may be separate from the device 101 (but connectable to the device 101). The controller 108 is configured to control the operation of the heater 104, and, for example, may be configured to control the voltage applied to the heater 104 from the power supply 105. The controller 108 may be configured to switch the power supply to the heater 104 between an on state (in which the full output voltage of the power supply 105 is applied to the heater 104) and an off state (in which no voltage is applied to the heater 104).

[0111] Although not shown, the system 100 also includes a voltage regulator that regulates the output voltage from the power supply 105 to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage can then be applied to the heater 104.

[0112] In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 is operably connected to the UI 107. Thus, the controller 108 can receive input signals from the input mechanism of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 can transmit output signals to the UI 107. In response, the output mechanism of the UI 107 can convey information to the user based on the output signal. The controller 108 also includes a memory as a non-volatile memory. The memory includes instructions that, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method.

[0113] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A smoking replacement system 200 is illustrated. The system 200 is about Figure 1 An example of the system 100 described. The illustrated system 200 includes a device 201 and a consumable 202. As will be further described below, the device 201 is compatible with heat-not-burn consumables and electronic cigarette consumables. In this case, heat-not-burn consumables and electronic cigarette consumables having similar shapes can be used with the device 201. Figure 1 Description applies to Figure 2A and Figure 2B system 200 and therefore will not be repeated.

[0114] The device 201 and the consumable 202 are configured such that the consumable 202 can be engaged with the device 201 . Figure 2A The device 201 and consumable 202 are shown in an engaged state, and Figure 2B The device 201 and consumable 202 are shown in a disengaged state.

[0115] The device 201 includes a body 209 and a cap 210. When in use, the cap 210 is engaged at the end of the body 209. Although not obvious in the drawings, the cap 210 is movable relative to the body 209. In particular, the cap 210 is slidable and can slide along the longitudinal axis of the body 209. The cap 210 is configured to accommodate heat-not-burn consumables and e-cigarette consumables. In other embodiments of the system, different caps can be mounted on the device depending on whether the device is used with heat-not-burn consumables or with e-cigarette consumables.

[0116] The device 201 includes an output mechanism (forming part of the UI of the device 201) in the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device 201 and on an outer surface of a body 209 of the device 201. A button 212 is also arranged on the outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201 and is axially spaced from the plurality of LEDs 211 (i.e., along the longitudinal axis).

[0117] Figure 2C A detailed cross-sectional view of an exemplary heat-not-burn consumable 202 of system 200 is shown. Heat-not-burn consumable 202 is generally similar to a cigarette. In this regard, consumable 202 has a generally cylindrical shape with a diameter of 7mm and an axial length of 70mm. Consumable 202 includes aerosol-forming substrate 213, a terminal filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215, and a spacer element 216. In other embodiments, consumable may also include a cooling element. The cooling element may exchange heat with the steam formed by aerosol-forming substrate 213 to cool the steam, thereby promoting the condensation of the steam.

[0118] The aerosol-forming substrate 213 is substantially cylindrical and is located at the upstream end 217 of the consumable 202 and contains the aerosol precursor of the system 200. In this regard, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release a vapour. The released vapour is then entrained in an airflow passing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The airflow is generated by the action of a user drawing on the downstream end 218 (i.e. the terminal end or mouth) of the consumable 202.

[0119] In the present embodiment, aerosol forms substrate 213 and comprises tobacco material, and the tobacco material can for example comprise any suitable part (for example leaf, stem, root, bark, seed and flower) of tobacco plant.Tobacco can comprise one or more tobacco leaf, tobacco stem, cigarette powder, cigarette end, tobacco derivative, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, tobacco shred, extruded tobacco, shredded tobacco and / or reconstituted tobacco (for example pulp method reconstituted or paper method reconstituted).For example, aerosol forms substrate 213 and can comprise the fragment / strip of the collection of homogenized (for example paper method / pulp method reconstituted) tobacco sheet or the collection formed by such sheet.

[0120] To generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporized / aerosolized and that can provide a recreational and / or medical effect to the user when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate 213 may also comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of humectants (e.g., propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin), flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous / non-aqueous solvents, and / or binders.

[0121] The terminal filter element 214 is also substantially cylindrical and is positioned at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The terminal filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow pore filter element having a hole 219 (e.g., for airflow) formed therethrough. The diameter of the hole 219 is 2 mm. The terminal filter element 214 is formed by a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. As described above, the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 (i.e., where the terminal filter 214 is positioned) forms the nozzle portion of the consumable 202 that the user inhales. The airflow is sucked from the upstream end 217 through the components of the consumable 202 and leaves the downstream end 218. The airflow is driven by the user inhaling the downstream end 218 (i.e., the nozzle portion) of the consumable 202.

[0122] The upstream filter element 215 is located between the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and the terminal filter element 214, and is axially adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 213. Similar to the terminal filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow pore filter element, so that it has a hole 220 extending axially through it. In this way, the upstream filter 215 can be used as an airflow restrictor. The upstream filter element 215 is formed of a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. The pores 220 of the upstream filter element 215 have a larger diameter (3 mm) than the terminal filter element 214.

[0123] The spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube which defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214. The spacer 216 serves to allow cooling and mixing of the vapour / aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The spacer has an outer diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14 mm.

[0124] Although not apparent in the drawings, the aerosol-forming substrate 213, the upstream filter 215 and the spacer 216 are surrounded by a paper wrap. The terminal filter 214 is surrounded by a tipping layer, which also surrounds a portion of the paper wrap (so as to connect the terminal filter 214 to the remaining components of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and the terminal filter 214 are surrounded by other wrapping layers in the form of a filter plug wrap.

[0125] Figure 2D An exemplary electronic cigarette consumable 202' for use with the device 201 is illustrated. As is apparent from the figure, the electronic cigarette consumable 202' comprises an external form similar to the above-described heat-not-burn consumable 202. The electronic cigarette consumable 202' comprises an aerosol precursor in the form of an electronic cigarette liquid filled in a tank 213'. The tank 213' comprises a channel 230 extending longitudinally therethrough. The channel 230 is fluidly connected to an inlet 231 and an outlet 232 of the consumable 202', so that air inhaled by a user at the outlet 232 is drawn from the inlet 231 through the channel 230 (as indicated by the arrow).

[0126] The consumable 202' also includes a recess 233 for accommodating the heating element 223 of the device 201 (discussed further below). The recess 233 is lined with a heat transfer element 234 in the form of a metal tube. The heat transfer element 234 is connected to a heating wire (not shown) wound around a porous core 235 and includes a through hole (not shown) that allows air to pass from the inlet 231 to the channel 230. The porous core 235 extends laterally across the channel 230 so that the ends of the porous core 235 are immersed in the e-liquid stored in the tank 213' and the central portion of the core 235 is exposed to the air flowing through the channel 230. Therefore, in operation, heat is transferred from the heating element 223 of the device to the porous core 235 (via the heat transfer element 234). This causes the e-liquid retained in the porous core 235 to vaporize and thereby be entrained in the air flowing through the channel 230. Subsequently, the vapor entrained in the air can cool, thereby forming an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0127] Now reviewing the device 201, Figure 2E A detailed view of the end of the device 201 configured to engage with a consumable 202 (either in the form of an e-cigarette consumable 202' or in the form of a heat-not-burn consumable 202). The cap 210 of the device 201 includes an opening 221 ( Figure 2D 221 and cavity 222 are formed to accommodate at least a portion of consumable 202. During engagement of consumable 202 with device 201, a portion of consumable 202 is accommodated through opening 221 and enters cavity 222. After engagement (see Figure 2B ), the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221 and therefore also from the device 201. The opening 221 includes laterally arranged notches 226. When the consumable 202 is accommodated in the opening 221, these notches 226 remain open and can, for example, be used to hold a cover to cover the end of the device 201.

[0128] Figure 2FA cross section is shown through a central longitudinal plane of the device 201. The device 201 is shown with a consumable 202 engaged therewith (in this case, a heat not burn consumable 202).

[0129] The device 201 includes a heater 204 including a heating element 223. The heater 204 forms part of the body 209 of the device 201 and is securely mounted to the body 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 204 is a rod-shaped heater in which the heating element 223 has a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments, the heater may be in the form of a blade-shaped heater (e.g., a heating element having a rectangular transverse profile) or a tubular heater (e.g., a heating element having a tubular shape).

[0130] The heating element 223 of the heater 204 protrudes along the longitudinal axis from the inner base of the cavity 222 toward the opening 221. As is apparent from the drawings, the length of the heating element (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) is less than the depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude from the opening 221 or extend beyond the opening 221.

[0131] When the consumable product 202 is contained in the cavity 222 (e.g. Figure 2E ), the heating element 223 penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In particular, when the heating element 223 is inserted therein, the heating element 223 extends over almost the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate 213. Therefore, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is radially transferred from the outer peripheral surface of the heating element 223 to the aerosol-forming substrate 213.

[0132] The device 201 also includes an electronics cavity 224. A power source in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (a lithium-ion battery) is located in the electronics cavity 224.

[0133] The device 201 includes a connector in the form of a USB port 206 (ie forming part of an I / O module of the device 201 ). Alternatively, the connector may be, for example, a micro USB port or a USB-C port. The USB port 206 may be used to charge the rechargeable battery 205 .

[0134] The device 201 includes a controller 208 located in the electronics cavity 224. The controller includes a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to the controller 208 (ie, to the PCB and the microcontroller).

[0135] As will be further described below, the controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of the device 202. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the operation of the heater 204 (e.g., in the first and second heating modes). Such control of the operation of the heater 204 can be achieved by the controller switching the electrical connection between the rechargeable battery 205 and the heater 204. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in response to a user pressing the button 212. Pressing the button 212 can cause the controller to allow voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to the heater 204 (so as to cause the heating element 223 to heat).

[0136] The controller is also configured to control the LED 211 in response to (e.g., detecting) the state of the device 201 or the consumable 202. For example, the controller can control the LED to indicate whether the device 201 is in an on state or an off state (e.g., when the device is in an on state, one or more LEDs can be illuminated by the controller).

[0137] The device 201 also includes an input mechanism in the form of a suction sensor 225 (i.e., in addition to the button 212). The suction sensor 225 is configured to detect a user suction (i.e., inhalation) at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The suction sensor 225 can, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor, a flow meter, or a microphone. The suction sensor 225 is operably connected to the controller 208 in the electronics cavity 224, so that a signal from the suction sensor 225 indicating the suction state (i.e., suction or non-suction) forms an input to the controller 208 (and can therefore be responded to by the controller 208).

[0138] Figure 3 301 (i.e., for example, the device 201 described above) is a schematic diagram depicting how various components of the device 301 are operably connected. The device 301 includes a controller 308, which is capable of controlling one or more heaters 323 of the device 301. In particular, the controller 308 is configured to control the heater 323 according to one of two heating modes. The first of the heating modes is used to heat heat-not-burn consumables, and the second of the heating modes is used to heat electronic cigarette consumables. Therefore, the device 301 is capable of operating two types of consumables.

[0139] The controller 308 is configured to switch between these two modes automatically and manually. For automatic switching, the controller 308 is connected to a consumable type sensor 340. The sensor 340 is capable of detecting the type of consumable (i.e., electronic cigarette or heat-not-burn) engaged with the device 301. The sensor 340 can take a variety of forms, including, for example, a barcode scanner, an RFID sensor, a light detector, a color detector, a mechanical switch / button. The sensor 340 provides a signal indicating the type of consumable to the controller 308. The controller switches between the two heating modes based on the signal.

[0140] Manual switching may be provided by a user input 341 forming part of a UI 342 of the device 301. The user input 341 may be in the form of a button, switch or, for example, a touch screen. In this case, the user may select between the two heating modes and a signal indicating the selection is provided to the controller from the user input 341. This may be used to override an automatic selection made by the controller, or may be used in the absence of an automatic selection.

[0141] The controller 308 is operably connected to the display 343 of the device 301 and can therefore control the display 343 to indicate (to the user) the current heating mode. When in the first heating mode, the controller 308 is configured to activate one or more heaters 323 for a predetermined time period (e.g., 4 minutes) upon receiving a "start" signal. The "start" signal is received from the user input 341. At any time during the predetermined time period, if a "stop" signal is received from the user input 341, the controller 308 will deactivate one or more heaters 323.

[0142] In the second heating mode, the controller 308 is configured to activate the one or more heaters 323 in response to a signal received from the puff sensor 355 of the device 301. The puff sensor 355 may be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor, for example, and is configured to detect an inhalation by a user (i.e., through the nozzle of the device or consumable). In this second mode, the one or more heaters 323 are only activated when an inhalation is detected.

[0143] The controller 308 is also operably connected to an air flow valve 345. The valve 345 controls the air flow to the consumables engaged with the device 301. The controller 308 is configured to move the valve 345 to different positions (i.e., produce different air flows) in the first and second heating modes. In particular, the controller 308 is configured to control the valve 345 to allow greater air flow in the second heating mode.

[0144] It will be appreciated that the control of the one or more heaters 323 depends on the nature of the one or more heaters 323. For example, where there are multiple heaters 323, different combinations of heaters 323 may be activated in the first and second heating modes. Furthermore, the or each heater 323 may have multiple heating tracks and different combinations of heating tracks may be activated in the first and second heating modes.

[0145] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Another smoking replacement system 400 is illustrated. System 300 is Figure 1 The example of the system 100 includes a device 401 compatible with an electronic cigarette and a heat-not-burn consumable. In this example, only the electronic cigarette consumable 402 is illustrated and described. Figure 1 Description applies to Figure 4A and Figure 4B system and will not be repeated.

[0146] The device 401 and the consumable 402 are configured such that the consumable 402 can be engaged with the device 401 . Figure 4A The device 401 and consumable 402 are shown in an engaged state, and Figure 4B The device 401 and consumable 402 are shown in a disengaged state. During engagement, a portion of the consumable 402 is contained in the cavity 422 of the device 401. The consumable 402 is retained in the device 401 via an interference fit (although in other embodiments, the device and consumable may be engaged by threading one into (or onto) the other, by a bayonet fit, or by a snap-fit ​​mechanism).

[0147] The e-cigarette consumable 402 comprises a tank 427. The tank 427 defines a reservoir for storing an aerosol precursor, which in this embodiment is in the form of an e-liquid.

[0148] In this embodiment, consumable 402 is a "single use" consumable. That is, after the e-liquid in tank 427 is exhausted, it is intended that the user dispose of the entire consumable 402. In other embodiments, the e-liquid (i.e., the aerosol precursor) may be the only truly "single use" part of the system. In such embodiments, the tank can be refilled with e-liquid, or the e-liquid can be stored in a non-consumable component of the system. For example, the e-liquid can be stored in a tank located in the device or in other components that are not single use themselves (e.g., a refill cartridge).

[0149] In the illustrated system 400, a heat transfer element is located in the consumable 402 and is configured to heat and vaporize the e-liquid (stored in the tank 427). Although not shown, the heat transfer element provides heat to the porous wick via a resistive heating element. The porous wick transports the e-liquid from the tank 427 to the heating element. The heating element is a heating wire that is spirally wound around a portion of the porous wick so that when the heating element is heated, heat can be transferred from the heating element to the e-liquid transported by the wick. This heat transfer vaporizes the e-liquid, and the resulting vapor is entrained in the airflow through the consumable 402 (i.e., driven by the user drawing on the downstream end 418 of the consumable 402). Between the vaporization point at the coil and the downstream end 418 (i.e., the mouth end), the vapor condenses into an aerosol and is subsequently inhaled by the user.

[0150] As with the previous embodiments, device 401 includes a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery (not shown) and a connector in the form of a USB port (not shown). Device 401 also includes a controller (also not shown). The rechargeable battery, connector, and controller are similar to those described above with respect to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F and Figure 3 Corresponding components of the described embodiments are similar (and operate in a similar manner).

[0151] The consumable 402 comprises a pair of heat transfer contacts 428 provided on the end surface of the consumable 402 facing the device. The heat transfer contacts 428 form part of the heat transfer element so that heat received from the heater of the device 401 (when the consumable is engaged with the device) is transferred to the heat transfer element via the heat transfer contacts 428.

[0152] The device 401 includes an output mechanism (forming part of the UI of the system 400) in the form of a single light emitting diode ("LED") 411. The LED 411 is operably connected to a controller so that the controller can control the illumination of the LED 411. The controller is configured to illuminate the LED when the heater 404 is activated.

[0153] The device 401 also includes an input mechanism in the form of a suction sensor (not shown). The suction sensor is similar to the above-mentioned FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F and Figure 3 The embodiments shown are described identically.

[0154] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the appended claims or in the drawings, expressed in their specific form or as means for performing the disclosed functions, or as methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, as the case may be, may be used alone or in any combination of such features to realize the invention in its various forms.

[0155] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the above exemplary embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when present disclosure is given. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0156] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purpose of enhancing the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0157] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0158] Throughout the specification, including the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "have", "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "having", "comprises", "comprising" and "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integer or steps or groups of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or steps or groups of integers or steps.

[0159] It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When a range is expressed in this manner, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about", it is understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

[0160] As used herein, the words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, it should be understood that other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or different circumstances. Therefore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure or the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Smoking substitute devices, including: one or more heaters for heating a consumable engaged with the device; as well as A controller configured to control the one or more heaters according to a first heating mode and a second heating mode, wherein the first heating mode is used to heat a heat-not-burn consumable and the second heating mode is used to heat an electronic cigarette consumable.

2. The smoking substitute device of claim 1, wherein the first heating mode and the second heating mode are operated by a single heater.

3. A smoking substitute device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the heater comprises a first heating track and a second heating track for heating the consumable.

4. The smoking substitute device of claim 3, wherein: In the first heating mode, the first track is activated and the second track is deactivated; and In the second heating mode, the first track is deactivated and the second track is activated.

5. The smoking substitute device of claim 3, wherein: In one of the first heating mode and the second heating mode, the first track and the second track are activated; as well as In the other of the first heating mode and the second heating mode, the first track is activated and the second track is deactivated.

6. The smoking substitute device of claim 1, comprising a first heater and a second heater, and wherein: In one of the first heating mode and the second heating mode, the first heater and the second heater are activated; as well as In the other of the first heating mode and the second heating mode, the first heater is activated and the second heater is deactivated.

7. The smoking substitute device of claim 1, comprising a first heater configured to operate according to the first heating mode and a second heater configured to operate according to the second heating mode.

8. The smoking substitute device of claim 7, wherein one of the first heater and the second heater is an internal heater and the other of the first heater and the second heater is an external heater.

9. A smoking substitute device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a consumable detection sensor for detecting a type of consumable engaged with the device, and wherein the controller is configured to control the one or more heaters in response to the detected consumable type.

10. A smoking substitute device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a user input module configured to receive a selection of a consumable type from a user, the controller being configured to control the one or more heaters in response to the selected consumable type.

11. A smoking substitute device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a valve for controlling airflow through the consumable depending on whether the one or more heaters are operating according to the first heating mode or according to the second heating mode.

12. A smoking substitute device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a puff sensor for detecting user inhalation through the consumable, and wherein the second heating mode comprises controlling the at least one heater in response to detection of user inhalation.

13. The smoking substitute device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first heating mode comprises activating the at least one heater for a predetermined period of time.

14. A smoking substitute device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a body supporting the heater and a cap removably engaged with the body, the cap being configured to house a consumable product such that the heater can heat the consumable product when engaged with the body.

15. A smoking replacement kit, comprising: The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; as well as a first cap removably engaged with the device, the first cap being configured to house a heat-not-burn consumable product such that the heater is capable of heating the heat-not-burn consumable product when engaged with the device; as well as A second cap is removably engaged with the device, the cap assembly being configured to house an electronic cigarette consumable so that the heater is capable of heating the electronic cigarette consumable when engaged with the device.

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