Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device (4) comprises a heating device (12) configured to heat an article (6) containing an aerosol-generating material when the article (6) is inserted into the device (4). The device further comprises: a first temperature sensor (24) arranged to detect a temperature of a first region of the heating device (12); and a second temperature sensor (26) arranged to detect a temperature of a second region of the heating device (12). The controller (20) is configured to control operation of the heating device (12). During operation of the device (4), within a first time period, the controller (20) is configured to control operation of the heating device (12) based on a temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (24) instead of a temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, and a method of operating an aerosol supply system. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by developing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating but not burning a material. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol supply device comprising:

[0004] a heating device configured to heat an article when the article containing an aerosol-generating material is inserted into the device;

[0005] a first temperature sensor arranged to detect the temperature of a first region of the heating device;

[0006] a second temperature sensor arranged to detect the temperature of a second region of the heating device; and

[0007] a controller configured to control the operation of the heating device, wherein during the operation of the heating device;

[0008] during a first time period, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heating device based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

[0009] Optionally, during a second time period, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heating device based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.

[0010] Optionally, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heating device by controlling the magnitude of the current supplied to the heating device. Optionally, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heating device by controlling the magnitude of the voltage supplied to the heating device.

[0011] Optionally, the first region and the second region are different regions of the heating device.

[0012] Optionally, the first region and the second region are different regions surrounding the heating device.

[0013] Optionally, the first region and the second region are provided along the length of the heating device.

[0014] Optionally, the first time period and the second time period occur during a single inhalation from the aerosol supply device.

[0015] Optionally, the heating device includes a resistive heating device.

[0016] Optionally, the heating device includes an inductive heating device.

[0017] Optionally, the inductive heating device includes a susceptor (e.g., tubular) shaped to receive the article during use and at least one inductor coil surrounding the susceptor.

[0018] Optionally, the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are arranged to detect the temperature of the susceptor. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor may be arranged to detect the temperature of the outer surface of the susceptor. The first region may correspond to a first point of the susceptor at which the first temperature sensor is arranged to be in thermal communication, e.g., by attachment to the susceptor. The second region may correspond to a second point of the susceptor at which the second temperature sensor is arranged to be in thermal communication, e.g., by attachment to the susceptor.

[0019] Optionally, the at least one inductor coil includes a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil, and wherein the first region corresponds to a region of the susceptor adjacent to the first inductor coil, and the second region corresponds to a region of the susceptor adjacent to the second inductor coil.

[0020] Optionally, the first temperature sensor and / or the second temperature sensor includes a thermistor or a thermocouple.

[0021] Optionally, during at least one time period (e.g., a plurality of time periods) after the first time period and the second time period, the heating device is controlled based on:

[0022] The temperature detected by the first temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor; or

[0023] The temperature detected by the second temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.

[0024] Optionally, the device further includes a third temperature sensor arranged to detect the temperature of a third region of the heating device, and wherein, during a third time period, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heating device based on the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor.

[0025] Optionally, during a first time period, the heating device is controlled such that the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is at a first temperature during a first sub-time period and then changes to a second temperature during a second sub-time period.

[0026] Optionally, during a second time period, the heating device is controlled such that the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor rises from a third temperature to a fourth temperature during a third sub-time period.

[0027] Optionally, the second temperature is less than the first temperature, the third temperature is less than the second temperature, the fourth temperature is less than, equal to, or greater than the second temperature, and / or wherein the fourth temperature is greater than the first temperature.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol supply system comprising:

[0029] An aerosol supply device according to any of the embodiments set forth above; and

[0030] An article comprising an aerosol-forming material for insertion into the aerosol supply device.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device comprising a heating device for heating an article comprising an aerosol-forming material, the method comprising:

[0032] During a first time period, controlling the operation of the heating device based on the temperature of a first region of the heating device rather than the temperature of any other region of the heating device.

[0033] Optionally, the method further comprises: during a second time period, controlling the operation of the heating device based on the temperature of a second region of the heating device rather than the temperature of any other region of the heating device.

[0034] Optionally, the first region corresponds to a first point of the heating device (e.g., a first point measured using a single temperature sensor).

[0035] Any feature of the aerosol supply device set forth above may equally be implemented in the method set forth above. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 A side schematic view of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 Is shown Figure 1An enlarged view of the heating device of the aerosol supply device shown in;

[0039] Figure 3 A graph showing the target temperature curve at a given point on the heating device according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 4 Shows according to for Figure 1 And Figure 2 A graph showing the variation of current with time according to the first control scheme of the heating device shown in;

[0041] Figure 5 Shows corresponding to Figure 4 A graph showing the variation of temperature with time according to the control scheme shown in;

[0042] Figure 6 Shows according to for Figure 1 And Figure 2 A graph showing the variation of current with time according to the second control scheme of the heating device shown in;

[0043] Figure 7 Shows corresponding to Figure 6 A graph showing the variation of temperature with time according to the control scheme shown in;

[0044] Figure 8 Shows according to for Figure 1 And Figure 2 A graph showing the variation of current with time according to the third control scheme of the heating device shown in;

[0045] Figure 9 Shows corresponding to Figure 8 A graph showing the variation of temperature with time according to the control scheme shown in;

[0046] Figure 10 An enlarged view of the heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 11 Shows according to for Figure 10 A graph showing the variation of current with time according to the control scheme of the heating device shown in;

[0048] Figure 12 Shows corresponding to Figure 11 A graph showing the variation of temperature with time according to the control scheme shown in;

[0049] Figure 13 A schematic side view of an aerosol supply device including a resistive heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 14Shows an enlarged view of a heating device including two inductor coils according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 15 Shows the temperature versus time graph according to a first control scheme implemented for the heating device shown in Figure 14 ;

[0052] Figure 16 Shows the temperature versus time graph according to a second control scheme implemented for the heating device shown in Figure 15 ; and

[0053] Figure 17 Shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0054] As used herein, the term "aerosol - generating material" is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or supplied with energy in any other way. The aerosol - generating material can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorants. The aerosol - generating material can include any plant - based material (such as a material containing tobacco), and can include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol - generating material can also include other non - tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol - generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol - generating material can also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. The aerosol - generating material can also be referred to as "puffable material".

[0055] The aerosol - generating material can include a binder and an aerosol - forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol - generating material may be soluble or insoluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0056] The aerosol - generating material can include or be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid can be a "bulk solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material can include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0057] An aerosol - forming material can include an aerosol - forming film. The aerosol - forming film can include or can be a sheet, which can optionally be shredded to form pieces. The aerosol - forming sheet or pieces can be substantially free of tobacco.

[0058] According to the present disclosure, a “non - combustible” aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol - forming material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) does not burn or ignite and can deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0059] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non - combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non - combustible aerosol supply system.

[0060] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol - forming material is not necessary.

[0061] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol - forming material heating system, also known as a heat - not - burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0062] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol - forming materials to generate an aerosol, and one or more of these aerosol - forming materials can be heated. Each of these aerosol - forming materials can be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel and can contain or can not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol - forming material and a solid aerosol - forming material. The solid aerosol - forming material can include, for example, tobacco or non - tobacco products.

[0063] Generally, a non - combustible aerosol supply system can include a non - combustible aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non - combustible aerosol supply device.

[0064] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable that includes an aerosol - forming material and is configured to be used with a non - combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in the present disclosure.

[0065] In some embodiments, a non - combustible aerosol supply system (such as its non - combustible aerosol supply device) can include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source can be an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix, which can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol - forming material or heat - transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0066] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0067] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material transfer member, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0068] An aerosol generating device may receive an article comprising an aerosol-forming material for heating. The "article" in context is a component that includes or contains an aerosol-forming material (which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-forming material) in use, and optionally other components in use. A user may first insert the article into the aerosol generating device and then heat the article to produce an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may have a predetermined or specific size, for example, and be configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device, the size of which is designed to receive the article.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 , depicts an aerosol supply system 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol supply system 2 may be a non-combustible aerosol supply system as described above. The aerosol supply system 2 includes an aerosol supply device 4 (hereinafter referred to as "device 4") for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material. The aerosol supply system 2 further includes an article 6 that contains the aerosol-forming material. The article 6 may be removable and / or replaceable. Generally speaking, the aerosol supply device 4 may be used to heat the article 6 to produce an aerosol or other inhalable medium for inhalation by a user of the system 2.

[0070] The aerosol supply device 4 includes a body 8. The body 8 is shown as partially transparent in Figure 1 to more clearly show the components of the device 4. The body 8 may be considered a housing device that surrounds and houses the various components of the device 4. The body 8 may be formed of a plurality of parts that together form an assembly. An article aperture 10 is formed at one end of the body 8 through which the article 6 may be inserted to be heated by a heating device 12. The article 6 may be inserted into an article receiving portion within the device 4. The heating device may surround and / or define the receiving portion.

[0071] The heating device 12 may include any suitable heating device capable of heating the article 6 (specifically, the aerosol-forming material within the article) when the article 6 is inserted into the device 4. The heating device 12 may be considered the aerosol generator of the device 4 or a part of the aerosol generator of the device.

[0072] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 depicted, the heating device 12 may include an induction heating device. In such an embodiment, the heating device 12 may include a susceptor 14, for example in the form of a tubular susceptor, which is shaped to receive the article 6 during use of the system 2, for example at least a portion of the article. Thus, the susceptor 14 may form an article receiving portion for receiving the article 6. The heating device 12 may further include at least one inductor coil (i.e., inductive coil or induction coil) 16 surrounding the susceptor 14. In some embodiments, the susceptor may alternatively be disposed within the article 6, and thus the susceptor 14 may be omitted. Nevertheless, the device 4 may include an arrangement for receiving the article, such as an arrangement in the form of a tube. Although a single susceptor 14 is shown in the Figure 1 embodiment of, it should be understood that the susceptor 14 may have any suitable form and may alternatively have a plurality of separate susceptors.

[0073] The device 4 further includes a power source 18 (e.g., in the form of a battery or any other suitable power source) and a controller 20 (e.g., a control circuit, such as including a processor). The power source 18 may include a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0074] The device 4 may further include a user-operable control element 22, such as a button or a switch, which may be operatively connected to the controller 20 and is used to operate the device 4 when pressed. For example, the user may turn on the device 4 by operating the switch 2. The power source 18 may be electrically connected to the heating device 12 to supply electrical power to the heating device when needed and under the control of the controller 20 to heat the aerosol-generating material contained within the article 6. The controller 20 may be configured to enable and disable the heating device 12 based on user input (e.g., based on the operation of the user-operable control element 22). The user-operable control element 22 may include a button, and the user input may be via button pressing. In some embodiments, the heating device 12 may be configured to automatically enable and / or disable, for example, when an article is inserted or removed.

[0075] The heating device 12 may define a longitudinal axis that is aligned with the axis of the article 6, and the article 6 may be inserted into the device 4 along the longitudinal axis. In use, the article 6 may be fully or partially inserted into the heating device 12, where the article may be heated by one or more components of the heating device 12.

[0076] Figure 1The heating device 12 shown is configured to heat the article 6 via induction heating. This induction heating includes using electromagnetic induction to heat the susceptor 14 (i.e., the conductive heating element). The device 4 (e.g., the controller 20 of the device) can be configured to pass a varying current (e.g., an alternating current) through the inductor coil 16 (i.e., the induction heating assembly or induction element). The varying current in the inductor coil 16 generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates the susceptor 14 (i.e., the heating element) that is appropriately positioned relative to the inductor coil 16 and induces eddy currents within the susceptor 14. The susceptor 14 has a resistance to the eddy currents, so the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor 14 to be heated by Joule heating. In the case where the susceptor 14 includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by hysteresis losses in the susceptor 14 (i.e., by the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material changing orientation as they align with the varying magnetic field). Compared to, for example, heating by conduction, in induction heating the heat is generated inside the susceptor 14, allowing for rapid heating. Further, no physical contact is required between the inductor coil 16 and the susceptor 14, allowing for increased degrees of freedom in construction and application.

[0077] The device 4 also includes a first temperature sensor 24 and a second temperature sensor 26. The first temperature sensor is arranged to detect the temperature of a first region of the heating device 12, and the second temperature sensor is arranged to detect the temperature of a second region of the heating device 12. In embodiments including the susceptor 14, as Figure 1 shown, the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 can be arranged to detect the temperature of the susceptor 14. The first region can correspond to a first point (or first part) on or of the susceptor 14, and the second region can correspond to a second point or second part on or of the susceptor 14. The temperatures of the first point (or first part) and the second point (or second part) can indicate the temperatures of the first region and the second region of the susceptor (e.g., the first region corresponding to one half of the susceptor 14 and the second region corresponding to the second half of the susceptor 14). One or both of the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 can be arranged to measure the temperature of the outer surface of the susceptor 14.

[0078] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1An enlarged view of the heating device 12 of the device 4 shown in the figure. This figure more clearly shows the susceptor 14 and the inductor coil 16 wound around the susceptor. In some embodiments, as shown in this figure, the first temperature sensor 24 is in the form of a thermocouple including a first wire 24A and a second wire 24B. In a similar manner, the second temperature sensor 26 can be in the form of a thermocouple including a first wire 26A and a second wire 26B. Each of the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 (specifically, the first wires 24A, 26A and the second wires 24B, 26B) is electrically connected to the controller 20. The first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor can be in thermal contact with the susceptor, for example, by being attached to the susceptor. The controller 20 can control the operation of the device 4 (specifically, the heating device 12) based on the temperatures measured / detected by the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26.

[0079] Although in Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 in the depicted embodiments are in the form of thermocouples, the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 can alternatively include a thermistor or any other suitable form of temperature sensor. In some embodiments, one of the first temperature sensor 24 or the second temperature sensor 26 includes a thermocouple, while the other includes a thermistor or other suitable temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor can be provided integrally with the heating device.

[0080] As can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first region (i.e., the point on the susceptor where the first temperature sensor 24 is arranged to measure its temperature) and the second region (the point where the second temperature sensor 26 is arranged to measure its temperature) can be arranged along the length of the heating device 12 (e.g., along the length of the susceptor 14 of the heating device). Additionally or alternatively, the first region and the second region can be arranged around the heating device 12 (e.g., the susceptor 14 of the heating device).

[0081] Figure 3 shows the target temperature curve at a given point on the susceptor 14. As depicted, this temperature curve can include an initial time period 17A, an intermediate time period 17B, and a final time period 17C, in which the temperature of the susceptor 14 rises in the initial time period, remains and then drops in the intermediate time period, and rises again and then remains in the final time period. This target temperature curve can provide a suitable heating curve for heating an article containing an aerosol - generating material.

[0082] For Figure 1 and Figure 2The device 4 shown in Figure 4 shows a graph of the current supplied to the inductor coil 16 between time 0 and t5, and Figure 5 shows a graph of the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 between the same times 0 and t5. These two graphs show a control scheme for controlling the temperature of the heating device 12 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This control can be performed by the controller 20.

[0083] When the device 4 is turned on, the current supplied to the inductor coil 16 can vary from 0 to C1 and remain at C1 during the time period from 0 to t1. This causes the temperature to change to the first temperature T1. Then, during the time period from t1 to t2, the current can be reduced to C2. This can enable the temperature to remain at the first temperature T1 during the time period from t1 to t2. During the time period from t2 to t3, the current can change to C3, which can cause the temperature to drop to the second temperature T2. From t3 to t4, the current can change to C4, which can cause the sensor to change from the third temperature T3 to the fourth temperature T4. Then, from t4 to t5, the current changes to C5 to keep the temperature of the sensor at the fourth temperature T4.

[0084] During a first time period P1 including the time period from 0 to t3, the temperature is measured by the first temperature sensor 24, and the controller 20 performs control of the heating device 12 based on this measurement. Thus, during the first time period P1, the controller 20 controls the operation of the heating device 12 based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24 rather than the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 26. Therefore, Figure 5 the temperature in the first time period P1 corresponds to the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 24.

[0085] In some embodiments, during a second time period P2 including the time period from t3 to t5, the temperature is measured by the second temperature sensor 26, and the controller 20 performs control of the heating device 12 based on this measurement. In this second time period P2, the controller 20 can control the operation of the heating device 12 based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 26 rather than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24. Therefore, Figure 5 the temperature in the second time period P2 corresponds to the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 26.

[0086] The controller 20 can be suitably configured to switch between using which of the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 as an input for controlling the operation of the heating device 12. For example, the controller can include a timer configured to cause the switching between using which temperature sensor 24, 26. For example, the controller can switch to using the operation of the second temperature sensor 26 after a preset period of time since the device 4 starts operating and / or since the device 4 starts inhaling.

[0087] In some embodiments, the switching between using the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 24 or the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 26 as an input for controlling the operation of the heating device 12 can be triggered by another parameter (e.g., detecting reaching at least one threshold temperature) or based on a user input (e.g., the operation of an input device on the device 4). For example, when the first temperature sensor 24 detects a threshold temperature (e.g., the threshold temperature T3), the controller can be triggered to start using the temperature measurement from the second temperature sensor 26. In some embodiments, there may be a combination of elapsed time and satisfaction of a threshold before switching to using a different temperature sensor.

[0088] In Figure 4 and Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment, various changes in the current supplied to the heating device can be triggered by detecting the respective temperatures T1 to T4 set forth above.

[0089] The first time period P1 and the second time period P2 or actually any other time period discussed herein can be preset, can vary, for example, according to the type of the article 6 inserted into the device 4, or according to the characteristics of the article 6 when being heated.

[0090] Controlling the operation of the heating device 12 based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24 rather than the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 26 during the first time period can reduce power consumption. During the first time period, the energy required for the second temperature sensor 26 to perform temperature measurement may not be consumed. In a similar manner, since there may be fewer inputs (i.e., fewer temperature inputs) that need to be processed to provide control, the controller 20 can include a simpler circuit and / or a simpler program stored on the controller. In other words, during the first time period P1, only the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24 is used, so the control can be simpler than the case where the controller has to control based on the temperatures measured by both the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26.

[0091] Although during the first time period, the controller 20 operates based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24 rather than the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 26, it is contemplated that the controller may operate based on other inputs (e.g., the output of a draw sensor (not shown), the operation of the input device 22, or any other suitable input other than the temperature of the heating device 12).

[0092] As Figure 4 depicted, the controller 20 may be configured to control the operation of the heating device 12 by controlling the magnitude of the current supplied to the heating device 12. However, it should be understood that any other suitable characteristic may be controlled. For example, the controller 20 may control the voltage supplied to the heating device 12.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first time period P1 and the second time period P2 may occur during a single inhalation from the device 4. In such embodiments, as Figure 4 depicted, the control of the current and Figure 5 the temperature profile shown occur during a single inhalation. Thus, for each inhalation from the device 4, the same control scheme depicted in Figure 4 and Figure 5 may be repeated.

[0094] In some embodiments, during the first time period P1, the second temperature sensor 26 does not take a temperature measurement, and similarly, during the second time period P2, the first temperature sensor 24 does not take a temperature measurement. In other embodiments, both the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 may provide temperature measurements during the first time period P1 and the second time period P2, but only the temperature measurement from one of the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 may be used to control the heating device 12 during each of the first time period P1 and the second time period P2. The temperature measurements from the unused temperature sensors 24, 26 may be effectively ignored. This may simplify the controller 20 and / or any processing performed by the controller 20. This may reduce power consumption.

[0095] Although not shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 in some embodiments, during the time period after the first time period P1 and the second time period P2, the heating device 12 may be controlled based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24 rather than the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 26; or the heating device may be controlled based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 26 rather than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24.

[0096] In some embodiments, as Figure 5As shown, during the first time period P1, the heating device 12 is controlled (e.g., as shown by Figure 4 controlling the current supplied to the heating device) such that the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24 is at the first temperature T1 during the first sub-time period (the time from 0 to t2), and then changes to the second temperature T2 during the second sub-time period (the time from t2 to t3).

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown by Figure 5 during the second time period P2, the heating device 12 is controlled (e.g., as shown by Figure 4 controlling the current supplied to the heating device) such that the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 26 rises from the third temperature T3 to the fourth temperature T4 during the third sub-time period (the time from t3 to t4).

[0098] In some embodiments, as shown by Figure 5 the second temperature T2 is less than the first temperature T1, the third temperature T3 is less than the second temperature T2, and the fourth temperature T4 is less than the second temperature T2.

[0099] Figure 4 And Figure 5 the current curve and temperature curve shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 can generate a suitable aerosol from the article 6 within the device 4.

[0100] The current curve and temperature curve shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 merely show one embodiment of the ways in which the heating device can be controlled. Figure 6 and Figure 7 depict a second control scheme according to another embodiment of the present invention. In a manner similar to the above embodiment, during the first time period P1 that includes the time from 0 to t3, the heating device is controlled based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 24 rather than the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 26. During the second time period P2 that includes the time from t3 to t5, the heating device is controlled based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 26 rather than the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 24.

[0101] As depicted, during the time interval from 0 to t1, the current supplied to the heating device 12 can increase from 0 to C1, which can cause the temperature (e.g., from 0 °C) to change to the first temperature T1. During the time from t1 to t2, the current supplied to the heating device 12 can then decrease to C2, which can cause the temperature of the sensor to remain at the first temperature T1. During the time period from t2 to t3, the current can change (e.g., decrease) to C3, and the temperature of the sensor 14 will change to the second temperature T2. At this point, the second time period P2 begins. From t3 to t4, the current can change to C4, and the temperature of the sensor 14 can change from the third temperature T3 to the fourth temperature, where the fourth temperature can be equal to the second temperature T2. From t4 to t5, the current can change to C5, and the temperature of the sensor 14 can remain at the second temperature T2.

[0102] For different temperature control schemes, Figure 8 a graph of the current supplied to the inductor coil 16 between time 0 and t5 is shown, and Figure 9 a graph of the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 24 and the second temperature sensor 26 between the same time 0 and t5 is shown. Thus, Figure 8 and Figure 9 depicts a third control scheme according to another embodiment of the present invention. In a similar manner to the above embodiment, during a first time period P1 that includes time 0 to t3, the heating device 12 is controlled based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 24 rather than the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 26. During a second time period P2 that includes time t3 to t5, the heating device 12 is controlled based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 26 rather than the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor.

[0103] During the first time period P1, during the time from 0 to t1, the current supplied to the heating device 12 changes from 0 to C1, and thus the temperature of the sensor 14 can (e.g., from 0 °C) change to the first temperature T1. During the time from t1 to t2, the current can decrease to C2 such that the temperature of the sensor 14 can be maintained at the first temperature T1 from t1 to t2. From t2 to t3, the current can change to C3, and the temperature of the sensor 14 can change to the second temperature T2. From t3 to t4, the current can change to C4, and the temperature of the sensor 14 can change from the third temperature T3 to the fourth temperature T4. From t4 to t5, the current can change to C5, and the temperature of the sensor 14 will remain at the fourth temperature T4. As Figure 9 shown, the fourth temperature T4 can be greater than the second temperature T2 and / or the first temperature T1.

[0104] Figure 10A view of the heating device 112 of a device according to another embodiment is shown. The device may be substantially the same as the device 4 shown in Figure 1 , except only for the temperature sensors associated with the heating device 112. Accordingly, discussion of the other features of the device is omitted.

[0105] As Figure 10 shown, the heating device 112 includes a susceptor 114 and an inductor coil 116 wound around the susceptor. In this embodiment, three temperature sensors are provided to measure the temperature of the heating device 112 (e.g., the susceptor 114 of the heating device). Specifically, in some embodiments, the device includes a first temperature sensor 124, a second temperature sensor 126, and a third temperature sensor 128. The first temperature sensor is arranged to detect the temperature of a first region of the heating device 112, the second temperature sensor is arranged to detect the temperature of a second region of the heating device 112, and the third temperature sensor is arranged to detect the temperature of a third region of the heating device 122.

[0106] In some embodiments, as Figure 10 shown, the first temperature sensor 124 is in the form of a thermocouple including a first wire 124A and a second wire 124B. In a similar manner, the second temperature sensor 126 is in the form of a thermocouple including a first wire 126A and a second wire 126B. The third temperature sensor 128 may similarly include a first wire 126A and a second wire 126B. Each of the first temperature sensor 124, the second temperature sensor 126, and the third temperature sensor 128 (specifically, the first wires 124A, 126A, 128A and the second wires 124B, 126B, 128B) may be electrically connected to the controller 20. The controller 20 may control the operation of the device 4 (specifically, the heating device 112) based on the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor 124, the second temperature sensor 126, and the third temperature sensor 128. Although in the depicted embodiment, the first temperature sensor 124, the second temperature sensor 126, and the third temperature sensor 128 are in the form of thermocouples, the first temperature sensor 124, the second temperature sensor 126, and the third temperature sensor 128 may alternatively include thermistors or any other suitable form of temperature sensor.

[0107] As can be seen from Figure 10 , the regions corresponding to the first temperature sensor 124, the regions corresponding to the second temperature sensor 126, and the regions corresponding to the third temperature sensor 126 may be provided along the length of the heating device 112.

[0108] In Figure 10In the illustrated embodiment, during the third time period, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the heating device 112 based on the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor. The control during the first time period and the second time period may be performed in a manner similar to the embodiment described above. In Figure 11 and Figure 12 a specific example including all three time periods is shown in

[0109] For a temperature control scheme according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 a graph of the current supplied to the inductor coil 116 between time 0 and t7 is shown, and Figure 12 a graph of the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor 124, the second temperature sensor 126, and the third temperature sensor 128 (at different times) between the same time 0 and t7 is shown. Referring to these two graphs, the first time period P1 may include the time from 0 to t3. During the time from 0 to t1, the current supplied to the heating device 112 (e.g., the inductor coil 116 of the heating device) may change from 0 to C1, which may cause the temperature of the inductor 116 (e.g., from 0 °C) to change to the first temperature T1. Then from t1 to t2, the current may decrease to C2, such that the temperature of the inductor 116 may remain at the first temperature T1. From the time t2 to t3, the current will change to C3, and the temperature of the inductor 116 will change to the second temperature T2. During this first time period P1, the temperature measured and used to control the heating device 112 (and depicted in Figure 12 ) may be the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 124 rather than the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 126 or the third temperature sensor 128.

[0110] During the second time period P2, for example, from t3 to t4, the current may change to C4, which may cause the temperature of the inductor 14 to change from the third temperature T3 to the fourth temperature T4. During this second time period P2, the temperature measured and used to control the heating device (and depicted in Figure 12 ) may be the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 126 rather than the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 124 or the third temperature sensor 128.

[0111] From the time t4 to t5 (which may still fall within the second time period P2), the current may change to C5, such that the temperature of the inductor 116 remains at T4.

[0112] During a third time period P3 (which includes at least the time from t5 to t6), the current can change to C6, and the temperature of the susceptor 14 can thus change from a fifth temperature T5 to a sixth temperature T6. From t6 to t7 (which can also fall within the third time period P3), the current can change to C7 and the temperature of the susceptor can be maintained at T6. As depicted, the second temperature T2, the fourth temperature T4, and the sixth temperature T6 can all be equal. During the third time period P3, the temperature measured and used to control the heating device 112 (and thus depicted in Figure 12 can be the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 128, rather than the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 126 or the second temperature sensor 128.

[0113] In some embodiments, during the time period from t6 to t7, the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 124 or actually the second temperature sensor 126 can be used, rather than the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 128, as the input (for the controller) for controlling the heating device 112.

[0114] Although three temperature sensors are described in the above embodiments, it should be understood that the device can include more than three temperature sensors, each temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of a different region of the heating device of the device. It should be understood that at any given time, the controller can use the temperature detected by one of the plurality of temperature sensors rather than the temperature detected by any other temperature sensor as the means (i.e., input) for controlling the operation of the heating device.

[0115] Figure 13 A schematic view of an aerosol supply device 204 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aerosol supply device 204 is similar to Figure 1 the aerosol supply device 4 shown in Figure 13 except that the heating device 212 of the aerosol supply device 204 shown in Figure 13 includes a resistive heating device 230, rather than an inductive heating device. The resistive heating device 230 can be in the form of a resistive heating tube 231, as

[0116] shown in Figure 1As in the embodiment shown, the aerosol supply device 204 includes a first temperature sensor 224 and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is arranged to measure the temperature of a first region of the resistive heating device 230, and the second temperature sensor is arranged to measure the temperature of a second region of the resistive heating device 230. The first temperature sensor 224 and the second temperature sensor 226 may be arranged, for example, to measure the temperatures at different points along the outer side of the resistive heating tube 231. The aerosol supply device 204 may include a third temperature sensor (not shown) arranged to measure the temperature of a third region of the resistive heating device 230.

[0117] In addition to the above differences, the aerosol supply device 204 may operate in a manner similar to any of the embodiments of the aerosol supply device 4 described above. Specifically, during a first time period, the heating device 212 of the aerosol supply device 204 may operate based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 224 rather than the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 226. Similarly, during a second time period, the heating device 212 may be controlled based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 226 rather than the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 224.

[0118] Figure 14 A side view of a heating device 312 of an aerosol supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the heating device 312 includes a first inductor coil 316A and a second inductor coil 316B. The first inductor coil 316A and the second inductor coil 316B may be the same or different in some aspects, such as in terms of pitch, material, length, number of turns, etc. Providing the first inductor coil 316A and the second inductor coil 316B may facilitate regional heating within the heating device 312 and thus facilitate regional heating of an article inserted into the device. A single receptor 314 is provided, however, it should be understood that separate multiple receptors may alternatively be provided for each of the first inductor coil 316A and the second inductor coil 316B.

[0119] In a manner similar to the above-described embodiment, a first temperature sensor 324 and a second temperature sensor 326 are provided. The first temperature sensor is in the form of a thermocouple including a first line 324A and a second line 324B, and the second temperature sensor is in the form of a thermocouple including a first line 326A and a second line 326B. The first temperature sensor 324 is arranged to measure the temperature of a first region (e.g., of the susceptor 314) adjacent to the first inductor coil 316A, and the second temperature sensor is arranged to measure the temperature of a second region (e.g., of the inductor coil 314) adjacent to the second inductor coil 316B. Although the first temperature sensor 324 and the second temperature sensor 226 are depicted as being in the form of thermocouples, it should be understood that any other form of temperature sensor may be used.

[0120] Figure 15 A temperature control scheme is shown that depicts the variation of temperature over time, which is measured by each of the first temperature sensor 324 and the second temperature sensor 326. As shown in the figure, during an initial time period P0 from 0 to t1, both the first inductor coil 316A and the second inductor coil 316B can be operative, so the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor 324 and the second temperature sensor 326 can increase to a first temperature T1 and a fourth temperature T4, respectively. From point t1 to t2, i.e., during a first time period P1, the controller of the device can operate based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 324 and may not use any output from the second temperature sensor 326. This can save power during this time period.

[0121] As Figure 15 shown, during the time period from t1 to t2, no temperature value regarding the second temperature sensor 326 is recorded. Optionally, during this time, the second inductor coil 316B may not be operative (i.e., the alternating current supplied to it may be stopped), which can further reduce power consumption. However, in some embodiments, the second inductor coil 316B may continue to operate, but no temperature measurement is made on it.

[0122] From t2 to t4, the second temperature sensor 326 can be used again, and the second inductor coil 316B can be operated to heat the region corresponding to the second temperature sensor 326 to a second temperature T2, as shown. During the time from t3 to t4, the temperature can continue to be measured, and the first inductor coil 316A can be controlled to achieve a third temperature T3. During the initial period P0, operating both inductor coils 316A, 316B can be used to raise the temperature of the entire susceptor 314, thereby improving aerosol generation and thus the initial inhalation from the heated article.

[0123] As will be understood, inFigure 15 In the embodiment depicted, there is at least a first time period P1 during which the output from only a single temperature sensor (i.e., the first temperature sensor 324) is measured / read. During other time periods, the temperature readings can be from multiple different temperature sensors (e.g., the first temperature sensor 324 and the second temperature sensor 326), and thus the control of the heating device 312 can be performed based on temperature measurements from multiple temperature sensors.

[0124] Figure 16 An alternative temperature control scheme is shown which depicts the variation of temperature over time, the temperature being measured by Figure 14 each of the first temperature sensor 324 and the second temperature sensor 326 arranged as shown. In a manner similar to that shown in Figure 14 during an initial time period P0 from 0 to t1, both the first inductor coil 316A and the second inductor coil 316B operate, and thus the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor 324 and the second temperature sensor 326 can be measured and increased to a first temperature T1 and a second temperature T4 respectively.

[0125] From point t1 to t2, i.e., during the first time period P1, the controller of the device can operate based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 326 and can not use any output from the first temperature sensor 324. This can save power. As Figure 16 shown, during this first time period P1, no temperature value regarding the first temperature sensor 324 is recorded. Optionally, during this first time period, the first inductor coil 316A can be stopped (i.e., alternating current can be stopped being supplied to it), which can further reduce power consumption. However, in some embodiments, this first inductor coil can continue to operate while just no measurements are made on it.

[0126] From t2 to t4, the first temperature sensor 324 can be used again, and the first inductor coil 316A can operate to heat the region corresponding to the first temperature sensor 324 to the second temperature T2 as shown. During the time from t3 to t4, the temperature can continue to be measured, and the second inductor coil 316B can be controlled to reach the third temperature T3.

[0127] During the initial period P0, operating both inductor coils 316A, 316B can be used to raise the temperature of the entire susceptor 314, thus improving aerosol generation and thus the initial inhalation from the heated article.

[0128] Figure 17 depicts the operation of an aerosol supply device according to an embodiment (e.g., Figure 1Method 400 of the aerosol supply device 4) as shown in and described above. In step 402, the method includes: during a first time period, controlling the operation of the heating device based on the temperature of the first region of the heating device rather than the temperature of any other region of the heating device. In step 404, the method may further include: during a second time period, controlling the operation of the heating device based on the temperature of the second region of the heating device rather than the temperature of any other region of the heating device. In step 406, the method may further include: during a third time period, controlling the operation of the heating device based on the temperature of the third region of the heating device rather than the temperature of any other region of the heating device.

[0129] Any feature of the devices discussed herein may similarly be employed by the above method.

[0130] The various embodiments described herein are only for helping to understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of the various embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to the elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. specifically described herein, the various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. Further, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, comprising: a heating device configured to heat an article containing an aerosol - generating material when the article is inserted into the aerosol supply device; a first temperature sensor arranged to detect the temperature of a first region of the heating device; a second temperature sensor arranged to detect the temperature of a second region of the heating device; and a controller configured to control the operation of the heating device, wherein, during the operation of the aerosol supply device: during a first time period, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heating device based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein, during a second time period, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heating device based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heating device by controlling the magnitude of the current supplied to the heating device.

4. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the first region and the second region are provided along the length of the heating device.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the first time period and the second time period occur during a single inhalation from the aerosol supply device.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the heating device comprises a resistive heating device.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the heating device comprises an induction heating device.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein, the induction heating device comprises a susceptor shaped to receive the article during use and at least one inductor coil surrounding the susceptor.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein, the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are arranged to detect the temperature of the susceptor.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein, the at least one inductor coil comprises a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil, and wherein the first region corresponds to the part of the susceptor adjacent to the first inductor coil, and the second region corresponds to the region of the susceptor adjacent to the second inductor coil.

11. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the first temperature sensor and / or the second temperature sensor comprises a thermistor or a thermocouple.

12. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, During at least one period after the first period and the second period, the heating device is controlled based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, or the heating device is controlled based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.

13. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third temperature sensor arranged to detect the temperature of a third region of the heating device, and wherein, during a third period, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heating device based on the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor rather than the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor.

14. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during the first period, the heating device is controlled such that the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is at a first temperature within a first sub-period and then changes to be at a second temperature within a second sub-period.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 14, wherein, during the second period, the heating device is controlled such that the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor rises from a third temperature to a fourth temperature during a third sub-period.

16. The aerosol supply device according to claim 15, wherein, the second temperature is less than the first temperature, the third temperature is less than the second temperature, and the fourth temperature is less than, equal to, or greater than the second temperature, and / or the fourth temperature is greater than the first temperature.

17. An aerosol supply system, comprising: the aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims; and an article containing aerosol-generating material for insertion into the aerosol supply device.

18. A method of operating an aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device including a heating device for heating an article containing aerosol-generating material, the method comprising: during a first period, controlling the operation of the heating device based on the temperature of a first region of the heating device rather than the temperature of any other region of the heating device.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: during a second period, controlling the operation of the heating device based on the temperature of a second region of the heating device rather than the temperature of any other region of the heating device.

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