Aerosol generating system

Abstract

A more suitable arrangement related to battery replacement in an inhalation device is provided. An aerosol generating system comprising: a housing; a first opening provided at one end of the housing in a first direction; the accommodating part is used for accommodating the substrate which is inserted / drawn out through the first opening; a load for generating energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the substrate contained in the containing portion; a plurality of electrical contacts detachably connected to each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery pack for supplying power to the load; and a control circuit for controlling power supply from the battery pack to the load, in which the plurality of electrical contacts are positioned closer to the first opening side than the battery pack in the first direction in a state in which the plurality of electrical contacts are connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system. Background Art

[0002] Inhalation devices (such as electronic cigarettes and atomizers) that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices employ an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a substrate (including the flavor source, etc.) for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol to produce the flavored aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavored aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The action by which a user inhales the aerosol is also referred to below as "puffing" or "the puffing action."

[0003] In recent years, for the purpose of consumer protection and reducing environmental burden, it has been considered desirable to make the battery of an inhalation device replaceable. In this regard, the following PTL 1 describes an inhalation device configured so that the battery can be replaced by removing a detachable end cap.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] PTL 1: WO 2015 / 038981 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] However, the technology disclosed in PTL 1 has been developed only recently and still has room for improvement in various aspects.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure takes the above-mentioned issues into consideration and aims to provide a more suitable arrangement in relation to battery replacement in an inhalation device.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating system, which includes: a shell; a first opening, which is arranged at one end of the shell along a first direction; a accommodating portion, which is used to accommodate a substrate inserted / extracted through the first opening; a load, which is used to generate energy for heating an aerosol source contained in the substrate accommodated in the accommodating portion; a plurality of electrical contacts, which are detachably connected to each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery pack for powering the load; and a control circuit, which is used to control the supply of power from the battery pack to the load, wherein, when the plurality of electrical contacts are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery pack, the plurality of electrical contacts are positioned to be closer to the first opening side than the battery pack in the first direction.

[0012] The plurality of electrical contacts may be disposed at positions offset from the load in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0013] The electrical contacts may be formed from a heat-resistant alloy.

[0014] The battery may include a separator for separating the positive electrode from the negative electrode.

[0015] The aerosol generating system may further include: a charging circuit for controlling the charging of the battery pack; and a charging terminal, which is an interface between the charging circuit and an external power source for supplying power for charging the battery pack, and in a state where multiple electrical contacts are connected to the positive electrode and negative electrode of the battery pack, the charging circuit and the charging terminal can be positioned closer to the first opening side than the battery pack in the first direction.

[0016] The charging terminal may be provided at a position offset from the load in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0017] The charging terminal may be provided at one end of the housing in the second direction.

[0018] The aerosol generating system may further include: a second opening provided at the other end of the shell along the first direction; a battery compartment for accommodating a battery pack inserted / extracted through the second opening; and a covering portion for opening / closing the second opening.

[0019] The aerosol-generating system may further comprise a substrate.

[0020] The aerosol-generating system may further comprise a battery pack.

[0021] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0022] The present disclosure as described above provides a more suitable arrangement in relation to battery replacement in an inhalation device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] [ Figure 1 ] is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an inhalation device.

[0024] [ Figure 2 ] is a perspective view of an example of the external configuration of the inhalation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [ Figure 3 ] schematically shows the internal configuration of the inhalation device according to an embodiment.

[0026] [ Figure 4 ] schematically shows the internal configuration of the inhalation device according to an embodiment.

[0027] [ Figure 5 ] schematically shows the configuration of the inhalation device according to the first variant example.

[0028] [ Figure 6 ] schematically shows the configuration of the inhalation device according to the second variant example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that components having substantially the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numerals in the specification and the drawings to avoid giving repeated descriptions.

[0030] In this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may also be distinguished by using the same reference numeral followed by an index comprising different letters or numeric characters. For example, as needed, multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as means 1-1 and 1-2. However, if there is no need to specifically distinguish between each of the multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration, the same reference numeral may be assigned. For example, when there is no need to distinguish between means 1-1 and 1-2, means 1-1 and 1-2 may also be simply referred to as means 1.

[0031] <1. Basic Configuration Example>

[0032] An inhalation device is a device for producing a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance produced by the inhalation device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance produced by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0033] Figure 1 : is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an inhalation device. Figure 1As shown, the inhalation device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111 , a sensor unit 112 , a notification unit 113 , a memory unit 114 , a communication unit 115 , a control unit 116 , a heating unit 121 , an accommodating portion 140 , and a heat insulating portion 144 .

[0034] The power supply unit 111 stores electricity and supplies electricity to each component of the inhalation device 100 according to control performed by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0035] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor (such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor) and acquires values associated with the user's inhalation. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device (such as a button or switch) for receiving information input from the user.

[0036] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113 is configured by a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that can vibrate.

[0037] The memory unit 114 stores various types of information for operating the inhalation device 100. For example, the memory unit 114 is configured by a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0038] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication according to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, examples of usable communication standards include standards using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0039] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the inhalation device 100 according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor.

[0040] The accommodating portion 140 has an interior space 141 and holds the rod-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 within the interior space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142, thereby allowing the interior space 141 to communicate with the outside. The accommodating portion 140 accommodates the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the interior space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body including the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and the accommodating portion defines the columnar interior space 141. An air flow path for supplying air to the interior space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in the side surface of the inhalation device 100, which serves as an inlet for air to enter the air flow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 143, which serves as an outlet for air from the air flow path to the interior space 141.

[0041] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler (e.g., a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a medication. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, such as water or a polyol (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol), or a solid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the accommodating portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is contained within the interior space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user places the mouthpiece portion 152, which protrudes from the opening 142, in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the interior space 141 via an air flow path (not shown in the drawings) and, along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151, reaches the user's mouth.

[0042] The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating aerosol. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the heating unit 121 has a film-like form and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140. Then, when the heating unit 121 generates heat, the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 is heated from the outer circumference, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when it is supplied with power by the power supply unit 111. For example, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information, power can be supplied. Then, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has completed inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information, the power supply can be stopped.

[0043] The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is configured of a vacuum insulation material, an aerogel insulation material, or the like.

[0044] The above has described a configuration example of the inhalation device 100. Of course, the inhalation device 100 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0045] As an example, the heating unit 121 may have a blade-like form and may be arranged so as to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 and heats the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be arranged so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In addition, the heating unit 121 may be configured by a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.

[0046] As another example, the receiving portion 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism (e.g., a hinge) for opening / closing a portion of the outer shell forming the interior space 141. By opening / closing the outer shell, the receiving portion 140 can then receive and clamp the rod-type substrate 150 that has been inserted into the interior space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 can be provided on the portion of the receiving portion 140 that clamps the rod-type substrate 150, and can heat the rod-type substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0047] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to the heating provided by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In this case, the inhalation device 100 includes at least an electromagnetic induction source (such as a coil) for generating a magnetic field, rather than the heating unit 121. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided within the inhalation device 100 or may be included in the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0048] <2. Detailed Configuration Example>

[0049] Will refer to Figures 2 to 4 A detailed configuration example of the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment is described. Figure 2 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 and Figure 4The internal configuration of the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment is schematically shown.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the inhalation device 100 is configured as a straight cylindrical element with an elliptical cross section. The size of the inhalation device 100 is determined so that it can be grasped by the user and used when grasped by the user. It should be noted that a user interface can be provided on the surface of the inhalation device 100, such as a button for inputting an operating instruction to the inhalation device 100, or a display for displaying the operating status of the inhalation device 100, although this is not particularly convenient. Figure 2 Not shown in the figure.

[0051] In this embodiment, the direction that rod-type matrix 150 is inserted into / extracted out from the accommodating portion 140 will also be referred to as vertical direction hereinafter.Vertical direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of suction device 100.In addition, the longitudinal direction in the cross section of suction device 100 will also be referred to as lateral direction, and the short-side direction in the cross section will also be referred to as front-back direction.Vertical direction is an example of a first direction.Lateral direction is an example of a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0052] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the inhalation device 100 includes: a housing 160, a cover portion 161, a battery compartment 162, a plurality of electrical contacts 166 (166-1, 166-2), a control circuit 180, a charging circuit 181, and a charging terminal 182. The battery pack 170 is then removably assembled in the inhalation device 100. The control circuit 180 and the charging circuit 181 correspond to Figure 1 The control unit 116 is shown. The battery pack 170 corresponds to Figure 1 The power supply unit 111 is shown.

[0053] The battery pack 170 is a rechargeable battery that is removable from the inhalation device 100. The battery pack 170 includes a plurality of electrodes 171 (171-1 and 171-2). As an example, electrode 171-1 is a positive electrode, and electrode 171-2 is a negative electrode. The portion of the inhalation device 100 excluding the battery pack 170 will also be referred to as the main body 101.

[0054] The housing 160 constitutes the outermost housing of the inhalation device 100. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the opening 142 is provided in the top surface of the housing 160. The rod-type substrate 150 is inserted into and withdrawn from the accommodating portion 140 through the opening 142. The opening 142 is an example of a first opening provided at one end of the housing 160 in the vertical direction. Meanwhile, the opening 164 is provided in the bottom surface of the housing 160, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The opening 164 is an example of a second opening provided at the other end of the housing 160 in the vertical direction.

[0055] Battery compartment 162 removably accommodates battery pack 170. More specifically, battery compartment 162 has an interior space 163, and battery pack 170 is accommodated in interior space 163. An opening 164 allows interior space 163 to communicate with the outside. Battery pack 170 can then be inserted into and removed from battery compartment 162 through opening 164. Cover 161 opens and closes opening 164. This can be accomplished by a hinge mechanism. Figure 3 164 and the battery pack 170 is accommodated in the battery compartment 162. Figure 4 A state is shown in which the cover portion 161 has opened the opening 164 and the battery pack 170 has been withdrawn from the battery compartment 162 .

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main body 101 of the inhalation device 100 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 166 (166-1 and 166-2). The electrical contacts 166 constitute a power interface between the battery pack 170 and the components of the inhalation device 100 inside the main body 101. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrical contacts 166 are connected to the heating unit 121 and the charging circuit 181 through wires, and transmit / receive power between the heating unit and the charging circuit. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Electrical connections to other components are not shown.

[0057] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, multiple electrical contacts 166 are detachably connected to each of the multiple electrodes 171 of the battery pack 170. The multiple electrical contacts 166 are configured to protrude downward from the upper surface 165 of the battery compartment 162. When the battery pack 170 is housed in the battery compartment 162, the multiple electrical contacts 166 are connected to each of the multiple electrodes 171 (171-1 and 171-2) of the battery pack 170. For example, electrical contact 166-1 is connected to electrode 171-1, and electrical contact 166-2 is connected to electrode 171-2. This enables power to be supplied from the battery pack 170 to other components of the inhalation device 100 within the main body 101. Conversely, when the battery pack 170 is removed from the battery compartment 162, the connection between each of the multiple electrical contacts 166 and each of the multiple electrodes 171 of the battery pack 170 is released.

[0058] Electrical contact 166 can be configured as an elastic element (such as a wire spring or leaf spring). When battery pack 170 is inserted into battery compartment 162, the elastic element serving as electrical contact 166 is pushed upward while contacting electrode 171, exerting a downward elastic force. This configuration allows electrical contact 166 and electrode 171 to be placed in a more secure contact when battery pack 170 is housed in battery compartment 162. Consequently, the contact resistance at the connection between electrical contact 166 and electrode 171 can be reduced.

[0059] Electrical contact 166 is preferably formed from a heat-resistant alloy. Examples of heat-resistant alloys include phosphor bronze and Corson alloy. This configuration can limit the relaxation of the elastic force of electrical contact 166 associated with an increase in the temperature of electrical contact 166. This makes it possible to limit the increase in contact resistance at the connection between electrical contact 166 and electrode 171, even if the temperature of electrical contact 166 increases due to heat transfer from heating unit 121.

[0060] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of electrical contacts 166 are preferably disposed at positions offset from the heating unit 121 in the lateral direction. The offset positions mentioned herein refer to spaced-apart positions or non-overlapping positions. This configuration can limit heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to the electrical contacts 166. Consequently, the increase in contact resistance at the connection between the electrical contacts 166 and the electrodes 171, which is associated with an increase in the temperature of the electrical contacts 166, can be limited.

[0061] like Figure 3As shown, when the plurality of electrical contacts 166 are connected to the plurality of electrodes 171 of the battery pack 170, the plurality of electrical contacts 166 are positioned vertically closer to the opening 142 than the battery pack 170. In other words, none of the plurality of electrical contacts 166 are located below the battery pack 170 housed in the battery compartment 162; rather, they are positioned above it. This configuration minimizes the distance between the electrical contacts 166 and components receiving power from the battery pack 170 (e.g., the heating unit 121 and the charging circuit 181). This minimizes power loss during power transmission from the battery pack 170 to its destination. This configuration also offers several advantages over arrangements where the electrical contacts 166 are positioned both above and below the battery pack 170. First, it prevents the electrical contacts 166 and electrodes 171 from being reversed in their positive / negative polarity, making replacement of the battery pack 170 easier. Furthermore, there is an aesthetic advantage in that the electrical contacts 166 are not readily apparent even when the cover portion 161 is open. Furthermore, considering that gravity acts downwardly on the inhalation device 100 in normal use mode, it is possible to avoid the weight of the battery pack 170 being applied to the connection between the electrical contacts 166 and the electrodes 171, thus limiting wear on these connections.

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, battery pack 170 includes a separator 173 that separates electrode 171-1 from electrode 171-2. Specifically, multiple electrodes 171 are positioned so as to be embedded in multiple recesses 172 (172-1 and 172-2) provided in the top surface of battery pack 170. Separator 173 is then positioned between adjacent recesses 172. With this configuration, when battery pack 170 is housed in battery compartment 162, multiple electrical contacts 166 fully fit into each of the recesses 172 and are isolated from each other by separator 173. This prevents short circuits.

[0063] It should be noted that the battery compartment 162 should be formed into a shape that circumferentially surrounds the battery pack 170. As an example, the battery pack 170 is preferably configured to have a shape that is difficult to rotate vertically when housed in the battery compartment 162, such as an elliptical cylinder or a prismatic cylinder. With this configuration, the rotation of the battery pack 170 within the battery compartment 162 is restricted, making it easy to maintain the connection between the electrical contacts 166 and the electrodes 171.

[0064] The control circuit 180 controls the power supply from the battery pack 170 to the heating unit 121. Specifically, the control circuit 180 can control the power supply from the battery pack 170 to the heating unit 121 based on a heating curve. For example, the heating curve is control information used to control the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and is information indicating a time-series transition from a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121. The control unit 180 controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 transitions to the target temperature in a manner defined by the heating curve. The heating curve is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating curve, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.

[0065] For example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be controlled by known feedback control. Feedback control can be, for example, PID control (proportional-integral-derivative controller). The control unit 116 can supply power from the battery pack 170 to the heating unit 121 in a pulsed form using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty cycle of the power pulses in the feedback control.

[0066] For example, the temperature of heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the resistance of heating unit 121 (more specifically, the heating resistor element that constitutes heating unit 121). This is because the resistance of the heating resistor element varies with temperature. For example, the resistance of the heating resistor element can be estimated by measuring the voltage drop across the heating resistor element. The voltage drop across the heating resistor element can be measured using a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor element. In another example, the temperature of heating unit 121 can be measured using a temperature sensor (such as a thermistor mounted near heating unit 121).

[0067] The charging circuit 181 controls the charging of the battery pack 170. The charging circuit 181 supplies power supplied from an external power source via the charging terminal 182 to the battery pack 170. Here, the charging circuit 181 controls the voltage and current. The charging circuit 181 can control the charging of the battery pack 170 while detecting the temperature of the battery pack 170.

[0068] Furthermore, the temperature of the battery pack 170 may be detected by means of a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor). The thermistor for detecting the temperature of the battery pack 170 may be built into the battery pack 170. Alternatively, the thermistor for detecting the temperature of the battery pack 170 may be provided on the inner wall of the battery compartment 162 at a position in contact with the battery pack 170 housed in the battery compartment 162.

[0069] Charging terminal 182 is an interface between charging circuit 181 and an external power source for supplying power, thereby charging battery pack 170 housed in battery compartment 162. As an example, charging terminal 182 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. A USB cable is then connected to charging terminal 182, and power is supplied to charging terminal 182 from an outlet via the USB cable.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the charging terminal 182 is preferably provided at a position offset in the lateral direction from the heating unit 121. With this configuration, heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to the charging terminal 182 can be limited. Therefore, damage to the charging terminal 182 associated with an increase in the temperature of the charging terminal 182 can be prevented.

[0071] Specifically, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the charging terminal 182 is preferably provided at one end of the housing 160 in the lateral direction. In particular, when the heating unit 121 is provided on the left-hand side, the charging terminal 182 is preferably provided at the right-hand end, which is the end on the opposite side from the heating unit 121. With this configuration, heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to the charging terminal 182 can be minimized.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, with the plurality of electrical contacts 166 connected to the plurality of electrodes 171 of the battery pack 170, the charging circuit 181 and the charging terminals 182 are positioned vertically closer to the opening 142 than the battery pack 170. In other words, neither the charging circuit 181 nor the charging terminals 182 are positioned below the battery pack 170 housed in the battery compartment 162; rather, both are positioned above it. This configuration allows the charging terminals 182 to be positioned close to the charging circuit 181. Consequently, power loss can be limited when power is being transferred from the charging terminals 182 to the charging circuit 181.

[0073] <3. Supplementary Information>

[0074] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It is apparent that a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure will be able to conceive of multiple variations or modifications within the scope of the technical concept disclosed in the claims, and it should be understood that any such variations or modifications fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] (1) Variant Example

[0076] In the above embodiment, the opening 164 is provided at the lower end of the inhalation device 100, and the opening 164 is opened / closed by means of the cover portion 161. The configuration that enables the replacement of the battery pack 170 is not limited to such an example. As an example, the opening 164 and the cover portion 161 can be provided on the side of the inhalation device 100, and the battery pack 170 can be inserted / extracted in the lateral direction or the front-to-back direction. There are also a variety of other possible configurations that enable the replacement of the battery pack 170. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Description of Other Configuration Examples The following description will focus on differences from the configuration examples described in the above embodiments, and similarities will not be described.

[0077] Figure 5 Schematically shows the configuration of the inhalation device 100 according to the first variant example. In this variant example, the housing 160 can be formed by an upper housing 160-1 and a lower housing 160-2 that can be detached from each other, such as Figure 5 As shown. The connection between the upper shell 160-1 and the lower shell 160-2 can be achieved by means of fitting or screwing. The heating unit 121, the accommodating portion 140, the multiple electrical contacts 166, the control circuit 180, the charging circuit 181 and the charging terminal 182 are arranged in the upper shell 160-1. The main body 101 of this variant example is a part of the inhalation device 100 included in the upper shell 160-1. The multiple electrical contacts 166 are each configured to protrude downward from the bottom surface 167 of the upper shell 160-1. The lower shell 160-2 is configured as a bottomed cylindrical body including a battery compartment 162. An opening 164 that allows the internal space 163 of the battery compartment 162 to communicate with the outside is provided in the upper part of the lower shell 160-2. As an example, the upper shell 160-1 and the battery pack 170 are connected in a state where the multiple electrical contacts 166 are each connected to the multiple electrodes 171. After this, upper shell 160-1 is connected with lower shell 160-2 so that battery pack 170 is accommodated in battery compartment 162, thereby constructs inhalation device 100.Meanwhile, when replacing battery pack 170, lower shell 160-2 is separated from upper shell 160-1 to expose battery pack 170, and then removes battery pack 170.According to this variant example, battery pack 170 is replaced when upper shell 160-1 and lower shell 160-2 are in separated state.Therefore, the work of replacing battery pack 170 can be simplified.This variant example further enables the weight of battery pack 170 to be borne by whole lower shell 160-2.Therefore, compared with the above-mentioned embodiment in which the weight of battery pack 170 is only borne by covering portion 161, damage can be prevented.

[0078] Figure 6 The configuration of the inhalation device 100 according to the second variant example is schematically shown. Figure 6As shown, in this variant example, battery pack 170 is attached to main body 101 or is removed from main body when exposed, rather than being accommodated. According to this variant example, heating unit 121, accommodating portion 140, multiple electrical contacts 166, control circuit 180, charging circuit 181 and charging terminal 182 are arranged in housing 160. The main body 101 of this variant example is a part for the inhalation device 100 included in housing 160. The connection between housing 160 and battery pack 170 can be realized by means of matching or screwing etc. Multiple electrical contacts 166 are each configured to protrude downwards from the bottom surface 168 of housing 160. Then, housing 160 and battery pack 170 are connected under the state that multiple electrical contacts 166 have been respectively connected to multiple electrodes 171, thereby constructing inhalation device 100. This variant example makes it possible to simplify the work of replacing battery pack 170.

[0079] (2) Other supplementary information

[0080] The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generating system that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source. As described above, the battery pack 170 is configured to be removable from the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 excluding the battery pack 170 can be considered an aerosol generating system, and the entire inhalation device 100 including the battery pack 170 can also be considered an aerosol generating system. In addition, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 can also be considered an aerosol generating system.

[0081] The heating unit 121 is an example of a load for generating energy for heating the aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodation portion 140. When the inhalation device 100 heats the aerosol source by means of induction heating, the electromagnetic induction source (such as an induction coil) corresponds to the load.

[0082] The above description describes an example in which the cover portion 161 is opened / closed by means of a hinge mechanism, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The cover portion 161 can also be configured to be removable from the housing 160, and the cover portion 161 can also be detachably connected to the housing 160. The connection between the housing 160 and the cover portion 161 can be achieved by means of fitting or screwing, etc.

[0083] The above describes an example in which the connection between the electrical contact 166 and the electrode 171 is achieved by configuring the electrical contact 166 as an elastic element, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. As an example, the electrode 171 can be configured as an elastic element instead of the electrical contact 166, or as these electrical contacts. As another example, the electrical contact 166 and / or the electrode 171 can be configured as a spring pin.

[0084] The above describes an example in which the electrical contacts 166 are formed of a heat-resistant alloy, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The electrodes 171 may be formed of a heat-resistant alloy instead of the electrical contacts 166 or may be formed of these electrical contacts.

[0085] While the inhaler device 100 includes the charging terminal 182 as described above, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. The inhaler device 100 may also include a power receiving device (such as a power receiving coil) for receiving a contactless power source instead of the charging terminal 182. The power receiving device is preferably located in the same position as the charging terminal 182 described above.

[0086] The above description describes an example in which the battery pack 170 is provided with a separator 173 for isolating the plurality of electrodes 171, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, in the above embodiment, the separator for isolating the plurality of electrical contacts 166 may be provided on the upper surface 165 of the battery compartment 162.

[0087] The inhalation device 100 may also have a function for detecting the opening / closing of the cover portion 161. For example, this function can be implemented using a capacitive sensor or a magnetic sensor. The control unit 116 can control the operation of the inhalation device 100 based on the opening / closing of the cover portion 161. As an example, the control unit 116 can only operate the inhalation device 100 when the cover portion 161 is closed, such as when the heating unit 121 is heating the inhalation device 100. When the cover portion 161 is in a semi-engaged state (i.e., an incompletely closed state), the contact between the electrode 171 and the electrical contact 166 may be incomplete. If the inhalation device 100 is operated with poor contact pressure, there is a risk that the contact resistance increases, causing the electrode 171 and the electrical contact 166 to generate heat. This configuration can suppress this risk. In addition, when the cover portion 161 is fully opened, the user can directly support the battery pack 170 with their fingers to prevent it from falling out. In this case, there is a risk that the heat generated by the battery pack 170 will burn the user's fingers. This configuration ensures user safety.

[0088] It should be noted that the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be implemented using software, hardware, or any combination of software and hardware. For example, the programs constituting the software are pre-stored on a readable medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), which is provided inside or outside each device. When these programs are then executed, for example, by a computer used to control each device described in this specification, they are read into RAM and executed by a processing circuit (e.g., a CPU). The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. In addition, the computer program can be distributed, for example, via a network without using a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer can be an application-specific integrated circuit (e.g., an ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by reading a software program, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. In addition, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be processed by multiple computers in a distributed manner.

[0089] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1)

[0091] An aerosol generating system comprising:

[0092] case;

[0093] a first opening disposed at one end of the housing along a first direction;

[0094] a receiving portion for receiving a substrate inserted into or extracted from the first opening;

[0095] a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate accommodated in the accommodating portion;

[0096] a plurality of electrical contacts detachably connected to each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery pack for powering the load; and

[0097] a control circuit for controlling the power supply from the battery pack to the load,

[0098] in,

[0099] In a state in which the plurality of electrical contacts are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery pack, the plurality of electrical contacts are positioned closer to the first opening side than the battery pack in the first direction. (2)

[0101] An aerosol generating system as disclosed in (1), wherein the plurality of electrical contacts are arranged at positions offset from the load along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. (3)

[0103] An aerosol generating system as disclosed in (1) or (2), wherein the electrical contacts are formed of a heat-resistant alloy. (4)

[0105] The aerosol generating system disclosed in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the battery pack includes a separator for isolating the positive electrode and the negative electrode. (5)

[0107] The aerosol generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (4), further comprising:

[0108] a charging circuit for controlling charging of the battery pack; and

[0109] a charging terminal, which is an interface between the charging circuit and an external power source for supplying power for charging the battery pack,

[0110] in,

[0111] The charging circuit and the charging terminal are positioned closer to the first opening side than the battery pack in the first direction in a state in which the plurality of electrical contacts are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery pack. (6)

[0113] An aerosol generating system as disclosed in (5), wherein the charging terminal is provided at a position offset from the load along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. (7)

[0115] An aerosol generating system as disclosed in (6), wherein the charging terminal is provided at one end of the housing in the second direction. (8)

[0117] The aerosol generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (7), further comprising:

[0118] a second opening disposed at the other end of the housing along the first direction;

[0119] a battery compartment for accommodating a battery pack inserted / extracted through the second opening; and

[0120] A covering portion is used to open / close the second opening. (9)

[0122] The aerosol generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (8), further comprising a substrate. (10)

[0124] The aerosol generating system as disclosed in any one of (1) to (9), further comprising a battery pack.

[0125] List of Reference Numerals

[0126] 100 Inhalation Device

[0127] 101 Subject

[0128] 111 Power supply unit

[0129] 112 sensor unit

[0130] 113 Notification Unit

[0131] 114 memory cells

[0132] 115 Communication Unit

[0133] 116 control unit

[0134] 121 Heating Unit

[0135] 140 accommodating part

[0136] 141 Interior Space

[0137] 142 Opening

[0138] 143 bottom part

[0139] 150 rod matrix

[0140] 151 matrix part

[0141] 152 nozzle part

[0142] 160 housing (160-1: upper housing, 160-2: lower housing)

[0143] 161 Covering part

[0144] 162 battery compartment

[0145] 163 Interior Space

[0146] 164 Opening

[0147] 165 above

[0148] 166 electrical contacts

[0149] 167 Bottom

[0150] 168 Bottom

[0151] 170 battery pack

[0152] 171 Electrode

[0153] 172 recess

[0154] 173 Partition

[0155] 180 Control Circuit

[0156] 181 Charging Circuit

[0157] 182 Charging terminal.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system comprising: case; a first opening disposed at one end of the housing along a first direction; an accommodating portion, the accommodating portion being used to accommodate a substrate inserted into / extracted from the first opening; a load for generating energy for heating an aerosol source contained in a substrate accommodated in the accommodating portion; a plurality of electrical contacts detachably connected to each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery pack for powering the load; as well as a control circuit for controlling the power supply from the battery pack to the load, in, In a state in which the plurality of electrical contacts are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery pack, the plurality of electrical contacts are positioned closer to the first opening side than the battery pack in the first direction.

2. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of electrical contacts are disposed at positions offset from the load along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: These electrical contacts are formed from a heat-resistant alloy.

4. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The battery includes a separator for separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

5. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a charging circuit, the charging circuit being used to control the charging of the battery pack; as well as a charging terminal, which is an interface between the charging circuit and an external power source for supplying power, for charging the battery pack, in, In a state in which the plurality of electrical contacts are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery pack, the charging circuit and the charging terminal are positioned closer to the first opening side than the battery pack in the first direction.

6. An aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein The charging terminal is disposed at a position offset from the load along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

7. An aerosol generating system according to claim 6, wherein: The charging terminal is disposed at one end of the housing in the second direction.

8. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a second opening, the second opening being arranged at the other end of the housing along the first direction; a battery compartment for accommodating the battery pack inserted into / withdrawn from the second opening; as well as A covering portion is used to open / close the second opening.

9. The aerosol-generating system of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the substrate.

10. An aerosol generating system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the battery pack.

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