Aerosol generation device with optical code detector

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation device with an optical code detector.SOLUTION: An aerosol generation device 1 comprises: a casing 11 defining an opening 101 for insertion of an aerosol generation carrier 2; a heating chamber configured to partially contain the aerosol generation carrier such that at least a portion of the aerosol generation carrier extends outside the heating chamber, and to heat a portion of the aerosol generation carrier inserted into the heating chamber; and an optical detection unit 13 comprising an image detector configured to optically detect a code 201 provided on a section 22 of a surface 21 of the portion of the aerosol generation carrier extending outside the heating chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device equipped with an optical code detector. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices, or electronic cigarettes, are currently the most popular product that mimics traditional tobacco cigarettes. While many types of aerosol-generating devices exist, one of the most popular is still the tobacco-containing aerosol-generating device. The advantage of this type of aerosol-generating device is that the user still inhales tobacco, meaning the smoking sensation is similar to that of a traditional cigarette. Furthermore, because they are heat-and-burn devices, aerosol-generating devices do not emit combustion by-products such as tar or carbon monoxide. Aerosol-generating devices operate by housing an aerosol-generating carrier inside the device and heating the aerosol-generating carrier, but not to the point of combustion. Another type of electronic cigarette also exists, which operates by evaporating a liquid to produce smoke. For both types of aerosol-generating devices, high-quality carriers are important, especially for those with a substrate inside. Therefore, authentication of aerosol-generating carriers (also known as consumables or smoking articles, such as "sticks") is important to ensure the authenticity of the product for health and safety reasons. Furthermore, proper setting of operating parameters, such as heating the carrier at an appropriate temperature, is also important to deliver a pleasant aerosol taste, and the optimal parameter settings also depend on the type of consumable and the composition of the substrate (tobacco blend, flavor, aerosol former, etc.).

[0003] WO 2017 / 029088 relates to an electrically operated smoking device configured to receive a smoking article, the device comprising: a housing defining a cavity for at least partially receiving the smoking article; and a sensing system for detecting indicia on the smoking article. The sensing system is positioned around the cavity and comprises a light source, a mirror, an imaging lens, and an image detector, the mirror being positioned on an interior surface of the cavity adjacent to the light source and the imaging lens. Providing the mirror on the interior surface of the cavity allows for wide-field imaging within a small space. However, the disclosed device requires a large cavity to accommodate the mirror, and the mirror may become soiled.

[0004] EP 2201850 A1 relates to a smoking article having identification information printed thereon. The smoking article is configured for use with an electrically heated smoking system that includes a detector for detecting the presence of the smoking article and distinguishing the smoking article from other articles based on the identification information. However, the detector can become dirty and the heat of the cavity can affect the detector.

[0005] WO 2019 / 185747 discloses an apparatus comprising a heating chamber used to heat an article partially disposed within the heating chamber. The apparatus further comprises a sensor arrangement for reading markers / indicia present on the article. However, when the sensor arrangement reads the markers / indicia on the article, the sensor is exposed to heat from the heating chamber, and the sensor arrangement increases the size of the apparatus.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved aerosol generation system that allows for authentication of aerosol generation carriers that avoids the problems of the prior art, and an aerosol generation carrier that is provided with code information that can be used in the improved aerosol generation system. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device with an optical code detector that solves some or all of the above problems.

[0008] A first embodiment of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising: a casing defining an opening for insertion of an aerosol generating carrier; a heating chamber configured to partially accommodate the aerosol generating carrier so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating carrier extends outside the heating chamber and to heat the portion of the aerosol generating carrier inserted into the heating chamber; and an optical detection unit comprising an image detector configured to optically detect a code provided on a section of the surface of the portion of the aerosol generating carrier that extends outside the heating chamber.

[0009] By configuring the image detector in this manner, it is possible to optically detect a code provided on a section of the aerosol-generating carrier that remains outside the heating chamber. This configuration has the advantage that the optical detection unit can be located in a more accessible, less cramped, and less exposed to changing physical conditions, thereby enabling a simpler, more reliable, and more accurate optical unit design. This also has the advantage that the optical detection unit is not affected by heat or dirt generated within the heating chamber when a user consumes the aerosol. This configuration is less susceptible to deformation, condensation, or other possible deterioration caused by heat and / or steam. Furthermore, the code information on the aerosol-generating carrier can be detected even after prolonged use or multiple uses.

[0010] According to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the optical detection unit is configured to receive light through an optical opening formed in a component of the aerosol generation device, the optical opening being located outside the tubular heating chamber. This configuration makes it possible in a simple manner for the optical detection unit to detect a code provided on a section of the aerosol generation carrier located outside the tubular heating chamber.

[0011] According to a third embodiment, in the second embodiment, the optical opening is positioned above the heating chamber when the aerosol generating device is held so that the insertion direction of the aerosol generating carrier is from top to bottom.

[0012] According to a fourth embodiment, in any one of the second or third embodiments, the component in which the optical aperture is formed is made of a material that has a lower thermal conductivity than the material forming the inner surface of the tubular heating chamber, which configuration allows for a lower thermal conductivity to the component, making the optical detection unit safer to use and more durable.

[0013] According to a fifth embodiment, in any one of the second to fourth embodiments, the optical opening is closed by a transparent material, preferably plastic or glass, as an additional measure to prevent the optical detection unit from being soiled or the heat of the cavity from affecting the optical detection unit.

[0014] According to the sixth embodiment, in any one of the second to fifth embodiments, the optical opening is arranged on the outer surface of the casing and outside the insertion opening. This configuration allows the optical detection unit to detect the code with fewer installed components. Also, ambient light can be used for detection, thereby improving the battery life of the aerosol generating device.

[0015] According to a seventh embodiment, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a cavity that optically couples the optical aperture with the image detector.

[0016] According to an eighth embodiment, in any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a light source configured to illuminate a code on the surface of a maximally inserted aerosol generating carrier so that light is reflected by the code to the image detector.

[0017] According to a ninth embodiment, in any one of the seventh and eighth embodiments, the light source is disposed inside the cavity.

[0018] According to a tenth embodiment, in any one of the seventh to ninth embodiments, a mirror is disposed in the cavity so as to reflect the light reflected by the code to the image detector.

[0019] According to the eleventh embodiment, in the tenth embodiment, the mirror is configured to redirect light by an angle of at least 45°, preferably at least 60°, more preferably at least 70°, and most preferably at least 80°.

[0020] According to the twelfth embodiment, in any one of the seventh to eleventh embodiments, one end of the cavity is disposed between the insertion opening and the tubular heating chamber. This configuration not only prevents the optical detection unit from being affected by heat or dirt generated in the heating chamber, but also makes it less susceptible to dirt from outside the device, and protects the transparent material closing the optical opening from scratches during daily use.

[0021] According to a thirteenth embodiment, in any one of the seventh to twelfth embodiments, the image detector is disposed below the opening of the tubular heating chamber through which the aerosol generating carrier is inserted, preferably below the entire tubular heating chamber, when the aerosol generating device is held so that the insertion direction of the aerosol generating carrier is from top to bottom. This configuration not only avoids damage from heat from the heating chamber, but also enables the device to be miniaturized and the internal structure of the circuitry in the device to be simplified, since the image detector is located in a space close to the controller with fewer components. The image detector can be integrated in this way with other electronic components of the device, such as the PCB or the CPU of the aerosol generating device, located at the bottom of the device.

[0022] According to a 14th embodiment, in any one of the first to 13th embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a closure, and the closure is configured to move between a closed position of the insertion opening and an open position of the insertion opening.

[0023] According to the 15th embodiment, in the first to fourteenth embodiments, the optical detection unit is activated when the closure moves from a closed position to an open position, or when it moves from either the closed position or the open position to an activated position, and / or when the aerosol generating carrier is fully inserted into the tubular heating chamber.

[0024] According to the sixteenth embodiment, in the first to fifteenth embodiments, the optical detection unit is activated by clicking a closure of the aerosol generating device.

[0025] According to the seventeenth embodiment, in any one of the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments, the optical detection unit is activated for a predetermined time after the closure is slid to the activated position or the open position.

[0026] According to the eighteenth embodiment, in any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments, The mouth is located at the front end of the closure.

[0027] According to the 19th embodiment, in any one of the 6th embodiment and the 14th to 18th embodiments, the closure is configured to cover the optical opening when the closure is in a closed position and to expose the optical opening to a section of the aerosol generating carrier on which the cord is provided when the closure is moved to an open position.

[0028] According to the 20th embodiment, in any one of the 13th to 19th embodiments, the optical detection unit is activated when the closure is moved to trigger a Hall sensor, a tactile switch, an infrared sensor or a proximity sensor, or an electrical contact sensor.

[0029] According to the 21st embodiment, in any one of the 1st to 20th embodiments, the aerosol generating device is configured to identify and / or authenticate the aerosol generating carrier, execute a data retrieval protocol program, and / or set device settings based on an image detected by the optical detection unit.

[0030] According to a 22nd embodiment, in any one of the 1st to 21st embodiments, the device settings include setting a heating profile, duration, number of puffs, and / or ventilation rate to be applied to the user.

[0031] According to the 23rd embodiment, in any one of the 1st to 22nd embodiments, the image detector is a camera, and is preferably a CCD or CMOS camera.

[0032] According to the 24th embodiment, in any one of the 1st to 23rd embodiments, the tubular heating chamber is activated to heat the aerosol generating carrier after the cord has been processed by the aerosol generating device.

[0033] According to the 25th embodiment, in any one of the 1st to 24th embodiments, the tubular heating chamber stops heating the aerosol generating carrier by processing the code after an instruction from the aerosol generating device is sent to the tubular heating chamber.

[0034] According to a 26th embodiment, the present invention relates to a system comprising the above-mentioned aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating carrier provided with a cord, wherein the cord is positioned outside the tubular heating chamber when the aerosol generating carrier is maximally inserted.

[0035] In particular, the cord is attached to a portion of the wrapper of the aerosol-generating carrier, preferably at the mouth end of the wrapper portion about one-third, preferably one-quarter, of the axial dimension of the aerosol-generating carrier.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating device is simplified, the aerosol generating device is miniaturized, and the durability of the aerosol generation is improved.

[0037] A 27th embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol generating device described in any one of the 1st to 26th embodiments, the method comprising a step of detecting a code provided on a section of the surface of a part of the aerosol generating carrier extending outside a heating chamber provided in the aerosol generating device via an optical detection unit provided in the aerosol generating device.

[0038] Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention when the closure of the aerosol generating device is in a closed position; Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the aerosol generating device when the closure is in an open position; Figure 1(c) is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the aerosol generating device when the closure is in an open position and an aerosol generating carrier is about to be inserted into the aerosol generating device; and Figure 1(d) is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the aerosol generating device when the closure is in an open position and an aerosol generating carrier has been inserted into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3(a) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of an aerosol generating device having a closure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3(b) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of an aerosol generating device having a closure. [Figure 4]1 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention, with an aerosol generating carrier about to be inserted into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an aerosol-generating device with an aerosol-generating carrier inserted therein. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0041] 1 , according to a first embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating device 1 comprises a casing 11 that houses the various components of the aerosol generating device 1. The casing 11 can be of any shape, provided that it is sized to fit the components described in the aerosol generating device 1. The casing 11 can be formed of any suitable material, or indeed layers of material.

[0042] The first end of the aerosol generating device 1, which is the end closest to the closure 14 of the aerosol generating device 1, is herein described as the top or upper end of the aerosol generating device 1. The second end of the aerosol generating device 1, which is the end away from the closure 14, is herein described as the bottom or lower end of the aerosol generating device 1. Movement from the top of the aerosol generating device 100 to the bottom of the aerosol generating device 1 is herein described as downward movement, while movement from the bottom of the aerosol generating device 1 to the top of the aerosol generating device 1 is herein described as upward movement. In use, a user typically orients the aerosol generating device 1 with the first end facing downward and / or distal to the user's mouth and the second end facing upward and / or proximal to the user's mouth.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1(c), an aerosol-generating carrier 2 is inserted from the top to the bottom of the aerosol-generating device 1 into an opening 101 defined by the casing at the top of the device along an insertion direction 1002. The aerosol-generating carrier comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, which may comprise tobacco material in various forms such as cut tobacco and granular tobacco, and / or tobacco material in forms such as tobacco leaf and / or sheets, strips, and foams when suitable for tobacco vapor (T-vapor). It may also contain reconstituted tobacco.

[0044] A tubular heating chamber 12 communicating with the opening 101 is disposed inside the aerosol-generating device 1. The tubular heating chamber 12 may comprise any type of heater suitable for directly or indirectly heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating carrier 2. For example, the tubular heating chamber 12 may comprise a film heater comprising conductive heating wires for resistive heating and one or more base layers comprising a thermal insulating material. The thermal insulating material may be a resin material such as polyimide, silicone, and / or PEEK.

[0045] In use, as shown in Figure 1(d), the tubular heating chamber 12 only partially accommodates the aerosol-generating carrier 2 when fully inserted, i.e., when the aerosol-generating carrier 2 is attached to the aerosol-generating device 1 for consumption (i.e., in use). In a preferred embodiment, the heating chamber heats the aerosol-generating carrier 2 only after fully inserted, and the user consumes the aerosol-generating device 1 and aerosol-generating carrier 2 in this state.

[0046] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises an optical detection unit 13. The optical detection unit 13 is arranged in the casing 11 and / or physically attached to the aerosol generating device 1, more specifically, at the front end of the closure 14. The front end of the closure is the end of the closure that is close to the axial direction of the insertion opening 101 and at least partially faces towards the axial direction of the insertion opening 101, more specifically, that faces towards the surface of the aerosol generating carrier during consumption. Preferably, the surface is the surface of the wrapper of the carrier 2.

[0047] More specifically, the optical detection unit 13 faces the code 201 provided on a section 22 of the surface 21 of the aerosol generating carrier when it is fully inserted, and optically detects the code 201. By locating the optical detection unit 13 in the closure 14, the body of the aerosol generating device 1 is made smaller and the structure of the device 1 is simplified.

[0048] The code 201 is located outside the tubular heating chamber 12 when the aerosol-generating carrier 2 is fully inserted. As shown in FIGS. 1(c) and 1(d), the code 201 is located on the exterior section 22 of the tubular heating chamber 12 and the aerosol-generating device 2. Therefore, the code printed on the carrier 2 can be printed with most commercially available known inks or materials because the ink or material does not need to withstand heat or be soiled by dirt from the aerosol-generating device 1. As a result, the code 201 does not fade even after prolonged use and can still be detected after multiple uses. The exterior section 22 may be located on the entire longitudinal surface of the exterior of the heating chamber 12 or a peripheral section of the surface, and the optical detection unit 13 can be optically coupled to the code 201 when it faces the optical detection unit 13. The drawings are only schematic. For example, although not specifically shown in Figure 1(d), it should be understood that when the optical detection unit 13 detects the code 201, the code 201 faces towards the optical detection unit 13. In general, the code is configured such that the optical detection unit 13 is configured to optically detect the code 201 provided on a section of the surface of the portion of the aerosol-generating carrier 2 that extends outside the heating chamber when or as another portion of the carrier is inserted into the heating chamber 12.

[0049] The code 201 is represented by at least one machine-readable optical pattern, such as a barcode, a QR code, dots, or an image.

[0050] The optical detection unit 13 comprises an image detector 103. The image detector may be a camera unit, such as a CCD or CMOS camera. In another preferred embodiment, the image detector may be an optical scanner.

[0051] The optical detection unit 13 is used to detect a code that can be used to authenticate the aerosol-generating carrier 2. According to a more preferred embodiment, the optical detection unit 13 is configured to identify and / or authenticate the aerosol-generating carrier, program a data retrieval protocol, and / or set device settings based on the image detected by the optical detection unit 13. The detection configuration of the optical detection unit 13 is then connected to a device controller embedded with authentication intelligence (e.g., software + processor / ASIC), which turns on the battery when it reaches a predetermined position in the opening. When the aerosol-generating carrier is inserted into the chamber or when it is being inserted into the chamber, the detection system reads the authentication components / areas of the aerosol-generating device and executes the authentication or data retrieval protocol. The collected image / signal is processed by the authentication intelligence to determine whether the aerosol-generating carrier 2 is authentic, what type of carrier 2 it is, and which device settings (e.g., heating profile, heating duration, puff count, ventilation rate) the user should apply for proper use. The code can also be repeated around the periphery to achieve reliable reading.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1( b), the aerosol generating device 1 is activated by opening the closure. More specifically, the optical detection unit 13 is activated when the closure 14 moves from the closed position to the open position, or when it moves from either the closed position 1003 or the open position 1004 to the activated position 1005, and / or when the aerosol generating carrier 2 is fully inserted into the tubular heating chamber 12. The optical detection unit 13 is activated when the closure 14 moves, triggering a Hall sensor, a tactile switch, an infrared sensor or proximity sensor, or an electrical contact sensor. Although not shown, the optical detection unit 13 may also be activated when the carrier 2 touches an inner wall (e.g., bottom) of the heating chamber or a tactile switch located near the insertion opening.

[0053] 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic cross-sectional side views of two embodiments of the closure.

[0054] 3(a), the aerosol generating device 1 is activated by manually moving the closure 14, for example, by pushing, pulling, depressing, or clicking the closure 14. A tactile switch below the bottom of the closure is turned on or off by clicking in the insertion direction 1002, and the tactile switch can be toggled when the closure 14 is in the closed position 1004.

[0055] In another embodiment shown in Figure 3(b), the aerosol generating device 1 is activated by sliding the closure via a screw 144 on the slide track 120. A slide element 146 slides through an electrical contact sensor 145 in an activation position 1005 which connects with the screw 144 and activates the process of code detection.

[0056] The actuated position 1005 may be the same as the closed position 1004, or may be close to the open position 1003, or may be any position between the open position 1003 and the closed position 1004, or may be a position after the open position where the closure is repelled to the open position 1003 by a spring in the device 1. Thus, the detection operation may be activated from the closed position to the open position, or from either the closed position 1003 or the open position 1004 to the actuated position 1005, and / or when the aerosol-generating carrier 2 is fully inserted into the tubular heating chamber 12. Only a few embodiments are shown herein, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments may be used. Of course, any type of known sensor or switch can be used, or any type of actuation method applied in known aerosol generating devices can be used. As will occur to those skilled in the art, the closure 14 can be configured to rotate between the closed position 1004 and the open position 1003, and in these embodiments, the rotation can be in any plane, with the actuation being triggered by the rotational movement of the closure 14.

[0057] The operation of the aerosol generating device 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 1(a) to 1(c). As illustrated in FIG. 1(a), the aerosol generating device 1 is switched off when the closure 14 is in the closed position 1003. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 1(b), when a user slides the closure to the open position 1004, an electrical contact sensor located near the open position 1004 is triggered. Thus, the optical detection unit 13 is activated by the sliding movement. As illustrated in FIGS. 1(c) to 1(d), the carrier 2 is inserted through the insertion opening 101 of the aerosol generating device 1 along the insertion direction 1002 into the heating chamber 12 to the bottom of the heating chamber 12, where the carrier 2 is fully inserted. The code 201 may be printed repeatedly around the surface of the tubular carrier 2; otherwise, the user must rotate the tubular carrier 2 so that the code 201 printed on the outer section 22 of the tubular carrier 2 faces the optical detection unit 13. A code 201 on a surface section of the portion of the aerosol-generating carrier 2 extending outside the heating chamber is detected via the optical detection unit 13. When the optical detection unit 13 detects the code 201, a signal is transmitted to the device's controller, as shown in FIG. 1(d), and the associated data is analyzed by software installed on the device 1 to authenticate the carrier 2. In a preferred embodiment, the detector operates for a limited, predetermined period, such as 1 second, more preferably 0.5 seconds, even more preferably 0.1 seconds, and most preferably 0.01 seconds, to conserve the device's battery life. Once authentication of the carrier 2 is confirmed, the device's controller sends a command to the heating chamber 12 to begin heating the carrier 2. For increased reliability, the authentication may be repeated at short, predetermined time intervals and optionally compared by the device's control unit. In a preferred embodiment, the code may also determine device settings, such as the heating profile, duration, number of puffs, and ventilation rate, to be applied by the user for proper use. In one embodiment, the code 201 includes data regarding the duration and / or maximum number of puffs.Thus, the heating chamber 102 stops heating the carrier 2 after a predetermined time, such as about 30 seconds, more preferably about 20 seconds, even more preferably about 15 seconds, and most preferably about 10 seconds, and / or after a maximum number of puffs, such as 10, 15, or 20 puffs, has been reached. The heating chamber 102 may be stopped after the first of the duration or maximum number of puffs has been reached. A heating profile may be encoded with data including information related to temperature as a function of time. For example, one or more temperature setpoints may be stored as data. Each temperature setpoint may be associated with time-related data, such as a period of time during which a sensed temperature is compared to the temperature setpoint, such as via PID control. Instead of encoding parameters, the encoded data may reference a lookup table that provides the parameter setpoints or profile, and the lookup table is stored in memory in the device's controller.

[0058] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an aerosol generation device 1 according to the present invention. The optical detection unit 13 is connected to the PCB and the device's controller and is powered by the device's battery (not shown). The optical detection unit 13 is closed by an optical opening 102 that is sealed or closed by a window. The window is made of a transparent material such as glass or, more preferably, plastic. The optical detection unit 13 comprises a light source 105 (e.g., an LED) and an image detector 103 in a cavity 104. The light source 105 is configured to illuminate the code on the surface 21 of the maximally inserted aerosol generation carrier 2 so that light is completely reflected by the code 201 to the image detector 103. In a preferred embodiment In this embodiment, the image detector 13 is first activated to detect the ambient brightness in front of the optical detection unit 13. When the brightness falls below a certain threshold, which prevents the optical detection unit 13 from detecting the code 201 on the outer section 22, the device turns on the light source 105.

[0059] 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention, in which an optical aperture 102 is disposed on the outer surface 108 of the casing 11, external to the insertion opening 101. The outer surface 108 is located at the top of the device 1 and defines the insertion opening 101. The outer surface 108 can be a separate surface at the top of the casing 11, separate from or integrated with the other surfaces of the casing 11. The outer surface 108 has a curvature such that the optical aperture on the outer surface at least partially faces the axial direction of the insertion opening 101, more specifically, faces the surface of the aerosol generating carrier during consumption, as described herein. The optical aperture 102, which transmits light reflected by the code to an image detector (not shown), is disposed adjacent to the insertion opening 101. The closure 14 is configured to cover the optical opening 102 when the closure 14 is in the closed position 1003 and to expose the optical opening 102 to the section 22 of the aerosol generating carrier 2 where the cord 201 is provided when the closure 14 is moved to the open position 1004.

[0060] 5(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the aerosol generating device according to the present invention, with the aerosol generating device about to be inserted. FIG. 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1, with the aerosol generating device 1 inserted. The optical aperture 102 is disposed between the insertion opening 101 and the tubular heating chamber 12. The optical aperture 102 communicates with the image detector 15 through a cavity 104. In other words, one end of the cavity 104 is disposed between the insertion opening 101 and the tubular heating chamber 12. Specifically, one end of the cavity 104 is disposed between the insertion opening 101 and the tubular heating chamber 12. The optical detection unit 13 is configured to receive light through the optical aperture 102 formed in a component of the aerosol generating device 1. More specifically, the optical aperture 102 is disposed and formed in a component, i.e., an annular element, of the aerosol generating device 1, that covers one end of the cavity 104 and connects the insertion opening 101 and the opening of the tubular heating chamber 12. Thus, the optical aperture 102 is positioned above the heating chamber 12 when the aerosol generating device 1 is held with the insertion direction of the aerosol generating carrier 2 from top to bottom. In this position, the optical aperture 102 optically covers the code printed on the outer section 22, which is located in a corresponding area on the surface of the carrier 2. A mirror transmits light reflected from the code 201 to the image detector 103. The component in which the optical aperture 102 is formed, covered with a material such as glass or plastic, is made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the material forming the inner surface of the tubular heating chamber, more precisely, the material of the component in which the optical aperture 102 is formed, which has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.25 Wm-1K-1, preferably 0.2 Wm-1K-1, more preferably 0.15 Wm-1K-1, even more preferably 0.1 Wm-1K-1, and most preferably 0.01 Wm-1K-1. In a preferred embodiment, the component in which the optical aperture 102 is formed is made of a material that has a lower thermal conductivity than the material forming the inner surface of the annular element that surrounds the optical aperture 102. Preferably, the material of the heating chamber is a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum.Preferably, the components of the optical aperture are a heat-resistant plastic, such as polyamide or PEEK. The optical aperture 102 may be circular, square, or have any other suitable shape. The components may also be coated or covered with a heat-reflective material, such as a thin layer of metal. In this embodiment, the optical detection unit 13 further comprises a mirror 106 disposed in the cavity 104, which can reflect light reflected from the code 201 to the image detector 105. The mirror 106 is configured to redirect the light at an angle 1006 of at least 45°, preferably at least 60°, more preferably at least 70°, and most preferably at least 80°. The optical detection unit 13 includes: , is attached near the heat insulating collar 110, which can block heat from the heating chamber 12 and increase the durability of the optical detection unit 13.

[0061] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention, based on the third embodiment (FIG. 5). When the aerosol generating device 1 is held so that the insertion direction of the aerosol generating carrier 2 is from top to bottom, the image detector is located below the opening of the tubular heating chamber 12 through which the aerosol generating carrier 2 is inserted, preferably below the entire tubular heating chamber 12. Specifically, the cavity is expanded so that the image detector 103 is located at the bottom of the device 1, further away from the window of the optical opening 102. By locating the image detector 103 at the bottom of the device 1, the image detector 103 can be integrated with the controller of the device 1 and further protected from heat and dirt coming from the heating chamber.

[0062] It should be understood that all optical detection units 13 in the present embodiment are configured such that the glass or plastic formed at the optical aperture 102 may be a lens that can adjust the angle of the light so that the light reflected by the code can be transmitted to the image detector for detection. It should also be understood that although the optical detection units 13 in some embodiments may not be shown with the mirror 106 in their schematic diagrams, the mirror 106 may be positioned on the optical detection units 13 so that the light reflected by the code can be reflected to the image detector for detection. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Aerosol generating device 2. Aerosol-generating carriers 11 Casing 12 Tubular heating chamber 13 Optical detection unit 14 Closures 101 Insertion opening 102 optical aperture 103 Image Detector 104 Cavity 105 Light source 106 Mirror 107 Inner 108 Exterior 109 PCB 110 Separate Insulation Collars 120 Slide Track 144 screws 145 Electrical Contact Sensor 146 Slide Elements 1002 Insertion direction 1003 Closed position 1004 Open position 1005 Operating position 1006 angle 21 Surface 22 External Section 201 Code

Claims

1. a casing (11) defining an opening (101) for the insertion of an aerosol-generating carrier (2); a heating chamber (12) configured to partially accommodate the aerosol-generating carrier (2) so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating carrier (2) extends outside the heating chamber (12) and to heat a portion of the aerosol-generating carrier inserted into the heating chamber; an optical detection unit (13) comprising an image detector (103) configured to optically detect a code (201) provided on a section (22) of the surface (21) of the portion of the aerosol-generating carrier extending outside the heating chamber; An aerosol generating device (1) comprising:

2. The aerosol generating device (1) of claim 1, wherein the optical detection unit (13) is configured to receive light through an optical opening (102) formed in a component of the aerosol generating device (1), and the optical opening (102) is positioned outside the heating chamber (12).

3. The aerosol generating device (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical opening (102) is positioned above the heating chamber (12) when the aerosol generating device (1) is held so that the insertion direction of the aerosol generating carrier (2) is from top to bottom.

4. 4. An aerosol generating device (1) as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the component in which the optical opening (102) is formed is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material forming the inner surface (107) of the heating chamber (12), and the optical opening (102) is closed by a transparent material (103), preferably plastic or glass.

5. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the optical opening (102) is arranged on the outer surface (108) of the casing (11) and outside the insertion opening (101).

6. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating device (1) comprises a cavity (104) that optically couples the optical aperture (102) with the image detector (103).

7. An aerosol generating device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a light source (105) configured to illuminate the code (201) on the surface (21) of the maximally inserted aerosol generating carrier (2) so that the light is reflected by the code (201) to the image detector (103), the light source (105) being arranged inside the cavity (104).

8. An aerosol generating device (1) as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein a mirror (106) is arranged in the cavity (104) so ​​as to reflect the light reflected by the code (201) to the image detector (103), and the mirror (106) is configured to change the direction of the light by an angle (1006) of at least 45°, preferably at least 60°, more preferably at least 70°, and most preferably at least 80°.

9. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein one end of the cavity (104) is arranged between the insertion opening (101) and the heating chamber (12). ）。

10. An aerosol generating device (1) as described in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the image detector (103) is positioned below the opening (101) of the heating chamber (12) through which the aerosol generating carrier (2) is inserted into the heating chamber (12), preferably below the entire heating chamber (12), when the aerosol generating device (1) is held so that the insertion direction of the aerosol generating carrier (2) is from top to bottom.

11. The aerosol generating device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol generating device (1) comprises a closure (14), the closure (14) is configured to move between a closed position (1003) of the insertion opening (101) and an open position (1004) of the insertion opening (101), and the optical detection unit (13) is activated when the closure (14) moves from the closed position to the open position, or when it moves from either the closed position (1003) or the open position (1004) to an activated position (1005), and / or when the aerosol generating carrier (2) is maximally inserted into the heating chamber (12).

12. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the optical detection unit (13) is activated by clicking the closure (14) of the aerosol generating device (1).

13. 12. The aerosol generating device (1) of claim 11, wherein the optical detection unit (13) is activated for a predetermined time after the closure (14) is slid to the activated position (1005) or the open position (1004).

14. 12. The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the optical aperture (102) is arranged at the front end of the closure (14).

15. An aerosol generating device (1) as described in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the closure (14) is configured to cover the optical opening (102) when the closure (14) is in the closed position (1003) and to expose the optical opening (102) to the section (22) of the part of the aerosol generating carrier (2) on which the cord (201) is provided when the closure (14) is moved to the open position (1004).

16. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the optical detection unit (13) is activated when the closure (14) is moved to trigger a Hall sensor, a tactile switch, an infrared sensor or a proximity sensor, or an electrical contact sensor.

17. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, configured to identify and / or authenticate the aerosol generating carrier, execute a data retrieval protocol program, and / or set device settings based on the image detected by the optical detection unit (13), wherein the image detector (103) is a camera, preferably a CCD or CMOS camera.

18. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the heating chamber (12) is activated to heat the aerosol generating carrier (2) after the cord (201) has been processed by the aerosol generating device (1).

19. An aerosol generating device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the heating chamber (12) stops heating the aerosol generating carrier (2) by processing the code (201) after a command from the aerosol generating device (1) is sent to the tubular heating chamber (12).

20. A system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and an aerosol generating carrier (2) provided with a cord (201), wherein the cord (201) is positioned outside the heating chamber (12) of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating carrier (2) is fully inserted.

21. A method for operating an aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, said method comprising: detecting a code (201) provided on a section (22) of the surface (21) of the portion of the aerosol generating carrier extending outside a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device (1) via an optical detection unit provided in the aerosol generating device (1); , including a method of operation.

Images