Aerosol generating device, heater for aerosol generating device, and control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device 100, a heater 30 for the aerosol generating device 100, and a control method. The aerosol generating device 100 includes a heater 30 for heating an aerosol-generating product 1000, the heater 30 having at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment defined therein, a battery cell 130 for supplying power to the heater 30, and circuitry configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell 130 to the heater 30 such that the first heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the second and / or third heating segments during a first time period, the second heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the first and / or third heating segments during a second time period, and the third heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the first and / or second heating segments during a third time period. The aerosol generating device (100) heats desired segments faster at different times.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority from a prior application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 12, 2022, bearing application number 202210970297.9 and entitled "Aerosol Generating Apparatus, Heater and Control Method for Aerosol Generating Apparatus," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present application relates to the field of heated non-combustion aerosol generation, and more particularly to aerosol generating devices, heaters for aerosol generating devices, and control methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. As an alternative to these combustible tobacco products, efforts have been made to produce products that release compounds without combustion.

[0004] Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. For example, the material can be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Conventional heating devices include multiple, longitudinally spaced tubular heaters that surround different segments of the tobacco or other non-tobacco product, and the spaced tubular heaters can be independently activated to heat different segments of the tobacco or other non-tobacco product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present application is an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that the first heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the second heating segment and / or the third heating segment during a first period, the second heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the first heating segment and / or the third heating segment during a second period, and the third heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the first heating segment and / or the second heating segment during a third period.

[0006] In some implementations, the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment are spaced apart sequentially.

[0007] In some implementations, the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment are heated simultaneously during the first time period and / or the second time period and / or the third time period.

[0008] In some implementations, the circuitry is further configured to control power supplied from the battery cell to the heater such that at least the first heating segment is heated during the first time period, at least the first heating segment and the second heating segment are heated during the second time period, and the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment are heated simultaneously during the third time period.

[0009] In some implementations, the circuitry is further configured to control power supplied from the battery cell to the heater such that during the first time period, the first heating segment is heated to a first target temperature and the second and third heating segments are below the first target temperature; during the second time period, the second heating segment is heated to a second target temperature and the third heating segment is below the second target temperature; and during the third time period, the third heating segment is heated to a third target temperature and the first and second heating segments are at or above the third target temperature.

[0010] In some implementations, an opening through which, during use, an aerosol-generating product can be at least partially received in or removed from the housing; The first heating segment is closer to the opening than the second heating segment and / or the third heating segment.

[0011] In some implementations, the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and / or the third heating segment have a length of 8 mm to 12 mm; And / or, the first heating segment, the second heating segment and the third heating segment have essentially the same length.

[0012] In some implementations, the heater includes only three heating segments.

[0013] In some implementations, The heater further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater.

[0014] In some implementations, the heater comprises: It further includes an indicator segment for providing an indicator when the temperature sensor is connected or affixed to the heater.

[0015] In some implementations, The heater further includes a thermoplastic sealing member for sealing or clamping the temperature sensor to the heater.

[0016] In some implementations, It further includes a thermal insulation element for providing thermal insulation outside the heater.

[0017] In some implementations, the heater comprises: a first heating element at least partially defining the first heating segment; a second heating element at least partially defining the second heating segment; and a third heating element at least partially defining the third heating segment.

[0018] In some implementations, the first heating element is at least one of an infrared heating element or a resistive heating element; and / or the second heating element is at least one of an infrared heating element or a resistive heating element; and / or the third heating element is at least one of an infrared heating element or a resistive heating element.

[0019] In some implementations, during the first time period, the first heating element is connected in parallel with the second and third heating elements, which are connected in series; and / or during the second period, the second heating element is connected in parallel to the first and third heating elements which are connected in series; And / or, during the third period, the third heating element is connected in parallel to the first and second heating elements which are connected in series.

[0020] In some implementations, the circuit is configured to allow any two or three of the first, second, and third heating elements to be selectively connected in series.

[0021] In some implementations, the heater includes a first electrode element, a second electrode element, a third electrode element, and a fourth electrode element; the first heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the first and second electrode elements such that, in use, a current can be conducted to the first heating element by the first and second electrode elements; the second heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the first and fourth electrode elements such that, in use, a current can be conducted to the second heating element by the first and fourth electrode elements; The third heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the third and fourth electrode elements such that, during use, a current can be conducted to the third heating element by the third and fourth electrode elements.

[0022] In some implementations, the first electrode element and the second electrode element are disposed radially opposite each other in the heater; and / or the third electrode element and the fourth electrode element are arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction of the heater, and / or the first electrode element and the third electrode element are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the heater; And / or, the second electrode element and the fourth electrode element are arranged to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the heater.

[0023] In some implementations, the extension length of the first electrode element is greater than the extension length of the second electrode element; And / or, the extension length of the third electrode element is smaller than the extension length of the fourth electrode element.

[0024] In some implementations, the first electrode element extends at least partially from the first heating element to the second heating element; and / or the fourth electrode element extends at least partially from the second heating element to the third heating element.

[0025] In some implementations, the second electrode element and the third electrode element are electrically connected to each other via a conductive wire or a conductive element; And / or, the first electrode element and the fourth electrode element are connected and electrically connected via a conducting wire or a conductive element.

[0026] In some implementations, the heater comprises: The heating element includes a substrate and a first infrared-emitting layer, a second infrared-emitting layer, and a third infrared-emitting layer formed on or coupled to the substrate, wherein the first infrared-emitting layer at least partially defines the first heating segment, the second infrared-emitting layer at least partially defines the second heating segment, and the third infrared-emitting layer at least partially defines the third heating segment.

[0027] In some implementations, the first infrared-emitting layer comprises a coating or film formed on or bonded to the substrate; and / or the second infrared emitting layer comprises a coating or film formed on or bonded to the substrate; and / or the third infrared-emitting layer comprises a coating or film formed on or bonded to the substrate.

[0028] Another embodiment of the present application is an aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating product including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heater for heating the aerosol-generating product received in the cavity; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that the heater heats the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment simultaneously, and so that the heating power to one of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment is different from the heating power to the other two.

[0029] Another embodiment of the present application is an aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating product including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heater for heating the aerosol-generating product received in the cavity; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that the first segment is heated faster or with greater power than the second segment and / or the third segment during a first time period, the second segment is heated faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the third segment during a second time period, and the third segment is heated faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the second segment during a third time period.

[0030] Another embodiment of the present application is an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, the device comprising: a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied to the heater from the battery cell so that at least the first heating segment is heated during a first period, at least the first heating segment and the second heating segment are heated during a second period, and the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment are heated simultaneously during a third period.

[0031] Another embodiment of the present application is an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, the device comprising: a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that at least the first heating segment is heated during a first period, at least the second heating segment is heated during a second period, at least the third heating segment is heated during a third period, and the first heating segment, second heating segment, and third heating segment are heated simultaneously during a fourth period.

[0032] Another embodiment of the present application is an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, the device comprising: a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that, during a first time period, the first heating segment is heated at a first power and the second and third heating segments are heated at essentially the same second power, during a second time period, the second heating segment is heated at a third power and the first and third heating segments are heated at essentially the same fourth power, and during a third time period, the third heating segment is heated at a fifth power and the first and second heating segments are heated at essentially the same sixth power.

[0033] Another embodiment of the present application is an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, the device comprising: a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that during a first time period, the first heating segment is heated to a first target temperature and the second and third heating segments are at a temperature lower than the first target temperature, during a second time period, the second heating segment is heated to a second target temperature and the third heating segment is at a temperature lower than the second target temperature, and during a third time period, the third heating segment is heated to a third target temperature and the first and second heating segments are at or above the third target temperature.

[0034] Another embodiment of the present application is a first end and a second end spaced apart in a longitudinal direction; a first heating element adjacent to the first end, a third heating element adjacent to the second end, and a second heating element positioned between the first heating element and the third heating element, the first heating element and the third heating element being spaced apart in a longitudinal direction; a first electrode element, a second electrode element, a third electrode element, and a fourth electrode element, wherein the first heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the first and second electrode elements such that, during use, a current can be conducted to the first heating element by the first and second electrode elements; the second heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the first and fourth electrode elements such that, in use, a current can be conducted to the second heating element by the first and fourth electrode elements; The present invention further provides a heater for an aerosol generating device, wherein the third heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the third electrode element and the fourth electrode element so that, during use, an electric current can be conducted to the third heating element by the third electrode element and the fourth electrode element.

[0035] Another embodiment of the present application is a method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, providing power to the heater; heating the first heating segment faster or with more power than the second and / or third heating segments for a first time period; heating the second heating segment faster or with more power than the first heating segment and / or the third heating segment during a second time period; and heating the third heating segment faster or with greater power than the first heating segment and / or the second heating segment during a third period of time.

[0036] In some other embodiments, the method further comprises: The method includes controlling the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that the first heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the second heating segment and / or the third heating segment during a first period, the second heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the first heating segment and / or the third heating segment during a second period, and the third heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the first heating segment and / or the second heating segment during a third period.

[0037] Another embodiment of the present application is a method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, providing power to the heater; heating at least the first heating segment for a first time period; heating at least the first heating segment and the second heating segment for a second time period; and simultaneously heating the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment for a third period of time.

[0038] In some other embodiments, the method further comprises: The method includes controlling the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that at least the first heating segment is heated during a first period, at least the first heating segment and the second heating segment are heated during a second period, and the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment are heated simultaneously during a third period.

[0039] Another embodiment of the present application is a method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, providing power to the heater; heating at least the first heating segment for a first time period; heating at least the second heating segment for a second period of time; heating at least the third heating segment for a third time period; and simultaneously heating the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment during a fourth period.

[0040] In some other embodiments, the method further comprises: The method includes controlling the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that at least the first heating segment is heated during a first period, at least the second heating segment is heated during a second period, at least the third heating segment is heated during a third period, and the first heating segment, second heating segment, and third heating segment are heated simultaneously during a fourth period.

[0041] Another embodiment of the present application is a method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, providing power to the heater; heating the first heating segment at a first power and heating the second and third heating segments at essentially the same second power for a first time period; heating the second heating segment at a third power and heating the first and third heating segments at essentially the same fourth power during a second time period; The present invention further provides a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, the method comprising the steps of: heating the third heating segment with a fifth power during a third period; and heating the first heating segment and the second heating segment with essentially the same sixth power.

[0042] In some other embodiments, the method further comprises: The method includes controlling the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that during a first time period, the first heating segment is heated at a first power, and the second and third heating segments are heated at essentially the same second power, during a second time period, the second heating segment is heated at a third power, and the first and third heating segments are heated at essentially the same fourth power, and during a third time period, the third heating segment is heated at a fifth power, and the first and second heating segments are heated at essentially the same sixth power.

[0043] Another embodiment of the present application is a method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, the method comprising: a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating product received in the cavity, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged in series; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, providing power to the heater; heating the first heating segment to a first target temperature higher than the current temperatures of the second and third heating segments for a first time period; heating the second heating segment to a second target temperature greater than the current temperature of the third heating segment during a second time period; and heating the third heating segment to a third target temperature higher than the current temperatures of the first and second heating segments during a third time period.

[0044] In some other embodiments, the method further comprises: The method includes controlling the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that during a first period, the first heating segment is heated to a first target temperature and the second and third heating segments are at a temperature lower than the first target temperature, during a second period, the second heating segment is heated to a second target temperature and the third heating segment is at a temperature lower than the second target temperature, and during a third period, the third heating segment is heated to a third target temperature and the first and second heating segments are at or above the third target temperature.

[0045] Another embodiment of the present application is an aerosol-generating product configured to heat and generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating product including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged sequentially along a length thereof, 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device including a heater for heating an aerosol generating product received in the cavity, and a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, comprising: The present invention further provides a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising the step of supplying power to the heater so that the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment are heated simultaneously, wherein the heating power to one of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment is different from the heating power to the other two.

[0046] In some other embodiments, the method further comprises: The method includes controlling the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that the heater heats the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment simultaneously, and the heating power to one of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment is different from the heating power to the other two.

[0047] Another embodiment of the present application is an aerosol-generating product configured to heat and generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating product including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged sequentially along a length thereof, 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device including a heater for heating an aerosol generating product received in the cavity, and a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, comprising: providing power to the heater; heating the first segment faster or with greater power than the second and / or third segments for a first time period; heating the second segment faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the third segment during a second time period; and heating the third segment faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the second segment during a third period.

[0048] In some other embodiments, the method further comprises: The method includes controlling the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that the first segment is heated faster or with greater power than the second segment and / or the third segment during a first period, the second segment is heated faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the third segment during a second period, and the third segment is heated faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the second segment during a third period.

[0049] The above aerosol generating devices are advantageous in that they heat desired segments for different periods of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] One or more embodiments are illustratively described by corresponding figures in the accompanying drawings, but these illustrative descriptions are not intended to be limiting of the embodiments, and elements in the drawings having the same reference numerals designate similar elements, and unless otherwise specified, the figures in the drawings are not to scale.

[0051] [Figure 1]1 is a structural schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a heater according to an embodiment at one viewing angle. [Figure 3] 3 is an exploded schematic view of the heater of FIG. 2 at one viewing angle. [Figure 4] 3 is an exploded schematic view of the heater of FIG. 2 at a different viewing angle. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a current is introduced into a heater in another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of heating an aerosol-generating product in another embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic diagram of heating curves for different segments of an aerosol-generating product in one embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] In order to facilitate understanding of the present application, the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0053] One embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating device 100, as shown in FIG. 1, that heats an aerosol-generating product 1000, such as a cigarette, rather than burning it, thereby volatilizing or releasing at least one component of the aerosol-generating product 1000 to form an aerosol for inhalation.

[0054] In further alternative implementations, the aerosol-generating product 1000 preferably employs a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from the substrate upon heating, or may be a non-tobacco material that is suitable for electrical heating to produce smoke after heating. The aerosol-generating product 1000 preferably employs a solid substrate that may comprise one or more of powders, granules, strips, strips, or sheets of one or more of vanilla leaf, tobacco leaf, homogenized tobacco, and expanded tobacco, or the solid substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the substrate.

[0055] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, after the aerosol-generating product 1000 is received in the aerosol-generating device 100, a part of the aerosol-generating product 1000, such as a filter, is exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100, which is convenient for the user to smoke.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, the structure of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present application is such that the entire outer shape of the device is substantially flat and cylindrical. The external members of the aerosol generating device 100 are: The housing 10 has a hollow interior structure and defines an assembly space available for an electronic device and necessary functional components such as a heater, the housing 10 having a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 opposed in a longitudinal direction, wherein: The proximal end 110 has an opening 111 through which the aerosol-generating product 1000 can be received into the housing 10 for heating or removed from the housing 10; The distal end 120 is provided with an intake hole 121 for allowing outside air to enter the housing 10 during smoking.

[0057] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 includes: It further includes a cavity for containing or receiving the aerosol-generating product 1000, and during use the aerosol-generating product 1000 can be removably received within the cavity via the opening 111. In some embodiments, the length of the aerosol-generating product 1000 that is surrounded and heated by the heater 30 is greater than 30 mm.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 includes: It further includes an air passageway 150 located between the cavity and the air inlet 121, and as further shown by arrow R11 in FIG. 1, during use, the air passageway 150 provides a passageway from the air inlet 121 into the cavity / aerosol-generating product 1000.

[0059] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 includes: a power supply battery cell 130, preferably a rechargeable DC battery cell 130, which can be connected to an external power source for charging; and a circuit board 140, such as a PCB board, on which a circuit, which may be an integrated circuit, or an MCU controller is located.

[0060] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 includes: The housing 10 further includes a heater 30 that at least partially surrounds and defines the cavity, and when the aerosol-generating product 1000 is received within the housing 10, the heater 30 at least partially surrounds or encircles the aerosol-generating product 1000 to heat it from the periphery. Additionally, when the aerosol-generating product 1000 is received within the housing 10, the aerosol-generating product 1000 is at least partially contained and held within the heater 30.

[0061] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the heater 30 is configured in a basically elongated tubular shape, and a tubular substrate 31 made of an infrared-transparent material, such as quartz, glass, ceramics, etc., adapted to at least partially contain and hold the aerosol-generating product 1000 during use; and an infrared emitting layer 32, an infrared emitting layer 33, and an infrared emitting layer 34 formed or disposed on the substrate 31, and in this embodiment, the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 are formed on the outer surface of the substrate 31 by deposition, spraying, coating, or the like.

[0062] The infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 are arranged successively at a distance from each other. The infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 are basically annular and surround the base 31. The infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 are closed in the circumferential direction.

[0063] In some specific implementations, the substrate 31 has a wall thickness of about 0.05 mm to 1 mm, an inner diameter of about 5.0 mm to 8.0 mm, and a length of about 30 mm to 60 mm.

[0064] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 are formed on the inner surface of the substrate 31 .

[0065] In some embodiments, the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 are coatings or thin layers formed on the substrate 31 by deposition, spraying, or the like. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 are films that cover or are bonded to the substrate 31.

[0066] In an embodiment, the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 are electric infrared emitting layers, and by directly supplying a DC voltage to the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34, the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 can emit infrared rays under voltage driving.

[0067] In some implementations, the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 may be a coating made of a ceramic-based material such as zirconium, or an Fe-Mn-Cu-based, tungsten-based, or transition metal and their oxide material.

[0068] In some embodiments, the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 is made of an oxide of at least one metal element, such as Mg, Al, Ti, Zr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, or Zn. When heated to an appropriate temperature, these metal oxides can emit far-infrared rays that have a heating effect. The infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 may preferably have a thickness of 30 μm to 50 μm. The infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 can be formed on the surface of the tubular substrate 31 by spraying the oxide of the above metal element onto the outer surface of the tubular substrate 31 using atmospheric plasma spraying and then curing it.

[0069] In some embodiments, the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 have essentially the same length. For example, in one specific embodiment, the length of the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 is all 8 mm to 12 mm, and for example, in one specific embodiment, the length of the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 is 9.5 mm.

[0070] Alternatively, in some other modified embodiments, the length of any one of the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 is different from the other two. Alternatively, in some other modified embodiments, the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 each have a length different from the other two.

[0071] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the extension lengths of the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 gradually change in the axial direction of the heater 30. For example, in some specific embodiments, the extension lengths of the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 gradually or sequentially increase or decrease.

[0072] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the length dimension of the infrared emitting layer 33 is smaller than the length dimension of either one of the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 34. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the length dimension of the infrared emitting layer 33 is larger than the length dimension of either one of the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 34.

[0073] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the heater 30 may include only three infrared emitting layers, i.e., infrared emitting layer 32, infrared emitting layer 33, and infrared emitting layer 34. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the heater 30 may further include more infrared emitting layers, such as four, five, six, or more, spaced apart sequentially in the axial direction of the substrate 31.

[0074] 2 to 4 show schematic diagrams of the structure of a heater 30 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the heater 30 has: a first end 311 and a second end 312 spaced apart in the axial direction; an infrared-transparent substrate 31 configured in a tubular shape, wherein, in operation, opposite longitudinal ends define a first end 311 and a second end 312 of the heater 30, respectively, and wherein an internal cavity 310 at least partially defines a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating product 1000; The infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 are formed on the base 31 and arranged in this order in the axial direction of the base 31. Naturally, the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 are spaced apart from each other.

[0075] 2 to 4, the infrared emitting layer 32 is disposed adjacent to the first end 311, the infrared emitting layer 34 is disposed adjacent to the second end 312, and the infrared emitting layer 33 is located between the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 34.

[0076] In addition, the surface of the substrate 31 is an exposed segment 313 located between the first end 311 and the infrared emitting layer 32; an exposed segment 314 positioned between the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 33 to separate the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 33; an exposed segment 315 located between the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 to separate the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34; An exposed segment 316 located between the infrared emissive layer 34 and the second end 312 is further defined.

[0077] Furthermore, in some embodiments, exposed segment 313, exposed segment 314, and exposed segment 315 have essentially the same dimensions in the axial direction of substrate 31. For example, in some specific embodiments, exposed segment 313, exposed segment 314, and exposed segment 315 have lengths of approximately 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0078] In some embodiments, the length dimension of exposed segment 316 in the axial direction of base 31 is greater than the length dimension of exposed segment 313 and / or exposed segment 314 and / or exposed segment 315. For example, in some specific embodiments, the length dimension of exposed segment 316 in the axial direction of base 31 is 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0079] In some embodiments, the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 are provided with temperature measurement marking segments to indicate the attachment of a temperature sensor. For example, in Figures 2 to 4, the infrared emitting layer 32 is provided with a temperature measurement marking segment 321, such as a distinctive color sprayed on, a watermark formed by the infrared emitting layer 32, or a distinctive graphic or pattern. During fabrication, a temperature sensor is bonded to the temperature measurement marking segment 321 by gluing, welding, or the like to accurately detect the temperature of the infrared emitting layer 32. Similarly, the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 also have temperature measurement marking segments.

[0080] In some embodiments, infrared emitting layer 32, infrared emitting layer 33 and infrared emitting layer 34 are all made of the same material and therefore have the same infrared radiation wavelength or infrared radiation efficiency when heating different segments of aerosol generating product 1000.

[0081] Alternatively, in some other modified embodiments, one and the other two of the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 may be made of different materials, and their infrared emission spectra may have different WLPs (peak wavelengths, wavelengths corresponding to the maximum radiant power), which may be suited to the optimum absorption wavelength ranges of different organic components in the aerosol-generating product 1000. Alternatively, in some other modified embodiments, the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 may be made of different materials, and any two of the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 may have different infrared emission spectra and / or WLPs.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the heater 30 is The electrode coating 351 may further include an elongated or vertically elongated electrode coating 351, the electrode coating 351 extending from an end of the infrared emitting layer 32 adjacent to the first end 311 to an end of the infrared emitting layer 33 away from the infrared emitting layer 32, with a portion of the electrode coating 351 conductively connected to the infrared emitting layer 32 and another portion of the electrode coating 351 further conductively connected to the infrared emitting layer 33. Alternatively, the electrode coating 351 may extend from the infrared emitting layer 32 to the infrared emitting layer 33. Alternatively, the extension length of the electrode coating 351 may extend over or essentially extend over the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 33. Alternatively, the length of the electrode coating 351 may be essentially equal to the sum of the lengths of the infrared emitting layer 32, the exposed segment 314, and the infrared emitting layer 33.

[0083] The heater 30 is The heater 30 further includes an electrode coating 352 extending in the vertical direction, the electrode coating 352 being arranged apart from the electrode coating 351 in the radial direction of the substrate 31 or heater 30 and essentially facing the electrode coating 351 in the radial direction of the substrate 31 or heater 30, the length of the electrode coating 352 in the axial direction of the heater 30 covering only the infrared emitting layer 32, and the electrode coating 352 being conductively connected to the infrared emitting layer 32.

[0084] In addition, the heater 30 The heater 30 further includes an electrode coating 353 including a portion 3531 and a portion 3532, wherein the portion 3531 extends in the longitudinal direction of the heater 30, the portion 3532 extends in the circumferential direction of the heater 30, the portion 3532 is closer to the second end 312 than the portion 3531, the portion 3531 extends over the infrared emitting layer 34 and is conductively connected to the infrared emitting layer 34, and the portion 3532 is located within the exposed segment 316 to facilitate connecting the electrode coating 353 to the circuit board 140.

[0085] The heater 30 is The heater 30 further includes an electrode coating 354 including a portion 3541 and a portion 3542, wherein the portion 3541 extends in the longitudinal direction of the heater 30 and the portion 3542 extends in the circumferential direction of the heater 30, the portion 3542 being closer to the second end 312 than the portion 3541, and the portion 3541 extends over the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34, with a portion of the portion conductively connected to the infrared emitting layer 33 and a portion conductively connected to the infrared emitting layer 34. Alternatively, the electrode coating 354 extends from the infrared emitting layer 33 to the infrared emitting layer 34, or the extension length of the electrode coating 354 extends over or essentially extends over the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34. Alternatively, the length of the portion 3541 of the electrode coating 354 is essentially equal to the sum of the lengths of the infrared emitting layer 33, the exposed segment 315, and the infrared emitting layer 34. To facilitate connecting the electrode coating 354 to the circuit board 140 , a portion 3542 of the electrode coating 354 is located within the exposed segment 316 .

[0086] In some embodiments, electrode coating 351 and / or electrode coating 352 and / or electrode coating 353 and / or electrode coating 354 are made of a low resistivity metal or alloy such as silver, gold, palladium, platinum, copper, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, or an alloy thereof. Electrode coating 351 and / or electrode coating 352 and / or electrode coating 353 and / or electrode coating 354 are formed by spraying, printing, or the like.

[0087] In some embodiments, electrode coating 351 and / or electrode coating 352 and / or electrode coating 353 and / or electrode coating 354 are essentially elongated in shape, and portion 3531 of electrode coating 351 and / or electrode coating 352 and / or electrode coating 353 and / or portion 3541 of electrode coating 354 have a width of approximately 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the heater 30 is It further includes a conductive element 361 having essentially the same length or shape as the electrode coating 351, and during assembly, the conductive element 361 abuts or is attached to the electrode coating 351 to form electrical continuity, and is further connected to the circuit board 140 via a welded conductive lead wire 3611, thereby connecting the electrode coating 351 to the circuit board 140.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the heater 30 is It further includes a conductive element 362 having essentially the same length or shape as the electrode coating 352, and during assembly, the conductive element 362 abuts or is attached to the electrode coating 352 to form electrical continuity, and is further connected to the circuit board 140 via a welded conductive lead wire 3621, thereby connecting the electrode coating 352 to the circuit board 140.

[0090] The conductive element 361 and / or the conductive element 362 are in the form of a thin sheet, and are made of a material with low resistivity, such as gold, silver, copper, or an alloy thereof.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the heater 30 is The electrode coating 353 further includes a conductive element 363 that is attached to and abuts against a portion 3532 of the electrode coating 353 to form electrical contact therewith, and a conductive element 364 that is attached to and abuts against a portion 3542 of the electrode coating 354 to form electrical contact therewith. Furthermore, the conductive elements 363 and 364 are connected to the circuit board 140 via lead wires or the like, thereby connecting the electrode coating 353 and the electrode coating 354 to the circuit board 140, respectively. The applicant has provided details regarding the shape and structure of the conductive elements 363 and 364, as well as the assembly, fixing, elasticity, etc. of the conductive elements 363 and 364 in Chinese Patent Application Publication No. CN215958354U, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, electrode coating 351 and / or electrode coating 352 and / or electrode coating 353 and / or electrode coating 354 are each directly connected to circuit board 140 by welding a lead wire.

[0093] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the implementation for supplying power to infrared emitting layer 32, infrared emitting layer 33 and infrared emitting layer 34 is performed only by conductive element 361, conductive element 362, conductive element 363 and conductive element 364.

[0094] Or, in some other modified embodiments, the heater 30 It further includes a first temperature sensor that is attached to the infrared radiation layer 32 to detect the temperature of the infrared radiation layer 32, a second temperature sensor that is attached to the infrared radiation layer 33 to detect the temperature of the infrared radiation layer 33, and a third temperature sensor that is attached to the infrared radiation layer 34 to detect the temperature of the infrared radiation layer 34.

[0095] Or, in some other modified embodiments, the heater 30 The heater 30 further includes a thermoplastic sealing member surrounding the first temperature sensor and / or the second temperature sensor and / or the third temperature sensor on the outside of the infrared radiation layer in order to closely contact the first temperature sensor and / or the second temperature sensor and / or the third temperature sensor on the outside of the infrared radiation layer.

[0096] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic sealing member includes at least one of a heat-resistant synthetic resin, polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®), and silicone, and in some other modified embodiments, the thermoplastic sealing member includes a heat shrink tube or a high-temperature resistant tape.

[0097] Additionally, in some embodiments, a thermoplastic sealing member is further used to fasten or hold one or more of conductive element 361, conductive element 362, conductive element 363, and conductive element 364.

[0098] Or, in some other modified embodiments, the heater 30 The infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 may further include a thermal insulating element surrounding or enclosing the infrared emitting layer 32 and / or the infrared emitting layer 33 and / or the infrared emitting layer 34 to provide thermal insulation to the outside thereof. The thermal insulating element may be, for example, a wound aerogel felt, a porous material, a vacuum tube, or the like.

[0099] Alternatively, in some other modified embodiments, the insulating element of the heater 30 is a tube with an internal insulating cavity, and the insulating cavity is between the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular insulating element, and the pressure in the insulating cavity is lower than the external pressure, i.e., the insulating element is a vacuum insulating tube with a degree of vacuum. Alternatively, in some other modified embodiments, the insulating cavity is between the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular insulating element, and the insulating cavity is filled with an insulating gas such as argon gas, and at the same pressure and temperature, the thermal conductivity of argon gas is about one-third lower than that of air, thereby providing effective insulation.

[0100] In some embodiments, circuit board 140 can selectively activate one or more of infrared emitting layer 32, infrared emitting layer 33, and infrared emitting layer 34 of heater 30 by selectively conducting two or more of electrode coating 351 / conductive element 361, electrode coating 352 / conductive element 362, electrode coating 353 / conductive element 363, and electrode coating 354 / conductive element 364. For example, this may be done as follows.

[0101] 5 , when the electrode coating 351 / conductive element 361 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 130 and the electrode coating 352 / conductive element 362 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 130, a circumferential current can be formed in the infrared emitting layer 32 to operate the infrared emitting layer 32. At this time, the heater 30 heats the segment of the aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by the infrared emitting layer 32 by emitting infrared rays from the infrared emitting layer 32.

[0102] 6, when the electrode coating 351 / conductive element 361 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 130 and the electrode coating 354 / conductive element 364 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 130, a circumferential current can be formed in the infrared emitting layer 33 to operate the infrared emitting layer 33. At this time, the heater 30 heats the segment of the aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by the infrared emitting layer 33 by emitting infrared rays from the infrared emitting layer 33.

[0103] 7, when the electrode coating 353 / conductive element 363 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 130 and the electrode coating 354 / conductive element 364 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 130, a circumferential current can be formed in the infrared emitting layer 34 to operate the infrared emitting layer 34. At this time, the heater 30 heats the segment of the aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by the infrared emitting layer 34 by emitting infrared rays from the infrared emitting layer 34.

[0104] 8 , when the electrode coating 351 / conductive element 361 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 130 and the electrode coating 353 / conductive element 363 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 130, the conductive coating 354 functions as a conductive intervening element, i.e., a dead electrode, connecting the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 in series, thereby simultaneously generating circumferential currents in the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34, allowing the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 to operate simultaneously. At this time, the infrared emitting layer 32 does not operate. At this time, the heater 30 simultaneously heats the segment of the aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by the infrared emitting layer 33 and the segment of the aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by the infrared emitting layer 34 by simultaneously emitting infrared rays from the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34.

[0105] 9 , when the electrode coating 352 / conductive element 362 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 130 and the electrode coating 354 / conductive element 364 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 130, the electrode coating 351 functions as a series connection intervening element between the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 33, thereby simultaneously generating circumferential currents in the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 33, causing the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 33 to operate simultaneously. At this time, the infrared emitting layer 34 does not operate. At this time, the heater 30 simultaneously heats the segment of the aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by the infrared emitting layer 32 and the segment of the aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by the infrared emitting layer 33 by simultaneously emitting infrared rays from the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 33.

[0106] 10 , when electrode coating 352 / conductive element 362 is connected to the positive electrode of battery cell 130 and electrode coating 353 / conductive element 363 is connected to the negative electrode of battery cell 130, electrode coating 351 functions as a serial connection between infrared emitting layer 32 and infrared emitting layer 33, and electrode coating 354 functions as a serial connection between infrared emitting layer 33 and infrared emitting layer 34, allowing infrared emitting layer 32, infrared emitting layer 33 and infrared emitting layer 34 to operate simultaneously. At this time, heater 30 simultaneously heats the segment of aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by infrared emitting layer 32, the segment of aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by infrared emitting layer 33 and the segment of aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by infrared emitting layer 34. That is, at this time, the aerosol-generating product 1000 is heated as a whole.

[0107] 11 , in the heater 30, the conductive coating 351 / conductive element 361 and the conductive coating 354 / conductive element 364 are connected via a lead wire / conductive element 39, so that the conductive coating 351 and the conductive coating 354 are short-circuited together. At this time, by further connecting the electrode coating 352 / conductive element 362 to the positive electrode of the battery cell 130 and connecting the electrode coating 353 / conductive element 363 to the negative electrode of the battery cell 130, the short circuit between the conductive coating 351 and the conductive coating 354 prevents current from flowing through the infrared emitting layer 33, so that the infrared emitting layers 32 and 34 operate, but the infrared emitting layer 33 does not operate.

[0108] Alternatively, when the conductive coating 351 and the conductive coating 354 form a short circuit via the conductor or the conductive element 39, the conductive coating 351 / conductive element 361 may be selectively connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 130, and the conductive coating 352 / conductive element 362 may be connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 130, similarly creating a state in which only the infrared emitting layer 32 operates and the infrared emitting layers 33 and 34 do not operate. Alternatively, the conductive coating 353 / conductive element 363 may be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 130, and the conductive coating 354 / conductive element 364 may be connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 130, creating a state in which only the infrared emitting layer 34 operates and the infrared emitting layers 32 and 33 do not operate.

[0109] In the above implementations, any one, any two, or any three of the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 are connected in series and operated by selectively connecting the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, between different electrode coatings or conductive elements and inputting a voltage.

[0110] In another embodiment of the present application, there is further provided an electrode connection control method in which the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 are operated simultaneously, but one of the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 has a higher power.

[0111] 12 , the conductive coating 352 / conductive element 362 is connected to the conductive coating 353 / conductive element 353 via a lead wire or conductive element 39 to establish a direct electrical connection or short circuit. At this time, the conductive coating 351 / conductive element 361 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 130, and the conductive coating 352 and / or the conductive coating 353 is connected to the negative electrode, thereby supplying voltage. In this state, a current i11 flows directly from the conductive coating 351 to the conductive coating 352 via the infrared emitting layer 32, and a current i12 flows from the conductive coating 351 to the conductive coating 353 via the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 connected in series. In the power supply path, the infrared emitting layer 32 and the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 connected in series form two circuit paths connected in parallel to each other.

[0112] 12, the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 operate simultaneously, but the resistance of the infrared emitting layer 32 is smaller than the equivalent resistance of the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 connected in series. For example, if the resistances of the infrared emitting layer 32, the infrared emitting layer 33, and the infrared emitting layer 34 are all the same and are R, the current i11 flowing through the infrared emitting layer 32 is twice the current flowing through the infrared emitting layer 33 and the infrared emitting layer 34 connected in series. The power of the infrared emitting layer 32 is P1=i11 2 ×R, but the power of the infrared radiation layer 33 and / or the infrared radiation layer 34 is P2=i12 2×R, and power P2 is 1 / 4 of power P1. At this time, the segment of aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by infrared-emitting layer 32 heats faster or at a higher temperature than the segments surrounded by infrared-emitting layer 33 and / or infrared-emitting layer 34. That is, in the implementation of Figure 12, infrared-emitting layer 32 is in a relatively high power density state, and infrared-emitting layer 33 and / or infrared-emitting layer 34 are in a relatively low power density state.

[0113] 13 , a voltage is applied by connecting conductive coating 351 / conductive element 361 to the positive electrode and conductive coating 354 / conductive element 364 to the negative electrode. This generates a current i11a flowing from conductive coating 351 / conductive element 361 to conductive coating 354 / conductive element 364 via infrared-emitting layer 33, and a current i12a flowing from conductive coating 351 / conductive element 361 to conductive coating 354 / conductive element 364 via infrared-emitting layer 32 and infrared-emitting layer 34 connected in series. This results in the power of infrared-emitting layer 33 being four times the power of infrared-emitting layer 32 and / or infrared-emitting layer 34. This causes the segment of aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by infrared-emitting layer 33 to heat faster or to a higher temperature than the segment surrounded by infrared-emitting layer 32 and / or infrared-emitting layer 34.

[0114] 14 , a voltage is applied by connecting conductive coating 353 / conductive element 363 to the positive electrode and conductive coating 354 / conductive element 364 to the negative electrode. Current i11b flows from conductive coating 353 / conductive element 363 to conductive coating 354 / conductive element 364 via infrared-emitting layer 34, and current i12b flows from conductive coating 353 / conductive element 363 to conductive coating 354 / conductive element 364 via infrared-emitting layer 32 and infrared-emitting layer 33 connected in series. This results in the power of infrared-emitting layer 34 being four times the power of infrared-emitting layer 32 and / or infrared-emitting layer 33. The segment of aerosol-generating product 1000 surrounded by infrared-emitting layer 34 heats up faster or at a higher temperature than the segment surrounded by infrared-emitting layer 32 and / or infrared-emitting layer 33.

[0115] 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment in which heater 30 heats different segments of aerosol-generating product 1000. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, aerosol-generating product 1000 includes segment 1100, which is surrounded and heated by infrared-emitting layer 32, segment 1200, which is surrounded and heated by infrared-emitting layer 33, and segment 1300, which is surrounded and heated by infrared-emitting layer 34. In this embodiment, segments 1100, 1200, and 1300 of aerosol-generating product 1000 are each located within different heating segments of heater 30. For example, segment 1100 is located within the heating segment defined by infrared-emitting layer 32, segment 1200 is located within the heating segment defined by infrared-emitting layer 33, and segment 1300 is located within the heating segment defined by infrared-emitting layer 34. During implementation, by selectively adopting a connection method between the heater 30 and the battery cell 130, the heater 30 can operate in various situations, such as heating only one or two of the segments 1100, 1200, and 1300 of the aerosol-generating product 1000, or simultaneously heating all three of the segments 1100, 1200, and 1300 of the aerosol-generating product 1000.

[0116] In addition, in an embodiment, by selectively adopting a different connection method for the heater 30 and the battery cell 130, it is possible to simultaneously heat segments 1100, 1200, and 1300 of the aerosol-generating product 1000, and to heat any one or two of segments 1100, 1200, and 1300 more quickly or at a higher temperature.

[0117] 16 shows a schematic diagram of temperature curves for heating segments 1100, 1200, and 1300 of an aerosol-generating product 1000 by controlling heater 30 in one embodiment, where curve S1 is the temperature curve for segment 1100 heated by infrared emitting layer 32, curve S2 is the temperature curve for segment 1200 heated by infrared emitting layer 33, and curve S3 is the temperature curve for segment 1300 heated by infrared emitting layer 34. The heating process includes the following:

[0118] During a first period (0 to t1 hours), power is supplied from the battery cell 130 to the heater 30 by the method shown in FIG. 12 to heat the segment 1100 faster than the segment 1200 and / or the segment 1300, and during the first period, the segment 1100 is heated to a first target temperature, for example, temperature T1, and the heating temperature or current temperature of the segment 1200 and / or the segment 1300 is lower than the first target temperature.

[0119] During the second period (time t1 to t2), power can be supplied from the battery cell 130 to the heater 30 by the method shown in FIG. 13 to heat the segment 1200 faster than the segment 1100 and / or the segment 1300, i.e., during the second period, the segment 1200 is heated to a second target temperature, for example, temperature T2, and the heating temperature or current temperature of the segment 1300 is lower than the second target temperature.

[0120] During a third period (time t2 to t3), power can be supplied from the battery cell 130 to the heater 30 by the method shown in FIG. 14 to heat the segment 1300 faster than the segment 1100 and / or the segment 1200, i.e., during the third period, the segment 1300 can be heated to a third target temperature, for example, temperature T3, and during the third period, the segments 1100, 1200, and 1300 can be heated to such an extent that their temperatures are substantially close or tend to be close.

[0121] During the fourth period (time t3 to t4 or end), power can be supplied from the battery cell 130 to the heater 30 using the method shown in Figure 10 to heat the segments 1100, 1200 and 1300 at approximately similar power or temperature until time t4 or the end of smoking.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first target temperature T1, the second target temperature T2, and the third target temperature T3 may be the same. For example, the temperatures T1, T2, and T3 may all be set to approximately 200°C to 300°C. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first target temperature T1, the second target temperature T2, and the third target temperature T3 may be different. For example, in some embodiments, the first target temperature T1, the second target temperature T2, and the third target temperature T3 may increase or decrease sequentially or gradually. For example, in one embodiment, the first target temperature T1, the second target temperature T2, and the third target temperature T3 may increase gradually. For example, in one specific embodiment, the first target temperature T1 may be set to 220°C to 250°C, the second target temperature T2 may be set to 240°C to 270°C, and the third target temperature T3 may be set to 260°C to 350°C. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the temperatures of the segments 1100, 1200, and 1300 are all essentially maintained at the third target temperature during the fourth period.

[0123] In some embodiments, the length of the first period is about 10 to 150 seconds, the length of the second period is about 20 to 40 seconds, the length of the third period is about 40 to 120 seconds, and the length of the fourth period is about 60 to 150 seconds. In one specific embodiment, the length of the first period is about 130 seconds, the length of the second period is about 25 seconds, the length of the third period is about 100 seconds, and the length of the fourth period is about 120 seconds.

[0124] In some embodiments, the length of the fourth period is greater than the length of the first period, the second period, and / or the third period, and in some embodiments, the length of the first period is greater than the length of the second period and / or the third period.

[0125] Alternatively, in some other variations, the heating of the aerosol-generating product 1000 may have one or more of a first period, a second period, a third period, and a fourth period. For example, the heating process may only have the first, second, and third periods without having the fourth period process. Or, the heating process may only have the first and fourth periods without having the second and third periods.

[0126] Alternatively, in another embodiment, there is further provided a method for controlling heating of segments 1100, 1200 and 1300 of an aerosol-generating product 1000 by an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising: During a first time period, the infrared emitting layer 32 of the heater 30 heats the segment 1100 with a power P10, the infrared emitting layer 33 heats the segment 1200 with a power P20, and the infrared emitting layer 34 heats the segment 1300 with a power P30, wherein the power P10 is greater than the power P20 and / or the power P10 is greater than the power P30 and / or the power P20 is approximately equal to the power P30; During a second time period, the infrared emitting layer 32 of the heater 30 heats the segment 1100 with power P40, the infrared emitting layer 33 heats the segment 1200 with power P50, and the infrared emitting layer 34 heats the segment 1300 with power P60, and / or the power P50 is greater than the power P40, and / or the power P50 is greater than the power P60, and / or the power P50 is approximately equal to the power P10 and the power P40 is approximately equal to the power P60, and / or the power P40, the power P60, the power P20, and the power P30 are essentially the same, and / or the power P40 and / or the power P60 are less than the power P10; During a third period, the infrared emitting layer 32 of the heater 30 heats the segment 1100 with power P70, the infrared emitting layer 33 heats the segment 1200 with power P80, and the infrared emitting layer 34 heats the segment 1300 with power P90, and / or the power P90 is greater than the power P70, and / or the power P90 is greater than the power P80, and / or the power P90 is approximately equal to the power P10 or the power P50, and / or the power P70 is approximately equal to the power P80.

[0127] Alternatively, in another embodiment, there is further provided a method for controlling heating of segments 1100, 1200, and 1300 of an aerosol-generating product 1000 by an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising the steps of: S100, heating segment 1100 faster or at a higher temperature or with more power than segment 1200 and / or segment 1300 during a first time period; S200, heating segment 1200 faster or at a higher temperature or with more power than segment 1100 and / or segment 1300 during a second time period; S300, heating segment 1300 faster or at a higher temperature or with more power than segment 1100 and / or segment 1200 during a third period.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third periods are consecutive, or in other embodiments, the first, second, and third periods are non-consecutive, or the first and second periods are spaced apart, or the second and third periods are spaced apart.

[0129] Alternatively, in another embodiment, there is further provided a method for controlling heating of segments 1100, 1200 and 1300 of an aerosol-generating product 1000 by an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising: heating at least segment 1100 for a first period of time, wherein segments 1200 and 1300 may be selectively heated or not heated; heating at least segment 1200 during a second period of time, wherein segments 1100 and 1300 may be selectively heated or not heated; heating at least segment 1300 during a third period of time, wherein segment 1100 and segment 1200 may or may not be selectively heated; and simultaneously heating segment 1100, segment 1200, and segment 1300 during a fourth period.

[0130] Alternatively, in another embodiment, there is further provided a method for controlling heating of segments 1100, 1200 and 1300 of an aerosol-generating product 1000 by an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising: heating at least segment 1100 for a first period of time, wherein segments 1200 and 1300 may be selectively heated or not heated; heating at least segment 1100 and segment 1200 during a second period of time, wherein segment 1300 may or may not be selectively heated; and simultaneously heating segment 1100, segment 1200, and segment 1300 during a third period.

[0131] Alternatively, in some other modified embodiments, the heater 30 may be a first resistive heating element, a second resistive heating element, and a third resistive heating element arranged sequentially in a vertical direction, wherein: a first resistive heating element configured to surround and heat the segment 1100; a second resistive heating element configured to surround and heat the segment 1200; A third resistive heating element is configured to surround and heat segment 1300 .

[0132] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first resistive heating element and / or the second resistive heating element and / or the third resistive heating element are pins or needles or sheets or the like for inserting into and heating different segments within the aerosol generating product 1000.

[0133] Alternatively, in some other modified embodiments, the heater 30 may be The heating element includes a first induction heating element, a second induction heating element, and a third induction heating element arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction, wherein: The first induction heating element is configured to surround and heat the segment 1100; a second induction heating element configured to surround and heat the segment 1200; The third induction heating element is configured to surround and heat the segment 1300 .

[0134] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first induction heating element and / or the second induction heating element and / or the third induction heating element are pins, needles, sheets, etc. for inserting into and heating different segments within the aerosol generating product 1000.

[0135] It should be noted that the specification and drawings of this application show preferred embodiments of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification, and that those skilled in the art may make improvements and modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications shall fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims of this application.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater adapted to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that the first heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the second heating segment and / or the third heating segment during a first period, the second heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the first heating segment and / or the third heating segment during a second period, and the third heating segment heats faster or with greater power than the first heating segment and / or the second heating segment during a third period.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment are arranged spaced apart from one another.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first heating segment, the second heating segment and the third heating segment are heated simultaneously during the first period and / or the second period and / or the third period.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the circuit is further configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that at least the first heating segment is heated during the first period, at least the first heating segment and the second heating segment are heated during the second period, and the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment are heated simultaneously during the third period.

5. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuit is further configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that during the first period, the first heating segment is heated to a first target temperature and the second heating segment and the third heating segment are at a temperature lower than the first target temperature, during the second period, the second heating segment is heated to a second target temperature and the third heating segment is at a temperature lower than the second target temperature, and during the third period, the third heating segment is heated to a third target temperature and the first heating segment and the second heating segment are at or above the third target temperature.

6. an opening through which, during use, an aerosol-generating product can be at least partially received in or removed from the housing; The first heating segment is closer to the opening than the second heating segment and / or the third heating segment.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the length of the first heating segment and / or the second heating segment and / or the third heating segment is 8 mm to 12 mm; 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first heating segment, the second heating segment and the third heating segment have essentially the same length.

8. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater includes only three heating segments.

9. Further included is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The heater is 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, further comprising an indicator segment for providing an indicator when the temperature sensor is connected or affixed to the heater.

11. The temperature sensor may further include a thermoplastic adhesive member for adhering or clamping the temperature sensor to the heater.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9.

12. and a thermal insulation element for providing thermal insulation outside the heater.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The heaters are arranged sequentially in the vertical direction. a first heating element at least partially defining the first heating segment; a second heating element at least partially defining the second heating segment; 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third heating element at least partially defining the third heating segment.

14. the first heating element is at least one of an infrared heating element or a resistive heating element; and / or the second heating element is at least one of an infrared heating element or a resistive heating element; 14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the third heating element is at least one of an infrared heating element and a resistance heating element.

15. During the first period, the first heating element is connected in parallel with the second and third heating elements which are connected in series; and / or during the second period, the second heating element is connected in parallel to the first and third heating elements which are connected in series; And / or, during the third period, the third heating element is connected in parallel to the first and second heating elements which are connected in series.

16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, characterized in that the circuit is configured to selectively connect any two or three of the first heating element, the second heating element, and the third heating element in series.

17. the heater includes a first electrode element, a second electrode element, a third electrode element, and a fourth electrode element; the first heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the first and second electrode elements such that, in use, a current can be conducted to the first heating element by the first and second electrode elements; the second heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the first and fourth electrode elements such that, in use, a current can be conducted to the second heating element by the first and fourth electrode elements; 14. The aerosol generating device of claim 13, wherein the third heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the third electrode element and the fourth electrode element so that current can be conducted to the third heating element by the third electrode element and the fourth electrode element during use.

18. the first electrode element and the second electrode element are disposed opposite to each other in a radial direction of the heater, and / or the third electrode element and the fourth electrode element are arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction of the heater, and / or the first electrode element and the third electrode element are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the heater, The aerosol generating device according to claim 17, wherein the second electrode element and the fourth electrode element are arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the heater.

19. The extension length of the first electrode element is greater than the extension length of the second electrode element, 18. The aerosol generating device according to claim 17, wherein the extension length of the third electrode element is smaller than the extension length of the fourth electrode element.

20. the first electrode element extends at least partially from the first heating element to the second heating element; and / or the fourth electrode element extends at least partially from the second heating element to the third heating element.

21. The second electrode element and the third electrode element are electrically connected to each other via a conductor or a conductive element, The aerosol generating device according to claim 17, wherein the first electrode element and the fourth electrode element are connected and electrically conductive via a lead or a conductive element.

22. The heater is 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, comprising a substrate and a first infrared emitting layer, a second infrared emitting layer and a third infrared emitting layer formed on or bonded to the substrate, wherein the first infrared emitting layer at least partially defines the first heating segment, the second infrared emitting layer at least partially defines the second heating segment, and the third infrared emitting layer at least partially defines the third heating segment.

23. the first infrared-emitting layer comprises a coating or film formed on or bonded to the substrate; and / or the second infrared emitting layer comprises a coating or film formed on or bonded to the substrate; and / or the third infrared emitting layer comprises a coating or film formed on or bonded to the substrate.

24. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating product comprising a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heater for heating the aerosol-generating product; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that the heater heats the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment simultaneously, and so that the heating power to one of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment is different from the heating power to the other two.

25. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating product comprising a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heater for heating the aerosol-generating product; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that the first segment is heated faster or with greater power than the second segment and / or the third segment during a first period, the second segment is heated faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the third segment during a second period, and the third segment is heated faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the second segment during a third period.

26. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater adapted to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that at least the first heating segment is heated during a first period, at least the first heating segment and the second heating segment are heated during a second period, and the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment are heated simultaneously during a third period.

27. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater adapted to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that at least the first heating segment is heated during a first period, at least the second heating segment is heated during a second period, at least the third heating segment is heated during a third period, and the first heating segment, second heating segment, and third heating segment are heated simultaneously during a fourth period.

28. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater adapted to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that during a first period, the first heating segment is heated at a first power, and the second heating segment and the third heating segment are heated at essentially the same second power; during a second period, the second heating segment is heated at a third power, and the first heating segment and the third heating segment are heated at essentially the same fourth power; and during a third period, the third heating segment is heated at a fifth power, and the first heating segment and the second heating segment are heated at essentially the same sixth power.

29. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater adapted to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater; and a circuit configured to control the power supplied from the battery cell to the heater so that, during a first period, the first heating segment is heated to a first target temperature and the second heating segment and the third heating segment are at a temperature lower than the first target temperature, during a second period, the second heating segment is heated to a second target temperature and the third heating segment is at a temperature lower than the second target temperature, and during a third period, the third heating segment is heated to a third target temperature and the first heating segment and the second heating segment are at or above the third target temperature.

30. a first end and a second end spaced apart in a longitudinal direction; a first heating element adjacent to the first end, a third heating element adjacent to the second end, and a second heating element positioned between the first heating element and the third heating element, the first heating element being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction; a first electrode element, a second electrode element, a third electrode element and a fourth electrode element, wherein the first heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the first and second electrode elements such that, in use, a current can be conducted to the first heating element by the first and second electrode elements; the second heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the first and fourth electrode elements such that, in use, a current can be conducted to the second heating element by the first and fourth electrode elements; the third heating element is at least partially electrically connected between the third and fourth electrode elements such that, in use, a current can be conducted to the third heating element by the third and fourth electrode elements. A heater for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that:

31. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater used to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, supplying power to the heater; heating the first heating segment faster or with more power than the second heating segment and / or the third heating segment during a first time period; heating the second heating segment faster or with more power than the first heating segment and / or the third heating segment during a second time period; and heating the third heating segment faster or with greater power than the first heating segment and / or the second heating segment during a third time period. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

32. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater used to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, supplying power to the heater; heating at least the first heating segment for a first time period; heating at least the first heating segment and the second heating segment for a second time period; and simultaneously heating the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment for a third period of time. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

33. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater used to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, supplying power to the heater; heating at least the first heating segment for a first time period; heating at least the second heating segment for a second period of time; heating at least the third heating segment for a third time period; and simultaneously heating the first heating segment, the second heating segment, and the third heating segment during a fourth time period. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

34. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater used to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, supplying power to the heater; heating the first heating segment at a first power and heating the second and third heating segments at essentially the same second power for a first time period; heating the second heating segment at a third power and heating the first and third heating segments at essentially the same fourth power during a second time period; heating the third heating segment at a fifth power and heating the first and second heating segments at essentially the same sixth power during a third time period. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

35. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating product to generate an aerosol, comprising: a heater used to heat the aerosol-generating product, the heater defining at least a first heating segment, a second heating segment, and a third heating segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, supplying power to the heater; heating the first heating segment to a first target temperature higher than the current temperatures of the second and third heating segments during a first time period; heating the second heating segment to a second target temperature greater than the current temperature of the third heating segment during a second time period; and heating the third heating segment to a third target temperature during a third time period that approaches the current temperatures of the first and second heating segments. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

36. an aerosol-generating product configured to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating product, the aerosol-generating product including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device including a heater for heating an aerosol-generating product and a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, comprising: supplying power to the heaters such that the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment are heated simultaneously, wherein a heating power to one of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment is different from a heating power to the other two. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

37. an aerosol-generating product configured to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating product, the aerosol-generating product including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device including a heater for heating an aerosol-generating product and a battery cell for supplying power to the heater, comprising: supplying power to the heater; heating the first segment faster or with greater power than the second and / or third segments during a first time period; heating the second segment faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the third segment during a second time period; and heating the third segment faster or with greater power than the first segment and / or the second segment during a third time period. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

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