TW202038761A - Smoking substitute system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a system having a smoking substitute device for heating a consumable according to a consumable cycle. The smoking substitute device comprises a measurement means for measuring a usage of the device by a user during the consumable cycle, and a controller configured to determine an exhaustion level of the consumable during the consumable cycle based on the usage. The controller is further configured to control an aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device during the consumable operating cycle based on the exhaustion level.

Description

吸煙替代系統Smoking replacement system

本發明與吸煙替代系統相關，且特別是（然而非專門地）與包括用於在耗材循環期間加熱耗材的設備的吸煙替代系統相關。The present invention is related to smoking replacement systems, and particularly (but not exclusively) to smoking replacement systems that include devices for heating consumables during the cycle of consumables.

普遍認為吸煙草使吸煙者暴露於潛在有害物質。普遍認為，大量的潛在有害物質是透過由煙草的燃燒及/或燃燒引起的熱量以及煙草的煙本身中燃燒的煙草成分而產生的。It is generally believed that smoking grass exposes smokers to potentially harmful substances. It is generally believed that a large amount of potentially harmful substances are produced through the heat caused by the burning and/or burning of tobacco and the burning tobacco components in the tobacco smoke itself.

常規的易燃吸煙製品（例如香煙）一般包括圓柱形的煙草桿且通常也包括圓柱形的濾嘴，圓柱形的煙草桿包括被包裝紙環繞的煙絲，濾嘴與包裹的煙草桿呈鄰接關係地軸向對準。濾嘴一般包括被塞套圍束的過濾材料。包裹的煙草桿及濾嘴藉由包裹的接裝紙帶接合在一起，接裝紙帶圍束濾嘴的整個長度及包裹的煙草桿的相鄰部分。此種常規香煙是藉由點燃與濾嘴相對的端部及燃燒煙草桿來使用的。吸煙者藉由在香煙的口部端或濾嘴端進行抽吸來將主流煙接收到它們的口部中。Conventional flammable smoking products (such as cigarettes) generally include cylindrical tobacco rods and usually also cylindrical filters. Cylindrical tobacco rods include shredded tobacco surrounded by wrapping paper, and the filter is adjacent to the wrapped tobacco rod. Align the ground axis. Filters generally include filter material enclosed by a plug sleeve. The wrapped tobacco rod and the filter are joined together by a wrapped tipping paper tape, which wraps the entire length of the filter and the adjacent part of the wrapped tobacco rod. This conventional cigarette is used by igniting the end opposite to the filter and burning the tobacco rod. Smokers receive mainstream smoke into their mouths by smoking at the mouth end or filter end of the cigarette.

已知有機材料（例如煙草）的燃燒會產生焦油及其他潛在有害的副產物。已經提出了各種吸煙替代系統（或「替代吸煙系統」）以避免吸煙草。It is known that the burning of organic materials (such as tobacco) produces tar and other potentially harmful by-products. Various smoking alternative systems (or "alternative smoking systems") have been proposed to avoid smoking grass.

此類吸煙替代系統可以形成尼古丁替代療法的一部分，此療法針對的是希望停止吸煙且克服對尼古丁的依賴的人。This type of smoking replacement system can form part of nicotine replacement therapy, which is aimed at people who want to stop smoking and overcome their dependence on nicotine.

吸煙替代系統包括電子系統，電子系統藉由產生煙霧（也稱為「蒸氣」）容許使用者模擬吸煙的動作，此煙霧透過口部（吸入）抽吸到肺部中隨後呼出。吸入的煙霧一般帶有尼古丁及/或調味劑，其不具有或具有較少的與傳統吸煙相關聯的氣味及健康風險。Smoking substitution systems include electronic systems that allow users to simulate smoking by generating smoke (also called "vapor"), which is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhalation) and then exhaled. Inhaled smoke generally contains nicotine and/or flavors, which do not have or have less odor and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

總體而言，吸煙替代系統旨在提供吸煙儀式的替代品，同時將類似的體驗提供給使用者及向有傳統吸煙及易燃煙草產品的經驗的彼等人提供滿足感。一些吸煙替代系統使用吸煙替代製品（也稱為「耗材」），此吸煙替代製品被設計為類似於呈圓柱形的形式且在一端處具有煙嘴口的傳統香煙。In general, the smoking substitution system aims to provide alternatives to smoking rituals, while providing a similar experience to users and providing satisfaction to those who have experience in traditional smoking and flammable tobacco products. Some smoking replacement systems use smoking replacement products (also called "consumables") that are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes that are cylindrical in form and have a mouthpiece at one end.

在過去幾年中，吸煙替代系統的普及及使用迅速增長。儘管原本是作為協助希望戒去吸煙草的習慣性吸煙者的輔助來銷售的，但消費者越來越將吸煙替代系統視為合乎需要的生活風格配件。In the past few years, the popularity and use of smoking alternative systems have grown rapidly. Although originally sold as an aid to habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking, consumers increasingly regard the smoking alternative system as a desirable lifestyle accessory.

存在許多不同範疇的吸煙替代系統，每種均利用不同的吸煙替代方法。There are many different types of smoking replacement systems, each using a different method of smoking replacement.

一種用於吸煙替代系統的方法是所謂的加熱煙草（「HT」）方法，其中將煙草（而不是「電子液體」）加熱或加溫以釋放蒸氣。HT也稱為「加熱不燃燒」（「HNB」）。煙草可以是煙葉或重組的煙草。蒸氣可以含有尼古丁及/或調味劑。在HT方法中，意圖是，將煙草加熱但不點燃，即煙草並不經歷燃燒。One method used in smoking alternative systems is the so-called heated tobacco ("HT") method, in which tobacco (rather than "e-liquid") is heated or warmed to release vapor. HT is also called "heat not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco can be tobacco leaf or reconstituted tobacco. The vapor may contain nicotine and/or flavoring agents. In the HT method, the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not ignited, that is, the tobacco does not experience combustion.

典型的HT吸煙替代系統可以包括設備及耗材。耗材可以包括煙草材料。可以將設備及耗材配置為實體耦接在一起。使用時，可以藉由設備的加熱元件向煙草材料賦予熱，其中通過煙草材料的空氣流使得煙草材料中的成分作為蒸氣釋放。蒸氣也可以由煙草材料中的載體（此載體可以例如包括丙二醇及/或植物甘油）及從煙草所釋放的額外的揮發性化合物所形成。釋放的蒸氣可以夾帶在抽吸通過煙草的空氣流中。A typical HT smoking replacement system can include equipment and consumables. The consumable may include tobacco material. The equipment and consumables can be configured to be physically coupled together. During use, the heating element of the device can be used to impart heat to the tobacco material, wherein the air flow through the tobacco material causes the components in the tobacco material to be released as vapor. The vapor may also be formed by a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may, for example, include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin) and additional volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapor can be entrained in the air stream drawn through the tobacco.

隨著蒸氣從汽化位置穿過耗材（夾帶在空氣流中）到耗材的出口（例如煙嘴口），蒸氣冷卻及冷凝而形成煙霧以供使用者吸入。煙霧通常將含有揮發性化合物。As the vapor passes through the consumable (entrained in the air stream) from the vaporization position to the outlet of the consumable (such as the mouthpiece of the cigarette holder), the vapor cools and condenses to form smoke for the user to inhale. Smoke will usually contain volatile compounds.

在HT吸煙替代系統中，認為加熱而不是點燃煙草材料造成較少或較小量的通常在吸煙期間產生的更有害的化合物。從而，HT方法可以減少可能透過煙草的點燃、燃燒、及熱解劣化引起的氣味及/或健康風險。In the HT smoking replacement system, it is believed that heating rather than igniting the tobacco material causes fewer or smaller amounts of the more harmful compounds that are usually produced during smoking. Thus, the HT method can reduce the odor and/or health risks that may be caused by the ignition, combustion, and pyrolysis degradation of tobacco.

此類系統一般藉由加熱耗材達一段預定的時間來操作。預定時間對於每個耗材循環（即每次使用設備來消耗耗材）而言均相同。因此，在一些情況下，即使耗材不一定完全消耗（例如在耗材已經消耗得比正常還慢時），設備也可以防止進一步消耗（由於預定的時間結束）。在例如耗材消耗得比正常還快的其他情況下，設備可以允許在耗材已經消耗之後加熱耗材。Such systems generally operate by heating consumables for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined time is the same for each consumable cycle (that is, each time the device is used to consume consumables). Therefore, in some cases, even if the consumables are not necessarily completely consumed (for example, when the consumables have been consumed slower than normal), the device can prevent further consumption (due to the end of the predetermined time). In other cases, for example, where the consumable is consumed faster than normal, the device may allow the consumable to be heated after the consumable has been consumed.

可能需要吸煙替代系統（特別是HT吸煙替代系統）的改善設計以增強使用者體驗及改善HT吸煙替代系統的功能。It may be necessary to improve the design of smoking replacement systems (especially HT smoking replacement systems) to enhance the user experience and improve the function of HT smoking replacement systems.

鑑於上述考量設計了本揭示內容。This disclosure is designed in view of the above considerations.

從最廣泛的意義上講，本發明與用於在耗材循環期間加熱耗材的吸煙替代設備相關。可以基於耗材的用盡水平來控制吸煙替代設備。In the broadest sense, the present invention is related to smoking replacement devices for heating consumables during their cycles. Smoking replacement devices can be controlled based on the exhaustion level of consumables.

依據本發明的第一態樣，提供了一種用於依據耗材循環來加熱耗材的吸煙替代設備，此吸煙替代設備包括：測量構件，用於在耗材循環期間測量設備被使用者進行的使用；及控制器，被配置為基於使用來在耗材循環期間決定耗材的用盡水平，及其中控制器更被配置為基於用盡水平來在耗材操作循環期間控制吸煙替代設備的操作的一個方面。According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking substitute device for heating consumables according to the circulation of the consumables. The smoking substitute device includes: a measuring member for measuring the use of the device by the user during the circulation of the consumables; The controller is configured to determine the depletion level of consumables during the consumable cycle based on usage, and the controller is further configured to control an aspect of the operation of the smoking replacement device during the consumable operation cycle based on the depletion level.

藉由提供具有能夠決定耗材的用盡水平的控制器的設備，可以基於此決定來變更設備的操作。例如，在耗材消耗得比正常還慢的情況下，控制器可以能夠延長耗材循環的長度。這可以確保，每個耗材均被完全消耗。類似地，在耗材消耗得比正常還快的情況下，控制器可以限制耗材循環。By providing a device with a controller that can determine the depletion level of consumables, the operation of the device can be changed based on this determination. For example, in the case where consumables are consumed more slowly than normal, the controller may be able to extend the length of the consumables cycle. This ensures that every consumable is completely consumed. Similarly, in the case where consumables are consumed faster than normal, the controller can limit the circulation of consumables.

用語「耗材循環」可以指單個耗材的預定加熱循環。用語「用盡水平」用來描述耗材已經消耗的程度。The term "consumable cycle" can refer to a predetermined heating cycle of a single consumable. The term "exhaustion level" is used to describe the extent to which consumables have been consumed.

現將列出可選的特徵。這些特徵單獨地可適用或者與任何態樣任何組合地可適用。The optional features will now be listed. These features are applicable individually or in any combination with any aspect.

測量構件可以包括感測器。感測器可以是配置為偵測使用者在耗材上噗氣（即吸氣）的噗氣感測器。設備的使用可以基於由噗氣感測器所進行的至少一次噗氣的偵測。除了偵測噗氣的存在以外，還可以將噗氣感測器配置為偵測此噗氣的一或更多個特性，例如噗氣的長度及/或噗氣的強度。噗氣感測器可以呈壓力感測器或聲學感測器的形式（或可以包括壓力感測器或聲學感測器）。由噗氣感測器所進行的測量可以用來計算噗氣的體積。噗氣之間的暫停時間也可以用於使用的決定。The measurement member may include a sensor. The sensor may be a puff sensor configured to detect the user's puff (ie, inhale) on the consumable. The use of the device can be based on at least one puff detection by the puff sensor. In addition to detecting the presence of the puff, the puff sensor can also be configured to detect one or more characteristics of the puff, such as the length of the puff and/or the strength of the puff. The puff sensor may be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor (or may include a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor). The measurement made by the puff sensor can be used to calculate the volume of puff. The pause time between puffs can also be used in the decision to use.

用盡水平的決定（例如藉由計算來決定）可以基於耗材循環期間的設備的加熱器的操作溫度。設備可以包括溫度感測器以供感測加熱器的溫度。溫度感測器可以呈形成到加熱器的加熱元件中或安裝到加熱元件的溫度感測軌路的形式。溫度感測器可以連接到控制器以供向控制器傳送指示加熱器的溫度的訊號。The determination of the exhaustion level (for example by calculation) may be based on the operating temperature of the heater of the device during the consumable cycle. The device may include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater. The temperature sensor may be in the form of a temperature sensing rail formed into the heating element of the heater or mounted to the heating element. The temperature sensor can be connected to the controller for transmitting a signal indicating the temperature of the heater to the controller.

用盡水平的決定可以基於在耗材循環期間向設備的加熱器供應的功率水平。可以將控制器配置為控制從設備的電源向加熱器供應的電力。可以將控制器配置為控制電力且控制在第一功率水平及第二功率水平下。可以在依據第二功率水平來控制電源時向加熱器供應更多電力。用盡水平可以基於耗材循環的歸因於每個功率水平的比例。較高比例的第二功率水平可以指示較高的用盡水平。The determination of the exhaustion level may be based on the power level supplied to the heater of the device during the consumable cycle. The controller may be configured to control the power supplied from the power source of the device to the heater. The controller can be configured to control the power and control at the first power level and the second power level. It is possible to supply more power to the heater when controlling the power source according to the second power level. The exhaustion level can be based on the proportion of consumable cycles attributed to each power level. A higher percentage of the second power level can indicate a higher level of exhaustion.

設備可以包括配置為測量設備的環境溫度的環境溫度測量構件。環境溫度可以是環境的溫度（例如室溫）。設備可以包括佈置為測量環境空氣溫度的環境空氣溫度感測器。可以將環境空氣溫度感測器設置在設備的外表面處或附近。較高的環境溫度可以導致較快地用盡耗材。因此，用盡水平的決定可以基於環境溫度測量。The device may include an ambient temperature measuring member configured to measure the ambient temperature of the device. The ambient temperature may be the temperature of the environment (for example, room temperature). The device may include an ambient air temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of the ambient air. The ambient air temperature sensor can be placed at or near the outer surface of the device. Higher ambient temperatures can cause consumables to run out faster. Therefore, the determination of the exhaustion level can be based on ambient temperature measurements.

用盡水平的決定可以基於耗材循環期間的設備的使用者可選操作模式。操作模式可以與向加熱器供應的功率水平（例如上文所論述的功率水平）對應。可以將控制器配置為依據複數個操作模式來操作。操作模式的差異可以在於，控制器如何控制加熱器。例如，一種電力模式可以包括逐漸加熱加熱器，而另一種電力模式可以包括更快速地加熱（例如用電力消耗為代價）。The determination of the exhaustion level can be based on the user-selectable operating mode of the device during the consumable cycle. The operating mode may correspond to the power level supplied to the heater (eg, the power level discussed above). The controller can be configured to operate according to a plurality of operating modes. The difference in operation mode can be in how the controller controls the heater. For example, one power mode may include heating the heater gradually, while another power mode may include heating more quickly (for example, at the expense of power consumption).

設備的操作的方面可以包括基於用盡水平來控制耗材循環的持續時間。可以將控制器配置為將用盡水平與預定的閾值水平進行比較。若用盡水平超過預定的水平，則控制器可以減少耗材循環的持續時間。另一方面，若用盡水平小於預定的水平，則控制器可以增加耗材循環的持續時間。可以基於循環中的時間點（即進行比較的時間點）的預期用盡來選定預定的閾值水平。例如，若在循環結束時（或接近結束時）進行比較，則預定的閾值可以指示耗材的完全用盡。Aspects of the operation of the device may include controlling the duration of the consumable cycle based on the depletion level. The controller can be configured to compare the depletion level with a predetermined threshold level. If the exhaustion level exceeds a predetermined level, the controller can reduce the duration of the consumable cycle. On the other hand, if the exhaustion level is less than a predetermined level, the controller may increase the duration of the consumable cycle. The predetermined threshold level can be selected based on the expected exhaustion at the time point in the cycle (ie, the time point at which the comparison is made). For example, if the comparison is made at the end of the cycle (or near the end), the predetermined threshold may indicate the complete exhaustion of consumables.

可以將控制器配置為若用盡水平低於預定的最小用盡閾值，則延長耗材循環的持續時間達預定的延長時間。控制器可以在循環結束時（或接近結束時）將用盡水平與最小用盡水平進行比較。可以將控制器配置為控制設備的使用者介面（UI）以向使用者指示耗材循環的持續時間被延長。可以將控制器配置為在從UI接收到輸入訊號之後（例如響應於要延長持續時間的指示）就延長耗材循環的持續時間。在這方面，可以將設備配置為給予使用者延長耗材循環的持續時間的選項。The controller may be configured to extend the duration of the consumable cycle for a predetermined extended time if the exhaustion level is lower than a predetermined minimum exhaustion threshold. The controller can compare the depletion level with the minimum depletion level at the end of the loop (or near the end). The controller can be configured to control the user interface (UI) of the device to indicate to the user that the duration of the consumable cycle is extended. The controller may be configured to extend the duration of the consumable cycle after receiving an input signal from the UI (for example, in response to an instruction to extend the duration). In this regard, the device can be configured to give the user the option of extending the duration of the consumable cycle.

可以將控制器配置為若用盡水平超過預定的最大用盡閾值，則縮短耗材循環的持續時間。這可以確保耗材不過度用盡（及例如在耗材處於完全用盡狀態時被使用者消耗）。The controller can be configured to shorten the duration of the consumable cycle if the depletion level exceeds a predetermined maximum depletion threshold. This can ensure that the consumables are not excessively used up (and, for example, are consumed by the user when the consumables are completely used up).

設備的操作的方面可以包括基於用盡水平來在耗材循環期間控制設備的加熱器的操作溫度。例如，可以將控制器配置為若用盡水平超過預定的最大用盡水平，則減少加熱器的溫度。這可以減慢耗材的用盡。同樣地，可以將控制器配置為若用盡水平低於預定的最小用盡水平，則增加加熱器的溫度。最小用盡水平及最大用盡水平可以為耗材循環中進行比較的時間點界定所需的用盡範圍。Aspects of the operation of the device may include controlling the operating temperature of the heater of the device during the consumable cycle based on the depletion level. For example, the controller can be configured to reduce the temperature of the heater if the depletion level exceeds a predetermined maximum depletion level. This can slow down the exhaustion of consumables. Likewise, the controller can be configured to increase the temperature of the heater if the exhaustion level is lower than a predetermined minimum exhaustion level. The minimum exhaustion level and the maximum exhaustion level can define the required exhaustion range for the time point in the consumable cycle for comparison.

吸煙替代設備可以包括使用者輸出構件（其例如形成UI的一部分）以供向使用者提供使用者反饋。可以將控制器配置為控制使用者輸出構件以向使用者指示吸煙替代設備的操作的方面的控制。使用者輸出構件可以包括一或更多個燈或觸感反饋部件。The smoking alternative device may include a user output member (which for example forms part of the UI) for providing user feedback to the user. The controller may be configured to control the user output member to indicate to the user control of aspects of the operation of the smoking substitute device. The user output member may include one or more lights or tactile feedback components.

設備可以包括細長的主體。可以將細長主體的端部配置為用於與煙霧形成製品接合。例如，可以將主體配置為用於與加熱煙草（HT）耗材（或加熱不燃燒（HNB）耗材）或電子香煙耗材接合。用語「加熱煙草」及「加熱不燃燒」在本文中可互換地使用以描述被加熱而非燃燒的類型的耗材（或可互換地使用以描述用於與此類耗材一起使用的設備）。設備可以包括配置為用於接收耗材的至少一部分（即用於與耗材接合）的空腔。煙霧形成製品可以是包括煙霧形成劑（例如由煙霧形成基材攜帶的煙霧形成劑）的類型。The device may include an elongated body. The end of the elongate body can be configured for engagement with an aerosol forming article. For example, the main body may be configured to engage with heating tobacco (HT) consumables (or heat not burn (HNB) consumables) or electronic cigarette consumables. The terms "heated tobacco" and "heat not burn" are used interchangeably herein to describe the type of consumable that is heated rather than burned (or used interchangeably to describe equipment for use with such consumables). The device may include a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the consumable (ie for engaging with the consumable). The aerosol forming article may be of a type that includes an aerosol forming agent (for example, an aerosol forming agent carried by an aerosol forming substrate).

如上文所論述，設備可以包括加熱器以供加熱煙霧形成製品。加熱器可以包括呈從設備的主體延伸的桿的形式的加熱元件。加熱元件可以從主體的配置為用於與煙霧形成製品接合的端部延伸。As discussed above, the device may include a heater for heating the aerosol forming article. The heater may include a heating element in the form of a rod extending from the main body of the device. The heating element may extend from the end of the main body configured for engagement with the aerosol forming article.

可以將加熱器（且因此加熱元件）剛性安裝到主體。加熱元件可以是細長的以便界定縱軸線，且可以例如具有實質圓形的橫向輪廓（即橫向於加熱元件的縱軸線）（即加熱元件可以是大致圓柱形的）。或者，加熱元件可以具有矩形的橫向輪廓（即加熱器可以是「葉片加熱器」）。或者，加熱元件可以呈管的形狀（即加熱器可以是「管式加熱器」）。加熱元件可以採取其他的形式（例如加熱元件可以具有橢圓形的橫向輪廓）。加熱元件的橫向輪廓的形狀及/或尺寸（例如直徑）對於加熱元件的整個長度（或實質上整個長度）而言可以是大致一致的。The heater (and therefore the heating element) can be rigidly mounted to the main body. The heating element may be elongated so as to define a longitudinal axis, and may for example have a substantially circular transverse profile (ie transverse to the longitudinal axis of the heating element) (ie the heating element may be substantially cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element may have a rectangular transverse profile (ie the heater may be a "blade heater"). Alternatively, the heating element may be in the shape of a tube (ie, the heater may be a "tube heater"). The heating element may take other forms (for example, the heating element may have an oval transverse profile). The shape and/or size (for example, diameter) of the lateral profile of the heating element may be approximately the same for the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.

加熱元件的長度可以是在15 mm與25 mm之間，例如18 mm與20 mm之間，例如約19 mm。加熱元件的直徑可以在1.5 mm與2.5 mm之間，例如2 mm與2.3 mm之間，例如約2.15 mm。The length of the heating element may be between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example between 18 mm and 20 mm, for example about 19 mm. The diameter of the heating element may be between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, for example between 2 mm and 2.3 mm, for example about 2.15 mm.

加熱元件可以由陶瓷所形成。加熱元件可以包括包含Al₂ O₃ 的核心（例如陶瓷核心）。加熱元件的核心可以具有1.8 mm到2.1 mm（例如1.9 mm與2 mm之間）的直徑。加熱元件可以包括包含Al₂ O₃ 的外層（例如外陶瓷層）。外層的厚度可以是在160 μm與220 μm之間，例如170 μm與190 μm之間，例如約180 μm。加熱元件可以包括縱向地沿著加熱元件延伸的加熱軌路。可以將加熱軌路夾在加熱元件的外層與核心之間。加熱軌路可以包括鎢及/或錸。加熱軌路可以具有約20 μm的厚度。The heating element may be formed of ceramic. The heating element may include a core containing Al ₂ O ₃ (for example a ceramic core). The core of the heating element may have a diameter of 1.8 mm to 2.1 mm (for example between 1.9 mm and 2 mm). The heating element may include an outer layer (for example, an outer ceramic layer) containing Al ₂ O ₃ . The thickness of the outer layer may be between 160 μm and 220 μm, for example between 170 μm and 190 μm, for example about 180 μm. The heating element may include a heating rail extending longitudinally along the heating element. The heating rail can be sandwiched between the outer layer of the heating element and the core. The heating rail may include tungsten and/or rhenium. The heating rail may have a thickness of about 20 μm.

加熱元件可以位於（設備的）空腔中，且可以從空腔的內部基部朝向空腔的開口延伸（例如沿著縱軸線延伸）。加熱元件的長度（即沿著加熱器的縱軸線的長度）可以小於空腔的深度。因此，加熱元件可以僅延伸達空腔的長度的一部分。也就是說，加熱元件可以不延伸通過（或超出）空腔的開口。The heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device) and may extend from the inner base of the cavity towards the opening of the cavity (for example along the longitudinal axis). The length of the heating element (ie, the length along the longitudinal axis of the heater) may be less than the depth of the cavity. Therefore, the heating element may only extend up to a part of the length of the cavity. That is, the heating element may not extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.

可以將加熱元件配置為用於在煙霧形成製品被接收在空腔中時安插到煙霧形成製品（例如HT耗材）中。在那方面，加熱元件的遠端（即相對於加熱元件的基部的遠端，加熱元件在此遠端處被安裝到設備）可以包括錐形部分，這可以促進將加熱元件安插到煙霧形成製品中。加熱元件可以在煙霧形成製品被接收在空腔中時完全穿透煙霧形成製品。也就是說，可以將加熱元件的整個長度或實質上整個長度接收在煙霧形成製品中。The heating element can be configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming article (eg, HT consumable) when the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In that regard, the distal end of the heating element (ie the distal end relative to the base of the heating element where the heating element is mounted to the device) may include a tapered portion, which may facilitate the insertion of the heating element into the aerosol forming article in. The heating element may completely penetrate the aerosol-forming article when it is received in the cavity. That is, the entire length or substantially the entire length of the heating element can be received in the aerosol-forming article.

加熱元件可以具有小於或實質相同於煙霧形成基材的軸向長度的長度，煙霧形成基材形成煙霧形成製品（例如HT耗材）的一部分。因此，在此類煙霧形成製品與設備接合時，加熱元件可以僅穿透煙霧形成基材，而不穿透煙霧形成製品的其他部件。加熱元件可以穿透煙霧形成基材達煙霧形成製品的煙霧形成基材的實質上整個軸向長度。因此，在加熱元件穿透煙霧形成基材時，熱可以從加熱元件（例如加熱元件的外周面）傳導到周圍的煙霧形成基材。也就是說，熱可以徑向向外地傳導（在圓柱形加熱元件的情況下）或例如徑向向內地傳導（在管式加熱器的情況下）。The heating element may have a length that is less than or substantially the same as the axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate, which forms part of the aerosol-forming article (eg, HT consumable). Therefore, when such an aerosol-forming article is joined to a device, the heating element can only penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate, but not other parts of the aerosol-forming article. The heating element can penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate up to substantially the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. Therefore, when the heating element penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate, heat can be conducted from the heating element (for example, the outer peripheral surface of the heating element) to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate. That is, the heat can be conducted radially outward (in the case of cylindrical heating elements) or, for example, radially inward (in the case of tubular heaters).

若加熱器是管式加熱器，則管式加熱器的加熱元件可以圍繞空腔的至少一部分。在煙霧形成製品的部分被接收在空腔中時，加熱元件可以圍繞煙霧形成製品的一部分（即以便加熱煙霧形成製品的彼部分）。詳細而言，加熱元件可以圍繞煙霧形成製品的煙霧形成基材。也就是說，在煙霧形成製品與設備接合時，煙霧形成製品的煙霧形成基材可以位在（管式）加熱元件的內表面附近。在啟動加熱元件時，熱可以從加熱元件的內表面徑向向內地傳導以加熱煙霧形成基材。If the heater is a tube heater, the heating element of the tube heater may surround at least a part of the cavity. When a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element may surround a portion of the aerosol-forming article (ie in order to heat that portion of the aerosol-forming article). In detail, the heating element may surround the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. In other words, when the aerosol-forming product is joined to the device, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming product can be located near the inner surface of the (tubular) heating element. When the heating element is activated, heat can be conducted radially inward from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the aerosol forming substrate.

空腔可以包括（例如周向的）一或多個壁，而（管式）加元構件可以圍繞一或多個壁的至少一部分延伸。如此，壁可以位在加熱元件的內表面與煙霧形成製品的外表面之間。空腔的一或多個壁可以由導熱材料（例如金屬）所形成，以允許從加熱元件向煙霧形成製品導熱。因此，熱可以從加熱元件透過一或多個腔壁傳導到接收在空腔中的煙霧形成製品的煙霧形成基材。The cavity may include (eg circumferential) one or more walls, and the (tubular) additive member may extend around at least a portion of the one or more walls. In this way, the wall can be located between the inner surface of the heating element and the outer surface of the aerosol-forming article. One or more walls of the cavity may be formed of a thermally conductive material (such as metal) to allow heat conduction from the heating element to the aerosol forming article. Therefore, heat can be conducted from the heating element through one or more cavity walls to the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article received in the cavity.

在一些實施例中，加熱器可以形成用於與設備一起使用的煙霧形成製品的一部分。在此類情況下，設備可以不包括加熱器。而是，煙霧形成製品可以包括加熱器。此類佈置可以例如適於電子香煙系統，在此電子香煙系統中，煙霧形成製品包括容納煙霧形成劑（例如呈液體形式的煙霧形成劑）的罐。在此類實施例中，設備可以包括用於將設備與煙霧形成製品的加熱器的連接的構件，煙霧形成製品的加熱器與設備接合。例如，設備可以包括一或更多個設備連接器以供（例如電氣地）將設備連接到煙霧形成製品的對應的加熱器連接器。連接器（即設備的連接器及煙霧形成製品的連接器）可以呈導電元件（例如板）的形式，此等導電元件在煙霧形成製品與設備接合時接觸。In some embodiments, the heater may form part of an aerosol forming article for use with the device. In such cases, the device may not include a heater. Instead, the aerosol forming article may include a heater. Such an arrangement may, for example, be suitable for an electronic cigarette system in which the aerosol forming article includes a canister containing an aerosol forming agent, such as an aerosol forming agent in liquid form. In such embodiments, the device may include means for connecting the device to the heater of the aerosol-forming article, which is coupled to the device. For example, the device may include one or more device connectors for (eg, electrically) connecting the device to the corresponding heater connector of the aerosol forming article. The connector (ie, the connector of the device and the connector of the aerosol-forming product) may be in the form of a conductive element (such as a plate), and these conductive elements are in contact when the aerosol-forming product is joined to the device.

在一些實施例中，設備可以包括設置在主體的端部處的頂蓋，頂蓋被配置為用於與煙霧形成製品接合。若設備包括具有加熱元件的加熱器，則頂蓋可以至少部分地包圍加熱元件。頂蓋可以在開啟位置與關閉位置之間可動，在開啟位置下，將進出口提供給加熱元件，在關閉位置下，頂蓋至少部分地包圍加熱元件。頂蓋可以可滑動地與設備的主體接合，且可以在開啟位置與關閉位置之間可滑動。In some embodiments, the device may include a top cover provided at the end of the main body, the top cover configured for engagement with the aerosol forming article. If the device includes a heater with a heating element, the top cover may at least partially surround the heating element. The top cover is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the inlet and outlet are provided to the heating element. In the closed position, the top cover at least partially surrounds the heating element. The top cover can be slidably engaged with the main body of the device, and can be slidable between an open position and a closed position.

頂蓋可以界定設備的空腔的至少一部分。也就是說，空腔可以完全由頂蓋所界定，或頂蓋及主體中的每一者均可以界定空腔的一部分。若頂蓋完全界定空腔，則頂蓋可以包括孔以供將加熱元件接收到空腔中（在頂蓋處於關閉位置時）。頂蓋可以包括通往空腔的開口。可以將開口配置為用於接收煙霧形成製品的至少一部分。也就是說，可以將煙霧形成製品通過開口安插並安插到空腔中（以便與設備接合）。The top cover may define at least a part of the cavity of the device. That is, the cavity may be completely defined by the top cover, or each of the top cover and the main body may define a part of the cavity. If the top cover completely defines the cavity, the top cover may include holes for receiving the heating element into the cavity (when the top cover is in the closed position). The top cover may include an opening to the cavity. The opening may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol forming article. In other words, the aerosol-forming product can be inserted through the opening and inserted into the cavity (so as to engage with the device).

可以將頂蓋配置為使得在煙霧形成製品與設備接合（例如被接收在空腔中）時，只有煙霧形成製品的一部分被接收在空腔中。也就是說，煙霧形成製品的一部分（未被接收在空腔中的部分）可以從開口凸出（即延伸超出開口）。煙霧形成製品的此（凸出）部分可以是煙霧形成製品的終端（例如口部）端部，出於吸入由設備所形成的煙霧的目的而將終端端部接收在使用者的口部中。The top cover may be configured such that when the aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device (eg, received in the cavity), only a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, a part of the aerosol-forming article (the part not received in the cavity) may protrude from the opening (ie, extend beyond the opening). This (protruding) part of the aerosol-forming article may be the terminal (eg mouth) end of the aerosol-forming article, which is received in the user's mouth for the purpose of inhaling the smoke formed by the device.

如上所述，設備可以包括電源或可連接到電源（例如與設備分離的電源）。電源可電連接到加熱器。在那方面，變更（例如切換）電源到加熱器的電連接可以影響加熱器的狀態。例如，切換電源到加熱器的電連接可以將加熱器在打開狀態與關閉狀態之間切換。電源可以是電力儲存器。例如，電源可以是電池或可再充電電池（例如鋰離子電池）。As described above, the device may include a power source or be connectable to a power source (for example, a power source separate from the device). The power source may be electrically connected to the heater. In that regard, changing (such as switching) the electrical connection of the power supply to the heater can affect the state of the heater. For example, switching the electrical connection of the power supply to the heater can switch the heater between an on state and an off state. The power source can be a power storage. For example, the power source may be a battery or a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium ion battery).

設備可以包括輸入連接（例如USB埠、微USB埠、USB-C埠等等）。可以將輸入連接配置為用於連接到外部電源，例如主電力供應器插座。在一些情況下，可以將輸入連接用作內部電源（例如電池或可再充電電池）的替代品。也就是說，輸入連接可電連接到加熱器（以供向加熱器提供電力）。因此，在一些形式中，輸入連接可以形成設備的電源的至少一部分。Devices can include input connections (eg, USB ports, micro USB ports, USB-C ports, etc.). The input connection can be configured for connection to an external power source, such as a main power supply socket. In some cases, the input connection can be used as an alternative to internal power sources such as batteries or rechargeable batteries. That is, the input connection can be electrically connected to the heater (to provide power to the heater). Therefore, in some forms, the input connection may form at least part of the power supply of the device.

若電源包括可再充電電源（例如可再充電電池），則輸入連接可以用來將電源充電及再充電。If the power source includes a rechargeable power source (such as a rechargeable battery), the input connection can be used to charge and recharge the power source.

在一些實施例中，UI可以包括輸入構件以從使用者接收操作命令。UI的輸入構件可以允許使用者控制設備的操作的至少一個方面。在一些實施例中，輸入構件可以包括電源鈕以將設備在打開狀態與關閉狀態之間切換。替代性或附加性地，按鈕可以用來如上文所論述地延長耗材循環的持續時間。In some embodiments, the UI may include an input member to receive operation commands from the user. The input member of the UI may allow the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the device. In some embodiments, the input member may include a power button to switch the device between an on state and an off state. Alternatively or additionally, the button can be used to extend the duration of the consumable cycle as discussed above.

在一些實施例中，UI可以附加性或替代性地包括輸出構件以向使用者傳達資訊。在一些實施例中，輸出構件可以包括燈以向使用者指示設備（及/或煙霧形成製品）的條件。向使用者指示的設備（及/或煙霧形成製品）的條件可以包括指示加熱器的操作的條件。例如，條件可以包括加熱器是處於關閉狀態還是打開狀態。在一些實施例中，UI單元可以包括按鈕、顯示器、觸控螢幕、開關、燈等等中的至少一者。例如，輸出構件可以包括位於設備的主體上的一或更多個（例如兩個、三個、四個等等）發光二極體（「LED」）。LED（或顯示器或觸控螢幕）可以向使用者指示，耗材循環的持續時間已經增加或減少，或可以向使用者指示，他們可以延長持續時間（例如藉由按壓按鈕或觸控螢幕來延長）。In some embodiments, the UI may additionally or alternatively include output components to convey information to the user. In some embodiments, the output member may include a light to indicate to the user the condition of the device (and/or aerosol forming article). The conditions of the device (and/or aerosol forming article) indicated to the user may include conditions that indicate the operation of the heater. For example, the condition may include whether the heater is in an off state or an on state. In some embodiments, the UI unit may include at least one of buttons, displays, touch screens, switches, lights, and so on. For example, the output member may include one or more (eg, two, three, four, etc.) light emitting diodes ("LEDs") located on the body of the device. The LED (or display or touch screen) can indicate to the user that the duration of the consumable cycle has increased or decreased, or it can indicate to the user that they can extend the duration (for example, by pressing a button or touching the screen) .

如上文所論述，設備可以更包括形成UI的輸入構件的一部分的噗氣感測器（例如空氣流感測器）。可以將噗氣感測器配置為偵測使用者在煙霧形成製品的端部（即終端（口部）端部）上抽吸。噗氣感測器可以例如是壓力感測器或傳聲器。可以將噗氣感測器配置為產生指示噗氣狀態的訊號。訊號可以指示使用者抽吸（抽吸來自煙霧形成製品的煙霧），使得其例如呈二進制訊號的形式。替代性或附加性地，訊號可以指示抽吸的特性（例如抽吸的流速、抽吸的時間長度等等）。As discussed above, the device may further include a puff sensor (for example, an air flu sensor) that forms a part of the input member of the UI. The puff sensor can be configured to detect that the user draws on the end (ie, the terminal (mouth) end) of the smoke forming article. The puff sensor can be, for example, a pressure sensor or a microphone. The puff sensor can be configured to generate a signal indicating the state of puff. The signal may instruct the user to puff (puff the smoke from the aerosol-forming product) so that it is, for example, in the form of a binary signal. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may indicate the characteristics of the suction (for example, the flow rate of the suction, the length of time of the suction, etc.).

控制器可以包括例如安裝在印刷電路板（PCB）上的微控制器。控制器也可以包括記憶體，例如非揮發性記憶體。記憶體可以包括指令，此等指令在被實施時可以使控制器執行方法的某些任務或步驟。若設備包括輸入連接，則控制器可以連接到輸入連接。The controller may include, for example, a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller may also include memory, such as non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions, which, when implemented, can cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method. If the device includes an input connection, the controller can be connected to the input connection.

可以將控制器配置為控制加熱器（及例如加熱元件）的操作。因此，可以將控制器配置為控制形成與設備接合的煙霧形成製品的一部分的煙霧的汽化。可以將控制器配置為控制由電源向加熱器所施加的電壓。例如，可以將控制器配置為在向加熱器施加（電源的）全輸出電壓與不向加熱器施加電壓之間切換。替代性或附加性地，控制單元可以實施更複雜的加熱器控制協定。The controller can be configured to control the operation of the heater (and, for example, the heating element). Therefore, the controller may be configured to control the vaporization of smoke forming part of the aerosol forming article engaged with the device. The controller can be configured to control the voltage applied by the power source to the heater. For example, the controller can be configured to switch between applying the full output voltage (of the power source) to the heater and not applying voltage to the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can implement more complex heater control protocols.

設備可以更包括電壓調節器以調節由電源所供應的輸出電壓以形成調節的電壓。可以隨後向加熱器施加調節的電壓。The device may further include a voltage regulator to adjust the output voltage supplied by the power supply to form a regulated voltage. The adjusted voltage can then be applied to the heater.

在一些實施例中，若設備包括UI，則控制器可以操作連接到UI的一或更多個部件。可以將控制器配置為從UI的輸入構件接收命令訊號。可以將控制器配置為響應於命令訊號而控制加熱器。例如，可以將控制器配置為從UI接收「打開」及「關閉」命令訊號，且響應於此，可以將加熱器控制為處於對應的打開狀態或關閉狀態。In some embodiments, if the device includes a UI, the controller may operate one or more components connected to the UI. The controller can be configured to receive command signals from the input components of the UI. The controller can be configured to control the heater in response to the command signal. For example, the controller can be configured to receive "on" and "off" command signals from the UI, and in response to this, the heater can be controlled to be in the corresponding on or off state.

可以將控制器配置為向UI的部件發送輸出訊號。可以將UI配置為響應於此類輸出訊號（從控制器所接收的輸出訊號），經由輸出構件向使用者傳達資訊。例如，若設備包括一或更多個LED，則LED可以操作連接到控制器。因此，可以將控制器配置為（例如響應於輸出訊號而）控制LED的點亮。例如，可以將控制器配置為依據加熱器的狀態（例如打開狀態或關閉狀態）來控制LED的點亮。The controller can be configured to send output signals to UI components. The UI can be configured to respond to such output signals (output signals received from the controller) to convey information to the user through the output component. For example, if the device includes one or more LEDs, the LEDs can be operatively connected to the controller. Therefore, the controller can be configured (for example, in response to the output signal) to control the lighting of the LED. For example, the controller can be configured to control the lighting of the LED according to the state of the heater (for example, on or off).

設備可以包括配置為與外部設備進行無線通訊（例如經由藍芽（例如藍芽低能耗連接）或WiFi無線通訊）的無線介面。類似地，可以將輸入連接配置為用於有線連接到外部設備，以便在設備與外部設備之間提供通訊。The device may include a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly with external devices (for example, via Bluetooth (such as Bluetooth low energy connection) or WiFi wireless communication). Similarly, the input connection can be configured for wired connection to an external device to provide communication between the device and the external device.

外部設備可以是行動設備。例如，外部設備可以是智慧型手機、平板電腦、智慧型手錶、或智慧型汽車。可以將應用程式（例如app）安裝在外部設備（例如行動設備）上。應用程式可以經由有線或無線連接促進設備與外部設備之間的通訊。The external device can be a mobile device. For example, the external device may be a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, or a smart car. You can install applications (such as apps) on external devices (such as mobile devices). Applications can facilitate communication between the device and external devices via wired or wireless connections.

可以將無線或有線介面配置為在外部設備與設備的控制器之間傳輸訊號。在這方面，控制器可以響應於從外部設備所接收的訊號而控制設備的一個方面。替代性或附加性地，外部設備可以響應於從設備（例如從設備的控制器）所接收的訊號。The wireless or wired interface can be configured to transmit signals between the external device and the device's controller. In this regard, the controller can control one aspect of the device in response to a signal received from the external device. Alternatively or additionally, the external device may respond to signals received by the slave device (for example, the controller of the slave device).

在第二態樣中，提供了一種系統（例如吸煙替代系統），系統包括如第一態樣所述的設備以及煙霧形成製品。煙霧形成製品可以包括煙霧形成製品的上游端處的煙霧形成基材。製品可以呈吸煙替代製品（例如加熱煙草（HT）耗材（也稱為加熱不燃燒（HNB）耗材））的形式。In the second aspect, a system (for example, a smoking replacement system) is provided, and the system includes the device and an aerosol forming article as described in the first aspect. The aerosol-forming article may include an aerosol-forming substrate at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming article. The product may be in the form of a smoking substitute product, such as heating tobacco (HT) consumables (also known as heat not burning (HNB) consumables).

如本文中所使用的，用語「上游」及「下游」旨在指蒸氣/煙霧的流動方向，即在製品/耗材的下游端是煙霧離開耗材以供由使用者吸入的口部端或出口的情況下的流動方向。製品/耗材的上游端是下游端的相對端。As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the direction of vapor/mist flow, that is, the downstream end of the product/consumable is the mouth end or outlet where the smoke leaves the consumable for inhalation by the user The flow direction of the situation. The upstream end of the product/consumable is the opposite end of the downstream end.

煙霧形成基材能夠被加熱以釋放可以形成煙霧的至少一種揮發性化合物。煙霧形成基材可以位於製品/耗材的上游端處。The aerosol-forming substrate can be heated to release at least one volatile compound that can form aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate can be located at the upstream end of the article/consumable.

為了產生煙霧，煙霧形成基材包括至少一種揮發性化合物，至少一種揮發性化合物旨在被汽化/霧化且可以在被吸入時將休閒及/或醫療效果提供給使用者。合適的化學及/或具有生理活性的揮發性化合物包括由以下項目所組成的群組：尼古丁、古柯鹼、咖啡因、鴉片及鴉片類藥物、去甲偽麻黃鹼及卡西酮、卡法內酯、肉豆蔻醚、β-咔啉生物鹼、薩爾維諾林A（salvinorin A）、以及前述項目的任何組合、功能等效物、及/或合成替代物。In order to generate aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one volatile compound, which is intended to be vaporized/atomized and can provide leisure and/or medical effects to the user when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/or physiologically active volatile compounds include the group consisting of nicotine, ***e, caffeine, opiates and opioids, norpseudoephedrine and cathinone, and carfalactone , Myristyl ether, β-carboline alkaloid, salvinorin A (salvinorin A), and any combination of the foregoing items, functional equivalents, and/or synthetic substitutes.

煙霧形成基材可以包括植物材料。植物材料可以包括選自包括以下項目的列表的至少一種植物材料：Amaranthus dubius 、 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi （熊果）、Argemone mexicana 、Amica 、Artemisia vulgaris 、Yellow Tees、Galea zacatechichi 、Canavalia maritima （濱刀豆）、Cecropia mexicana （Guamura）、Cestrum noctumum 、Cynoglossum virginianum （野紫草科植物）、Cytisus scoparius 、Damiana 、Entada rheedii 、 Eschscholzia califomica （花菱草）、Fittonia albivenis 、Hippobroma longiflora 、 Humulus japonica （日本蛇麻草）、Humulus lupulus （蛇麻草）、Lactuca virosa （毒萵苣）、 Laggera alata 、Leonotis leonurus 、Leonurus cardiaca （益母草）、Leonurus sibiricus （蜂蜜草（Honeyweed））、Lobelia cardinalis 、Lobelia inflata （印度煙草）、Lobelia siphilitica 、Nepeta cataria （假荊芥）、Nicotiana species （煙草）、 Nymphaea alba （白百合）、 Nymphaea caerulea （藍百合）、罌粟、 Passiflora incamata（西番蓮）Pedicularis densiflora （印度戰士）Pedicularis groenlandica （象頭）、Salvia divinorum 、Salvia dorrii （煙草鼠尾草）、Salvia species（鼠尾草）、Scutellaria galericulata 、Scutellaria lateriflora 、Scutellaria nana 、Scutellaria species（并頭草）、Sida acuta （電線草）、Sida rhombifolia 、Silene capensis 、 Syzygium aromaticum （丁香）、Tagetes lucida （墨西哥龍蒿）、Tarchonanthus camphoratus 、 Tumera diffusa （墨西哥甜菜）、Verbascum （毛蕊花）、Zamia latifolia （百日草（Maconha Brava））、以及前述項目的任何組合、功能等效物、及/或合成替代物。The aerosol-forming substrate may include plant material. The plant material may include at least one plant material selected from the list including the following items: Amaranthus dubius , Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry), Argemone mexicana , Amica , Artemisia vulgaris , Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi , Canavalia maritima (garan beans) , Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum ( wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica ( Hualing grass), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica ( Japanese hops), Humulus lupulus (hop), Lactuca virosa (poison lettuce) , Laggera alata , Leonotis leonurus , Leonurus cardiaca (leonurus), Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis , Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco), Lobelia Nesipeta cataria, (Nepeta), Nicotiana species (tobacco), Nymphaea alba (white lily), Nymphaea caerulea (blue lily), poppy, Passiflora incamata (passiflora) Pedicularis densiflora (Indian warrior) Pedicularis groenlandica (elephant head), Salvia divinorum , Salvia dorrii (tobacco sage), Salvia species (sage), Scutellaria galericulata , Scutellaria lateriflora , Scutellaria nana , Scutellaria species ( coupling grass), Sida acuta (wire grass), Sida rhombi folia , Silene capensis , Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus , Tumera diffusa (Mexican beet), Verbascum (Mulbascum), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava), and the aforementioned items Any combination, functional equivalent, and/or synthetic substitute.

植物材料可以是煙草。可以使用任何類型的煙草。這包括但不限於煙道烤煙草、白肋煙草、馬里蘭煙草、深色晾煙草、東方煙草、深色烤煙草、珀里克（perique）煙草、及黃花煙草。這也包括上述煙草的混合物。The plant material may be tobacco. Any type of tobacco can be used. This includes but is not limited to flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark-cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-cured tobacco, perique tobacco, and yellow flower tobacco. This also includes blends of the aforementioned tobaccos.

煙草可以包括以下項目中的一或更多者：葉煙草、莖煙草、煙草粉末、煙草塵、煙草衍生物、膨脹煙草、均質煙草、切碎煙草、擠壓煙草、煙絲煙草、及/或重組煙草（例如漿體重組或紙重組）。Tobacco may include one or more of the following items: leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, shredded tobacco, and/or reconstituted Tobacco (such as pulp restructuring or paper restructuring).

煙霧形成基材可以包括均質（例如紙/漿體重組）煙草的聚集片或由此類片材所形成的聚集碎片/條。The aerosol-forming substrate may include agglomerated pieces of homogeneous (e.g., paper/pulp reconstituted) tobacco or aggregate fragments/strips formed from such sheets.

煙霧形成基材可以包括選自以下項目的一或更多種添加劑：保濕劑、調味料、填料、水性/非水性溶劑、及黏合劑。The aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more additives selected from the group consisting of humectants, flavorings, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents, and binders.

可以用固體或液體的形式提供調味料。其可以包括薄荷醇、甘草、巧克力、水果調味料（包括例如柑橘、櫻桃等等）、香草、香料（例如薑、肉桂）、及煙草調味料。調味料可以均勻地分散在整個煙霧形成基材內，或可以提供在隔離的位置中及/或在整個煙霧形成基材內用不等的濃度提供。The seasoning can be provided in solid or liquid form. It may include menthol, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavors (including, for example, citrus, cherry, etc.), vanilla, spices (such as ginger, cinnamon), and tobacco flavors. The flavoring material can be uniformly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate, or can be provided in isolated locations and/or in varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

可以用實質圓柱形的形狀形成煙霧形成基材，使得製品/耗材與常規的香煙相似。其直徑可以在5與10 mm之間，例如6與9 mm或6與8 mm之間，例如約7 mm。其軸向長度可以在10與15 mm之間，例如11與14 mm之間，例如約12或13 mm。The aerosol-forming substrate can be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so that the product/consumable is similar to a conventional cigarette. Its diameter may be between 5 and 10 mm, for example between 6 and 9 mm or between 6 and 8 mm, for example about 7 mm. Its axial length can be between 10 and 15 mm, for example between 11 and 14 mm, for example about 12 or 13 mm.

製品/耗材可以包括至少一個過濾元件。在製品/耗材的下游/口部端處可以存在終端過濾元件。The article/consumable may include at least one filter element. There may be a terminal filter element at the downstream/oral end of the article/consumable.

過濾元件或過濾元件中的至少一者（例如終端過濾元件）可以包括醋酸纖維素或聚丙烯纖維束。至少一個過濾元件（例如終端過濾元件）可以包括活性炭。至少一個過濾元件（例如終端元件）可以包括紙。過濾元件或每個過濾元件可以至少部分地（例如完全）用塞套（例如紙塞套）圍束。The filter element or at least one of the filter elements (eg, terminal filter element) may include cellulose acetate or polypropylene fiber bundles. At least one filter element (for example, a terminal filter element) may include activated carbon. At least one filter element (for example a terminal element) may comprise paper. The or each filter element may be at least partially (for example completely) surrounded by a plug sleeve (for example a paper plug sleeve).

終端過濾元件（位在製品/耗材的下游端處）可以藉由圍束接裝層（例如接裝紙層）接合到形成製品/耗材的上游元件。接裝紙可以具有比終端過濾元件的軸向長度長的軸向長度，使得接裝紙完全圍束終端過濾元件加上環繞任何相鄰上游元件的包裹層。The final filter element (located at the downstream end of the product/consumable) can be joined to the upstream element forming the product/consumable by wrapping the tipping layer (such as the tipping paper layer). The tipping paper may have an axial length that is longer than the axial length of the terminal filter element, so that the tipping paper completely encloses the terminal filter element plus a wrapping layer surrounding any adjacent upstream elements.

在一些實施例中，製品/耗材可以包括煙霧冷卻元件，此煙霧冷卻元件被調適為在由煙霧形成基材所產生（藉由熱交換產生）的煙霧被使用者吸入之前將此煙霧冷卻。In some embodiments, the article/consumable may include a smoke cooling element that is adapted to cool the smoke generated by the aerosol-forming substrate (generated by heat exchange) before the smoke is inhaled by the user.

製品/耗材可以包括在煙霧形成基材與耗材的下游端之間界定空間或空腔的間隔元件。間隔元件可以包括紙板管。間隔元件可以由（紙）包裹層圍束。The article/consumable may include a spacer element that defines a space or cavity between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the consumable. The spacer element may comprise a cardboard tube. The spacer elements can be bound by a (paper) wrapping layer.

在一些實施例中，系統可以呈電子香煙系統（即不是如上所述的加熱煙草系統）的形式。在此類系統中，耗材可以呈電子香煙耗材的形式。可以將電子香煙系統配置為使得可以將耗材接收及固位在設備的空腔中（即以便與設備接合）。可以例如藉由以下方式來使耗材固位：過盈配合、將它們彼此擰緊、卡口接頭、或卡扣接合機構。In some embodiments, the system may be in the form of an electronic cigarette system (ie, not a heated tobacco system as described above). In such systems, consumables can be in the form of electronic cigarette consumables. The electronic cigarette system can be configured such that consumables can be received and retained in the cavity of the device (ie, so as to be engaged with the device). The consumables can be retained in place, for example, by an interference fit, screwing them to each other, a bayonet joint, or a snap joint mechanism.

耗材可以包括界定貯存器以供儲存煙霧形成劑的罐。煙霧形成劑可以呈電子液體（儲存在貯存器中）的形式。The consumable may include a canister that defines a reservoir for storing the aerosol. The aerosol forming agent may be in the form of an electronic liquid (stored in a reservoir).

耗材可以是「一次性使用」的耗材。也就是說，在用盡罐中的電子液體之後，就可以意圖使使用者丟掉整個耗材。或者，電子液體可以是系統唯一真正「一次性使用」的部分。例如，罐可用電子液體再填充，或系統的另一個部件（設備內部或設備外部的部件，例如可再填充的煙嘴）可以界定電子液體的貯存器。Consumables can be "disposable" consumables. In other words, after the e-liquid in the tank is used up, the user can intend to throw away the entire consumable. Or, e-liquid can be the only truly "disposable" part of the system. For example, the canister can be refilled with e-liquid, or another component of the system (a component inside or outside the device, such as a refillable cigarette holder) can define a reservoir for e-liquid.

如上文所闡述，耗材可以包括配置為加熱及汽化電子液體的加熱器（即代替形成設備的一部分的加熱器）。耗材可以包括將電子液體從罐傳遞到加熱器的加熱元件的多孔虹吸油芯。加熱元件可以是（例如螺旋地）纏繞於多孔虹吸油芯的至少一部分周圍的加熱絲，使得在加熱元件被加熱（例如藉由電流通過加熱元件的行動來加熱）時，熱可以從加熱元件傳導到由虹吸油芯所傳遞的電子液體。此種熱傳導可以汽化電子液體，且可以將生成的蒸氣夾帶在通過耗材的空氣流中。As explained above, the consumable may include a heater configured to heat and vaporize the e-liquid (ie, instead of the heater forming part of the device). The consumable may include a porous siphon oil wick that transfers the e-liquid from the tank to the heating element of the heater. The heating element may be (for example, spirally) a heating wire wound around at least a part of the porous siphon oil core, so that when the heating element is heated (for example, by the action of electric current passing through the heating element), heat can be conducted from the heating element To the e-liquid delivered by the siphon oil wick. This heat conduction can vaporize the e-liquid, and can entrain the generated vapor in the air flow through the consumable.

耗材可以更包括一或更多個加熱器連接器以供將（耗材的）加熱器連接到設備。加熱器連接器可以呈導電元件或接頭的形式（例如金屬板），且可以設置在耗材的使用時面向設備的表面上。加熱器連接器可以電連接到耗材的加熱器，使得經由加熱器連接器供應的電力可以傳遞到加熱器。換言之，跨加熱器連接器施加的電壓可以大致與跨加熱器的加熱元件施加的電壓對應。The consumable may further include one or more heater connectors for connecting the heater (of the consumable) to the device. The heater connector may be in the form of a conductive element or a joint (for example, a metal plate), and may be arranged on the surface of the consumable facing the device during use. The heater connector may be electrically connected to the heater of the consumable material so that power supplied via the heater connector may be transferred to the heater. In other words, the voltage applied across the heater connector may roughly correspond to the voltage applied across the heater's heating element.

可以將加熱器連接器佈置為使得它們在耗材與設備接合時接觸設備的對應設備連接器。設備連接器可以連接（例如電連接）到設備的電源（例如電池）。因此，可以將電力從電源經由接觸中的加熱器連接器及設備連接器供應到加熱元件。如此，形成耗材的一部分的加熱器可以如上文原本針對形成設備的一部分的加熱器所描述地操作（及與例如控制器交互作用）。The heater connectors may be arranged such that they contact the corresponding device connector of the device when the consumable is engaged with the device. The device connector can be connected (eg, electrically connected) to the power source (eg, battery) of the device. Therefore, power can be supplied from the power source to the heating element via the heater connector and the device connector in contact. In this manner, the heater forming part of the consumable can operate (and interact with, for example, the controller) as originally described above for the heater forming part of the device.

依據本發明的第三態樣，提供了一種使用如第二態樣所述的系統的方法，方法包括以下步驟：將煙霧形成製品安插到設備中；及使用設備的加熱器來加熱製品。According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the system as described in the second aspect. The method includes the following steps: inserting an aerosol-forming product into a device; and using a heater of the device to heat the product.

在一些實施例中，方法可以包括以下步驟：將製品安插到設備的主體內的空腔中，及在安插製品之後就用設備的加熱元件穿透製品。In some embodiments, the method may include the following steps: inserting the article into the cavity in the body of the device, and penetrating the article with the heating element of the device after the article is inserted.

在第四態樣中，提供了一種操作吸煙替代設備以供在耗材循環期間加熱耗材的方法，方法包括以下步驟：在耗材循環期間測量設備被使用者進行的使用；基於使用來在耗材循環期間決定耗材的用盡水平，及基於用盡水平來在耗材操作循環期間控制吸煙替代設備的操作的一個方面。In a fourth aspect, a method of operating a smoking substitute device for heating consumables during a consumable cycle is provided. The method includes the following steps: measuring the use of the device by the user during the consumable cycle; An aspect of determining the depletion level of consumables and controlling the operation of the smoking substitute device during the consumable operation cycle based on the depletion level.

測量設備被使用者使用的步驟可以包括以下步驟：在耗材循環期間偵測由使用者所進行的一或更多次噗氣。第四態樣的方法可以如原本在上文針對第一態樣的控制器的操作所描述。The step of using the measuring device by the user may include the following steps: detecting one or more puffs performed by the user during the cycle of the consumable. The method of the fourth aspect can be as originally described above for the operation of the controller of the first aspect.

本發明包括所述的態樣與優選特徵的組合，除非此類組合明顯不可容許或被明確避免。The present invention includes combinations of the described aspects and preferred features, unless such combinations are clearly inadmissible or explicitly avoided.

技術人員將理解，除了互斥的地方之外，可以將關於上述態樣中的任一者描述的特徵或參數應用於任何其他態樣。並且，除了互斥的地方以外，可以將本文中所述的任何特徵或參數應用於任何態樣及/或與本文中所述的任何其他特徵或參數結合。The skilled person will understand that the features or parameters described with respect to any of the above aspects can be applied to any other aspects except where mutually exclusive. And, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein can be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

現將參照附圖論述本發明的態樣及實施例。本領域中的技術人員將理解另外的態樣及實施例。此文中所述的所有文件都以引用方式併入本文中。The aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand additional aspects and embodiments. All documents mentioned in this article are incorporated into this article by reference.

圖1A是提供吸煙替代系統100的總體概觀的示意圖。系統100包括替代吸煙設備101及呈耗材102的形式的煙霧形成製品，此耗材包括煙霧形成劑103。系統被配置為藉由加熱煙霧形成劑103來汽化煙霧形成劑（以便形成蒸氣/煙霧以供使用者吸入）。FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram that provides a general overview of the smoking replacement system 100. The system 100 includes an alternative smoking device 101 and an aerosol forming article in the form of a consumable 102 including an aerosol 103. The system is configured to vaporize the aerosol by heating the aerosol 103 (to form a vapor/mist for inhalation by the user).

在所繪示的系統中，加熱器104形成耗材102的一部分，且被配置為加熱煙霧形成劑103。在此變型中，例如在耗材102與設備101接合時，加熱器104可電連接到電源105。來自加熱器104的熱汽化煙霧形成劑103以產生蒸氣。蒸氣隨後冷凝以形成煙霧，此煙霧最終由使用者吸入。In the illustrated system, the heater 104 forms part of the consumable 102 and is configured to heat the aerosol forming agent 103. In this modification, for example, when the consumable 102 is engaged with the device 101, the heater 104 may be electrically connected to the power source 105. The heat from the heater 104 vaporizes the aerosol forming agent 103 to generate steam. The vapor then condenses to form smoke, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.

電源105形成設備101的一部分。在其他的實施例中，電源105可以位於設備101外部（但可連接到此設備）。電源105可電連接到加熱器104，使得其能夠向加熱器104供應電力（即出於加熱煙霧形成劑103的目的）。因此，電源105到加熱器104的電連接的控制提供了加熱器104的狀態的控制。電源105可以是電力儲存器，例如電池或可再充電電池（例如鋰離子電池）。The power supply 105 forms part of the device 101. In other embodiments, the power supply 105 may be located outside the device 101 (but may be connected to this device). The power source 105 may be electrically connected to the heater 104 so that it can supply power to the heater 104 (ie, for the purpose of heating the aerosol forming agent 103). Therefore, control of the electrical connection of the power supply 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104. The power source 105 may be a power storage, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium ion battery).

系統100更包括包含連接器106（例如呈USB埠、微USB埠、USB-C埠等等的形式）的I/O模組。連接器106被配置為用於連接到外部電源（例如主電力供應器插座）。可以使用連接器106以代替電源105。也就是說，連接器106可電連接到加熱器104，以便向加熱器104供應電力。在此類實施例中，設備可以不包括電源，且系統的電源可以替代地包括連接器106及外部電源（連接器106向此外部電源提供電連接）。The system 100 further includes an I/O module including a connector 106 (for example, in the form of a USB port, a micro USB port, a USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured for connection to an external power source (for example, a main power supply socket). The connector 106 can be used instead of the power supply 105. That is, the connector 106 may be electrically connected to the heater 104 in order to supply electric power to the heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead include the connector 106 and an external power source (the connector 106 provides electrical connection to this external power source).

在一些實施例中，若電源105包括可再充電電池，則連接器106可以用來將電源105充電及再充電。In some embodiments, if the power source 105 includes a rechargeable battery, the connector 106 can be used to charge and recharge the power source 105.

系統100也包括使用者介面（UI）107。儘管未示出，但UI 107可以包括輸入構件以從使用者接收命令。UI 107的輸入構件允許使用者控制系統100的操作的至少一個方面。輸入構件可以例如呈按鈕、觸控螢幕、開關、傳聲器等等的形式。The system 100 also includes a user interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 may include an input member to receive commands from the user. The input member of UI 107 allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input member may be in the form of buttons, touch screens, switches, microphones, etc., for example.

UI 107也包括輸出構件以向使用者傳達資訊。輸出構件可以例如包括燈（例如LED）、顯示螢幕、揚聲器、振動產生器等等。The UI 107 also includes output components to convey information to the user. The output member may include, for example, a lamp (such as an LED), a display screen, a speaker, a vibration generator, and so on.

系統100更包括配置為控制設備101的至少一個功能的控制器108。在所繪示的實施例中，控制器108是設備101的部件，但在其他的實施例中可以與設備101分離（但可連接到此設備）。控制器108被配置為控制加熱器104的操作，且例如可以被配置為控制從電源105向加熱器104施加的電壓。可以將控制器108配置為將對加熱器104的電力的供應在打開狀態與關閉狀態之間切換，在打開狀態下，向加熱器104施加電源105的全輸出電壓，在關閉狀態下，不向加熱器104施加電壓。The system 100 further includes a controller 108 configured to control at least one function of the device 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but in other embodiments can be separated from the device 101 (but can be connected to this device). The controller 108 is configured to control the operation of the heater 104, and may be configured to control the voltage applied from the power source 105 to the heater 104, for example. The controller 108 can be configured to switch the supply of power to the heater 104 between an on state and an off state. In the on state, the full output voltage of the power supply 105 is applied to the heater 104, and in the off state, the The heater 104 applies voltage.

儘管未示出，但系統100也可以包括電壓調節器以調節來自電源105的輸出電壓以形成調節的電壓。可以接著向加熱器104施加調節的電壓。Although not shown, the system 100 may also include a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the power supply 105 to form a regulated voltage. The adjusted voltage can then be applied to the heater 104.

除了連接到加熱器104以外，控制器108還可操作連接到UI 107。因此，控制器108可以從UI 107的輸入構件接收輸入訊號。類似地，控制器108可以向UI 107傳送輸出訊號。響應於此，UI 107的輸出構件可以基於輸出訊號來向使用者傳達資訊。控制器也包括為非揮發性記憶體的記憶體109。記憶體109包括指令，此等指令在被實施時使控制器執行方法的某些任務或步驟。In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 may also be operatively connected to the UI 107. Therefore, the controller 108 can receive input signals from the input members of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 can transmit an output signal to the UI 107. In response to this, the output component of the UI 107 can convey information to the user based on the output signal. The controller also includes a memory 109 which is a non-volatile memory. The memory 109 includes instructions that, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method.

圖1B是示出圖1A的系統100的變型的示意圖。在圖1B的系統100'中，加熱器104形成設備101的一部分，而不是耗材102的一部分。在此變型中，加熱器104可電連接到電源105。FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the system 100 of FIG. 1A. In the system 100' of FIG. 1B, the heater 104 forms a part of the device 101 instead of a part of the consumable 102. In this modification, the heater 104 may be electrically connected to the power source 105.

可以將圖1A及1B的系統100、100'實施為以下兩種廣泛範疇的系統中的一者，每一個均依據本發明：加熱煙草（HT）系統及電子香煙系統。每個系統範疇的說明如下。The systems 100, 100' of FIGS. 1A and 1B can be implemented as one of two broad categories of systems, each in accordance with the present invention: a heated tobacco (HT) system and an electronic cigarette system. The description of each system category is as follows.

圖2A及2B繪示加熱煙草（HT）吸煙替代系統200。系統200是關於圖1A或1B所描述的系統100、100'的示例。系統200包括HT設備201及HT耗材202。以上圖1A及1B的說明可適用於圖2A及2B的系統200，且將因此不重複。2A and 2B illustrate a heated tobacco (HT) smoking replacement system 200. The system 200 is an example of the system 100, 100' described in relation to FIG. 1A or 1B. The system 200 includes HT equipment 201 and HT consumables 202. The above description of FIGS. 1A and 1B can be applied to the system 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and will therefore not be repeated.

設備201及耗材202被配置為使得耗材202可以與設備201接合。圖2A示出處於接合狀態的設備201及耗材202，而圖2B示出處於脫離狀態的設備201及耗材202。The device 201 and the consumable 202 are configured such that the consumable 202 can be coupled with the device 201. 2A shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in an engaged state, and FIG. 2B shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in a disengaged state.

設備201包括主體209及頂蓋210。在使用時，頂蓋210在主體209的端部處接合。儘管從圖式中看不出來，但頂蓋210相對於主體209可動。詳細而言，頂蓋210可滑動且可以沿著主體209的縱軸線滑動。The device 201 includes a main body 209 and a top cover 210. In use, the top cover 210 is joined at the end of the main body 209. Although it cannot be seen from the drawing, the top cover 210 is movable relative to the main body 209. In detail, the top cover 210 is slidable and can slide along the longitudinal axis of the main body 209.

設備201包括呈複數個發光二極體（LED）211的形式的輸出構件（形成設備201的UI的一部分），此些LED 211沿著設備201的縱軸線線性地佈置且佈置在設備201的主體209的外表面上。按鈕212也佈置在設備201的主體209的外表面上且與此些LED 211軸向隔開（即沿著縱軸線隔開）。The device 201 includes an output member in the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 (forming a part of the UI of the device 201), and these LEDs 211 are linearly arranged along the longitudinal axis of the device 201 and arranged in the main body of the device 201 209 on the outer surface. The button 212 is also arranged on the outer surface of the main body 209 of the device 201 and is axially spaced apart from the LEDs 211 (ie, spaced along the longitudinal axis).

圖2C示出系統200的202的耗材的詳細截面圖。耗材202大致類似於香煙。在那方面，耗材202具有大致圓柱形的形式，其中直徑為7 mm而軸向長度為70 mm。耗材202包括煙霧形成基材213、終端過濾元件214、上游過濾元件215、及間隔元件216。在其他的實施例中，耗材可以更包括冷卻元件。冷卻元件可以與由煙霧形成基材213所形成的蒸氣交換熱，以冷卻蒸氣以便促進蒸氣的冷凝。FIG. 2C shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the consumables of 202 of the system 200. The consumable 202 is roughly similar to a cigarette. In that regard, the consumable 202 has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 70 mm. The consumable 202 includes an aerosol-forming substrate 213, a terminal filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215, and a spacer element 216. In other embodiments, the consumable may further include a cooling element. The cooling element may exchange heat with the vapor formed by the aerosol-forming substrate 213 to cool the vapor to promote condensation of the vapor.

煙霧形成基材213是實質圓柱形的，且位於耗材202的上游端217處，且包括系統200的煙霧形成劑。在那方面，煙霧形成基材213被配置為由設備201加熱以釋放蒸氣。釋放的蒸氣隨後被夾帶在流動通過煙霧形成基材213的空氣流中。空氣流由使用者在耗材202的下游218（即終端或口部）端上抽吸的行動所產生。The aerosol forming substrate 213 is substantially cylindrical and located at the upstream end 217 of the consumable 202 and includes the aerosol forming agent of the system 200. In that regard, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release vapor. The released vapor is then entrained in the air stream flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The air flow is generated by the user's suction action on the downstream 218 (ie, terminal or mouth) end of the consumable 202.

在本實施例中，煙霧形成基材213包括煙草材料，煙草材料可以例如包括煙草植物的任何合適的部分（例如葉、莖、根、樹皮、種子、及花朵）。煙草可以包括以下項目中的一或更多者：葉煙草、莖煙草、煙草粉末、煙草塵、煙草衍生物、膨脹煙草、均質煙草、切碎煙草、擠壓煙草、煙絲煙草、及/或重組煙草（例如漿體重組或紙重組）。例如，煙霧形成基材213可以包括均質（例如紙/漿體重組）煙草的聚集片或由此類片材所形成的聚集碎片/條。In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 includes a tobacco material, and the tobacco material may, for example, include any suitable part of a tobacco plant (such as leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds, and flowers). Tobacco may include one or more of the following items: leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, shredded tobacco, and/or reconstituted Tobacco (such as pulp restructuring or paper restructuring). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 may include agglomerated pieces of homogeneous (eg, paper/pulp reconstituted) tobacco or aggregated fragments/strips formed from such sheets.

為了產生煙霧，煙霧形成基材213包括至少一種揮發性化合物，此至少一種揮發性化合物旨在被汽化/霧化且可以在被吸入時將休閒及/或醫療效果提供給使用者。煙霧形成基材213可以更包括一或更多種添加劑。例如，此類添加劑可以呈潤濕劑（例如丙二醇及/或植物甘油）、調味料、填料、水性/非水性溶劑、及/或黏合劑的形式。In order to generate smoke, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 includes at least one volatile compound, which is intended to be vaporized/atomized and can provide leisure and/or medical effects to the user when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate 213 may further include one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of wetting agents (such as propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin), flavors, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents, and/or binders.

終端過濾元件214也是實質圓柱形的，且位在煙霧形成基材213下游且位在耗材202的下游端218處。終端過濾元件214呈空心孔腔過濾元件的形式，且具有通過其形成的孔腔219（例如用於空氣流）。孔腔219的直徑為2 mm。終端過濾元件214由多孔（例如單乙酸酯）過濾材料所形成。如上文所闡述，耗材202的下游端218（即終端過濾器214所在之處）形成耗材202的煙嘴口部分，使用者在此煙嘴口部分上抽吸。空氣流從上游端217被抽吸、通過耗材202的部件、並從下游端218抽出。空氣流由在耗材202的下游端218（即煙嘴口部分）上抽吸的使用者所驅動。The terminal filter element 214 is also substantially cylindrical, and is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and located at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The terminal filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow cavity filter element and has a cavity 219 formed therethrough (for example for air flow). The diameter of the cavity 219 is 2 mm. The terminal filter element 214 is formed of a porous (for example, monoacetate) filter material. As described above, the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 (ie, where the terminal filter 214 is located) forms the mouthpiece of the consumable 202, on which the user draws. Air flow is drawn from the upstream end 217, through the components of the consumable 202, and drawn from the downstream end 218. The air flow is driven by the user who draws on the downstream end 218 (ie, the mouth portion of the cigarette holder) of the consumable 202.

上游過濾元件215軸向地位在煙霧形成基材213附近且位在煙霧形成基材213與終端過濾元件214之間。與終端過濾器214類似，上游過濾元件215呈空心孔腔過濾元件的形式，使得其具有軸向延伸通過空心孔腔過濾元構件的孔腔220。如此，上游過濾器215可以充當空氣流限流器。上游過濾元件215由多孔（例如單乙酸酯）過濾材料所形成。上游過濾元件215的孔腔220具有比終端過濾元件214大的直徑（3 mm）。The upstream filter element 215 is axially located near the aerosol forming substrate 213 and between the aerosol forming substrate 213 and the terminal filter element 214. Similar to the terminal filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow cavity filter element such that it has a cavity 220 extending axially through the hollow cavity filter element. As such, the upstream filter 215 can act as an air flow restrictor. The upstream filter element 215 is formed of a porous (for example, monoacetate) filter material. The cavity 220 of the upstream filter element 215 has a larger diameter (3 mm) than the final filter element 214.

間隔物216呈紙板管的形式，且在上游過濾元件215與終端過濾元件214之間界定空腔或腔室。間隔物216用來允許來自煙霧形成基材213的蒸氣/煙霧冷卻及混合。間隔物具有7 mm的外徑及14 mm的軸向長度。The spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube, and defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214. The spacer 216 is used to allow the vapor/smoke from the aerosol forming substrate 213 to cool and mix. The spacer has an outer diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14 mm.

儘管從圖式中看不出來，但煙霧形成基材213、上游過濾器215、及間隔物216被紙包裹層圍束。終端過濾器214被接裝層圍束，接裝層也圍束紙包裹層的一部分（以便將終端過濾器214連接到耗材202的其餘部件）。上游過濾器215及終端過濾器214被呈塞套的形式的另外的包裹層圍束。Although not visible from the drawing, the aerosol-forming substrate 213, the upstream filter 215, and the spacer 216 are surrounded by a paper wrapper. The terminal filter 214 is bound by a tipping layer, which also wraps a part of the paper wrapping layer (in order to connect the terminal filter 214 to the remaining parts of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and the final filter 214 are surrounded by another wrapper in the form of a plug sleeve.

現在回到設備201，圖2D繪示設備201的端部的詳細圖，此端部被配置為與耗材202接合。設備201的頂蓋210包括通往由頂蓋210所界定的內部空腔222的開口221（從圖2D更看得出來）。開口221及空腔222被形成為接收耗材202的至少一部分。在耗材202與設備201的接合期間，將耗材202的一部分通過開口221接收且被接收到空腔222中。在接合之後（參照圖2B），耗材202的下游端218從開口221凸出且因此也從設備201凸出。開口221包括側向設置的凹口226。在耗材202被接收在開口221中時，這些凹口226保持開放，且可以例如用於使蓋固位以覆蓋設備201的端部。Now returning to the device 201, FIG. 2D shows a detailed view of the end of the device 201, which is configured to be engaged with the consumable 202. The top cover 210 of the device 201 includes an opening 221 (which can be better seen from FIG. 2D) leading to an internal cavity 222 defined by the top cover 210. The opening 221 and the cavity 222 are formed to receive at least a part of the consumable 202. During the joining of the consumable 202 and the device 201, a part of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and received into the cavity 222. After joining (refer to FIG. 2B ), the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221 and therefore also protrudes from the device 201. The opening 221 includes a notch 226 disposed laterally. When the consumable 202 is received in the opening 221, these notches 226 remain open and can be used, for example, to hold the cover in place to cover the end of the device 201.

圖2E示出穿過中心縱向平面的橫截面，此中心縱向平面穿過設備201。設備201被示為與耗材202接合。Figure 2E shows a cross-section through a central longitudinal plane, which passes through the device 201. The device 201 is shown engaged with the consumable 202.

設備201包括包含加熱元件223的加熱器204。加熱器204形成設備201的主體209的一部分，且剛性地安裝到主體209。在所繪示的實施例中，加熱器204是具有加熱元件223的桿式加熱器，此加熱元件具有圓形橫向輪廓。在其他的實施例中，加熱器可以呈葉片加熱器（例如具有矩形橫向輪廓的加熱元件）或管式加熱器（例如具有管狀形式的加熱元件）的形式。The device 201 includes a heater 204 including a heating element 223. The heater 204 forms a part of the main body 209 of the device 201 and is rigidly mounted to the main body 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 204 is a rod heater with a heating element 223, which has a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments, the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (for example, a heating element with a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube heater (for example, a heating element with a tubular form).

加熱器204的加熱元件223從空腔222的內部基部沿著縱軸線朝向開口221凸出。如從圖式中明顯看出的，加熱元件的長度（即沿著縱軸線）小於空腔222的深度。如此，加熱元件223不從開口221凸出或延伸超出此開口。The heating element 223 of the heater 204 protrudes from the inner base of the cavity 222 toward the opening 221 along the longitudinal axis. As is obvious from the drawing, the length of the heating element (ie along the longitudinal axis) is less than the depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude from the opening 221 or extend beyond the opening.

在耗材202被接收在空腔222中時（如圖2E中所示），加熱元件223穿透耗材202的煙霧形成基材213。詳細而言，在加熱元件223安插在煙霧形成基材213中時，加熱元件延伸達幾乎此煙霧形成基材的整個軸向長度。因此，在啟動加熱器204時，熱徑向地從外周面加熱元件223傳導到煙霧形成基材213。When the consumable 202 is received in the cavity 222 (as shown in FIG. 2E ), the heating element 223 penetrates the smoke forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In detail, when the heating element 223 is inserted in the aerosol-forming substrate 213, the heating element extends to almost the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate. Therefore, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is conducted radially from the outer peripheral surface heating element 223 to the aerosol-forming substrate 213.

設備201更包括電子設備空腔224。電源（呈可再充電電池205（鋰離子電池）的形式）位於電子設備空腔224中。The device 201 further includes an electronic device cavity 224. The power source (in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (lithium ion battery)) is located in the electronic device cavity 224.

設備201包括呈USB埠206的形式的連接器（即形成設備201的IO模組的一部分）。舉例而言，連接器可以替代性地是例如微USB埠或USB-C埠。USB埠206可以用來將可再充電電池205再充電。The device 201 includes a connector in the form of a USB port 206 (ie forming part of the IO module of the device 201). For example, the connector may alternatively be a micro USB port or a USB-C port. The USB port 206 can be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 205.

設備201包括位於電子設備空腔224中的控制器208。控制器包括安裝在印刷電路板（PCB）上的微控制器。USB埠206也連接到控制器208（即連接到PCB及微控制器）。The device 201 includes a controller 208 located in the cavity 224 of the electronic device. The controller includes a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to the controller 208 (ie to the PCB and microcontroller).

控制器208被配置為控制設備202的至少一個功能。如下文將進一步描述的，控制器208被配置為基於與設備201接合的耗材202的用盡水平來在耗材操作循環期間控制設備201的操作的方面。例如，控制器208被配置為控制加熱器204的操作。加熱器204的操作的此類控制可以藉由控制器將可再充電電池205的電連接切換到加熱器204來完成。例如，控制器208被配置為響應於使用者壓下按鈕212而控制加熱器204。壓下按鈕212可以使控制器允許向加熱器204施加電壓（來自可再充電電池205）（以便使加熱元件223加熱）。The controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of the device 202. As will be described further below, the controller 208 is configured to control aspects of the operation of the device 201 during the consumable operation cycle based on the depletion level of the consumable 202 engaged with the device 201. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the operation of the heater 204. Such control of the operation of the heater 204 can be accomplished by the controller switching the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery 205 to the heater 204. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in response to the user pressing the button 212. Depressing the button 212 may cause the controller to allow voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to the heater 204 (in order to heat the heating element 223).

加熱器204可以使用脈寬調變來切換。也就是說，控制器208能夠依據佔空比來切換電源。控制器208被配置為依據多個功率水平來控制電源。每個功率水平均與對應的佔空比相關聯。佔空比與加熱器204在預先界定的時間段內處於打開（即加熱）條件的時間長度成比例。在此實施例中，控制器208被配置為在「升壓」模式及「續航」模式下控制加熱器204。與續航模式相比，升壓模式涉及在較高的功率水平下（且因此在較高的佔空比下）操作加熱器204。因此，設備201的由控制器208所控制的操作方面可以包括對加熱器204的電力供應的功率水平。升壓及續航模式可以由使用者可選（例如使用按鈕212可選）。如下文將進一步描述的，功率水平也可以形成設備的用於決定耗材202的用盡的一個條件。The heater 204 can be switched using pulse width modulation. In other words, the controller 208 can switch the power supply according to the duty cycle. The controller 208 is configured to control the power source according to multiple power levels. Each power level is associated with a corresponding duty cycle. The duty cycle is proportional to the length of time that the heater 204 is in an on (ie heating) condition for a predetermined period of time. In this embodiment, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in the "boost" mode and the "endurance" mode. Compared to the endurance mode, the boost mode involves operating the heater 204 at a higher power level (and therefore at a higher duty cycle). Therefore, the operational aspects of the device 201 controlled by the controller 208 may include the power level of the power supply to the heater 204. The boost and endurance modes can be selected by the user (for example, use the button 212 to select). As will be described further below, the power level may also form a condition of the device for determining the exhaustion of the consumable 202.

控制器也被配置為響應於設備201或耗材202的（例如偵測到的）條件而控制LED 211。例如，控制器可以控制LED 211以指示設備201是處於打開狀態還是關閉狀態（例如在設備處於「打開」狀態時，LED 211中的一或更多者可以藉由控制器208點亮）。The controller is also configured to control the LED 211 in response to (eg, detected) conditions of the device 201 or the consumable 202. For example, the controller can control the LED 211 to indicate whether the device 201 is in the on state or the off state (for example, when the device is in the "on" state, one or more of the LEDs 211 can be lit by the controller 208).

設備201包括呈噗氣感測器225的形式的另外的輸入構件（即除了按鈕212以外的輸入構件）。噗氣感測器225被配置為偵測使用者在耗材202的下游端218處抽吸（即吸氣）。噗氣感測器225可以例如呈壓力感測器、流量計、或傳聲器的形式。噗氣感測器225操作連接到電子設備空腔224中的控制器208，使得來自噗氣感測器225的指示噗氣狀態（即抽吸或不抽吸）的訊號形成對控制器208的輸入（且可以因此由控制器208響應）。The device 201 includes an additional input member in the form of a puff sensor 225 (ie an input member other than the button 212). The puff sensor 225 is configured to detect that the user draws (ie inhales) at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The puff sensor 225 may be in the form of a pressure sensor, a flow meter, or a microphone, for example. The puff sensor 225 is operatively connected to the controller 208 in the cavity 224 of the electronic device, so that the signal indicating the puff state (that is, puffing or not puffing) from the puff sensor 225 forms a signal to the controller 208 Input (and can therefore be responded to by the controller 208).

噗氣感測器225提供一個用於測量設備201被使用者使用的構件，此使用轉而可以用來決定耗材201的用盡（即在耗材循環期間決定）。噗氣感測器225被配置為測量噗氣是否發生（即噗氣狀態）及噗氣的強度（即由噗氣所造成的空氣流的大小）。這兩個特性均可以指示例如噗氣體積且可以由控制器208用來決定耗材202的用盡。例如，耗材循環期間的總噗氣時間（直至測量時間的總噗氣時間）可以用作用盡的指標。類似地，噗氣的平均空氣流也可以用來調整此決定（即較高的平均空氣流可以意味著耗材的較大程度的用盡）。或者，每次噗氣均可以被分配指示由噗氣所造成的用盡的用盡值。用盡值可以藉由組合噗氣期間的空氣流及噗氣的長度來形成。The puff sensor 225 provides a component for the measurement device 201 to be used by the user, which in turn can be used to determine the exhaustion of the consumable 201 (that is, to determine during the consumable cycle). The puff sensor 225 is configured to measure whether a puff occurs (that is, a puff state) and the intensity of the puff (that is, the size of the air flow caused by the puff). Both of these characteristics can indicate, for example, the puff volume and can be used by the controller 208 to determine the exhaustion of the consumable 202. For example, the total puff time during the cycle of consumables (total puff time until the measurement time) can use up the index. Similarly, the puffed average air flow can also be used to adjust this decision (ie a higher average air flow can mean a greater degree of exhaustion of consumables). Alternatively, each puff can be assigned an exhaustion value indicating exhaustion caused by the puff. The exhaustion value can be formed by combining the air flow during the puff and the length of the puff.

儘管未示出，但設備201也包括用於決定耗材202的用盡的其他感測器。設備201包括形成到加熱元件223中的溫度感測器，溫度感測器呈包括軌路的熱電偶的形式。軌路用蛇形的方式沿著加熱元件223延伸。溫度感測器向控制器208傳送指示操作期間的加熱元件223的溫度的訊號。控制器208基於此訊號來形成加熱輪廓，且將此加熱輪廓用於決定耗材202的用盡水平。一般而言，較高的溫度（加熱元件223的溫度）可能導致更快速地用盡耗材202。Although not shown, the device 201 also includes other sensors for determining the exhaustion of the consumable 202. The device 201 includes a temperature sensor formed into the heating element 223, the temperature sensor being in the form of a thermocouple including a rail. The rail extends along the heating element 223 in a serpentine manner. The temperature sensor transmits to the controller 208 a signal indicating the temperature of the heating element 223 during operation. The controller 208 forms a heating profile based on this signal, and uses the heating profile to determine the exhaustion level of the consumable 202. Generally speaking, a higher temperature (the temperature of the heating element 223) may cause the consumable 202 to be used up more quickly.

設備201也包括配置為測量外部環境的溫度（即環境溫度）的外部溫度感測器227。一般而言，較高的環境溫度導致更快速地用盡耗材202。因此，此資訊也用來決定耗材202的用盡水平。The device 201 also includes an external temperature sensor 227 configured to measure the temperature of the external environment (ie, ambient temperature). Generally speaking, a higher ambient temperature causes the consumable 202 to be used up more quickly. Therefore, this information is also used to determine the exhaustion level of the consumable 202.

如上文所簡短論述的，供應到加熱器204的功率水平也用來決定耗材202的用盡水平。較高的功率水平一般導致更快速地用盡加熱器204。As discussed briefly above, the power level supplied to the heater 204 is also used to determine the depletion level of the consumable 202. A higher power level generally results in the heater 204 being used up more quickly.

響應於決定用盡水平，控制器208被配置為控制設備201的操作的一個方面。在本實施例中，控制器208被配置為將（所決定的用盡水平）與跟進行比較的耗材循環時間點相關聯的最大閾值用盡水平進行比較。若用盡量超過閾值，則控制器208將對加熱器204的電力供應控制在較低的功率水平下。這可以確保，耗材202在耗材循環結束之前不完全用盡。控制器208可以在耗材循環期間用預定的間隔執行此比較。在其他的實施例中，控制器208可以在每一次偵測到的噗氣之後執行比較。In response to determining the exhaustion level, the controller 208 is configured to control an aspect of the operation of the device 201. In this embodiment, the controller 208 is configured to compare (the determined depletion level) with the maximum threshold depletion level associated with the consumable cycle time point for comparison. If the usage exceeds the threshold as much as possible, the controller 208 will control the power supply to the heater 204 at a lower power level. This can ensure that the consumable 202 is not completely used up before the end of the consumable cycle. The controller 208 may perform this comparison at predetermined intervals during the consumable cycle. In other embodiments, the controller 208 may perform the comparison after each puff detected.

控制器208也被配置為將用盡水平與最小閾值用盡水平進行比較。此比較在耗材循環中的預定時間點進行，預定時間點接近耗材循環的結束。若用盡水平低於最小閾值水平，則這指示耗材在循環結束時可能未被完全用盡。在此情況下，控制器208向LED 211傳送訊號，這使得LED 211閃爍。此閃爍向使用者指示，他們有將預定的延長時間段添加到耗材循環的選項。若使用者在LED 211閃爍時壓下按鈕212達兩秒的時間，則控制器202延長耗材循環達延長時間段。也就是說，控制器208在延長時間段內繼續容許向加熱器204供應電力（在延長時間段，原本會防止供應電力）。The controller 208 is also configured to compare the depletion level with a minimum threshold depletion level. This comparison is performed at a predetermined time point in the consumable cycle, which is close to the end of the consumable cycle. If the exhaustion level is below the minimum threshold level, this indicates that the consumables may not be completely exhausted at the end of the cycle. In this case, the controller 208 transmits a signal to the LED 211, which makes the LED 211 blink. This flashing indicates to the user that they have the option to add a predetermined extended period of time to the consumable cycle. If the user presses the button 212 for two seconds while the LED 211 is flashing, the controller 202 extends the cycle of consumables for an extended period of time. That is, the controller 208 continues to allow the supply of electric power to the heater 204 for the extended period of time (in the extended period of time, the supply of electric power would have been prevented).

在其他的實施例中，與最小閾值用盡水平進行的比較可以用與上文針對最大閾值所描述的方式類似的方式執行。也就是說，所進行的比較是用預定的時間間隔進行，且可以據此調整設備的操作（例如對加熱器204的電力供應或耗材循環的預定時間）。在這方面，可以將耗材的用盡速率維持在所需的範圍內。In other embodiments, the comparison with the minimum threshold exhaustion level can be performed in a manner similar to that described above for the maximum threshold. In other words, the comparison is performed at a predetermined time interval, and the operation of the device can be adjusted accordingly (for example, the power supply to the heater 204 or the predetermined time for circulating consumables). In this regard, the exhaustion rate of consumables can be maintained within a desired range.

可以藉由設備201來提供其他的使用者輸出以向使用者指示吸煙替代設備201的操作方面的控制。例如，可以指示耗材循環的持續時間的延長及/或耗材循環的持續時間的縮短。例如，使用者輸出構件可以包括觸感反饋部件（例如振動機構）以向使用者反饋。The device 201 may be used to provide other user output to indicate to the user the operation control of the smoking substitute device 201. For example, it may indicate an extension of the duration of the consumable cycle and/or a decrease of the duration of the consumable cycle. For example, the user output member may include a tactile feedback component (such as a vibration mechanism) to provide feedback to the user.

在其他的實施例中，也可以將設備201配置為指示完成當前的耗材/吸煙循環的剩餘時間。可以基於耗材202的決定的用盡水平來計算剩餘時間。例如，設備201的記憶體可以儲存預定（即標準）的耗材循環時間，且控制器208可以在整個循環內對此計時器進行倒數。可以接著藉由控制器208基於特定時間點的用盡水平的決定來調整此時間。In other embodiments, the device 201 may also be configured to indicate the remaining time to complete the current consumable/smoking cycle. The remaining time may be calculated based on the determined depletion level of the consumable 202. For example, the memory of the device 201 can store a predetermined (ie, standard) consumable cycle time, and the controller 208 can count down the timer during the entire cycle. This time can then be adjusted by the controller 208 based on the determination of the exhaustion level at a specific time point.

圖3A及3B繪示電子香煙吸煙替代系統300。系統300是圖1A及1B的系統100、100'的示例，且包括電子香煙設備301及電子香煙耗材302。以上圖1A及1B的說明可適用於圖3A及3B的系統，且將不重複。3A and 3B illustrate an electronic cigarette smoking replacement system 300. The system 300 is an example of the systems 100, 100' of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and includes an electronic cigarette device 301 and an electronic cigarette consumable 302. The above description of FIGS. 1A and 1B can be applied to the system of FIGS. 3A and 3B, and will not be repeated.

設備301及耗材302被配置為使得耗材302可以與設備301接合。圖3A示出處於接合狀態的設備301及耗材302，而圖3B示出處於脫離狀態的設備301及耗材302。在接合期間，耗材302的一部分被接收在設備301的空腔322中。耗材302經由過盈配合固位在設備301中（然而在其他的實施例中，設備及耗材也可以藉由將它們彼此擰緊、透過卡口接頭、或藉由卡扣接合機構來接合）。The device 301 and the consumable 302 are configured such that the consumable 302 can be coupled with the device 301. FIG. 3A shows the device 301 and the consumable 302 in an engaged state, and FIG. 3B shows the device 301 and the consumable 302 in a disengaged state. During joining, a part of the consumable 302 is received in the cavity 322 of the device 301. The consumable 302 is retained in the device 301 via an interference fit (however, in other embodiments, the device and the consumable can also be joined by screwing them to each other, through a bayonet joint, or by a snap joint mechanism).

耗材302包括罐327。罐327界定用於儲存煙霧形成劑的貯存器，此煙霧形成劑在此實施例中呈電子液體的形式。The consumable 302 includes a tank 327. The tank 327 defines a reservoir for storing an aerosol forming agent, which in this embodiment is in the form of an electronic liquid.

在此本實施例中，耗材302是「一次性使用」的耗材。也就是說，在用盡罐327中的電子液體之後，就意圖讓使用者丟掉整個耗材302。在其他的實施例中，電子液體（即煙霧形成劑）可以是系統唯一真正「一次性使用」的部分。在此類實施例中，罐可以用電子液體可再填充，或可以將電子液體儲存在系統的非耗材部件中。例如，可以將電子液體儲存在位於設備中的罐中或儲存在本身不是一次性使用的另一個部件（例如可再填充的煙嘴）中。In this embodiment, the consumable 302 is a "disposable" consumable. In other words, after the e-liquid in the tank 327 is used up, the user is intended to discard the entire consumable 302. In other embodiments, e-liquid (ie, aerosol forming agent) may be the only truly "disposable" part of the system. In such embodiments, the tank may be refillable with e-liquid, or the e-liquid may be stored in non-consumable parts of the system. For example, the e-liquid can be stored in a tank located in the device or in another component that is not itself disposable (such as a refillable cigarette holder).

在所繪示的系統300中，加熱器304位於耗材302中且被配置為加熱及汽化電子液體（儲存在罐327中的電子液體）。儘管未示出，但加熱器304也包括多孔虹吸油芯及電阻式加熱元件。多孔虹吸油芯將電子液體從罐327傳遞到加熱元件。加熱元件是加熱絲，加熱絲螺旋地纏繞於多孔虹吸油芯的一部分周圍，使得在加熱元件被加熱（例如藉由電流穿過加熱元件的行動來加熱）時，熱從加熱元件傳導到由虹吸油芯所傳遞的電子液體。此導熱使電子液體汽化，而生成的蒸氣被夾帶在穿過耗材302的空氣流（即由在耗材302的下游端318上抽吸的使用者所驅動的空氣流）中。在線圈處的汽化點與下游端318（即口部端）之間，蒸氣冷凝成煙霧，且隨後由使用者吸入。In the illustrated system 300, the heater 304 is located in the consumable 302 and is configured to heat and vaporize the e-liquid (e-liquid stored in the tank 327). Although not shown, the heater 304 also includes a porous siphon oil core and a resistive heating element. The porous siphon oil wick transfers the e-liquid from the tank 327 to the heating element. The heating element is a heating wire, which is spirally wound around a part of the porous siphon oil core, so that when the heating element is heated (for example, by the action of the electric current passing through the heating element), the heat is conducted from the heating element to the siphon The e-liquid delivered by the wick. This heat conduction vaporizes the e-liquid, and the generated vapor is entrained in the air flow passing through the consumable 302 (ie, the air flow driven by the user sucking on the downstream end 318 of the consumable 302). Between the vaporization point at the coil and the downstream end 318 (ie, the mouth end), the vapor condenses into smoke, which is then inhaled by the user.

與先前所述的實施例類似，設備301包括呈可再充電電池（未示出）的形式的電源及呈USB埠（未示出）的形式的連接器。設備301更包括控制器（也未示出）。可再充電電池、連接器、及控制器與上文針對圖2A到2E所描述的實施例的對應部件類似（且用類似的方式操作）。Similar to the previously described embodiment, the device 301 includes a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery (not shown) and a connector in the form of a USB port (not shown). The device 301 further includes a controller (also not shown). The rechargeable battery, connector, and controller are similar (and operate in a similar manner) to the corresponding components of the embodiment described above for FIGS. 2A to 2E.

耗材302包括設置在耗材302的面向設備的端面上的一對加熱器電接點328。加熱器電接點328電連接到耗材302中的加熱器304，使得跨加熱器電接點328施加的電壓大致與跨加熱器304的電阻式加熱元件施加的電壓對應。The consumable 302 includes a pair of heater electrical contacts 328 arranged on the end surface of the consumable 302 facing the device. The heater electrical contact 328 is electrically connected to the heater 304 in the consumable 302 such that the voltage applied across the heater electrical contact 328 roughly corresponds to the voltage applied across the resistive heating element of the heater 304.

在耗材302與設備301接合時，加熱器電接點328與設備301上的對應設備電接點（未示出）電接觸。設備電接點（直接地或間接地）電連接到可再充電電池。可以因此將控制器配置為控制從可再充電電池跨設備電接點施加的電壓。藉由控制跨設備電接點施加的電壓，向加熱器304施加的電壓被對應地控制。When the consumable 302 is engaged with the device 301, the heater electrical contact 328 is in electrical contact with the corresponding device electrical contact (not shown) on the device 301. The electrical contacts of the device (directly or indirectly) are electrically connected to the rechargeable battery. The controller can therefore be configured to control the voltage applied from the rechargeable battery across the electrical contacts of the device. By controlling the voltage applied across the electrical contacts of the device, the voltage applied to the heater 304 is correspondingly controlled.

設備301包括呈單個發光二極體（「LED」）311的形式的輸出構件（形成系統300的UI的一部分）。LED 311操作連接到控制器，使得控制器可以控制LED 311的點亮。控制器被配置為在加熱器304啟用時點亮LED。The device 301 includes an output member in the form of a single light emitting diode ("LED") 311 (forming part of the UI of the system 300). The LED 311 is operatively connected to the controller so that the controller can control the lighting of the LED 311. The controller is configured to illuminate the LED when the heater 304 is activated.

設備301也包括呈噗氣感測器（未示出）的形式的輸入構件。噗氣感測器與上文針對圖2A到2E中所示的實施例所描述的噗氣感測器相同。The device 301 also includes an input member in the form of a puff sensor (not shown). The puff sensor is the same as the puff sensor described above for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E.

應理解，此設備301的控制器可以用與上述方式類似的方式操作。在這方面，噗氣感測器可以界定用於在耗材循環期間測量設備被使用者使用的測量構件。控制器可以是配置為基於使用來在耗材循環期間決定耗材的用盡水平的控制器，且可以進一步被配置為基於用盡水平來在耗材操作循環期間控制吸煙替代設備的操作的一個方面。It should be understood that the controller of this device 301 can operate in a manner similar to the above-mentioned manner. In this regard, the puff sensor may define a measurement member for measuring the use of the device by the user during the cycle of consumables. The controller may be a controller configured to determine the depletion level of consumables during the consumable cycle based on usage, and may be further configured to control an aspect of the operation of the smoking replacement device during the consumable operation cycle based on the depletion level.

圖4是一張示意圖，示出如何可以在操作上連接設備401（其可以呈上述設備201、301中的一者的形式）的各種部件。設備401包括控制器408及連接到控制器408的複數個部件。控制器408控制設備401的加熱器404及使用者輸出411。控制器408也從噗氣感測器425、環境溫度感測器427、及使用者輸入412截取多個輸入。也經由控制器408的電力模組429從電源405向加熱器404供應電力，使得電力模組429能夠控制對加熱器404的電力供應。Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing how the various components of the device 401 (which can be in the form of one of the above-mentioned devices 201, 301) can be operatively connected. The device 401 includes a controller 408 and a plurality of components connected to the controller 408. The controller 408 controls the heater 404 and the user output 411 of the device 401. The controller 408 also intercepts multiple inputs from the puff sensor 425, the ambient temperature sensor 427, and the user input 412. The power module 429 of the controller 408 also supplies power from the power source 405 to the heater 404 so that the power module 429 can control the power supply to the heater 404.

控制器408更包括使用模組430、用盡模組431、及UI控制模組432。控制器408的這些模組429、430、431、432能夠彼此通訊及與記憶體409通訊，此記憶體也操作連接到控制器408以供儲存從控制器408傳遞的資訊。The controller 408 further includes a use module 430, an exhaust module 431, and a UI control module 432. The modules 429, 430, 431, and 432 of the controller 408 can communicate with each other and with a memory 409, which is also operatively connected to the controller 408 for storing information transmitted from the controller 408.

操作時，控制器408的使用模組430能夠基於從噗氣感測器425所接收的訊號來決定設備401的使用。這些訊號指示噗氣狀態（即噗氣是否正在發生）。使用這些訊號，使用模組430能夠決定每次噗氣的長度（即時間長度）、噗氣（即空氣流）的強度、及噗氣之間的每次暫停的時間長度。During operation, the use module 430 of the controller 408 can determine the use of the device 401 based on the signal received from the puff sensor 425. These signals indicate the puff state (that is, whether the puff is occurring). Using these signals, the use module 430 can determine the length of each puff (ie, the length of time), the intensity of the puff (ie, air flow), and the length of time of each pause between puffs.

將設備401的使用從使用模組430傳遞到用盡模組431，此用盡模組被配置為決定與設備401接合的耗材的用盡。使用資訊僅形成此決定的一部分。使用模組430從加熱器溫度感測器428及環境溫度感測器427接收溫度資訊，也將溫度資訊計入耗材的用盡的決定。此外，被配置為依據複數個不同的功率水平來操作的電力模組429被配置為向用盡模組431傳遞關於目前功率水平的資訊。所有這些訊號都由用盡模組431所使用。應理解，可以使用另外的資訊或不同的資訊來對耗材的用盡水平進行評估。如何使用此等訊號將取決於耗材及設備的類型。The use of the device 401 is transferred from the use module 430 to the exhaustion module 431, which is configured to determine the exhaustion of consumables connected to the device 401. Usage information only forms part of this decision. The use module 430 receives temperature information from the heater temperature sensor 428 and the ambient temperature sensor 427, and also counts the temperature information into the determination of the exhaustion of consumables. In addition, the power module 429 configured to operate according to a plurality of different power levels is configured to transmit information about the current power level to the exhausted module 431. All these signals are used by the exhaust module 431. It should be understood that additional information or different information can be used to evaluate the exhaustion level of consumables. How to use these signals will depend on the type of consumables and equipment.

響應於用盡水平的決定，電力模組429可以變更供應到加熱器404的電力。如上所述，這可以取決於用盡水平是否介於預定的最大閾值水平與最小閾值水平之間。可以將這些預定閾值儲存在記憶體409中。也可以控制（由UI模組432控制）使用者輸出411以向使用者指示設備401的操作已被調整。In response to the determination of the exhaustion level, the power module 429 may change the power supplied to the heater 404. As mentioned above, this may depend on whether the exhaustion level is between a predetermined maximum threshold level and a minimum threshold level. These predetermined thresholds can be stored in the memory 409. It is also possible to control (controlled by the UI module 432) the user output 411 to indicate to the user that the operation of the device 401 has been adjusted.

若用盡水平低於最小閾值水平，則設備401可以提供使用者變更設備401的操作的選項。這可以經由使用者輸出411來提供，且使用者可以使用使用者輸入412來響應。在此類情況下，控制器408可以延長預定的耗材循環時間，使得使用者可以在延長的時間段內消耗耗材。If the exhaustion level is lower than the minimum threshold level, the device 401 may provide the user with an option to change the operation of the device 401. This can be provided via user output 411, and the user can respond using user input 412. In such a case, the controller 408 may extend the predetermined cycle time of consumables, so that the user can consume the consumables for an extended period of time.

前述說明中、或以下申請專利範圍中、或附圖中所揭露的特徵可以單獨地或用此類特徵的任何組合來用於用本發明多種多樣的形式來實現本發明，視情況，此等特徵用它們特定的形式來表示或就用於執行所揭露的功能的手段、或用於獲得所揭露的結果的方法或工序的角度而言來表示。The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the scope of the following patent applications, or in the drawings can be used alone or in any combination of such features to implement the present invention in various forms, as appropriate, etc. Features are expressed in their specific forms or in terms of means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results.

儘管已經與上述的示例性實施例結合描述本發明，但在給出此揭示內容時，本領域中的技術人員將理解許多等效的變體及變型。因此，上文所闡述的發明的示例性實施例視為是說明性且非限制性的。在不脫離本發明的精神及範圍的情況下，可以作出對於所述實施例的各種改變。Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the above exemplary embodiments, when this disclosure is given, those skilled in the art will understand many equivalent variations and modifications. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and non-limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

為了避免任何疑問，本文中所提供的任何理論解釋是為了改善讀者的了解的目的而提供的。發明人並不希望被這些理論解釋中的任一者所束縛。For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanation provided in this article is provided for the purpose of improving readers' understanding. The inventor does not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

本文中所使用的任何部分標題僅是為了組織的目的，且並不被解釋為限制所描述的標的。Any section headings used in this article are for organizational purposes only and are not construed as limiting the subject matter described.

在整個此說明書（包括以下的申請專利範圍）內，除非上下文另有需要，否則將把用詞「具有」、「包括」、及「包含」、及其變型了解為暗示包容所陳述的整數或步驟、或整數或步驟的群組，但不排除任何其他的整數或步驟、或整數或步驟的群組。Throughout this specification (including the scope of patent applications below), unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "having", "including", and "including" and their variants will be understood to imply inclusion of the stated integer or Steps, or integers or groups of steps, but do not exclude any other integers or steps, or groups of integers or steps.

必須注意，如本說明書及隨附申請專利範圍中所使用的，單數形式「一」、「一個」、及「該」包括複數的指涉對象，除非上下文另有明確指示。在本文中可以將範圍表示為從「約」一個特定值及/或到「約」另一個特定值。當表達此類範圍時，另一個實施例包括從一個特定值及/或到另一個特定值。類似地，在藉由使用先行詞「約」將值表示為近似值時，將了解，此特定值形成了另一個實施例。關於數值的用語「約」是可選的，且意指例如+/-10%。It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the scope of the accompanying patent application, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one specific value and/or to "about" another specific value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from one specific value and/or to another specific value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent "about", it will be understood that this particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" with respect to numerical values is optional and means, for example, +/-10%.

用詞「優選」及「優選地」在本文中用來指本發明的可以在一些情況下提供某些益處的實施例。然而，要理解，其他的實施例在相同或不同的情況下也可以是優選的。因此，一或更多個優選實施例的敘述並不意味著或暗示，其他的實施例是沒有用，且不旨在從本揭示內容的範圍或從申請專利範圍的範圍排除其他的實施例。The terms "preferably" and "preferably" are used herein to refer to embodiments of the present invention that can provide certain benefits in some cases. However, it should be understood that other embodiments may also be preferable under the same or different conditions. Therefore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply or imply that other embodiments are useless, and are not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure or the scope of the patent application.

100:吸煙替代系統 101:替代吸煙設備 102:耗材 103:煙霧形成劑 104:加熱器 105:電源 106:連接器 107:使用者介面（UI） 108:控制器 109:記憶體 200:吸煙替代系統 201:HT設備 202:HT耗材 204:加熱器 205:可再充電電池 206:USB埠 208:控制器 209:主體 210:頂蓋 211:發光二極體（LED） 212:按鈕 213:煙霧形成基材 214:終端過濾元件 215:上游過濾元件 216:間隔元件 217:上游端 218:下游 219:孔腔 220:孔腔 221:開口 222:空腔 223:加熱元件 224:電子設備空腔 225:噗氣感測器 226:凹口 227:外部溫度感測器 300:電子香煙吸煙替代系統 301:電子香煙設備 302:電子香煙耗材 327:罐 328:加熱器電接點 401:設備 404:加熱器 405:電源 408:控制器 409:記憶體 411:使用者輸出 412:使用者輸入 425:噗氣感測器 427:環境溫度感測器 428:加熱器溫度感測器 429:電力模組 430:使用模組 431:用盡模組 432:UI控制模組 100’:系統100: Smoking Alternative System 101: Alternative smoking equipment 102: Consumables 103: Smoke forming agent 104: heater 105: Power 106: Connector 107: User Interface (UI) 108: Controller 109: Memory 200: Smoking Alternative System 201: HT equipment 202: HT consumables 204: heater 205: Rechargeable battery 206: USB port 208: Controller 209: Subject 210: top cover 211: Light-emitting diode (LED) 212: Button 213: Smoke forming substrate 214: terminal filter element 215: Upstream filter element 216: Spacer element 217: Upstream 218: Downstream 219: Hole 220: cavity 221: open 222: cavity 223: heating element 224: Electronic device cavity 225: Puff Sensor 226: Notch 227: External temperature sensor 300: Electronic cigarette smoking alternative system 301: Electronic cigarette equipment 302: Electronic cigarette consumables 327: Can 328: heater electric contact 401: Equipment 404: heater 405: Power 408: Controller 409: Memory 411: User output 412: User input 425: Puff Sensor 427: Ambient temperature sensor 428: Heater temperature sensor 429: Power Module 430: Use Module 431: run out of modules 432: UI control module 100’: System

現將參照附圖更詳細地論述繪示本發明的原理的實施例（及實驗），使得可以了解本發明且使得可以理解本發明的另外的態樣及特徵，在附圖中：The embodiments (and experiments) illustrating the principles of the present invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the present invention can be understood and other aspects and features of the present invention can be understood. In the accompanying drawings:

圖1A是吸煙替代系統的示意圖；Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a smoking replacement system;

圖1B是圖1A的吸煙替代系統的變型的示意圖；Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a modification of the smoking replacement system of Figure 1A;

圖2A是吸煙替代系統的第一實施例的正視圖，其中耗材與設備接合；Figure 2A is a front view of the first embodiment of the smoking replacement system, in which the consumable is engaged with the device;

圖2B是吸煙替代系統的第一實施例的正視圖，其中耗材脫離設備；Figure 2B is a front view of the first embodiment of the smoking substitution system, where the consumables are detached from the device;

圖2C是吸煙替代系統的第一實施例的耗材的截面圖；2C is a cross-sectional view of the consumables of the first embodiment of the smoking replacement system;

圖2D是吸煙替代系統的第一實施例的設備的端部的詳細圖；Figure 2D is a detailed view of the end of the device of the first embodiment of the smoking replacement system;

圖2E是替代吸煙系統的第一實施例的截面圖；Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the alternative smoking system;

圖3A是吸煙替代系統的第二實施例的正視圖，其中耗材與設備接合；Figure 3A is a front view of a second embodiment of the smoking replacement system, in which the consumable is engaged with the device;

圖3B是吸煙替代系統的第二實施例的正視圖，其中耗材與設備脫離；及Figure 3B is a front view of the second embodiment of the smoking replacement system, in which the consumables are detached from the device; and

圖4是示意圖，其示出系統的第三實施例。Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of the system.

國內寄存資訊(請依寄存機構、日期、號碼順序註記) 無 國外寄存資訊(請依寄存國家、機構、日期、號碼順序註記) 無Domestic deposit information (please note in the order of deposit institution, date and number) no Foreign hosting information (please note in the order of hosting country, institution, date and number) no

401:設備 401: Equipment

404:加熱器 404: heater

405:電源 405: Power

408:控制器 408: Controller

409:記憶體 409: Memory

411:使用者輸出 411: User output

412:使用者輸入 412: User input

425:噗氣感測器 425: Puff Sensor

427:環境溫度感測器 427: Ambient temperature sensor

428:加熱器溫度感測器 428: Heater temperature sensor

429:電力模組 429: Power Module

430:使用模組 430: Use Module

431:用盡模組 431: run out of modules

432:UI控制模組 432: UI control module

Claims (15)

一種用於依據一耗材循環來加熱一耗材的吸煙替代設備，該吸煙替代設備包括： 一測量構件，用於在該耗材循環期間測量該設備被一使用者進行的一使用；以及 一控制器，被配置為基於該使用來在該耗材循環期間決定該耗材的一用盡水平，及 其中該控制器更被配置為基於該用盡水平來在該耗材操作循環期間控制該吸煙替代設備的操作的一方面。A smoking substitute device for heating a consumable according to a consumable cycle, the smoking substitute device includes: A measuring member for measuring a use of the device by a user during the cycle of the consumables; and A controller configured to determine a depletion level of the consumable during the cycle of the consumable based on the usage, and The controller is further configured to control one aspect of the operation of the smoking replacement device during the consumable operation cycle based on the exhaustion level. 如請求項1所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該測量構件包括一噗氣感測器，該噗氣感測器被配置為偵測該使用者在該耗材上噗氣，其中該設備的該使用基於由該噗氣感測器進行的至少一次噗氣的一偵測。The smoking substitute device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring member includes a puff sensor configured to detect the user's puff on the consumable, wherein the use of the device A detection based on at least one puff performed by the puff sensor. 如請求項1或請求項2所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該用盡水平的該計算基於該耗材循環期間的該設備的一加熱器的一操作溫度。The smoking substitute device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the calculation of the exhaustion level is based on an operating temperature of a heater of the device during the consumable cycle. 如請求項1或2所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該用盡水平的該決定基於在該耗材循環期間向該設備的一加熱器供應的一功率水平。The smoking substitute device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination of the exhaustion level is based on a power level supplied to a heater of the device during the consumable cycle. 如請求項1或2所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該設備包括一環境溫度測量構件，該環境溫度測量構件被配置為測量該設備的一環境溫度。The smoking substitute device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device includes an ambient temperature measuring member configured to measure an ambient temperature of the device. 如請求項5所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該用盡水平的該決定是基於一環境溫度測量。The smoking substitute device of claim 5, wherein the determination of the exhaustion level is based on an ambient temperature measurement. 如請求項1或2所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該用盡水平的該決定是基於該耗材循環期間的該設備的一使用者可選操作模式。The smoking replacement device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination of the exhaustion level is based on a user-selectable operation mode of the device during the cycle of the consumables. 如請求項1或2所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該設備的操作的該方面包括基於該用盡水平來控制該耗材循環的一持續時間。The smoking replacement device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aspect of the operation of the device includes controlling a duration of the consumable cycle based on the exhaustion level. 如請求項8所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該控制器被配置為若該用盡水平低於一預先界定的最小用盡閾值，則延長該耗材循環的該持續時間達一預定延長時間。The smoking replacement device according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to extend the duration of the consumable cycle for a predetermined extended time if the exhaustion level is lower than a predefined minimum exhaustion threshold. 如請求項8所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該控制器被配置為若該用盡水平超過一預先界定的最大用盡閾值，則縮短該耗材循環的一持續時間。The smoking replacement device according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to shorten a duration of the consumable cycle if the exhaustion level exceeds a predefined maximum exhaustion threshold. 如請求項1或2所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該設備的操作的該方面包括基於該用盡水平來在該耗材循環期間控制該設備的一加熱器的一操作溫度。The smoking substitute device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aspect of the operation of the device includes controlling an operating temperature of a heater of the device during the consumable cycle based on the exhaustion level. 如請求項1或2所述的吸煙替代設備，包括一使用者輸出構件，該使用者輸出構件用於向該使用者提供使用者反饋，其中該控制器被配置為控制該使用者輸出構件以向該使用者指示該吸煙替代設備的該操作的該方面的該控制。The smoking substitute device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a user output member for providing user feedback to the user, wherein the controller is configured to control the user output member to The user is indicated to the control of the aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device. 如請求項12所述的吸煙替代設備，其中該使用者輸出構件包括一或更多個燈或一觸感反饋部件。The smoking substitute device according to claim 12, wherein the user output member includes one or more lights or a tactile feedback component. 一種操作一吸煙替代設備以供在一耗材循環期間加熱一耗材的方法，該方法包括以下步驟： 在該耗材循環期間測量該設備被一使用者進行的一使用； 基於該使用來在該耗材循環期間決定該耗材的一用盡水平，及 基於該用盡水平來在該耗材操作循環期間控制該吸煙替代設備的操作的一方面。A method of operating a smoking substitute device for heating a consumable during a consumable cycle, the method comprising the following steps: Measure the use of the device by a user during the cycle of the consumables; Determine a depletion level of the consumable during the cycle of the consumable based on the usage, and An aspect of the operation of the smoking replacement device is controlled during the consumable operation cycle based on the depletion level. 如請求項14所述的操作一吸煙替代設備的方法，其中測量該設備被一使用者進行的一使用的步驟包括以下步驟：在該耗材循環期間偵測由一使用者所進行的一或更多次噗氣。The method of operating a smoking substitute device according to claim 14, wherein the step of measuring a use of the device by a user includes the following steps: detecting one or more actions performed by a user during the consumable cycle Puffed repeatedly.

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