Battery charging

Abstract

An apparatus for a non-flammable aerosol supply system is described, comprising: a charging unit configured to charge a battery of the aerosol supply system; circuitry 5 including a control module, wherein the control module outputs a first control signal having a charging enable state and a charging disable state; and a protection module configured to decouple the circuitry from the battery when the battery voltage is below a first threshold level. The charging unit is configured to charge the battery unless the first control signal has a charging disable state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to an arrangement for charging a battery, such as a battery in an aerosol supply system. Background Technology

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use, producing tobacco smoke. Efforts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by manufacturing products that do not release compounds through combustion. For example, there are a range of non-combustible aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol materials without causing the aerosol materials to burn, such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and mixing systems that use compositions or aerosol materials to generate aerosols. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, this specification describes an apparatus for a non-flammable aerosol supply system, comprising: a charging unit configured to charge a battery of the aerosol supply system; circuitry including a control module, wherein the control module outputs a first control signal having a charging enable state and a charging disable state; and a protection module configured to decouple the circuitry from the battery when the battery voltage is below a first threshold level (e.g., 2.5V), wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the battery unless the first control signal has a charging disable state. The control module may have an MPU, CPU, or similar module. The protection module may be implemented using a protection circuit module (PCM).

[0004] The protection module can be configured to prevent charging of the battery when the battery voltage is below a second threshold level (e.g., 0.9V or 1V), wherein the second threshold level is lower than a first threshold level. This functionality can be based on the internal implementation of the PCM that implements the protection module.

[0005] The protection circuit can be configured to permanently decouple the circuit from the battery when the battery voltage falls below a second threshold level, wherein the second threshold level is lower than a first threshold level. This functionality can be implemented internally within the PCM that implements the protection module.

[0006] The control module can be configured to output a charging current control signal. Furthermore, the charging current output by the charging unit for charging the battery can be at least partially dependent on the charging current control signal. In the absence of a charging current control signal (i.e., if the control module's charging control signal output is "floating"), the charging current output can be set to a default level. The default level can be the lowest current level (e.g., for maximum safety). In one embodiment, the default level is 70mA. The charging current control signal can be at least partially dependent on the temperature of the battery.

[0007] The control module can be configured to set a first control signal to a charging enabled state or a charging disabled state based at least in part on a determined (e.g., measured) temperature of the battery.

[0008] The control module can be configured to set a first control signal to a charging disabled state when the device is used to generate aerosols.

[0009] Some embodiments further include a resistor arrangement configured to receive a first control signal from a control module and a constant current source signal from a charging unit, wherein the constant current source signal generates a voltage within the resistor arrangement according to the first control signal, and the charging unit uses the voltage to determine whether charging of the battery is permitted. The resistor arrangement may include: a first resistor having a first terminal configured to receive the constant current source signal and a second terminal connected to ground; and a second resistor having a first terminal configured to receive the constant current source signal and a second terminal configured to receive the first control signal. In one example embodiment, the first and second resistors are 10kΩ and 330Ω resistors, respectively; however, this is not necessary for all embodiments. Resistors can be selected to provide a given voltage (e.g., on the order of at least 150mV).

[0010] Some embodiments further include a regulator configured to adjust the operating voltage supplied to the circuit. The operating voltage may provide a fixed voltage to the circuit. In one embodiment, the operating voltage is 2.5V.

[0011] The control module can be configured to control the aerosol generation circuit of the device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the device further includes the battery.

[0013] In a second aspect, this specification describes a method comprising: decoupling a circuit from a non-flammable aerosol supply system when the battery voltage is below a first threshold level (e.g., 2.5V) (e.g., using a protection module, such as a protection circuit module (PCM)), wherein the circuit includes a control module; generating a first control signal using the control module, the first control signal having a charging enable state and a charging disable state; and charging the battery (e.g., using a charging unit) unless the first control signal has a charging disable state. In the case of circuit decoupling from the battery, the control signal may have neither a charging enable state nor a charging disable state.

[0014] The method may further include preventing charging of the battery when the battery voltage is below a second threshold level (e.g., 0.9V or 1V), wherein the second threshold level is lower than the first threshold level.

[0015] The method may further include permanently decoupling the circuit from the battery when the battery voltage is below a second threshold level, wherein the second threshold level is below a first threshold level.

[0016] The method may further include: generating a voltage within a resistor arrangement based on the first control signal; and determining whether to charge the battery based on the generated voltage.

[0017] The method may include providing a charging current control signal. Furthermore, the charging current used to charge the battery may depend at least in part on the charging current control signal. The method may include setting the charging current output to a default level in the absence of a charging current control signal (i.e., if the charging control signal output of the control module is "floating"). The default level may be the lowest current level (e.g., for maximum safety). In one embodiment, the default level is 70mA.

[0018] The charging current control signal may depend at least in part on the temperature of the battery.

[0019] In a third aspect, this specification describes a non-flammable aerosol supply system (e.g., for generating aerosols from aerosol materials), the aerosol supply system comprising means comprising any of the features of the first aspect above or configured to operate according to any of the features of the second aspect above. The aerosol supply system can be configured to receive a removable article comprising aerosol-generating material.

[0020] In a fourth aspect, this specification describes computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform any of the methods described with reference to the second aspect.

[0021] In a fifth aspect, this specification describes a kit of parts comprising an article for a non-flammable aerosol generation system, wherein the non-flammable aerosol generation system includes means comprising any of the features of the first aspect above or configured to operate according to any of the features of the second aspect above. For example, the article may be a removable article comprising aerosol-generating material.

[0022] In a sixth aspect, this specification describes a computer program including instructions for causing the device to perform at least the following operations: decoupling the circuit from the battery of the non-flammable aerosol supply system when the battery voltage is below a first threshold level; generating a first control signal having a charging enable state and a charging disable state; and charging the battery unless the first control signal has a charging disable state. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The example embodiment will now be described with reference to the following schematic diagram, which is only an example:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a circuit according to an example embodiment;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0032] Figure 9 It is a block diagram of a circuit according to an example embodiment; and

[0033] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol supply device according to an example embodiment. Specific Implementation

[0034] As used herein, the term "conveying system" is intended to include systems for conveying substances to users, and includes:

[0035] Combustible aerosol supply systems, such as tobacco for cigarettes, cigarettes, cigars and pipes, tobacco for cigarettes or homemade cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokeable materials);

[0036] Non-flammable aerosol supply systems release compounds from aerosol materials without causing the aerosol materials to burn, such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and mixing systems that use aerosol materials to generate aerosols.

[0037] Articles comprising aerosol materials and configured for use in one of these non-flammable aerosol supply systems; and

[0038] Aerosol-free delivery systems, such as lozenges, chewing gum, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and smokeless tobacco products, such as snuff, deliver materials to users without forming an aerosol, wherein the material may or may not include nicotine.

[0039] According to this disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the components of the aerosol supply system (or its components) can be combusted or burned to facilitate delivery to a user.

[0040] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or its components) do not burn or combust during use, in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0041] In the embodiments described herein, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0042] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporization device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol material is not necessary.

[0043] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a tobacco heating system, also known as a heat-non-combustible system.

[0044] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system for generating an aerosol using a combination of one or more heatable aerosol materials. For example, each aerosol material may be in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol materials and solid aerosol materials. For example, solid aerosol materials may include tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0045] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include non-flammable aerosol supply equipment and articles for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply system. However, it is conceivable that an article itself, which includes means for powering the aerosol generating components, may itself constitute a non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0046] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In one embodiment, the exothermic power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol material or a heat transfer material adjacent to the exothermic power source. In one embodiment, a power source, such as an exothermic power source, is provided in the article to form a non-flammable aerosol supply.

[0047] In one embodiment, an article used with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol material, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating area, a nozzle, and / or an area for receiving the aerosol material.

[0048] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with an aerosolizable material to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat, for example, by one or more of vibration, mechanical, pressurized, or electrostatic methods.

[0049] In one embodiment, the aerosol material may include active materials, aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more functional materials. The active material may include nicotine (optionally contained in tobacco or tobacco derivatives) or one or more other non-olfactory physiologically active materials. Non-olfactory physiologically active materials are materials contained in the aerosol material to achieve physiological responses other than olfaction.

[0050] Aerosol-forming materials may include one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillin, ethyl lauryl acetate, ethylene ester, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetin, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, tributylglycerol, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0051] One or more functional materials may include one or more of flavoring agents, carriers, pH adjusters, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0052] In one embodiment, an article used with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol material or a region for receiving the aerosol material. In one embodiment, an article used with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include a suction nozzle. The region for receiving the aerosol material may be a storage region for storing the aerosol material. For example, the storage region may be a reservoir. In one embodiment, the region for receiving the aerosol material may be separate from or combined with the aerosol generation region.

[0053] Aerosol-generating materials, also referred to herein as aerosol-generating materials, are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or excited in any other way. For example, aerosol-generating materials can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gels, and may or may not contain nicotine and / or fragrances. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may include “amorphous solids,” which can alternatively be referred to as “monolithic solids” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, amorphous solids can be dried gels. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it.

[0054] Aerosol materials can be present on a substrate. For example, the substrate can be or include paper, cards, cardboard, hardboard, reconstituted aerosol materials, plastic materials, ceramic materials, composite materials, glass, metals, or metal alloys.

[0055] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0056] System 10 includes a battery 11, a charging unit 12, a circuit 13, a power supply 14, a protection module 15, and a regulator 16. Circuit 13 has a control module 17 (e.g., an MCU, CPU, or other processor). Protection module 15 may be a protection circuit module (PCM).

[0057] Circuit 13 can be part of a non-flammable aerosol supply system. System 10 enables control module 17 to control the charging of battery 11, so that battery 11 can be used to power circuit 13 (and can also be used to power the aerosol supply system).

[0058] The power source 14 can be an external power source, which can be temporarily connected to the charging unit 12 to charge the battery 11. The power source 14 can be attached to the system 10 using a connector (e.g., a USB connector). Many alternative connector arrangements and numerous other charging arrangements will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0059] Charging unit 12 is configured to charge battery 11. Control module 17 provides a control signal (charge_en) to charging unit 12, wherein the control signal has a charging enable state and a charging disable state. As discussed in detail below, charging unit 12 is configured to charge battery 11 unless the control signal is in a charging disable state. Therefore, if the first control signal is "floating" (meaning the first control signal has neither a charging enable state nor a charging disable state), charging unit 12 is still configured to charge battery 11.

[0060] A protection module 15 is provided to decouple the power source (battery 11) from the rest of the system 10 (specifically, circuitry 13) under certain defined conditions. These may include one or more of overvoltage, undervoltage, and overcurrent conditions. In one example embodiment, the protection module 15 decouples circuitry 13 from battery 11 when the battery voltage falls below a first threshold voltage. This provides a safety feature because using battery 11 to power the aerosol supply system when the battery voltage is too low would cause problems.

[0061] Regulator 16 provides a fixed voltage to a portion of circuit 13. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, circuit 13 operates at 2.5V, which is provided by regulator 16.

[0062] The first threshold voltage at which the protection module 15 decouples the battery 11 from the circuit 13 can be set to approximately 2.5V. As a result of this decoupling, the rate at which current is consumed from the battery is reduced, making it less likely that the battery will fall below a second threshold voltage, which can then be permanently decoupled from the circuit 13 (as discussed further below). Furthermore, as mentioned above, the circuit 13 can operate at 2.5V; therefore, if the battery voltage supplied to the circuit 13 drops below 2.5V (or any associated operating voltage), coupling the battery voltage to the circuit 13 could lead to unstable operation of the circuit.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 20. Algorithm 20 can be implemented by the system 10 described above.

[0064] Algorithm 20 begins with operation 22, in which circuit 13 is selectively decoupled from battery 11 of system 10. Specifically, circuit 13 is decoupled from battery 11 when the battery voltage is below a first threshold voltage level (e.g., using protection circuit 15).

[0065] In operation 24, a first charging control signal is generated by circuit 13 (e.g., by control module 17). As described above, the first control signal has a charging enabled state and a charging disabled state. However, when the circuit is decoupled from the battery (and therefore not powered), the first control signal will float such that the first control signal has neither a charging enabled state nor a charging disabled state.

[0066] In operation 26, battery 11 is charged (using charging unit 12) unless the first control signal has a charging disabled state. Therefore, if the first control signal has a charging enabled state, or if the first control signal is floating (as described above), then battery 11 can be charged in operation 26 (provided, of course, that a suitable charging device, such as power supply 14, is provided).

[0067] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 30. System 30 includes the aforementioned charging unit 12 and control module 17. System 30 further includes a resistor arrangement 32 disposed between the charging unit 12 and the control module 17. Resistor arrangement 32 is configured to receive a first control signal (charge_en) from the control module 17 and from the charging unit 12 (e.g., from the TS pin of the charging unit 12, such as...). Figure 3 (As shown) a constant current source signal is received. As discussed further below, the constant current source signal can be used to generate a voltage within the resistor arrangement 32, which depends on a first control signal (charge_en), and the charging unit 12 uses the generated voltage to determine whether charging of the battery 11 is permitted.

[0068] In example system 30, resistor arrangement 32 includes: a first resistor 34 having a first terminal connected to the TS pin of charging unit 12 (i.e., connected to a constant current source) and a second terminal connected to ground; and a second resistor 35 having a first terminal connected to the TS pin of charging unit 12 (i.e., connected to a constant current source) and a second terminal connected to a first control signal (charge_en). In one example embodiment, the first resistor 34 has a resistance of 10kΩ, and the second resistor 35 has a resistance of 330Ω (of course, in alternative embodiments, these resistors may have different values).

[0069] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 40. Algorithm 40 can be implemented by the system 30 described above.

[0070] Algorithm 40 begins with operation 41, in which a constant current is output from the TS terminal of charging unit 12. In one example embodiment, the constant current is 50 μA.

[0071] In operation 44, the voltage at the TS terminal of charging unit 12 is determined. Based on the determined voltage, the state of the charge_en control signal is determined. It should be noted that there may not be a "determination" of the state of the charge_en control signal; instead, the operation may simply occur based on the voltage generated across resistor arrangement 32.

[0072] In the example described above, if the charge_en signal is floating, a 50μA current flows through the 10kΩ resistor to ground, resulting in a 500mV voltage at the TS pin of charging unit 12. This voltage is sufficient to enable charging unit 12, allowing the battery to be charged even when circuit 13 is decoupled from the battery (see operation 22 above), and allowing the battery to charge itself (see operation 26 above).

[0073] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 50. Algorithm 50 is an example embodiment of operation 26 of the algorithm 20 described above.

[0074] Algorithm 50 begins with operation 52, where it determines whether the state of the control signal (charge_en) received from the control module 17 at the charging unit 12 is in a charging disabled state. If the control signal is in a charging disabled state, operation 52 is simply repeated; otherwise (if the control signal is in a charging enabled state or floating), the algorithm moves to operation 54. As mentioned above, there may not be a "determination" of the state of the charge_en control signal; instead, the action can simply be based on the voltage generated across the resistor arrangement 32.

[0075] In operation 54, a charging current for charging the battery 11 is set by the charging unit 12. As described below, the charging current output by the charging unit 12 for charging the battery 11 can be at least partially determined by the charging current control signal I. SET .

[0076] In operation 54, there is no charging current control signal (e.g., I). SET In this case, the charging current output can be set to a default level. For example, the default level could be a low level (e.g., 70mA) that can be used under default conditions. For example, if the control module 17 is decoupled from the battery 11, the default level can be used.

[0077] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a circuit according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 60. Circuit 60 includes the aforementioned charging unit 12, which includes an input pin I. SET At input pin I SET The voltage received at the point can be used to determine the charging current applied in operation 26 of algorithm 20.

[0078] Input pin I SET The voltage at that point may depend on the states of two control signals: I SET and I SET1 These control signals can be provided to resistor array 62. Control signal I SET and I SET1 This can be provided by the control module 17, which allows the control module 17 to set whether charging is enabled by setting the first control signal (charge_en), and if charging is enabled, it can set the control signal I. SET and I SET1To set the charging level. Of course, as mentioned above, the control module 17 can be decoupled from the battery 11, so that the control signal I... SET and I SET1 It can float in certain situations.

[0079] In one example embodiment, the charging current is set in operation 26 according to the following logic:

[0080] If I SET and I SET1 If floating, the charging current is set to a low level (e.g., 70mA). This state can be easily detected using a grounding resistor 63 arranged in resistor array 62.

[0081] If I SET Floating and I SET1 If the current is low, the charging current is set to a medium level (e.g., 175mA).

[0082] If I SET Low and I SET1 If floating, the charging current is set to a high level (e.g., 700mA).

[0083] Of course, the number of options mentioned above and the parameters of these options (such as current level) are provided only as examples; many variations are possible.

[0084] Alternatively, or additionally, for algorithm 50, the charging current output may depend at least in part on the temperature of battery 11. For example, a negative temperature coefficient resistor (NTC) may be provided as part of the battery temperature monitoring algorithm.

[0085] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 70. For example, algorithm 70 may be implemented by control module 17.

[0086] Algorithm 70 begins with operation 71, in which an operating temperature is determined (e.g., measured). For example, operation 71 may determine the temperature of battery 11. Operation 71 can be implemented in various ways, such as using a thermocouple or an NTC resistor.

[0087] In operation 72 of algorithm 70, it is determined whether system 10 is being used to generate aerosols. For example, a determination can be made regarding whether a user is activating the device (e.g., spraying air).

[0088] In operation 73 of algorithm 70, a decision is made regarding whether charging of battery 11 should be enabled or disabled. For example, if the temperature (e.g., the battery) is high (as determined in operation 71), charging can be disabled. Alternatively, or additionally, if the system is generating aerosols (as determined in operation 72), charging can be disabled. Otherwise, battery charging can be enabled. Of course, other factors (instead of one or more factors discussed with reference to operations 71 and 72, or other than those) can be considered when determining whether to enable battery charging.

[0089] If battery charging is disabled in operation 73, the first control signal discussed above is set to the charging disabled state, and algorithm 70 terminates in operation 76. If battery charging is enabled in operation 73, the first control signal is set to the charging enabled state, and algorithm 70 moves to operation 74, where the current charging level is set.

[0090] The current charging level can be set in several ways during operation 74 (and, as discussed above, can be set by setting the control signal I). SET and I SET1 (To be implemented). For example, the current charging level may (at least in part) depend on the temperature of battery 11. Alternatively, or additionally, the current charging level may depend on how long the charging process has been running (e.g., the charging level may increase over time). Other factors may also be considered.

[0091] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 80.

[0092] Algorithm 80 begins with operation 82, in which, if the battery voltage falls below a first threshold level (T1), circuit 13 (and therefore control module 17) is decoupled from battery 11. As described above, even with the control circuit decoupled, the battery can still be charged, allowing the battery voltage level to rise to approximately the first threshold level. At this stage, circuit 13 can be recoupled to the battery and resume normal operation.

[0093] In operation 84, system 10 is disabled when the battery voltage is below a second threshold (T2). Disabling the system when the battery voltage is below the second threshold level may involve permanently decoupling circuitry 13 from the battery 11, wherein the second threshold level is below a first threshold level. Protection module 15 may have the feature of preventing charging of battery 11 when the battery voltage drops below the first threshold, even if a charging source (e.g., power supply 14) is attached.

[0094] It should be noted that although algorithm 80 is shown as having two separate operations, operations 82 and 84 can actually be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, operations 82 and 84 can be performed continuously. In one example embodiment, operations 82 and 84 are performed by protection module 15 based on battery voltage.

[0095] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of a circuit according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 90. Circuit 90 includes a charging management module 92. Module 92 is an example of the charging module 12 described above.

[0096] The charging management module 92 includes multiple pins, some of which are described below.

[0097] The first pin (IN) is configured to receive voltage V from the power supply. BUS (When connected). For example, the power supply 14 described above can be selectively connected to the first pin (IN).

[0098] Second pin (I) SET The current is received and the voltage is set. Resistor arrangement 93 (similar to resistor arrangement 62 above) will control signal I. SET and I SET1 (For example, output by control circuit 17) is converted to the second pin I. SET The current at the voltage setting point is used to set the voltage.

[0099] Pin 9 (TS) receives the charging control signal. Resistor arrangement 94 (similar to resistor arrangement 32 described above) converts the charge_en control signal (e.g., output by control circuit 17) into a charging control signal.

[0100] The tenth pin (OUT) provides charging current to the battery (e.g., battery 11 mentioned above).

[0101] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol supply device according to an exemplary embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 100. Device 100 is a modular device, including a first part 101 and a second part 102.

[0102] The first part 101 of the device 100 includes a control circuit 103 (which may include at least some of the charging unit 12, circuit 13, protection module 15, regulator 16 and control module 17 described above) and a battery 104 (e.g., the battery 11 described above). The second part 102 of the device 100 includes a heater 105 and a reservoir 106.

[0103] The first part 101 includes a first connector 107a (e.g., a USB connector). The first connector 107a enables connection to a power source (e.g., the power source 14 described above) to charge the battery 104 (e.g., under the control of the control circuit 103).

[0104] The first part 101 further includes a second connector 107b, which can be detachably connected to the first connector 108 of the second part 102.

[0105] In use of device 100, air is drawn into the air inlet of heater 105, as indicated by arrow 110. The heater is used to heat the air (e.g., under the control of circuit 103). The heated air is directed to reservoir 106, where an aerosol is generated. As indicated by arrow 111, the aerosol exits the device at the air outlet (e.g., into the mouth of the user of device 100).

[0106] Of course, device 100 is provided only as an example; many variations and alternatives are possible.

[0107] The various embodiments described herein are presented merely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the claimed scope of the invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a non-flammable aerosol supply system, comprising: The charging unit is configured to charge the battery of the aerosol supply system. The circuit includes a control module, wherein the control module outputs a first control signal having a charging enable state and a charging disable state; and A protection module is configured to decouple the circuit from the battery when the battery voltage is below a first threshold level. in: The charging unit is configured to charge the battery unless the first control signal has the charging disabled state, wherein, in the case of decoupling the circuit from the battery, the first control signal will float such that the first control signal has neither the charging enabled state nor the charging disabled state; and The protection module is configured to prevent charging of the battery when the battery voltage is below a second threshold level, wherein the second threshold level is lower than the first threshold level.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The protection circuit is configured to permanently decouple the circuit from the battery when the battery voltage is below the second threshold level.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control module is configured to output a charging current control signal.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The charging current output by the charging unit for charging the battery depends at least in part on the charging current control signal.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, In the absence of the charging current control signal, the charging current output is set to the default level.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The charging current control signal depends at least in part on the temperature of the battery.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control module is configured to set the first control signal to either the charging enabled state or the charging disabled state, at least in part based on a determined temperature of the battery.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control module is configured to set the first control signal to the charging disabled state when the device is used to generate aerosols.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a resistor arrangement, wherein, The resistor arrangement is configured to receive the first control signal from the control module and a constant current source signal from the charging unit, wherein the constant current source signal generates a voltage within the resistor arrangement according to the first control signal, and the charging unit uses the voltage to determine whether charging of the battery is permitted.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The resistor arrangement includes: A first resistor has a first terminal configured to receive the constant current source signal and a second terminal connected to ground; and The second resistor has a first terminal configured to receive the constant current source signal and a second terminal configured to receive the first control signal.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a regulator configured to regulate the operating voltage supplied to the circuit.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control module is configured to control the aerosol generation circuit of the device.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the battery.

14. A non-flammable aerosol supply system, comprising the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The non-flammable aerosol supply system according to claim 14, wherein, The aerosol supply system is configured to receive removable items including aerosol-generating materials.

16. A method for supplying a non-flammable aerosol, comprising: When the battery voltage is below a first threshold level, the circuit is decoupled from the battery of the non-flammable aerosol supply system, wherein the circuit includes a control module; Prevent charging the battery when the battery voltage is below a second threshold level, wherein the second threshold level is lower than the first threshold level; The control module is used to generate a first control signal, the first control signal having a charging enable state and a charging disable state; and The battery is charged unless the first control signal has the charging disabled state, wherein, in the case that the circuit is decoupled from the battery, the first control signal will float such that the first control signal has neither the charging enabled state nor the charging disabled state.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, When the circuit is decoupled from the battery, the control signal has neither the charging enabled state nor the charging disabled state.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising permanently decoupling the circuit from the battery when the battery voltage is below the second threshold level.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: A voltage is generated within the resistor arrangement according to the first control signal; as well as Whether to charge the battery is determined based on the generated voltage.

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