Control device for aerosol supply device

Abstract

The present application relates to a control device (114) for use with an aerosol supply device (102) comprising an energy storage device (106). The control device (114) is configured to determine a property of the energy storage device (106); and changing a parameter of a charging cycle of the energy storage device (106) based on the determined property.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of control devices for use with aerosol supply devices, aerosol supply devices including such control devices, and aerosol supply systems. The present invention also relates to the field of methods for operating aerosol supply devices. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by producing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating but not burning a material. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, there is provided a control device for use with an aerosol supply device including an energy storage device. The control device is configured to determine the nature of the energy storage device and change parameters of a charging cycle of the energy storage device based on the determined nature.

[0004] The charging cycle can be a subsequent charging cycle (i.e., a charging cycle that occurs after determining the nature of the energy storage device). In some embodiments, the subsequent charging cycle can be all or part of a full charging cycle that starts after determining the nature. In other embodiments, the determination of the nature and the change of the parameters can occur in the same charging cycle, and the change of the parameters is performed in response to the determination of the nature in the same charging cycle. In these embodiments, the subsequent charging cycle can be the later part of the same charging cycle in which the changed parameters are used.

[0005] The energy storage device can include one or more batteries.

[0006] The change of the parameters can be compared with the parameters used in the previous / last charging cycle of the energy storage device. The change can be compared with the last / previous part of the same charging cycle.

[0007] The nature of the energy storage device can change according to the use of the energy storage device and / or according to the age of the energy storage device and / or according to the environment in which the energy storage device is disposed. The nature can be different from the nature when the energy storage device is new.

[0008] This property may include the number of times the energy storage device has been discharged. This can be calculated / determined over the lifetime of the energy storage device. This property may include the number of inhalation sessions for which the energy storage device has provided power. This can be calculated / determined over the lifetime of the energy storage device. An inhalation session (i.e., usage period) may correspond to the period of time during which the electrical energy storage device is capable of providing electrical power for consumption by the aerosol supply device for a period of 200 to 350 seconds (e.g., 220 to 330 seconds, e.g., 240 to 310 seconds, e.g., 260 to 290 seconds). This period of time may start at the point of initial inhalation at the start of the inhalation period or when power supply from the electrical energy storage device for generating the aerosol begins during said period. An inhalation session may include multiple inhalations from the aerosol supply device (e.g., at least 2 and up to 10 inhalations). An inhalation session may include providing electrical power from the energy storage device for at least 2 and up to 10 inhalations, e.g., at least 3 and up to 8 inhalations, e.g., at least 4 and up to 6 inhalations.

[0009] This property may include one or more of the following: the current storage capacity of the energy storage device, the state of health of the energy storage device, the time taken to perform a full charge cycle, and the degree of expansion of the external dimensions of the energy storage device. The degree of expansion may be related to the non-expanded state of the energy storage device, e.g., the external dimensions of the energy storage device when brand new or previous external dimensions. The state of health may be the ratio of the current storage capacity of the energy storage device to the maximum storage capacity (i.e., the storage capacity when the energy storage device is brand new or has not been charged or discharged).

[0010] This property may include the total energy storage device operation time. The total energy storage device operation time may be the total time elapsed since the energy storage device was first powered on. This may be defined, for example, by the point at which the aerosol supply device exits the shipping mode.

[0011] This parameter may include the charging rate of the energy storage device and / or the maximum amount of energy storable within the energy storage device. The charging rate may be considered the average charging rate over the course of a single full charge cycle.

[0012] The control device may be configured to change the parameter by restricting the charging current applied to the energy storage device during the charging cycle. The charging current may be the maximum charging current or the average charging current. This may result in a reduction in the charging rate. The control device may be configured to change the parameter by restricting the (e.g., maximum) charging voltage applied to the energy storage device during the charging cycle. This may result in a reduction in the maximum amount of energy storage that can be stored within the energy storage device.

[0013] The control device can be configured to change the parameters of the charging cycle when the properties of the energy storage device reach a predetermined threshold level. The predetermined threshold level can be at least one of the following: the number of time periods, the amount of the degree of expansion, the storage capacity, and the state of health. The control device can be further configured to further change the parameters of the charging cycle when the properties of the energy storage device reach at least one additional predetermined threshold level. The at least one additional predetermined threshold level can include a plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels, and wherein the control device is configured to further change the parameters of the charging cycle at each of the plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels.

[0014] In yet another aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided. The aerosol supply device includes an energy storage device and a control device as described above.

[0015] The aerosol supply device can further include a sensor configured to determine the properties of the energy storage device.

[0016] The sensor can be a force sensor, or a pressure or capacitance sensor, or a timer, or a counter.

[0017] The aerosol supply device can further include a display configured to display information indicating the end of life of the energy storage device or information indicating the changed parameters. The energy storage device can be a battery or a capacitor. The determination of the properties can be done by a sensor of the aerosol supply device. The display can include an LCD or an LED display. The information can be in the form of text or symbols. The display can be configured to indicate the number of time periods remaining before charging is required.

[0018] In yet another aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided. The aerosol supply system includes an article that includes an aerosol-forming medium and an aerosol supply device as described above.

[0019] In yet another aspect, a method for operating an aerosol supply device is provided. The method can include determining the properties of the energy storage device of the aerosol supply device and changing the parameters of the charging cycle based on the determined properties of the energy storage device.

[0020] The method can further include comparing the determined properties with a predetermined threshold level.

[0021] The method can further include displaying information indicating the end of life of the energy storage device or information indicating the changed parameters. The information indicating the changed parameters can include the number of time periods for each single full charge of the energy storage device.

[0022] This property may include one or more of the following: the current storage capacity of the energy storage device, the state of health of the energy storage device, the time taken to perform a full charge cycle, and the degree of expansion of the external dimensions of the energy storage device.

[0023] The parameter is changed by restricting the charging current or the maximum charging voltage applied to the energy storage device during the charging cycle. The charging current may be the maximum charging current.

[0024] Any feature of the various embodiments of the control device, such as any feature related to the property, the parameter, and the manner in which it is determined or changed as described above with respect to the control device, may be similarly implemented by any of the above methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Various embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram (not to scale) of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 A graph showing the number of periods per full charge plotted against the cumulative number of periods; and

[0028] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for operating an aerosol supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" is a material that is capable of forming an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or electrified in any other manner. The aerosol-forming material may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol-forming material may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-forming material may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol-forming material may be, for example, in solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. form. The aerosol-forming material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol-forming material may also be referred to as "drawable material".

[0030] The aerosol - forming material can include a binder and an aerosol - forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler can also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol - forming material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol - forming material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol - forming material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0031] The aerosol - forming material can include or can be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid can be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol - forming material can include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0032] The aerosol - forming material can include an aerosol - forming film. The aerosol - forming film can include or can be a sheet, which can optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol - forming sheets or shredded sheets can be substantially free of tobacco.

[0033] According to the present disclosure, a "non - combustible" aerosol supply system (sometimes referred to as an "aerosol supply system") is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol - forming material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) does not burn or ignite in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0034] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non - combustible aerosol supply system, for example, a powered non - combustible aerosol supply system.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol - forming material is not necessary.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol - forming material heating system, also known as a heat - not - burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the non - combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol - forming materials to generate an aerosol, where one or more of the aerosol - forming materials can be heated. Each aerosol - forming material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, a liquid or a gel, and can contain or can not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol - forming material and a solid aerosol - forming material. The solid aerosol - forming material can include, for example, tobacco or a non - tobacco product.

[0038] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a consumable (sometimes referred to as an "article") for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable that includes an aerosol-forming material and is configured to be used with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in the present disclosure.

[0040] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device, may include a power source (such as an energy storage device) and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon matrix that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-forming material or heat transfer material in proximity to the heat source.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0042] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0043] An aerosol-generating device may receive an article that includes an aerosol-forming material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component that includes or contains, in use, an aerosol-forming material that is heated to volatilize the aerosol-forming material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol-generating device before heating the article to produce an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device, the size of which is designed to receive the article.

[0044] Figure 1A schematic view of an aerosol providing system 100 (which may be a non-flammable aerosol providing system 100) including an aerosol supply device 102 is shown. The aerosol supply device includes a product receiving portion 104 (e.g., in the form of a cavity within the device 102) for receiving an aerosol generating product 105 in use. The aerosol generating product 105 may be provided separately from the aerosol supply device 102 and may be removable from the product receiving portion 104. The aerosol supply device 102 may further include an energy storage device 106, a heating arrangement 108, and a control device 110. The heating arrangement 108 may be arranged to heat the aerosol generating product 105. The heating arrangement 108 may include any suitable means for heating the aerosol generating product 105. For example, the heating arrangement 108 may include a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating product 105. The heating element may include a resistive or inductive heating element. In other embodiments, the heating arrangement may be provided integrally with the aerosol generating product 105. In some embodiments, the product receiving portion 104 and / or the heating arrangement 108 may be omitted.

[0045] The aerosol generating product 105 may include an aerosol generating material / media. The aerosol generating material may generate an aerosol when heat is applied. The energy storage device 106 may include one or more batteries or one or more capacitors or any other component capable of storing electrical energy. The heating arrangement 108 may heat the aerosol generating product 105 received within the product receiving portion 104. Heating of the aerosol generating product 105 may result in the generation of an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user.

[0046] In some embodiments, as depicted, the control device 110 may be provided as part of the aerosol supply device 102. However, in other embodiments, the control device 110 may be provided as a separate entity separate from the aerosol supply device 102. Thus, while the components and / or features of the control device 110 are described herein with respect to the aerosol supply device, the following similarly applies to a separate stand-alone control device. For example, the control device described herein may be applied to a retrofit kit configured to adapt an existing aerosol supply device to have at least some of the components and / or features of the aerosol supply device 102.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control device 110 may include a processor 114. The processor 114 may be configured to perform one or more of the functions of the control device 110 discussed herein. In other embodiments, the control device 110 does not include a processor but includes any other suitable means for performing one or more of the functions of the control device 110 discussed herein.

[0048] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply system 100 may be connected to or further include an energy source configured to supply energy to the energy storage device 106 for storage during a charging cycle. For example, the energy source may be a docking station or a main power interface.

[0049] The control device 110 is configured to determine the nature of the energy storage device 106. This nature may indicate the health of the energy storage device 106, i.e., a health-related nature. As an example, energy storage devices typically experience swelling (i.e., physical expansion) due to repeated use and / or as they age (i.e., as the energy storage device 106 gets older). Excessive swelling may lead to leakage or failure (e.g., chemical or electrical) of the energy storage device 106. Thus, the risk of injury, for example due to a short circuit or leakage of chemical materials from the energy storage device 106, may increase with swelling.

[0050] The control device 110 is further configured to change parameters of the charging cycle of the energy storage device 106 based on this nature. The change in parameters may be compared to the parameters used in the previous / last charging cycle of the energy storage device 106. The charging cycle with the changed parameters may be performed after the determination of the nature of the energy storage device 106, e.g., a subsequent charging cycle. In some embodiments, the nature may be determined during the charging cycle of the energy storage device 106, and the parameter that is changed may be the charging cycle during which the nature is determined. In other embodiments, the nature may be determined before the start of the charging cycle, and the parameters of subsequent charging cycles may then be adapted. In some embodiments, the nature may be determined at the end of the charging cycle, e.g., immediately or shortly after the charging cycle, and subsequent charging cycles may have their parameters changed. In some embodiments, e.g., when the aerosol supply device 102 is not in use, the nature may be determined completely independently of the charging cycle, and the parameters of subsequent charging cycles, i.e., the next (i.e., subsequent) charging cycle, may be changed. The parameter may be considered a charging parameter that defines the amount and / or rate of energy transfer to the energy storage device 106.

[0051] The control device 110 may be configured to change the parameters of the charging cycle in any suitable manner. For example, when the aerosol supply device 102 is connected to an external power source (e.g., the main power), it may limit the power supplied to the energy storage device 106. This connection may be via a wired or wireless power connection.

[0052] The applicant has found that the determination of the properties of the energy storage device 106 (e.g., properties indicative of health) and the alteration of parameters of the charging cycle (e.g., the charging cycle after the determination of the properties, e.g., subsequent charging cycles) can be advantageously used to accommodate / alleviate the swelling of the energy storage device 106, thereby potentially reducing the risk of damaging the aerosol supply device 102 and / or the risk of harming the user.

[0053] The property of the energy storage device 106 can be any suitable property that may affect the need for adaptive charging of the energy storage device 106. Thus, the property can be a property that changes according to the use of the energy storage device 106 and / or according to the age of the energy storage device 106 and / or according to the environment in which the energy storage device 106 is disposed. For example, the environment in which the energy storage device 106 is disposed, specifically, the environment in which the aerosol supply device 102 is disposed, can affect its swelling. As an example, a hotter environment may result in increased swelling of the energy storage device 106. Use, such as charging and / or discharging, may affect the energy storage device 106, e.g., the amount of its swelling. This is explained in more detail below. Similarly, the age of the energy storage device 106 can also, for example, have an impact on the amount of swelling of the energy storage device 106, e.g., as a result of chemical changes within the energy storage device 106. The property of the energy storage device 106 determined by the control device 110 can thus not be the property of the energy storage device 106 when it is new (e.g., when it has not been used / charged and / or discharged), but can be a property that changes over time / use. Thus, the property can be a property determined after at least one (e.g., multiple) discharge (e.g., full discharge) of the energy storage device 106, or a property determined after at least one (e.g., multiple) charging cycle of the energy storage device 106, or a property determined after at least one usage period during which the energy storage device 106 has provided power thereto, or a property determined after at least a predetermined period of time after the energy storage device 106 has been inserted into the aerosol supply device 102.

[0054] In some embodiments, the property determined by the control device 110 can include the number of times the energy storage device 106 has been discharged. Discharging of the energy storage device 106 can be considered as releasing the energy stored therein sufficient to allow the generation of aerosol from the aerosol-generating article. For example, this can involve energizing the heating arrangement 108 with sufficient energy to cause the heating element to reach a temperature that causes aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating article 105. The number of times the energy storage device 106 has been discharged can be calculated / determined over the lifetime of the energy storage device 106. In other words, the count of the number of discharges starts when the energy storage device 106 is new or even when it is to be discharged once.

[0055] In some embodiments, the property determined by the control device 110 may include the number of usage periods for which the energy storage device 110 has provided power. The usage period (i.e., the inhalation period) may correspond to a period during which the electrical energy storage device 106 can provide electrical power for consumption by the aerosol supply device within a period of 200 to 350 seconds (e.g., 220 to 330 seconds, e.g., 240 to 310 seconds, e.g., 260 to 290 seconds). This time period may start at the point of the initial inhalation at the start of the period, or start when power supply from the electrical energy storage device for generating the aerosol begins during the period. The energy storage device 106 does not have to provide electrical power throughout the usage period. The usage period may include multiple inhalations from the aerosol supply device 102 (e.g., 2 or more inhalations, or 3 or more inhalations, or 4 or more inhalations, or 5 or more inhalations, or 6 or more inhalations, or 7 or more inhalations, or 8 or more inhalations, or 9 or more inhalations, or 10 or more inhalations, or up to 10 inhalations). Similarly, the number of inhalation periods can be calculated / determined for the life of the energy storage device 106. In other words, the counting of the number of inhalation periods starts when the energy storage device 106 is new or even discharged once. The control device 110 may include a suitable counter and / or timer configured to determine the number of periods.

[0056] In some embodiments, the property determined by the control device 110 may include the current storage capacity of the energy storage device 106. The current storage capacity of the energy storage device 106 may be the maximum amount of energy that the energy storage device 106 can currently store (at the time of determination). As will be understood, this may decrease over time and / or as the number of uses / discharges of the energy storage device 106 increases. In some embodiments, the property may include the state of health of the energy storage device 106. The state of health may be the ratio of the current storage capacity of the energy storage device 106 to the maximum storage capacity (i.e., its rated storage capacity), which may be the storage capacity of the energy storage device 106 when the energy storage device 106 is new or even discharged once.

[0057] In some embodiments, the property may include the time taken to perform a charging (e.g., full charge) cycle. A full charge cycle may be considered as increasing the energy stored within the energy storage device 106 from at least partially (e.g., fully) empty to at least partially (e.g., full) maximum (current) capacity (i.e., the maximum amount of energy that the energy storage device 106 can store when charged). For example, a full charge cycle may be considered as increasing the energy stored within the energy storage device 106, e.g., the increase in the amount of energy stored within the energy storage device 106 may be 100%, or 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50% (of the current charge capacity of the energy storage device 106). Additionally, a full charge cycle may start from 0%, or 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, and may terminate at ≥50%, e.g., 100%, or 90%, or 80%, or 70%, or 60%. As will be appreciated, a full charge cycle may utilize a combination of any of the foregoing embodiments. A charge cycle may start when the energy storage device 106 is connected to a power source capable of providing power for charging and may end when the power source is electrically disconnected from the energy storage device 106. The control device 110 may include a suitable timer configured to determine the time taken to perform a (e.g., full) charge cycle. In some embodiments, the property may be the charging rate during a charge cycle.

[0058] In some embodiments, the property includes the degree of expansion of the external dimensions of the energy storage device 106. The degree of expansion may be determined / calculated relative to the unexpanded state of the energy storage device, e.g., the external dimensions of the energy storage device when brand new or previous external dimensions.

[0059] In some embodiments, the property may include the number of times the energy storage device 106 has been charged. In other words, the property may be the number of charge cycles (e.g., partial or full charge cycles) that the energy storage device 106 has undergone.

[0060] In some embodiments, the property may include the total energy storage device operation time. The total energy storage device operation time may be the time since the energy storage device 106 first provided power to another component in the aerosol supply device 102. This may be defined, for example, by the point at which the aerosol supply device 102 exits the shipping mode and first draws power from the energy storage device 106. In other embodiments, the total energy storage device operation time may start when the energy storage device 106 is first inserted into the aerosol supply device 102. The total energy storage device operation time may cover the total time that the energy storage device 106 has been powered, the time it has received power (i.e., been charged), and the time it has not supplied / received power.

[0061] In some embodiments, the control device 110 may include a sensor 112. The determination of the property may include measuring the property of the energy storage device 106 via the sensor 112. However, in other embodiments, the sensor 112 may be completely omitted.

[0062] The sensor 112 may be configured to detect the expansion of the energy storage device 106. The sensor 112 may be configured to measure the force exerted by the energy storage device due to the expansion, such as the pressure and / or force exerted on the sensor 112. For example, a pressure and / or force sensor may be configured to measure the force between the energy storage device 106 and the compartment in which the energy storage device 106 resides or is located. This is the force / pressure that can indicate the amount of expansion presented by the energy storage device 106.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the control device 110 includes a capacity sensor configured to measure the current storage capacity of the energy storage device 106. The current storage capacity may be the maximum amount of energy that can be stored within the energy storage device 106 at the point of measurement. As will be understood, the maximum amount of energy that can be stored within the energy storage device 106 may decrease with the number of years of use and / or repeated use. Thus, when the energy storage device 106 is new or even has been charged and / or discharged once, the current storage capacity may be a value smaller than the initial / rated value. For example, a capacitance sensor may be a capacitance sensor configured to measure the capacitance of the energy storage device 106. A capacitance sensor may be a voltage or current sensor configured to measure the voltage or current output by the energy storage device 106. The capacitance sensor may be considered to be the sensor 112 or a part thereof.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, the control device 110 may be further configured to count the number of times the energy storage device 106 has been discharged and / or the number of usage periods for which the energy storage device 106 has powered. In other words, the control device 110 may include a counter configured to count the number of times the energy storage device 106 has been discharged and / or the number of usage periods for which the energy storage device 106 has powered. The counter may be considered to be the sensor 112 or a part thereof. The control device 110 may include a timer, which may be used to determine the number of usage periods.

[0065] Furthermore, the determination of the property of the energy storage device 106 may be performed continuously. In other words, the property of the energy storage device 106 may be monitored continuously or intermittently / iteratively. As will be understood, any suitable algorithm or program may be used to implement the monitoring / determination of the property of the energy storage device 106.

[0066] Parameters of a (e.g., subsequent) charging cycle of the energy storage device 106 changed by the control device 110 may include the charging rate of the energy storage device 106. The charging rate may be considered as the average charging rate during an entire single charging cycle. The control device 110 may be configured to change the parameter by limiting the (e.g., maximum) charging current applied to the energy storage device 106 during a (e.g., subsequent) charging cycle, thereby reducing the charging rate. In some embodiments, the control device 110 may be configured to change the parameter by controlling the charging current applied to the energy storage device 106 so as to reduce the average charging current applied to the energy storage device 106 for a given charging cycle.

[0067] In some embodiments, the parameter may include the maximum amount of energy that can be stored within the energy storage device 106. This maximum amount of energy may be less than the total energy that the energy storage device 106 can actually store. The control device 110 may be configured to supply energy to the energy storage device 106 until it reaches the point of the maximum amount of energy, at which point the charging cycle may stop. The control device may be configured to change the parameter (i.e., the maximum amount of energy that can be stored) by limiting the maximum charging voltage applied to the energy storage device during a (e.g., subsequent) charging cycle, thereby reducing the maximum amount of energy storage that can be stored within the energy storage device. Thus, the parameter may include the maximum amount of energy that can be stored within the energy storage device 106.

[0068] The control device 110 can be configured to change (e.g., subsequent) parameters of the charging cycle in any suitable manner based on the property. For example, the control device 110 can be configured to change the parameters in response to determining one or more properties of the energy storage device 106 described above. In some embodiments, the control device 110 can be configured to change the parameters in response to determining that one or more properties of the energy storage device 106 exceed one or more corresponding threshold levels, as described above. In some embodiments, the control device 110 can be configured to change the parameters of the charging cycle when the property of the energy storage device 106 reaches a predetermined threshold level. For example, the control device 110 can be configured to change the parameters when the number of time periods exceeds 2000 time periods, or when the degree of expansion of the energy storage device exceeds 10%, or when the storage capacity decreases by 10%, or when the state of health drops to a ratio lower than the 9:10 ratio. The control device 110 can then use the same parameters for at least one, e.g., a plurality of additional charging cycles after the change. In other words, the control device 110 can use / hold specific changed parameters for charging cycles within a specific property range. For example, for charging cycles within the range of 2000 to 4000 usage time periods, a maximum charging voltage of 4.352 V can be used; for charging cycles within the range of 4000 to 6000 usage time periods, a maximum charging voltage of 4.304 V can be used; for charging cycles within the range of 6000 to 8000 usage time periods, a maximum charging voltage of 4.256 V can be used; and / or for charging cycles within the range of 8000 to 10000 usage time periods, a maximum charging voltage of 4.192 V can be used.

[0069] Advantageously, the above-described control device 110 can mitigate / reduce the deterioration of the energy storage device 106, e.g., due to expansion. Thus, the risk of damage to the aerosol supply device 102 and / or injury to nearby personnel is likely to be reduced / eliminated.

[0070] In some embodiments, the control device 110 may be configured to further change the parameters of the charging cycle when the property of the energy storage device 106 reaches at least one additional predetermined threshold level. The at least one additional predetermined threshold level may include a plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels. The control device 110 may be configured to further change the parameters of the charging cycle at each of the plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels. In other words, the control device 110 may be configured to change the parameters in a predetermined interval / periodic change of the property. For example, the control device 110 may be configured to change the parameters at every 2000 time periods, or every 3 months, or every 1% expansion, or every 1% reduction in storage capacity (relative to the original storage capacity when new), or every 1:100 reduction increment in the state of health (i.e., 99:100, 98:100, 97:100, etc.). As will be appreciated, any suitable threshold / interval may be implemented. After the parameters are changed, the control device 110 may be configured to maintain the same changed parameters in any subsequent charging cycle until the determined property reaches the next predetermined threshold level.

[0071] The change in the parameters may be continuous or discrete. For example, the (e.g., maximum) charging current may continuously decrease or discretely jump at regular intervals. Similarly, the maximum charging voltage may continuously decrease or discretely jump at regular intervals. For example, the charging current may decrease for each individual charging cycle and / or the maximum charging voltage may decrease for each charging cycle.

[0072] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device 102 may further include a display 107. The display 107 may be configured to display an end-of-life status indicating whether the energy storage device 106 has reached its end of life. The display 107 may include an LED or LCD display and may output information in text form, such as "Replace battery" and / or one or more symbols. The end of life of the energy storage device 106 may occur when the energy storage device 106 deteriorates to a point where further use of the energy storage device 106 becomes unsafe and / or restricted. The deterioration may be the result of repeated use of the energy storage device 106 and / or wear and tear experienced by the energy storage device 106. The energy storage device 106 may expand, such as bulge, as the number of times it is used and / or the number of years it is in use increases. In this case, the end of life of the energy storage device 106 may occur when the energy storage device 106 bulges to a point where further bulging may cause the energy storage device 106 to leak or rupture. In this case, further use may cause injury to nearby persons, such as the user, and / or other components of the aerosol supply device 102. Another example of the end of life of the energy storage device 106 is when the current (i.e., present) maximum (storage) capacity of the energy storage device 106 (e.g., the current maximum energy storage capacity / the maximum amount of energy that the energy storage device 106 can store and subsequently deliver for consumption) decreases below a threshold capacity. Such a decrease in the maximum capacity may be due to or may cause breakdown (e.g., chemical or electrical breakdown) of the energy storage device 106 during charging or discharging of the energy storage device 106. In this case, the risk of a short circuit from the energy storage device 106 may also increase.

[0073] End-of-life can be reached when one or more characteristics of the energy storage device 106 meet one or more corresponding predetermined thresholds. For example, when the number of usage periods for which the energy storage device has provided power exceeds a threshold number of periods, such as 7000 periods, 8000 periods, 9000 periods, 10000 periods, or when the capacity of the energy storage device 106 drops below a threshold capacity (e.g., a percentage of the charging capacity of the energy storage device 106), such as below 85% of the charging capacity when the energy storage device 106 is new, such as below 80%, the energy storage device 106 may have reached its end-of-life. Other embodiments include when the charging capacity of the energy storage device drops below a threshold, such as approximately 2000 mAh (where the original storage capacity is approximately 2500 mAh), or when the number of charging cycles is at least 250, such as at least 500, such as at least 600, or when the pressure detected by a pressure sensor exceeds a threshold pressure, such as 20 kPa, or when the force detected by a force sensor exceeds a threshold force, such as 0.7 N, it is determined that the energy storage device 106 has reached its end-of-life. Other embodiments include where the total time of charging and / or discharging exceeds 800 hours, such as 1000 hours, and / or when the discharge power of the energy storage device exceeds 1400 Ah, and / or when the operating time of the device exceeds 1.5 years, such as 2 years. As will be appreciated, the various embodiments set forth above can depend on the specific parameters of the energy storage device 106, such as its size and initial capacity, and the parameters of the aerosol supply device 102, such as the size of the article receiving portion 104 and / or the energy consumed by the heating arrangement 108.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the display may also be configured to display information indicating a change in a parameter. For example, the display may display the changed parameter. When the parameter has changed, the display 107 may also display the number of periods for each full charge. Additionally or alternatively, the display 107 may indicate that a property has reached at least one threshold, such as the display 107 may indicate that the aerosol supply device 102, specifically its energy storage device 106, has been used for 2000 periods. Further indications may be made at subsequent thresholds, such as at 4000 periods, 6000 periods, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the display 107 may also display information indicating the relative relationship between a property and a predetermined threshold, for example, that the aerosol supply device has reached the threshold of 2000 periods, or that the aerosol supply device has 8000 periods until end-of-life. In other words, the display 107 may display information related to the remaining life of the energy storage device 106, such as in the form of the number of periods for which it can provide power and / or the number of charging cycles it may be able to perform and / or the number of discharging cycles it may be able to perform.

[0075] As described above, in some embodiments, the control device 110 may determine the number of usage periods during which the energy storage device 106 has provided power, and may control the parameters of the charging cycle based thereon. Specifically, the parameters of the charging cycle may change at a plurality of predetermined thresholds. Figure 2 A graph depicting such an embodiment is shown, whereby the maximum charging voltage and the maximum charging current are adapted at the predetermined thresholds. In this embodiment, the property determined by the control device 110 is the number of cumulative periods, and the parameters that change include the maximum charging voltage and the maximum charging current. Of course, in other embodiments, only one of the maximum charging voltage and the (e.g., maximum) charging current may be adapted, and in fact, the average charging current or other properties of the charging current may be adapted. As Figure 2 shown, the predetermined threshold (e.g., the first predetermined threshold) includes 2000 periods. Additional predetermined thresholds include 4000 periods, 6000 periods, 8000 periods, and 10000 periods. In other words, the parameters of the charging cycle change every 2000 periods until 10000 periods of end of life occur. The change in the parameters results in a decrease in the number of fully charged periods per period. The decrease in the number of fully charged periods per period may tend to allow for a reduction in the expansion or the rate of expansion of the energy storage device 106. The decrease in the charging current, e.g., the maximum charging current, may tend to reduce the heating of the energy storage device during the charging cycle. This reduction in heating may result in a reduction / mitigation of the expansion of the energy storage device. Table 1 below shows the variables used in this example. It should be understood that the variables listed in the table below are merely exemplary and may vary depending on many different factors, such as: the particular energy storage device 106 used (e.g., depending on its storage capacity), the energy consumed per individual period, the temperature at which the aerosol supply device 102 is used, etc.

[0076]

[0077] Table 1

[0078] As can be seen in Figure 2 and Table 1, the number of fully charged periods per period during which the energy storage device 160 is capable of providing power depends on the parameters of the charging cycle, particularly the maximum charging voltage, and decreases. This can advantageously reduce the amount of expansion (i.e., swelling) of the energy storage device 106 during use.

[0079] As is apparent from Table 1 above, the parameters of the charging cycle may not change in each individual charging cycle. Instead, as depicted, the parameters may change only when the determined property meets a specific threshold level, and may then remain the same until the determined property reaches the next predetermined level. The parameters may remain in a changed state (e.g., a changed value) until the next predetermined level is reached. However, the control device may determine the property at the start, during, at the end, or after each charging cycle. In fact, in some embodiments, the property may be determined independently of the charging cycle, e.g., where the property is the number of usage periods.

[0080] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method 300 for operating an aerosol supply device is shown. The method set forth below may be performed by any suitable device, e.g., the control device 110 of the aerosol supply device 102 set forth above. Method 300 includes determining a property of an energy storage device of the aerosol supply device (302). The property may be any of the properties described above, e.g., a property that may indicate health, the number of discharge / usage periods, the current storage capacity, the state of health, the time taken to charge (e.g., fully), or the amount of expansion of the energy storage device. The determination of the property may be performed by a sensor configured to measure the property of the energy storage device. The sensor may be any of the sensors described above, e.g., a force sensor, a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, a timer, or a counter.

[0081] In some embodiments, method 300 may further include comparing the determined property with one or more predetermined thresholds (304). The one or more predetermined thresholds may occur at regular / periodic intervals, e.g., every 2000 usage periods, or every 1% expansion, or every 1% reduction in storage capacity (relative to the original, e.g., the maximum storage capacity when new), or every 1:100 increment in the state of health (i.e., 99:100, 98:100, 97:100, etc.). As will be appreciated, any suitable predetermined thresholds may be set according to the specific properties of the energy storage device and / or the aerosol supply device.

[0082] Method 300 further includes changing (e.g., subsequent) parameters of the charging cycle based on the determined property of the energy storage device (306). For example, the change in the parameters may be based on the comparison of the determined property with one or more predetermined thresholds, as set forth above in step 304. The parameters may be changed to mitigate or reduce the expansion of the energy storage device. The parameter may be one or more of the following: the maximum charging voltage and (e.g., maximum) charging current or any other suitable parameter, e.g., those set forth above with respect to the aerosol supply device 102.

[0083] Method 300 may further include displaying information indicating the end of life of the energy storage device and / or information indicating a changed parameter (308). The information indicating the end of life of the energy storage device may be an indication of whether the energy storage device has reached its end of life. The information indicating a changed parameter may be the changed parameter or the number of periods available from a single full charge.

[0084] At least the step 302 of determining the nature of the energy storage device, the step 306 of changing (e.g., subsequent) the parameters of the charging cycle based on the determined nature, and optionally steps 304, 308, may be repeated during the life of the energy storage device.

[0085] Advantageously, at least steps 302, 306 of the above method 300 may mitigate / reduce the deterioration of the energy storage device, e.g., due to swelling. Thus, the risk of injury to nearby persons tends to be reduced / eliminated.

[0086] While the various embodiments of the control device 110 and method described above have described how the maximum charging voltage of the charging cycle may be adapted, it will be understood that the charging voltage may be adapted in any other suitable manner. Thus, in some embodiments, the parameter includes the charging voltage applied during the charging cycle.

[0087] The above steps are merely illustrative, and the order in which the steps are described is not necessary. In fact, any of the above steps may be performed before, after, or concurrently with any other step. Additionally, any step may be entirely omitted. Any feature of the aerosol supply device and system set forth in the above embodiments may equally be implemented in the method set forth above.

[0088] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / 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 defined by the claims or on equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, incorporate, or substantially incorporate a suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., rather than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A control device for use with an aerosol supply device including an energy storage device, wherein, the control device is configured to: determine the nature of the energy storage device; and change a parameter of a charging cycle of the energy storage device based on the determined nature.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, the nature includes the number of times the energy storage device has been discharged.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the nature includes the number of inhalation periods during which the energy storage device has provided power.

4. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the nature includes one or more of the following: the current storage capacity of the energy storage device, the state of health of the energy storage device, the time taken to perform a full charging cycle, and the degree of expansion of the external dimensions of the energy storage device.

5. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the control device is configured to change the parameter by restricting a charging current applied to the energy storage device during the charging cycle.

6. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the control device is configured to change the parameter by restricting a maximum charging voltage applied to the energy storage device during the charging cycle.

7. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the control device is configured to change the parameter of the charging cycle when the nature of the energy storage device reaches a predetermined threshold level.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein, the predetermined threshold level is at least one of the following: the number of periods, the amount of the degree of expansion, the storage capacity, and the state of health.

9. The control device according to claim 7 or 8, further configured to: further change the parameter of the charging cycle when the nature of the energy storage device reaches at least one additional predetermined threshold level.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein, the at least one additional predetermined threshold level includes a plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels, and wherein the control device is configured to further change the parameter of the charging cycle at each of the plurality of additional predetermined threshold levels.

11. An aerosol supply device, comprising: an energy storage device; and a control device according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 11, further comprising: a sensor configured to determine the nature of the energy storage device.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: a display configured to display information indicating the end of life of the energy storage device or information indicating the changed parameter.

14. An aerosol supply system, comprising: an article including an aerosol-forming medium; and an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. A method for operating an aerosol supply device, the method comprising the steps of: Determine the nature of the energy storage device of the aerosol supply device; and Change the parameters of the charging cycle based on the determined nature of the energy storage device.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of: Compare the determined nature with a predetermined threshold level.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising the steps of: Display information indicating the end of life of the energy storage device or information indicating the changed parameters.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The information indicating the changed parameters includes the number of periods of each single full charge of the energy storage device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein, The nature includes one or more of the following: the current storage capacity of the energy storage device, the state of health of the energy storage device, the time taken to perform a full charge cycle, and the degree of expansion of the external dimensions of the energy storage device.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein, The parameters are changed by restricting the charging current or the maximum charging voltage applied to the energy storage device during the charging cycle.

Images