Control device for aerosol supply device

Abstract

A control device (110) for use with an aerosol supply device (102) comprising an energy storage device (106), where the control device (110) is configured to determine whether the energy storage device (106) has reached its end of life. When it is determined that the energy storage device (106) has reached its end of life, allowing charging of the energy storage device (106) and setting a charging parameter of the energy storage device (106) such that the charging of the energy storage device (106) is changed compared to the charging of the energy storage device (106) before its end of life has been reached; and / or allowing a discharge of the energy storage device (106), and setting a discharge parameter of the energy storage device (106) such that the discharge of the energy storage device (106) is varied compared to the discharge of the energy storage device (106) before its end of life has been reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for an aerosol supply device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol supply device including such a control device, an aerosol supply system including the aerosol supply device and an article including an aerosol generating material, and a method for controlling the operation of an energy storage device in the aerosol supply device. 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 the 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 arrangement for use with an aerosol supply device including an energy storage device. The control arrangement is configured to determine whether the energy storage device has reached the end of its life; and when it is determined that the energy storage device has reached the end of its life: allow charging of the energy storage device and set the charging parameters of the energy storage device such that the charging of the energy storage device is changed (e.g., restricted) compared to charging the energy storage device before it has reached the end of its life; and / or allow discharging of the energy storage device and set the discharging parameters of the energy storage device such that the discharging of the energy storage device is changed (e.g., restricted) compared to discharging the energy storage device before it has reached the end of its life.

[0004] The end of life of the energy storage device may occur when the condition of the energy storage device deteriorates to a point where further use becomes unsafe or restricted.

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

[0006] The charging parameters may include at least one of the following: the charging voltage and the charging current of the charging cycle of the energy storage device. The charging voltage may be the maximum charging voltage applied during the charging cycle. The control device may be configured to set the charging parameters by reducing the charging voltage compared to the previous charging voltage applied during a charging cycle that occurred before the energy storage device has reached the end of its life. This may reduce the maximum amount of energy that can be stored within the energy storage device. The charging current may be the maximum charging current applied during the charging cycle. The control device may be configured to set the charging parameters by reducing the charging current compared to the previous charging current applied during a previous charging cycle that occurred before the energy storage device has reached the end of its life. This may reduce the charging rate during the charging cycle.

[0007] The discharge parameters may include the maximum number of discharges of the energy storage device during a discharge cycle. Before reaching the end of life, the discharge parameters may not be set. The maximum number of discharges may not be greater than 5 times, for example not greater than 4 times, for example not greater than 3 times. The discharge of the energy storage device may include providing sufficient power for the usage period by the aerosol supply device. The usage period may include multiple inhalations from the aerosol supply device (e.g., at least 2 and at most 10 inhalations). The usage period may correspond to a power storage device capable of providing power for a time period of 200 to 350 seconds, for example 220 to 330 seconds, for example 240 to 310 seconds, for example 260 to 290 seconds, to be consumed by the aerosol supply device.

[0008] The discharge parameters may include the discharge rate of the energy storage device. The discharge rate may be the maximum discharge rate.

[0009] Setting the discharge parameters may include reducing the discharge rate compared to the discharge rate set during a discharge cycle that occurred before the energy storage device has reached the end of its life. The discharge rate may determine the rate of temperature increase / heating of the heating element. Setting the discharge parameters may include limiting the discharge current / voltage below a predetermined discharge current / voltage threshold.

[0010] Determining the end of life of the energy storage device may include measuring the characteristics of the energy storage device. The characteristics may be at least one of the following: expansion rate, amount of expansion, storage capacity, change in storage capacity, state of health, time taken to charge the energy storage device, number of times the energy storage device has been discharged, and number of usage periods for which the energy storage device has provided power. The control device may be configured to determine that the energy storage device has reached the end of its life when the characteristics meet a predetermined threshold (e.g., 10,000 usage periods, or 10% expansion, or 50% reduction in storage capacity).

[0011] The control device may further include a sensor configured to measure (i.e., determine) a characteristic of the energy storage device. The sensor may be configured to measure the storage capacity of the energy storage device. For example, the sensor may be a capacitance sensor. The sensor may be configured to detect an expansion of the energy storage device. The sensor may measure a force exerted by the energy storage device due to the expansion, such as a pressure / force sensor.

[0012] The control device may further include a timer configured to measure an amount of time the energy storage device has been charged and / or discharged, and wherein the control device is configured to determine whether the energy storage device has reached end-of-life based on the amount of time the energy storage device has been charged and / or discharged.

[0013] The control device may further include a timer and / or a counter configured to determine a number of usage cycles the energy storage device has powered.

[0014] In yet another aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided. The aerosol supply device includes: an energy storage device; and a control device according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0015] The aerosol supply device may be configured to receive an article comprising an aerosol-forming medium.

[0016] In yet another aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided. The aerosol supply system includes: an article comprising an aerosol-forming medium; and an aerosol supply device according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0017] In yet another aspect, a method for controlling an operation of an energy storage device in an aerosol supply device is provided. The method includes determining whether the energy storage device has reached its end-of-life; and when it is determined that the energy storage device has reached its end-of-life, allowing the energy storage device to be charged and setting charging parameters of the energy storage device such that charging of the energy storage device is changed (e.g., limited) compared to charging of the energy storage device before it reached its end-of-life; and / or allowing the energy storage device to be discharged and setting discharge parameters of the energy storage device such that discharge of the energy storage device is changed (e.g., limited) compared to discharge of the energy storage device before it reached its end-of-life.

[0018] The charging parameter can be the charging voltage applied during a charging cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the charging parameter can be the charging current applied during a charging cycle. The charging voltage can be less than the previous charging voltage applied during a previous charging cycle that occurred before the energy storage device has reached the end of its life. The charging current can be less than the charging current applied during a previous charging cycle that occurred before the energy storage device has reached the end of its life. The discharging parameter can include the maximum number of discharges of the energy storage device during a discharging cycle. The discharging parameter can include the discharging rate of the energy storage device. Setting the discharging parameter can include limiting the discharging current / voltage to below a predetermined discharging current / voltage threshold.

[0019] Any feature of the control device set forth above can be suitably implemented by any of the methods described above.

[0020] In yet another aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided. The aerosol supply device includes an energy storage device, a control device configured to determine whether the energy storage device has reached the end of its life, and a display communicatively coupled to the control device, the display being configured to display information indicating that the energy storage device has reached the end of its life.

[0021] The display can include a screen (e.g., an LCD screen or an LED screen). The information can be in the form of text or one or more symbols.

[0022] In yet another aspect, a method for operating an aerosol supply device is provided. The method includes determining, by the control device, whether the energy storage device of the aerosol supply device has reached the end of its life; and displaying, by a display communicatively coupled to the control device, information indicating that the energy storage device has reached the end of its life.

[0023] Any feature of the aerosol supply device including the above display can also be suitably implemented by the method described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Various embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) of another aerosol supply system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0027] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for controlling the operation of an energy storage device in an aerosol supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed implementation manners

[0028] As used herein, the term "aerosol - generating material" is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or electrified in any other way. The aerosol - generating material can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and it may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol - generating material can include any plant - based material, such as tobacco - containing materials, and can include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol - generating material can also include other non - tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol - generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol - generating material can also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol - generating material can also be referred to as "smokable material".

[0029] The aerosol - generating material can include an adhesive 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 - generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0030] The aerosol - generating material can include or 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 - generating 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.

[0031] The aerosol - generating material can include an aerosol - generating film. The aerosol - generating film can include or be a sheet, which can optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol - generating sheets or shredded sheets can be substantially free of tobacco.

[0032] 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 - generating 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.

[0033] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non - combustible aerosol supply system, for example, a powered non - combustible aerosol supply system.

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-forming material is not necessary.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-flammable 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.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-flammable 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 in the form of, for example, 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 non-tobacco products.

[0037] Generally, the non-flammable aerosol supply system can 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device, can include a power source (such as an energy storage device) and a controller. The power source can 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.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system can include an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0041] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device can 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.

[0042] An aerosol generating device may receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component which, in use, comprises or contains an aerosol generating material that is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating 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.

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic view of an aerosol supply system 100 (which may be in the form of a non-flammable aerosol supply system) comprising an aerosol supply device 102 is shown. The aerosol supply device includes an article receiving portion 104 (e.g., in the form of a cavity within the device 102) for receiving an aerosol generating article 105 in use. The aerosol generating article 105 may be provided separately from the aerosol supply device 102 and may be removable from the article receiving portion 104. The aerosol supply device 102 may further include an energy storage device 106, a heating arrangement 108, and a control arrangement 110. The heating arrangement 108 may be arranged to heat the aerosol generating article 105. The heating arrangement 108 may include any suitable means for heating the aerosol generating article 105. For example, the heating arrangement 108 may include a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating article 105. The heating element may include a resistive or inductive heating element. In other embodiments, the heating arrangement may be at least partially provided with the aerosol generating article 105. In some embodiments, the article receiving portion 104 and / or the heating arrangement 108 and / or the energy storage device 106 may be omitted.

[0044] The aerosol generating article 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 article 105 received within the article receiving portion 104. Heating of the aerosol generating article 105 may result in the generation of an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user.

[0045] 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, although 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.

[0046] 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. In such an embodiment, the control device 110 may include any suitable means for performing the functions described herein.

[0047] According to the embodiments described herein, the control device 110 may be configured to determine whether the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its life. The end of life of the energy storage device 106 may occur when the energy storage device deteriorates to a point where further use of the energy storage device becomes unsafe or restricted. This 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 harm 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 maximum amount of energy that the energy storage device 106 can store and subsequently deliver for consumption) decreases below a threshold capacity, e.g., 80% of the original capacity, i.e., 80% of the capacity of the energy storage device 106 when new. Such a decrease in the maximum capacity may be due to or may cause a 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.

[0048] In some embodiments, the end of life of the energy storage device 106 can be when the ratio of the current (i.e., present) maximum capacity of the energy storage device 106 to the maximum capacity of the energy storage device 106 when new (i.e., when its capacity has not been depleted by use or aging, also referred to as its rated capacity) is below a threshold ratio, such as below 85%, such as below 80%. This ratio can be considered the state of health of the energy storage device 106.

[0049] The determination of the end of life of the energy storage device 106 performed by the control device 110 can include measuring one or more characteristics of the energy storage device 106. The characteristics of the energy storage device 106 can include at least one of the following: expansion (e.g., swelling) rate, amount of expansion (e.g., swelling), storage capacity (e.g., current / present maximum storage capacity), change in storage capacity (e.g., change in current / present maximum storage capacity), state of health (e.g., ratio of the current / present maximum charge capacity to its capacity / rated capacity when new), time taken to charge the energy storage device 106, number of times the energy storage device 106 has been discharged (e.g., the number of times it has discharged at least a certain percentage of its stored electricity), and number of sessions of use for which the energy storage device 106 has powered. The one or more characteristics of the energy storage device 106 can include the total energy storage device operation time (i.e., the total operation time for the energy storage device). The total energy storage device operation time can be the total time since the energy storage device 106 was first powered for use by the aerosol supply device 102. This can be defined, for example, by the point at which the aerosol supply device 106 exits the shipping mode (e.g., when power is first drawn from the energy storage device). This total energy storage device operation time can cover the total time the energy storage device 106 has powered, the time it has received power (i.e., charged), and the time it has not supplied / received power.

[0050] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 depicted, the control device 110 can include a sensor 112. The sensor 112 can be configured to measure the parameters / characteristics of the energy storage device 106. However, in other embodiments, the sensor 112 can be completely omitted.

[0051] The sensor 112 may be configured to detect an expansion of the energy storage device 106. For example, the sensor 112 may be configured to measure the force exerted by the energy storage device 106 due to the expansion. For example, the sensor 112 may include a pressure and / or force sensor. For example, the 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 may indicate the amount of expansion presented by the energy storage device 106.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, the control device 110 may be configured to determine the maximum storage capacity of the energy storage device 106. This may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the aerosol supply device 102 (e.g., its control device 110) may include a capacity sensor configured to measure the maximum capacity of the energy storage device 106. For example, the capacity sensor may be a capacitance sensor configured to measure the capacitance of the energy storage device 106. The capacity sensor may be a voltage or current sensor configured to measure the voltage or current output by the energy storage device 106. The capacity sensor may be considered to be the sensor 112 or a part thereof.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the control device 110 may include a timer configured to measure the amount of time that the energy storage device 106 has been charged and / or discharged. This amount of time may be determined from the time when the energy storage device 106 was new (i.e., when the energy storage device 106 had not even been charged / discharged once). The timer may be considered to be the sensor 112 or a part thereof. In other embodiments, the timer may be configured to measure the time that the energy storage device has been charged during a single charging cycle, or the time that it has been discharged between two charging cycles. A charging cycle may be considered to increase the energy stored within the energy storage device 106 from at least partially (e.g., completely) empty to at least partially (e.g., full) maximum capacity. For example, a charging cycle may be considered to increase the energy stored within the energy storage device 106 by at least 50% of its current storage capacity, e.g., at least 60%, e.g., at least 70%, e.g., at least 80%, e.g., at least 90%, e.g., at least 100%. A charging cycle may start when energy is supplied to the energy storage device 106 and end when the energy supply stops.

[0054] In some embodiments, the control device 110 may be configured to count the number of times the energy storage device 106 has been discharged and / or the number of usage cycles 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 cycles for which the energy storage device 106 has powered. The counter may be considered a sensor 112 or a part thereof. A usage cycle may include multiple inhalations (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) from the aerosol supply device 102 (e.g., the article 105 received therein). In some embodiments, the multiple inhalations include 2 to 10 inhalations, such as 3 to 8 inhalations, such as 4 to 6 inhalations. In some embodiments, a usage cycle may correspond to the energy storage device 106 being able to provide power for consumption by the aerosol supply device 102 over a period of 200 to 350 seconds, such as 220 to 330 seconds, such as 240 to 310 seconds, such as 260 to 290 seconds. In such an embodiment, the control device 110 may include both a counter and a timer.

[0055] When the one or more characteristics satisfy one or more corresponding predetermined thresholds, the control device 110 may determine that the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its life. For example, when the number of usage cycles during which the energy storage device has provided power exceeds a threshold number of cycles, such as 7000 cycles, 8000 cycles, 9000 cycles, 10000 cycles, 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 control device may determine that the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its 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, such as 2580 mAh), or when the number of charge 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, determining that the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its 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 understood, the various embodiments set forth above may 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 device 108.

[0056] In some embodiments, the control device 110 may be further configured to allow charging of the energy storage device 106 when it is determined that the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its life, and to set the charging parameters of the energy storage device 106 such that the charging of the energy storage device 106 is changed (e.g., restricted) compared to charging the energy storage device 106 before it has reached the end of its life.

[0057] The charging parameter may be the charging voltage applied to the energy storage device 106 during a charging cycle, such as the maximum charging voltage. The charging voltage may determine the maximum amount of energy that can be stored within the energy storage device 106. The charging voltage may be restricted to be below a predetermined voltage value. As a result, the maximum amount of energy that can be stored within the energy storage device 106 may be restricted. The charging voltage / maximum charging voltage may be less than the previous charging voltage / maximum charging voltage, i.e., the charging voltage / maximum charging voltage used during a charging cycle when the energy storage device 106 is new or before the energy storage device 106 reaches the end of its life.

[0058] The charging parameter can be the charging current applied to the energy storage device 106 during a charging cycle, such as the maximum charging current. The charging current can determine the charging rate of the energy storage device 106 during that charging cycle. The charging current can be limited to be below a predetermined current value. As a result, the charging rate can be limited. The charging current / maximum charging current can be less than the previous charging current / maximum charging current, i.e., the charging current / maximum charging current used when the energy storage device 106 is new or during charging cycles before the energy storage device 106 reaches the end of its life.

[0059] Specific embodiments of the variation of the charging voltage and / or charging current are set forth below. In one embodiment, when the energy storage device 106 is new, the energy storage device 106 can be charged with a (e.g., maximum) charging voltage of 4.40 V, which can result in sufficient charging to provide energy for approximately 20 usage cycles. In contrast, when the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its life, the (e.g., maximum) charging voltage can be reduced to 3.84 V, which can reduce the number of cycles for which the energy storage device 106 can power to approximately 5. In a similar manner, the (e.g., maximum) charging current applied to the energy storage device 102 when it is new can be 3008 mA, while the (e.g., maximum) charging current applied when it has reached the end of its life can be 192 mA. This can increase the charging time to approximately 6 hours.

[0060] Advantageously, limiting the charging by reducing the charging voltage and / or charging current can reduce the risks associated with operating the energy storage device 106 after the energy storage device has reached the end of its life, such as short circuits and / or leakage. Additionally, the reduced maximum charging capacity and / or charging rate of the energy storage device 106 can be detected by the user, as they may notice that the aerosol supply device 102 can only be used for a limited number of inhalations and / or takes significantly longer to charge. This can be used to prompt the user to replace the aerosol supply device 102 and / or the energy storage device 106 contained therein. A reduction in the risk of operating the energy storage device 106 and / or an effective indication to the user that the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its life can be achieved while maintaining the usability of the aerosol supply device 102 (i.e., while continuing to supply energy from the energy storage device 106). This can, for example, be contrasted with prior art devices in which further use of the aerosol supply device is prevented once the end of life has been reached, i.e., the aerosol supply device is "constrained".

[0061] In the above-described embodiments, when the charging parameters are set such that they are changed when the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its life compared to before it has reached the end of its life, the control device 110 can be considered to increase the charging time (for a charging cycle) and / or reduce the energy stored by the energy storage device 106, thereby reducing the amount of energy that can be delivered by the energy storage device 106 (e.g., reducing the number of cycles for which the energy storage device 106 can supply power).

[0062] In addition to or as an alternative to the above-described embodiments, the control device 110 can be configured to allow the discharge of the energy storage device 106 when it is determined that the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its life, and set the discharge parameters of the energy storage device 106 such that the discharge of the energy storage device 106 is changed (e.g., restricted) compared to the discharge of the energy storage device 106 before it has reached the end of its life.

[0063] In this context, the discharge of the energy storage device 106 can be considered as the release of the energy stored in the energy storage device 106, which is sufficient to allow at least one instance of aerosol generation, for example, by energizing the heating device 108 or actuating a pump / valve. In some embodiments, the discharge of the energy storage device 106 can include sufficient power for a usage cycle provided by the aerosol supply device. The usage cycle can include multiple inhalations from the aerosol supply device (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). In some embodiments, the multiple inhalations include 2 to 10 inhalations, such as 3 to 8 inhalations, such as 4 to 6 inhalations. In some embodiments, the usage cycle can correspond to the period during which the energy storage device 106 can supply power for consumption by the aerosol supply device 102 within a time period of 200 to 350 seconds, such as 220 to 330 seconds, such as 240 to 310 seconds, such as 260 to 290 seconds.

[0064] In some embodiments, the discharge parameter can be the maximum number of discharges of the energy storage device during a discharge cycle. A discharge cycle can be considered to release the energy stored within the energy storage device 106 from at least partially (e.g., full) maximum capacity to at least partially (fully) empty. For example, a discharge cycle can be considered to release the energy stored within the energy storage device 106 from 100% to 0%, or from 90% to 10%, or from 80% to 20%, or from 70% to 30%, or from 60% to 40%. In some embodiments, a discharge cycle can be considered to be the release of at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 100% of the storage capacity of the energy storage device 106 or the energy stored within the energy storage device 106.

[0065] The maximum number of discharges can be less than the previous number of discharges, e.g., when the energy storage device is new or the maximum number of discharges before reaching the end of life, in which case (i.e., before its end of life), the discharge parameter may not be set. In some embodiments, the maximum number of discharges can be set to no more than 5 times, such as no more than 4 times, or no more than 3 times, or no more than 2 times, or no more than 1 time. The discharge can provide sufficient power for the usage period.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the discharge parameter may include the discharge rate of the energy storage device 106. Setting the discharge parameter in this manner may include setting / limiting the discharge parameter to a reduced discharge rate. The reduced discharge rate may be a smaller value when compared to the value of the discharge rate set during a discharge cycle that occurred before the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its life. The discharge rate may be the maximum discharge rate. In some embodiments, the discharge rate may determine the rate of temperature increase / heating of the heating device 108. Thus, the reduction in the discharge rate may result in slower temperature increase / heating of the heating device 108 when compared to when the energy storage device 106 was new or the rate of temperature increase / heating of the heating device 108 before reaching the end of its life. In some embodiments, setting / limiting the discharge parameter includes limiting the discharge current / voltage to below a predetermined discharge current / voltage threshold. The threshold may be any suitable value depending on the characteristics of the energy storage device 106. As an example, if the voltage of the energy storage device is greater than or equal to 3.66 V, the energy storage device 106 will likely supply power for a further inhalation cycle and the current supply may be up to 6 A. Conversely, if the voltage of the energy storage device 106 is greater than or equal to 2.9 V but less than 3.66 V, the device 102 may be configured to prevent power supply for a new usage cycle but still allow the user to power the aerosol supply device 102, e.g., supply a reduced current of up to 120 mA (i.e., the predetermined discharge current threshold) to a haptic motor or any other suitable electrical component. The voltage supplied by the energy storage device 106 may be limited in a similar manner.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the discharge parameter is set such that it is changed compared to before reaching the end of its life, and the control device 110 may be considered to limit the amount of energy that the energy storage device can deliver before it needs to be recharged (regardless of how much energy is stored therein), e.g., reducing the number of cycles that the user can obtain before the device needs to be recharged. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 110 may be considered to limit the discharge rate of the energy storage device 106 to a point where the time taken to generate the aerosol increases and / or the rate of aerosol generation decreases compared to before the aerosol supply device has reached the end of its life.

[0068] Advantageously, the above control / limitation of the discharge can reduce the risk of injury to nearby persons, for example due to a short circuit and / or leakage, while maintaining the availability of the aerosol supply device. Similar to the adaptation of the above charging parameters, setting the discharge parameters in this way can be used to provide the user with an indication that the energy storage device 106 has reached the end of its life. Specifically, a reduced functionality of the aerosol supply device 102, i.e., a reduced number of available cycles and / or an increase in the time taken to generate the aerosol, can be detected by prompting the user to replace the aerosol supply device 102 and / or the energy storage device 106.

[0069] Figure 2 FIG. shows a schematic view (not to scale) of an aerosol supply system 200 including an aerosol supply device 202 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the above embodiment, the aerosol supply device 202 includes a product receiving portion 204 (e.g., in the form of a cavity) for receiving an aerosol-generating article 205. The aerosol supply device 202 further includes an energy storage device 206, a heating device 208, and a control device 210. The components of the aerosol supply device 202 may be the same as the components described above with respect to Figure 1 Thus, a repetitive description of these components has been omitted.

[0070] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 depicted in, the aerosol supply device 202 may further include a display 214. The display 214 may be communicatively coupled to the control device 210. The display 214 may be configured to display information indicating that the energy storage device 206 has reached the end of its life. The control device 210 may determine that the energy storage device 202 has reached the end of its life in the same manner as the above-described control device 110. Once the control device 210 has determined that the energy storage device 202 has reached the end of its life, it may cause the display 214 to output information indicating that the energy storage device 206 has reached the end of its life. The display 214 may include any suitable display, such as an LCD display or an LED display. The information indicating that the energy storage device 206 has reached the end of its life may be in the form of text or one or more symbols. For example, in response to determining that the energy storage device 206 has reached the end of its life, the display 214 may display text reading "Battery life ended" or "Please replace battery". In other embodiments, in response to determining that the energy storage device 206 has reached the end of its life, the display 214 may display a code to direct the user to a place where more detailed information can be found, such as a website. This may allow a large amount of information to be provided in a small and compact manner.

[0071] Typically, an indication of end of life can be provided by an LED light, which can generally be used to provide a variety of other indications. In this way, the inventors have found that such prior indications can make it difficult for a user to determine when an energy storage device has reached its end of life. This is because the user will have to decipher or otherwise interpret the LED light. This can be a daunting task as it may involve referring to a manual. Advantageously, a display included in some embodiments allows for a clear and easy understanding of the indication that the energy storage device 202 has reached its end of life.

[0072] The display 214 can be used to display other suitable information. For example, the display 214 can display one or more of the following: the operating mode in which the aerosol supply device 202 is operating, the charge state of the energy storage device 206, the type of aerosol-generating article 205 received by the article receiving portion 204, and / or the number of remaining cycles that the energy storage device 206 can provide power for, and / or the progress of an individual cycle, such as the remaining time of a preheat cycle or the remaining time of an actual cycle.

[0073] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method 300 for controlling the operation of an energy storage device in an aerosol supply device is shown. The method can be applied to any of the above control devices. Method 300 includes determining whether the energy storage device has reached its end of life (302).

[0074] This step 302 can include measuring a parameter of the energy storage device using a sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor can be configured to detect expansion / dilation of the energy storage device, for example, via a pressure / force sensor as described above. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor can be configured to measure the capacity of the energy storage device, for example, via a capacitance sensor as described above. Additionally or alternatively, a timer can be configured to measure the amount of time the energy storage device has been charged and / or discharged. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 110 can be further configured to count the number of times the energy storage device 106 has been discharged and / or the number of usage cycles that the energy storage device 106 has powered.

[0075] In addition, determining step 302 may further include comparing the measured parameter with a predetermined threshold. Determining whether the energy storage device has reached its end of life (302) may also include determining that the energy storage device has reached its end of life when the measured parameter drops below or exceeds or meets the predetermined threshold. For example, when the expansion / expansion exceeds 10% of its original volume, or when the capacity drops below 80% of its original capacity, or when the charging and / or discharging time exceeds 1000 hours, or when the number of times the energy storage device has been discharged exceeds 20000, or when the total power discharged by the energy storage device 106 exceeds 1400 Ah, or when the number of usage cycles in which the energy storage device has provided power exceeds 5000, such as 10000 cycles, or when the operating time of the energy storage device 106 exceeds 2 years, it is determined that the energy storage device has reached its end of life.

[0076] In some embodiments, method 300 further includes, when it is determined that the energy storage device has reached its end of life, allowing charging of the energy storage device (304). This step 304 may further include setting the charging parameters of the energy storage device such that the charging of the energy storage device is changed (e.g., restricted) compared to the charging of the energy storage device before it has reached its end of life. The charging parameters may be any of the above-mentioned charging parameters, such as the maximum charging current, the maximum charging voltage, and the maximum amount of energy stored in the energy storage device. The charging parameters may be selected to be less than their corresponding values before the energy storage device reaches its end of life.

[0077] In addition to or as an alternative to the above step 304, when it is determined that the energy storage device has reached its end of life, the method may include step 306, which includes allowing the energy storage device to discharge. Step 306 may further include setting the discharge parameters of the energy storage device such that the discharge of the energy storage device is changed (e.g., restricted) compared to the discharge of the energy storage device before it has reached its end of life. The discharge parameters may be any of the above-mentioned discharge parameters, such as the discharge rate, the maximum discharge current / voltage, and the number of discharges per discharge cycle (e.g., the discharge sufficient to provide power for a period).

[0078] In addition to or as an alternative to the above steps 304 and 306, method 300 may further include displaying information indicating that the energy storage device has reached its end of life through a display (308). The display is communicatively coupled to the control device.

[0079] The above steps are merely illustrative and the order of describing the steps is not necessary. In fact, any of the above steps can be performed before, after, or simultaneously with any other step. Additionally, any step can be entirely omitted. Any feature of the aerosol supply device and system set forth in the above embodiments can equally be implemented in the method set forth above.

[0080] 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 can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the invention can 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 can 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 whether the energy storage device has reached the end of its life; and when it is determined that the energy storage device has reached the end of its life: allow charging of the energy storage device and set charging parameters of the energy storage device such that the charging of the energy storage device is changed compared to the charging of the energy storage device before it has reached the end of its life; and / or allow discharging of the energy storage device and set discharging parameters of the energy storage device such that the discharging of the energy storage device is changed compared to the discharging of the energy storage device before it has reached the end of its life.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, the charging parameters include at least one of the following parameters: the charging voltage and charging current of the charging cycle of the energy storage device.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, the charging voltage is the maximum charging voltage applied during the charging cycle, and / or the charging current is the maximum charging current applied during the charging cycle.

4. The control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, the control device is configured to set the charging parameters by reducing the charging voltage and / or the charging current compared to the previous charging voltage and / or previous charging current applied during a previous charging cycle that occurred before the energy storage device reached the end of its life.

5. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the discharging parameters include the maximum number of discharges of the energy storage device during a discharging cycle.

6. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the discharging parameters include the discharging rate of the energy storage device.

7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein, setting the discharging parameters includes reducing the discharging rate compared to the discharging rate set during a discharging cycle that occurred before the energy storage device reached the end of its life.

8. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, setting the discharging parameters includes limiting the discharging current and / or voltage below a predetermined discharging current and / or voltage threshold.

9. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor configured to determine a measured value of a characteristic of the energy storage device; and optionally wherein the characteristic is at least one of the following characteristics: expansion rate, amount of expansion, storage capacity, change in storage capacity, state of health, time taken to charge the energy storage device, number of times the energy storage device has been discharged, and number of usage cycles the energy storage device has powered.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein, the control device is configured to determine that the energy storage device has reached the end of its life when the measured characteristic meets a predetermined threshold.

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

12. An aerosol supply system, comprising: an article comprising an aerosol - generating medium; and the aerosol supply device according to claim 11.

13. A method for controlling the operation of an energy storage device in an aerosol supply device, the method comprising: determining whether the energy storage device has reached the end of its life; and when it is determined that the energy storage device has reached the end of its life: allowing charging of the energy storage device and setting charging parameters of the energy storage device such that the charging of the energy storage device is changed compared to the charging before the energy storage device reached the end of its life; and / or allowing discharging of the energy storage device and setting discharging parameters of the energy storage device such that the discharging of the energy storage device is changed compared to the discharging before the energy storage device reached the end of its life.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, the charging parameters are the charging voltage and / or charging current applied during a charging cycle.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, the charging voltage and / or current is less than the previous charging voltage and / or previous charging current applied during a previous charging cycle that occurred before the energy storage device reached the end of its life.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, the discharging parameters include the maximum number of discharges of the energy storage device during a discharging cycle.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, the discharging parameters include the discharging rate of the energy storage device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein, setting the discharging parameters includes limiting the discharging current / voltage to below a predetermined discharging current / voltage threshold.

19. An aerosol supply device, comprising: an energy storage device; a control device configured to determine whether the energy storage device has reached the end of its life; and a display communicatively coupled to the control device, wherein the display is configured to display information indicating that the energy storage device has reached the end of its life.

20. A method for operating an aerosol supply device, the method comprising: determining, by a control device, whether an energy storage device of the aerosol supply device has reached the end of its life; and displaying, by a display communicatively coupled to the control device, information indicating that the energy storage device has reached the end of its life.

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