Method, apparatus and computer program for simultaneously charging aerosol supply device and charging apparatus

Abstract

A method, an apparatus and a computer program for simultaneously charging an aerosol supply device and a charging apparatus are disclosed. The charging device includes a device for charging a first rechargeable power source of the non-combustible aerosol supply device independently of the external power source. The method comprises the steps of selecting a first power distribution method or a second power distribution method according to whether the charging capacity of an external power supply is known or not; distributing a first portion of the charging capacity of the external power source to the non-combustible aerosol supply device as a first initial distribution and a second portion of the charging capacity to a second rechargeable power source as a second initial distribution according to the selected first power distribution method or second power distribution method; and simultaneously charging the first rechargeable power source and the second rechargeable power source by directing power from the external power source to the non-combustible aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source according to the first initial distribution and the second initial distribution, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to charging of an aerosol supply device. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and computer program for simultaneously charging an aerosol supply device and a charging device. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. People have tried to provide alternatives to these articles by manufacturing products that release compounds without combustion. For example, a tobacco heating device heats an aerosol supply substrate such as tobacco, thereby forming an aerosol by heating but not burning the substrate. Further development in this field is still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for simultaneously charging a first rechargeable power source of a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a second rechargeable power source of a charging device from an external power source, the charging device including an apparatus for charging the first rechargeable power source of the non-flammable aerosol supply device independently of the external power source, the method comprising: selecting a first power distribution method or a second power distribution method according to whether the charging capacity of the external power source is known; according to the selected first power distribution method or second power distribution method, allocating a first portion of the charging capacity of the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device as a first initial allocation, and allocating a second portion of the charging capacity to the second rechargeable power source as a second initial allocation; and simultaneously charging the first rechargeable power source and the second rechargeable power source by guiding electric power from the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source respectively according to the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation.

[0004] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the electric power is received from the external power source via one of a plurality of electrical interfaces before being guided to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source, and the first power distribution method or the second power distribution method is selected according to which one of the plurality of electrical interfaces is connected to the external power source.

[0005] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second initial allocation corresponds to a charging current of approximately 100 milliamperes.

[0006] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the charging device includes a first controller for controlling one or more functions of the charging device, and the second initial allocation corresponds to a charging voltage greater than or equal to the minimum operating voltage required by the first controller.

[0007] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the charging device includes a second controller for guiding electric power from an external power source to the incombustible aerosol supply device and a second rechargeable power source, and wherein the method is implemented by the second controller.

[0008] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the plurality of electrical interfaces at least includes a first electrical interface and a second electrical interface, the first electrical interface includes an interface with a charging capacity known to the second controller, and the second electrical interface includes an interface with a charging capacity unknown to the second controller.

[0009] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the first power distribution method includes a method of distributing electric power between the incombustible aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source according to the known charging capacity of the external power source, and the first power distribution method is selected according to the external power source connected to the first electrical interface.

[0010] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second power distribution method includes a method of distributing electric power between the incombustible aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source without prior knowledge of the charging capacity of the external power source, and the second power distribution method is selected according to the external power source connected to the second electrical interface.

[0011] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the first electrical interface is a wireless electrical interface, and the second electrical interface is a wired electrical interface.

[0012] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second controller is configured to communicate with the external power source to receive information indicating the charging capacity of the external power source.

[0013] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the information indicating the charging capacity of the wireless electrical interface is received from the external power source via the wireless electrical interface.

[0014] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second initial allocation assigned to the second rechargeable power source is less than the first initial allocation assigned to the incombustible aerosol supply device.

[0015] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the second initial allocation is predefined.

[0016] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the first power distribution method includes determining the first initial allocation based on the difference between the known charging capacity and the predefined second initial allocation.

[0017] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the predefined second initial allocation includes a predefined portion of the charging capacity.

[0018] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the predefined portion is defined as a percentage of the charging capacity.

[0019] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the first initial allocation is an unrestricted allocation such that during simultaneous charging, the second controller supplies power to the charging device according to the second initial allocation and allows the incombustible aerosol supply device to draw power at a level determined by the incombustible aerosol supply device.

[0020] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the method further includes: when simultaneous charging is in progress, monitoring the level of power drawn by the incombustible aerosol supply device to determine the extent to which the incombustible aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity; and based on the determined result: continuing charging based on the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation; or determining an updated second allocation higher than the predefined second initial allocation and an updated first allocation lower than the first initial allocation, thereby allocating additional charging capacity to the charging device and continuing charging based on the updated first allocation and the updated second allocation.

[0021] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, determining the extent to which the incombustible aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity includes comparing the level of power drawn by the incombustible aerosol supply device with a first threshold, wherein in response to determining that the level of power drawn by the incombustible aerosol supply device is higher than the first threshold, continuing charging based on the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation.

[0022] In some embodiments according to the first aspect, determining the extent to which the incombustible aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity includes determining the difference between the level of power drawn by the incombustible aerosol supply device and the level corresponding to the maximum utilization rate of the first initial allocation, and comparing the difference with a second threshold, wherein in response to determining that the difference is lower than the second threshold, continuing charging based on the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program including software instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, cause the execution of the method according to the first aspect.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non - transitory computer - readable storage medium configured to store the computer program according to the second aspect.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a charging controller for simultaneously charging a first rechargeable power source of a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a second rechargeable power source of a charging device from an external power source, the charging device including a device for charging the first rechargeable power source of the non-flammable aerosol supply device independently of the external power source, wherein, in use, the charging controller is configured to: select a first power distribution method or a second power distribution method according to whether the charging capacity of the external power source is known; according to the selected first power distribution method or second power distribution method, allocate a first portion of the charging capacity of the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device as a first initial allocation, and allocate a second portion of the charging capacity to the second rechargeable power source as a second initial allocation; and simultaneously charge the first rechargeable power source and the second rechargeable power source by guiding electric power from the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source respectively according to the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation.

[0026] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a charging device for recharging a first rechargeable power source of a non-flammable aerosol supply device, the charging device including: a charging controller according to the fourth aspect; and a second rechargeable power source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a rechargeable non-flammable aerosol supply device according to an example embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is according to an example embodiment including Figure 1 a rechargeable non-flammable aerosol supply device and a block diagram of a system of a device for recharging the aerosol supply device;

[0030] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a method of simultaneously charging corresponding power sources of an aerosol supply device and a charging device according to an example embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 shows the structure of a charging control circuit according to an example embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method of simultaneously charging corresponding power sources of an aerosol supply device and a charging device when the available charging capacity of an external power source is known to the charging controller;

[0033] Figure 6is a flowchart showing a method of simultaneously charging a power source of an aerosol supply device and a charging device when the available charging capacity of an external power source is unknown to a charging controller; and

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method of simultaneously charging a power source of an aerosol supply device and a charging device according to whether the available charging capacity of an external power source is known in advance according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0035] In the following detailed description, only certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0036] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to include a system that delivers at least one substance to a user and includes a non-combustible aerosol supply system (such as an electronic cigarette, a tobacco heating product) that releases a compound from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material and a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0037] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system refers to a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) burns or incinerates during use to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user. According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system refers to a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) does not burn or incinerate to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user. The non-combustible aerosol supply system or its non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller.

[0038] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as an electronic cigarette, also referred to as an e-cigarette device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-forming material is not a necessary condition. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol-forming material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. A tobacco heating system is an example of such a system. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that utilizes a combination of aerosol-forming materials to generate an aerosol, where one or more of the materials can be heated. For example, each aerosol-forming material can be in solid, liquid, or gel form and can contain or 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.

[0039] Generally, the non-flammable aerosol supply system can include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a consumable used with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. The non-flammable aerosol supply device can also be referred to as a non-flammable aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable including an aerosol-forming material, which is configured to be used with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure. A consumable is an article composed of or constituted by an aerosol-forming material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use.

[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] A consumable is an article composed of or constituted by an aerosol-forming material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. In some embodiments, the consumable used with the non-flammable aerosol supply device can include an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable can also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which emits heat during use to cause the aerosol-forming material to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater can include a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. In other embodiments, the aerosol-forming material can be provided in the non-flammable aerosol supply device itself rather than in a physically separate consumable. In such embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device can include an aerosol-forming material storage area for storing the aerosol-forming material.

[0042] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol - forming material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Depending on the circumstances, both materials may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorants, one or more aerosol - forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0043] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance. As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material, i.e., a material intended to effect or enhance a physiological response. An aerosol - forming material is a material capable of generating an aerosol, e.g., when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other way. For example, the aerosol - forming material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, film, foam, or non - fibrous solid, any of which may or may not contain an active substance and / or a flavorant.

[0044] The aerosol - forming material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorants, one or more aerosol - forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0045] These materials may be present on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, or include paper, card, cardboard, hardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor is embedded in the material. In some alternative embodiments, the sensor is located on one or both sides of the material.

[0046] Now referring Figure 1 , a block diagram of a rechargeable non - flammable aerosol supply device, generally designated by reference numeral 100, is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. The non - flammable aerosol supply device 100 includes at least one power source 101, a circuit 102, at least one aerosol generator 103, a housing 104, and a charging interface 105.

[0047] The circuit 102 may be configured to control the power supply to at least one power source 101 during a charging operation so as to charge the power source 101 from a discharged state to a charged state (e.g., 80%, 90%, or 100% charged). The discharged state may vary depending on the usage of the device 100, which depends on the degree of discharge of the power source 101 when the user connects the charging interface 105 to an external power source (e.g., Figure 2 the charging device 200 in t to start charging the device 100). Generally, the discharged state may be any state in which the output voltage of the power source 101 is greater than or equal to the minimum operating voltage threshold Vt ) the device 100 will no longer be operable (i.e., preventing further discharge of the power source 101) until the power source 101 is charged to a higher level.

[0048] The non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 of the present embodiment is configured to receive a consumable 110 including an aerosol-generating material 111 (e.g., a tobacco consumable 110, e.g., in the form of a tobacco stick). In other embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 may include an aerosol-generating material, e.g., contained in an aerosol-generating material storage area within the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100. In embodiments where the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 contains an aerosol-generating material, the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to receive the consumable 110 or may not be configured to receive the consumable 110. For example, in some embodiments, in addition to the aerosol-generating material contained in the device 100, the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 may also be configured to receive a consumable containing additional aerosol-generating material. In other such embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 may not be configured to receive the consumable 110, such that once the aerosol-generating material contained in the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 is depleted, the device 100 can be discarded or refilled with more aerosol-generating material (e.g., by refilling a liquid reservoir in the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100).

[0049] At least one power source 101 is rechargeable and can be recharged using power received via a charging interface 105. The power source 101 supplies power to the aerosol generator 103 to generate an aerosol and can also supply power to other components of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 (e.g., active components in the circuit 102) during operation of the device 100. According to an embodiment, the charging interface 105 may include a wired interface or a wireless interface. In the case of wireless charging, the charging interface 105 may include a resonant receiver, e.g., in the form of an antenna. The antenna of the resonant receiver can be used to receive magnetic field energy to charge the power source 101 (e.g., under the control of the circuit 102).

[0050] The housing 105 may be configured to accommodate, hold, or otherwise support some or all of the other components of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100. The housing 105 may be formed of any suitable material, including but not limited to paper, card, cardboard, hardboard, reconstituted materials, plastic materials, ceramic materials, composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber), glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the housing 105 may be configured to allow for the disassembly and replacement of one or more components of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100. For example, the housing 105 may include a movable or removable portion (e.g., in the form of a panel, lid, cap, or plug) to enable access to components such as the circuit 102, power source 101, and / or aerosol generator 103, thereby potentially allowing for the disassembly and replacement of such components for device 100 repair or upgrade, or allowing for the disassembly of such components prior to disposal of the device 100 (e.g., allowing for the separation of different materials used in the device 100 for disposal / recycling). In some embodiments, the housing 105 is configured to be able to disassemble and replace the power source 101.

[0051] In use of the device 100, the consumable 110 is inserted into the receiving portion of the housing 105 such that the consumable 110 can be heated by the aerosol generator 103 to generate an aerosol for the user (or a tobacco flavor in the case of a tobacco consumable). When the user inhales (which may be referred to as a "draw") at the end of the consumable 110, air is drawn into the device 100 through one or more air inlets and passes through the consumable 110, delivering the aerosol (or the tobacco flavor in the case of a tobacco consumable) to the user.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the aerosol generator 103 is an induction heater including an induction coil 103a and a susceptor 103b. In use, the circuit 102 directs electrical power from the power source 101 to the induction coil 103a, causing a varying electric current to flow through the induction coil 103a. This in turn generates a changing magnetic field that penetrates the conductive material of the susceptor 103b, causing hysteresis heating of the susceptor 103b. The consumable 110 and the aerosol-forming material 111 contained therein are arranged to be heated by the susceptor 103b. In the present embodiment, the susceptor 103b is provided in the device 100, for example, in the housing 105. However, in other embodiments, the susceptor 103b may also be provided in the consumable 110.

[0053] Although induction heating is used to generate the aerosol in the present embodiment, in other embodiments, different mechanisms may be used to generate the aerosol. For example, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 can still be configured to receive a consumable including tobacco (e.g., in the form of a tobacco stick), but the aerosol generator 103 can include a resistive heater instead of the induction coil 103a and the susceptor 103b. In an embodiment where the tobacco is heated by a resistive heater, the aerosol generator 103 (i.e., the resistive heater) can be arranged to make at least physical contact with a portion of the tobacco material contained in the consumable 110 when the consumable 110 is received in the device 100. For example, this can be achieved by providing a resistive heater in the form of a protruding element (e.g., a tip or a blade) that is pushed into the tobacco 111 during the process of inserting the consumable 110 into the device 100.

[0054] The non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 is described only as an example. In example implementations of the principles described herein, many other aerosol supply devices can be used. For example, in other embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device can be an e-cigarette device that heats an aerosol-forming material (e.g., a liquid) to generate an aerosol, rather than a tobacco heating system, such as Figure 1 the device 100 shown. The principles of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular type of aerosol supply device 100. That is, the aerosol supply device 100 can atomize solid, liquid, or other aerosol-forming materials via any suitable electric or controller aerosol generator, such as a heater, a vibrating mesh, an irradiation source, an electrically controlled pressurized tank (which can include an electric release valve), etc.

[0055] Thus, in some embodiments, at least one aerosol generator 103 can be configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material without heating, for example, by using one or more of the following: vibration, pressure, or electrostatic energy. Examples of non-heating aerosol generators include ultrasonic atomizers and surface acoustic wave atomizers. In embodiments where the aerosol generator 103 is configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming material, the aerosol generator 103 can include any of the following: an induction heater, an electromagnetic (EM) radiation heater (e.g., a laser heater, a non-laser optical heater, an infrared heater, a radio frequency heater, or a microwave frequency heater), a plasma heater, a microfluidic heater, a convective heater, a conductive heater, a resistive heater (e.g., a graphene heater or a ceramic heater), a halogen heater, a dielectric heater.

[0056] In an embodiment where the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 is a so-called electronic cigarette device, the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 can form part of an aerosol supply system that includes modular components, typically having two main functional parts, namely the aerosol supply device 100 and the article 110. In such an embodiment, the article 110 can include a consumable aerosol-generating material 111 and an aerosol generator 103 (e.g., a resistive or inductive heating element), while the aerosol supply device 100 components can include longer-lived items such as a rechargeable power source 101, a circuit 102, and other components such as user interface functions. The aerosol supply device 100 can also be referred to as a reusable part or battery section, while the article 110 can also be referred to as a consumable, disposable / replaceable part, cartridge, or pod.

[0057] In both tobacco heating systems and electronic cigarette systems, the aerosol supply device 100 and the article 110 can be mechanically coupled together at a use interface, for example, using a thread, bayonet, latch, or friction fit. When the aerosol-generating material in the article 110 is depleted, or the user wishes to switch to a different article with a different aerosol-generating material (e.g., different ingredients such as different flavors), the article 110 can be removed from the aerosol supply device 100 and a replacement article can be attached to the device 100 in its place. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the article 110 is configured such that after the aerosol-generating material 111 in the article 110 is depleted, the article 110 can be refilled with more aerosol-generating material 111 (e.g., more tobacco in the case of a tobacco heating system or more liquid in the case of an electronic cigarette system), thereby allowing the article 110 to be reused. In some such embodiments, the user is able to refill the article 110 using a separate reservoir of the aerosol-generating material 111. The aerosol-generating material used to refill the article can be the same as or different from the previous aerosol-generating material in the article, thereby allowing the user to switch to a different aerosol-generating material 111 without having to purchase a new article 110.

[0058] As described above, at least one power source 101 is rechargeable. According to one example embodiment, reference will now be made to Figure 2 describe a system including Figure 1 a rechargeable non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and a device 200 for recharging the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the device 200 for recharging the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 can be referred to as a "charging device", "charger", or "charging case" or "charging pack", depending on its physical form.

[0059] In Figure 2In [the figure], the device 200 is shown in the form of a charging case or a charging pack, including a housing 210 having a space in which the incombustible aerosol supply device 100 can be placed during charging. In such an embodiment, the device 200 can perform a dual function, serving both as a case or a pack for protecting the incombustible aerosol supply device 100 (e.g., when carried by a user), and simultaneously charging the power source 101 of the incombustible aerosol supply device 100. In other embodiments, the charging device can have a different form, for example, as a power pack that can be connected to the charging interface 105 of the incombustible aerosol supply device 100 via a suitable charging cable or via an inductive charging interface.

[0060] The charging device 200 of this exemplary embodiment includes at least one charging power source 201, a charging control circuit 202, a first power interface 203, a second power interface 204, and a device interface 205. The charging device 200 may include one or more user interface components in some embodiments, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), digital displays, tactile feedback generators, and / or audio speakers. One or more user interface components can be used to convey information about the status of the charging device 200 and / or the incombustible aerosol supply device 100 to the user. In some embodiments, the user interface components can be omitted.

[0061] Both the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 include interfaces capable of receiving power from one or more external power sources (e.g., a mains power supply or another electrical device such as a tablet computer, laptop computer or desktop computer, smart phone, etc.). According to an embodiment, the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 may be of the same type of interface or different interfaces. For example, the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 may both be wired interfaces, both be wireless interfaces, or one of the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 is a wired interface while the other is a wired interface. In the present embodiment, the first power interface 203 is a wireless charging interface and the second power interface 204 is a wired interface. The first power interface 203 may include a resonant receiver, for example, in the form of an antenna. The antenna of the resonant receiver can be used to receive magnetic field energy for charging the charging power supply 201 (e.g., under the control of the charging control circuit 202). In some embodiments, the second power interface 204 may be a standardized interface, such as a Universal Serial Bus-C (USB-C) type connector, through which the charging device 200 can be connected to any device capable of supplying power via the USB-C interface and be recharged from that device. It should be noted that the USB-C interface described here is purely an illustrative example and should not be construed as restrictive. In other exemplary embodiments, the second power interface 204 may include other types of charging interfaces other than USB-C. Additionally, in some embodiments, one of the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 may be omitted, such that the charging device 200 includes only one interface for receiving power from an external power source.

[0062] The charging control circuit 202 is configured to control the power from the charging power supply 201 and / or from the external power interface 204 to flow via the device interface 205 to the incombustible aerosol supply device 100, so as to recharge the power supply 101 of the incombustible aerosol supply device 100. The charging power supply 201 is configured to store energy that can be used to charge the power supply 105 of the incombustible aerosol supply device 100. For example, the charging power supply 201 may include a battery, a capacitor, a supercapacitor or any other suitable power source capable of storing and providing electrical energy.

[0063] Therefore, due to including the charging power supply 201, the charging device 200 can be used to charge the power supply 101 of the incombustible aerosol supply device 100 independently of an external power source (i.e., when neither the charging device 200 nor the incombustible aerosol supply device 100 is connected to an external power source). Thus, the charging device 200 can achieve so-called "carry-along" charging, that is, when the user is out (e.g., when it is not possible to use an external power source to recharge the power supply 101 of the device), the charging device 200 can be used to recharge the power supply 101 of the incombustible aerosol supply device 100.

[0064] During a charging operation, one or both of the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 are connected to a respective external power source. Each of the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 can be the same power source or respective different external power sources, and when both the charging power source 201 and the power source 101 of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 are in a discharged state (which can be fully discharged or partially discharged), the charging control circuit 202 is configured to control the supply of power to the charging power source 201 and the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 simultaneously. In this way, the respective power sources 101, 201 of the charging device 200 and the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 (i.e., the charging power source 201 of the charging device 200 and the power source 101 of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100) can be charged simultaneously without having to wait for one of the power sources 101, 201 to be charged first and then charging the other of the power sources 101, 201. The external power source to which the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 are connected can be referred to as an external power source, or simply as "power source" to avoid confusion with the power sources 101, 201 of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the charging device 200. In the present disclosure, the terms "external power source", "external power supply" and "power source" can be used interchangeably.

[0065] In the present disclosure, the power source 101 of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the charging power source 201 of the charging device 200 are sometimes referred to as being in a "charged state" or a "discharged state". According to an embodiment, the charged state can be a 100% state of charge (SOC), or a defined lower charged state, for example, 80% or 90% SOC. For example, in some embodiments, charging can be terminated before the power sources 101, 201 reach 100% SOC to extend the total operating life of the power sources 101, 201. In a given embodiment, the term "discharged state" can refer to any charged state below the SOC level defined for the charged state. In fact, at the start of a charging operation, the discharged state of either of the power sources 101, 201 may vary depending on the usage of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the charging device 200, which depends on the degree of discharge of the power sources 101, 201 when the user connects the first power interface 203 and / or the second power interface 204 to an external power source. In other words, the "discharged state" includes a fully discharged state and a partially discharged state.

[0066] In addition, in this case, "fully discharged" does not necessarily mean that the power supplies 101, 201 no longer store any energy. In fact, the circuits within the devices (e.g., the circuit 102 of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the circuit 202 of the charging device 200) may require a minimum operating voltage threshold V t to operate, such that once the output voltage of the power supplies 101, 201 drops below this level (i.e., V t ), the corresponding device (e.g., the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 or the charging device 200) will no longer be able to operate. At this point, it may no longer be possible to discharge the power supplies 101, 201 because the devices 100, 200 can no longer be used to draw power from the power supplies 101, 201. For the purposes of the present disclosure, in this case, the power supplies 101, 201 may be referred to as "fully discharged", although in fact there may still be a limited amount of energy stored within the power supplies 101, 201. Generally, the discharged state can be any state in which the output voltage of the power supply 101 is greater than or equal to the minimum operating voltage threshold V t required by the circuit 102 in the device 100 (e.g., a controller such as a main control unit MCU), because once the output voltage of the power supply 101 drops below this level (i.e., V t ), the device 100 will no longer be operable (i.e., preventing further discharge of the power supply 101) until the power supply 101 is charged to a higher level.

[0067] Now, according to an exemplary embodiment, a method for simultaneously charging a first rechargeable power supply of a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a second rechargeable power supply of a charging device from the same external power supply will be described with reference to Figure 3 . The method may be implemented by the charging control circuit 202 of the charging device 200. In other embodiments, the method may be performed by one or more entities other than the charging control circuit 202 (e.g., an application executed on a smart phone paired with the charging device 200).

[0068] For example, the charging control circuit 202 may include a controller for directing the power from the external power supply to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the second rechargeable power supply 201, and the method as Figure 3 shown may be performed by the controller of the charging device. In some embodiments, the charging device 200 may also include a separate controller for controlling one or more functions of the charging device 200, which may be separate from the charging control circuit 202 and predefine a second initial allocation corresponding to a charging voltage greater than or equal to the minimum operating voltage required by the other controller. However, in some embodiments, the same controller may control both the charging operation (i.e., directing the power from the external power supply to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the second rechargeable power supply 201) and other functions of the charging device 200.

[0069] According to an embodiment, some or all steps of the method can be implemented in software or hardware. For example, a hardware implementation may involve an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configured to implement some or all steps of the method. A software implementation can be implemented using the Figure 4 device shown, Figure 4 representing a software implementation of the charging control circuit 202 according to an example embodiment. In Figure 4 the embodiment of, the charging control circuit 202 includes a memory 401 operatively connected to one or more processors 402 such that the one or more processors 402 can load and execute software instructions stored in the memory 401. The memory 401 can include any suitable form of computer-readable storage medium, including both transient and non-transient forms of memory.

[0070] The method can be used in the following situation: one or both of the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 are connected to corresponding external power supplies, and the external power supply for each of the first power interface 203 and the second power interface 204 can be the same power supply or can be corresponding different external power supplies, and both the charging power supply 201 and the power supply 101 of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 are in a discharged state. In this case, the method can implement a charging operation for simultaneously recharging both the charging power supply 201 and the power supply 101 of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100, providing greater convenience to the user compared to waiting for the power supplies 101 and 201 to be charged successively.

[0071] First, in step S301, the available charging capacity of the external power supply is allocated to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the charging device 200. Specifically, a first initial allocation is allocated to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100, and a predefined second initial allocation is allocated to the second rechargeable power supply 201 of the charging device 200. The predefined second initial allocation allocated to the second rechargeable power supply 201 is less than the first initial allocation allocated to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100. In some embodiments, the predefined second initial allocation is substantially less than the first initial allocation. For example, in some such embodiments, the predefined second initial allocation can be less than or equal to 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the first initial allocation.

[0072] Next, in step S302, according to the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation respectively, by guiding electric power from the external power supply to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 (i.e., for recharging the first rechargeable power supply 101) and the second rechargeable power supply 201 of the charging device 200, the first rechargeable power supply 101 and the second rechargeable power supply 201 are simultaneously charged.

[0073] Since the predefined second initial allocation assigned to the second rechargeable power source 201 is less than the first initial allocation assigned to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100, when simultaneous charging starts in step S302, more power is directed to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 via the device interface 205 and the charging interface 105. Therefore, the power source 101 of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 initially has a faster charging speed compared to the power source 201 of the charging device 200. Compared with supplying power to the first rechargeable power source 101 and the second rechargeable power source 201 at the same rate, or compared with initially supplying power to the second rechargeable power source 201 (i.e., the charging power source 201 of the charging device 200) at a rate higher than that of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100, this method ensures that the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 is ready for use more quickly.

[0074] In this embodiment, once simultaneous charging of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 starts, in step S303, the level of power drawn by the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 is monitored to determine the extent to which the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 utilizes its allocated charging capacity. In step S303, based on the determined result, charging continues or the allocation is updated based on the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation.

[0075] If it is determined in step S303 that the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 does not utilize its allocated charging capacity (e.g., does not fully utilize its allocated charging capacity, or at least does not utilize a certain fraction or percentage of its allocated charging capacity), the allocation is updated by determining an updated second allocation higher than the predefined second initial allocation and an updated first allocation lower than the first initial allocation, thereby allocating additional charging capacity to the charging device. Once the allocation is updated in step S303, charging continues based on the updated first allocation and the updated second allocation.

[0076] According to an embodiment, step S303 can be executed only once (e.g., at a certain time interval after charging starts) while simultaneous charging is in progress, or can be repeatedly executed (e.g., periodically timed) while simultaneous charging is in progress. In some embodiments, step S303 can be omitted. For example, charging can continue based on the initial allocation until one or both of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 are fully charged.

[0077] Meanwhile, by setting the initial allocation of the second rechargeable power source 201 (i.e., the predefined second initial allocation) to a suitable predefined value, it is still possible to ensure that the second rechargeable power source 201 is charged to a certain level within a reasonable time. In some embodiments, the predefined second initial allocation is substantially less than the first initial allocation. For example, the predefined second initial allocation may correspond to a charging current of approximately 100 milliamperes (mA). In other embodiments, the predefined second initial allocation may correspond to different charging current values, including but not limited to 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140, or 150 mA. Here, the term "corresponds to" means that the value of the predefined second initial allocation is the value that results in the supply of current at the said level, e.g., a current between 50 and 150 mA (e.g., 100 mA). Depending on the implementation, the predefined second initial allocation may be expressed as a current value (e.g., in mA), or it may be defined in any other suitable form (e.g., a string or an integer value that can be used to retrieve the corresponding current value from a lookup table). As a further example, in some embodiments, the predefined second initial allocation may be defined as a predefined portion (e.g., a fraction or a percentage) of the maximum available charging capacity of the external power source.

[0078] Now referring to Figure 5 , a flowchart is shown that depicts a method for simultaneously charging the respective power sources of an aerosol supply device and a charging device when the available charging capacity of an external power source is known to the charging controller, according to an example embodiment. Figure 5 The method of Figure 3 can be understood as Figure 3 a more detailed embodiment of the method shown in Figure 5 . Similar to the method of

[0079] The method of <00,00195>can be implemented by the charging control circuit 202 of the charging device 200. In other embodiments, the method may be performed by one or more entities other than the charging control circuit 202 (e.g., an application executed on a smart phone paired with the charging device 200).

[0079] First, in step S501, the charging capacity of the external power source is determined. For example, the charging control circuit 202 of the charging device 200 may determine the charging capacity of the external power source by communicating with the external power source to receive information indicating the charging capacity, or it may identify the external power source and retrieve stored information indicating the known charging capacity of the identified external power source (e.g., from a lookup table stored in a memory).

[0080] Next, in step S502, the first initial allocation is determined based on the difference between the determined charging capacity and the second initial allocation, where the second initial allocation is predefined in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the charging device 200 is implemented in the form of a suitcase for the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100, and thus inFigure 5 is referred to as a "charging box". Then, in step S503, by supplying power to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the second power source 201 according to the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation, the simultaneous charging of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 is started.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the simultaneous charging is in progress, in steps S504 to S507, the method periodically checks whether the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 is using its allocated charging capacity and decides whether to reallocate the capacity to the second power source 201. Therefore, steps S504 to S507 can be understood as representing Figure 3 a possible implementation of step S303 in

[0082] In step S504, the level at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 draws the power is monitored. In Figure 5 it, the level at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 draws the power is represented as Y. Then, in step S505, the degree to which the non-flammable aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity is determined. Specifically, in this embodiment, in step S505, the difference between the level Y at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 absorbs the power and the level (represented as X) corresponding to a predetermined utilization rate (e.g., the maximum utilization rate of the initial allocation) of the first initial allocation is determined. The difference X - Y is compared with a threshold Δ1.

[0083] According to the determination result of step S505, the method proceeds to step S506 or S507. If it is determined in step S505 that the difference X - Y is less than or equal to Δ1, it indicates that the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 utilizes its initial allocation within an acceptable degree (i.e., within the degree defined by the threshold Δ1). In this case, the method continues charging according to the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation, and periodically checks in step S507 whether one or both of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 are fully charged. When one of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 is fully charged, the charging of the other of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 can continue until this power source 101, 201 is also fully charged. Once both the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 are fully charged, the charging ends in step S508. However, in other embodiments, different termination conditions can be applied (e.g., based on the total time elapsed since the charging start step S503, or based on the monitored temperature of one or the other of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201).

[0084] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S505 that the difference X - Y is greater than Δ1, it is determined that the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 does not utilize its initial allocation within an acceptable degree. In other words, in this case, the first initial allocation corresponds to a power level higher than the power level that the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 can use, which means that the available capacity of the external power source is excessive. Therefore, in this case, the method proceeds to S506 and determines an updated second allocation higher than the predefined second initial allocation and an updated first allocation lower than the first initial allocation, thereby allocating the additional charging capacity to the charging device 200 (i.e., the second power source 201), and continues charging based on the updated first allocation and the updated second allocation. By reallocating the charging capacity to the second power source 201 in this way, the time required to charge the second power source 201 can be reduced without increasing the time required to charge the first power source 101 (i.e., because the power is only reallocated to the second power source 201 when there is excessive charging capacity not used by the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100).

[0085] Now referring to Figure 6 , a flowchart is shown that illustrates a method for simultaneously charging the respective power sources of an aerosol supply device and a charging device when the available charging capacity of an external power source is unknown to a charging controller. Figure 6 The method of Figure 3 can be understood as a more detailed embodiment of the method shown in Figure 3 . Similar to the method of Figure 6 , the method of

[0086] can be implemented by the charging control circuit 202 of the charging device 200. In other embodiments, the method can be performed by one or more entities other than the charging control circuit 202 (e.g., an application executed on a smart phone paired with the charging device 200). Figure 6 First, in step S601, an initial allocation of the charging device (

[0087] Next, in step S602, charging of the first power supply 101 and the second power supply 201 is started by supplying power to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the second power supply 201 according to the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation. Since the initial allocation of the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 is unlimited, in practice, this means allowing the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 to draw power at a level determined by the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100, rather than imposing a limit on the rate at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 draws power.

[0088] Next, in step S603, the level at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 draws the power is monitored in a manner similar to Figure 5 step S504 in Figure 6 . In

[0089] the level at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 draws the power is represented as Z. Then, in step S604, the level at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 draws the power (i.e., Z) is compared with a threshold Δ2. If Z is less than the threshold Δ2 in step S604, it is determined that the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 does not utilize its allocated charging capacity to an acceptable extent. In other words, in this case, the remaining charging capacity after allocating the predefined initial allocation to the charging device 200 (i.e., to the second power supply 201) corresponds to a power level higher than the power level that the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 can use, which means that the available capacity of the external power supply is in excess. Therefore, in this case, the method proceeds to S605 and determines an updated second allocation higher than the predefined second initial allocation and an updated first allocation lower than the first initial allocation, thereby allocating the additional charging capacity to the charging device 200 (i.e., the second power supply 201) and continuing the charging based on the updated first allocation and the updated second allocation. By redistributing the charging capacity to the second power supply 201 in this way, the time required to charge the second power supply 201 can be reduced without increasing the time required to charge the first power supply 101 (i.e., because power is only redistributed to the second power supply 201 when there is excess charging capacity not used by the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100).

[0090] Then, in step S606, it is periodically checked whether one or both of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 are fully charged. When one of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 is fully charged, charging of the other one of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 can continue until this power source 101, 201 is also fully charged. Once both the first power source 101 and the second power source 201 are fully charged, charging ends in step S607. However, in other embodiments, different termination conditions can be applied (e.g., based on the total time elapsed since the charging start step S602, or based on the monitored temperature of one or the other of the first power source 101 and the second power source 201).

[0091] Now referring Figure 7 , a flowchart is shown that illustrates a method for simultaneously charging the respective power sources of an aerosol supply device and a charging device based on whether the available charging capacity of an external power source is known in advance according to an example embodiment. Similar to the Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 methods, the Figure 7 method can be implemented by the charging control circuit 202 of the charging device 200. In the present embodiment, as described below with reference to Figure 7 , the method is implemented by the charging control circuit 202 of the charging device 200, but in other embodiments, the method can be performed by one or more other entities (e.g., an application executed on a smart phone paired with the charging device 200).

[0092] When an external power source is connected to the charging device 200, the method starts at step S701. Then, in step S702, the charging control circuit 202 checks whether the charging capacity of the connected external power source is known and proceeds to step S703 or S704 according to whether the charging capacity is known.

[0093] Next, in step S705, the charging control circuit 202 allocates a first portion of the charging capacity of the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 as a first initial allocation and a second portion of the charging capacity to the second rechargeable power source 201 as a second initial allocation according to the first power allocation method or the second power allocation method selected in step S703 or S704. In some embodiments, the second initial allocation can be predefined (as described in the Figure 5 method above). When the second initial allocation is predefined, the selected power allocation method can include determining the first initial allocation based on the difference between the known charging capacity and the predefined second initial allocation.

[0094] Then, in step S706, based on the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation respectively, by guiding power from an external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the second rechargeable power source 201, the charging control circuit 202 starts charging the first rechargeable power source 101 and the second rechargeable power source 201 simultaneously.

[0095] For example, in some embodiments, before the power is guided to the non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 and the second rechargeable power source 201, the power is received from an external power source via one of a plurality of electrical interfaces of the charging device 200. In such an embodiment, the first power allocation method or the second power allocation method can be selected in step S702 based on which of the plurality of electrical interfaces is connected to the external power source. The plurality of electrical interfaces can include a first electrical interface and a second electrical interface of different types, wherein the charging capacity can generally be determined for an external power source connected to one type of electrical interface rather than the other type of electrical interface. For example, the first electrical interface can include an interface type (e.g., a wireless electrical interface 203) that can generally determine the charging capacity of the connected external power source, while the second electrical interface can include an interface type (e.g., a wired electrical interface 204) that generally cannot determine the charging capacity. For example, in the case of the wireless electrical interface 203, the charging control circuit 202 can be configured to communicate with the external power source (e.g., via the wireless electrical interface 203) to receive information indicating the charging capacity of the external power source when connected via the wireless electrical interface.

[0096] In other embodiments, even if the charging device 200 includes only a single electrical interface, the method as Figure 7 shown can be implemented. For example, when the charging device 200 includes only a single electrical interface and the external power source is connected to the electrical interface in step S701, in step S702, the charging control circuit 202 can check whether the charging capacity of the connected external power source is known (e.g., by communicating with the external power source to attempt to determine its charging capacity).

[0097] The various embodiments described herein are only for helping to understand and teach 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 claimed invention or on equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments can be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the present invention can suitably include a suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. (rather than those specifically described herein), consisting of or consisting essentially of such suitable combinations. In addition, the present disclosure can also include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

[0098] Aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the following numbered clauses, which form a part of this specification:

[0099] Clause 1. A method for simultaneously charging a first rechargeable power source of a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a second rechargeable power source of a charging device from an external power source, the charging device including a device for charging the first rechargeable power source of the non-flammable aerosol supply device independently of the external power source, the method comprising:

[0100] Allocating a charging capacity of the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the charging device by assigning a first initial allocation to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and a predefined second initial allocation to the second rechargeable power source; and

[0101] Simultaneously charging the first rechargeable power source and the second rechargeable power source by guiding electric power from the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source respectively according to the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation,

[0102] wherein the predefined second initial allocation assigned to the second rechargeable power source is less than the first initial allocation assigned to the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0103] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the predefined second initial allocation is substantially less than the first initial allocation.

[0104] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the charging device includes a first controller for controlling one or more functions of the charging device, and the predefined second initial allocation corresponds to a charging voltage greater than or equal to a minimum operating voltage required by the first controller.

[0105] Clause 4. The method according to Clause 1, 2 or 3, wherein the predefined second initial allocation corresponds to a charging current of approximately 100 milliamperes.

[0106] Clause 5. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the charging device includes a second controller for guiding electric power from an external power source to the incombustible aerosol supply device and a second rechargeable power source, and wherein the method is implemented by the second controller.

[0107] Clause 6. The method according to Clause 5, wherein the charging capacity of the external power source is known to the second controller.

[0108] Clause 7. The method according to Clause 6, wherein the first initial allocation is determined based on the difference between the charging capacity and a predefined second initial allocation.

[0109] Clause 8. The method according to Clause 6 or 7, wherein the predefined second initial allocation includes a predefined portion of the charging capacity.

[0110] Clause 9. The method according to Clause 8, wherein the predefined portion is defined as a percentage of the charging capacity.

[0111] Clause 10. The method according to Clause 5, wherein the charging capacity of the external power source is unknown to the second controller.

[0112] Clause 11. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the first initial allocation is an unrestricted allocation such that during simultaneous charging, the second controller supplies power to the second rechargeable power source according to the second initial allocation and allows the incombustible aerosol supply device to draw power at a level determined by the incombustible aerosol supply device.

[0113] Clause 12. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, further comprising:

[0114] When simultaneous charging is in progress, monitoring the level of power drawn by the incombustible aerosol supply device to determine the extent to which the incombustible aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity; and

[0115] According to the determined result:

[0116] Continue charging based on the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation; or

[0117] Determine an updated second allocation higher than the predefined second initial allocation and an updated first allocation lower than the first initial allocation, thereby allocating additional charging capacity to the charging device and continuing charging based on the updated first allocation and the updated second allocation.

[0118] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 12, wherein determining the extent to which the incombustible aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity includes comparing the level of power drawn by the incombustible aerosol supply device with a first threshold, and

[0119] Wherein, in response to determining that the level of power drawn by the non-flammable aerosol supply device is higher than a first threshold, charging continues based on a first initial allocation and a predefined second initial allocation.

[0120] Clause 14. The method according to Clause 12, wherein determining the degree to which the non-flammable aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity includes determining the difference between the level of power drawn by the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the level corresponding to the maximum utilization rate of the first initial allocation, and comparing the difference with a second threshold, and

[0121] Wherein, in response to determining that the difference is lower than the second threshold, charging continues based on the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation.

[0122] Clause 15. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the power is supplied to the non-flammable aerosol supply device via a first electrical interface, and the power is received from an external power source via a second electrical interface.

[0123] Clause 16. A computer program comprising software instructions which, when executed on one or more processors, cause the execution of the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15.

[0124] Clause 17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium which is arranged to store the computer program according to Clause 16.

[0125] Clause 18. A charging controller for simultaneously charging a first rechargeable power source of a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a second rechargeable power source of a charging device from the same external power source, the charging device including means for charging the first rechargeable power source of the non-flammable aerosol supply device independently of the external power source, wherein, in use, the charging controller is configured to:

[0126] Allocate the charging capacity of the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the charging device by allocating a first initial allocation to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and a predefined second initial allocation to the second rechargeable power source; and

[0127] Simultaneously charge the first rechargeable power source and the second rechargeable power source by directing power from the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source respectively according to the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation,

[0128] Wherein the second initial allocation allocated to the second rechargeable power source is less than the first initial allocation allocated to the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0129] Clause 19. A charging device for recharging a first rechargeable power source of a non-flammable aerosol supply device, the charging device comprising:

[0130] A charging controller according to Clause 18; and

[0131] A second rechargeable power source.

Claims

1. A method for simultaneously charging a first rechargeable power source of a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a second rechargeable power source of a charging device from an external power source, the charging device including a device for charging the first rechargeable power source of the non-flammable aerosol supply device independently of the external power source, the method comprising: Selecting a first power distribution method or a second power distribution method according to whether the charging capacity of the external power source is known; According to the selected first power distribution method or second power distribution method, allocating a first portion of the charging capacity of the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device as a first initial allocation, and allocating a second portion of the charging capacity to the second rechargeable power source as a second initial allocation; And Simultaneously charging the first rechargeable power source and the second rechargeable power source by guiding electric power from the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source respectively according to the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The electric power is received from the external power source via one of a plurality of electrical interfaces before being guided to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source, and the first power distribution method or the second power distribution method is selected according to which one of the plurality of electrical interfaces is connected to the external power source.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The second initial allocation corresponds to a charging current of approximately 100 milliamperes.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein The charging device includes a first controller for controlling one or more functions of the charging device, and the second initial allocation corresponds to a charging voltage greater than or equal to the minimum operating voltage required by the first controller.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The charging device includes a second controller for guiding the electric power from the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source, and wherein the method is implemented by the second controller.

6. The method according to claim 5, dependent on claim 4, wherein The plurality of electrical interfaces at least include a first electrical interface and a second electrical interface, the first electrical interface including an interface with a charging capacity known to the second controller, and the second electrical interface including an interface with a charging capacity unknown to the second controller.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The first power distribution method includes a method for distributing electric power between the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source according to the known charging capacity of the external power source, and the first power distribution method is selected according to the external power source connected to the first electrical interface.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The second power distribution method includes a method for distributing electric power between the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source when the charging capacity of the external power source is not known in advance, and the second power distribution method is selected according to the external power source connected to the second electrical interface.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein The first electrical interface is a wireless electrical interface, and the second electrical interface is a wired electrical interface.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The second controller is configured to communicate with the external power source to receive information indicating the charging capacity of the external power source.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Information indicating the charging capacity of the wireless electrical interface is received from the external power source via the wireless electrical interface.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The second initial allocation assigned to the second rechargeable power source is less than the first initial allocation assigned to the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The second initial allocation is predefined.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The first power allocation method includes determining the first initial allocation based on the difference between a known charging capacity and a predefined second initial allocation.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The predefined second initial allocation includes a predefined portion of the charging capacity.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The predefined portion is defined as a percentage of the charging capacity.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, The first initial allocation is an unrestricted allocation such that during the simultaneous charging, the second controller supplies the power to the charging device according to the second initial allocation and allows the non-flammable aerosol supply device to draw power at a level determined by the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising: When the simultaneous charging is in progress, monitoring the level at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device draws the power to determine the extent to which the non-flammable aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity; And According to the determined result: Continuing the charging based on the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation; or Determining an updated second allocation higher than the predefined second initial allocation and an updated first allocation lower than the first initial allocation, thereby allocating additional charging capacity to the charging device and continuing the charging based on the updated first allocation and the updated second allocation.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Determining the extent to which the non-flammable aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity includes comparing the level at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device draws the power with a first threshold, and wherein, in response to determining that the level at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device draws the power is higher than the first threshold, continuing the charging based on the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein Determining the extent to which the non-flammable aerosol supply device utilizes its allocated charging capacity includes determining the difference between the level at which the non-flammable aerosol supply device draws the power and the level corresponding to the maximum utilization rate of the first initial allocation, and comparing the difference with a second threshold, and wherein, in response to determining that the difference is lower than the second threshold, continuing the charging based on the first initial allocation and the predefined second initial allocation.

21. A computer program comprising software instructions which, when executed on one or more processors, cause the execution of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store the computer program according to claim 21.

23. A charging controller for simultaneously charging a first rechargeable power source of a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a second rechargeable power source of a charging device from an external power source, the charging device including a device for charging the first rechargeable power source of the non-flammable aerosol supply device independently of the external power source, wherein, In use, the charging controller is configured to: Select a first power allocation method or a second power allocation method according to whether the charging capacity of the external power source is known; According to the selected first power distribution method or second power distribution method, allocate a first portion of the charging capacity of the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device as a first initial allocation, and allocate a second portion of the charging capacity to the second rechargeable power source as a second initial allocation; And According to the first initial allocation and the second initial allocation respectively, charge the first rechargeable power source and the second rechargeable power source simultaneously by guiding power from the external power source to the non-flammable aerosol supply device and the second rechargeable power source.

24. A charging device for recharging a first rechargeable power source of a non-flammable aerosol supply device, the charging device comprising: The charging controller according to claim 23; And A second rechargeable power source.

Images