Heater

Abstract

An apparatus (e.g., a control module or an aerosol supply device), a method, and a computer program are described, including: monitoring one or more control variables (e.g., resistance or temperature) of a heater of an aerosol-generating device; generating a control signal for an amplitude regulator (such as a DC-DC converter) of the aerosol-generating device, where the control signal is generated based on the monitored control variable; and regulating a supply voltage to provide a heater voltage to the heater, where the supply voltage is regulated by an amplitude regulator according to the control signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification relates to aerosol provision devices, methods of controlling such devices, and systems comprising aerosol provision devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present specification relates to heating in aerosol provision devices, such as electronic cigarettes. In particular, the present specification relates to controlling heating in such devices. SUMMARY

[0003] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the present invention is set forth by the independent claims. Embodiments and features that are not within the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be interpreted as examples useful in understanding the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present specification describes an apparatus comprising: a control module of an aerosol generating device, the control module configured to provide a control signal for controlling one or more control variables (e.g. electrical resistance, temperature or otherwise) of a heater of the aerosol generating device; a magnitude regulator (such as a DC-DC converter) configured to regulate a supply voltage to provide a heater voltage to the heater, wherein the supply voltage is regulated in dependence on the control signal; and a feedback module for monitoring the control variable.

[0005] In some example embodiments, the magnitude regulator comprises a step-down circuit, such that the heater voltage is less than the supply voltage. Alternatively, the magnitude regulator can comprise a step-up circuit. In some example embodiments, other magnitude regulator options, such as step-down-step-up circuits, are also possible.

[0006] In some example embodiments, the heater voltage is a continuous voltage.

[0007] The control variable can comprise electrical power provided to the heater and / or the heater voltage.

[0008] The heater can be an electrical resistance heater. In some example embodiments, alternative heater options, such as inductive heaters, are also possible.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present specification describes a system comprising an apparatus according to the first aspect, and the system further comprises a heater (e.g. an electrical resistance heater).

[0010] In a third aspect, the present specification describes an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heater (e.g. an electrical resistance heater); and a magnitude regulator (such as a DC-DC converter) configured to regulate a supply voltage to provide a heater voltage to the heater, wherein the supply voltage is regulated in dependence on a control signal, wherein the control signal is for controlling one or more control variables (e.g. resistance, temperature or otherwise) of the heater. The heater voltage can be a continuous voltage.

[0011] The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a control module for generating the control signal.

[0012] The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a feedback module for monitoring the control variables.

[0013] The control variables can comprise the heater voltage and / or the electrical power provided to the heater.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, the present specification describes a method comprising: monitoring (e.g. using a feedback module) one or more control variables (e.g. resistance, temperature or otherwise) of a heater (e.g. an electrical resistance heater) of an aerosol-generating device; generating (e.g. using a control module) a control signal for a magnitude regulator (such as a DC-DC converter) of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the control signal is generated based on the monitored control variables; and regulating a supply voltage to provide a heater voltage to the heater, wherein the supply voltage is regulated by the magnitude regulator in dependence on the control signal. The control signal can be configured to control the control variables.

[0015] The magnitude regulator can comprise a step-down circuit and / or a step-up circuit.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, the present specification describes a method comprising: regulating a supply voltage to provide a heater voltage to a heater of an aerosol-generating device, wherein the supply voltage is regulated in dependence on a control signal, wherein the control signal is for controlling a control variable (e.g. resistance, temperature or otherwise) of the heater. For example, the control variable can comprise the electrical power provided to the heater and / or the heater voltage. In some example embodiments, the heater voltage is less than the supply voltage. For example, the heater voltage can be a continuous voltage.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, the present specification describes computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects described above).

[0018] In a seventh aspect, the present specification describes a computer readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer readable medium) comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing (at least) any of the methods described herein, including the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings: Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment; Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment; Figure 4 is a graph illustrating a power supply voltage controlled according to an example embodiment; Figure 5 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment; Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment; Figure 7 is a block diagram of a step-down converter which can be used as a DC-DC converter in some example embodiments; and Figure 8 is a block diagram of a step-up converter which can be used as a DC-DC converter in some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to include systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol generating material without combusting the aerosol generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that use a combination of aerosol generating materials to generate an aerosol.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is a system in which a constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol provision system (or a component thereof) is combusted or ignited during use to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is a system in which a constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol provision system (or a component thereof) is not combusted or ignited to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0023] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as an electrically powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0024] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as an e-cigarette or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not essential.

[0025] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0026] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which can be heated, to generate an aerosol. Each of these aerosol generating materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and can or can not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system contains a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material can contain, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0027] Generally, the non-combustible aerosol provision system can comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device. Throughout the present disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as its non-combustible aerosol provision device, can comprise a power source and a controller. For example, the power source can be an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate that can be energized so as to distribute energy in the form of heat to the aerosol generating material or a heat-conducting material proximate to the exothermic power source.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system can comprise a region for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0031] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device can comprise an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage region, an aerosol generating material transfer assembly, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a package, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0032] An aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energised in any other way. For example, the aerosol-generating material can be in the form of a solid, a liquid or a semi-solid such as a gel, which can or can not contain an active substance and / or a flavourant.

[0033] The aerosol-generating material can comprise one or more active substances and / or flavourants, one or more aerosol-former materials and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0034] The aerosol-generating material can comprise or be in the form of an aerosol- generating film. The aerosol-generating film can comprise a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol former. Optionally, there can also be present a substance to be delivered and / or a filler. The aerosol-generating film can be substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0035] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable can include one or more other components such as an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable can also include an aerosol generator such as a heater that heats to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol in use. For example, the heater can comprise a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction or a susceptor.

[0036] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor can be an electrically conductive material such that penetration with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the susceptor. The susceptor can be a magnetic material such that penetration with a varying magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the susceptor. The susceptor can be electrically conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this document, a device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0037] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause aerosol to be generated from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatilised substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, pressurisation and electrostatic energy.

[0038] Figure 1is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device (e.g., a non-combustible aerosol provision device), generally designated by reference numeral 10.

[0039] The aerosol provision device 10 comprises a battery 11 (e.g., a rechargeable battery), a control circuit 12, and an aerosol generator 13. The aerosol generator 13 can comprise an electrically resistive heater for heating an aerosolisable material (e.g., a film or gel) to generate an aerosol (e.g., a vapour). The aerosolisable material is sometimes referred to as an aerosol generating material. It should be noted that the use of electrically resistive heating of an aerosolisable material is described by way of example only. The principles described herein can be applicable to other aerosol provision systems (such as systems using inductive heating).

[0040] In use of the device 10, air is drawn into an air inlet of the aerosol generator 13, as indicated by arrow 16. An aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 13 exits the device at an air outlet, as indicated by arrow 17 (e.g., into the mouth of a user of the device 10).

[0041] In some example embodiments, the aerosol provision device 10 comprises two main components, namely a control portion 2 (which can be referred to as a reusable component) and a consumable component 4 (which can be referred to as a replaceable or disposable cartridge). In use of the aerosol provision device 10, the control portion 2 and the consumable component 4 are detachably connectable at an interface 6. The consumable component 4 can be removable and replaceable (e.g., when the consumable component is used up), with the control portion 2 being reused with different consumable components.

[0042] Of course, the aerosol provision device 10 is provided by way of example only and is highly schematic. Many variations are possible. For example, in some example embodiments, air is drawn into an air inlet in the control portion 2, through the interface 6, and out of the consumable component 4. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the aerosol provision device can not be divided into two components.

[0043] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system, generally designated by reference numeral 20, comprising a magnitude regulator 22 and a heater 24 (e.g., an electrically resistive heater). The heater 24 can be a heater of an aerosol provision device (e.g., a non-combustible aerosol provision device), such as the device 10 described above. Thus, for example, the heater 24 can form part of the aerosol generator 13 of the aerosol provision device 10.

[0044] The amplitude regulator 22 is configured to regulate a supply voltage to provide a heater voltage to the heater. More specifically, the supply voltage is regulated in dependence on a control signal (e.g. the heater voltage and / or the electrical power provided to the heater), wherein the control signal is used to control one or more control variables of the heater. As discussed further below, a control module can be provided for generating the control signal.

[0045] The amplitude regulator can comprise a DC-DC converter. In some example embodiments, the amplitude regulator can comprise a buck circuit (such that the heater voltage is less than the supply voltage) and / or a boost circuit.

[0046] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to example embodiments, generally designated by the reference numeral 30. The algorithm 30 can be implemented by the system 20 described above.

[0047] The algorithm 30 starts at operation 32, wherein a supply voltage is generated. Then, at operation 34, the supply voltage is regulated (e.g. by the amplitude regulator 22). The regulation of the voltage is repeated to achieve continuous regulation.

[0048] The supply voltage can be regulated in operation 34 to provide a heater voltage to a heater (e.g. the heater 24) of an aerosol-generating device (e.g. the device 10). As described above, the supply voltage is regulated in dependence on a control signal, wherein the control signal is used to control a control variable of the heater.

[0049] Figure 4 is a graph illustrating a supply voltage controlled according to example embodiments, generally designated by the reference numeral 40. The supply voltage illustrated in the graph 40 can be controlled by the amplitude regulator 22 (e.g. according to the algorithm 30 described above). Thus, the supply voltage can be a heater voltage provided to the heater 24.

[0050] As illustrated in the graph 40, the supply voltage (heater voltage) as generated and controlled by the algorithm 30 (and as provided to the heater 24) is a continuous voltage.

[0051] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a system according to example embodiments, generally designated by the reference numeral 50. The system 50 comprises an amplitude regulator 52 and a heater 54 (which can be the amplitude regulator 22 and the heater 24 described above). The system 50 further comprises a control module 56 and a feedback module 58.

[0052] The control module 56 is configured to provide a control signal for controlling one or more control variables of a heater of an aerosol-generating device.

[0053] As discussed above with reference to the amplitude regulator 22, the amplitude regulator 52 is configured to regulate a supply voltage to provide a heater voltage to the heater 54. The supply voltage is regulated in dependence on a control signal provided by the control module 56. The heater voltage can be a continuous voltage (e.g. as shown in the graph 40).

[0054] The feedback module 58 is configured to monitor a control variable. The control variable can comprise one or more of: a temperature of the heater 54; a resistance of the heater 54; an electrical power provided to the heater 54; and a voltage provided to the heater 54.

[0055] As mentioned above, the amplitude regulator 52 can comprise a DC-DC converter. In some example embodiments, the amplitude regulator can comprise a step-down circuit (such that the heater voltage is less than the supply voltage) and / or a step-up circuit.

[0056] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an algorithm in accordance with an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 60.

[0057] The algorithm 60 begins at operation 62, in which one or more control variables of a heater (e.g. the heater 54) of an aerosol-generating device are monitored. These control variables can be provided to the control unit 56 of the system 50 by the feedback module 58. As discussed above, these control variables can comprise one or more of: a temperature of the heater 54.

[0058] a resistance of the heater 54.

[0059] an electrical power provided to the heater 54.

[0060] a voltage provided to the heater 54.

[0061] At operation 64, a control signal for an amplitude regulator of the aerosol-generating device is generated (e.g. by the control unit 56). The control signal is generated based on the monitored control variable(s).

[0062] At operation 66, a supply voltage is regulated (e.g. by the amplitude regulator 52) to provide a heater voltage to the heater. The supply voltage can be regulated by the amplitude regulator 52 in dependence on the control signal provided by the control unit 56. The heater voltage can be less than the supply voltage. As discussed above (with reference to the graph 40), the heater voltage can be a continuous voltage.

[0063] Of course, the regulation of the voltage (in operation 66) can continue such that the steps in the algorithm 60 are repeated.

[0064] As discussed above, the amplitude regulator 52 can include a DC-DC converter, such as a step-down circuit and / or a step-up circuit.

[0065] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a step-down converter that can be used as a DC-DC converter in some example embodiments, generally designated by reference numeral 70. The step-down converter 70 includes a DC power source 71, a switching module 72, a diode 73, an inductor 74, a capacitor 75, and a resistor 76. The switching module 72 can be implemented using one or more transistors, such as one or more MOSFETs or IGBTs. The step-down converter 70 is sometimes referred to as a “step-down converter,” and can be used to provide a lower voltage (and higher current) at an output (e.g., an RC network) than at an input (e.g., a DC power source).

[0066] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a step-up converter that can be used as a DC-DC converter in some example embodiments, generally designated by reference numeral 80. The step-up converter 80 includes a DC power source 81, an inductor 82, a switching module 83, a diode 84, a capacitor 85, and a resistor 86. The switching module 83 can be implemented using one or more transistors, such as one or more MOSFETs or IGBTs. The step-up converter 80 is sometimes referred to as a “step-up converter,” and can be used to provide a higher voltage (and lower current) at an output (e.g., an RC network) than at an input (e.g., a DC power source).

[0067] The step-down converter 70 and the step-up converter 80 are examples of switched-mode power supplies (SMPSs). Other SMPS circuits can be used as part of the amplitude regulator described herein, such as a step-down-up converter. The skilled person will be aware of other DC-DC converter topologies that can be used.

[0068] The various implementations described herein are only representative of some of the many implementations possible. These implementations are merely representative of a representative sample of implementations and are not exhaustive nor exclusive. It should be understood that numerous other implementations can be conceived which do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure, or the scope of equivalents thereof, and that not all of the features, aspects, examples, embodiments, steps, tools, etc. described herein are necessarily comprised in all of the implementations. The various implementations described herein can suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of, any of the disclosed elements, components, features, steps, tools, etc., in any suitable combination or sub-combination. In addition, the disclosure can include other inventions now known or later developed which can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art using the teachings presented herein. For example, while the implementations described herein include non-combustible aerosol provision devices, this is not necessary for all example implementations. The principles described herein can be applied to aerosol provision devices that include combustion (in addition to or instead of non-combustible aerosol generation).

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: A control module for an aerosol generating apparatus, the control module being configured to provide control signals for controlling one or more control variables of the heater of the aerosol generating apparatus; An amplitude regulator is configured to adjust a power supply voltage to provide a heater voltage to the heater, wherein the power supply voltage is adjusted according to the control signal; as well as The feedback module is used to monitor the one or more control variables.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The amplitude regulator includes a DC-DC converter.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The amplitude regulator includes a step-down circuit, which makes the heater voltage less than the power supply voltage.

4. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The amplitude regulator includes a boost circuit.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The heater voltage is a continuous voltage.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The one or more control variables include the electrical power supplied to the heater.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The one or more control variables include the heater voltage.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The heater is a resistance heater.

9. A system comprising the device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and the system further comprising the heater.

10. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: heater; as well as An amplitude regulator is configured to regulate a power supply voltage to provide a heater voltage to the heater, wherein the power supply voltage is regulated according to a control signal, wherein the control signal is used to control one or more control variables of the heater.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10 further includes a control module, the control module being used to generate the control signal.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11 further includes a feedback module for monitoring the one or more control variables.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The amplitude regulator includes a DC-DC converter.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The heater voltage is a continuous voltage.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The one or more control variables include the heater voltage and / or the electrical power supplied to the heater.

16. A method comprising: Monitor one or more control variables of the heater in the aerosol generating device; Generate a control signal for the amplitude regulator of the aerosol generating device, wherein the control signal is generated based on one or more monitored control variables; and The power supply voltage is adjusted to provide a heater voltage to the heater, wherein the power supply voltage is adjusted by the amplitude regulator according to the control signal.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The control signal is configured to control the one or more control variables.

18. A method comprising: The power supply voltage is adjusted to provide a heater voltage to the heater of the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the power supply voltage is adjusted according to a control signal, wherein the control signal is used to control the control variables of the heater.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The heater voltage is less than the power supply voltage.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein, The heater voltage is a continuous voltage.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein, The control variable includes the electrical power supplied to the heater.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein, The control variable includes the heater voltage.

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