Device charging

Abstract

An a method for electrically charging an aerosol provision device, a charging cable and an aerosol provision device are described comprising: connecting a charging cable (e.g. a USB charging cable) to a charging port of the aerosol provision device; passing a charging current through the charging cable to the charging port; and triggering a positive temperature coefficient switch to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature (e.g. a maximum intended operating temperature).

Description

[0001] Device Charging

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present specification relates to electrically charging an aerosol provision device, such as an e-cigarette.

[0004] Background

[0005] The present specification relates to electrically charging an aerosol provision device, such as an e-cigarette. Such products often comprise a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery), and means for delivering electrical power to said battery. Such means include a charging port into which a connector can be inserted to deliver electrical power. There remains a need for further developments in such devices.

[0006] Summary The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0007] In a first aspect, this specification describes a method for electrically charging an aerosol provision device comprising: connecting a charging cable (e.g. a USB charging cable) to a charging port of the aerosol provision device; passing a charging current through the charging cable to the charging port; and triggering a positive temperature coefficient switch to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature (e.g. a maximum intended operating temperature).

[0008] The switch may form part of the charging cable. The switch may form part of the aerosol provision device (e.g. part of a charging port of the aerosol provision device).

[0009] In some example embodiments, the switch changes from the high resistance state to the low resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold. For example, the switch may be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor. In some example embodiments, the switch remains in the high resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold. For example, the switch may be a fuse. In a second aspect, this specification describes a charging cable (e.g. a USB charging cable) for connection to a charging port of an aerosol provision device for electrically charging said aerosol provision device, the charging cable comprising a positive temperature coefficient switch configured to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature (e.g. a maximum intended operating temperature). The switch may be mounted on a printed circuit board within the charging cable. In some example embodiments, the switch is a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, such that the switch changes from the high resistance state to the low resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold. In some example embodiments, the switch is a fuse such that the switch remains in the high resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold.

[0010] In a third aspect, this specification describes an aerosol provision device comprising a charging port for connection to a charging cable (e.g. a USB charging cable) for electrically charging said aerosol provision device, wherein the charging port comprises a positive temperature coefficient switch configured to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature (e.g. a maximum intended operating temperature). In some example embodiments, the switch is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor such that the switch changes from the high resistance state to the low resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold. In some example embodiments, the switch is a fuse such that the switch remains in the high resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold. In a fourth aspect, this specification describes system comprising: an aerosol provision device having a charging port; a charging cable for connection to the charging port for electrically charging said aerosol provision device; and a positive temperature coefficient switch configured to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature. The switch may form part of the charging cable. The switch may form part of the aerosol provision device (e.g. part of the charging port). In some example embodiments, the switch changes from the high resistance state to the low resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold. For example, the switch may be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor.

[0011] In some example embodiments, the switch remains in the high resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold. For example, the switch may be a fuse. In a fifth aspect, this specification describes a kit of parts comprising a charging cable as described herein (e.g., as described above with reference to the second aspect) and an aerosol provision device comprising a charging port (such as an aerosol provision device as described herein, e.g. as described above with reference to the third aspect). Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system including an aerosol provision device;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an algorithm in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a charging cable in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0016] FIGS. 6 to 9 are plots showing functionality of example positive temperature coefficient switches is accordance with example embodiments; and

[0017] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0018] Detailed Description

[0019] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass 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 to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0022] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0023] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0024] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0025] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0026] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a noncombustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0028] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol -former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0029] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosol- generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a vaiying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein. An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device (e.g. a non-combustible aerosol provision device), indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The device 10 may be referred to as an aerosol provision system. 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 may comprise a resistive heater for heating an aerosolisable material (e.g. a film or a gel) to generate an aerosol (e.g. a vapour). The aerosolisable material is sometimes referred to an as aerosol generating material. It should be noted that the use of resistive heating of an aerosolisable material is described by way of example only. The principles described herein are applicable other aerosol provision systems (such as systems using induction heating).

[0031] In the 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 (for example into the mouth of a user of the device 10).

[0032] In some example embodiments, the aerosol provision device 10 comprises two main components, namely a control section 2 (which may be referred to as a reusable part) and a consumable part 4 (which may be referred to as a replaceable or disposable cartridge). In the use of the aerosol provision device 10, the control section 2 and the consumable part 4 may be releasably connected at an interface 6. The consumable part 4 may be removable and replaceable (e.g. when the consumable part is used), with the control section 2 being re-used with a different consumable part.

[0033] Of course, the aerosol provision device 10 is provided by way of example only and is highly schematic. Many variants are possible. For example, in some example embodiments, air is drawn into an air inlet in the control section 2, passes through the interface 6, and exits the consumable part 4. Moreover, in some example embodiments, the aerosol provision device may not be separable into two parts. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, comprising a power source 22 and an aerosol provision device 24 (e.g. a noncombustible aerosol provision device). The power source 22 may, for example, be mains electricity, a portable battery pack, an electronic device capable of supply power (such as a laptop), or some other power source. The aerosol provision device 24 may be implemented using the device 10 described above (or some similar aerosol provision device or system). However, the principles described herein are generally applicable to the charging of many different types of aerosol provision device or system.

[0034] The power source 22 can be used to electrically charge the device 24 when the power source and the device are electrically connected. For example, the power source 22 may be used to electrically charge a battery (such as the batteiy 11) of the aerosol provision device. A charging cable, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging cable, may be used to provide a connection between the power source 22 and the aerosol provision device 24.

[0035] The connection between the power source 22 and the device 24 can be the source of many practical problems. For example, dust or other contaminating debris in various parts of the system (e.g. in a connector at the end of a charging cable) can result in current overflow. Moreover, the use of the wrong cable can result in connector pegs being bent, which can lead to problems such as current overflow or excessive heat generation. When such problems occur, these are typically viewed by users as a problem with the aerosol provision device 24, whereas the issue is often with the cable between the power source and the device (or with the use of such a cable) .

[0036] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, in accordance with an example embodiment. The algorithm 30 starts at operation 32, where a charging cable is connected to a charging port of an aerosol provision device (such as the device 24 of the system 20 described above). Once a connection is established, a charging current passes through the cable to the charging port of the aerosol provision device (see operation 34 of the algorithm 30).

[0037] At operation 36, a positive temperature coefficient switch is triggered to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may, for example, be a maximum intended operating temperature of the aerosol provision device. That threshold may be higher than a normal operating temperature of the device. As discussed in detail below, the switch may form part of the charging cable. Alternatively, or in addition, the switch may form part of the charging port of the aerosol provision device.

[0038] The switch may take the form of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) type controller used to manage or control battery charging. A PTC device (e.g. a PTC thermistor or fuse) incorporated into a charging cable or incorporated into an aerosol provision device can protect against over current, by activating when a temperature threshold is reached. This can be used to provide a safety feature that can, for example, lead to increased user confidence in such devices.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a charging cable 40 (e.g. a USB charging cable) in accordance with an example embodiment. The charging cable 40 may provide a connection between a power source (such as the power source 22) and an aerosol provision device (such as the device 24). The charging cable 40 may be used in an implementation of the algorithm 30.

[0040] The charging cable comprises a connector 42 for connection to a charging port of an aerosol provision device (e.g. a non-combustible aerosol provision device) for electrically charging said device. The charging cable further comprises a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) switch 44 (e.g. a thermistor or a fuse) configured to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature. The switch may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) within the charging cable, for example. Some other connection to a power source (e.g. the power source 22) may also be provided (not shown in FIG. 4).

[0041] Thus, if the charging cable 40 is used in the algorithm 30, the change of the PTC switch 44 from a low resistance state to a high resistance state can be used to implement the operation 36 of the algorithm 30.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device 50 (e.g. a non-combustible aerosol provision device) in accordance with an example embodiment. The aerosol provision device 50 may be connectable (e.g. using a USB cable) to a power source (such as the power source 22) and is therefore an example of the device 24 described above. The aerosol provision device 50 may be used in an implementation of the algorithm 30.

[0043] The aerosol provision device 50 comprising a charging port 52, a positive temperature coefficient switch 54 (e.g. a thermistor or a fuse) and further circuitry 56. The further circuitry 56 implements the normal functionality of the aerosol provision device and may, for example, include the control circuit 12 of the aerosol provision device 10 described above. The further circuitiy 56 is not discussed further herein. The charging port 52 is suitable for connection to a charging cable (e.g. a USB charging cable) for electrically charging the aerosol provision device (e.g. for charging a battery of the aerosol provision device, such as the battery 11 of the device 10).

[0044] The positive temperature coefficient switch 54 is configured to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature. Thus, if the aerosol provision device is used in the algorithm 30, the change of the PTC switch from a low resistance state to a high resistance state can be used to implement the operation 36 of the algorithm 30. The switch 54 may form part of (or be physically adjacent to) the charging port 52. For example, the switch 54 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) that forms part of the charging port 52. Alternatively, the switch could be provided elsewhere (e.g. as part of the further circuitry 56). FIG. 6 is a plot, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60, showing a functionality of an example positive temperature coefficient (PTC) switch (e.g. the PTC switch 44 or the PTC switch 54) in accordance with an example embodiment. The plot 60 plots electrical resistance (R) of the PTC switch against temperature (T). As shown in FIG. 6, the resistance increases steadily with increasing temperature. At a threshold temperature Ti, the switch has an electrical resistance Rl;which may be considered to be a high resistance state.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a plot, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70, showing a functionality of an example positive temperature coefficient switch is accordance with an example embodiment. The plot 70 plots electrical resistance (R) of the PTC switch against temperature (T). At a threshold temperature T2, the switch has an electrical resistance R2, which may be considered to be a high resistance state (the resistance R2may be the same as the resistance Ri referred to above, but could be different). The plot 70 differs from the plot 60 in that the rate of change of resistance with temperature is much higher (at least in the vicinity of the threshold temperature T2). Thus, the respective switch changes from a low-resistance state to a high-resistance state more quickly (at least when close to the threshold temperature).

[0046] FIG. 8 is a plot, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80, showing a functionality of an example positive temperature coefficient switch is accordance with an example embodiment. The plot 80 shows how electrical resistance (R) of the PTC switch changes over time (t). As shown in FIG. 8, the resistance increases rapidly (in response to increasing temperature) before falling rapidly (in response to a falling temperature). Thus, in the plot 80, the switch changes from the high resistance state to the low resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below the relevant threshold. The switch may, for example, be a positive temperature coefficient thermistor. Thus, in an implementation of the algorithm 30, operation 36 (in which the switch is triggered) includes the switch returning to the low resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below the relevant threshold. FIG. 9 is a plot, indicated generally by the reference numeral 90, showing a functionality of an example positive temperature coefficient switch is accordance with an example embodiment. The plot 90 shows how electrical resistance (R) of the PTC switch changes over time (t). As shown in FIG. 9, the resistance increases rapidly (in response to increasing temperature) and remains in the high resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below the relevant threshold. Thus, the switch acts as a fuse which, when triggered, prevents the respective aerosol provision device from being charged (thereby providing protection). Thus, in an implementation of the algorithm 30, operation 36 (in which the switch is triggered) includes the switch remining in the high resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below the relevant threshold.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, in accordance with an example embodiment. The system too comprises a power source 102, an aerosol provision device 104 (e.g. a non-combustible aerosol provision device) having a charging port 105, and a charging cable 106. The power source 102 may, for example, be mains electricity, a portable battery pack, an electronic device capable of supply power (such as a laptop), or some other power source. In use, the charging cable 106 electrically connects the power source 102 to the charging port of the aerosol provision device for electrically charging said aerosol provision device (e.g. for electrically charging a rechargeable battery of the aerosol provision device). A positive temperature coefficient switch is provided within the system too. As discussed above, the positive temperature coefficient switch is configured to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature (e.g. a maximum intended operating temperature of the aerosol provision device). That threshold may be higher than a normal operating temperature of the device or a maximum operating temperature of the charging cable.

[0048] The switch may form part of the charging cable, the aerosol provision device (e.g. the charging port of the aerosol provision device) or both. Thus, for example, the charging cable 106 could be similar to the charging cable 40 and / or the aerosol provision device 104 could be similar to the device 50.

[0049] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which maybe claimed in future. For example, although the embodiments described herein comprise non-combustible aerosol provision devices, this is not essential to all example embodiments. The principles described herein may be applied to aerosol provision devices including combustion (either in addition to, or instead of, non-combustible aerosol generation).

Claims

Claims1. A method for electrically charging an aerosol provision device comprising: connecting a charging cable to a charging port of the aerosol provision device; passing a charging current through the charging cable to the charging port; and triggering a positive temperature coefficient switch to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch forms part of the charging cable.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the switch forms part of the aerosol provision device.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the switch forms part of a charging port of the aerosol provision device.

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the threshold temperature is a maximum intended operating temperature.

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch changes from the high resistance state to the low resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold.

7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch remains in the high resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold.

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said charging cable is aUSB charging cable.

9. A charging cable for connection to a charging port of an aerosol provision device for electrically charging said aerosol provision device, the charging cable comprising a positive temperature coefficient switch configured to change from a low resistance stateto a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature. to. A charging cable as claimed in claim 9, wherein the switch is mounted on a printed circuit board within the charging cable.

11. A charging cable as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the threshold temperature is a maximum intended operating temperature.

12. A charging cable as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the switch is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, such that the switch changes from the high resistance state to the low resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold.

13. A charging cable as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the switch is a fuse such that the switch remains in the high resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold.

14. A charging cable as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein said charging cable is a USB charging cable.

15. An aerosol provision device comprising a charging port for connection to a charging cable for electrically charging said aerosol provision device, wherein the charging port comprises a positive temperature coefficient switch configured to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature.

16. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the threshold temperature is a maximum intended operating temperature.

17. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the switch is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor such that the switch changes from the high resistance state to the low resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold.

18. An aerosol provision device as claimed claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the switch is a fuse such that the switch remains in the high resistance state in the event that the temperature returns to below said threshold.

19. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said charging cable is a USB charging cable.

20. A system comprising: an aerosol provision device having a charging port; a charging cable for connection to the charging port for electrically charging said aerosol provision device; and a positive temperature coefficient switch configured to change from a low resistance state to a high resistance state in the event that the switch has a temperature above a threshold temperature.

21. A system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the switch forms part of the charging cable.

22. A system as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the switch forms part of the aerosol provision device.

23. A system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the switch forms part of the charging port.

24. A kit of parts comprising a charging cable as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14 and an aerosol provision device comprising a charging port.

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