Electrically heated aerosol-generating system

Abstract

To provide a method of controlling an electrically heated aerosol-generating system.SOLUTION: The electrically heated aerosol-generating system includes: a charging device including a rechargeable power supply; an electrically heated aerosol-generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating substrate and including a rechargeable power supply; and at least one electrical heating element. The method includes the steps of: monitoring an ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device; determining a charging current, for charging the rechargeable power supply of the charging device, in dependence on the ambient temperature; and charging the rechargeable power supply of the charging device at the determined charging current. The present invention also provides a system and device for implementing the method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of controlling an electrically heated aerosol generating system, a method of controlling an electrically heated aerosol generating device, and associated electrically heated aerosol generating systems and devices. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of such an electrical system having a portable device and a primary charging device is an electrically operated smoking system. The electrically operated smoking system significantly reduces sidestream smoke compared to smoking devices with a lighting end, while allowing consumers to selectively activate the smoking system during a smoking experience. An electrically operated smoking system generally includes an aerosol generating device having a housing for receiving an aerosol generating article or smoking article, a heating element for generating an aerosol, a power source, and necessary electronic circuitry. The circuitry may be, for example, a circuitry for controlling the heating and charging of the aerosol generating device. Having a portable device and a primary charging device provides the advantage of a small aerosol generating device that is a portable device that is easy to hold and use, while also having the ability to quickly and conveniently recharge the aerosol generating device for repeated use.

[0003] Despite these known systems, a need remains to allow for improvements in the speed and efficiency of the power source charging process, i.e., charging of the charging device power source and charging of the aerosol generating device power source. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an electrically heated aerosol generating system. The electrically heated aerosol generating system includes a charging device including a rechargeable power source, an electrically heated aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate including a rechargeable power source, and at least one electric heating element. The method includes the steps of monitoring an ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device, determining a charging current dependent on the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device for charging the rechargeable power source of the charging device, and charging the rechargeable power source of the charging device with the determined charging current, such that the charging current is less than about 0.1 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a first predetermined temperature range, the charging current is greater than about 0.1 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a second predetermined temperature range, and preventing charging of the rechargeable power of the charging device when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device exceeds the predetermined temperature.

[0005] Providing such a charging method allows the rechargeable power source of the charging device to be recharged at a substantially optimal rate, while reducing the risk of damaging the rechargeable power source by supplying a charging current that is too large for the current status of the power source.

[0006] As used herein, the term "C" refers to charging current, with 1 C being equal to 1 A for a 1000 mAh rechargeable power source; that is, the charging current that the capacity of the rechargeable power source will deliver in 1 hour.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first temperature range is from about 0°C to about 10°C and the second temperature range is from about 10°C to about 45°C.

[0008] In one preferred embodiment, the charging current is about 0.2 C when the ambient temperature adjacent the charging device is within a second predetermined temperature range.

[0009] The rechargeable power source of the charging device may be configured to allow for fast charging of the power source. In this embodiment, when an ambient temperature adjacent the charging device is within a second predetermined temperature range, the fast charging current is approximately 1 C. The method may include receiving an input from a user requesting that the charging device power source be fast charged. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include determining a type of input power source that provides power to recharge the charging device power source and therefore determining the charging current. For example, if the input power source is not capable of providing sufficient power to fast charge the rechargeable power source, a charging current of 0.2 C is selected.

[0010] In light of the above, it will be appreciated that the first and second temperature ranges and associated charging currents may be modified by one of ordinary skill in the art depending on the type of power source used.

[0011] The method may further include indicating to a user what charging current is being provided to the rechargeable power source of the charging device when the rechargeable power source is charging. The indicating what charging current is being provided preferably utilizes at least one of a visual indicator, such as a light or series of lights, a sound or series of sounds, and a tactile indicator. The tactile indicator may be a vibration or series of vibrations. The visual indicator may be a digital display. The digital display may provide an estimate of the time it will take to fully charge the rechargeable power source of the charging device.

[0012] Preferably, the method further includes determining a discharge current for the rechargeable power supply of the charging device for charging the rechargeable power supply of the electrically heated aerosol generator, and charging the rechargeable power supply of the electrically heated aerosol generator with the determined discharge current, such that the discharge current is between about 0.1 C and about 0.3 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a third predetermined temperature range, the discharge current is between about 0.8 C and about 1.2 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a fourth predetermined temperature range, and discharge of the rechargeable power of the charging device is prevented when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device exceeds the predetermined temperature.

[0013] Providing such a charging method allows the rechargeable power source of the electrically heated aerosol generator to be recharged at a substantially optimal rate, while reducing the risk of damaging the rechargeable power source of the charging device by providing a charging current that is too large for the current status of the power source. As will be appreciated, the discharge current of the charging device power source is substantially equivalent to the charging current of the electrically heated aerosol generator power source.

[0014] In one embodiment, the third temperature range is from about -10°C to about 0°C and the fourth temperature range is from about 0°C to about 45°C.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the discharge current is approximately 0.2 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a third predetermined temperature range, and the discharge current is approximately 1 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a fourth predetermined temperature range.

[0016] The method may further include the step of indicating to a user which discharge current is being supplied to the power supply of the electrically heated aerosol generation device when the rechargeable power supply of the charging device is discharging. The step of indicating which discharge current is being supplied preferably utilizes at least one of a visual indicator, such as a light or series of lights, a sound or series of sounds, and a tactile indicator. The tactile indicator may be a vibration or series of vibrations. The visual indicator may be an electronic display. The electronic display may provide an estimate of the time required to fully charge the rechargeable power supply of the electrically heated aerosol generation device.

[0017] Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of monitoring an ambient temperature adjacent to the electrically heated aerosol generator and supplying a charging current to the rechargeable power supply of the electrically heated aerosol generator in dependence on the ambient temperature adjacent to the device to recharge the power supply, such that a charging current of about 10 C is supplied to the power supply when the ambient temperature adjacent to the electrically heated aerosol generator is within a predetermined temperature range and such that no charging current is supplied to the power supply when the ambient temperature adjacent to the electrically heated aerosol generator is outside the predetermined temperature range.

[0018] In one preferred embodiment, when the predetermined temperature range is from about 0°C to about 35°C, a charging current of about 10 C is provided to the power supply.

[0019] In one embodiment, the step of monitoring the ambient temperature is preferably performed at a frequency between about once per minute and about five times per minute. The ambient temperature is preferably monitored once per minute. In this embodiment, the step of determining the charging current is performed in dependence upon an average, preferably a weighted average, of the monitored ambient temperature. The average may be calculated using two, three, four or more measurements. If used, the weighting applied to each successive measurement may decrease in an arithmetic or geometric progression.

[0020] In one preferred embodiment, a weighted average is used, where the weighted average is calculated using the current measured ambient temperature and the previous weighted average. The current measurement is given a weighting of about 10% to about 50%, and the previous weighted average is thus given a weighting of about 90% to about 50%. The weighting applied is preferably selected depending on the overall heat transfer coefficient of the rechargeable power source and the surrounding air, such that the weighting produces an approximation for the heating or cooling rate of the rechargeable power source. An initial weighted average is set to the first measurement of the ambient temperature.

[0021] In one example, the current measurement is given a weighting of about 20% and the previous weighted average is given a weighting of about 80%. Advantageously, such weighting approximates the relatively slow heating or cooling rates of the rechargeable power supply of the systems described herein.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling an electrically heated aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating substrate. The device includes a rechargeable power source and at least one electric heating element. The method of the further aspect includes monitoring an ambient temperature adjacent the device and supplying power from the rechargeable power source to the heating element in dependence on the ambient temperature adjacent the device, such that power is supplied to the heating element when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is within a predetermined temperature range and such that power is prevented from being supplied to the heating element when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is outside the predetermined temperature range.

[0023] In one embodiment, the operating temperature range is from about 10° C. to about 70° C., more preferably from about 12° C. to about 65° C. When the temperature is below the lower end of the operating temperature range, the resistance of the heating element is low compared to the resistance of the heating element when the temperature is within the operating range. Thus, according to Ohm's law, the current drain will be high and the power supply of the electrically heated aerosol generator will not be able to supply the required current without increasing the size and capacity.

[0024] Again, the step of monitoring the ambient temperature adjacent the aerosol generating device is preferably performed at a frequency of about 1 time per minute to about 5 times per minute. A similar weighted averaging process is preferably used as described above. The current measurement is given a weighting of about 10% to about 50% and the previous weighted average is thus given a weighting of about 90% to about 50%. The weighting applied is preferably selected depending on the overall heat transfer coefficient of the rechargeable power source and the surrounding air, such that the weighting produces an approximation for the heating or cooling rate of the rechargeable power source. Again, the initial weighted average is set to the first measurement of ambient temperature.

[0025] In one example, the current measurement is weighted at approximately 30% and the previous weighted average is weighted at approximately 70%. Advantageously, these weightings model the heating and cooling rates of the aerosol generating device more efficiently than the 20% / 80% model described above used for the charger weighted average because the aerosol generating device has a smaller thermal mass than the charger. Thus, the aerosol generating device heats up or cools down more rapidly than the charger.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an electrically heated aerosol generating system is provided. The system includes an electrically heated aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate. The device includes a heating element and a rechargeable power source for powering the heating element. The system further includes a charging device configured to receive the electrically heated aerosol generating device. The charging device includes a recess for receiving the electrically heated aerosol generating device, a rechargeable power source for charging the rechargeable power source of the electrically heated aerosol generating device, a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device, and a controller for controlling the supply of power from an external power source to the charging device power source to recharge the power source depending on the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device. The controller is configured to provide a charging current less than about 0.1 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a first predetermined range, and the controller is configured to provide a charging current greater than about 0.1 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a second predetermined range, and to prevent charging of the rechargeable power of the charging device when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device exceeds the predetermined temperature.

[0027] Providing such a system allows the rechargeable power source of the charging device to be recharged at a substantially optimal rate, while reducing the risk of damaging the rechargeable power source by supplying too much charging current for the power source's current status.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first temperature range is from about 0°C to about 10°C and the second temperature range is from about 10°C to about 45°C.

[0029] In one preferred embodiment, the charging current is about 0.2 C when the ambient temperature adjacent the charging device is within a second predetermined temperature range.

[0030] The rechargeable power source of the charging device may be configured to allow for fast charging of the power source. In this embodiment, the fast charging current is about 1 C when an ambient temperature adjacent the charging device is within a second predetermined temperature range. The controller may be configured to receive input from a user requesting that the charging device power source be fast charged. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to determine the type of input power source that provides power to recharge the charging device power source and therefore determine the charging current. For example, if the input power source is not capable of providing sufficient power to fast charge the rechargeable power source, a charging current of 0.2 C is selected.

[0031] The charging device may preferably include means for receiving external power to recharge the rechargeable power source.

[0032] The charging device may further comprise an indicator for indicating to a user what charging current is being supplied to the power source when the rechargeable power source of the charging device is charging. The indicator preferably includes at least one of a visual indicator, such as a light or series of lights, a sound or series of sounds, and a tactile indicator. The tactile indicator may be a vibration or series of vibrations. The visual indicator may be a digital display. The digital display may provide an estimate of the time it will take to fully charge the rechargeable power source of the charging device.

[0033] The charging device controller is preferably further configured to control the supply of power from the charging device power supply to the electrically heated aerosol generator power supply to recharge the power supply, such that the controller is configured to supply a discharge current of between about 0.1 C and about 0.3 C to the electrically heated aerosol generator power supply when an ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a third predetermined temperature range, the controller is configured to supply a discharge current of between about 0.8 C and about 1.2 C to the electrically heated aerosol generator power supply when an ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a fourth predetermined temperature range, and the controller is configured to prevent discharge of the rechargeable power of the charging device when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device exceeds a predetermined temperature.

[0034] Providing such a controller allows the rechargeable power supply of the electrically heated aerosol generator to be recharged at a substantially optimal rate, while reducing the risk of damaging the rechargeable power supply of the charging device by providing a charging current that is too large for the current status of the power supply. As will be appreciated, the discharge current of the charging device power supply is substantially equivalent to the charging current of the electrically heated aerosol generator power supply.

[0035] In one embodiment, the third temperature range is from about -10°C to about 0°C and the fourth temperature range is from about 0°C to about 45°C.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the discharge current is approximately 0.2 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a third predetermined temperature range, and the discharge current is approximately 1 C when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a fourth predetermined temperature range.

[0037] The power source of the charging device is preferably a lithium ion battery, and more preferably a lithium cobalt oxide battery.

[0038] The power source of the electrically heated aerosol generator is preferably a lithium ion battery, and more preferably a lithium iron phosphate battery.

[0039] The charging device may further comprise an indicator for indicating to a user what discharge current is being supplied to the power supply of the electrically heated aerosol generator when the rechargeable power supply of the charging device is discharging. The indicator preferably comprises at least one of a visual indicator, such as a light or series of lights, a sound or series of sounds, and a tactile indicator. The tactile indicator may be a vibration or series of vibrations. The visual indicator may be an electronic display. The electronic display may provide an estimate of the time required to fully charge the rechargeable power supply of the electrically heated aerosol generator.

[0040] The charging device may include a display or further display (e.g., a digital display) that displays information to a user. For example, the display may display consumption of smoking articles, energy usage, or other information. The display may further indicate when the power source of the electrically heated aerosol generating device is sufficiently charged to be used to consume smoking articles.

[0041] The charging device preferably further comprises a housing and a lid attached to the housing, the lid being configured to close over the open end of the cavity such that the electrically heated aerosol generator is inaccessible when the lid is in a closed position, and the charging device may further comprise means for preventing power supply to the electrically heated aerosol generator when the lid is open.

[0042] The lid is preferably a hinged lid. The hinge preferably extends across the top of the housing from the front wall to the rear wall. The hinge may comprise a spring configured to retain the lid in a first position. The hinge may also comprise a damper configured to damp movement of the lid as it moves from the second position to the first position. Alternatively, the hinge may comprise a spring configured to retain the lid in the second position. In this alternative, the lid is preferably provided with means for retaining the lid in the first position, the retaining means configured to provide sufficient force to overcome the force applied to the lid by the spring.

[0043] The retention means may comprise at least one magnet and at least one corresponding ferrous element, the at least one magnet being provided within the housing of the primary device and the ferrous element being provided within the lid, Alternatively, the retention means may be a latch type arrangement.

[0044] The hinged lid may form the entire top of the housing, or, in the alternative, the hinge may be internal to the lid and adjacent to the side wall of the housing.

[0045] The charging device housing preferably includes a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, a top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall.

[0046] The terms "front," "rear," "up," "down," "side," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," and other terms used to describe the relative positions of the components of the charging device and the electrically heated aerosol generator refer to the charging device in an upright position with the recess opening configured to receive the electrically heated aerosol generator at its upper end.

[0047] The term "longitudinal" means from bottom to top or vice versa. The term "transverse" means perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0048] The charging device may be substantially a rectangular parallelepiped including two wide walls spaced apart by two narrow side walls, and a top and bottom wall.The electrically heated aerosol generating device is preferably elongated.

[0049] A temperature sensor is preferably provided in contact with a wall of the charging device housing so as to improve the relationship between the measured temperature and the ambient temperature. The temperature sensor may be a thermocouple or a thermistor.

[0050] The electrically heated aerosol generator of the system preferably further comprises a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature adjacent the device. The charging device controller is preferably further configured to control the supply of power from the charging device power supply to the electrically heated aerosol generator power supply and to recharge the power supply in dependence on the ambient temperature adjacent the electrically heated aerosol generator. Such that the controller is configured to supply a charging current of about 10 C to the power supply when the ambient temperature adjacent the electrically heated aerosol generator is within a predetermined temperature range, and the controller is configured to prevent the supply of charging current to the power supply when the ambient temperature adjacent the electrically heated aerosol generator is outside the predetermined temperature range.

[0051] In one preferred embodiment, when the predetermined temperature range is from about 0°C to about 35°C, a charging current of about 10 C is provided to the power supply.

[0052] The temperature sensor of the electrically heated aerosol generating device is preferably provided in contact with the wall of the housing of the device so as to improve the relationship between the measured temperature and the ambient temperature. The temperature sensor may be a thermocouple or a thermistor. Alternatively, a heating element may be used as a thermistor to measure the temperature.

[0053] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrically heated aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating substrate, the device comprising a heating element, a rechargeable power supply for powering the heating element, a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature adjacent the device, and a controller for controlling supply of power from the power supply to the heating element in dependence on the ambient temperature adjacent the device, such that the controller is configured to supply power to the heating element when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is within a predetermined temperature range, and the controller is configured to prevent supply of power to the heating element when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is outside the predetermined temperature range.

[0054] The device may further include an indicator for indicating to a user when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is outside a predetermined temperature range.

[0055] The aerosol-generating device is preferably designed to receive an aerosol-generating substrate in the form of an aerosol-generating article and to be held by a user during a smoking experience. The power source of the aerosol-generating device is preferably adapted to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature of use before aerosol generation begins. The power source within the aerosol-generating device is also adapted to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate during aerosol generation.

[0056] The aerosol generating device is preferably similar in size to or slightly larger than a lit cigarette, so that the device can be held between the user's fingers in a manner similar to a lit cigarette.

[0057] The aerosol-generating substrate is preferably in the form of an aerosol-generating article, or a smoking article.

[0058] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds are released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid and may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0059] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, but may also comprise a tobacco-containing material that includes volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material, for example cast leaf tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-forming agent, such as propylene glycol or glycerin.

[0060] As used herein, the terms "aerosol-generating article" and "smoking article" refer to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that produces an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable. Hereinafter, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used generically.

[0061] The aerosol formed by heating the aerosol-forming substrate may contain fewer known harmful components than those produced by combustion or pyrolytic degradation of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may be or may include a tobacco stick.

[0062] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0063] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid substrate. The solid substrate may comprise one or more of powders, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips or sheets, including, for example, one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the substrate may comprise additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the substrate. Optionally, the solid substrate may be provided on or embedded within a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may be in the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips or sheets, etc. Alternatively, the carrier may be a tubular carrier having a thin layer of the solid substrate disposed on its inner surface, on its outer surface, or on both its inner and outer surfaces. Such a tubular carrier may be formed, for example, of paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fiber mat, a fine mass open mesh metal screen, or a perforated metal foil or any other thermally stable polymeric matrix. The solid substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern to provide a non-uniform flavor delivery during use. Alternatively, the carrier may be a non-woven fiber or fiber bundle incorporating the tobacco component. The non-woven fiber or fiber bundle may include, for example, carbon fiber, natural cellulose fiber, or cellulose derivative fiber.

[0064] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid substrate and the smoking article may include a means for holding the liquid substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively be any other type of substrate (e.g. a gas substrate), or any combination of different substrate types.

[0065] Any feature of one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention in any suitable combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to device aspects and vice versa. More specifically, the controller described herein in relation to the charging device and the electrically heated aerosol generator may be configured to perform any method aspect related to controlling the power supply. Furthermore, any and / or all features of one aspect may be applied to any and / or all features of any other aspect in any suitable combination.

[0066] It will be appreciated that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any embodiment of the present invention may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

[0067] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0068] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a charging unit and an electrically heated aerosol generating device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a system of the present invention having a charging unit and an electrically heated aerosol generator. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of the control process for charging the charging unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of the control process for discharging the charging unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of the control process for charging an electrically heated aerosol generator. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of the control process for discharging an electrically heated aerosol generator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0069] FIG 1(a) shows a charging device 100. The charging device 100 in this example is for an electrically heated smoking system. FIG 1(b) shows an electrically heated aerosol generating device 102. The electrically heated aerosol generating device 102 is adapted to receive a smoking article 104 including an aerosol-forming substrate. The charging device 100 includes a rechargeable battery 106, control electronics 108, and electrical contacts 110 configured to provide power from the battery 106 to the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is connected to the electrical contacts 110. The charging device further includes a temperature sensor 111. The rechargeable battery 108 is a lithium cobalt oxide battery.

[0070] The charging device is configured to charge the aerosol generating device using the battery 106 depending on the measured temperature. Electrical contacts 110 are provided adjacent a bottom of a recess 112. The recess is configured to receive the aerosol generating device 102. A lid 114 is provided configured to secure the aerosol generating device 102 within the recess 112 of the charging device 100. The components of the charging device 100 are housed within a housing 116. The lid 114 is connected to the housing 116 by a hinge 118.

[0071] Additionally, the charging device 100 is provided with a series of three indicators 120, 122, and 124. Indicator 120 is provided to indicate the charge level remaining in the charging device battery 106. Indicator 120 may indicate the percentage of charge remaining in the charging device battery. For example, 100% indicates that the battery 106 is fully charged and 50% indicates that the battery 106 is only half charged. Alternatively, indicator 120 may simply indicate when the charging device battery needs to be recharged.

[0072] A second indicator 122 is provided to indicate that the aerosol generating device 102 is fully charged and ready to be used to generate aerosol. The indicator 122 only indicates this ready state once the aerosol generating device is capable of providing enough power to provide a user with a complete smoking experience, such as enough power to aerosolize the entire aerosol-forming substrate 104 or enough power to take a predetermined number of puffs.

[0073] A third indicator 124 is provided to indicate a charging scheme used to recharge the battery 106 from an external power source (not shown). Various charging schemes are described in detail below.

[0074] The aerosol generating device 102 comprises a rechargeable battery 126, control electronics 128 and electrical contacts 130. As mentioned above, the rechargeable battery 126 of the aerosol generating device 102 is configured to receive power from the charging device battery 106 when the electrical contacts 130 are in contact with the electrical contacts 110 of the charging device 100. The aerosol generating device further comprises a temperature sensor 131 for measuring the ambient temperature adjacent the device. The rechargeable battery 126 is a lithium iron phosphate battery.

[0075] The aerosol generating device 102 further includes a cavity 132 configured to receive the aerosol-generating article 104. A heater 134, for example in the form of a blade heater, is provided at the bottom of the cavity 132. In use, when a user activates the aerosol generating device 102, power is provided to the heater 134 from the battery 126 via the control electronics 128. The heater is heated to a standard operating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 104. The components of the aerosol generating device 102 are housed within a housing 136.

[0076] 2 shows the aerosol generating device 102 housed within a cavity of the charging device 100. The lid 114 is shown in a closed position. In this closed position, the lid is configured to act on the aerosol generating device 102 such that a good electrical connection is made between the charging device and the aerosol generating device. As can be seen, the electrical contacts 130 of the aerosol generating device are engaged with the electrical contacts 110 of the charging device.

[0077] The charging device control electronics 108 is configured to both control the charging of the charging device battery 106 from an external power source and to control the charging of the aerosol generator battery 126 depending on the ambient temperature. The control method employed by the control electronics 108 is described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, respectively.

[0078] In use, when a user connects the charging device to an external power source, the control electronics 108 determines the appropriate charging current using the following method, illustrated in FIG.

[0079] The ambient temperature adjacent the charging device is measured using temperature sensor 111 and a weighted average of the ambient temperature is calculated. The current temperature measurement is given a weight of 20% and the previous weighted average is given a weight of 80%. If the temperature measurement is the first temperature measurement, the weighted average is set to the current temperature.

[0080] The control electronics 108 then determines whether the weighted average temperature is within a first temperature range. In one particular example, the first temperature range is 0° C. to 10° C. If the weighted average temperature is within the range, the control electronics provides a charging current of less than 0.1 C to the battery 106.

[0081] If the weighted average temperature is not within that range, the control electronics determines whether the weighted average temperature is within a second temperature range. In one particular example, the second temperature range is 10° C. to 45° C. If the weighted average temperature is not within the second temperature range, the battery 106 is outside of its operating temperature range and charging will not commence to protect the battery from damage. An indicator 124 indicates this to the user.

[0082] If the weighted average temperature is within the second temperature range, the control electronics 108 determines whether fast charging is required, and if so, a charging current of approximately 1 C is provided, and if not, a charging current of approximately 0.2 C is provided.

[0083] At each step the charging current is determined and after a one minute period the process is repeated.

[0084] In use, when a user inserts the aerosol generating device into the charging device and initiates charging of the aerosol generating device, the control electronics 108 determines the appropriate charging current using the following method, illustrated in FIG.

[0085] Again, the ambient temperature adjacent the charging device is measured using temperature sensor 111 and a weighted average of the ambient temperature is calculated. The current temperature measurement is given a weight of 20% and the previous weighted average is given a weight of 80%. If the temperature measurement is the first temperature measurement, the weighted average is set to the current temperature.

[0086] The control electronics 108 then determines whether the weighted average temperature is within a third temperature range. In one particular example, the third temperature range is −10° C. to 0° C. If the weighted average temperature is within the range, the control electronics provides a charging current of approximately 0.2 C to the battery 126.

[0087] If the weighted average temperature is not within that range, the control electronics determines whether the weighted average temperature is within a fourth temperature range. In one particular example, the second temperature range is 0° C. to 45° C. If the weighted average temperature is not within the fourth temperature range, the battery 126 is outside of its operating temperature range and charging will not commence to protect the battery from damage. Indicator 124 indicates this to the user.

[0088] If the weighted average temperature is within the fourth temperature range, the control electronics 108 provides approximately 1 C of charging current to the battery 126 .

[0089] At each step the charging current is determined and after a one minute period the process is repeated.

[0090] Furthermore, the control electronics 128 of the aerosol generating device are configured to both control the charging of the device battery 126 and to control the use of the device depending on the ambient temperature. The control method employed by the control electronics 128 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6, respectively.

[0091] When a user initiates charging of the aerosol generating device, the control electronics 128 of the aerosol generating device are configured to perform the method shown in FIG. 5 to determine whether the battery 126 can be charged.

[0092] The ambient temperature adjacent the device 102 is measured using temperature sensor 131 and a weighted average of the ambient temperature is calculated. The current temperature measurement is given a weighting of 10-50% and the previous weighted average is given a weighting of 90-50%. If the temperature measurement is the first temperature measurement, the weighted average is set to the current temperature.

[0093] The control electronics 128 then determines whether the weighted average temperature is within an operating temperature range. In one particular example, the operating temperature range is 0° C. to 35° C. If the weighted average temperature is within that range, the control electronics allows a charging current of approximately 10 C to be provided to the battery 126. However, the charging device temperature may change this charging rate according to the control methods described above.

[0094] If the weighted average temperature is not within this range, the control electronics will prevent the battery 126 from charging to reduce the risk of damaging the battery.

[0095] At each step the charging current is determined and after a one minute period the process is repeated.

[0096] Finally, the method of FIG. 6 is performed by controller 128 when the user activates the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol.

[0097] Again, the ambient temperature adjacent the device 102 is measured using temperature sensor 131 and a weighted average of the ambient temperature is calculated. The current temperature measurement is given a weighting of 10-50% and the previous weighted average is given a weighting of 90-50%. If the temperature measurement is the first temperature measurement, the weighted average is set to the current temperature.

[0098] The control electronics 128 then determines whether the weighted average temperature is within an operating temperature range. In one particular example, the operating temperature range is 12° C. to 65° C. If the weighted average temperature is within this range, the control electronics enables power to be provided to the heating element 134.

[0099] If the weighted average temperature is outside the operating temperature range, the control electronics 128 prevents power from being supplied to the heating element 134 .

[0100] After a one minute period the process is repeated.

[0101] When the temperature is below the lower end of the operating temperature range, the resistance of the heating element will be too low for the battery 126 to supply sufficient current. In one particular example, the heating element has a resistance of approximately 0.7 ohms at 0° C. and approximately 2 ohms at 300° C. (the temperature at which the heating element is maintained to generate the aerosol). The nominal voltage of the battery is 3.3 V at 0° C. and during operation the nominal voltage of the battery is 3.0 V at 300° C. Thus, at 0° C. the current drain is 3.3 / 0.7 = 4.7 A, but at 300° C. the current drain is 3.0 / 2 = 1.5.

[0102] When temperatures are above the upper end of the operating temperature range, use of the aerosol generating device may cause the temperature of the control electronics to rise above its design upper temperature limit of 80°C, which may result in unreliable performance.

[0103] Briefly, when the control electronics 128 supplies power to the heating element 134, the heating element 134 heats up to approximately 300° C. The heating element 134 is in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 104. The aerosol-generating substrate thereby generates an aerosol that can be inhaled when a user inhales the aerosol-generating article 104.

[0104] The present invention has been illustrated above with reference to the accompanying figures, however it will be appreciated that the control methods described herein may also be applied to other types of portable devices.

[0105] 1. A method of controlling an electrically heated aerosol generating system, the electrically heated aerosol generating system including a charging device including a rechargeable power source, an electrically heated aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate including a rechargeable power source, and at least one electric heating element, the method comprising: monitoring an ambient temperature adjacent the charging device; determining a charging current for charging the rechargeable power source of the charging device in dependence on the ambient temperature; and charging the rechargeable power source of the charging device with the determined charging current, wherein: the charging current is less than about 0.1 C when the ambient temperature is within a first predetermined temperature range; the charging current is greater than about 0.1 C when the ambient temperature is within a second predetermined temperature range; The method, wherein charging of the rechargeable power of the charging device is prevented when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying to a user what charging current is being supplied to the rechargeable power source of the charging device when the power source is charging. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining a discharge current for a rechargeable power source of a charging device for charging the rechargeable power source of an electrically heated aerosol generating device; charging the rechargeable power source of the electrically heated aerosol generating device with the determined discharge current, when the ambient temperature is within a third predetermined temperature range, the discharge current is between about 0.1 C and about 0.3 C; When the ambient temperature is within a fourth predetermined temperature range, the discharge current is about 0.8 C to about 1.2 C; The method, wherein discharging of the rechargeable power of the charging device is prevented when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of displaying to a user what discharge current is being supplied to the power source of the electrically heated aerosol generating device when the rechargeable power source of the charging device is discharging. 5. The method according to any one of 1 to 4, further comprising: monitoring the ambient temperature adjacent the electrically heated aerosol generating device; and providing a charging current to the rechargeable power source of the electrically heated aerosol generating device in dependence on the ambient temperature to recharge the power source, wherein: providing a charging current of about 10 C to the power source when the ambient temperature adjacent the electrically heated aerosol generating device is within a predetermined temperature range; A method for preventing charging current from being provided to the power source when the ambient temperature adjacent the electrically heated aerosol generating device is outside a predetermined temperature range. 6. A method according to any one of 1 to 5, wherein the step of monitoring the ambient temperature is performed at a frequency of about 1 time per minute to about 5 times per minute. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of determining the charging current is performed in dependence on a weighted average of the monitored ambient temperature. 8. A method of controlling an electrically heated aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating substrate, said device including a rechargeable power source and at least one electric heating element, said method comprising: monitoring the ambient temperature adjacent the device; and providing power from the rechargeable power source to the heating element in dependence on the ambient temperature adjacent the device, wherein: providing power to the heating element when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is within a predetermined temperature range; The method includes preventing power from being supplied to the heating element when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is outside a predetermined temperature range. 9. An electrically heated aerosol generating system comprising: an electrically heated aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating substrate, said device comprising: A heating element; a rechargeable power source for powering the heating element; and a charging device configured to receive the electrically heated aerosol generating device, the charging device comprising: a recess for receiving the electrically heated aerosol generating device; a rechargeable power source for charging the rechargeable power source of the electrically heated aerosol generator; a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature adjacent the device; a controller for controlling the supply of power from an external power source to the charging device power source to recharge the power source in dependence on the ambient temperature adjacent the charging device, wherein: the controller is configured to provide a charging current of less than about 0.1 C when the ambient temperature adjacent the charging device is within a first predetermined range; the controller is configured to provide a charging current greater than about 0.1 C when the ambient temperature adjacent the charging device is within a second predetermined range; The system prevents charging of the rechargeable power of the charging device when the ambient temperature adjacent the charging device exceeds a predetermined temperature. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the charging device further includes an indicator for indicating to a user what charging current is being supplied to the rechargeable power source of the charging device when the power source is charging. 11. The system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the charging device controller is further configured to control the supply of power from the charging device power source to the electrically heated aerosol generator power source to recharge the power source; The controller is configured to provide a discharge current of about 0.1 C to about 0.3 C to the power source of the electrically heated aerosol generator when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a third predetermined temperature range; The controller is configured to provide a discharge current of about 0.8 C to about 1.2 C to the power source of the electrically heated aerosol generator when the ambient temperature adjacent to the charging device is within a fourth predetermined temperature range; The system, wherein the controller is configured to prevent discharging of the rechargeable power of the charging device when the ambient temperature adjacent the charging device exceeds a predetermined temperature. 12. The system described in 11, wherein the charging device further includes an indicator for indicating to a user what discharge current is being supplied to the power source of the electrically heated aerosol generating device when the rechargeable power source of the charging device is discharging. 13. A system as described in any of 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the electrically heated aerosol generator further includes a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature adjacent to the device, and the charging device controller is further configured to control the supply of power from the charging device power supply to the electrically heated aerosol generator power supply to recharge the power supply depending on the ambient temperature adjacent to the electrically heated aerosol generator, wherein the controller is configured to supply a charging current of approximately 10 C to the power supply when the ambient temperature adjacent to the electrically heated aerosol generator is within a predetermined temperature range, and the controller is configured to prevent charging current from being supplied to the power supply when the ambient temperature adjacent to the electrically heated aerosol generator is outside a predetermined temperature range. 14. An electrically heated aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating substrate, comprising: A heating element; a rechargeable power source for powering the heating element; a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature adjacent the device; and a controller for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heating element in dependence on the ambient temperature adjacent the device, the controller is configured to supply power to the heating element when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is within a predetermined temperature range; An electrically heated aerosol generating device, wherein the controller is configured to prevent power from being supplied to the heating element when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is outside a predetermined temperature range. 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising an indicator for indicating to a user when the ambient temperature adjacent the device is outside a predetermined temperature range.

Claims

1. 1. A controller for recharging a rechargeable power source of an electrically heatable aerosol generating system, the controller comprising: providing a charging current of less than about 0.1 C to the rechargeable power source when the temperature measurement is within a first predetermined range; providing a charging current of greater than about 0.1 C to the rechargeable power source when the temperature measurement is within a second predetermined range; Preventing charging of the rechargeable power source when the temperature measurement exceeds a predetermined temperature. The controller is configured as follows:

2. 10. The controller of claim 1, further comprising an indicator configured to indicate to a user what charging current is being provided.

3. The controller further comprises: A light, series of lights, or display; A sound or series of sounds; A vibration or series of vibrations Which charging current is being supplied by utilizing at least one of The controller of claim 1 configured to display to a user.

4. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to monitor the temperature at a frequency including between once per minute and five times per minute.

5. The controller further comprises: receiving an input from a user requesting that the rechargeable power source be fast charged; providing approximately 1 C of charging current to the rechargeable power source when the temperature measurement is within the second predetermined range and when the controller receives an input from a user requesting that the rechargeable power source be fast charged. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured as follows.

6. 1. A method for recharging a rechargeable power source of an electrically heatable aerosol generating system, comprising: providing a charging current of less than about 0.1 C to the rechargeable power source when the temperature measurement is within a first predetermined range; providing a charging current of greater than about 0.1 C to the rechargeable power source when the temperature measurement is within a second predetermined range; and preventing charging of the rechargeable power source when the temperature measurement exceeds a predetermined temperature.

7. A light, series of lights, or display; A sound or series of sounds; A vibration or series of vibrations 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising indicating to a user what charging current is being provided by utilizing at least one of:

8. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising monitoring the temperature at a frequency including between once per minute and five times per minute.

9. receiving an input from a user requesting that the rechargeable power source be fast charged; providing approximately 1 C of charging current to the rechargeable power source when the temperature measurement is within the second predetermined range and when the controller receives an input from a user requesting that the rechargeable power source be fast charged; The method of any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising:

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