Aerosol generation device

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol generating device (100; 800) comprising a holding unit (10; 810) configured to accommodate an aerosol generating substrate (12; 812) and aerosolize it, and a charging unit (50; 850) connectable to the holding unit. The holding unit comprises a heater component (47; 847) configured to aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate and a first charge storage module (11; 811). The charging unit comprises a second charge storage module (51; 851). The controller (43; 843) is configured to preheat the heater component until a target parameter is reached by guiding a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, and to guide a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during preheating and before the target parameter is reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device, and more specifically, to a power system of an aerosol generation device.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generation devices such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices are becoming increasingly popular as consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, the operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated by an electric heater to vaporize the components of the product for the operator to inhale. In some examples, the product is a tobacco product similar to a conventional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "heat-not-burn" devices in that they are heated until the product is aerosolized without being burned.

[0004] Problems faced by known aerosol generation devices include providing efficient power management and improving operability.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An object of the present invention is to address, among other things, providing efficient power management and improving operability.

[0006] In a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising a holding unit configured to accommodate and aerosolize an aerosol generation substrate, and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit. The holding unit includes a heater component configured to aerosolize an aerosol - generating substrate, and a first charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component. The charging unit includes a second charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component. The aerosol - generating device When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, a second power flow is directed from the second charge storage module to the heater component to pre - heat the heater component until a target parameter is reached. The aerosol - generating device further includes a controller configured to direct a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during pre - heating and before the target parameter is reached.

[0007] In this way, the second charge storage module of the charging unit can be used to supply power during the pre - heating phase of the aerosolization session. However, the holding unit can be separated during the pre - heating phase, and the remainder of the pre - heating can be powered by the first charge storage module within the holding unit. This provides the operator with flexibility in use and efficient power management.

[0008] Preferably, the first power flow corresponds to an output current from the first charge storage module that is lower than the output current from the second charge storage module for the second power flow.

[0009] In this way, a smaller - capacity and thus smaller charge storage module can be used within the holding unit. This can reduce the size of the holding unit, thereby improving operability.

[0010] Preferably, the target parameter is a predetermined pre - heating time.

[0011] Preferably, when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit and before reaching the target parameter during preheating, the controller guides the first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component over a modified preheating time, where the modified preheating time is longer than the remaining portion of the predetermined preheating time at the time when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit.

[0012] In this way, the preheating time can be adjusted when only the first charge storage module in the holding unit is powering. Thus, the option of separating the holding unit from the charging unit during preheating enables appropriate preheating of the power management area provided by the heater component while also allowing for flexibility in device operation.

[0013] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine the modified preheating time based on the elapsed preheating time when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during the preheating phase.

[0014] In this way, the modified heating time can vary based on the extent to which the heater component was preheated before the holding unit was separated from the charging unit. This ensures that accurate preheating is maintained after separating the holding unit from the charging unit.

[0015] Preferably, the controller determines the elapsed preheating time between the start of the preheating phase and the time when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during the preheating phase, and is configured to determine the modified preheating time based on the elapsed preheating time according to a predetermined relationship between the elapsed preheating time and the modified preheating time.

[0016] Preferably, the controller is configured to maintain the heater component at a predetermined aerosolization temperature by directing a power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the heater component is preheated and the holding unit is separated from the charging unit.

[0017] Thus, a larger second charge storage module can be used to power (at least partially) the preheating phase, saving the charge of a smaller first charge storage module for the heating phase of the aerosolization session. At that time, due to the smaller size of the first charge storage module, the holding unit can be dimensioned smaller. This means that the operator only has to lift a smaller holding unit up to the operator's mouth for the heating phase, thereby improving operability.

[0018] Preferably, the controller is configured to maintain the heater component at a predetermined aerosolization temperature by directing a power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component when the heater component is preheated and the holding unit is not separated from the charging unit.

[0019] In this way, the charge stored in the first charge storage module can be saved for subsequent aerosolization sessions.

[0020] Preferably, when the holding unit and the charging unit are connected for the heating phase, the heater component can be powered exclusively by the second charge storage module. The controller can control the power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component instead of from the first charge storage module. In this way, the charge stored in the first charge storage module is saved, and the user may be able to vape for a longer time with the holding unit and the charging unit separated.

[0021] Alternatively, when the holding unit and the charging unit are connected for the heating phase, the heater component can be powered by a combination of the second charge storage module and the first charge storage module. The controller can control the power flow to the heater component from both the second charge storage module and the first charge storage module. In this way, the first charge storage module having a smaller charge storage capacity and a lower current output can be supplemented by the larger second charge storage module, ensuring that sufficient power is directed to the heater component.

[0022] Preferably, the controller is configured to direct a power flow from the second charge storage module to the first charge storage module to charge the first charge storage module when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit.

[0023] In this way, a holding unit that is smaller and more user-friendly for the aerosolization session can be provided. Further, since the charging unit can recharge the holding unit during the session, a two-part aerosol generating device is provided that can power multiple sessions without the need to be connected to an external power source.

[0024] Preferably, the holding unit comprises a cavity, and an aerosol generating substrate can be inserted into the cavity for heating with the heater component to generate an aerosol. The cavity is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating substrate having a substantially planar shape. The cavity comprises two main inner surfaces that face each other, and the aerosol generating substrate is configured to be accommodated between the opposing main inner surfaces. Each of the main inner surfaces is associated with a heating element of the heater component.

[0025] Configuring a cavity to accommodate an aerosol-generating substrate that is substantially planar or flat is advantageous in that a heater component and a heating cavity that are very compact in physical size are provided in combination with a substantially planar aerosol-generating substrate. This improves the operability of the device by providing a smaller and more comfortable holding unit for the operator to hold.

[0026] Preferably, the main inner surface comprises a ceramic material and the heating element is disposed on or embedded within the ceramic material.

[0027] In this way, a compact heating cavity is provided that has a good distribution of heat directed towards the substrate.

[0028] Preferably, the holding unit comprises a cavity into which an aerosol-generating substrate can be inserted in order to be heated using a heater component to generate an aerosol, the cavity being configured to accommodate a rod-shaped aerosol-generating substrate.

[0029] In this way, an aerosol-generating device is provided that offers a user experience familiar to traditional tobacco consumers.

[0030] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate is a tobacco rod.

[0031] In a second aspect, an aerosol-generating system is provided that comprises an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect having an aerosol-generating substrate housed within a holding unit of the aerosol-generating device.

[0032] In a third aspect, a method of operating an aerosol-generating device is provided, the aerosol-generating device being A holding unit configured to contain an aerosol-generating substrate and aerosolize it, and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit, wherein the holding unit includes a heater component configured to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate and a first charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component, and the charging unit includes a second charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component. The method comprises: When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, preheating the heater component by guiding a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component until a target parameter is reached. When the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during preheating and before the target parameter is reached, guiding a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component.

[0033] The method according to the third aspect may optionally include the preferred features of the aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising: A holding unit configured to contain an aerosol-generating substrate and aerosolize it, and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit, wherein the holding unit includes a heater component configured to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate and a first charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component, and the charging unit includes a second charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component. The instructions cause the one or more processors to: When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, preheat the heater component by guiding a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component until a target parameter is reached. When the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during preheating and before reaching the target parameters, execute steps including guiding a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component.

[0035] The non - transient computer - readable medium of the fourth aspect can optionally include the preferred features of the aerosol - generating device of the first aspect.

[0036] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C show various configurations of a first exemplary aerosol generation device 100 (also known as a vapor generation device, vaping device, or electronic cigarette) including a handpiece 10 (also called a holding unit) and a charging unit 50. The handpiece 10 is removably connectable to the charging unit 50.

[0039] The handpiece 10 includes a first charge storage module 11 and a heater 47 (also called a heater component). As described in more detail with respect to Figures 2 - 5, the first charge storage module 11 is configured to supply power to the heater 47 to aerosolize an aerosol generation substrate (not shown). The handpiece 10 also has a mouthpiece 32, and an operator inhales through the mouthpiece during an aerosolization session to inhale the generated aerosol.

[0040] The charging unit 50 includes a second charge storage module 51 configured to charge the first charge storage module 11 and supply power to the heater 47.

[0041] The first charge storage module 11 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof. The first charge storage module 11 can be a high-rate charge battery, for example, a battery having a chemical such as lithium titanate (LTO). This type of battery is capable of supplying the high current required at the beginning of the aerosolization session and has excellent safety characteristics.

[0042] The second charge storage module 51 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof. In one example, the second charge storage module 51 can be a single high-energy density lithium-ion battery having a moderate power capability. In another example, the second charge storage module 51 can be a combination of a high-energy density lithium-ion battery (or, for example, a battery using an NMC (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide) chemical) having a low power capability and a high-power battery (for example, LTO or lithium iron phosphate LFP) or a supercapacitor module.

[0043] In the following description, the first charge storage module is referred to as the handpiece battery 11, and the second charge storage module is referred to as the charging unit battery 51. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that each of these can be one or more batteries, supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0044] The charging unit battery 51 has a larger charge storage capacity than the handpiece battery 11. That is, the charging unit battery 51 can hold more charge and the handpiece battery 11. The handpiece battery 11 may be able to supply power to the heater 47 to aerosolize a first number of aerosol-forming substrates, and the charging unit battery 51 may be able to supply power to the heater 47 to aerosolize a second number of aerosol-forming substrates, where the second number is larger than the first number. For example, the handpiece battery 11 may be able to supply power to the heater 47 to aerosolize two aerosol-forming substrates, and the charging unit battery 51 may be able to supply power to the heater 47 to aerosolize twenty aerosol-forming substrates.

[0045] Thus, the handpiece 10 can be dimensioned smaller than the charging unit 50 so that it is more comfortable for the operator to hold during an aerosolization session. In that case, the larger charging unit 50 can be used to charge the handpiece 10 during the aerosolization session. There is a technical advantage in providing an aerosol-generating device having a handpiece 10 that is smaller and more user-friendly for aerosolization sessions and can power multiple sessions without the need to connect to an external power source.

[0046] The charging unit 50 is dimensioned to receive and accommodate the handpiece 10 within the opening of the charging unit 50. When the handpiece is received within the charging unit 50, the charging unit battery 51 connects to a corresponding connector within the handpiece 10 by way of a connector within the opening of the charging unit. A controller within the handpiece 10 or the charging unit 50 can detect a signal between the handpiece connector and the charging unit connector and control the power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the handpiece battery 11. For the purposes of discussion herein, power flow can be considered the flow of charge or current from one element to another. Thus, when the operator inserts the handpiece 10 into the charging unit 50, the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 will be connected, and as a result, the handpiece battery 11 can be charged by the charging unit battery 51 via the connection between the connectors. Thus, the charging unit 50 can be considered a charging case for the handpiece 10. Similarly, power can flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 by way of the connector to power the heater 47 using the charging unit battery 51.

[0047] The charging unit battery 51 can store enough charge to fully charge the handpiece battery 11 multiple times. The charging unit battery 51 itself can be charged from an external power source such as a power bank or a main power supply by way of a connection such as a USB cable or via a connection to a docking station.

[0048] Figure 1A shows the handpiece 10 removed from the charging unit 50 and not connected to each other. Figure 1B shows the handpiece 10 received within and connected to the charging unit 50. In the example of Figure 1B, the mouthpiece 32 of the handpiece 10 extends outwardly from the charging unit 50. Thus, the operator can perform an aerosolization session while the handpiece 10 is housed within the charging unit 50.

[0049] Alternatively or in addition, in some examples, the charging unit 50 and the handpiece 10 can be configured such that, as shown in FIG. 1C, the handpiece 10 can pivot outwardly from the charging unit 50 while still being connected to the charging unit 50 by a hinged connection at an end of the handpiece 10 remote from the mouthpiece 32. This can provide greater access to the handpiece 10 while still remaining connected to the charging unit 50.

[0050] FIGS. 2-5 show the handpiece 10 of the first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100 in more detail. FIG. 2 shows the handpiece 10 having the connected mouthpiece portion 32. FIG. 3 shows the aerosol-generating substrate 12 configured to be used with the handpiece 10 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4A shows the heating chamber 45 of the handpiece 10 of FIG. 2 having the aerosol-generating substrate 12 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B shows the heating chamber 45 in more detail. FIG. 5 shows the mouthpiece portion 32 of the handpiece 10 of FIG. 2 in more detail.

[0051] The aerosol-generating substrate 12 is planar or flat in shape, for example, in the form of a flat rectangular cuboid extending along a substrate axis X and having external dimensions L×W×D. In a specific example, the length L of the substrate along the substrate axis X is substantially equal to 33 mm, and the width W and depth D are substantially 12 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. That is, the substrate can be considered to be planar in that it has a depth that is much shorter than its length and width.

[0052] The depth D of the substrate 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B called substrate sidewalls 13A, 13B. The width W of the substrate is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B called substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In other examples, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 can be of other suitable shapes or dimensions. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate can be circular and tubular, similar to a conventional cigarette.

[0053] The aerosol-generating substrate 12 may comprise a heating portion 15 and a mouthpiece portion 16 arranged along the substrate axis X. However, in some examples, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may comprise only the heating portion 15. The mouthpiece portion has a length L1 and the heating portion has a length L2. In some examples, the heating portion 15 may be slightly longer than the mouthpiece portion 16, i.e., L2 may be greater than L1. The heating portion 15 defines the abutment end 18 of the substrate 12 and the mouthpiece portion 16 defines the mouth-side end 20 of the substrate 12. The heating portion 15 and the mouthpiece portion 16 may be connected by a wrapper extending around the substrate axis X. Alternatively, the portions 15, 16 may be wrapped by different wrappers and fixed to each other by any other suitable means. The wrapper may comprise paper and / or non-woven fabric and / or aluminum and / or tobacco material (e.g., cigarette paper). The wrapper may be porous or air-impermeable. The wrapper may form a plurality of air flow paths extending inside the substrate 12 between the abutment end 18 and the mouth-side end 20.

[0054] The heating part 14 is configured to be heated by a heater and contains an aerosol-forming material. The aerosol-forming material can be a material that contains, for example, nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol-forming agent. Tobacco can take various forms such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyols (such as glycols like sorbitol, glycerol, propylene glycol or triethylene glycol), non-polyols (such as monohydric alcohols, acids like lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent can be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate can also contain at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer and a water retention agent. When the aerosol-forming material is heated, an aerosol or vapor is formed. It will be understood that the terms aerosol and vapor can be used interchangeably herein. In one example, the aerosol-forming material forms an aerosol when heated by the heater 47 without being combusted.

[0055] The mouthpiece part 16 is intended to be accommodated inside the mouthpiece 32. The mouthpiece part 16 comprises a core 17 that can provide a filtering function. In some examples, the core 17 can be a foam or a bundle of twisted fibers. The core 17 can be formed into a stable shape by an extrusion process and / or a rolling process. The substrate 12 can be shaped to provide one or more air flow paths. As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the mouthpiece part 16 can have a plurality of ventilation holes 22 arranged in the wall of the substrate, which can include one of more of the substrate side walls 13A, 13B and the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. The ventilation holes 22 allow the fresh air that has entered the interior of the substrate 12 to achieve a specific vaping / taste effect.

[0056] The handpiece 10 includes a handpiece body 30 that extends along the handpiece axis Y and forms at least one side wall 40 of the handpiece 10. The handpiece body 30 includes a mouthpiece 32 and a housing 34 that are continuously arranged along the handpiece axis Y. According to the example of FIG. 1, the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34 form two different components. The mouthpiece 32 is designed to be removably fixed to or housed within an insertion opening 36 formed at one end of the housing 34. This opening 36 extends perpendicular to the handpiece axis Y as shown in FIG. 4 where the mouthpiece 32 is removed from the housing 34.

[0057] In each cross-section, the housing 34 can form a substantially rectangular shape, for example, having a rounded edge and having at least four side walls 40. In other examples, the housing can have at least one different cross-sectional shape, such as a round shape. The housing 34 can be sealed at the end opposite the insertion opening 36 that houses the mouthpiece 32. The housing 34 can be formed from a single part made of any suitable material such as aluminum or plastic or from several assembled parts. One or more side walls 40 of the housing can have one or more openings for control and / or visual elements. For example, such elements can include one or more of control buttons, touch panels, screens, LEDs, etc. In one example, the housing 34 has a slot 42 for an LED that indicates at least the on state of the handpiece 10. In some examples, the LED can also indicate state information of the handpiece, such as battery state, error state, etc.

[0058] The housing 34 can also contain a handpiece battery (not shown) for powering the handpiece 10, a controller 43 for controlling the operation of the handpiece 10, a heating chamber 45 (also called a heating cavity) for heating the aerosol-generating substrate 12, and at least two heating elements 47A, 47B for heating the heating chamber 45.

[0059] The mouthpiece 32 is configured to connect to the insertion opening 36 while assembling the mouthpiece 32 into the housing 34.

[0060] The mouthpiece 32 has a through-hole along the handpiece axis Y, which is designed to accommodate the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 such that the substrate axis X coincides with the handpiece axis Y. The through-hole has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol-generating substrate 12 and may have an internal dimension slightly larger than the external dimension of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In one example, the through-hole defines a rectangular cross-section for accommodating the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12.

[0061] The mouthpiece 32 can have a recess, such that when the mouthpiece 32 is inserted into the insertion opening 36, the recess forms an opening 66 that forms an inlet 66. Alternatively or in addition, the through-hole can be arranged in the side wall of the device to provide a channel for air to flow through the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is provided with ventilation holes 22, at least some of these ventilation holes 22 are arranged to face the inlet 66.

[0062] In some cases, the substrate 12 may not include ventilation holes 22, and in such cases, air can flow into the substrate by being drawn in through the abutment end 18. For example, air can be drawn into the device through the inlet 66 of the mouthpiece 32 or the side wall of the device to counteract the pressure drop caused by the operator opening the mouthpiece 32 during inhalation. This air flow can be drawn into the substrate 12 along or through channels around the substrate 12 and through the end 18 opposite the mouth-side end 20. The mouth-side end 20 is the end of the substrate 12 that is located within or proximal to the mouthpiece 32 and is closer to the operator's mouth during use. The air flow is then drawn through the substrate 12, where it mixes with the generated aerosol and flows out from the mouth-side end 20 through the mouthpiece 32 and into the operator's mouth.

[0063] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the heating chamber 45 is cup-shaped and can extend along the handpiece axis Y between a sealed end 71 opposite the open end 70 into which the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted. The heating chamber 45 houses the heating portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The heating chamber 45 has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as that of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In one example, the heating chamber 45 defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two parallel chamber side walls 73A, 73B and two parallel chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. The walls 74A, 74B form two major inner surfaces within the chamber 45, face each other, and the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be received between these opposing major inner surfaces. Each of the major inner surfaces comprises heating elements 47A, 47B of the heater component 47. The walls 73A, 73B form two minor inner surfaces of the chamber, and the minor inner surfaces connect the two major inner surfaces. The two minor inner surfaces are smaller than the two major inner surfaces, and the cavity is configured to receive a substantially planar aerosol-generating substrate. Each chamber wall 74A, 74B has a width that is, for example, at least three times, preferably five times, more preferably eight times wider than each of the chamber walls 73A, 73B.

[0064] The heating chamber 45 has a distal wall that is disposed perpendicular to the handpiece axis Y and seals the sealed end 71. The distal wall is adjacent to each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B to seal the chamber at the sealed end 71 and form the cup shape of the chamber. The walls 74A, 74B can be ceramic with a heater wire or ceramic embedded therein or thereon. Preferably, the walls 74A and 74B with a heater wire or track embedded therein or thereon form two ceramic heaters, and these two ceramic heaters can be disposed within a polymer (e.g., PEEK) or metal (e.g., stainless steel) frame. In some examples, the walls 73A, 73B and 71 can also be ceramic.

[0065] Such a ceramic heater can provide a compact heating cavity having a good heat distribution conducted to the substrate. However, the ceramic heater may require significantly more power for heating (e.g., >>10W and / or >>1600J) than a heater of an aerosol-generating device configured to accommodate more traditional tobacco or tobacco-like consumables. Thus, such a heater can greatly benefit from the heating power management operation, with continued reference to FIG. 7.

[0066] In other examples, each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, 71 can be made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal, particularly stainless steel. Additionally, at least some of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, 71, or all of these walls, can form a single unitary part.

[0067] The internal dimensions of the heating chamber 45 are defined by a length L3 measured along the handpiece axis Y, a width W3 measured as the distance between the chamber side walls 73A, 73B, and a depth D3 measured as the distance between the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. These internal dimensions L3, W3, D3 are selected based on the external dimensions L2, W, D of the heated portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12.

[0068] The depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 may be slightly greater than the depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12, or may be substantially equal to this depth D. In this case, when the heating portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is received inside the heating chamber 45, the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B may contact the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B, particularly at the contact surfaces of these walls 74A, 74B. Advantageously, in this case, the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B, particularly their contact surfaces, are in firm contact with the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In other examples, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 may be a depth slightly smaller than the normal depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In this case, the heating chamber 45 and / or the mouthpiece 32 are configured to compress the heating portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 by exerting a force on the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. This makes it possible to improve the close contact between the corresponding contact wall of the heating chamber 45 and the substrate 12, and thus to improve the heat transfer between these walls.

[0069] The width W3 of the heating chamber 45 may be defined such that at least a pair of opposing side walls 73A, 13A, or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol-generating substrate 12 form an air flow path therebetween. When the heating portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted into the heating chamber 45, the air flow path is formed on either side of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 along the mouthpiece axis Y. In an alternative form, no air flow path is formed between a pair of opposing side walls 73A and 13A or 73B and 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol-generating substrate 12. Instead, the pair of side walls 73A, 13A, or the pair of 73B, 13B may be in contact. This is suitable when the distal wall 71 of the heating chamber 45 or any other wall forms an opening suitable for air to enter.

[0070] The walls 74A and 74B of the chamber 45 each have heating elements 47A, 47B. The heating elements 47A, 47B form the heater 47 (also referred to as a heater component) of the device. In one example, the heating elements 47A, 47B can be arranged in contact with one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B outside the heating chamber 45. In the example of FIG. 4B, the heating element 47A is arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A, and the heating element 47B is arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the chamber contact wall 47A. Thus, the chamber contact wall transfers heat from the heating elements 47A, 47B to the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In other examples, the heating element can be embedded in the chamber wall. For example, the heating element 47A can be embedded in the chamber contact wall 74A, and the heating element 47B can be embedded in the chamber contact wall 74B. In a further example, the heating element can be on the chamber wall inside the heating chamber 45. As described, the chamber wall is a ceramic material and can have heater tracks or wires in or on it. In an alternative form, each heating element 47A, 47B can comprise a polyimide film heater that extends along substantially the entire area of the outer surface of the corresponding heating wall 74A, 74B, or only along a part of this surface.

[0071] Optionally, the handpiece 10 can include an insulator disposed between each heating element 47A, 47B and the inner surface of the housing 34. The same insulator can also be disposed between the outer surface of each chamber sidewall 73A, 73B and the inner surface of the housing 34.

[0072] The handpiece 10 comprises a controller 43. The controller 43 is configured to control the operation of the handpiece 10. This can include blocking and enabling the operation of the device, and controlling the power flow of the handpiece battery 11 and the charging unit battery 51 (when connected), based on the operating mode of the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0073] The controller 43 can be at least one microcontroller unit including a memory storing instructions for operating the handpiece 10, such as instructions for blocking and enabling the operation of the device, instructions for executing the operation mode of the device, instructions for controlling the power flow from the battery, etc., and one or more processors configured to execute these instructions.

[0074] The controller 43 can be configured to separately operate the operations of each of the heating elements 47A, 47B according to a heating profile selected from a predetermined group of heating profiles. The corresponding heating profile can be selected according to the operation mode of the handpiece 10 and / or according to at least some external / internal parameters related to the operation of the handpiece 10.

[0075] The controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 during the aerosolization session, and the aerosolization session can include a preheating phase and a heating phase.

[0076] In the preheating phase, the heater 47 is heated to a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The preheating phase can be considered as the time during which the preheating mode is executed, for example, the time until the heater 47 reaches a predetermined temperature. The preheating mode occurs during the first period of the aerosolization session. In one example, the first period can be a fixed predetermined period. In other examples, the first period can vary corresponding to the length of time required to heat the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature can be stored in a memory accessible by the controller.

[0077] When the preheating phase is complete, the controller 43 ends the preheating mode and controls the power flow to the heater 47 to supply power to the heating phase. During the heating phase, the controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a substantially predetermined temperature such that an aerosol inhaled by the consumer is generated. The heating phase can be considered as the time during which the heating mode is being executed, e.g., the time during which the heater 47 aerosolizes one (or at least a portion of one) of the aerosol-forming substrates 12 after the preheating phase. The controller 43 may control the power flow to the heater 47 in the heating mode over a second period of the aerosolization session. The second period may be predefined and stored in the controller 43.

[0078] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary plot of the average power 132 supplied to the heater 47 versus time 134 during an aerosolization session. During the preheating phase, the controller 43 controls the power flow to the heater 47 to apply power to the heater 47 over a first period 136 until the temperature of the heater 47 reaches a predetermined temperature. In one example, the predetermined temperature can be in the range of 260° C. to 320° C. In one example, the first period is 20 seconds. In some examples, the controller 43 is configured to heat the heater 47 to a predetermined temperature within a fixed predetermined first period. In other examples, the first period varies according to the time required for the heater 47 to reach the predetermined temperature.

[0079] When the heater 47 reaches a predetermined temperature, the controller 43 switches the operating mode to the heating phase of the second period 138 and maintains the temperature of the heater 47 substantially at the predetermined temperature over this second period 138. In one example, the second period can be 250 seconds. Typically, when maintaining the heater 47 at a predetermined temperature during the heating phase, a lower power level than the power level applied to the heater 47 to heat the heater 47 to the predetermined temperature during the preheating phase is applied to the heater 47. This can be seen in FIG. 6 where the power supplied to the heater 47 during the second period 138 is lower than the power supplied to the heater 47 during the first period 136. The power level supplied to the heater 47 can be controlled by various means, such as adjusting the power output from one or more batteries or adjusting the on / off periods in a pulse width modulated power flow.

[0080] Following the aerosolization session, the user of the handpiece 10 may be notified that the aerosolization session has ended, for example, by a visual, tactile, or auditory indicator, so that the user of the handpiece 10 recognizes that the substrate is no longer aerosolized.

[0081] FIG. 7 shows an operation flowchart of a control process (such as described with reference to FIG. 6) for power management in an aerosolization session, whereby power is controlled among the handpiece battery 11, the charging unit battery 51, and the heater 47 of the aerosol generating device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 - 5.

[0082] In step 701, the controller can be configured to determine that the aerosolization session has been triggered with the handpiece 10 connected to the charging unit 50.

[0083] In some examples, the controller may determine that an aerosolization session has been triggered in response to user input, such as pressing or operating a button (e.g., an "on" button) on an aerosol generation device that the user can press or operate to initiate an aerosolization session.

[0084] In an exemplary interaction between an operator and a device to initiate an aerosolization session, the operator can connect the handpiece 10 to the charging unit 50 and then trigger the aerosolization session, for example, by pressing or operating a button.

[0085] In step 702, the controller is configured to preheat the heater 47 until a target parameter is reached by directing an electric power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47.

[0086] In one example, the target parameter can be a predetermined period corresponding to the known time required for the heater 47 to be heated to a predetermined aerosolization temperature for a given current output from the charging unit battery 51. For example, for that current output, a period of 20 seconds may be predetermined as the preheating time required to heat the heater 47 to the aerosolization temperature (e.g., 260°C to 320°C) for the heating phase of the aerosolization session. In this way, when the elapsed time during the preheating phase reaches the predetermined preheating time, the target parameter is reached. For example, the controller can start a timer when the aerosolization session is triggered or when the preheating phase begins, and when this timer reaches the predetermined preheating time, it is considered that the target parameter has been reached.

[0087] The controller is also configured to determine whether the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 during preheating.

[0088] In one example, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, the controller can determine that the handpiece 10 is connected to the charging unit 50 by detecting a signal between the connector of the handpiece 10 and the connector of the charging unit 50. Similarly, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are not connected to each other, the controller can determine that the handpiece 10 is not connected to the charging unit 50 by not detecting a signal between the connector of the handpiece 10 and the connector of the charging unit 50.

[0089] In step 703, the controller determines whether the handpiece 10 has been separated from the charging unit 50 before reaching a predetermined parameter during preheating.

[0090] When the handpiece 10 has not been separated from the charging unit 50 and the target parameter has been reached during preheating, the process proceeds to step 704. However, when the handpiece 10 has been separated from the charging unit 50 during preheating and the target parameter has not been reached, the process continues to step 705.

[0091] In step 704, when the handpiece 10 has not been separated from the charging unit 50 and the target parameter has been reached during preheating, it is determined that the preheating phase is complete. Then, the controller directs the power flow to the heater 47 and is configured to maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined aerosolization temperature in the heating phase of the aerosolization session.

[0092] In some examples, the aerosol generating device may be configured to notify the operator that the preheating phase has been completed. For example, the controller may control an indicator such as one or more of a visual indicator (e.g., a display screen or a light source, such as an LED), an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker that emits sound), or a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration module) to alert the operator. In this way, the operator can recognize that the device is ready to start the heating phase and that the generated aerosol can be inhaled by the operator.

[0093] If the heater 47 is preheated after the preheating phase, the operator has the option of leaving the handpiece 10 connected to the charging unit 50 during the heating phase or separating the handpiece 10 from the charging unit 50 during the heating phase.

[0094] The controller can determine whether the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected by detecting whether there is a signal between the connector of the handpiece 10 and the corresponding connector of the charging unit 50. If the controller can detect a signal between the handpiece connector and the charging unit connector, the controller can determine that the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected. If the controller cannot detect a signal between the handpiece connector and the charging unit connector, the controller can determine that the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are not connected.

[0095] If the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are separated for the heating phase, the controller can control the power flow from only the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 during the heating phase to supply power to the heater 47 and maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined aerosolization temperature to generate an aerosol from the substrate.

[0096] The combination of powering the preheating phase with the charging unit battery 51 and powering the heating phase with only the handpiece battery 11 offers several advantages.

[0097] As described, the handpiece battery 11 has a smaller charge storage capacity than the charging unit battery 51 and can thus be physically smaller. As a result, this means that the overall size of the handpiece 10 can be minimized, because, for example, a smaller battery can be used compared to a single-part aerosol-generating device that does not include a handpiece 10 that can be connected to a separate charging unit 50.

[0098] In contrast, the larger charging unit battery 51 can have a larger charge storage capacity and a larger current output than the handpiece battery 11. The smaller handpiece battery 11 can have a smaller charge storage capacity and a smaller current output than the charging unit battery 51. This means that the charging unit battery 51 can be more suitable for the more energy-intensive preheating phase. For example, when referring to its capacity, a battery current of, for example, 8 A for preheating is a major challenge for the battery of the handpiece 10. This means that a 200 mAh battery must be able to provide a discharge rate of 40 C (8 A / 0.2 Ah). This is very high in the space of a lithium-ion battery. However, for a larger battery (e.g., 2000 mAh) in the charger unit, this rate is only 4 C. This makes it possible to realize a smaller-sized handpiece 10 because there is no need to oversize the handpiece battery 11 to meet the power requirements.

[0099] Since the handpiece 10 is removable from the charging unit 50, it is not necessary to lift a larger charging unit battery 51 all the way to the mouth. In this case, the handpiece 10 only needs to be connected to the charger for preheating, during which time the handpiece is not lifted up to the operator's mouth. The more powerful charging unit battery 51 can heat the heater 47 more rapidly than the smaller handpiece battery 11 during preheating. This enables faster preheating than when using the handpiece battery 11 alone.

[0100] As a result, while supplying power for energy-intensive preheating of the heater 47 to rapidly preheat, it is also possible to minimize the size of the handpiece 10 that is lifted up to the operator's mouth for aerosol inhalation during the heating phase, facilitating handling. Thus, the user experience is improved.

[0101] As described with reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 can be configured such that the mouthpiece is accessible when the handpiece 10 is connected to the charging unit 50. In this way, the operator can also inhale the aerosol generated during the heating phase with the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 connected.

[0102] When the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected for the heating phase, the controller controls the power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 to supply power to the heater 47 and maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined aerosolization temperature to generate an aerosol from the substrate.

[0103] In one example where the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected for the heating phase, the heater 47 can be powered exclusively by the charging unit battery 51. That is, the controller only controls the power flow to the heater 47 from the charging unit battery 51, rather than from the handpiece battery 11. In this way, the charge stored in the handpiece battery 11 is conserved for a subsequent aerosolization session, enabling the user to vape for a longer period of time with the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 separated.

[0104] In another example where the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected for the heating phase, the heater 47 can be powered by a combination of the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11. That is, the controller controls the power flow to the heater 47 from both the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11. In this way, the handpiece battery 11, which has a smaller charge storage capacity and a lower current output battery, can be supplemented by the charging unit battery 51, ensuring that sufficient power is directed to the heater 47.

[0105] When returning to step 703, if the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 during preheating and the target parameters have not been reached, the process continues to step 705.

[0106] When the controller determines that the handpiece 10 has been separated from the charging unit 50 before reaching the target parameters during the preheating phase, the controller can control the indictor within the device to provide an indicator to the operator. For example, the controller can control an indicator such as one or more of a visual indicator (e.g., a display screen or a light source, such as an LED), an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker that emits sound), or a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration module) to warn the operator. In this way, the operator can recognize that the device is the charging unit 50 and is no longer powering the preheating phase, and that (as will be described later) the preheating phase will continue to be powered only by the handpiece battery 11, which may require a longer time.

[0107] In step 705, when the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 during preheating and before reaching the target parameters, the controller is configured to direct the power flow from the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 to complete the preheating. In this way, the handpiece battery 11 can be used to power the remainder of the preheating phase to complete the preheating.

[0108] The power flow from the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 during the preheating phase (i.e., the preheating power flow in step 705) can be considered the first power flow. The power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 during the preheating phase (i.e., the preheating power flow in step 702) can be considered the second power flow.

[0109] As described above, the larger charging unit battery 51 may have a larger charge storage capacity and a larger current output than the handpiece battery 11. The smaller handpiece battery 11 may have a smaller charge storage capacity and a smaller current output than the charging unit battery 51. Thus, the second power flow (the power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 during the preheating phase) may be a larger power than the first power flow (the power flow from the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 during the preheating phase). This means that when the preheating of the heater 47 is powered by the charging unit battery 51, a larger power can be conducted to the heater 47, whereby the heater 47 can be heated to a predetermined aerosolization temperature more rapidly than when powering the preheating phase using the handpiece battery 11. Conversely, when the preheating of the heater 47 is powered only by the handpiece battery 11, a lower power is conducted to the heater 47, whereby the heater 47 is heated to the predetermined aerosolization temperature more slowly than when powering the preheating phase using the charging unit battery 51.

[0110] When the entire preheating phase is performed with the handpiece connected to the charging unit 50, in step 702, for a given current output from the charging unit battery 51, the power flow is applied from the charging unit battery 51 to the heater 47 for a predetermined period corresponding to the known time required for the heater 47 to be heated to the predetermined aerosolization temperature. That is, when the handpiece 10 is connected to the charging unit 50, the preheating power flow (the second power flow) from the charging unit battery 51 is applied for a predetermined period, and when the predetermined period is reached, the target parameters are satisfied. In some examples, the second power flow is supplied only by the charging unit battery 51. In other examples, the second power flow is supplied by a combination of the outputs of both the charging unit battery 51 and the handpiece battery 11.

[0111] When the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 during preheating before the target parameters are satisfied (i.e., before a predetermined period is reached), the controller switches the power flow so that the heater 47 is powered only by the handpiece battery 11 (the first power flow) until the preheating is completed.

[0112] However, as described, the handpiece battery 11 has a lower current output than the charging unit battery 51. That is, the first power flow from the handpiece battery 11 has lower power than the second power flow that uses the charging unit battery 51. This means that after the handpiece battery 11 is separated from the charging unit 50, the heater 47 cannot be properly heated to the predetermined aerosolization temperature for the remaining part of the predetermined period.

[0113] Instead, the controller determines a corrected preheating time based on the time elapsed (the elapsed preheating time) in the predetermined period when the handpiece is separated from the charging unit 50. The controller then controls the handpiece battery 11 to direct the first power flow to the heater 47 over this corrected preheating time.

[0114] That is, the predetermined preheating time is the predetermined time during which the heater 47 is preheated using the charging unit battery 51. The elapsed preheating time is the time elapsed between the start of the preheating phase and the time when the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit. The corrected preheating time is the time during which the heater 47 is preheated using only the handpiece battery 11 after being separated from the charging unit 50.

[0115] The corrected preheating time may be longer than the remaining part of the predetermined period (predetermined period - elapsed preheating time = remaining part of the preheating time), taking into account that the handpiece battery 11 heats the heater 47 more slowly due to its lower current output.

[0116] The controller can determine the modified preheating time based on the elapsed preheating time according to a predetermined relationship between the elapsed preheating time and the modified preheating time.

[0117] For example, the look-up table may be stored in a storage device accessible by the controller. This look-up table may contain values of the elapsed preheating time together with the corresponding values of the modified preheating time. These values of the modified preheating time can be predetermined and correspond to the time required to heat the heater 47 to a predetermined aerosolization temperature when it is powered only by the handpiece battery 11 after being partially preheated (i.e., preheated partially by the elapsed time before the disconnection between the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 during the preheating phase) while the heater 47 is powered by the charging unit battery 51. The controller determines the value of the modified preheating time corresponding to the elapsed preheating time in the look-up table.

[0118] In one example, when the heater 47 is powered by the charging unit battery 51 with a second power flow, the predetermined heating time can be 20 seconds. When the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 at the very start of the preheating phase with the minimum elapsed time and the heater 47 is powered by the handpiece battery 11 with a first power flow, the maximum modified preheating time can be 60 seconds. For these exemplary values, the preheating phase can vary between 20 seconds (when fully powered by the charging unit battery 51) and 60 seconds (when the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 at the very start of the preheating phase).

[0119] Alternatively, the look-up table may contain values for the remaining portion of the preheat time, along with corresponding values for the modified preheat time. The controller can determine the remaining portion of the preheat time, for example, by subtracting the elapsed time when the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 from a predetermined preheat time. The controller can then determine the corresponding value for the modified preheat time from the look-up table.

[0120] In another alternative, the controller can use a mathematical relationship between the elapsed preheat time and the modified preheat time to determine the modified preheat time for a given elapsed preheat time. This mathematical relationship may be stored in a storage device accessible to the controller and may be executed by the processor of the controller to calculate the modified preheat time for a given elapsed preheat time when the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 during the preheat phase.

[0121] If the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 during the preheat phase, the controller determines a value for the modified preheat time based on the elapsed preheat time and then controls the handpiece battery 11 to supply power to the heater 47 using a first power flow over this modified preheat time.

[0122] Then, in step 705, when the controller determines that a first power flow has been applied to the heater 47 over the modified preheat time using a timer, the preheat phase is complete.

[0123] When the preliminary heating in step 705 is completed, the aerosol generating device may be configured to notify the operator that the preliminary heating phase is completed. For example, the controller may control an indicator such as one or more of a visual indicator (e.g., a display screen or a light source, such as an LED), an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker that emits sound), or a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration module) to alert the operator. In this way, the operator can recognize that the device is ready to start the heating phase and that the generated aerosol can be inhaled by the operator.

[0124] When the preliminary heating in step 705 is completed, the process continues to step 706.

[0125] In step 706, the controller is configured to direct the power flow from the handpiece battery 11 to the heater 47 to maintain the heater 47 at a predetermined aerosolization temperature during the heating phase of the aerosolization session.

[0126] Step 706 is performed when the handpiece 10 is still separated from the charging unit 50 for the heating phase. Alternatively or additionally, for example, if the charge stored in the handpiece battery 11 is running low, the operator may reconnect the handpiece 10 to the charging unit 50 for / during the heating phase. In this case, the heating phase may proceed as described with respect to step 704.

[0127] In the description of FIG. 7, the target parameter is the described predetermined preheating time (step 702), and when the handpiece 10 is separated from the charging unit 50 before the predetermined period is satisfied, the target parameter is updated to the modified preheating time (step 705), but alternative forms are possible.

[0128] In a first alternative form, the target parameter can be a predetermined aerosolization temperature. The controller can use a temperature sensing sub-circuit to monitor the heater temperature during the preheating phase. When the heater temperature reaches the predetermined aerosolization temperature, the target parameter is reached. Then, in step 704, the controller can direct an electric power flow to heater 47 to maintain heater 47 at the predetermined aerosolization temperature in the heating phase of the aerosolization session, as described with respect to FIG. 7. However, in step 703, if the controller determines that the handpiece 10 has been separated from the charging unit 50 before the heater temperature reaches the predetermined aerosolization temperature (i.e., before the target parameter is reached), the controller can direct a first electric power flow from only the handpiece battery 11 to heater 47 (step 705). The controller can continue to monitor the heater temperature while being powered only by the handpiece battery 11, and when the predetermined aerosolization temperature is met, the process can continue to step 706 for the heating phase. For example, if the handpiece 10 is separated early (step 705), the electric power flow is directed from the handpiece battery 11 to heater 47 until the PID controller determines that the predetermined temperature has been achieved. At this point, the user is notified that the device is ready for vaping.

[0129] In step 705, while the electric power flow is being directed from the handpiece battery 11 to heater 47 for preheating, the operator can be informed by a controller that controls an indicator, such as one or more LEDs, to operate in a first manner (e.g., blinking). Then, when the predetermined temperature is achieved and the device is ready for vaping, the operator can be notified by a controller that controls the LED to operate in a second manner (e.g., the blinking of the LED changes, stops, or remains lit). Alternatively, a tactile or audible indicator can be used.

[0130] In a second alternative form, as will be described with reference to FIG. 7, the target parameter can be a predetermined preheating period. When the target parameter is reached and the handpiece 10 is separated, the process continues to step 704, as will be described with reference to FIG. 7. However, if the controller determines that the handpiece 10 has been separated from the charging unit 50 during the preheating phase before a predetermined period has elapsed, the controller switches the power flow so that only the handpiece battery 11 powers the heater 47 to preheat it (as in step 705). The controller can then monitor the heater temperature using the temperature sensing sub-circuit (instead of determining a modified preheating time). When the heater 47 reaches a predetermined aerosolization temperature, the preheating phase is complete and the process proceeds to step 706 for the heating phase.

[0131] In addition to the power management process described with reference to FIG. 7, the controller can be further configured to direct power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the handpiece battery 11 to charge the handpiece battery 11 when the handpiece 10 is connected to the charging unit 50. In a first example, this charging can occur during an aerosolization session. In a second example, the controller can be configured to direct power flow from the charging unit battery 51 to the handpiece battery 11 to charge the handpiece battery 11 both during and within an aerosolization session. Thus, the handpiece battery 11 can be charged, for example, during the preheating phase and is therefore ready for the heating phase when separated from the charging unit 50.

[0132] In the foregoing control process, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are not connected to each other, the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 may be controlled by the controller 43 in the handpiece 10, and the functions executed by the components in the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller in the charging unit 50. When the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, all of the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller 43 in the handpiece 10. In an alternative form, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, all of the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller in the charging unit 50. In another alternative form, when the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 are connected to each other, some of the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller in the handpiece 10, and some of the functions executed by the components in the handpiece 10 and the charging unit 50 may be controlled by the controller 43 in the charging unit 50.

[0133] Figures 8A and 8B show a second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800. The second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800 is configured to operate in a manner corresponding to the first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100, and thus, for the sake of brevity, the specific details of the operation process will not be repeated.

[0134] The operating process described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100, in particular, the control process for power management of an aerosolization session as described with reference to FIG. 7, will be readily understood to be readily applicable to the second exemplary aerosol generation device 800. Even if not referred to with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B for the sake of brevity, it will also be readily understood that the components described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100 can be readily applied to the second exemplary aerosol generation device 800 described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0135] The second exemplary aerosol generation device 800 includes a handpiece or holding unit 810 and a charging unit or charging case 850, similar to the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100. The handpiece 810 is removably connectable to the charging unit 850. FIG. 8A shows the handpiece 810 connected to the charging unit 850, and FIG. 8B shows the handpiece 810 separated from the charging unit 850.

[0136] The handpiece 810 includes a first charge storage module 811 configured to supply power to the heater 847 and provide the same function as the first charge storage module 11 of the first exemplary aerosol generation device 100. The first charge storage module 811 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof. The first charge storage module 11 can be a high-rate charge battery, for example, a battery having a chemical substance such as lithium titanate (LTO). This type of battery is capable of supplying the high current required at the initial stage of the aerosolization session and has excellent safety characteristics.

[0137] The charging unit 850 comprises a second charge storage module 851 configured to charge the first charge storage module 811, power the heater 847, and provide the same functionality as the second charge storage module 51 of the first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100. The second charge storage module 851 can be one or more batteries or supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0138] In the following description of the second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800, the first charge storage module is referred to as the handpiece battery 811, and the second charge storage module is referred to as the charging unit battery 851. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that each of these can be one or more batteries, supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0139] The handpiece 810 comprises a controller 843 configured to provide a functionality corresponding to the controller 43 within the handpiece 11 of the first exemplary aerosol-generating device 100.

[0140] The handpiece 811 has a body portion or housing 830 containing the controller 843 and the handpiece battery 811. The heater or heater component 847 is contained within the body portion 830. In one such example, the heater 847 is disposed within a cavity 845 or chamber of the body portion 830. The cavity 845 is accessed by an opening 845A of the body portion 830. The cavity 845 is configured to accommodate an associated aerosol-generating substrate or consumable 812.

[0141] The aerosol-generating substrate 812 can contain an aerosol-generating material such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco. The tobacco rod can be similar to a conventional cigarette. The cavity 845 can have a cross-section that is substantially equal to the cross-section of the aerosol-generating substrate 812. When the associated aerosol-generating substrate 812 is inserted into the cavity 845, the cavity 845 can have a depth such that the first end 812A of the aerosol-generating substrate 812 reaches the bottom 845B of the cavity 845 (i.e., the end 845B of the cavity 845 that is distal from the cavity opening 845A), and the second end 812B of the aerosol-generating substrate 812, which is distal from the first end 812A, extends outwardly from the cavity 845. In this way, a consumer can inhale the aerosol-generating substrate 812 when it is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0142] In the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the heater 847 is disposed within the cavity 845 such that the heater 847 engages the aerosol-generating substrate 812 when the aerosol-generating substrate 812 is inserted into the cavity 845. In the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the heater 847 is disposed as a tube within the cavity such that when the first end 812A of the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the cavity, the heater 847 substantially or completely surrounds the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 812 within the cavity 845. The heater 847 can be a wire such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. The heater 847 can comprise a plurality of heating elements that are disposed continuously along the axial length of the cavity and can be activated (i.e., powered on) independently in sequence.

[0143] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater can be disposed within the cavity as an elongate piercing member (e.g., in the form of a needle, rod, or blade), and in such an embodiment, the heater can be configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate and engage the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the cavity.

[0144] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be in the form of an induction heater. In such an embodiment, a heating element (i.e., susceptor) can be provided within the substrate, and the heating element is inductively coupled to an induction element (i.e., induction coil) within the cavity when the substrate is inserted into the cavity. The induction heater then heats the heating element by induction.

[0145] Heater 847 is configured to heat the tobacco without combustion to generate an aerosol. That is, heater 847 heats the tobacco at a predetermined temperature below the combustion point of the tobacco such that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated. One skilled in the art will readily understand that the aerosol-generating substrate 812 need not necessarily include tobacco, and in particular, any other suitable substance for aerosolization (or vaporization) by heating without combustion of the substance can be used instead of tobacco.

[0146] In an alternative form, the aerosol-generating substrate can be a vaporizable liquid. The vaporizable liquid can be contained within a cartridge that can be accommodated within the aerosol-generating device or can be placed directly into the aerosol-generating device.

[0147] Charging unit 850 is dimensioned to receive and accommodate handpiece 810 within the opening 890 of charging unit 50. When handpiece 810 is received within charging unit 850, charging unit battery 851 connects to corresponding connector 880A within handpiece 10 by connector 880B within the opening 890 of the charging unit. A controller within handpiece 810 or charging unit 850 can detect signals between handpiece connector 880A and charging unit connector 880B and control the power flow from charging unit battery 851 to handpiece battery 811.

[0148] When housed within the charging unit 850, the handpiece 810 can be arranged such that it is accessible from the opening 890 of the charging unit 850 to the cavity 845. In this way, when the handpiece 810 is connected to (or housed within) the charging unit, the aerosol-generating substrate 812 can be inserted into the cavity 845. Further, then, when the handpiece 810 is connected to (or housed within) the charging unit, the consumer can perform an aerosolization session by inhaling through the accessible end 812B of the substrate 812 that extends from the handpiece 810 and the charging unit 850.

[0149] As already explained, the second exemplary aerosol-generating device 800 can perform operations for an aerosolization session that are the same as those described with reference to the first exemplary aerosol-generating device, particularly with regard to the preheating phase and heating phase of the aerosolization session, with regard to the charging unit battery charging the handpiece battery, and with regard to the operations described with reference to FIG. 7. For the sake of brevity, these are not repeated here again.

[0150] In the examples described above, the processing steps described herein, which are performed by the handpiece controller or the charging unit controller, can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or storage device associated with each controller. The computer-readable medium can include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media can particularly include semiconductor memory and dynamic memory. Non-volatile media can include optical disks and magnetic disks, among others.

[0151] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing embodiments in the above description are not limiting, and that the features of each embodiment can be appropriately incorporated into other embodiments.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device comprising a holding unit configured to contain an aerosol generation substrate and aerosolize it, and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit, wherein the holding unit comprises a heater component configured to aerosolize the aerosol generation substrate, and a first charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component, the charging unit comprises a second charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component, the aerosol generation device when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, preheats the heater component by guiding a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component until a target parameter is reached, and further comprises a controller configured to guide a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during preheating and before the target parameter is reached. An aerosol generation device.

2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first power flow corresponds to an output current from the first charge storage module that is lower than an output current from the second charge storage module for the second power flow.

3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the target parameter is a predetermined preheating time.

4. The aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the controller guides the first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component over a modified preheating time when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during preheating and before the target parameter is reached, and the modified preheating time is longer than the remaining portion of the predetermined preheating time at the time when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit.

5. The aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to determine the modified preheating time based on the elapsed preheating time when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during the preheating phase.

6. The controller determines the elapsed preheating time between the start of the preheating phase and the point in time during the preheating phase when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the corrected preheating time is determined based on the elapsed preheating time according to a predetermined relationship between the elapsed preheating time and the corrected preheating time. **Claim 7** The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller is configured to maintain the heater component at a predetermined aerosolization temperature by guiding a power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the heater component is preheated and the holding unit is separated from the charging unit. **Claim 8** The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller is configured to maintain the heater component at a predetermined aerosolization temperature by guiding a power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component when the heater component is preheated and the holding unit is not separated from the charging unit. **Claim 9** The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller is configured to charge the first charge storage module by guiding a power flow from the second charge storage module to the first charge storage module when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit. **Claim 10** The holding unit includes a cavity, and the aerosol generating substrate can be inserted into the cavity in order to generate an aerosol by heating using the heater component. The cavity is configured to accommodate a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cavity includes two main inner surfaces that face each other, the aerosol generating substrate is configured to be accommodated between the opposing main inner surfaces, and each of the main inner surfaces is associated with a heating element of the heater component. **Claim 11** The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the main inner surface comprises a ceramic material, and the heating element is disposed on the ceramic material or embedded in the ceramic material.

12. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holding unit comprises a cavity into which the aerosol generating substrate can be inserted in order to generate an aerosol by heating using the heater component, and the cavity is configured to accommodate a rod-shaped aerosol generating substrate.

13. An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having an aerosol generating substrate accommodated in the holding unit of the aerosol generating device.

14. A method of operating an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a holding unit configured to accommodate an aerosol generating substrate and aerosolize it, and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit, the holding unit comprising a heater component configured to aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate and a first charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component, the charging unit comprising a second charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component; The method comprises: preheating the heater component by guiding a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component until a target parameter is reached when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit; guiding a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during preheating and before the target parameter is reached.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: A holding unit configured to accommodate an aerosol generation substrate and aerosolize it, and a charging unit connectable to the holding unit, wherein the holding unit includes a heater component configured to aerosolize the aerosol generation substrate and a first charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component, and the charging unit includes a second charge storage module configured to supply power to the heater component. The instructions cause the one or more processors to When the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, preheat the heater component by guiding a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component until a target parameter is reached. When the holding unit is separated from the charging unit during preheating and before the target parameter is reached, guide a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component. A non-transitory computer-readable medium that causes the steps to be executed.

Images