Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

The aerosol delivery system includes an aerosol delivery device and a charging unit for charging the aerosol delivery device, wherein the aerosol delivery device includes an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, and the charging unit includes a receptacle for receiving the aerosol delivery device, a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position, and a charging unit controller configured to periodically send a heartbeat communication to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including a cover status, the cover status indicating whether the cover is in the open position or the closed position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery system, an aerosol delivery device, a charging unit, and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these items by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include so-called "heat not burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products that heat, but do not burn, a material to release a compound. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and these products may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a charging unit for charging the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; The charging unit is a receptacle for receiving an aerosol delivery device; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; a charging unit controller configured to periodically send a heartbeat communication to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including a cover status, the cover status indicating whether the cover is in an open position or a closed position; and An aerosol delivery system is provided, comprising:

[0004] The charging unit controller may be configured to send the heartbeat communication at a heartbeat period, the heartbeat period being less than 1 s.

[0005] The heartbeat period may be approximately 200 ms.

[0006] The aerosol delivery device may include a device controller configured to receive the heartbeat communication and to send a heartbeat return communication to the charging unit controller in response to receiving the heartbeat communication.

[0007] The heartbeat return communication may include aerosol delivery device status information.

[0008] The aerosol delivery device may include a device energy storage unit, and the aerosol delivery device status information includes a charge level of the device energy storage unit.

[0009] The heartbeat return communication may include instructions.

[0010] The command may be to display the charge level of the charging unit energy storage or to shut down the charging unit.

[0011] The command may be to shut down the charging unit.

[0012] A user input element may be provided, and the aerosol delivery device may include a device controller configured to control the aerosol delivery device to an off state in response to a user providing input to the user input element and the cover being in a closed position.

[0013] When the aerosol delivery device is in the off state, activation of the aerosol generator may be prevented.

[0014] The aerosol delivery system may include a controller configured to prevent activation of the aerosol generator when the cover is in the closed position.

[0015] The aerosol delivery device may be a tobacco heating product.

[0016] According to a second aspect, there is provided a charging unit for charging an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the charging unit comprising: a receptacle for receiving an aerosol delivery device; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; a charging unit controller configured to periodically send a heartbeat communication to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including a cover status, the cover status indicating whether the cover is in an open position or a closed position; and A charging unit is provided, comprising:

[0017] The charging unit controller may be configured to send the heartbeat communication at a heartbeat period, the heartbeat period being less than 1 s.

[0018] The heartbeat period may be approximately 200 ms.

[0019] The charging unit controller may be configured to receive a heartbeat return communication from the device controller at the aerosol delivery device in response to the device controller receiving the heartbeat communication.

[0020] The heartbeat return communication may include aerosol delivery device status information.

[0021] The aerosol delivery device may include a device energy storage unit, and the aerosol delivery device status information includes a charge level of the device energy storage unit.

[0022] The heartbeat return communication may include instructions.

[0023] The instructions may be for displaying the charge level of the charging unit energy storage.

[0024] The command may be to shut down the charging unit.

[0025] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of operating a charging unit for an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, and the charging unit comprising: a receptacle for receiving an aerosol delivery device; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; and Equipped with A method is provided that includes a step of periodically transmitting a heartbeat communication to an aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including a cover status, the cover status indicating whether the cover is in an open position or a closed position.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect, an aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator, a device controller, and a device energy storage, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; 1. A charging unit for charging an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a receptacle for receiving an aerosol delivery device; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; and a charging unit comprising: a controller configured to prevent activation of the aerosol generator when the cover is in the closed position; and An aerosol delivery system is provided comprising:

[0027] The controller may be a device controller of an aerosol delivery device.

[0028] The charging unit may include a charging unit controller configured to send a cover closure signal to the device controller.

[0029] The charging unit controller may be configured to periodically send a heartbeat communication to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including a cover closed signal when the cover is in the closed position.

[0030] The aerosol delivery device may include a memory, and the device controller is configured to store the cover closed indicator in the memory in response to receiving the cover closed signal.

[0031] The device controller may be configured to determine a charge level of the charging unit energy storage in response to the device controller receiving an aerosol generator activation signal and the cover being in an open position.

[0032] In response to the charging unit energy storage having a charge level above the charging unit activation threshold, the device controller may be configured to activate the aerosol generator by supplying energy from the charging unit energy storage to the aerosol generator.

[0033] During an aerosol generation session in which energy is being supplied to the aerosol generator from the charging unit energy storage, in response to the aerosol delivery device being disconnected from the charging unit, the device controller may be configured to supply energy to the aerosol generator from the device energy storage.

[0034] In response to the charging unit energy storage having a charge level below the charging unit activation threshold, the device controller may be configured to activate the aerosol generator by supplying energy to the aerosol generator from the device energy storage.

[0035] The aerosol delivery device may be a tobacco heating product.

[0036] The charging unit may include a cover position sensor for determining whether the charging unit is in the open or closed position.

[0037] The cover position sensor may be a Hall sensor.

[0038] The cover may be slidable between an open position and a closed position.

[0039] In the closed position, the cover may cover an opening in the aerosol delivery device, the opening being configured to receive an article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

[0040] The system may include an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the article being received in the aerosol delivery device.

[0041] According to a fifth aspect, A device controller; an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; Equipped with The device controller receiving a cover closed signal, the cover closed signal indicating that a cover of a charging unit connected to the aerosol delivery device is in a closed position; and preventing activation of the aerosol generator in response to receiving a cover closure signal. configured to: An aerosol delivery device is provided.

[0042] The controller may be a device controller of an aerosol delivery device.

[0043] The aerosol delivery device may include a memory, and the device controller is configured to store the cover closed indicator in the memory in response to receiving the cover closed signal.

[0044] The device controller may be configured to determine a charge level of the charging unit energy storage in response to the device controller receiving an aerosol generator activation signal and the cover being in the closed position.

[0045] In response to the charging unit energy storage having a charge level above the charging unit activation threshold, the device controller may be configured to activate the aerosol generator by supplying energy from the charging unit energy storage to the aerosol generator.

[0046] During an aerosol generation session in which energy is being supplied to the aerosol generator from the charging unit energy storage, in response to the aerosol delivery device being disconnected from the charging unit, the device controller may be configured to supply energy to the aerosol generator from the device energy storage.

[0047] In response to the charging unit energy storage having a charge level below the charging unit activation threshold, the device controller may be configured to activate the aerosol generator by supplying energy to the aerosol generator from the device energy storage.

[0048] The aerosol delivery device may be a tobacco heating product.

[0049] The aerosol delivery device may further comprise an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the article being received in the aerosol delivery device.

[0050] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator, a device controller, and a device energy store, the aerosol generator being configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; and a charging unit for charging the aerosol delivery device, the charging unit comprising: a receptacle for receiving an aerosol delivery device; a charging unit comprising: a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; and Equipped with the aerosol delivery system further comprising a controller; A method is provided that includes the step of the controller preventing activation of the aerosol generator when the cover is in the closed position.

[0051] According to a seventh aspect, an aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator and a device controller, the device controller configured to control the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; 1. A charging unit for charging an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a receptacle for receiving an aerosol delivery device; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; and a charging unit comprising: a user input element, wherein the device controller is configured to control the aerosol delivery device to enter an off state in response to a user providing an input to the user input element and the cover being in a closed position; and An aerosol delivery system is provided comprising:

[0052] The aerosol delivery device may include a user input element.

[0053] The aerosol delivery device may be configured to remain in an off state when the cover is moved to the open position.

[0054] When the aerosol delivery device is in the off state, activation of the aerosol generator may be prevented.

[0055] The aerosol delivery device may include a device energy storage unit, and when the aerosol delivery device is in an off state, the device energy storage unit is permitted to charge.

[0056] The aerosol delivery device may be configured to exit the off state in response to the user providing an additional input to the user input element.

[0057] The charging unit may be configured to enter the off state in response to a user providing an input to a user input element.

[0058] The device controller may be configured to receive the heartbeat communication.

[0059] The heartbeat communication may include a cover status, which indicates whether the cover is in an open or closed position.

[0060] According to an eighth aspect, A device controller; an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; Equipped with The device controller receiving a cover closed signal, the cover closed signal indicating that a cover of a charging unit connected to the aerosol delivery device is in a closed position; receiving a user input signal, the user input signal indicating that a user has actuated a user input element; controlling the aerosol delivery device to enter an off state in response to receiving the cover closed signal and the user input signal; configured to: An aerosol delivery device is provided.

[0061] The aerosol delivery device may include a user input element.

[0062] The aerosol delivery device may be configured to remain in an off state when the cover is moved to the open position.

[0063] When the aerosol delivery device is in the off state, activation of the aerosol generator may be prevented.

[0064] The aerosol delivery device may include a device energy storage unit, and when the aerosol delivery device is in an off state, the device energy storage unit is permitted to charge.

[0065] The aerosol delivery device may be configured to exit the off state in response to the user providing an additional input to the user input element.

[0066] The charging unit may be configured to enter the off state in response to a user providing an input to a user input element.

[0067] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol delivery system, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a charging unit, the aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator being configured to control the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, and the charging unit comprising: a receptacle for receiving an aerosol delivery device; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; and Equipped with the aerosol delivery system further comprising a user input element; A method is provided, the method including controlling the aerosol delivery device to enter an off state in response to a user providing an input to a user input element and the cover being in a closed position.

[0068] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a charging unit for charging the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; The charging unit is An aerosol delivery system is provided that includes a charging unit controller configured to periodically send heartbeat communications to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communications including information regarding the charging unit and / or the aerosol delivery device.

[0069] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a charging unit for charging an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the charging unit comprising: A charging unit is provided that includes a charging unit controller configured to periodically send a heartbeat communication to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including information regarding the charging unit and / or the aerosol delivery device.

[0070] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a method of operating a charging unit for an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; A method is provided that includes periodically sending a heartbeat communication to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including information about the charging unit and / or the aerosol delivery device.

[0071] According to a thirteenth aspect, A device controller; an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; Equipped with the device controller is configured to send a heartbeat communication to the charging unit, the heartbeat communication including information regarding the charging unit and / or the aerosol delivery device; An aerosol delivery device is provided.

[0072] Any of the optional features specified above may be included in the system according to the first, fourth, seventh and / or tenth aspects, the charging unit according to the second and / or eleventh aspects, the device according to the fifth, eighth and / or thirteenth aspects, and / or the method according to the third, sixth, ninth and / or twelfth aspects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0073] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol delivery device disposed within a charging unit. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating various modes of operation of the aerosol delivery device and charging unit, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of heartbeat communication between an aerosol delivery device and a charging unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating materials comprising the aerosol delivery system (or its components) are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0075] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0076] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not required.

[0077] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system, an example of which is a tobacco heating system.

[0078] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials, where one or more of the aerosol-forming materials can be heated. Each of the aerosol-forming materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0079] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0080] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices.

[0081] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat-transfer material in proximity to the heat-generating power source.

[0082] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0083] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery device may comprise an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material containment region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0084] An aerosol-forming material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-forming material may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel) form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0085] The aerosol-forming material may include a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, in which one or more other components of the aerosol-forming material may or may not be soluble. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0086] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol former, and one or more other ingredients, such as an active agent, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent and form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as a construction of individual portions of film on a substrate. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0087] The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be chopped to form chopped sheets.

[0088] The aerosol-forming materials may include one or more active agents and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0089] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material, thereby releasing one or more volatile components from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol-generating material.

[0090] A consumable is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material, and is intended to be consumed, in part or in whole, upon use by a user. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material containment area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may further include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that, upon use, emits heat and causes the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0091] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration of the material by the varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the material by the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol delivery device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0092] The non-combustion aerosol delivery system may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol delivery device and a replaceable aerosol generating product. In some implementations, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may include, for example, a power source such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some other implementations, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may further comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol generating product may comprise, in part or in whole, the aerosol generating component.

[0093] Induction heating is a process in which a conductive object, called a susceptor, is heated by penetrating a varying magnetic field into the object. This process is explained by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may include an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably positioned relative to one another, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object as the resulting varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated within the object, their flow against the object's electrical resistance causes the object to heat. This process is called Joule heating, ohmic heating, or resistive heating.

[0094] Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by subjecting the object to a varying magnetic field. Magnetic materials can be thought of as containing a large number of atomic-sized magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Thus, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field produced by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat in the magnetic material.

[0095] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, a fluctuating magnetic field penetrating the object can induce both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the magnetic field, thereby enhancing Joule heating.

[0096] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

[0097] 1 shows an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device 100, which is shown inserted into a receptacle of a charging unit 101. Aerosol delivery device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating product or consumable (not shown), which may be inserted into aerosol delivery device 100 for use.

[0098] The aerosol delivery device 100 may comprise an elongated structure extending along a longitudinal axis. The aerosol delivery device 100 has a proximal end that is closest to a user (e.g., a user's mouth) when used by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol delivery device 100. The aerosol delivery device 100 further comprises a distal end that is farthest from the user when in use. The proximal end may also be referred to as the mouth end. The aerosol delivery device 100 further defines a proximal direction accordingly, which points toward the user when in use, i.e., from the distal end to the proximal end. The aerosol delivery device 100 further similarly defines a distal direction, which points away from the user when in use, i.e., from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0099] Aerosol delivery device 100 may be removably inserted into charging unit 101 to be charged. Charging unit 101 includes a receptacle for receiving aerosol delivery device 100. Aerosol delivery device 100 may be inserted into the receptacle through an opening. The receptacle may further include a longitudinal opening. A portion of aerosol delivery device 100 may include a first side. One or more user input elements, such as button 106, that can be used to operate aerosol delivery device 100 may be provided on the first side of aerosol delivery device 100. The first side of aerosol delivery device 100 may be received within the longitudinal opening provided in charging unit 101.

[0100] The receptacle of charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile that allows aerosol delivery device 100 to be inserted into charging unit 101 only in a single, specific orientation. The outer profile of aerosol delivery device 100 may include an arcuate portion and a straight portion. The cross-sectional profile of the receptacle provided on charging unit 101 may also include similar arcuate and straight portions. The straight portion of the receptacle's cross-sectional profile may correspond to a longitudinal opening.

[0101] Aerosol delivery device 100 includes an opening that leads to a heating chamber. A rod-shaped aerosol generator comprising an aerosol-generating material may be inserted through the opening and held within the heating chamber of aerosol delivery device 100. The aerosol generator may be heated by the heating element, thereby generating an aerosol or other inhalable medium that may then be inhaled by a user of aerosol delivery device 100.

[0102] The charging unit 101 may include a sliding cover 103. The sliding cover 103 is movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0103] When aerosol delivery device 100 is inserted into charging unit 101 for recharging in the closed position (shown in FIG. 1 ), sliding cover 103 covers an opening to aerosol delivery device 101. The opening of the aerosol device is configured to receive an article comprising an aerosol-generating material. In the open position (not shown), sliding cover 103 does not cover the opening of aerosol delivery device 100.

[0104] When cover 103 is in the open position, aerosol delivery device 100 is secured to the receptacle of charging unit 101, making it less likely to be easily removed from the receptacle of charging unit 101 or to fall off therefrom.

[0105] The charging unit 101 may include a user interface, such as a display 108 .

[0106] The charging unit 101 may include a user input element. The user input element may be located as part of the display 108. Alternatively or additionally, the user input element may be a button or switch located on the charging unit. It will be appreciated that any suitable user input element that allows a user to provide input may be provided.

[0107] The charging unit 101 includes a charging unit controller (not shown) configured to control various aspects of the charging unit 101. In particular, the charging unit controller located within the charging unit 101 may be configured to control an electrical energy storage device of the charging unit 101. The electrical energy storage device may include, for example, a battery. The controller located within the charging unit 101 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a microcontroller (MCU).

[0108] The battery of the charging unit 101 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) battery, a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNi x Mn y CO z The battery may include a lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (LiNiCoAlO2) battery, or a lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (LiNiCoAlO2) battery. The battery may have a capacity of 1000 mAh or greater.

[0109] Aerosol delivery device 100 may further include a device controller (not shown) configured to control various aspects of aerosol delivery device 100. In particular, the device controller disposed within aerosol delivery device 100 may be configured to control the electrical energy supply of aerosol delivery device 100. The device controller may control aerosol delivery device 100 to an on state, in which the electrical energy supply energizes the aerosol generator. The device controller may control aerosol delivery device 100 to an off state, in which the electrical energy supply is turned off and does not energize the aerosol generator. The controller may include a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, or microcontroller (MCU). The electrical energy storage device may include a battery. For example, the battery of aerosol delivery device 100 may include a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery or a lithium titanate or lithium titanium oxide (LTO) battery. The battery may have a capacity of 200 mAh or less.

[0110] The respective controllers of the charging unit 101 and the aerosol delivery device 100 may be configured to communicate with each other when the aerosol delivery device 100 is electrically connected to the charging unit 101, i.e., when the aerosol delivery device 100 is inserted into or docked within the charging unit 101.

[0111] It is also contemplated that the respective controllers may be configured to communicate wirelessly with each other when the aerosol delivery device 100 is remote from the charging unit 101. Wireless communication may be enabled by Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, any other suitable wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless personal area network (WPAN), or wireless sensor actor network (WSAN) protocol.

[0112] A controller (charging unit controller) located within charging unit 101 may be configured to send communications to the device controller of aerosol delivery device 100. The device controller may be configured to receive communications from the charging unit controller. The device controller may be configured to send communications to the charging unit controller. The device controller may send a return communication in response to receiving a communication from the charging unit controller. The charging unit controller may be used to receive communications from the device controller of the aerosol delivery device.

[0113] The charging unit controller and / or the device controller may be configured to send communication information regarding the state of the sliding cover 103. Information regarding the state of the sliding cover 103 may include whether the cover is in an open or closed position.

[0114] The charging unit controller may be configured to prevent activation of the aerosol generator when the sliding cover 103 is in the closed position. Alternatively, the device controller of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be configured to prevent activation of the aerosol generator when the sliding cover 103 is in the closed position.

[0115] The device controller may be configured to control aerosol delivery device 100 to enter an off state in response to a user providing input to a user input element of aerosol delivery device 100. In response to a user providing input to a user input element, the device controller is configured to control the aerosol delivery device to enter an off state. This may also be done conversely when the aerosol delivery device is already in the off state; in response to a user providing input to a user input element of aerosol delivery device 100, the device controller may be configured to control the aerosol delivery device to enter an on state.

[0116] It will be appreciated that a user may input into a user input element on the charging unit. The user input is communicated to the charging unit controller, which then communicates with the device controller to control the aerosol delivery device to enter an off state. It will be appreciated that this can also work in the reverse direction. For example, the user input may place the device into an on state, in which it is ready to begin a use session.

[0117] Details of the operation of aerosol delivery device 100 and charging unit 101 during use are described in more detail herein.

[0118] 2 shows a flow chart illustrating a mode of operation of an aerosol delivery device, according to various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 2 shows aspects of the controller logic used by the controllers of aerosol delivery device 100 and charging unit 101.

[0119] The controller of the aerosol delivery device 100 may initially operate in an idle state 200. Idle state 200 refers to a situation in which the aerosol delivery device 100 is in standby mode, i.e., a situation in which the device is "on" from the user's perspective, but no usage session has been initiated and there is no user input.

[0120] Sleep state 310 means that the device is effectively "off." Aerosol delivery device 100 may enter a low-power mode while in sleep state 210. Thus, fewer components of the aerosol delivery device may be powered in the sleep state than in the idle state.

[0121] Aerosol delivery device 100 may enter sleep state 210 when a user provides user input to device 100, thereby completely turning off device 100. For example, the sleep state may be preferable in situations such as air travel where device 100 is completely turned off.

[0122] Sleep state 210 requires that aerosol delivery device 100 be inserted into charging unit 101 and cover 103 be in the closed position. The required user input to the device may be to press and hold a user input element on aerosol delivery device 100.

[0123] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 100 may enter the sleep state 210 when the device 100 remains idle for a predetermined time, a usage session has not been initiated, and there is no user input.

[0124] When aerosol delivery device 100 is in sleep state 210 or idle state 200 and user input 215 is received by the device controller of aerosol delivery device 100, the controller of aerosol delivery device 100 enters wake-up state 220. Entry into wake-up state 220 may occur when a user activates one or more of user input elements 106 of aerosol delivery device 100. The user input element may be button 106. In some embodiments, entry into wake-up state may occur when cover 103 is moved to an open position. In some embodiments, entry into wake-up state may occur when aerosol delivery device 100 is removed from charging unit 101. In wake-up state 220, the device controller establishes connection 315 with the charging unit controller of charging unit 101 to enable transmission of communications.

[0125] The charging unit controller may initially be in an idle state 300 or a sleep state 310. Idle state 300 refers to a situation where the charging unit controller is turned on but there is no user input or a usage session has not been initiated. Sleep state 310 refers to a situation where the charging unit controller is turned off in response to user input from a user, the aerosol delivery device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101, and the cover is in the closed position.

[0126] In response to a communication from the device controller establishing a connection 315 with the charging unit controller, the charging unit controller enters a corresponding wake-up state 320 from the controller idle state 310 .

[0127] The user may then provide further input 225 to one or more of the user input elements 106. In one embodiment, the user may press the button 106 again. In one embodiment, the initial user input 215 may mean pressing the button 106, and the further user input 225 may mean the user releasing the pressed button 106. In some embodiments, the duration of the device's wake-up state 220 may be only a short period of time, e.g., three seconds, meaning the user holds the button 106 down for three seconds or more.

[0128] In the device wake-up state, the device controller may determine whether the aerosol delivery device 100 is inserted into a receptacle of the charging unit 101.

[0129] If it is determined that the aerosol delivery device is not inserted into the receptacle of the charging unit 101, the device may proceed to start 250 a use session. The session may be initiated automatically following a prior user input 225 once the determination is made. In one embodiment, the use session may be initiated only after further user input, for example, pressing button 106 again.

[0130] If it is determined that the aerosol delivery device is inserted into the receptacle of the charging unit 101, a further determination 240 will be made regarding the position of the cover 103.

[0131] The charging unit 101 may include a cover position sensor that enables the charging unit controller to determine whether the sliding cover 103 is in the open or closed position. The cover position sensor may be a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor can be used to determine whether the cover 103 is in the open or closed position by examining the condition near the end of the sliding cover. It will be appreciated that other suitable sensors, such as mechanical or optical sensors, may be used in place of the Hall sensor to make the same determination.

[0132] As described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 3 by way of example, the charging unit controller sends a communication to the device controller that includes a cover status, which indicates whether the cover 103 is in an open or closed position. The device controller receives a communication from the charging unit controller that indicates whether the charging unit's cover 103 is in an open or closed position.

[0133] In some embodiments, the communication to the device controller may include information about the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol delivery device. The communication may include, for example, information about the charging status of the aerosol delivery device 100 and / or the charging unit 101. The communication may include information about the aerosol delivery device status. The communication may include information about the progress of a usage session. In some embodiments, the communication may include information about the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol delivery device in addition to including the cover status. In some embodiments, the heartbeat communication may include information about the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol delivery device without including the cover status.

[0134] In one embodiment, in response to the device controller receiving a communication indicating that cover 103 is in the closed position, the device controller of aerosol delivery device 100 does not control and activate the aerosol generator, and the controller of aerosol delivery device 100 returns to an idle state.

[0135] In one embodiment, in response to the device controller receiving a communication indicating that the cover 103 is in the open position, the device controller of the aerosol delivery device activates the aerosol generator to begin 250 a usage session.

[0136] The communication sent by the charging unit to the device controller may be a heartbeat communication. Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the heartbeat communication process.

[0137] The controller of the charging unit 101 is configured to periodically and consistently send heartbeat communications 400 to the controller of the device 100. The heartbeat communications 400 are sent in heartbeat periods. Each heartbeat period includes sending a communication 400 to the device controller, followed immediately by a period of no communication with the device controller. In one embodiment, the heartbeat period may be less than one second. In one embodiment, the heartbeat period may be approximately 200 ms. This means that each communication is sent from the charging unit controller to the device controller at a communication frequency of once every 200 ms.

[0138] When the device controller of the aerosol delivery device 100 receives the heartbeat communication 400, the device controller is configured to send a heartbeat return communication 401 to the charging unit controller in response to receiving the heartbeat communication 400.

[0139] The heartbeat return communication 401 may include information about the aerosol delivery device status 410. If a usage session is in progress, the device controller notifies the user that aerosol is being delivered. The charging unit controller determines that the heartbeat communication 400 should continue to be sent to the device controller. Therefore, sending the communication 400 to the device controller is repeated.

[0140] In one embodiment, the device controller is configured to control the aerosol delivery device 100 to enter the idle state 200 in response to the device controller receiving a communication indicating that the cover 103 is in the closed position and / or a user providing an input to the user input element, i.e., button 106. In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery device is configured to remain in the idle state 100 in response to the sliding cover 103 being moved to the open position.

[0141] In one embodiment, the device controller is configured to control the aerosol delivery device 100 to enter the sleep state 210 in response to the device controller receiving a communication indicating that the cover 103 is in the closed position and the user providing further input to the user input element 106. For example, the further user input may be pressing and holding the user input element 106.

[0142] If no usage session is in progress, for example, if the device controller has entered an idle state, this information will be included in the heartbeat return communication received by the charging unit controller, in response to which the charging unit controller will enter idle state 300.

[0143] In one embodiment, heartbeat return communication 401 may include information regarding the state of aerosol delivery device 100, such as idle, wake-up, start of a usage session, etc. In one embodiment, heartbeat return communication 401 may include information regarding the battery level of the aerosol delivery device.

[0144] In one embodiment, the heartbeat return communication 401 may include instructions. The instructions may be in addition to or in place of the information. The instructions may be to shut down the charging unit. In particular, the instructions may be to put the charging unit into an idle or sleep state.

[0145] In other examples, there may be no heartbeat communication 400 or heartbeat return communication 201. In one embodiment, a single cover status signal may be sent from the charging unit controller to the device controller in response to a change in cover status, i.e., the cover being moved from an open position to a closed position. A cover status signal may be sent from the charging unit controller to the device controller each time the cover status changes. The device controller may receive the cover status signal.

[0146] The device may include a memory configured to store a cover status indicator in the memory in response to receiving the cover status signal. For example, the device controller may receive a cover closed signal, and in response to receiving the cover closed signal, the memory may be configured to store a cover closed indicator in the memory.

[0147] In some embodiments, the heartbeat communication may include information about the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol delivery device. It will be appreciated that the heartbeat communication may include any suitable information about the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol delivery device 100. In some embodiments, the heartbeat communication may include information about the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol delivery device without including the cover status. In some embodiments, the heartbeat communication may include information about the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol delivery device in addition to the cover status.

[0148] In the device wake-up state 220, the device controller of the aerosol delivery device 100 may monitor the battery level of the aerosol delivery device 100 and check the voltage and / or power level of the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 to determine whether the battery is sufficiently charged (but not necessarily fully charged) to begin a session that may be initiated by the user.

[0149] The battery of aerosol delivery device 100 may be determined to be sufficiently charged if it meets acceptable threshold criteria. According to various embodiments, the battery of aerosol delivery device 100 may include either a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery or a lithium titanate or lithium titanium oxide (LTO) battery. The battery of aerosol delivery device 100, when fully charged, may have a capacity within the following ranges: (i) less than 50 mAh, (ii) 50-100 mAh, (iii) 100-150 mAh, or (iv) 150-200 mAh. According to various embodiments, the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be determined to be sufficiently charged to at least begin a usage session if the battery's determined current capacity exceeds a threshold within the following ranges: (i) less than 20 mAh, (ii) between 20 and 40 mAh, (iii) between 40 and 60 mAh, (iv) between 60 and 80 mAh, (v) between 80 and 100 mAh, (vi) between 100 and 120 mAh, (vii) between 120 and 140 mAh, (viii) between 140 and 160 mAh, (ix) between 160 and 180 mAh, or (x) between 180 and 200 mAh.

[0150] When the usage session ends 260 (eg, the session cycle ends, the user ends the usage session, or the battery level becomes insufficient), the device controller may return to the idle state 200.

[0151] The charging unit controller may be configured to determine that the aerosol delivery device 100 is already inserted into a receptacle of the charging unit 101, or the charging unit controller may determine that the aerosol delivery device 100 will subsequently be inserted into the charging unit 101, and further, if the aerosol delivery device is in an idle or sleep state, the aerosol delivery device may be charged by the charging unit.

[0152] The controller of the charging unit 101 may be configured to check the battery level or current capacity of the battery of the charging unit 101 and whether a charging cable (e.g., a USB cable) that can be connected to an external power source is already inserted into the charging unit 101.

[0153] When the charging cable is inserted into the charging unit 101 but the charging unit 101 is not electrically connected to the aerosol delivery device 100 (i.e., the aerosol delivery device 100 is not inserted into the receptacle of the charging unit 101) and a session has not started, the battery of the charging unit 101 may be configured to be charged by an external power source.

[0154] When the aerosol delivery device 100 is determined to be electrically connected to the charging unit 101 (when the aerosol delivery device is in the receptacle of the charging unit 101), the controller of the charging unit 101 may be configured to check the battery energy or current capacity of the battery of the charging unit 101 and / or the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100. If the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 is determined to be below an acceptable threshold criterion, the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be recharged via the charging cable. For example, the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100, when fully charged, may have a capacity within the range of (i) less than 50 mAh, (ii) 50-100 mAh, (iii) 100-150 mAh, or (iv) 150-200 mAh. According to various embodiments, if the determined current capacity of the battery is determined to be within the range of (i) less than 20 mAh, (ii) 20-40 mAh, (iii) 40-60 mAh, (iv) 60-80 mAh, (v) 80-100 mAh, (vi) 100-120 mAh, (vii) 120-140 mAh, (viii) 140-160 mAh, (ix) 160-180 mAh, or (x) 180-200 mAh, the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be determined to be below an acceptable threshold standard and therefore in need of recharging.

[0155] In situations where the battery of charging unit 101 is similarly determined to be below the tolerance threshold, the battery of charging unit 101 may also be recharged via the charging cable. The battery of charging unit 101 may be charged simultaneously with the battery of aerosol delivery device 100. According to various embodiments, power from an external power source may be supplied in pulses to either the battery of aerosol delivery device 100 and / or the battery of charging unit 100. According to one embodiment, charging pulses may be supplied alternately between aerosol delivery device 100 and charging unit 101, such that at any particular time, either the battery of aerosol delivery device 100 is being charged by the external power source or the battery of charging unit 101 is being charged by the external power source, and the batteries of aerosol delivery device 100 and charging unit 101 are not being charged simultaneously. Because the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 has a lower capacity than the battery of the charging unit 101, embodiments are contemplated in which the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be fully charged before the battery of the charging unit 101 is fully charged.

[0156] According to various embodiments, the battery (or more generally, the electrical energy storage device) of the charging unit 101 may be: (i) a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO) battery; (ii) a lithium manganese oxide (LiMnO) battery; or (iii) a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNi x Mn y CO z02) battery, or (iv) Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2) battery. According to various embodiments, the battery of the charging unit 101 may be recharged by an external power source if the determined capacity of the battery of the charging unit 101 is determined to be below a threshold value, the threshold value being within the range of: (i) 1000-1100 mAh, (ii) 1100-1200 mAh, (iii) 1100-1200 mAh, (iv) 1200-1300 mAh, (v) 1300-1400 mAh, (vi) 1400-1500 mAh, (vii) 1500-2000 mAh, or (viii) greater than 2000 mAh.

[0157] According to some embodiments, the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 and the battery of the charging unit 101 may be charged individually, simultaneously, synchronously, or asynchronously, optionally via a charging cable or wireless charging interface, when the aerosol delivery device 100 is inserted into a receptacle of the charging unit 101.

[0158] According to some embodiments, if the power level or current capacity of the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 is determined to be below an acceptable threshold standard, the battery of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be charged via the battery of the charging unit 101.

[0159] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as a representative sample of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or equivalents thereof, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a charging unit for charging the aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; The charging unit: a receptacle for receiving the aerosol delivery device; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; and a charging unit controller configured to periodically send a heartbeat communication to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including a cover status, the cover status indicating whether the cover is in the open position or the closed position; and An aerosol delivery system comprising:

2. 2. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the charging unit controller is configured to transmit the heartbeat communication at a heartbeat period, the heartbeat period being less than 1 s.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 2, wherein the heartbeat period is approximately 200 ms.

4. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aerosol delivery device includes a device controller configured to receive the heartbeat communication and, in response to receiving the heartbeat communication, send a heartbeat return communication to the charging unit controller.

5. The aerosol delivery system of claim 4 , wherein the heartbeat return communication includes aerosol delivery device status information.

6. 6. The aerosol delivery system of claim 5, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a device energy storage unit, and the aerosol delivery device status information includes a charge level of the device energy storage unit.

7. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the heartbeat return communication includes instructions.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery system of claim 7, wherein the instructions are for displaying a charge level of the charging unit energy storage.

9. The aerosol delivery system of claim 7 , wherein the command is to shut down the charging unit.

10. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a user input element, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a device controller configured to control the aerosol delivery device to an off state in response to the user providing an input to the user input element and the cover being in the closed position.

11. The aerosol delivery system of claim 10 , wherein activation of the aerosol generator is prevented when the aerosol delivery device is in the off state.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to prevent activation of the aerosol generator when the cover is in the closed position.

13. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol delivery device is a tobacco heating product.

14. 1. A charging unit for charging an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; and the charging unit comprising: a receptacle for receiving the aerosol delivery device; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; and a charging unit controller configured to periodically send a heartbeat communication to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including a cover status, the cover status indicating whether the cover is in the open position or the closed position; and A charging unit comprising:

15. 1. A method of operating a charging unit for an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device including an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the charging unit comprising: a receptacle for receiving the aerosol delivery device; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover configured to cover at least a portion of the aerosol delivery device when the cover is in the closed position; and Equipped with The method includes a step of periodically sending a heartbeat communication to the aerosol delivery device, the heartbeat communication including a cover status, the cover status indicating whether the cover is in the open position or the closed position.

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