Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (1) comprising a power supply unit including a battery (6) and an automatic recharging system (7) for at least partially charging the battery (6), the automatic recharging system (7) including at least one induction generator configured to generate a current to charge the battery (6) upon displacement of the aerosol generating device (1), the induction generator including at least one coil (8) and at least one magnet (9), one of which is translatably movable relative to the other on a displacement path (D) extending between two ends (10), the automatic recharging system (7) including a core frame (11), An aerosol generating device (1) comprising a cylindrical body (2) housing a battery (6) surrounded by a core frame (11), the core frame (11) being surrounded by one of a magnet (9) and a coil (8) which is itself surrounded by the other of the magnet (9) and the coil (8), the core frame (11) and the one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) being configured such that the one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) is translatable relative to the core frame (11), and the other of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) is stationary relative to the core frame (11) and extends between the two ends (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An aerosol-generating device is described, the aerosol-generating device being configured to receive, for example, a resistively or inductively heated consumable article and generate an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol-generating device is configured to receive, for example, a resistively or inductively heated consumable article and generate an inhalable aerosol. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices are alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Instead of generating inhalable smoke by burning an aerosol-generating material such as tobacco, they heat, without combustion, an aerosol precursor material containing an aerosol-former component to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user. The aerosol-generating device is a handheld inhaler system having a housing for containing the active ingredient. The housing of the aerosol-generating device can be elongated so that it can be held by the user. It typically includes a mouthpiece, a housing for a consumable product, a vaporizer, a heating unit, and a power supply unit such as a battery. Vaporization is achieved when the heating unit heats the consumable product to form an inhalable aerosol through the mouthpiece.

[0003] The power supply unit may include a battery, electronic control circuitry, for example, at least partially disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB), and optionally sensors, wireless communication chips or modules, and control switches. A plug, for example, a Type C USB plug, is provided on the aerosol generating device to connect to a power source and recharge the battery. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As with all handheld electronic devices, power management and power availability are important to allow a user to use the aerosol generating device as freely and regularly as they like throughout the day. Unfortunately, batteries have limited capacity, and it is not always possible to connect the aerosol generating device to a power source to recharge the battery. Therefore, there is a need to provide an aerosol generating device with improved power management and recharging capabilities.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 8,975,764 discloses a power-generating electronic cigarette that includes a partially hollow body with an enclosed tip and a filter cartridge attached to the base end of the body. The cigarette operates using power stored in a portable power storage medium integrated into the body. A power generation subassembly is located within the hollow body, where the power generation subassembly generates a current to charge the power storage medium. The power generation subassembly generates a current in the coil using the movement of a magnet adjacent to the coil within the hollow body cavity. The current can be converted into stored power. The movement of the magnet can be generated by shaking or rolling the electronic cigarette. The power storage medium is contained within a cavity along the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette, adjacent to the cavity containing the coil and magnet assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0007] An aerosol generating device is proposed that includes a power supply unit including a battery and an automatic recharging system for at least partially charging the battery, the automatic recharging system including at least one induction generator configured to generate a current to charge the battery upon displacement of the aerosol generating device, the induction generator including at least one coil and at least one magnet, one of which is translatable relative to the other on a displacement path extending between two ends.

[0008] The automatic recharging system includes a core frame. The aerosol generating device includes a cylindrical body housing a battery surrounded by the core frame, the core frame surrounded by one of a magnet and a coil which is itself surrounded by the other of the magnet and the coil, the core frame and the one of the magnet and the coil configured such that the one of the magnet and the coil is translatable relative to the core frame, and the other of the magnet and the coil is stationary relative to the core frame and extends between the two ends.

[0009] Therefore, by moving the movable magnet or movable coil without connecting the aerosol generating device to a power source, but simply by carrying the aerosol generating device in, for example, a pocket or bag, or by shaking the aerosol generating device with one hand, it is possible to recharge the battery. This may be useful for outdoor enthusiasts who stay in nature for short or long periods of time, or for users who do not have time, forget, or simply do not want to recharge their aerosol generating device.

[0010] The automatic recharging system is configured to transfer the generated current to recharge the battery.

[0011] The automatic recharging system uses electromagnetic induction.

[0012] An automatic recharging system can extend battery life, allowing users to use the aerosol generating device for longer periods of time without the need for an external charger.

[0013] The following features may optionally be implemented separately or in combination with other features.

[0014] The automatic recharging system may include a housing, for example made of a polymer material, that is movable along with the one of the movable magnet and coil, the one of the movable magnet and coil being contained within the housing.

[0015] If the magnet is movable, the housing can hold the magnet securely to prevent damage to the magnet.

[0016] The coil and magnet may be cylindrical.

[0017] The housing may include at least one annular part covering both longitudinal ends of the movable magnet or coil, preferably two annular parts covering each longitudinal end of the movable magnet or coil, in which case the magnet or coil can be securely held between the two annular parts of the housing.

[0018] The housing may have a plurality of first reliefs, in particular pins or ribs, which are configured to cooperate with corresponding second reliefs, in particular slots or rails, in the core frame, thereby allowing the housing to slide relative to the core frame.

[0019] Such a first relief may extend towards the inside of the aerosol generating device. If the housing includes at least one ring, the first relief may extend towards the inside from that ring. The number of first and second reliefs may be at least two, preferably at least three, for example equal to four.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) containing the wiring, electrical components, chips, memory, etc. necessary to control the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] If the coil is movable, the second relief of the core frame may include a rail equipped with a conductive material, which allows the electricity generated by the coil movement to be transmitted to the protection circuit board. Such a conductive material may be a metal bar or a metal bearing.

[0022] If the magnet is movable, the coil can be electrically connected to the PCB.

[0023] In one example, the magnet is movable and the coil is stationary, and the magnet has a cylindrical shape and is surrounded by the coil. This example of the aerosol generating device can be lightweight. In such a case, the length of the magnet is short, while the coil extends between the two ends of the displacement path.

[0024] In an alternative example, the coil is movable and the magnet is stationary, the coil has a cylindrical shape and is surrounded by the magnet, in which case the length of the coil is short while the magnet extends between the two ends of the displacement path.

[0025] The automatic recharging system may include at least one hard or soft rubber plug and / or at least one spring at at least one of the two ends. The hard or soft rubber plug may prevent damage to the movable magnet or coil. The spring may allow for maximum mobility.

[0026] Other features, details, and advantages are set forth in the following detailed description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device shown fully assembled and without the outer tube. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the overall power supply unit and automatic recharging system of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the coil in partial cross section; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic view of the detail of FIG. 3. [Figure 5]2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, with the movable magnet in the upper position. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, with the movable magnet in a lower position. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall view of another example aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device shown fully assembled, without the outer tube, and the magnet shown in partial cross section. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic view of the detail of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic view of the detail of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The embodiments described below represent the information necessary to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. Like reference symbols correspond to like elements in different figures. Although these elements may only be shown in one or more figures, they apply to all figures unless stated to the contrary.

[0029] 1 to 6 show an aerosol generating device 1 according to a first example. The aerosol generating device 1 is portable and adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol by heating, for example by conduction, induction or electromagnetic radiation, a consumable article (not shown) containing tobacco and / or another suitable material, rather than by burning it.

[0030] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a body 2 and a mouthpiece 3 including an opening 4 through which a user inhales the aerosol. The body 2 includes an outer casing 5, partially shown in dotted lines in Figures 1 and 3, for housing various components described in detail below. In this example, the outer casing 5 is in two pieces 5a and 5b, although the casing could also be in one piece without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this example, the overall shape of the body 2 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section along the longitudinal axis X, although other cross-sectional shapes are also possible.

[0031] The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a power supply unit including a battery 6 and an automatic recharging system 7 for at least partially charging the battery 6. The automatic recharging system 7 comprises at least one induction generator configured to generate an electric current to charge the battery 6 upon displacement of the aerosol generating device 1, for example by carrying it in a bag and / or by shaking it with one hand.

[0032] The induction generator includes at least one coil 8 and at least one magnet 9, one of which is translationally movable relative to the other on a displacement path D that extends between two ends 10 of the automatic recharging system 7. In this example, there is a coil 8 and a magnet 9, and the magnet 9 is movable relative to the coil 8 while the coil 8 is stationary. The coil 8 extends between the two ends 10 of the automatic recharging system 7.

[0033] The coil 8 is made of copper. The magnet is preferably made of neodymium.

[0034] The automatic recharging system 7 includes a core frame 11 .

[0035] In this example, the battery 6 forms a central portion of the main body 2 and is surrounded by a core frame 11. The battery 6 may be of the LiPol type, preferably approximately 600 mAh. In this example, the battery 6 has a rod-like outer shape with a substantially square cross section. The core frame 11 forms a peripheral wall 12 that extends around the battery 6 and partially covers the battery 6 along its entire length. The peripheral wall 12 includes several wall sections 13, four in this example, that extend parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis X. The wall sections 13 are separated by longitudinal slots 14. Furthermore, in this example, the core frame 11 has an end opposite the mouthpiece 3 that forms a ring 15 connecting the peripheral wall sections 13 together. A separate core frame lid 27 may be provided at the other end 16 of the core frame 11. The core frame 11 may be made of a conductive material, such as a metallic material, e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or copper.

[0036] The core frame 11 is surrounded by a ring-shaped magnet 9 that slides freely around the core frame 11. The coil 8 surrounds the magnet 9 and is tubular with a circular cross section that extends between two ends 17 and 18. The length of the magnet 9 is shorter than the length of the coil 8 so that the magnet 9 can slide inside the coil 8 between two ends 10 of a displacement path D. The magnet 9 is translatable relative to the core frame 11 between the two ends 10 that substantially correspond to the longitudinal positions of the ends 17 and 18, respectively, while the coil is stationary. This relative motion generates electricity that is transmitted to the battery 6 to charge it.

[0037] In this example, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a printed circuit board 19 (PCB) connected to the battery 6. Electricity generated by movement of the magnet 9 relative to the coil 8 is transmitted to the battery via the PCB, which includes a charging circuit configured to charge the battery 6. The PCB may be in the form of a coin that covers the end 18 of the coil 8 opposite the ring 15 of the core frame 11. Alternatively, the PCB may take any other alternative form, in particular a flexible PCB that is arranged around or inside the automatic recharging system 7.

[0038] Note that in this example, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a plug 20, e.g., a Type C USB plug, at the end opposite the mouthpiece 3 for connecting the aerosol generating device 1 to an external power source. This plug 20 is for standard battery recharging. The plug 20 is also connected to the charging circuitry of the PCB and thereby to the battery 6.

[0039] The automatic recharging system 7 also includes a plastic housing 21 that is movable together with the magnet 9. In this example, the magnet 9 is housed inside the plastic housing 21. More precisely, the plastic housing 21 includes two annular parts 22 that respectively cover both longitudinal ends of the magnet 9.

[0040] As particularly visible in FIG. 4 , the plastic housing 21 has a plurality of first reliefs 23, particularly pins or ribs, configured to cooperate with corresponding second reliefs 24, particularly slots or rails, of the core frame 11, thereby allowing the plastic housing 21 to slide relative to the core frame 11. This allows the magnet 9 to slide relative to the core frame 11 and the coil 8. In this example, the second reliefs 24 are rails, which are made in the thickness of the portion 13 and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, in this example, the first reliefs 23, also called sliders, are pins extending from the annular parts 22 toward the interior of the device. The number of first reliefs 23 and second reliefs 24 (for each annular part 22) is four in this example, but the number could be greater or less without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The coil 8 is connected to a PCB for electrical transmission. In this example, the second relief 24 may be covered with a coating made of, for example, PTFe (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0041] In this example, the automatic recharging system 7 also includes at least one hard or soft rubber plug at at least one of the two ends 10. In this example, the automatic recharging system 7 includes a hard rubber plug 25 at each end 10 of the displacement path D of the magnet 9, thereby protecting the magnet 9 from damage when a user shakes the aerosol generating device 1 to charge the battery 6. In this example, the hard rubber plug 25 has an annular shape.

[0042] When the user wishes or needs to at least partially charge the battery 6, the user can shake the magnet 9 with a sliding motion from bottom to top and then from top to bottom multiple times along the displacement path D. The magnet 9 in the upper position is shown in Figure 5, while the magnet 9 in the lower position is shown in Figure 6.

[0043] 5 and 6 also show the heater or heating unit 30 of the aerosol generating device 1 and the pod 31 that is heated to deliver an aerosol through the mouthpiece 3 that can be inhaled by the user through the opening 4. It should be noted that the heating unit, pod, and mouthpiece can be of many different types known in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] While the user is carrying the aerosol generating device 1, the estimated power output is between approximately 20 mA / h and 50 mA / h. While the user is shaking the aerosol generating device, the estimated power output is between approximately 120 mA / h and 140 mA / h. The battery capacity may be approximately 600 mAh. When the user shakes the aerosol generating device 1, the user can generate enough power for one cigarette. This allows the user to smoke without having to search for a power source.

[0045] In a second example shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the coil 8 is movable and the magnet 9 is stationary, and the coil 8 has a cylindrical shape and is surrounded by the magnet 9.

[0046] The magnet 9 extends from one end of the core frame 11 to the other. The coil 8 has the shape of a ring of Litz wire coil with approximately 10 to 20 turns and is housed in a plastic housing 21 in a manner similar to the magnet 9 of the first example. The coil 8 is free to slide along a displacement path D between the two ends 10 relative to the stationary magnet 9 to generate electricity, which is transmitted to the battery 6 through the PCB 19. The magnet 9 extends between the two ends 10.

[0047] In this example, the battery 6 is surrounded by a core frame 11 , which is surrounded by a coil 8 , which is surrounded by a magnet 9 .

[0048] The second relief 24 of the core frame 11 is provided with a conductive material, for example a copper or nickel coating, so that the electricity generated by the movement of the coil 8 relative to the magnet 9 can be transmitted to the protection circuit board 19. Along the two rails that form the second relief 24, there are metal contacts, i.e., negative and positive poles, that connect the coil 8 to the PCB 19, allowing a current to charge the battery 6.

[0049] In this example, the ends 10 are equipped with hard rubber stoppers 25, but they may alternatively be soft rubber stoppers, and are also equipped with a coil spring 26 to protect the coil 8 from damage when the aerosol generating device 1 is vibrated or displaced. The spring 26 may also be present in the aerosol generating devices 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6.

[0050] Similar to the examples of Figures 1 to 6, while a user is carrying the aerosol generating device 1 of the examples of Figures 7 to 9, the estimated solution power output is between approximately 20 mA / h and 50 mA / h. While a user is shaking the aerosol generating device 1, the estimated solution power output is between approximately 120 mA / h and 140 mA / h. The battery capacity can be approximately 600 mAh. When a user shakes the aerosol generating device 1, the user can generate enough power for one cigarette.

[0051] The first example can be lighter than the second example, and the second example can be stronger than the first example because the movable coil is stiffer than the magnet.

[0052] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, many variations are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] For example, the bung may be a hard or soft rubber bung with or without a coil spring. Alternatively, there may be only a spring.

[0054] The aerosol generating device can be of any type with respect to the type of consumable (e.g., whether the precursor is liquid, solid, or gel-like, and whether it contains tobacco or not), and the type of heating unit (e.g., either resistive or inductive heating).

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (1) comprising a power supply unit including a battery (6) and an automatic recharging system (7) for at least partially charging the battery (6), the automatic recharging system (7) including at least one induction generator configured to generate a current to charge the battery (6) upon displacement of the aerosol generating device (1), the induction generator includes at least one coil (8) and at least one magnet (9), one of which is translatably movable relative to the other on a displacement path (D) extending between two ends (10); The automatic recharging system (7) includes a core frame (11) and a cylindrical body (2) that houses the battery (6) surrounded by the core frame (11), the core frame (11) is surrounded by one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8), which is itself surrounded by the other of the magnet (9) and the coil (8), the core frame (11) and the one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) are configured so that the one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) is translatable relative to the core frame (11), and the other of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) is stationary relative to the core frame (11) and extends between the two ends (10).

2. 2. The aerosol generating device (1) of claim 1, wherein the automatic recharging system (7) includes a movable plastic housing (21) together with one of the movable magnet (9) and the coil (8), and the one of the movable magnet (9) and the coil (8) is housed inside the plastic housing (21).

3. 3. The aerosol generating device (1) of claim 2, wherein the plastic housing (21) has a plurality of first reliefs (23), particularly pins or ribs, configured to cooperate with corresponding second reliefs (24), particularly slots or rails, of the core frame (11) to enable the plastic housing (21) to slide relative to the core frame (11).

4. 4. The aerosol generating device (1) of claim 3, comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) (19), wherein the coil (8) is movable, and wherein the second relief (24) of the core frame (11) comprises a rail equipped with a conductive material, so that electricity generated by the movement of the coil (8) can be transmitted to the protection circuit board (19).

5. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the magnet (9) is movable, the coil (8) is stationary, the magnet (9) has a cylindrical shape and is surrounded by the coil (8).

6. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coil (8) is movable, the magnet (9) is stationary, the coil (8) has a cylindrical shape and is surrounded by the magnet (9).

7. An aerosol generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the automatic recharging system (7) includes at least one hard or soft rubber plug (25) and / or at least one spring (26) at at least one of the two ends (10).

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