Aerosol generating device and method

Abstract

The disclosure provides an aerosol generating device comprising one or more electrical components including an aerosol generating component, the aerosol generating device being selectively configurable between an aerosol generating mode in which an aerosol for user inhalation is generated by supplying power from a battery cell to the aerosol generating component, and a discharge mode in which, based on a discharge input, the battery cell of the aerosol generating device is discharged, the battery cell is configured to supply power to one or more of the one or more electrical components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure further relates to a method.

Background Art

[0002] Battery cell recycling is a recycling activity aimed at reducing the number of battery cells discarded with ordinary household waste. Battery cells contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals, and disposing of them in the same process as ordinary household waste raises concerns about soil and water pollution. Furthermore, battery cell recycling can help prevent future shortages of battery cell materials and enable a sustainable life cycle for these technologies.

[0003] An aerosol generating device is configured to heat an aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation. The aerosol generating device includes a power supply device in the form of a battery cell. The battery cell may provide power for the operation of the aerosol generating device, for example, the power required to generate an aerosol. It may be desirable to access the battery cell for replacement and / or recycling.

[0004] In existing technologies, access to and removal of the battery cell cannot be performed in a safe manner. The risks associated with the extraction of the battery cell include electrical, chemical, and thermal risks, as well as their potential interactions.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to overcome at least some of the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This disclosure provides an aerosol generating device and method having features detailed in the claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising one or more electrical components including an aerosol generating component, the aerosol generating device being selectively configurable between an aerosol generating mode in which an aerosol for inhalation by a user is generated by supplying power from a battery cell to an aerosol generating component, and a discharge mode in which, based on a discharge input, the battery cell of the aerosol generating device is discharged, the battery cell is configured to supply power to one or more of the one or more electrical components.

[0008] Such a structure allows the battery cells of an aerosol generating device to be discharged (in other words, selectively and intentionally discharged). This is extremely advantageous in improving safety in disassembly or recycling processes that may be performed by a disassembler (i.e., a person who disassembles an aerosol generating device or a part thereof, otherwise they may be called an "operator"). This structure allows the battery cells to be discharged without the disassembler's exposure to or handling of charged battery cells. Furthermore, since the disassembler does not need to handle or be exposed to charged battery cells, the risk to the disassembler from thermal runaway of the battery cells is reduced.

[0009] A discharge mode may cause the intentional or deliberate discharge of battery cells. That is, the purpose, objective, or function of a discharge mode is to discharge battery cells. This is in contrast to an aerosol generation mode, where the purpose, objective, or function is aerosol generation. This is also in contrast to a cleaning or maintenance mode, where the purpose, objective, or function is to clean or maintain the components of an aerosol generation device. For example, a cleaning or maintenance mode may include performing a "burn-off" of residues in the components of an aerosol generation device.

[0010] A discharge input may be a specific input that causes or initiates the discharge of a battery cell. This is in contrast to an input that causes or initiates aerosol generation, which is an aerosol generation input or command, rather than a discharge input, while the battery cell is discharging. Generally, a discharge input is any input used to put an aerosol generating device into discharge mode, or to initiate or execute a discharge mode. A discharge input may be, for example, a button press or a series of button presses to put the device into discharge mode, or in a further embodiment, the connection of an external device, or a remote input or command. Similarly, a discharge mode may be a specific mode in which the battery cell is discharged. This is in contrast to a mode in which the aerosol generating device can generate aerosols or is waiting for an input. Such a mode is not a discharge mode because discharging the battery cell is not the intention or focus of the mode.

[0011] Furthermore, it should be correctly recognized that the selective configuration of the aerosol generating device may mean that the aerosol generating device can be configured in two distinct modes (for example, at different times and / or as instructed by the user, operator, or disassembler). This is in contrast to conventional devices, which typically operate to generate aerosols (this corresponds to the aerosol generating mode), during which the battery cells may be discharged due to the power supply. However, conventional devices do not offer any further (potentially different or distinct) discharge modes intended to facilitate the discharge of the battery cells. In contrast to conventional devices, the devices described herein also offer two modes: one of aerosol generation (and possibly the conventional one) and a specific discharge mode.

[0012] In one embodiment, in aerosol generation mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to provide an aerosol output (e.g., a non-zero aerosol output), and in discharge mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to provide an aerosol output lower than the aerosol output in aerosol generation mode and / or to provide no aerosol output at all.

[0013] Such embodiments are highly advantageous. In this way, the battery cell may be discharged in a safe and controlled manner, improving the convenience of the disassembler. Low or no aerosol output may accommodate the use of reduced temperature or current during discharge, which has many related advantages. Operating at reduced temperature reduces the risk of overheating and / or damage to the aerosol generating device or battery cell. Longer discharge periods or longer discharge modes may be enabled. Furthermore, no aerosol output may accommodate the use of a discharge device, which may enable the use of higher currents and thereby facilitate faster discharge. In addition, no aerosol output may accommodate situations where no consumables are provided, thereby avoiding the risk of overheating, burning, or carbonizing consumables within the device.

[0014] Furthermore, if any aerosol output is provided in discharge mode, the output may be lower than the aerosol output in aerosol generation mode. When aerosols are generated in discharge mode, it is clear that they are not for inhalation by the user, and this may be shown to and / or understood by the user. Lower aerosol output may result from the aerosol generation device having depleted or partially depleted consumables, or alternatively, from the discharge component (e.g., heater component) being operated in such a way that the aerosol output is relatively low, for example, by supplying a relatively reduced current and / or by operating at a relatively lower temperature compared to the aerosol generation mode temperature. In addition, in examples where the aerosol generator component is operated at a temperature lower than the temperature at which the consumables are sufficient to generate aerosols, no aerosol output may be generated. Furthermore, in examples where power is supplied from a battery cell to the discharge device (e.g., with a resistive load), no aerosol output may be generated.

[0015] In one embodiment, in discharge mode, the aerosol generating device is configured to sense the presence or absence of consumables in the aerosol generating device and, based on the detection of the absence of consumables, to supply power from the battery cell to the aerosol generating component.

[0016] This approach, unlike the conventional operation of aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols, ultimately results in the discharge of the battery cells. In this embodiment, it is sensed that the device is not equipped with consumables (e.g., no consumables are inserted into the device). The discharge mode may then operate to supply power to the aerosol generating components, but no aerosol output is provided due to the absence of consumables. This is advantageous because it avoids the potential risk of overheating or other problems that may occur due to the consumables being heated for an extended period during the discharge mode. One or more sensors may be provided for this sensing.

[0017] In one embodiment, the power supply from the battery cell to the aerosol generator component is controlled so that the aerosol generator component operates at a temperature below the aerosol generation mode temperature.

[0018] The aerosol generation mode temperature may be the temperature of the aerosol generation mode during which an aerosol is generated for user inhalation. For example, this may exclude the preheating or cool-down phase. The aerosol generation mode temperature may be the temperature or temperature range at which the heater operates to enable aerosol generation for user inhalation. The aerosol generation mode temperature may be relatively constant compared to the temperature shown during the heating or cool-down phase. Aerosol generator components controlled to operate at a temperature lower than the aerosol generation mode temperature are advantageous because this approach facilitates the use of the aerosol generator components for discharge while reducing the risk of overheating and / or damage to the aerosol generation device or battery cells. Longer discharge periods, or longer discharge modes, are thereby enabled.

[0019] In this regard, the aerosol generation mode aerosol level (which may include quantity, quality, or composition) may be the level of aerosol (e.g., output level) at which the aerosol is suitable for user inhalation (which may include quantity, quality, or composition). For example, this may exclude the preheating phase, and additionally, the cool-down phase. The aerosol level in the aerosol generation mode may be the level or range of levels at which the heater operates to enable the generation of aerosol for user inhalation. The aerosol level in the aerosol generation mode may be relatively uniform compared to the levels or quantities possible during the heating or cool-down phase. Aerosol generator components controlled to operate at an aerosol generation level lower than the aerosol generation mode level are advantageous because this approach facilitates the use of aerosol generator components for discharge while reducing the risk of overheating and / or damage to the aerosol generation device or battery cells. Longer discharge periods, or longer discharge modes, are thereby enabled.

[0020] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is connectable to a discharge device, and in discharge mode, the aerosol generating device is configured to supply power from a battery cell to the discharge device.

[0021] Discharge devices will be described in more detail herein. However, with respect to this feature, performing a discharge mode in which power is supplied to the discharge device is extremely advantageous because, in one embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the discharge of battery cells using a separate but connectable device. That is, for example, this enables discharge in examples where consumables with an aerosol generator component are not provided, and furthermore, the discharge device may enable faster discharge than that made possible by discharging via the aerosol generator component or other components of the aerosol generator device. For example, safety may be improved by discharging using a dedicated discharge device, and in some embodiments, the allowable discharge current may be higher by providing a discharge device compared to the (e.g., safe) discharge level possible using an aerosol generator device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes an interface for displaying information regarding the discharge mode, and the interface is configured to output a display indicating that the aerosol generating device is configured in a discharge mode.

[0023] The interface is described in more detail below. Briefly, the interface may thus indicate to the user or disassembler that a discharge mode is being performed. Advantageously, in one embodiment where the discharge occurs via a consumable aerosol generator component, or where the aerosol generating device comprises a consumable, the user or disassembler may thereby understand that the generated aerosol is due to the discharge mode and is not an aerosol for inhalation (e.g., compared to an aerosol for inhalation generated during an aerosol generating mode). In other words, an indication of battery cell discharge may allow the user to confirm that the aerosol generating device is in discharge mode. The interface may indicate that the aerosol generating device is in discharge mode. Thus, it will be correctly recognized from the description herein that if any aerosol is generated while the aerosol generating device is operating in discharge mode, the user can understand that the generated aerosol is not for inhalation (i.e., different from those generated in aerosol generating mode / aerosol inhalation sessions). It will be understood that aerosols generated during discharge mode are merely a result of the discharge.

[0024] In one embodiment, the supply of power from a battery cell to one or more electrical components does not generate aerosols.

[0025] In one embodiment, the power supply from the battery cell is directed to one or more dedicated or specific discharge components. These components may be independent of the aerosol generation circuit. That is, the power supply to these components may not lead to aerosol generation. The power supply to these components may thereby draw energy from the battery cell without causing aerosol generation.

[0026] In this way, the discharge of the battery cell may be simplified. Further, the discharge of the battery cell may thus be less cumbersome for the decomposer and may be more practical or more convenient. Additionally, such a structure is particularly advantageous when the activation system of the aerosol generating device includes a puff sensor, and the puff sensor may cause the activation requirements of the puff sensor to be eliminated, so that in order to activate the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, it is necessary to draw air through the aerosol generating device.

[0027] Further, in this way, the discharge of the aerosol generating device does not require the aerosol generating device to include or be provided with a consumable used to generate the aerosol. The conditions employed to discharge the battery cell may include reduced power (e.g., reduced current compared to the aerosol generating mode) or a temperature lower than the temperature used for aerosol generation, so discharging without generating an aerosol may also improve safety.

[0028] In related embodiments, as further described herein, based on the discharge input provided in the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may check whether a consumable is provided to the device (e.g., inserted into a heating chamber). If the device determines that the device does not include a consumable (i.e., there is no consumable in the device), the device may supply power to one or more discharge components, such as a heater component.

[0029] In one embodiment, an aerosol generating current is required to cause the generation of an aerosol using the aerosol generating device, and in the discharge mode, a discharge current lower than the aerosol generating current and insufficient to cause the generation of an aerosol is provided to one or more electrical components.

[0030] In this way, the aerosol generating device can operate to discharge without generating aerosols. In other words, the discharge modes differ in that each mode achieves a different result by performing or initiating a different function (discharging battery cells versus generating aerosols).

[0031] In one embodiment, in aerosol generation mode, the aerosol generating device provides aerosol output by aerosolizing / vaporizing a predetermined portion / mass of a consumable, and in discharge mode, the aerosol generating device provides no aerosol output and / or provides a significantly lower aerosol output with respect to the portion / mass of the consumable than in aerosol generation mode.

[0032] The battery cells may be discharged in a safe and controlled manner, thereby improving the convenience of the disassembler. Furthermore, the aerosol generation mode and the discharge mode are therefore separate modes.

[0033] In one embodiment, the supply of power from a battery cell to one or more electrical components is controlled based on one or more characteristics of the battery cell and / or one or more electrical components.

[0034] In this way, the safety of the discharge process may be improved. One or more characteristics may be, or may include, a charge level, for example, the charge level of a battery cell, or the charge level of an energy storage (or other) device to which the battery cell is connected. Additionally or alternatively, characteristics may include, for example, the current or voltage level of a battery cell or an energy storage (or other) device to which the battery cell is connected. Furthermore, one or more characteristics may include temperature, for example, the temperature of a battery cell and / or the temperature of one or more electrical components. Overheating can be prevented by controlling the power supply based on temperature. Furthermore, by controlling the power supply based on the charge level, the battery cell may be discharged at a safe or appropriate speed, or to a charge level that is safe for dismantler to subsequently handle the battery cell.

[0035] Power supply may follow a profile. The profile may be adapted in real time, and feedback may be incorporated so that the profile is based on one or more characteristics.

[0036] In one embodiment, the supply of power from a battery cell to one or more electrical components is controlled to reduce the charge level of the battery cell to below a threshold charge level.

[0037] In this way, the battery cells may be discharged to a level that is safe for dismantler handling and ultimately for reuse of the battery cells. The threshold charge level may be in the range of 0% to 30%, preferably 30%.

[0038] In one embodiment, the power supply from the battery cell to one or more electrical components is controlled in aerosol generation mode to reduce the battery charge level to below the minimum charge level limit of the aerosol generation device.

[0039] In this way, the battery cell can be discharged to a charge level below that which can be obtained using the aerosol generation mode. For reliability reasons, the aerosol generation device may limit the minimum battery cell charge level in the aerosol generation mode. However, this structure allows the battery cell to be discharged to below the minimum battery cell charge level in the aerosol generation mode, thus improving safety for disassemblers and reducing the risk of thermal runaway during handling of the battery cell during disassembly, maintenance, or repair. This lower charge level of the battery cell can be obtained by using the discharge mode, but this lower charge level cannot be obtained simply by using the aerosol generation mode.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a processor configured to configure the aerosol generating device in a discharge mode based on a discharge input.

[0041] In this way, the aerosol generating device may be configured in a discharge mode, which is triggered or started by a discharge input. The discharge input may be a discharge command. The discharge command may be a specific operation or command provided by the disassembler. The discharge command may be provided in the aerosol generating device or by a remote (or external) device. Alternatively, the discharge input may be provided by connecting to an external device (e.g., by making an electrical connection).

[0042] In one embodiment, the discharge input is provided by connecting a discharge device to an aerosol generating device.

[0043] The discharge device may be a device comprising one or more electrical components that can discharge the battery cells of the aerosol generating device. By connecting the discharge device to the aerosol generating device, a discharge input may be provided to configure the aerosol generating device in discharge mode. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be registered with the fact that the discharge device is connected and the aerosol generating device is configured in discharge mode. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may not be registered with the fact that the discharge device is connected and the aerosol generating device is configured in discharge mode; instead, the discharge mode may simply be the discharge of the aerosol generating device by supplying power to one or more electrical components of the discharge device via the connection between them.

[0044] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is arranged to provide a direct electrical connection between the discharge device and the battery cell.

[0045] In this way, the lifespan of the aerosol generating device components may be improved. Furthermore, this may simplify the structure of the aerosol generating device.

[0046] Direct electrical connection to the battery cells may be made without the use of one or more intermediate components such as PCBs or any other components.

[0047] In one embodiment, the discharge device may be provided as a housing portion of the aerosol generating device. The discharge device may be provided to replace a detachable housing portion of the aerosol generating device. When connected to the aerosol generating device, the discharge device may thereby form part of the housing (e.g., outer casing or cover) of the aerosol generating device.

[0048] The discharge device may be integrally formed with the housing portion. That is, the housing portion may be or provide a discharge device. In this way, the housing portion can be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device to facilitate the discharge of the battery cells. In one such embodiment, the existing housing portion of the aerosol generating device can be removed and replaced with a housing portion comprising a discharge device. The housing portion may be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device, thereby discharging the battery cells. Advantageously, such a structure ensures that the components of the aerosol generating device remain protected (i.e., user access is prevented) because the discharge device provides the housing portion to complete the housing of the aerosol generating device (e.g., an outer casing or cover), while enabling the discharge of the battery cells.

[0049] In one embodiment, one or more electrical components comprise an aerosol generator component and / or a resistive load. The aerosol generator component may comprise a heater component (which may comprise a resistive load that generates heat by the Joule effect). The aerosol generator component may alternatively comprise a nebulizer or an induction heater component. The aerosol generator component may otherwise be referred to as an aerosol engine or a vapor generator unit (VGU).

[0050] In this way, the discharge of the battery cell may be performed by supplying power from the battery cell to an aerosol generator component and / or a resistive load. The aerosol generator component and / or resistive load may be provided in the aerosol generating device and / or discharge device. Preferably, the aerosol generator component is an aerosol generator component provided in the aerosol generating device. For example, the aerosol generator component may be an oven or heater, nebulizer, or induction heater component of the aerosol generating device. Advantageously, in this way, the discharge of the battery cell can be performed using existing components of the aerosol generating device, but can be performed using a specific discharge mode.

[0051] In one embodiment, one or more electrical components include an aerosol generator component, and the power supply from the battery cell to the aerosol generator component is controlled so that the aerosol generator component operates at a temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, for example, below 180°C.

[0052] In this way, the battery cell can be discharged without generating aerosols, which may improve convenience or practicality for the disassembler. Furthermore, advantageously, controlling the power in this manner improves the risk of overheating of the device. Discharging in this manner is possible with or without the presence of consumables (i.e., accepted by the aerosol generating device). The operating temperature of the aerosol generating component may be substantially constant during the discharge mode or may vary over time according to a heating profile. In an advantageous embodiment, a heating profile may be employed in which a target temperature is reached and then heating is paused. This heating profile may be repeated one or more times according to a cycle or sequence. Thus, safety is improved because it is ensured that the aerosol generating component does not exceed a safe operating temperature. Furthermore, other components of the aerosol generating device can be reused and are ensured not to be damaged during the discharge mode.

[0053] In one embodiment, one or more electrical components include an aerosol generator component, and the power supply from the battery cell to the aerosol generator component is controlled so that the aerosol generator component operates at a temperature in the range of 30 to 160°C, for example, 60°C.

[0054] These temperatures favorably balance the discharge mode time due to exposure to component heating with the safety of the decomposer, while also ensuring the reusability of the components by reducing damage to them.

[0055] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes an interface (as described above) for displaying information regarding the discharge mode.

[0056] In this way, the disassembler can know whether the battery cells are discharged or have been discharged so that they can access and handle the battery cells in a safe manner.

[0057] In one embodiment, the interface is configured to provide an indication of battery cell discharge and / or battery cell charge level. In this way, the disassembler may confirm that the battery cell is being discharged or is in the process of being discharged.

[0058] The interface may include elements configured to change or alter the properties of the battery cells depending on their charge level. For example, the elements may include a chemical substance whose color changes depending on the charge level of the battery cells.

[0059] Furthermore, the interface may display information regarding the temperature of one or more components, for example, the temperature of an aerosol generator component or a resistive load. In this way, the disassembler can confirm that the battery cell is substantially discharged due to a low heating temperature of the aerosol generator component or resistive load.

[0060] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is configured to generate or receive a discharge input based on an input in the aerosol generating device, and / or to receive a discharge input from a remote device. The input may be provided by the disassembler.

[0061] In this way, the decomposer may trigger or initiate a specific discharge mode by providing input to the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the decomposer may command the discharge mode of the aerosol generating device from a remote device such as a smartphone.

[0062] In one embodiment, the discharge mode is different from the aerosol generation mode.

[0063] The discharge mode and aerosol generation mode may be separate modes that can be selected individually. Each mode has a different purpose or desired function; in the discharge mode, the purpose is to discharge the battery cells, while in the aerosol generation mode, the purpose is to generate aerosols or to be in a state where aerosol generation is possible. No interaction with the disassembler or other users of the device may be required when the aerosol generation device is in discharge mode. Enabling or configuring the discharge mode may require confirmation from the disassembler to enter the discharge mode. The discharge mode and aerosol generation mode may have different characteristics, e.g., different minimum charge level parameters, different power parameters, and / or different temperature parameters or profiles.

[0064] Some residual aerosols may be generated in the discharge mode, but such aerosols are not intended for inhalation and can be indicated or understood as such by a decomposer, for example, via an interface, or by an understanding of the operation and configuration of the device in the discharge mode.

[0065] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to configure an aerosol generating device to discharge mode by switching from an aerosol generation mode to a discharge mode based on a discharge input, which may be a discharge instruction.

[0066] This is extremely advantageous in the dismantling and recycling process because it allows dismantlers to configure the aerosol generation device in a specific mode for discharging battery cells.

[0067] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising one or more electrical components including an aerosol generating component, wherein the aerosol generating device can be selectively configured in an aerosol generating mode in which an aerosol for inhalation by a user is generated by supplying power from a battery cell to an aerosol generating component, and a discharge mode in which, based on a discharge input, the battery cell of the aerosol generating device is discharged by supplying power from the battery cell to one or more of the one or more electrical components, and the method includes configuring the aerosol generating device in discharge mode based on a discharge input, thereby discharging the battery cell of the aerosol generating device by supplying power from the battery cell to one or more of the one or more electrical components.

[0068] A second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the first aspect of the present invention, as desired or as necessary.

[0069] In one embodiment, in aerosol generation mode, the aerosol generating device is configured to provide an aerosol output, and in discharge mode, the aerosol generating device is configured to provide an aerosol output lower than the aerosol output in aerosol generation mode and / or no aerosol output, and the method includes configuring the aerosol generating device in discharge mode to provide an aerosol output lower than the aerosol output in aerosol generation mode and / or no aerosol output.

[0070] In one embodiment, the method includes outputting a display of the aerosol generating device configured in discharge mode using an interface during the discharge mode.

[0071] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a discharge device for connection to an aerosol generating device according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the discharge device is arranged to provide a discharge input to the aerosol generating device.

[0072] The discharge input may be (or be connected to) a discharge device to an aerosol generating device, or may include such a connection. The discharge input may also be a discharge command provided from the discharge device to the aerosol generating device.

[0073] The discharge device may comprise one or more electrical components. The discharge device may also be connectable to an aerosol generating device that can be configured in a discharge mode based on a discharge input, thereby causing the battery cells of the aerosol generating device to discharge by supplying power from the battery cells to one or more electrical components.

[0074] A third aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the above aspects of the present invention, as desired or as necessary.

[0075] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a processor configured to configure the aerosol generating device into a discharge mode based on a discharge input, and to discharge the battery cells of the aerosol generating device by supplying power from the battery cells of the aerosol generating device to one or more electrical components of the aerosol generating device.

[0076] A fourth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the above aspects of the present invention, as desired or as necessary.

[0077] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a discharge device is provided for connecting to a battery cell of an aerosol generating device, comprising one or more electrical components that can be connected to one or more contacts that are directly electrically connected to the battery cell, thereby discharging the battery cell.

[0078] A fifth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the above aspects of the present invention, as desired or as necessary.

[0079] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described here with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0080] [Figure 1] This shows an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] This shows an aerosol generating device and a discharge device. [Figure 3] This outlines the principles of a general methodology. [Figure 4] This shows an aerosol generating device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0081] As used herein, the terms “aerosol precursor,” “vapor precursor,” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and may refer to materials and / or compositions that may contain, for example, nicotine or tobacco and a vaporizer. The aerosol precursor is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (e.g., by vibration). Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may take the form of a nicotine salt. Suitable vaporizers include polyols (sorbitol, glycerol and glycol (e.g., propylene glycol or triethylene glycol)), non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols), acids (e.g., lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, esters (e.g., triacetin), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor is a substantially liquid that holds or contains one or more solid particles such as tobacco. The aerosol generating device is configured to aerosolize an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate the delivery of aerosols to the user. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol,” as well as related terms such as “vaporize,” “volatilize,” and “aerosolize,” may generally be used interchangeably.

[0082] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device,” or “device” may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user. The device may be portable. “Portable” may mean a device intended for use when held by a user or disassembler. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol that can be controlled by user input.

[0083] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include suspended matter of a vaporizable material as one or more solid particles, droplets, or gases. The suspended matter may be in a gas, including air. In general, aerosols as used herein may refer to / include vapors. Aerosols may include one or more components of a vaporizable material.

[0084] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 100 is shown. The aerosol generating device 100 can be configured in (intentional, selective) discharge mode. The aerosol generating device 100 can be configured in discharge mode based on (for example, in response to) a discharge input. The aerosol generating device 100 can be configured in discharge mode based on a discharge input, thereby causing the battery cell 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 to discharge by supplying power from the battery cell 102 to one or more electrical components 110, 210.

[0085] As will be described in more detail below, one or more electrical components 110, 210 comprises aerosol generator components 112, 212. The aerosol generating device 100 can be selectively configured in aerosol generation mode and discharge mode. In aerosol generation mode, aerosols for user inhalation are generated by the supply of power from the battery cell 102 to the aerosol generator components 112, 212. In contrast, in discharge mode, the battery cell 102 is discharged, and the battery cell 102 is configured to supply power to one or more of the electrical components 110, 210.

[0086] It should be understood that this is in contrast to conventional devices, which are capable of operating to provide an aerosol generation mode but are not also configurable as an intentional, selective, and / or dedicated discharge mode for discharging battery cell 102.

[0087] As shown in Figure 1, in the first embodiment, one or more electrical components are provided on the aerosol generating device 100. The one or more electrical components are indicated by reference numeral 110. That is, the one or more electrical components 110 may be component parts (e.g., integrated) of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0088] However, as shown in Figure 2, in the second embodiment, one or more electrical components are not provided on the aerosol generating device 100. Instead, one or more electrical components are provided on the discharge device 200. The one or more electrical components are indicated by reference numeral 210. That is, the one or more electrical components 210 may be component parts (e.g., integrated) of an external device in the form of the discharge device 200. The discharge device 200 may be configured to provide a discharge input to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0089] From the description provided herein, it will be understood that the first and second embodiments may be combined. In particular, the aerosol generating device 100 may have one or more electrical components 110, and the discharge device 200 may have one or more electrical components 210. Discharging of the battery cell 102 may be performed by supplying power from the battery cell 102 to one or more electrical components 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 and / or to one or more electrical components 210 of the discharge device 200. That is, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured to perform discharge through one or more electrical components 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 and / or to one or more electrical components 210 of the discharge device 200. This may depend on whether the discharge device 200 is connected, the input, and / or a particular discharge mode. Discharge through one or more electrical components 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 and to one or more electrical components 210 of the discharge device 200 may occur simultaneously or at different times.

[0090] In other words, the discharge mode is a mode of an aerosol generating device in which an intentional or deliberate discharge of a battery cell occurs. That is, the function of the discharge mode is to discharge the battery cell. During the discharge mode, power is supplied from the battery cell 102 to one or more electrical components 110, 210 to facilitate the discharge of the battery cell 102. The discharge mode may be initiated or incorporated into a disassembly or recycling process for the aerosol generating device 100.

[0091] The current drawn from the battery cell 102 during the discharge mode may be lower than the current drawn from the battery cell 102 during the aerosol generation mode. In this way, the battery cell 102 can be discharged in a safe and controlled manner, and the risk of overheating can be reduced.

[0092] In one embodiment, the discharge input is a specific input that causes or initiates the discharge of the battery cell 102. In response to the discharge input, the aerosol generating device 100 may be configured in discharge mode. Confirmation may be required to configure the aerosol generating device 100 in discharge mode. Once the aerosol generating device 100 is configured in discharge mode, no further input or interaction is required to perform the discharge of the battery cell 102. The discharge of the battery cell 102 may continue until a threshold charge level of the battery cell 102 is reached, at which point the discharge may terminate. This is in contrast to the aerosol generating mode, where power is only provided when a user interacts with the aerosol generating device (for example, by puffing the aerosol generating device 100 and thereby activating a puff sensor, etc.) or when consumables containing an aerosol substrate are inserted and remain present inside the aerosol generating device 100.

[0093] In summary, the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured in discharge mode to intentionally discharge the battery cells 102 so that the disassembler can safely access the battery cells 102 for recycling without exposing the disassembler to the charged battery cells 102 or requiring the disassembler to handle the charged battery cells 102. This differs from the normal aerosol generating mode of the aerosol generating device 100, as it allows for achieving a lower charge level of the battery cells 102, primarily considering that the discharge mode is the discharge of the battery cells 102 rather than the generation of aerosols. In other words, the primary purpose of the discharge mode is to discharge the battery cells 102. Following the discharge of the battery cells 102, the battery cells 102 may be safely removed from the aerosol generating device 100 for disposal or recycling. The aerosol generating device 100 may be provided with new battery cells—that is, to facilitate the replacement of battery cells.

[0094] In one embodiment, the supply of power from the battery cell 102 to one or more electrical components 110, 210 does not generate aerosols.

[0095] In other words, power from the battery cell 102 may be supplied to one or more electrical components 110, 210 such that the power supplied to one or more electrical components 110, 210 does not result in aerosol generation. This may include supplying power to components other than those arranged to heat consumables to generate aerosols, or supplying power to components arranged to heat consumables at a level (e.g., power level) insufficient for aerosol generation. In one embodiment, the power supplied to such components may be at a level low enough so as not to produce a temperature suitable for aerosol generation. Discharging the battery cell 102 without generating aerosols is extremely advantageous in improving the lifespan of the aerosol-generating components of the aerosol-generating device 100 and improving the convenience and practicality of the recycling process.

[0096] In other embodiments, aerosols may be generated during the discharge of the battery cell in discharge mode, but at a lower level than that generated during the aerosol generation mode of the aerosol generation device. Furthermore, aerosols may be generated during the discharge of the battery cell in discharge mode without activating the activation system of the aerosol generation device, for example, via a puff sensor (or other sensor indicating user use).

[0097] As described elsewhere in this specification, if aerosols are generated during the discharge of battery cells in discharge mode, it may be indicated to the user or disassembler that the aerosols are not generated in aerosol generation mode and are not for inhalation. Aerosols generated in discharge mode may be known as “residual aerosols” and may be due to the operation of heater components that heat consumables during discharge.

[0098] In other words, relating to the above, in the aerosol generation mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to provide an aerosol output, and in the discharge mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to provide a lower aerosol output than the aerosol output in the aerosol generation mode and / or to provide no aerosol output at all. A lower aerosol output may mean a relatively lower aerosol generation rate (e.g., amount per unit time) compared to the aerosol generation mode.

[0099] In some embodiments, sensors that sense the presence or level of consumables may be disabled during the discharge mode, or the information provided by such sensors may not be used. That is, the discharge mode may be operable when there are no consumables or when the consumable level is low or zero. This is in contrast to the aerosol generation mode, which may be initiated only when consumables are present or detected, or when the consumable level is sufficient to generate an aerosol.

[0100] In the relevant embodiments, a sensor for detecting the presence of consumables may be enabled to facilitate the initiation or execution of the discharge mode. Based on the received discharge input, the aerosol generating device 100 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is equipped with consumables, and only if it is determined that the aerosol generating device 100 is not equipped with consumables, may it provide power from the battery cell 102 to one or more electrical components 110, 210.

[0101] In further detail, in discharge mode, the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to sense the presence or absence of consumables in the aerosol generating device and, based on the sense of the absence of consumables, to supply power from the battery cell 102 to the aerosol generating components 112, 212.

[0102] As introduced above, the current drawn from the battery cell 102 during discharge mode may be lower than the current drawn from the battery cell 102 during aerosol generation mode. The current drawn from the battery cell 102 during aerosol generation mode may be the aerosol generation current (i.e., a current sufficient to generate aerosols by heating the consumables), while the current drawn from the battery cell 102 during discharge mode may be a discharge current lower than the aerosol generation current (i.e., a current insufficient to generate aerosols because sufficient temperature cannot be reached by the aerosol generator component). This may facilitate safe and controlled discharge of the battery cell 102.

[0103] In related embodiments further described herein, the current drawn from the battery cell 102 during the discharge mode may be a discharge current sufficient to generate an aerosol when supplied to the heater component, but the interface (e.g., interface 130) may indicate that the aerosol generating device 100 is operating in the discharge mode (and therefore an aerosol is generated in the discharge mode). The user can then understand that the generated aerosol is not for inhalation. The generated aerosol may be of a relatively low level, for example, due to the use of consumables that are at least partially or entirely depleted, or due to the relatively low temperature or current used during the aerosol generating mode.

[0104] In one embodiment, in aerosol generation mode, the aerosol generating device 100 provides an aerosol output (e.g., a non-zero aerosol output), and in discharge mode, the aerosol generating device 100 provides an aerosol output lower than the aerosol output in aerosol generation mode and / or provides no aerosol output at all.

[0105] This is highly advantageous because the aerosol generating device 100 can be configured in two distinct operating modes, including an aerosol generating mode in which an aerosol is provided for inhalation, and a discharge mode in which a battery cell 102 is discharged, which may involve the generation of a certain level of aerosol, but is understood by the user, for example, by an indication provided by the interface 130 described herein, not for inhalation. The battery cell may thereby be discharged in a safe and controlled manner, improving the convenience of the disassembler.

[0106] In other words, in aerosol generation mode, the aerosol generating device 100 provides aerosol output by aerosolizing / vaporizing a predetermined portion / mass of the consumable, while in discharge mode, the aerosol generating device 100 provides no aerosol output and / or provides a significantly lower aerosol output with respect to a portion / mass of the consumable than in aerosol generation mode.

[0107] The battery cell 102 may thereby be discharged in a safe and controlled manner, improving convenience for the disassembler. Furthermore, the aerosol generation mode and the discharge mode are therefore separate modes.

[0108] In one embodiment, the supply of power from the battery cell 102 to one or more electrical components 110, 210 is controlled based on one or more characteristics of the battery cell 102 and / or one or more electrical components 110, 210.

[0109] The power supply may be controlled by the processor of the aerosol generating device 100, as will be discussed in more detail below. Additionally, or alternatively, the power supply may be controlled by the discharge device 200. Additionally, or alternatively, the power supply may be controlled by a remote device such as a smartphone.

[0110] One or more characteristics may be, or include, a charge level, such as the charge level of a battery cell or the charge level of an energy storage device to which the battery cell is connected. Voltage and current levels may also be useful characteristics. Furthermore, one or more characteristics may include temperature, such as the temperature of the battery cell and / or the temperature of one or more electrical components. Overheating can be prevented by controlling the power supply based on temperature. Furthermore, by controlling the power supply based on the charge level, the battery cell may be discharged at a safe or appropriate rate or to a charge level that is safe for dismantler to subsequently handle the battery cell.

[0111] In one embodiment, the power supply from the battery cell 102 to one or more electrical components 110, 210 is controlled to reduce the charge level of the battery cell 102 to below a threshold charge level.

[0112] The threshold charge level may be a charge level at which the battery cell 102 is deemed to pose a low risk to the disassembler or operator handling the battery cell 102. The threshold charge level may be 30% of the maximum battery cell charge level (i.e., maximum charge capacity). The threshold charge level may be the threshold charge level in discharge mode. The threshold charge level may not be obtainable in aerosol generation mode or other modes of normal operation of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0113] In some embodiments, the discharge mode may be terminated when a threshold charge level is reached. In other embodiments, the battery protection mode may automatically disconnect the battery cells when the voltage reaches a threshold level (e.g., 2.5V), or the processor of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., the processor 120 described above) may be programmed to terminate the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 when the voltage of the battery cell 102 falls below a threshold level (e.g., 3V). In this way, the discharge mode may be terminated without monitoring the battery charge level in the discharge mode, thereby simplifying the discharge mode.

[0114] In one embodiment, the power supply from the battery cell 102 to one or more electrical components 110, 210 is controlled in aerosol generation mode to reduce the battery charge level to below the minimum charge level limit of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0115] In other words, in aerosol generation mode, a minimum charge level limit may be set or controlled in the aerosol generation device 100, which is the minimum charge level of the battery cell 102 that can be obtained in aerosol generation mode. Further depletion of the battery cell charge beyond this limit may be prevented to ensure the reliability of the battery cell. However, in discharge mode, the battery cell 102 may be discharged to a charge level lower than the minimum charge level of the battery cell 102 that can be obtained in aerosol generation mode. This is advantageous in improving the safety of the decomposer. The charge level may also be the voltage of the battery cell 102.

[0116] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a processor 120 configured to configure the aerosol generating device to discharge mode based on a discharge input.

[0117] The processor 120 may process the discharge input to configure the aerosol generating device 100 into discharge mode. The processor 120 may configure the aerosol generating device 100 into discharge mode by initiating or controlling the supply of power from the battery cell 102 to one or more electrical components 110, 210.

[0118] The discharge input may also be a discharge command. The discharge command may be provided in the aerosol generating device or by a remote (or external) device. Alternatively, the discharge input may be provided by connecting to an external device (e.g., by making an electrical connection).

[0119] In one embodiment, the discharge input is provided by connecting the discharge device 200 to the aerosol generating device 100. More generally, the discharge device 200 may be configured to provide a discharge input to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0120] The connection of the discharge device 200 to the aerosol generating device 100 may be a physical connection or a wireless connection (for example, a wireless connection with wireless power transmission capabilities).

[0121] One or more electrical components 210 of the discharge device 200 may enable the discharge of the battery cell 102 by supplying power to one or more electrical components 210. For example, one or more electrical components 210 may include a resistive load (e.g., a resistor or arrangement of resistors) and / or an aerosol generator component (e.g., an oven or heater, or a nebulizer, or an induction heater component). The discharge device 200 may be configured to provide power that is dissipated as heat, or to provide power for storage in the discharge device 200 (e.g., in its battery cell). The function of the discharge device 200 is, for example, to discharge the battery cell 102 of the aerosol generator 100 by receiving power from the battery cell 102 of the aerosol generator 100 and / or by drawing power from the battery cell 102 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0122] The discharge device 200 may be connected to the aerosol generating device 100 to provide a discharge input that configures the aerosol generating device 100 in discharge mode. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be registered with the fact that the discharge device 200 is connected and the aerosol generating device 100 is configured in discharge mode. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 100 may not be registered with the fact that the discharge device 200 is connected and the aerosol generating device 100 is configured in discharge mode; instead, the discharge mode may simply be the discharge of the aerosol generating device 100 by supplying power to one or more electrical components 210 of the discharge device 200 via the connection between them.

[0123] Additionally, or alternatively, the discharge input from the discharge device 200 may be a discharge instruction. The discharge instruction may be provided to the processor 120 of the aerosol generating device 100. The discharge instruction may be provided to configure the aerosol generating device 100 in discharge mode and initiate discharge through the discharge device 200.

[0124] As can be understood from the description herein, the aerosol generating device 100 may be connectable to the discharge device 200, and in discharge mode, the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to supply power from the battery cell 102 to the discharge device 200.

[0125] In one embodiment, the discharge device 200 may be provided as a housing portion of the aerosol generating device 100. The discharge device 200 may be provided to replace a detachable housing portion of the aerosol generating device 100. When connected to the aerosol generating device 100, the discharge device 200 may thereby form part of the housing (e.g., outer casing or cover) of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0126] The discharge device 200 may be integrally formed with the housing portion. That is, the housing portion may be the discharge device 200 or provide it. In this way, the housing portion is electrically connectable to the aerosol generating device 100 to facilitate the discharge of the battery cell 102. In one such embodiment, the existing housing portion of the aerosol generating device 100 can be removed and replaced with a housing portion comprising the discharge device 200. The housing portion may be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 100, thereby discharging the battery cell 102. Advantageously, such a structure ensures that the components of the aerosol generating device (particularly the battery cell 102) remain protected (i.e., user access is prevented) because the discharge device provides the housing portion to complete the housing (e.g., outer casing or cover) of the aerosol generating device 100, while enabling the discharge of the battery cell 102.

[0127] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 is arranged to provide a direct electrical connection between the discharge device 200 and the battery cell 102.

[0128] Direct electrical connection may mean that an electrical connection is formed without one or more intermediate components such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). That is, the electrical connection point does not have to be a charging point or connection point of the aerosol generating device 100 that provides charging power to the battery cell 102 via the PCB of the aerosol generating device 100. Instead, the electrical connection is made directly to the battery cell 102 and thus bypasses any PCB of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0129] Direct electrical connection may be provided by a connecting element that directly contacts or connects to the battery cell 102. The connection may be made via one or more contacts 108 that are electrically connected to the battery cell 102. The contacts 108 may be covered during normal use and when the discharge device 200 is not connected. This may advantageously reduce the risk of short circuits. The contacts 108 may be exposed to be accessible for connection using the discharge device 200. The contacts 108 may be exposed by removing one or more covers or capping elements. One or more covers or capping elements may be removable and, for example, may be removable to prevent access to the contacts 108. Removing one or more covers or capping elements may facilitate the connection of the discharge device 200 to the battery cell 102.

[0130] Direct electrical connection may mean that the connection is via a discharge circuit configured to enable the discharge of the battery cell 102. The discharge circuit may comprise the battery cell 102, a connecting element, and a contact 108. One or more PCBs or other components such as protective elements (e.g., fuses) may be provided. However, these components do not form part of the charging circuit. The discharge circuit may passively or actively manage the discharge of the battery cell 102. The discharge circuit may bypass or avoid the use of one or more components of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, one or more components of the charging circuit.

[0131] It will be understood that one or more contacts 108 may be separate from the charging contacts of the aerosol generating device 100. Conventional embodiments of aerosol generating devices include contacts that can be electrically connected to charge their battery cells. However, contacts 108 are not charging contacts, but rather contacts specifically used to discharge the battery cells.

[0132] One or more cover or capping elements may be destructible. The term “destructible” is used to refer to the property of one or more cover or capping elements. The term “destructible” is used to refer to one or more cover or capping elements that are configured (e.g., intentionally configured) such that, for example, appropriate treatment causes them to lose or degrade one or more of their mechanical properties or mechanical integrity (e.g., hardness or mechanical strength) so that they are at least partially destructible. Treatment may typically involve the application of heat or liquid, such as an aqueous solution or solvent, to one or more cover or capping elements. This configuration (e.g., intentional configuration) may be achieved by the selection of one or more materials used to form the destructible one or more cover or capping elements. However, the effect of heat or liquid does not necessarily cause the complete destruction of one or more cover or capping elements. Instead, one or more cover or capping elements may be formed from destructible materials such that the application of heat or solvent reduces the mechanical properties or integrity of the material. For example, one or more cover or capping elements may be softened or weakened so that they can be cut, torn, sheared, or broken more easily or readily. That is, the mechanical properties or integrity of one or more cover or capping elements may be reduced to make them easier to cut, torn, sheared, or broken (i.e., generally easier to access the contacts 108) compared to the time before the treatment (e.g., application of heat or solvent).

[0133] Other components of the aerosol generating device 100 may be non-destructible components. That is, unlike a destructible cover or capping element configured to be intentionally destroyed, other components are not configured to be intentionally destroyed. Other components may be destroyed at a significantly lower rate or not destroyed at all under the same conditions to which the destructible cover or capping element is exposed. For example, one or more other components of the aerosol generating device 100 may not dissolve or be destroyed in the solvent, while the destructible cover or capping element dissolves or is destroyed in the same solvent.

[0134] In highly advantageous embodiments, one or more covers or capping elements are soluble. One or more covers or capping elements may be soluble in an aqueous solution or solvent, or by applying water or a solvent to one or more covers or capping elements. As with the consideration of the term “destructible,” one or more covers or capping elements may be completely or partially soluble. Partial solubility may mean that a component of one or more covers or capping elements is dissolved to allow that portion to be more easily removed or manipulated, or that the remaining portion of one or more covers or capping elements is removed, for example, peeled off. Dissolving one or more covers or capping elements may include immersing the aerosol generating device 100 or a portion thereof in water or a solvent.

[0135] In one embodiment, one or more cover or capping elements may be formed from fibers (such as natural fibers or glass fibers) and a bonding agent used to bond the fibers together to form one or more cover or capping elements having strong mechanical resistance. The bonding agent may be soluble, thereby reducing the mechanical properties of the material. The fibers may then be perforated, peeled off, or removed by other means, thereby facilitating access to the contact 108.

[0136] The failure of one or more covers or capping elements may occur at room temperature, for example, in a solvent at room temperature. Alternatively, the failure of one or more covers or capping elements may occur by the application of heat or a solvent at a temperature between 50°C and 90°C, preferably between 70°C and 90°C.

[0137] In one embodiment, one or more electrical components 110, 210 include aerosol generator components 112, 212 and / or resistive loads 114, 214.

[0138] The aerosol generator components 112, 212 may be oven, heater, nebulizer, or induction heater components. The aerosol generator components 112, 212 may also be heat dissipation components or elements. The resistive loads 114, 214 may be resistors or any other loads from which energy may be dissipated by supplying power to the resistive loads 114, 214. The aerosol generator components 112, 212 and / or resistive loads 114, 214 may be provided with protective elements such as insulating covers to protect disassemblers from contact with heated components.

[0139] An oven may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100. A heater may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 or incorporated into a consumable (e.g., a pod or cartridge received by the aerosol generating device 100). A heater provided in the aerosol generating device 100 is advantageous for enabling a discharge mode, or discharge of the battery cell 102, even when the aerosol generating device 100 does not have a consumable.

[0140] The supply of power to the aerosol generator components 112 and 212 causes the battery cell 102 to discharge. However, this differs from the standard heating cycle of the aerosol generating device 100 in aerosol generation mode. In aerosol generation mode, power may be supplied to the aerosol generator components to generate aerosol for user consumption. In aerosol generation mode, power may be supplied periodically or according to a profile to optimally generate aerosol. In aerosol generation mode, heating may be provided to deliver a predetermined aerosol dose, or heating may be provided for a fixed duration to deliver a constant dose during a puff performed by the user. However, in discharge mode, power may be supplied continuously to the aerosol generator components 112 and 212, thereby causing continuous heating using the aerosol generator components 112 and 212. In discharge mode, there is no need for consumables to discharge the battery cell 102, nor is there a need to generate aerosol. Power may be supplied to the aerosol generator components 112, 212 and / or resistive loads 114, 214 until a threshold charge level is reached.

[0141] As described in detail elsewhere in this specification, the discharge mode can be performed even when consumables are present and a non-zero level of aerosol output is being provided, but it would be correctly recognized that the aerosol generating device can be shown to the user that it is operating in discharge mode. This allows the user to confirm that the aerosol is not for inhalation.

[0142] In one embodiment, one or more electrical components 110, 210 include aerosol generator components 112, 212, and the power supply from the battery cell 102 to the aerosol generator components 112, 212 is controlled so that the aerosol generator components operate at a temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, for example, below 180°C.

[0143] This is possible in discharge mode because aerosol generation is not a function of discharge mode. Instead, the goal is to discharge battery cell 102 in a safe and controlled manner. The aerosol generation temperature may be the boiling point of one or more chemicals contained in the consumables. Since the boiling point of liquid-based consumables may be 188°C to 190°C, maintaining a temperature of 180°C ensures that no aerosol is generated during discharge mode.

[0144] The processor 120 and / or discharge device 200 of the aerosol generating device 100 may control the power supply.

[0145] In another embodiment, the power supply may be controlled so that the aerosol generator component operates intermittently at the aerosol generation temperature (e.g., at the temperature otherwise employed in the aerosol generation mode). A heating profile may be employed to cause heating to the aerosol generation temperature, followed by heating to a lower temperature, and this may be repeated one or more times. Such a profile reduces the risk of overheating.

[0146] In one embodiment, one or more electrical components include an aerosol generator component, and the power supply from the battery cell to the aerosol generator component is controlled so that the aerosol generator component operates at a temperature in the range of 30 to 160°C, for example, 60°C.

[0147] The processor 120 and / or discharge device 200 of the aerosol generating device 100 may control the power supply.

[0148] Operating the aerosol generator components within this temperature range ensures safe and controlled discharge of the battery cell 102 while minimizing the risk of overheating of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 and / or the discharge device 200.

[0149] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes an interface 130 for displaying information regarding the discharge mode.

[0150] Interface 130 may indicate whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in discharge mode, configured to be in a discharge state, or performing a discharge function or cycle. That is, interface 130 may provide information to inform the disassembler that the battery cell 102 is being discharged. Interface 130 is configured to output an indication that the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to be in discharge mode. In addition, interface 130 may provide information to inform the disassembler of the charge level of the battery cell 102. Interface 130 may provide instructions to the disassembler when the charge level of the battery cell 102 reaches or falls below a threshold charge level. In this way, the disassembler can be assured that the battery cell 102 is safe for handling or removal of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0151] In one embodiment, the interface 130 is configured to provide an indication of battery cell discharge and / or battery cell charge level. In this way, a disassembler may confirm from the information provided by the interface 130 that battery cell 102 is being discharged or is in the process of being discharged.

[0152] The discharge mode (or similarly, whether the device is configured to be in a discharge state or is performing a discharge function or cycle) may allow the user to understand that any aerosols generated while device 100 is in discharge mode are not for inhalation. This is different from the aerosol generation mode or during an aerosol inhalation session, when the user understands that the generated aerosols are for inhalation.

[0153] The interface 130 may include elements configured to change or alter its properties depending on the charge level of the battery cell 102. For example, the elements may include a chemical substance whose color changes depending on the charge level of the battery cell 102.

[0154] Furthermore, the interface 130 may display information regarding the temperature of one or more components 110, 210, for example, the temperature of aerosol generator components 112, 212 or resistive loads 114, 214. In this way, the disassembler can assure, for example, that if the battery cell 102 provides insufficient power to cause high-temperature heating, the battery cell 102 is substantially discharged due to the low heating temperature of the aerosol generator components 112, 212 or resistive loads 114, 214.

[0155] Interface 130 may include a display, screen, etc. Interface 130 may also include an arrangement of one or more LEDs that light up (for example, in a specific color) to indicate that the aerosol generating device 100 is configured in discharge mode.

[0156] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to generate or receive a discharge input based on an input in the aerosol generating device 100, and / or to receive a discharge input from a remote device.

[0157] The disassembler may provide an input to the aerosol generating device 100 as a discharge input to put the aerosol generating device 100 into discharge mode. The input may be a single button press or a series of button presses. Alternatively, or additionally, the disassembler may command the discharge mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from a remote device such as a smartphone.

[0158] In one embodiment, the discharge mode is different from the aerosol generation mode.

[0159] The discharge mode and the aerosol generation mode may be separate modes that can be selected individually. Each mode has a different purpose or desired function; in the discharge mode, the purpose is to discharge the battery cell 102, whereas in the aerosol generation mode, the purpose is to generate aerosols or to be in a state where aerosol generation is possible. No interaction with the decomposer may be required when the aerosol generation device 100 is in discharge mode. Confirmation from the decomposer may be required to enable or configure the discharge mode. The discharge mode and the aerosol generation mode may have different characteristics, e.g., different minimum charge level parameters, different power parameters, and / or different temperature parameters or profiles.

[0160] In one embodiment, the processor 120 is configured to configure the aerosol generating device 100 to discharge mode by switching from an aerosol generation mode to a discharge mode based on a discharge input, which may be a discharge instruction.

[0161] This is extremely advantageous in the dismantling and recycling process because the dismantler can configure the aerosol generating device 100 in a specific mode for discharging the battery cells.

[0162] Referring to Figure 3, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device is shown. The aerosol generating device comprises one or more electrical components, each having an aerosol generating component, and the aerosol generating device is selectively configurable into an aerosol generating mode in which an aerosol for user inhalation is generated by supplying power from a battery cell to the aerosol generating component, and a discharge mode in which, based on a discharge input, the battery cell of the aerosol generating device is discharged, the battery cell is configured to supply power to one or more of the one or more electrical components. Step S310 includes configuring the aerosol generating device in discharge mode based on a discharge input, thereby discharging the battery cell of the aerosol generating device by supplying power from the battery cell to one or more of the one or more electrical components.

[0163] This method may, as requested or as necessary, incorporate any or all of the features described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2.

[0164] In aerosol generation mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to provide an aerosol output (e.g., suitable for user inhalation), and in discharge mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to provide an aerosol output lower than the aerosol output in aerosol generation mode and / or no aerosol output. Optional step S320 includes configuring the aerosol generation device in discharge mode to provide an aerosol output lower than the aerosol output in aerosol generation mode and / or no aerosol output.

[0165] Optional step S330 includes, in discharge mode, outputting a display of the aerosol generating device configured in discharge mode using the interface.

[0166] A further optional step includes disconnecting the battery cell from the aerosol generating device after discharge. A further optional step includes removing the battery cell from the aerosol generating device after discharge. A further optional step includes providing a new battery cell to the aerosol generating device after removing the battery cell from the aerosol generating device. That is, the optional step includes replacing the discharged battery cell with a new battery cell. A further optional step includes recycling the removed battery cell.

[0167] Refer to Figure 4 to see a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0168] The aerosol generating device 100 may be according to the first and / or second embodiments described above.

[0169] The aerosol generating device 100 is suitable for receiving consumables 1002. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a chamber 1004 into which the consumables 1002 are received.

[0170] The present invention is not limited to the specific aerosol generating device 100 or consumable 1002 described herein. That is, the descriptions of the aerosol generating device 100 and consumable 1002 are provided for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative configurations of aerosol generating devices and consumables are compatible with the present invention.

[0171] Consumable 1002 comprises an aerosol substrate. The term "aerosol substrate" is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapor when heated. The aerosol substrate may also be interpreted as an aerosol precursor. In one embodiment, the aerosol substrate is synonymous with smokeable material, aerosol generating substrate, and aerosol generating medium. The aerosol substrate comprises a material that provides volatile components when heated, usually in the form of vapor or aerosol. The aerosol substrate may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. The aerosol substrate may include, for example, one or more of the following: tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, recombined tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol substrate may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol substrate may comprise one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0172] The aerosol generating device 100 may include one or more heaters 1006 configured to provide heat to the consumables 1002 during use.

[0173] In one embodiment, the consumable 1002 contains a liquid, and one or more heaters comprise a heating element such as a coil, ceramic heater, plane resistance heater, mesh heater, MEMS heater, etc., configured to aerosolize the liquid for inhalation. Liquid delivery elements or mechanisms such as porous materials, capillary systems, and / or valves may transfer the liquid to the heating element during use. In some embodiments, the aerosolized liquid may pass through a solid substrate inside the aerosol generating device 100. In other embodiments, the consumable 1002 may comprise a solid aerosol substrate.

[0174] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 is equipped with a spray engine such as a vibrating mesh to generate an aerosol from a liquid, regardless of whether or not it is heated.

[0175] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a mouthpiece 1012 into which the user inhales the generated aerosol by inhaling the aerosol generating device 100. The mouthpiece 1012 includes a vent or channel 1014 connected to an area close to the consumable 1002 to allow any generated aerosol from the consumable 1002 to pass through during use. For example, the channel 1014 may extend between an opening in the mouthpiece 1012 and a chamber 1004 capable of at least partially receiving the consumable 1002. The mouthpiece 1012 is positioned so as to be received in the user's mouth during use. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 1012 is not required, and a portion of the consumable 1002 may protrude from the aerosol generating device 100. In this embodiment, the protruding portion of the consumable 1002 may function as a mouthpiece.

[0176] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 1008 (or control circuit) for electronic management of the device. The control unit 1008 may include a PCB or the like (not shown). The control unit 1008 is configured to control one or more heaters 1006.

[0177] The aerosol generating device 100 may also include an activation input sensor 1018. The activation input sensor 1018 may be a button, touchpad, or the like for sensing user input such as taps or swipes. In other embodiments, the activation input sensor 1018 may include a consumable sensor configured to detect whether a consumable 1002 has been inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the input sensor 1018 may include an authenticity detector configured to detect whether a genuine consumable 1002 has been inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally, or alternatively, user input may also include an inhalation action by the user.

[0178] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a puff sensor 1020 (otherwise known as an inhalation sensor). The puff sensor 1020 is configured to detect an inhalation action (i.e., a puff) by the user on the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the puff sensor 1020 includes a microphone or flow sensor configured for the airflow within the chamber 1004 and / or an airflow channel extending from the chamber 1004 through the mouthpiece 1012 to its inhalation outlet, where the airflow is related to the user's inhalation action. In another embodiment, the puff sensor 1020 is configured to detect a change in pressure indicating the start of an inhalation action by the user to the aerosol generating device. In this case, the puff sensor 1020 may be located anywhere on the aerosol device 100 where a change in pressure due to the user's inhalation action exists. In one embodiment, the puff sensor 1020 is located within the channel 1014 between the chamber 1004 and the mouthpiece 1012 of the aerosol generating device 100. The puff sensor 1020 may also detect the end of the user's inhalation action. For example, the puff sensor 1020 may be configured to detect further changes in pressure resulting from the user's end of the inhalation action.

[0179] The aerosol generating device 100 may include one or more temperature sensors 1022 configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the consumable 1002 within the aerosol generating device 100. The one or more temperature sensors 1022 may include thermocouples or thermistors, etc., configured to be located inside or adjacent to the consumable 1002 when the consumable 1002 is received into the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the one or more temperature sensors 1022 may be located inside the chamber 1004 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other embodiments, the temperature of the consumable 1002 may be measured indirectly by the use of a thermal imaging sensor. In yet another embodiment, if the heater 1006 has PTC (positive temperature coefficient) or NTC (negative temperature coefficient) characteristics, the heater 1006 itself functions as a temperature sensor.

[0180] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a power supply device 1050, such as a battery. The power supply device 1050 may be the battery cell 102 described above. The power supply device 1050 may comprise a battery module or otherwise. The power supply device may provide electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 100 that provides a voltage in the range of 3V to 18V, preferably in the range of 3V to 4.2V. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage source (which may be the battery cell 102) is a lithium-ion secondary battery that supplies a value of 3.6 to 3.7V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for modern aerosol generating devices in terms of rechargeability, high energy density, and large capacity. The power supply device 1050 may provide power for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, the power required to generate aerosols. In one embodiment, the power supply device 1050 may supply power to one or more heaters 1006.

[0181] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a processor 1030. The processor 1030 is connected to a control unit 1008. The processor 1030 is configured to receive data from the control unit 1008. In particular, the processor 1030 is configured to receive data from the control unit 1008 regarding various sensors / inputs of the aerosol generating device 100 (such as a start input sensor 1018, a puff sensor 1020, and / or a temperature sensor 1022).

[0182] The processor 1030 may be configured to configure the aerosol generating device 100 in discharge mode based on a discharge input in the form of a discharge instruction. The processor 1030 may also be configured to discharge the battery cells 102 and 1050 by supplying power from them to one or more electrical components (such as one or more heaters 1006).

[0183] In another embodiment, the discharge input may be provided by the electrical contacts of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, using a dedicated discharge device as described herein.

[0184] The processor 1030 and the control unit 1008 may be integrated with each other. In one embodiment, a single component performs the functions of both the control unit 1008 and the processor 1030. In other embodiments, the control unit 1008 and the processor 1030 are separate components.

[0185] The aerosol generating device 100 may be equipped with a USB port 1052 (for example, a USB receiving port). The USB port may provide a connection to the controller 1030.

[0186] It will be rightly recognized that the present invention described and defined above may enable related apparatus and methods to promote, comply with, or more easily comply with legal and regulatory requirements, guidelines and standards. In particular, this may also apply to one or more of the inspection, indication / conditioning, recycling, reuse, repair, replacement, and maintenance of apparatus (e.g., batteries or related devices), whether by an end user or a service provider.

[0187] Further details regarding the terms used above and the features described herein, or any further terms relating to the disclosure, are provided herein with reference to the descriptions herein in their entirety. - "Battery" may mean any device that transmits electrical energy generated by the direct conversion of chemical energy, has internal or external storage, consists of one or more non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery cells or modules thereof, and includes a battery that has been prepared for reuse, prepared for diversion, diverted, or remanufactured. - "Battery module" may also mean one or more battery module components (e.g., any set of one or more battery cells and / or one or more other components, as described above) that are connected together to or enclosed within an outer casing, housing, perimeter, envelope, wrapping, etc., to protect the cells from internal shocks, and this means that they are used alone or in combination with other modules. In some embodiments, "battery module" in the context of this specification may be known as otherwise "battery pack". - "Battery cell" refers to the basic functional unit in a battery, consisting of electrodes, electrolyte, container, terminals, and, where applicable, separators, and containing active material whose reaction generates electrical energy. - "Active material" refers to a substance that, through chemical reactions, generates electrical energy when a battery cell is discharged, or stores electrical energy when a battery is charged.

[0188] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of application of the invention as defined in the appended claims and described herein.

[0189] Examples of the present invention or embodiments relating to the present invention may be further or alternatively defined or described as follows.

[0190] 1. An aerosol generating device that can be configured in discharge mode based on the discharge input, thereby causing the battery cells of the aerosol generating device to discharge by supplying power from the battery cells to one or more electrical components.

[0191] 2. An aerosol generating device according to Example 1, wherein the supply of power from a battery cell to one or more electrical components does not cause aerosol generation.

[0192] 3. An aerosol generating device according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the supply of power from a battery cell to one or more electrical components is controlled based on one or more characteristics of the battery cell and / or one or more electrical components.

[0193] 4. An aerosol generating device according to Example 3, wherein the supply of power from a battery cell to one or more electrical components is controlled to reduce the charge level of the battery cell to below a threshold charge level.

[0194] 5. An aerosol generating device according to Example 3 or Example 4, wherein the power supply from the battery cell to one or more electrical components is controlled to reduce the battery charge level to below the minimum charge level limit of the aerosol generating device in aerosol generating mode.

[0195] 6. Aerosol generating devices are It is a processor, An aerosol generating device according to any one of the prior embodiments, comprising a processor configured to configure the aerosol generating device in a discharge mode based on a discharge input.

[0196] 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the discharge input is provided by connecting the discharge device to the aerosol generating device.

[0197] 8. An aerosol generating device according to Example 7, wherein the aerosol generating device is arranged to provide a direct electrical connection between the discharge device and the battery cell.

[0198] 9.1 or more electrical components comprising an aerosol generator component and / or a resistive load, an aerosol generating device according to any one of the prior embodiments.

[0199] 10. An aerosol generating device according to Example 9, comprising one or more electrical components, an aerosol generating component, and power supply from a battery cell to the aerosol generating component being controlled so that the aerosol generating component operates at a temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, for example, below 180°C.

[0200] 11. An aerosol generating device according to Example 10, comprising one or more electrical components, an aerosol generating component, and power supply from a battery cell to the aerosol generating component, controlled so that the aerosol generating component operates at a temperature in the range of 30 to 160°C, for example, 60°C.

[0201] 12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the prior embodiments, further comprising an interface for displaying information regarding the discharge mode.

[0202] 13. Aerosol generating devices are A discharge input is generated or received based on the input in an aerosol generating device, and / or An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, configured to receive a discharge input from a remote device.

[0203] 14. A discharge device for connection to an aerosol generating device according to any one of the prior embodiments, the discharge device being arranged to provide a discharge input to the aerosol generating device.

[0204] 15. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, A method comprising configuring an aerosol generating device in a discharge mode based on a discharge input, thereby causing the battery cells of the aerosol generating device to discharge by supplying power from the battery cells to one or more electrical components.

Claims

1. Aerosol generating device, Equipped with one or more electrical components that include an aerosol generator component, The aerosol generating device is Aerosol generation mode in which an aerosol for user inhalation is generated by supplying power from the battery cell to the aerosol generator component, A discharge mode that discharges the battery cell of the aerosol generating device based on a discharge input, wherein the battery cell is configured to supply power to one or more of the one or more electrical components, It can be selectively configured, Aerosol generating device.

2. In the aerosol generation mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to provide aerosol output. In the discharge mode, the aerosol generating device is configured to provide an aerosol output lower than the aerosol output in the aerosol generating mode and / or to provide no aerosol output at all. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. In the discharge mode, the aerosol generating device is The presence or absence of consumables in the aerosol generating device is detected. Based on sensing the lack of the aforementioned consumables, the system is configured to supply power from the battery cell to the aerosol generator component. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power supply from the battery cell to the aerosol generating component is controlled so that the aerosol generating component operates at a temperature below the aerosol generation mode temperature.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aerosol generating device is connectable to a discharge device, and in the discharge mode, the aerosol generating device is configured to supply power from the battery cell to the discharge device.

6. Furthermore, An interface for displaying information regarding the discharge mode, Equipped with, The interface is configured to output an indication that the aerosol generating device is configured in the discharge mode. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the supply of power from the battery cell to the one or more electrical components is controlled based on one or more characteristics of the battery cell and / or the one or more electrical components.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the supply of power from the battery cell to one or more electrical components is controlled to reduce the charge level of the battery cell to below a threshold charge level.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the supply of power from the battery cell to one or more electrical components is controlled in the aerosol generating mode to reduce the battery charge level to below the minimum charge level limit of the aerosol generating device.

10. The aerosol generating device is It is a processor, A processor configured to configure the aerosol generating device in the discharge mode based on the discharge input, An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The aerosol generating device is Based on the input in the aerosol generating device, the discharge input is generated or received, and / or A remote device is configured to receive the discharge input, An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A discharge device for connecting to an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the discharge device is configured to provide the discharge input to the aerosol generating device.

13. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is Equipped with one or more electrical components that include an aerosol generator component, The aerosol generating device is Aerosol generation mode in which an aerosol for user inhalation is generated by supplying power from the battery cell to the aerosol generator component, A discharge mode that discharges the battery cell of the aerosol generating device based on a discharge input, wherein the battery cell is configured to supply power to one or more of the one or more electrical components, It can be selectively configured, The aforementioned method, The aerosol generating device is configured in the discharge mode based on the discharge input, thereby discharging the battery cell of the aerosol generating device by supplying power from the battery cell to one or more of the one or more electrical components. method.

14. In the aerosol generation mode, the aerosol generation device is configured to provide aerosol output. In the discharge mode, the aerosol generating device is configured to provide an aerosol output lower than the aerosol output in the aerosol generating mode and / or to provide no aerosol output at all. The aforementioned method, This includes configuring the aerosol generating device in the discharge mode to provide an aerosol output lower than the aerosol output in the aerosol generating mode and / or to provide no aerosol output at all. The method according to claim 13.

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising using an interface to output a display of the aerosol generating device configured in the discharge mode.

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