Battery monitoring of aerosol generators

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol generator including a battery module, a battery temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to monitor the battery temperature during battery charging and detect signs of an increase in the charging completion temperature (301), and to determine whether signs of an increase in the charging completion temperature have been detected at the monitored battery temperature (302). If signs of an increase in the charging completion temperature are detected, the controller controls the aerosol generator to take action (303), and if no signs of an increase in the charging completion temperature are detected, it maintains the aerosol generator in an operational state (304) and does not control the aerosol generator to take action.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to battery monitoring in an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

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

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, the operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated by an electric heater to vaporize the components of the product that the operator inhales. In some examples, the product is a tobacco product similar to a conventional cigarette. Such devices may be referred to as "non-combustion heating type" devices in that the product is heated until it is aerosolized and not burned.

[0004] An aerosol generating device is typically powered from a power system including a battery (especially a rechargeable battery). However, a problem faced is that such batteries deteriorate over time, which can affect the user experience and may cause safety issues.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to particularly address the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In a first embodiment, an aerosol generator is provided which includes a battery module, a battery temperature sensor, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to use the battery temperature sensor to monitor the battery temperature during battery charging and to detect signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature, to determine whether signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature have been detected, to control the aerosol generator to take action if signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected, and to maintain the aerosol generator in an operational state and not control the aerosol generator to take action if no signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected.

[0007] In an alternative first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generator comprising a battery module, a battery temperature sensor, a battery charge sensor, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: use the battery charge sensor to monitor the battery charge level during battery charging; use the battery temperature sensor to monitor the battery temperature during battery charging and detect signs of rising charge termination temperature at the monitored battery temperature; determine whether signs of rising charge termination temperature have been detected at the monitored battery temperature only when it is determined that the monitored charge level of the battery has exceeded a predetermined charge level threshold; control the aerosol generator to perform an action if signs of rising charge termination temperature are detected; and maintain the aerosol generator in an operational state and not control the aerosol generator to perform an action if no signs of rising charge termination temperature are detected.

[0008] In this way, the detection results of the Cycle Termination Temperature (ECTR) event make it possible to determine that the battery in the aerosol generator is degrading and may need to be replaced. Detecting ECTR events is useful in revealing relatively slow degradation mechanisms (e.g., lithium plating can cause micro-short circuits) that could ultimately lead to a sudden decline in battery performance and safety issues. Thus, improvements to battery monitoring are provided. Preferably, the signs of a Cycle Termination Temperature (ECTR) include the battery temperature rise exceeding a threshold temperature change rate.

[0009] In this way, by comparing the rate of change of the monitored battery temperature with a predetermined threshold rate of change, it is possible to detect ECTR events.

[0010] Preferably, the controller is configured to monitor the battery temperature during charging using a battery temperature sensor by measuring the battery temperature at predetermined time intervals during charging, and to detect signs of an increase in the battery temperature at predetermined time intervals when the rise in battery temperature exceeds a threshold temperature change rate.

[0011] In this way, it is possible to monitor the battery temperature at intervals, and to detect ECTR events from the changes in battery temperature between these intervals.

[0012] Preferably, the aerosol generator further includes a battery charge level monitoring subcircuit, and the controller is configured to use the battery charge level monitoring subcircuit to determine the battery charge level, and the controller is further configured to monitor the battery temperature during charging to detect signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature if the battery charge level exceeds a predetermined charge level threshold, and not to monitor the battery temperature during charging to detect signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature if the battery charge level does not exceed a predetermined charge level threshold.

[0013] In this way, monitoring battery temperature in relation to ECTR events is performed only at the point in the charging cycle when an ECTR event is expected to occur. This reduces the likelihood of detecting false positive ECTR events caused by temperature changes occurring at points other than the end of the charging cycle.

[0014] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine whether the battery temperature is within a predetermined temperature range, and the controller is further configured to monitor the battery temperature during charging and detect signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature during charging if the battery temperature is within the predetermined temperature range, and not to monitor the battery temperature during charging and detect signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature during charging if the battery temperature is not within the predetermined temperature range.

[0015] If the battery temperature is outside the specified temperature range (for example, if the temperature is too high or too low), it may not be possible to accurately determine whether an ECTR event has occurred, which can lead to false negative or false positive results for the ECTR event. Therefore, the method described above reduces the likelihood of false negative or false positive results for the ECTR event.

[0016] Preferably, in response to a new battery being connected to the aerosol generator, the controller is configured to monitor the battery temperature during charging, detect signs of a rise in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature, and determine whether signs of a rise in the charging end temperature have been detected, with each loop repeating this in a loop manner corresponding to separate consecutive battery charging cycles; to maintain the aerosol generator in an operational state if no signs of a rise in the charging end temperature have been detected in n loops (where n is a predetermined integer greater than 1); and to control the aerosol generator to take action if signs of a rise in the charging end temperature have been detected in n loops.

[0017] If a battery is exposed to a low-charge state for an extended period (e.g., long storage time) before being charged, its health may deteriorate. As mentioned above, a newly connected battery can be checked for deterioration through the detection of ECTR events during its first n charge cycles. This improves reliability by determining whether such a new battery is already deteriorated.

[0018] Preferably, if no signs of a charge termination temperature rise are detected in each loop, the controller increments the loop count by 1, and when the count reaches n, the controller is configured to stop loop monitoring for signs of a charge termination temperature rise and maintain the aerosol generator in an operational state.

[0019] In this way, if the newly inserted battery is determined to be in good health (i.e., no ECTR events occurred during the first n charging cycles), the controller may stop monitoring for ECTR events, thereby saving processing resources.

[0020] Preferably, n=5.

[0021] Preferably, the controller is configured to detect when the battery is charging, and then use a battery temperature sensor to monitor the battery temperature during charging and to detect signs of a rise in the charging termination temperature at the monitored battery temperature.

[0022] In this way, the likelihood of detecting false positive ECTR events caused by temperature changes that occur when the aerosol generator is in use or stored, rather than when the battery is charging, is reduced. Furthermore, processing resources are saved by monitoring for ECTR events only when they are expected to occur (i.e., when charging).

[0023] Preferably, the action includes displaying an output on the aerosol generator's indicator indicating that the battery is degraded.

[0024] In this way, the operator becomes aware of the internal state of the system. Such an indicator can be useful in warning the user that there is a battery problem that needs to be investigated or that the battery should be replaced, while still allowing the user to perform further battery charging and / or further aerosolization sessions. This is useful when the battery problem is not critical (at least in the short term). For example, if an ECTR event occurs with a new (or relatively) new battery, it is not considered critical to the operation of the aerosol generator and therefore does not prevent the performance of an aerosolization session, but the user can be aware that such a non-critical problem may continue to negatively affect the operation of the device or the quality of the aerosolization session.

[0025] Preferably, the action includes stopping the operation of the aerosol generator.

[0026] In this way, it is possible to improve the safety in case of critical problems in the battery. For example, in case an ECTR event with a much larger temperature rise occurs, there may be a serious problem posing a safety risk in the battery. As a response to such a problem, stopping the operation of the aerosol generator may help reduce this risk.

[0027] Preferably, the action is to present, by a display of the aerosol generator, an output indicating that the battery is deteriorated when the rate of temperature change of the detected end-of-charge temperature rise exceeds a first predetermined rate of temperature change but does not exceed a second predetermined rate of temperature change, where the second predetermined rate of temperature change is greater than the first predetermined rate of temperature change, and to stop the operation of the aerosol generator when the rate of temperature change of the detected end-of-charge temperature rise exceeds the second predetermined rate of temperature change.

[0028] In this way, it is possible to balance warning the operator about non-critical battery deterioration (i.e., when the rate of temperature change of the detected end-of-charge temperature rise exceeds the first predetermined rate of temperature change) and stopping the operation of the device for safety when the rate of temperature change of the detected end-of-charge temperature rise exceeds the second predetermined rate of temperature change.

[0029] Preferably, stopping the operation of the aerosol generator may include preventing the device from performing one or more aerosolization sessions and / or preventing the battery from being charged.

[0030] Preferably, the aerosol generator is configured to aerosolize an aerosol-generating consumable in an aerosol generation session. Preferably, the aerosol-generating consumable contains an aerosol-generating material. Preferably, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material without burning it. Preferably, the aerosol-generating material contains tobacco leaves.

[0031] The controller may be configured to determine whether the battery temperature has decreased after an indication of a charge end temperature rise has been detected at the monitored battery temperature. The controller may control the aerosol generator to take action if the battery temperature has decreased after an indication of a charge end temperature rise has been detected. ECTR events are often associated with a temperature decrease following a temperature increase. The detection of this characteristic battery temperature profile when the battery charge level exceeds a predetermined battery charge level threshold may support the idea that ECTR events are related to battery degradation. In some situations, the temperature decrease can be identified by monitoring the first derivative of the battery temperature, and the temperature decrease may be associated with the first derivative being less than zero or below a predetermined negative threshold.

[0032] A second embodiment provides a method for monitoring the battery of an aerosol generator, the method comprising: using a battery temperature sensor of the aerosol generator to monitor the battery temperature while the aerosol generator battery is being charged to detect signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature; determining whether signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature have been detected; controlling the aerosol generator to take action if signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected; and maintaining the aerosol generator in an operational state and not controlling the aerosol generator to take action if no signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected.

[0033] In an alternative second embodiment, a method is provided for monitoring the battery of an aerosol generator, the method comprising: using a battery temperature sensor of the aerosol generator to monitor the battery temperature while the aerosol generator battery is being charged to detect signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature; using a battery charge sensor to monitor the battery charge level while the battery is being charged; determining whether signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature have been detected, only if it has been determined that the monitored charge level of the battery has exceeded a predetermined charge level threshold; controlling the aerosol generator to take action if signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected; and keeping the aerosol generator operational and not controlling the aerosol generator to take action if no signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected.

[0034] In a third embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium containing instructions is provided, which, when executed by one or more processors of an aerosol generator, causes the processors to: use the aerosol generator's battery temperature sensor to monitor the battery temperature while the aerosol generator's battery is charging to detect signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature; determine whether signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature have been detected; control the aerosol generator to take action if signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected; and keep the aerosol generator operational and not control the aerosol generator to take action if no signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected.

[0035] In an alternative third embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium containing instructions is provided, which, when executed by one or more processors of the aerosol generator, causes the processors to: use the aerosol generator's battery temperature sensor to monitor the battery temperature while the aerosol generator's battery is charging and detect signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature; use the battery charge sensor to monitor the battery charge level while the battery is charging; determine whether signs of an increase in the charging end temperature at the monitored battery temperature have been detected only if it has been determined that the monitored charge level of the battery has exceeded a predetermined charge level threshold; control the aerosol generator to take action if signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected; and keep the aerosol generator operational and not control the aerosol generator to take action if no signs of an increase in the charging end temperature have been detected.

[0036] Preferably, the preferred features of the first embodiment and its alternative embodiments may also be included in the second and third embodiments and their alternative embodiments, as necessary.

[0037] From here, embodiments of the present invention will be described as examples, with reference to the drawings. The drawings are as follows. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generator. [Figure 2A-2C] This plots the characteristics of a new, healthy battery that does not show ECTR. [Figure 2D-2F] The plot shows the battery characteristics that indicate ECTR. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the process for determining battery degradation by detecting ECTR events. [Figure 4]This is a flowchart of the process based on the process shown in Figure 3, which is implemented using a loop method to detect ECTR events in newly connected batteries. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the components of an aerosol generator 100 or vapor generator, also known as an e-cigarette. For the purposes of this specification, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol” should be understood to be synonymous.

[0040] The aerosol generator 100 comprises a body portion 112 housing a controller 102 and a power system including a battery 104. The battery 104 is described herein as a single battery, but may be one or more batteries or battery packs.

[0041] The controller 102 is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generator 100. This control may include stopping and starting the operation of the aerosol generator, and controlling the power flow of the battery 104 based on the operating mode of the aerosol generator. The controller 102 may be at least one microcontroller unit including memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions for operating the aerosol generator 100, which include instructions for stopping and starting the operation of the device, instructions for executing each operating mode of the device, instructions for controlling the power flow from the battery, etc., and the processor is configured to execute these instructions.

[0042] In one example, the heater 108 is housed in the body portion 112. In such an example, as shown in Figure 1, the heater 108 is located in a cavity 110 or chamber of the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is accessed through an opening 110A of the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is positioned to receive an associated aerosol generating consumable 114. The aerosol generating consumable may include an aerosol generating material such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco leaves. The tobacco rod can resemble a conventional cigarette. The cavity 110 has a cross-section approximately equal to the cross-section of the aerosol generating consumable 114, and a depth such that when the associated aerosol generating consumable 114 is inserted into the cavity 110, the first end 114A of the aerosol generating consumable 114 reaches the bottom 110B of the cavity 110 (i.e., the end 110B of the cavity 110 distal to the cavity opening 110A), and the second end 114B of the aerosol generating consumable 114 distal to the first end 114A extends outside the cavity 110. In this way, the consumer can inhale the aerosol generating consumable 114 once it is inserted into the aerosol generator 100. In the example of Figure 1, the heater 108 is positioned within the cavity 110 so as to engage with the heater 108 when the aerosol generating consumable 114 is inserted into the cavity 110. In the example shown in Figure 1, the heater 108 is positioned as a tube within the cavity and is arranged to substantially or completely surround the portion of the aerosol generating consumable 114 that is inside the cavity 110 when the first end 114A of the aerosol generating consumable is inserted into the cavity. The heater 108 may be a wire, such as a coiled wire heater, or a ceramic heater, or any other suitable type of heater. The heater 108 may include a plurality of heating elements arranged sequentially along the axial length of the cavity, and these heating elements may be activated (i.e., powered on) individually and sequentially.

[0043] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the heater may be positioned within the cavity as an elongated puncture member (such as a needle, rod, or blade), in which case the heater may be positioned to penetrate the aerosol generating consumable and engage with the aerosol generating material when the aerosol generating consumable is inserted into the cavity.

[0044] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater may be in the form of an induction heater. In such an embodiment, a heating element (i.e., a susceptor) may be provided within the consumable, and the heating element is inductively coupled to an inductive element (i.e., an induction coil) in the cavity when the consumable is inserted into the cavity. The induction heater then heats the heating element by induction.

[0045] As can be understood from the above, the heater 108 may be a heater component such as a heating element or an induction coil. Hereafter, such a heater component will be referred to as a heater, but this term may, of course, refer to any of the above-mentioned heater components, or more generally, to a heater.

[0046] The heater 108 is configured to heat the aerosol generating consumable 114 to a predetermined temperature at which an aerosol is generated during an aerosolizing session. An aerosolizing session can be considered as the time when the apparatus is operating to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating consumable 114. In the example where the aerosol generating consumable 114 is a tobacco rod, the aerosol generating consumable 114 contains tobacco leaves. The heater 108 is configured to generate an aerosol by heating the tobacco leaves without burning them. That is, the heater 108 heats the tobacco leaves to a predetermined temperature lower than the combustion point of the tobacco leaves so that an aerosol mainly composed of tobacco leaves is generated. As will be easily understood by those skilled in the art, the aerosol generating consumable 114 does not necessarily have to contain tobacco leaves, and any other substance suitable for aerosolization (or vaporization) by heating without burning may be used instead of tobacco leaves.

[0047] The aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1 is merely one example of a usable type of aerosol generator. Alternative devices may be configured to receive a consumable, which is a planar cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material such as tobacco. Other alternative devices may be configured to receive loose tobacco as the aerosol-generating consumable. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating consumable may be a vaporizable liquid. The vaporizable liquid may be contained in a cartridge that can be housed in the aerosol generator, or it may be placed directly within the aerosol generator.

[0048] The aerosol generator 100 includes a battery temperature sensor 106. The controller 102 is configured to monitor the temperature of the battery 104 using the battery temperature sensor 106. In some examples, the battery temperature sensor may be a thermistor. In other examples, the battery temperature sensor 106 may be a subcircuit specifically designed to measure the temperature of the battery.

[0049] The aerosol generator 100 may further include a battery charge level monitoring subcircuit 107. The controller 102 may be configured to use the battery charge level monitoring subcircuit 107 to determine the charge level of the battery 104. In some examples, the battery charge level monitoring subcircuit is a specially designed subcircuit configured to monitor battery characteristics, such as a battery charge gauge or battery charge gauge chip. The battery charge level monitoring subcircuit 107 is merely one implementation of a battery charge sensor. In another configuration, the battery charge sensor includes a current sensor that can monitor the amount of current supplied to the battery 104. The charge state of the battery 104 can be inferred by integrating the current supplied to the battery 104 over time. Of course, the current can also be measured or inferred by other means, for example, by measuring the voltage drop across a resistor with a known resistance.

[0050] The controller 102 may also be configured to control the power flow of the battery 104 during the aerosolization session. In some examples, the aerosolization session may include a preheating phase and a heating phase. During the preheating phase, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol generator 100 is heated to a predetermined temperature to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating consumables 114. The preheating phase may be considered as the time during which the preheating mode is performed, for example, the time until the heater 108 reaches a predetermined temperature. The preheating mode occurs during a first time period of the aerosolization session. In one example, the first time period may be a fixed predetermined time period. In another example, the first time period may vary depending on the length of time required to heat the heater 108 to a predetermined temperature. Once the preheating phase is complete, the controller 102 exits the preheating mode and controls the power system to perform the heating phase. During the heating phase, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the power system to maintain the heater 108 at approximately a predetermined temperature so that aerosols for consumer inhalation are generated. The heating phase can be considered as the time during which the heating mode is running, for example, the time during which the heater 108 aerosolizes one (or at least a portion of one) of the aerosol-generating consumables 114 after the preheating phase. The controller 102 may control the power system to operate the heating mode over a second time period of the aerosolization session. The second time period may be predetermined and stored in the controller 102.

[0051] The battery 104 may be a rechargeable battery or a secondary battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery. To improve sustainability, instead of replacing the entire aerosol generator, the aging and / or degraded battery of the aerosol generator may be replaced.

[0052] Battery health degradation can be indicated by the End-of-Charge Temperature (ECTR) phenomenon. The ECTR event is a temperature rise near the end of the charging process. This is understood to be caused by lithium plating, which can induce a permanent internal short circuit, a sign of battery health degradation and poses a safety risk. This effect can also be caused by a prolonged period of low charge before the battery is charged (e.g., excessive storage).

[0053] ECTR events occur at high charging speeds, such as over 1A, which is also a typical charging speed for heated tobacco applications.

[0054] The ECTR event is self-terminating. For example, the ECTR event may completely resolve in a single full charge session, or it may resolve completely in multiple charge sessions (e.g., 2 to 5 sessions). Therefore, to check for the ECTR event in a new battery, it is sufficient to observe several charge sessions (e.g., 5 charge sessions) after battery replacement.

[0055] The severity of an ECTR event is independent of the charging speed or the impedance before the event. Therefore, it may not be detected or displayed until a high-charge state is reached. ECTR also does not affect the discharge capacity.

[0056] Figures 2A–2C show plots of the characteristics of a new, healthy battery that does not exhibit ECTR. Figures 2D–2F show plots of the characteristics of a battery that exhibits ECTR. These figures are reproduced from End-of-Charge Temperature Rise and State-of-Health Evaluation of Aged Lithium-Ion Battery, Energies, 2023, 16(1), 405;https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / en16010405.

[0057] Figure 2A shows a plot of battery temperature against capacity during the first and second 1.25A charges of a new battery. Figure 2D shows the corresponding plot of battery temperature against capacity during the first and second 1.25A charges for a battery exhibiting an ECTR event. Comparing Figure 2D with Figure 2A, it can be seen that there is a large temperature rise at the end of the charging cycle of the first charge. This is the ECTR event. In the second 1.25A charge of a battery exhibiting an ECTR event, there is no temperature spike. This is understood to be due to the ECTR self-terminating.

[0058] Figure 2C shows the current-to-capacity plot for the first and second 1.25A charges of a new battery. Figure 2E shows the corresponding current-to-capacity plot for the first and second 1.25A charges of a battery that exhibited an ECTR. As can be seen from the figures, after the ECTR event, there is a current drop at higher capacities.

[0059] Figure 2D shows a plot of voltage against capacity during the first and second 1.25A charges of a new battery. Figure 2F shows the corresponding plot of voltage against capacity during the first and second 1.25A charges of a battery that has shown ECTR. As can be seen from the figures, the battery capacity retention rate after ECTR is greater than 80% (which theoretically indicates a good battery). This suggests that the change in battery capacity may not be a completely comprehensive indicator of battery degradation. Additional measures such as ECTR are needed to minimize field failure rates.

[0060] Detecting ECTR events is useful in uncovering relatively slow degradation mechanisms (for example, lithium plating can cause micro-short circuits) that could ultimately lead to a sudden decline in battery performance and safety issues.

[0061] Based on the detection results of ECTR events, it is possible to determine if the battery in the aerosol generator is degraded and may need to be replaced. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the method for determining whether the battery is degraded and the additional steps that are performed.

[0062] In step 301, the controller 102 uses the battery temperature sensor 106 to monitor the temperature of the battery 104 while it is charging and detects signs of an ECTR event at the monitored battery temperature.

[0063] The controller 102 can use the battery temperature sensor 106 to measure the battery temperature continuously or at predetermined time intervals (e.g., between 10 and 60 seconds) while the battery 104 is charging. This can be triggered, for example, by the controller 102 detecting that an aerosol generator has been connected to the charger.

[0064] In some examples, the aerosol generator 100 may also include a battery charge level monitoring subcircuit 107. The controller 102 may be configured to use the battery charge level monitoring subcircuit 107 to determine the charge level of the battery 104.

[0065] Since ECTR occurs at the end of a charging cycle, the controller 102 can monitor the temperature of the battery 104 during charging and detect signs of an ECTR event at the monitored battery temperature if the battery's charge level exceeds a predetermined charge level threshold. The predetermined charge level threshold may be a charge level above which ECTR is expected to occur for the type of battery being used. This predetermined charge level threshold may be stored in storage accessible to the controller 102. In one example, the predetermined charge level threshold may be 50% of the battery's rated capacity. In another example, the predetermined charge level threshold may be at least 30% of the battery's rated capacity.

[0066] Similarly, the controller 102 may also be configured not to monitor the temperature of the battery 104 during battery charging and to detect signs of an ECTR event at the monitored battery temperature if the battery charge level does not exceed a predetermined charge level threshold.

[0067] In this way, monitoring battery temperature in relation to ECTR events is performed only at the point in the charging cycle when an ECTR event is expected to occur. This reduces the likelihood of detecting false positive ECTR events caused by temperature changes occurring at points other than the end of the charging cycle.

[0068] The controller 102 may also be configured to detect when the battery 104 is charging, and then use the battery temperature sensor 106 to monitor the battery temperature during charging and detect signs of an ECTR event at the monitored battery temperature. That is, battery temperature monitoring is not triggered when the battery 104 is not charging. This reduces the likelihood of detecting a false positive ECTR event caused by temperature changes that occur when the aerosol generator 100 is in use or stored, rather than when the battery 104 is charging.

[0069] In step 302, the controller 102 determines whether any signs of an ECTR event have been detected at the monitored battery temperature.

[0070] If signs of an ECTR event are detected, the process proceeds to step 303. If no signs of an ECTR event are detected, the process proceeds to step 304.

[0071] Signs of an ECTR event may include a temperature rise in battery 104 exceeding a threshold temperature change rate.

[0072] The threshold temperature change rate may be a predetermined value stored in storage accessible by the controller.

[0073] The controller 102 may be configured to monitor the battery temperature during charging of the battery 104 using a battery temperature sensor 106, which is performed by measuring the battery temperature at predetermined time intervals during charging (i.e., monitoring the temperature gradient (rate of temperature change)). The controller 102 can then detect signs of an ECTR event at the battery temperature measured at predetermined time intervals when the battery temperature rise exceeds a threshold rate of temperature change.

[0074] The threshold temperature change rate may be the maximum allowable temperature change between temperature measurements over a predetermined time interval (i.e., the threshold temperature gradient (threshold temperature change rate)). If the temperature change exceeds the maximum allowable change, the temperature rise may be considered an indication of an ECTR event. An exemplary threshold temperature change rate may be 6°C over a given time interval, and a temperature change exceeding 6°C over a given time interval may be considered an indication of an ECTR event. The time interval over which continuous temperature measurements are taken may be, for example, in the range of 10 seconds to 1 minute.

[0075] In some cases, there may be two or more threshold temperature change rates. For example, there may be two thresholds. The first threshold temperature change rate may correspond to a non-critical ECTR event. The second threshold temperature change rate is higher than the first threshold temperature change rate and may correspond to a critical ECTR event. In a specific example, the first threshold temperature change rate may be 6°C over a given time interval, and a temperature change of more than 6°C over a given time interval (e.g., 10 seconds) may be considered an indication of a non-critical ECTR event. The second threshold temperature change rate may be 20°C over a given time interval, and a temperature change of more than 20°C over a given time interval (e.g., 10 seconds) may be considered an indication of a critical ECTR event. In such cases with two or more threshold temperature change rates, the action taken by the controller in response to the detection of an ECTR event may differ depending on which threshold temperature change rate was exceeded. In other words, the triggered action may differ depending on whether it is detected that the battery temperature change has exceeded a first threshold temperature change rate or a second threshold temperature change rate. This will be explained in detail in step 303.

[0076] The controller 102 may be configured to determine whether the temperature of the battery 104 is within a predetermined temperature range during charging.

[0077] The predetermined temperature range may be the preferred operating temperature range of the battery. For example, such a temperature range may be 15°C to 40°C. The predetermined temperature range may be stored in a storage accessible to the controller 102. The controller 102 may then compare the temperature of the battery 104, measured by the battery temperature sensor 106, with this predetermined temperature range.

[0078] If the battery temperature is outside the specified temperature range (for example, if the temperature is too high or too low), it may not be possible to accurately determine whether an ECTR event has occurred, which could lead to a false negative or false positive determination of the ECTR event. Therefore, if the battery temperature is outside the specified temperature range, the data is considered invalid for the ECTR check, and the controller 102 does not monitor the temperature of the battery 104 during battery charging to detect signs of an ECTR event during battery charging.

[0079] If the temperature of the battery 104 is within a predetermined temperature range, the controller 102 monitors the battery temperature during charging and detects signs of an ECTR event during charging. As described above, if the temperature of the battery 104 is not within the predetermined temperature range, the controller 102 does not monitor the battery temperature during charging or detect signs of an ECTR event during charging. In this way, the possibility of false negative or false positive determinations of ECTR events is reduced.

[0080] ECTR events are known to result in a rise in battery temperature followed by a drop in battery temperature. Such a situation is shown in Figure 2D during the first 1.25A charge. Controller 102 may monitor the battery temperature to detect a drop in battery temperature immediately following a temperature rise at the end of charging. This may be included as an optional requirement for confirming an ECTR event. Thus, by monitoring the battery temperature, it is possible to detect characteristic profiles that are indicative of an ECTR event, including a temperature rise and a subsequent temperature drop. These two aspects of the temperature profile can be identified by monitoring the first derivative of the battery temperature. In some embodiments, the identification of a temperature drop is possible by identifying that the first derivative of the temperature is less than zero or below a predetermined negative threshold.

[0081] If signs of an ECTR event are detected, in step 303, the controller 102 controls the aerosol generator 100 to take action.

[0082] In the first example, the action includes displaying an output on the aerosol generator's indicator indicating that the battery 104 is degraded.

[0083] The indicator may be, for example, an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker), a visible indicator (e.g., one or more lights or a display screen), or a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration module). In the example of a display screen, the display may include a message being displayed to the user warning that there is a problem with the battery that needs to be checked or replaced. An audible indicator can convey a similar display in an audible format.

[0084] Such an indicator may be useful in warning the user that there is a battery problem that needs to be investigated or that the battery 104 should be replaced, while still allowing the user to perform further charging and / or further aerosolization sessions of the battery 104. This is useful when the battery problem is not critical (at least in the short term). For example, if an ECTR event occurs with a new (or relatively new) battery, it is not considered critical to the operation of the aerosol generator 100 and therefore does not prevent the performance of an aerosolization session, but it is possible for the user to recognize that such a non-critical problem may continue to adversely affect the operation of the device or the quality of the aerosolization session. The action may further include locking the device if the operator does not replace the battery within a predetermined period (e.g., two weeks). This makes it possible to use a suboptimal battery in the short term while avoiding long-term problems.

[0085] In the second example, the action includes stopping the operation of the aerosol generator 100.

[0086] Stopping the operation of the aerosol generator 100 may include preventing the device from performing one or more aerosolization sessions and / or preventing the battery 104 from being charged. This action may further include using the device's indicators (e.g., audible, visual, or tactile indicators) to display a message to the operator prompting the user to replace the battery.

[0087] In such an example, the controller 102 may use an internal switch to block the circuitry used to charge the battery 104 or to perform an aerosolization session. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may lock the software / firmware of the device used to perform the charging or aerosolization session.

[0088] This may be useful if there is a critical problem with the battery 104. For example, if an ECTR event occurs with a much larger temperature rise, there may be a serious problem with the battery that poses a safety risk. In response to such a problem, stopping the operation of the aerosol generator 100 may help mitigate this risk.

[0089] The action may include, or both, displaying an output on the aerosol generator's indicator indicating that the battery 104 is degraded, or stopping the operation of the aerosol generator 100.

[0090] Using the example of two threshold temperature change rates, if the battery temperature change rate is detected to exceed the first (lower) threshold temperature change rate during charging, the controller 102 controls the device's display to show an output indicating a battery problem that needs to be investigated, or advises that the battery 104 should be replaced (i.e., there is a non-critical battery problem), but does not stop the operation of the aerosol generator 100. Next, if the battery temperature change rate is detected to exceed the second (higher) threshold temperature change rate during charging, the controller stops the operation of the aerosol generator 100 for safety.

[0091] In other words, if the detected rate of temperature change of the charging completion temperature rise exceeds a first predetermined rate of temperature change but does not exceed a second predetermined rate of temperature change, the aerosol generator's display will show an output indicating that the battery is degraded. If the detected rate of temperature change of the charging completion temperature rise exceeds a second predetermined rate of temperature change, the aerosol generator will stop operating. The second predetermined rate of temperature change is greater than the first predetermined rate of temperature change.

[0092] If no signs of an ECTR event are detected, in step 304, the controller 102 keeps the aerosol generator 100 operational and does not control the aerosol generator 100 to perform any action.

[0093] If no ECTR event is detected, battery 104 may be considered healthy. Therefore, the battery charging and / or aerosolization session may not be prevented, and the aerosol generator may be used normally.

[0094] The process and teachings described with reference to Figure 3 may be performed in a battery testing process for a new battery connected to the aerosol generator 100. For example, when a new battery 104 is connected to or inserted into the aerosol generator 100, the controller 102 may perform checks to confirm that the battery 104 is a verified battery (e.g., a battery of a type suitable for use in this device), which is done by checking the battery characteristics. If the newly connected battery passes these checks, the aerosol generator 100 may be unlocked by the controller 102 and used for a predetermined number of charging cycles (e.g., 3 to 5 full charges with at least 50% of the rated capacity charged). During charging in these charging cycles, the process shown in Figure 3 is performed. This makes it possible to determine whether the new verified battery has already deteriorated based on the presence or absence of an ECTR event. In this way, if an ECTR event is present, the user can be warned that the battery has deteriorated. For example, even a new battery may have already deteriorated if it has been stored in a low-charge state for too long.

[0095] To prepare for such a situation, once a new battery is connected to the aerosol generator 100, the process described with reference to Figure 3 may be performed in a loop. The controller 102 may be configured to repeatedly monitor the temperature of the battery 104 during charging (as in step 301) to detect signs of an ECTR event at the monitored battery temperature, and to determine (as in step 302) whether signs of an ECTR event have been detected, in a loop. Each loop may correspond to a separate, consecutive battery charging cycle. That is, each loop corresponds to one battery charging session, and each loop is repeated in each charging session.

[0096] If no signs of an ECTR event are detected in n loops, the controller 102 maintains the aerosol generator 100 in an operational state (as in step 304). That is, the newly connected battery 104 is determined to be a battery in good health. For this to happen, n may be an integer greater than 1. In a specific example, n may be equal to 5. In another example, n may be equal to 3. In yet another example, n may be any appropriate positive integer value. The controller 102 may increment the loop count by 1 for each loop in which no signs of an ECTR event are detected. Once the loop count reaches n, the controller 102 may be configured to stop loop-based monitoring of the battery temperature for signs of an ECTR event and maintain the aerosol generator 100 in an operational state.

[0097] On the other hand, if any indication of an ECTR event is detected in any of the n loops, the controller 102 may control the aerosol generator to take action (as in step 303).

[0098] More specifically, Figure 4 shows an exemplary loop configuration for testing a newly connected battery for an ECTR event. All the processes and teachings described with reference to Figure 3 are applicable to the process in Figure 4, but for the sake of brevity, we will not repeat everything here with respect to Figure 4.

[0099] In step 401, the controller 102 may detect that a new battery has been connected. For example, the controller 102 may detect this by a sensor indicating that a connection has been made with battery 104. The process then proceeds to step 402.

[0100] In step 402, the controller 102 may verify that the battery 104 is a verified type of battery by checking its characteristics. A verified type of battery is one that the controller 102 has determined to be suitable for use in the aerosol generator 100. If the controller 100 determines that the battery 104 is not a verified type of battery, the controller 102 may control the aerosol generator 100 to lock or shut down so that it cannot be used with the unverified battery, thereby improving the safety of the aerosol generator 100's operation. If the controller 102 determines that the battery 104 is a verified type of battery, the process proceeds to step 403.

[0101] In some examples, step 402 may be optional, and if step 402 is not included, the process may proceed directly from step 401 to step 403.

[0102] In step 403, the controller 102 may detect whether the battery 104 is charging. If the battery 104 is not charging, the process may wait until the battery 104 is charging. Once the battery 104 is charging, the process proceeds to step 404.

[0103] In step 404, the controller 102 may determine whether the battery 104 is being charged at a charge level above a predetermined charge level threshold.

[0104] If the battery 104 is not charging at a charge level above a predetermined charge level threshold, the process proceeds to step 405. In step 405, the controller may determine that the collected data is not valid for checking for ECTR events. This is because ECTR events occur at the end of a charging cycle, and monitoring for ECTR events only at the end of a charging cycle (i.e., when the battery's charge level exceeds a predetermined charge level threshold) reduces the likelihood of detecting false positive ECTR events caused by temperature changes occurring at points other than the end of the charging cycle. In step 405, the process may wait until the battery 104 is charging at a charge level above a predetermined charge level threshold.

[0105] If the battery 104 is charging at a charge level above a predetermined charge level threshold, the process proceeds to step 406. In step 406, the controller 102 may determine that the collected data is valid for checking for an ECTR event. This is because the battery 104 is approaching the end of charging, which is defined by the charge level exceeding a predetermined charge level threshold, and therefore the charge level is within the range where an ECTR event may occur. The process proceeds to step 407.

[0106] In step 407, the controller 102 may determine whether the battery 104 is operating within a predetermined temperature range while charging. If the temperature of the battery 104 is within the predetermined temperature range, the process proceeds to step 408. If the temperature of the battery 104 is not within the predetermined temperature range, the process proceeds to step 412.

[0107] In step 407, other temperature checks may also be performed.

[0108] Another temperature sensor may measure the ambient temperature, which may be located, for example, in the microcontroller unit of the aerosol generator, and may be used for validation. If the ambient temperature is outside the acceptable ambient temperature range, the battery temperature data may be considered invalid for the ECTR check. On the other hand, if the ambient temperature is within the acceptable ambient temperature range, the battery temperature data may be considered valid for the ECTR check, and the process may proceed to step 408.

[0109] The ambient temperature change rate may also be used for validation. If the ambient temperature change in a given unit time exceeds the ambient temperature change threshold, the battery temperature data may be considered invalid for the ECTR check. Conversely, if the ambient temperature change in a given unit time does not exceed the ambient temperature change threshold, the battery temperature data may be considered valid for the ECTR check, and the process may proceed to step 408. This additional validation may be used for slow charging implementations (e.g., using a 1C battery speed). In the case of fast charging implementations, the device may heat up to such an extent that the ambient temperature sensor detects a temperature rise due to internal heating of the device (e.g., by the charging IC). In this case, the controller must stop the operation of this ambient temperature change check.

[0110] In an example where multiple types of temperature checks are performed in step 407, all of the above temperature checks must correspond to valid battery temperature data for the process to proceed to step 408.

[0111] In some examples, the order of the checks in steps 404 and 407 may be reversed. That is, the check (step 404) to determine whether the battery is being charged at a charge level exceeding a predetermined charge level threshold may be performed after determining whether the battery temperature during charging is within a predetermined temperature range.

[0112] In step 412, if the battery temperature is not within the predetermined temperature range, the controller 102 may determine that the data is not valid for the ECTR check. In that case, the process in Figure 4 may be aborted or waited in step 407 until the battery temperature enters the predetermined temperature range.

[0113] In step 408, the controller 102 may use the battery temperature sensor 106 to monitor the temperature of the battery during charging, which is done by measuring the temperature of the battery 104 at predetermined time intervals during charging (as in step 302 in Figure 3) to detect whether the rate of change of the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold rate of change.

[0114] If the controller 102 detects that the battery's temperature change rate exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature change rate, an ECTR event is detected, and the process proceeds to step 411.

[0115] In step 411, in response to the detection of an ECTR event, the controller 102 may control the aerosol generator 100 to perform the aforementioned actions (as shown in step 303 of Figure 3).

[0116] If the controller 102 detects that the rate of temperature change of the battery during the charging session does not exceed a predetermined threshold rate of temperature change, the process proceeds to step 409.

[0117] In step 409, the controller 102 may update the "ECTR check counter" by incrementing it by 1 (i.e., ECTR check counter = ECTR check count + 1). The ECTR check counter may be stored in storage accessible to the controller 102. That is, the counter is incremented by 1 for each battery charging session in which no ECTR event is detected.

[0118] When the ECTR check counter is updated and the value of the ECTR check counter reaches n (i.e., ECTR check counter = n), the process proceeds to step 410.

[0119] If the ECTR check counter is equal to n, in step 410, the controller 102 may determine that the battery 104 is in good health because n charging sessions of the new battery have been successfully carried out without the detection of an ECTR event. After that, the controller 102 maintains the aerosol generator 100 in an operable state and does not control the aerosol generator 100 to perform an action. In some examples, no further ECTR checks are performed until another new battery is connected. In another example, as described later, the controller 102 may continue to perform an ECTR check each time the battery 104 is charged.

[0120] Referring back to step 409, if the value of the ECTR check counter is less than n (i.e., ECTR check counter < n) after the ECTR check counter is updated, the process continues to step-loop back to step 402, and the loop process of FIG. 4 is repeated in the next battery charging session. That is, each loop corresponds to one battery charging session. In this way, a newly connected battery can be checked for degradation over a predetermined number of charging sessions (n times).

[0121] As an alternative or addition to detecting an ECTR event when a new battery is connected (in the aforementioned n loops), the controller 102 may be configured to detect an ECTR event each time the battery 104 is charged. That is, the process described with reference to FIG. 3 may be performed each time the battery is charged (e.g., beyond the n loops) to monitor whether an ECTR event occurs. In this way, the battery 104 can be checked for degradation indicated by an ECTR event over its entire operating life.

[0122] The processing steps described herein, performed by the controller 102, may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium (or storage) associated with the controller 102. The computer-readable medium may be a non-volatile medium or a volatile medium. The volatile medium may, in particular, be semiconductor memory or dynamic memory. The non-volatile medium may, in particular, be optical disks or magnetic disks.

[0123] As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the embodiments described above are not limiting, and features of each embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments as needed. Furthermore, it is obvious that the steps of the process described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 do not have to be performed in the order described, but may be performed in any suitable order.

Claims

1. An aerosol generator comprising a battery module, a battery temperature sensor, a battery charge sensor, and a controller, wherein the controller is The battery charge sensor is used to monitor the battery charge level during battery charging, Using the battery temperature sensor, the temperature of the battery is monitored during charging, and signs of an increase in the charging completion temperature are detected at the monitored battery temperature. Only when it is determined that the monitored charge level of the battery has exceeded a predetermined charge level threshold, it is determined whether there is any indication of an increase in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature. The aerosol generator is controlled to take action when an indication of the aforementioned charge termination temperature rise is detected, If no indication of a rise in the charging completion temperature is detected, the aerosol generator will be kept in an operational state, and the aerosol generator will not be controlled to perform the aforementioned action. It is configured to do, Aerosol generator.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the indication of a rise in the charging completion temperature includes the temperature rise of the battery exceeding a threshold temperature change rate.

3. The controller monitors the battery temperature during charging using the battery temperature sensor by measuring the battery temperature at predetermined time intervals during charging. When the temperature rise of the battery exceeds the threshold temperature change rate, the system detects signs of a charge termination temperature rise in the battery temperature measured at the predetermined time interval, The aerosol generator according to claim 2, configured to perform the following:

4. The battery charge sensor further includes a battery charge level monitoring subcircuit, the controller is configured to use the battery charge level monitoring subcircuit to determine the charge level of the battery, and the controller further, If the charge level of the battery does not exceed the predetermined charge level threshold, the system is configured not to monitor the battery temperature during charging and to not detect any signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The controller is configured to determine whether the battery temperature is within a predetermined temperature range, and the controller further, When the battery temperature is within the predetermined temperature range, the battery temperature is monitored during charging to detect signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature during the charging of the battery. If the temperature of the battery is not within the predetermined temperature range, the battery temperature will not be monitored during charging, and the detection of signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature will not be performed during the charging of the battery. It is configured to do, An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In response to the connection of a new battery to the aerosol generator, the controller monitors the battery temperature during charging, detects signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature, and determines whether such signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature have been detected, with each loop repeating this process in a loop manner corresponding to a separate, consecutive battery charging cycle. If no indication of the charging termination temperature rise is detected in n loops (where n is a predetermined integer greater than 1), the aerosol generator is maintained in the operational state. The aerosol generator is controlled to perform the action described above when an indication of the charging completion temperature rise is detected in the n loops, It is configured to do, An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 6, wherein if no indication of the charging completion temperature rise is detected in each loop, the controller increments the loop count by 1, and when the loop count reaches n, the controller is configured to stop loop monitoring of the battery temperature with respect to the indication of the charging completion temperature rise and maintain the aerosol generator in the operational state.

8. The aerosol generator according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein n = 5.

9. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller is configured to detect that the battery is being charged, and then use the battery temperature sensor to monitor the battery temperature during charging and to detect signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature.

10. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the action includes displaying an output indicating that the battery is degraded by an indicator of the aerosol generator.

11. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the action includes stopping the operation of the aerosol generator.

12. The aforementioned Action is, If the detected rate of temperature change of the charging completion temperature rise exceeds a first predetermined rate of temperature change but does not exceed a second predetermined rate of temperature change, the aerosol generator's display will show an output indicating that the battery is degraded, wherein the second predetermined rate of temperature change is greater than the first predetermined rate of temperature change. If the detected rate of temperature change of the charging completion temperature rise exceeds the second predetermined rate of temperature change, the operation of the aerosol generator is stopped. An aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, including the aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The aerosol generator according to claim 11 or 12, wherein stopping the operation of the aerosol generator includes preventing the device from performing one or more aerosolization sessions and / or preventing the battery from being charged.

14. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the battery temperature has decreased after an indication of a rise in the charging completion temperature has been detected at the monitored battery temperature, and to control the aerosol generator to perform an action if the battery temperature has decreased after an indication of a rise in the charging completion temperature has been detected.

15. A method for monitoring the battery of an aerosol generator, Using the battery temperature sensor of the aerosol generator, the battery temperature of the aerosol generator is monitored during charging, and signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature are detected. A battery charge sensor is used to monitor the battery's charge level while the battery is being charged, Only when it is determined that the monitored charge level of the battery has exceeded a predetermined charge level threshold, it is determined whether there is any indication of an increase in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature. The aerosol generator is controlled to take action when an indication of the aforementioned charge termination temperature rise is detected, If no indication of a rise in the charging completion temperature is detected, the aerosol generator will be kept in an operational state, and the aerosol generator will not be controlled to perform the aforementioned action. A method that includes this.

16. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing instructions, wherein the instructions are executed by one or more processors of an aerosol generator. Using the battery temperature sensor of the aerosol generator, the battery temperature of the aerosol generator is monitored during charging, and signs of a rise in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature are detected. A battery charge sensor is used to monitor the battery's charge level while the battery is being charged, Only when it is determined that the monitored charge level of the battery has exceeded a predetermined charge level threshold, it is determined whether there is any indication of an increase in the charging completion temperature at the monitored battery temperature. The aerosol generator is controlled to take action when an indication of the aforementioned charge termination temperature rise is detected, If no indication of a rise in the charging completion temperature is detected, the aerosol generator will be kept in an operational state, and the aerosol generator will not be controlled to perform the aforementioned action. The processor is made to perform the following: Non-temporary computer-readable media.

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