Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An apparatus and method for an aerosol generating device are described, the apparatus comprising a charge controller configured to control charging of a battery using a power supply with a charging current that depends at least in part on the power capability of the power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to an aerosol supply device and a method of using such a device.

Background Art

[0002] (Background) Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. For example, a tobacco heating device heats an aerosol-forming substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating the substrate without burning it.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] (Summary) In a first aspect, this specification describes an apparatus for an aerosol-generating device, the apparatus comprising a charging controller configured to control charging of a battery with a charging current that at least partially depends on the power capability of a power supply using the power supply.

[0004] The charging controller may be configured to select between at least a first charging mode and a second charging mode. The first charging mode may be, for example, a high-power charging mode, and the second charging mode may be a low-power charging mode. The charging rate for charging the battery may be higher in the first charging mode than in the second charging mode.

[0005] In some embodiments, a charging controller or a control module communicating with the charging controller may be configured to determine the power capability of a power source. For example, the charging controller or the control module communicating with the charging controller may be configured to determine the power capability of the power source based on a voltage drop in response to a request for an increase in charging current.

[0006] Some embodiments may further include a user interface that enables a user to provide information such as information related to the power capability of a power source.

[0007] The device may further include a battery. Alternatively or additionally, the device may further include an aerosol generator.

[0008] In a second aspect, the present specification describes a method including the steps of obtaining information regarding the power capability of a power source used to charge a battery of an aerosol generating device, and setting a charging current used to charge the battery at least partially in response to the power capability.

[0009] The method may further include the step of selecting between at least a first charging mode and a second charging mode. The first charging mode may be a high-power charging mode, and the second charging mode may be a low-power charging mode. The charging rate for charging the battery may be higher in the first charging mode than in the second charging mode.

[0010] The method may further include the step of determining the power capability of the power source. For example, the step of determining the power capability of the power source may include determining a first voltage at which a first current is provided by the power source, determining a second voltage at which a second current higher than the first current is provided by the power source, determining the difference between the first and second voltages, and determining the power capability of the power source at least partially based on the difference between the first and second voltages.

[0011] This method may further include providing a user interface that enables a user to provide information related to the power capabilities of a power source.

[0012] This method may further include charging the battery.

[0013] In a third aspect, this specification describes a non-combustible aerosol-generating device comprising an apparatus (e.g., a tobacco heating system) including any of the features of the first aspect. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to receive a removable article containing an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating substrate and an aerosol-forming material.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, this specification describes an aerosol supply system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the aerosol supply system comprising an apparatus including any of the features of the first aspect described above, or a device including any of the features of the third aspect described above.

[0015] In a fifth aspect, this specification describes computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform any of the methods described with reference to the second aspect.

[0016] In a sixth aspect, this specification describes a kit of parts for use in a non-combustible aerosol-generating system (e.g., a removable article containing an aerosol-generating material), the non-combustible aerosol-generating system comprising an apparatus including any of the features of the first aspect described above, or a device or system including any of the features of the third or fourth aspects described above.

[0017] Here, exemplary embodiments will be described by way of example only with reference to the following schematic diagrams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] [DETAILED DESCRIPTION] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver a substance to a user and includes the following: Combustible aerosol supply systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or hand-rolled or handmade cigarettes (regardless of whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smoking materials), A non-combustible aerosol supply system that releases a compound from an aerosolizable material without burning the aerosolizable material, such as an electronic cigarette, a tobacco heating product, and a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials. An article that contains an aerosolizable material and is configured to be used in one of these non-combustible aerosol supply systems, and An aerosol-free delivery system, such as a lozenge, gum, patch, an article containing an inhalable powder, and a smokeless tobacco product, such as snus and snuff, which deliver the material to the user without forming an aerosol, and the material may or may not contain nicotine.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is one in which the aerosolizable material that constitutes the aerosol supply system (or a component thereof) is burned or ignited to facilitate delivery to the user.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is one in which the aerosolizable material that constitutes the aerosol supply system (or a component thereof) is not burned or ignited to facilitate delivery to the user. In the embodiments described herein, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0022] In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, which is also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END:electronic nicotine delivery system), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

[0023] In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a tobacco heating system, which is also known as a non-combustion heating system.

[0024] In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, and one or more of the aerosolizable materials may be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0025] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and an article for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply system. However, it is also contemplated that an article itself that includes means for powering the aerosol generating components may form the non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0026] In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be a power supply or a heat source. In one embodiment, the heat source includes a carbon-based substrate that can provide energy to supply power in the form of heat to an aerosolizable material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat source. In one embodiment, a power source such as a heat source is provided within the article to form a non-combustible aerosol supply.

[0027] In one embodiment, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosolizable material, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating region, a mouthpiece, and / or a region for receiving the aerosolizable material.

[0028] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the aerosol-generating component may be capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat, such as by one or more of vibration, mechanical, pressurization, or electrostatic means.

[0029] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable material may include an active material, an aerosol-forming material, and optionally one or more functional materials. The active material may include nicotine (optionally contained in tobacco or tobacco derivatives) or one or more other non-olfactory bioactive materials. A non-olfactory bioactive material is a material contained in the aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological reaction other than olfaction. As used herein, the active substance may be a bioactive material that is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological reaction. The active substance may be selected, for example, from dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active substance may be natural or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plants. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0030] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0031] One or more functional materials may include one or more of a fragrance, a carrier, a pH adjuster, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0032] In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosolizable material or a region for receiving an aerosolizable material. In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a mouthpiece. The region for receiving the aerosolizable material may be a storage region for storing the aerosolizable material. For example, the storage region may be a reservoir. In one embodiment, the region for receiving the aerosolizable material may be separate from or combined with the aerosol generation region.

[0033] The aerosolizable material, which may sometimes be referred to herein as an aerosol-forming material, is a material capable of generating an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosolizable material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain nicotine and / or flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may alternatively include an "amorphous solid", which may sometimes be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, inside.

[0034] The aerosolizable material may be present on a substrate. The substrate may be, for example, paper, card, cardboard, thick paper, recycled aerosolizable material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may include them.

[0035] A consumable is an article that contains or consists of an aerosol-generating material, and part or all of it is intended to be consumed by the user during use. The consumable may include one or more other components, for example, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator such as a heater that releases heat to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generating material during use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0036] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, whereby the induction heating of the heating material is caused when the fluctuating magnetic field intrudes. The heating material may be a magnetic material, whereby the magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material is caused when the fluctuating magnetic field intrudes. The susceptor may have both conductivity and magnetism, whereby the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment, shown generally by reference numeral 10.

[0038] System 10 includes a charging controller 14, an aerosol generator 15, a battery 16, a control module 17, and a power source (or power supply) 18. The charging controller 14, the aerosol generator 15, the battery 16, and the control module 17 may form an aerosol generating device 12. Alternatively, the charging controller 14, the aerosol generator 15, and the control module 17 may form an aerosol generating device 12' having an external battery 16.

[0039] As discussed in detail below, the charging controller 14 is configured to charge the battery 16 (e.g., under the control of the control module 17). For example, the charging controller 14 may use the power source 18 to charge the battery with a charging current that at least partially corresponds to the power capability of the power source (e.g., the power source 18).

[0040] Note that in some embodiments, the functions of the control module 17 are implemented by the charging controller 14. In fact, the control module 17 may be omitted from some exemplary embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 20. The algorithm 20 may be implemented by the system 10 described above.

[0042] The algorithm 20 starts at operation 22, where the charging controller 14 (or the control module 17) obtains (or determines) information regarding the power capability of the power source 18 used to charge the battery 16. The power capability may include, for example, the ability of the power source to provide a particular charging current, the maximum current and / or maximum voltage that the power source can provide, or the temperature of the power source, among one or more of these. In addition to or instead of some or all of the power capabilities mentioned above, other power capabilities may be relevant.

[0043] Next, in operation 24, a charging current used to charge the battery is set at least partially in response to the power capability.

[0044] Operation 24 may be implemented by setting a charging mode to one of a plurality of charging modes. For example, two charging modes, a first charging mode (e.g., a high-power charging mode) and a second charging mode (e.g., a low-power charging mode), may be provided. Thus, the charging speed for charging the battery 16 may be higher in the first charging mode than in the second charging mode. In some exemplary embodiments, there may be three or more charging levels (and thus two or more thresholds).

[0045] As discussed in detail below, operation 22 may include determining the power capability of the power source. Alternatively, operation 22 may include obtaining power capability information from some other source.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a plot showing the use of an exemplary embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 30.

[0047] Plot 30 shows the charging speed in different charging modes. In the first charging mode, generally indicated by reference numeral 32, the charging speed is relatively high (as a result, the battery 16 is charged at a first relatively high charging speed in the first charging mode). In the second charging mode, generally indicated by reference numeral 34, the charging speed is lower than the charging speed of the first charging mode 32. Finally, in the third charging mode, generally indicated by reference numeral 36, the charging speed is lower than the charging speed of either the first or second charging mode.

[0048] Accordingly, plot 30 shows the charging speeds of three possible charging modes that can be set in operation 24. Of course, the three charging speeds are provided only as examples, and in embodiments of the present invention, more or fewer charging speeds can be provided (in fact, in many exemplary embodiments, two charging modes are used). Further, plot 30 shows discontinuous changes in charging speed in different charging modes, but this is not essential for all exemplary embodiments, and as will be discussed further below, more gradual changes may be implemented.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment, shown generally by reference numeral 40. System 40 includes the charging controller 14, aerosol generator 15, and control module 17 described above, and further includes an external input 42 and data storage 44.

[0050] The control module 17 may set the charging mode based on various inputs, such as some or all of the inputs shown in system 40, as will be discussed further below. Note that in some embodiments, the functionality of the control module 17 is implemented by the charging controller 14 such that the charging controller 14 is central to system 40.

[0051] The external input 42 may be used to provide an input to an algorithm used by the control module 17 (or the charging controller 14) to set the charging mode. For example, the external input may provide information related to the power capabilities of one or more power sources. As will be discussed below, the external input 42 may take the form of a user interface that enables a user of the aerosol generating device to provide information related to the power capabilities of one or more power sources.

[0052] The charging controller 14 may be used to provide an input to an algorithm used by the control module 17 to set the charging mode. For example, the charging controller may provide information related to the power capabilities of one or more power sources. As discussed below, the charging controller 14 may implement an algorithm that determines a change in the voltage of the power source in response to a change in the demand for charging current, and this change in the voltage of the power source may indicate the capabilities of the power source.

[0053] The data storage 44 may be used by the control module 17 in the implementation of the algorithm 20. For example, the charging speed setting may be stored in the data storage 44. Also, information for converting the power capability information into a charging mode may be stored in the data storage 44. The power capability information itself may be stored in the data storage 44 being used.

[0054] The aerosol generator 15 may provide the control module 17 with information that may be used when setting the charging mode. For example, the current charge level of the aerosol generator (e.g., the battery 16) may be provided to the control module 17 by the aerosol generator 15. Further, usage information of the aerosol generator may be provided (this data may be used, in addition to the power capability information, when setting the charging mode, speed, or current).

[0055] The provision of all elements of the system 40 is not essential for all exemplary embodiments. As discussed above, the functions of the control module 17 may actually be provided by the charging controller 14. Further, there may be no communication between the aerosol generator 15 and the control module 17. Similarly, one or more of the external input 42 and the data storage 44 may be omitted if not necessary.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment, indicated generally by reference number 50. Algorithm 50 may be implemented by charging controller 14, control module 17, or external input 42, or elsewhere. Further, algorithm 50 may be distributed, for example, some steps may be implemented by charging controller 14 and other steps may be implemented by control module 17.

[0057] Algorithm 50 begins at operation 51, where a first current is drawn from power source 18 (e.g., a power supply). The voltage at which the first current is provided by the power source may be determined or detected (and, for example, stored in data storage 44).

[0058] At operation 52, the current demand changes (typically increases), and a second current is drawn from power source 18. The voltage at which the second current is provided by the power source may be determined or detected (and, for example, stored in data storage 44).

[0059] At operation 54, the difference in the voltages at which the first and second currents are provided is determined, and if the voltage change exceeds a threshold, algorithm 50 proceeds to operation 56; otherwise, algorithm 50 proceeds to operation 58.

[0060] At operation 56, using the fact that the voltage difference exceeds the relevant threshold, it is determined that the power capability of the power source is insufficient to provide a power mode associated with a higher current (typically the second current). Accordingly, that power mode is set to unavailable.

[0061] At operation 58, using the fact that the voltage difference is below the relevant threshold, it is determined that the power capability of the power source is sufficient to provide a power mode associated with a higher current (typically the second current). Accordingly, that power mode is set to available.

[0062] The settings determined in operations 56 and 58 may be stored in an internal register indicating the power capabilities (e.g., which power modes are selectable). The register may form part of, for example, the data storage 44 described above.

[0063] Algorithm 50 may be part of a one-time test procedure or a periodic test procedure such that a determination of the power capabilities is performed to determine which of a plurality of power modes are available to charge the battery of the aerosol generator. Alternatively or additionally, algorithm 50 may be ongoing. For example, algorithm 50 may be performed during charging such that the power capabilities of the power source are determined during charging.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment, shown generally by reference numeral 60. System 60 includes the aerosol generating device 12 (or device 12') described above and a remote device 62 such as, for example, a mobile communication device, a mobile phone, a laptop, or some other mobile device.

[0065] As further discussed below, the aerosol generating device 12 has an output for transmitting a signal (such as a Bluetooth signal). The signal can be detected by the remote device 62 such that the aerosol generating device can communicate with the remote device. Similarly, the remote device 62 can transmit to the aerosol generating device 12. It should be noted that the configuration shown in FIG. 6 provides two-way communication between the aerosol generating device 12 and the remote device 62, although the communication may be one-way (e.g., from the aerosol generating device to the remote device or vice versa).

[0066] System 60 may enable communication between the remote device 62 and the control module 17 and / or the charging controller 14. For example, system 60 may enable data regarding the aerosol generating device 12 to be displayed to a user using the remote device 62, which may have a better and / or more interactive display than the aerosol generating device itself. Similarly, system 60 may enable a user to provide input to the aerosol generating device.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows a user interface according to an exemplary embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 70. The user interface 70 shows an example of a display in a very schematic form showing data related to the aerosol generating device (such as the battery charge level in terms of percentage and remaining time) and usage data of the device. Thus, the user interface enables, for example, the charging controller 14 or the control module 17 to provide information to the user of the aerosol generating device.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows a user interface according to an exemplary embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 70'. The user interface 70' shows an example of a display in a very schematic form enabling a user to provide information (such as information related to the power capability of a power source) to the charging controller 14 or the control module 17. Thus, the user interface 70' enables a user to input power mode information (such as which power mode should be enabled) or the rating of the power source (such as the current capability of the power source). The power capability information provided using the user interface 70' may be added to or alternatively to the power capability information obtained using the algorithm 50 described above.

[0069] Of course, user interfaces 70 and 70' are provided by way of example only and are very schematic. Many alternative display configurations can be provided, including displaying other forms of data. For example, information such as one or more of the battery capacity, maximum charging current, or maximum charging voltage of a battery (e.g., battery 16 described above) may be input via the user interface, which may be particularly useful if, for example, the battery is a replaceable battery (and thus their details may vary).

[0070] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 80.

[0071] Algorithm 80 starts at operation 82, where a desired charging mode is set (e.g., by control module 17 or charging controller 14). The charging mode may be set based on information such as the current charge level of the battery and the usage profile of the aerosol generating device (e.g., recent usage and / or expected future usage). For example, other data such as time and the charging profile of the user of the aerosol generating device may be used.

[0072] At operation 84, a determination is made as to whether the desired charging mode is available. Whether the charging mode is available may be based on, for example, the output of algorithm 50 described.

[0073] If the desired charging mode is available, the algorithm proceeds to operation 86, where that charging mode is used. Alternatively, if the desired charging mode is unavailable (e.g., due to power source capabilities), the algorithm proceeds to operation 88, where the highest available power mode is used.

[0074] Algorithm 80 is provided by way of example only, and many modifications and alternatives will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a plot showing the use of an exemplary embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 87.

[0076] Plot 87 shows the charging rate as the charging mode changes. In a first charging mode, roughly indicated by reference numeral 88, the charging rate is relatively high (as a result, in the first charging mode, the battery 16 is charged at a first relatively high charging rate). In another charging mode, roughly indicated by reference numeral 89, the charging rate is lower than the charging rate of the first charging mode. However, in the other charging mode 89, the charging rate changes smoothly rather than changing stepwise as discussed above with reference to plot 30. Thus, plot 87 shows the charging rates of two possible charging modes that can be set in operation 24 described above, where the charging rate is variable in the second charging mode.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, as the charging mode increases until the charging rate reaches a maximum rate set for a particular power source, the charging rate increases. That maximum rate may be set based on the determined power capability of the power source.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol supply device according to an exemplary embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 90.

[0079] The aerosol supply device 90 is an implementation example of the aerosol generating device 12 or 12' described above. The device 90 is a modular device including a first part 91a and a second part 91b.

[0080] The first part 91a of the device 90 includes a control circuit 92 (which may include the charging controller 14 and the control module 17 of the device 12) and a battery 93 (e.g., the battery 16 described above). The second part 91b of the device 90 includes a heater 94 and a liquid reservoir 95 (which may collectively form the aerosol generator 15 of the system 10 described above).

[0081] The first part 91a includes a first connector 96a (e.g., a USB connector). The first connector 96a may realize a connection to a power source (e.g., the power source 18 described above) for charging the battery 93, for example, under the control of the control circuit 92 (e.g., under the control of the charging controller 14).

[0082] The first part 91a also includes a second connector 96b that can be removably connected to the first connector 97 of the second part 91b.

[0083] When the device 90 is in use, as indicated by the arrow 98, air is drawn into the air inlet of the heater 94. The air is heated using the heater (e.g., under the control of the circuit 93). The heated air is guided to the liquid reservoir 95, where an aerosol is generated. The aerosol exits the device from the air outlet (e.g., enters the mouth of the user of the device 90), as indicated by the arrow 99.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol supply device according to an exemplary embodiment, indicated generally by reference numeral 100. The aerosol supply device 100 is an alternative implementation of the aerosol generating device 12 or 12' described above and may also include other elements of the system 10.

[0085] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the aerosol supply device 100 without an outer cover. The aerosol supply device 100 may include a replaceable article 101, which may be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 to enable heating of the article 101. The aerosol supply device 100 further includes one or more heating elements 103 and one or more air tube extenders 104.

[0086] The heating element 103 may be a heater that directly heats the article 101. Alternatively, the heating element 103 may be an induction heating element configured to interact with a susceptor included within the article 101 (or provided elsewhere).

[0087] The two alternative aerosol supply devices 90 and 100 are provided by way of example only, and many more variations and alternatives are possible.

[0088] Many modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible.

[0089] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention defined by the claims, nor as limitations to the equivalents of the claims. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Further, the present disclosure can include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An apparatus for an aerosol generating device, the apparatus comprising a charging controller and a user interface, wherein the charging controller is configured to control charging of a battery with a charging current according to the power capability of the power supply using the power supply, the user interface enabling a user to provide information related to the power capability of the power supply, apparatus.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the charging controller is configured to select between at least a first charging mode and a second charging mode.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first charging mode is a high power charging mode and the second charging mode is a low power charging mode.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the charging speed for charging the battery is higher in the first charging mode than in the second charging mode.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the charging controller or a control module communicating with the charging controller is configured to determine the power capability of the power supply.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the charging controller or a control module communicating with the charging controller is configured to determine the power capability of the power supply based on a voltage drop in response to a request for an increase in the charging current.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a battery.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an aerosol generator.

9. Obtaining information regarding the power capability of a power supply used to charge a battery of an aerosol generating device; Setting a charging current used to charge the battery according to the power capability; Providing a user interface enabling a user to provide information related to the power capability of the power supply; A method comprising.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising selecting between at least a first charging mode and a second charging mode.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first charging mode is a high power charging mode and the second charging mode is a low power charging mode.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the charging speed for charging the battery is higher in the first charging mode than in the second charging mode.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising the step of determining the power capability of the power supply.

14. The step of determining the power capability of the power supply comprises determining a first voltage at which a first current is provided by the power supply; determining a second voltage at which a second current higher than the first current is provided by the power supply; determining a difference between the first and second voltages; determining the power capability of the power supply based on the difference between the first and second voltages; The method according to claim 13, comprising the above.

15. A non-combustible aerosol generating device comprising the device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

16. The non-combustible aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to receive a removable article containing an aerosol generating material.

17. The non-combustible aerosol generating device according to claim 16, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol generating substrate and an aerosol forming material.

18. The non-combustible aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the device comprises a tobacco heating system.

19. A kit of parts comprising an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol generating system, wherein the non-combustible aerosol generating system comprises the device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the non-combustible aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

20. The kit of parts according to claim 19, wherein the article is a removable article containing an aerosol generating material.

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