An aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user comprising a functional circuit arranged to provide functions of the aerosol generating device; a battery; a power supply circuit arranged to supply a power to the functional circuit; a battery information providing circuit arranged to provide an information in relation to a state of the battery; a control unit arranged to communicate with the battery information providing circuit, and a power selector circuit arranged to interrupt supplying power to the functional circuit in both a sleep mode and a power saving mode; at least partially interrupt supplying power to the battery information providing circuit in the sleep mode so that the battery information providing circuit does not communicate with the control unit, and supply power to the battery information providing circuit in the power saving mode so that the battery information providing circuit communicates with the control unit.

Description

[0001] NTERNATIONAL S .A. 273466 s7 / ats

[0002] AN AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to power selection in an aerosol generating device . More speci fically, the present invention relates to power selection in the context of di f ferent power modes of an aerosol generating device , including a sleep mode and a power saving mode . In speci fic embodiments , the present invention relates to electronic cigarettes and related types of handheld aerosol generating devices .

[0005] Technological background

[0006] Electronic aerosol generating devices have experienced broad market acceptance and penetration in recent times . Speci fically, electronic approaches have changed the use patterns of consumers from smoking classical tobacco articles , such as cigarettes in which tobacco is burnt for producing an aerosol , toward more modern devices that generate vapour from heating tobacco material and / or other flavour release media such as liquids . The latter modern devices usually employ some kind of electric heater for vapori zing the aerosol precursor for a user to inhale the resulting aerosol- flavour-air mixture .

[0007] Such devices are mostly battery powered, wherein a ( rechargeable ) battery provides for the electric energy to heat the respective flavour release medium . Such electric heaters can include not only resistive heaters , but also inductive heaters that heat a susceptor by means of an alternating magnetic field .

[0008] In the mentioned devices , the energy needed for heating the flavour release medium and, in turn, generating the respective aerosol for inhalation, comes from an electric power storage in the form of a battery . Although most current devices employ rechargeable batteries , and modern secondary type batteries can provide a remarkable amount of electric energy at relatively low cost , weight and si ze , power resources in handheld aerosol generating devices remain limited and power saving mechanisms remain a popular means for prolonging battery operation time and user experience .

[0009] However, modern aerosol generating devices do not only consume electric energy for operating heaters and / or generating aerosol , but also for other functionalities such as user interface and general operability aspects . For example , modern aerosol generating devices may comprise displays , user input buttons , light emitting diodes , communication means and the like so as to provide battery or consumable state information, configuration procedures and / or communication functions such as conveying control or use pattern information from and to other devices and services . It is likewise common practice to operate aerosol generating devices , j ust as many electronic devices of other type , in di f ferent power modes so as to take into account an actual use pattern and adapt the power consumption accordingly .

[0010] However, such conventional approaches still do not employ a consideration of di f ferent use patterns and power modes in the context of the components of the aerosol generating device which actually consume electric energy .

[0011] There is therefore a need for improved concepts for power selection in aerosol generating devices , such as electronic cigarettes and the like . Summary

[0012] The mentioned problems and drawbacks are addressed by the subj ect-matter of the independent claims . Further preferred embodiments of the present inventio are defined in the dependent claims .

[0013] Accordingly, there is provided an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user comprising a functional circuit arranged to provide functions of the aerosol generating device ; a battery; a power supply circuit arranged to supply a power to the functional circuit ; a battery information providing circuit arranged to provide an information in relation to a state of the battery; a control unit arranged to communicate with the battery information providing circuit , and a power selector circuit arranged to interrupt supplying power to the functional circuit in both a sleep mode and a power saving mode ; at least partially interrupt supplying power to the battery information providing circuit in the sleep mode so that the battery information providing circuit does not communicate with the control unit , and supply power to the battery information providing circuit in the power saving mode so that the battery information providing circuit communicates with the control unit .

[0014] Brief description of the drawings

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention, which are presented for better understanding of the inventive concepts , but which are not to be seen as limiting the invention, will now be described with reference to the figures in which :

[0016] Figures 1A and IB show schematic views of an aerosol generating device according to a general device embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A to 2D show schematic circuitry diagrams of elements of aerosol generating devices according to respective embodiments of the present invention; and

[0017] Figure 3 shows a flow chart of a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to a general method embodiment of the present invention .

[0018] Detailed description

[0019] Figure 1A shows a schematic functional view of an aerosol generating device according to a general device embodiment of the present invention . Speci fically, some components and functionalities of an aerosol generating device 1 for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user are shown as functional blocks . The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a functional circuit 11 which is arranged to provide functions of the aerosol generating device . This functional circuit 11 may comprise drivers for operating a heater or other element that is provided in conj unction with generating the aerosol . For example , the driver may be provided for operating an induction heating arrangement that generates an alternating magnetic field, which, in turn, generates heat by means of exposing a susceptor to the field . The driver may be provided for operating a resistive heating arrangement that generates heat by leading a current through a coil or other form of a resistive conductor . Further, the driver may be provided for operating a haptic motor which informs battery or consumable state information to the user ( e . g . as one exemplary form of a haptic / vibration user feedback) .

[0020] The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a battery 12 , for example in the form of a rechargeable secondary ( lithium ion or lithium polymer ) battery and a power supply circuit 13 which is arranged to supply a power to the functional circuit 11 and possibly also to other components of the aerosol generating device 1 . Usually, compact devices such as handheld aerosol generating device comprise only a single power distribution line which is fed from a battery via a current and / or voltage regulator and from which the individual loads are fed . In the present example , the power supply circuit 13 may provide the mentioned current and / or voltage regulation so as to feed a power supply line P / S . For example , the power supply may be provided in the form of a regulated and stabili zed voltage of 5 volts or 3 . 3 volts at the P / S line .

[0021] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a battery information providing circuit 14 which is arranged to provide an information in relation to a state of the battery 12 . For example , the battery information providing circuit 14 may comprise a memory that is arranged to store information which relates to a state of charge ( SOC ) of the battery 12 , for example in the form of a numerical value ranging from 0 to 100 , in which 0 would indicate an empty battery and 100 a fully charged battery and / or a maximum available power within the aerosol generating device 1 . Further, the battery information providing circuit 14 may comprise a detection circuit that is arranged to detect a voltage of the battery 12 over a signal line S , said voltage being indicative of a SOC . Further, the battery information providing circuit 14 may comprise a current monitor that is configured to monitor the input and output current into and from the battery 12 so as to calculate the SOC by means of integrating the detected current over time . This approach may be known as Coulomb counting method . The battery information providing circuit 14 may include a fuel gauge IC or gas gauge IC which is a dedicated IC to monitor battery information .

[0022] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a control unit 15 which is arranged to communicate with, amongst others , the battery information providing circuit 14 . For example , the control unit 15 may retrieve from the battery information providing circuit 14 information indicating a SOC of the battery 12 for operating the aerosol generating device 1 . Preferably, the control unit 15 may subsequently take decisions on the operation mode , such as allowing regular operation of the aerosol generating device 1 i f the SOC is suf ficient ( e . g . exceeding a predetermined threshold) or preventing such operation i f the SOC is not suf ficient ( e . g . not exceeding the predetermined threshold) . Further, the control unit 15 may drive user interface means such as a display and / or light emitting diode ( s ) ( LED) for noti fying a user about the SOC and the potential need for a recharge or replacement of the battery 12 . The battery information providing circuit 14 may be coupled via a digital interface D to the control unit 15 so as to communicate any data . For example , the digital interface D may comprise a data exchange bus which - in some way or the other - requires separate power supply for conveying data between the information providing circuit 14 and the control unit 15 . The control unit 15 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) .

[0023] Yet further, the aerosol generating device 1 comprises a power selector circuit 16 which is arranged to partially interrupt , interrupt , or supply power to speci fic components of the aerosol generating device 1 . Speci fically, the power selector circuit 16 is arranged to interrupt supplying power to the functional circuit 11 in both a sleep mode and a power saving mode . A sleep mode can be characteri zed in that a maximum of components of the aerosol generating device 1 are powered of f or deactivated so that the overall power consumption is minimum and only a limited number of elements are activated . Once the aerosol generating device 1 exits from the sleep mode, the intended functionalities of the aerosol generating device 1 will be provided . For example , the sleep mode may be exited by means of operating a button or performing an action ( drawing a puf f ) with the aerosol generating device 1 so that the device 1 "wakes up" and the control unit 15 enters a mode in which the regular functionalities are provided .

[0024] The power selector circuit 16 is further arranged to at least partially interrupt supplying power to the battery information providing circuit 14 in the sleep mode so that the battery information providing circuit 14 does not communicate with the control unit 15 . For example , power is not almost consumed ( and wasted) in a state in which the aerosol generating device 1 is in the sleep mode and in any way not used, which, in turn, implies that the SOC of the battery 12 does not change substantially . For example , the already mentioned digital interface D may form part of the battery information providing circuit 14 so that interruption of power to only this digital interface D, in the sense of the mentioned partial interruption, may prevent communication between the information providing circuit 14 and the control unit 15 and may save battery power .

[0025] The power selector circuit 16 is further arranged to supply power to the battery information providing circuit 14 in the power saving mode so that the battery information providing circuit 14 communicates with the control unit 15 . The power saving mode is an operation mode in which more power can be consumed in the aerosol generating device 1 as compared to the sleep mode in that more elements are powered on or activated . For example , a user interface may be operated in such a power saving mode while other elements that are related to the actual use and the generation of aerosol are still powered of f or deactivated . This allows some operation ( e . g . configuration or the retrieval of information from the aerosol generating device 1 ) while still saving power . The power saving mode is , however, an operation mode in which still less power can be consumed in the aerosol generating device 1 as compared to the actual use mode when aerosol is generated and / or the aerosol generating device 1 is kept ready for promptly generating aerosol ( e . g . by means of maintain some minimum stand-by heating temperature in relation to the aerosol or flavour release medium) .

[0026] Figure IB shows a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a general device embodiment of the present invention . As shown, this figure focuses on the actual implementation and form of the aerosol generating device 1 . It is shown speci fically a handheld aerosol generating device 1 in the exemplary form of an electronic cigarette or other type comprising an atomi zation assembly 120 which is arranged to generate an aerosol A by atomi zing a release medium . In general , said aerosol A should be suitable for inhalation and may comprise any one of flavour components , active components , support components , etc . It may be generated by means of heat , evaporation, ultrasonic atomi zation, liquid j et atomi zation and the like from any suitable release medium, including but not limited to liquids , solutions , tobacco , tobacco material , processed tobacco , and the like . The handheld aerosol generating device 1 may further comprise a mouthpiece 101 which allows for convenient inhalation of the generated aerosol A, possibly in combination with ambient air . This atomi zation assembly 120 can form part or be represented by the functional circuit 11 , as the latter includes the circuitry that provides primary functions of the aerosol generating device 1 , which includes the generation of the aerosol to be inhaled .

[0027] The handheld aerosol generating device 1 comprises an electric power storage 12 , which is arranged to provide power to the atomi zation assembly 120 . The electric power storage 12 can be a rechargeable electric power storage , such as a rechargeable battery, a Lithium-ion secondary battery, a super capacitor or of any other suitable type . In this way, the electric power storage 12 which can be charged by means of supplying power to the handheld aerosol generating device 1 from the outside . For example , a charging device may be electrically coupled or connected to the handheld aerosol generating device 1 for charging the electric power storage 12 as is as such known from the arts . Further details are provided in conj unction with the description of the embodiments .

[0028] The handheld aerosol generating device 1 comprises further an operation circuit or module 110 which comprises any of the power supply circuit 13 , the battery information providing circuit 14 , the control unit 15 and the power selector circuit 16 . Further, the operation circuit 110 may comprise a charging assembly which, in turn comprises a power receiver and a charging controller so as to be configured to charge the electric power storage (battery) 12 from power received through the power receiver, e.g. in the form of a USB connector. The received power is usually converted into the right form in order to charge the battery 12 by means of, for example, providing a charging current at a suitable charging voltage so as to reliably charge the battery 12. This conversion may usually involve a DC / DC and / or AC / DC power conversion for providing the charging power to the battery 12. There may be envisaged specific charging schemes, such as constant-voltage-charging, constant-current-charging, and the like, and combinations thereof.

[0029] Further, the operation circuit or module 110 may comprise or provide communication functionalities and / or user interface functionalities. A user can operate and interact with the aerosol generating device 1 by means of direct and / or indirect interactions. Direct interaction may be realized via any one of buttons, sensors, displays, LEDs, and the like. Indirect interaction may be realized via another device (e.g. smartphone or tablet) with which the aerosol generating device 1 can communicate, e.g. via Bluetooth™, WiFi, USB, etc. It is noted that the operation circuit or module 110 does not need to be provided in one localized circuit or module (as shown) but can be distributed along the aerosol generating devoice 1 inside the housing 100 in order to fit into the available space and / or to be located near to other parts and elements of the device so as to provide the intended functionalities in an efficient and reliable fashion.

[0030] Figure 2A shows a schematic circuitry diagram of elements of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, there are shown the elements of an aerosol generating device 1-1 for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user. The aerosol generating device 1-1 comprises a functional circuit 211-1 arranged to provide functions of the aerosol generating device, a battery 212, a power supply circuit 213 arranged to supply a power to at least the functional circuit 211-1, a battery information providing circuit 214 arranged to provide an information in relation to a state of the battery 212, a control unit 215 arranged to communicate with the battery information providing circuit 214, and a power selector circuit 216. The battery information providing circuit 214 may in turn comprise a fuel gauge (or gas gauge) IC 2140 and a digital interface toward the control circuit. The latter digital interface may comprise pull-up resistors 2141, 2142 and corresponding signal lines 2143 as part of, for example, an I2C interface. A part of said information providing circuit 214 may thus be the IC 2140 or the pull-up resistors 2141, 2142.

[0031] In this more specific embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1-1 can also include, a charging circuit 223, a USB controller 221, a charge pump 222, a non-volatile memory 224, a safety circuit 225, an active LPF 228, and a display 227 and a switch button 229. The charging circuit 223 may be arranged to receive a power input from a USB socket 223. The USB socket 223 may be also known as a USB receptacle 223. The USB controller 221 may be arranged to facilitate communication between the control unit 214 and an external device connected to said USB socket 223. The USB controller 221 may optimize a power fed from the USB socket 223 according to specification of the external device. The charge pump 222 may be arranged to supply an appropriate voltage to the USB controller 221 for its operation. A USB voltage (labelled as "VBUS") is set around 5 Volts by regulation, and it's directly inputted into the USB controller 221. To avoid an unstable operation of the USB controller 221, a voltage being greater than or equal to the USB voltage should be inputted into a power supply terminal (labelled as "VDD") of the USB controller 221. In general, a fully charged voltage of the battery 212 is lower than the USB voltage, so the charge pump may boost an output voltage of the battery 212 and supplies to the USB controller 221. The non-volatile memory 224, e.g. a Flash memory, in which data can be stored for and by the control unit 215 even if the aerosol generating device 1-1 is powered off. The safety circuit 225 can be configured to forcibly terminate an operation of the aerosol generating device 1-1. The active LPF (low pass filter) 228 may be configured to filter a current flowing the battery 212 and subsequently provide it to the safety circuit 225. The current flowing the battery 212 tends to be fluctuated, a removal of high frequency noise may improve an accuracy of operation of the safety circuit 225 . The display 227 and the switch button 220 may be a part of a user interface , wherein the display 227 may be fed via an additional voltage regulator 226 .

[0032] The power selector circuit 216 in this embodiment comprises a first switch 216- 1 and a second switch 216-2 . For example , a p- channel metal oxide-semiconductor field ef fect transistor (MOSFET ) may be used as the first and second switches 216- 1 , 216-2 . The control unit 215 may drive the gate terminal of the switches 216- 1 , 216-2 via the respective I / O lines Cl and C2 . The power selector circuit 216 is arranged to interrupt supplying power to the functional circuit 211- 1 in both a sleep mode and a power saving mode by operating the second switch 216-2 to be in an of f state . A motor may be a kind of a haptic motor which informs information to the user and may form a part of a user interface . Herein after, the motor is explained so that it ' s not a part of the functional circuit 211- 1 , but the motor may be optionally included into the functional circuit 211- 1 , by connecting a drain terminal of the second switch 216-2 .

[0033] In this embodiment , the battery information providing circuit 214 can comprise a fuel gauge ( or gas gauge ) IC 2140 and a digital interface 2141 , 2142 , 2143 . The fuel gauge IC 2140 may be arranged to measure the information in relation to a state o f the battery 212 . The digital interface with at least one communication line 2143 connects the respective communication interface of the fuel gauge IC 2140 to the control unit 215 so that the fuel gauge IC 2140 and the control unit 215 communicate with each other . The digital interface may comprise one or more pull-up resistor ( s ) 2141 , 2142 which stables communication signals . The control unit 215 can then be configured to interrupt supplying power to the digital interface , as a part of the information providing circuit 214 , in the sleep mode by controlling the power selector circuit 216 and supply power to the digital interface in the power saving mode by controlling the power selector circuit 216 . The power selector circuit 216- 1 is thus arranged to at least partially interrupt supplying power to the battery information providing circuit 214 in the sleep mode so that the battery information providing circuit 214 does not communicate with the control unit 25 . This can be achieved by operating the first switch 216- 1 to be in an of f state which cuts of f the power supply to the digital interface 2140 which comprises signal lines between the control unit 215 and the battery information providing circuit 214 and pull-up resistors 2141 , 2142 ( e . g . as part of an I2C digital interface between integrated circuits ) . By cutting of f the supply line to the pull-up resistors 2141 , 2142 of the digital interface , communication over the ( I2C ) interface is suspended and no power is consumed over the pull- up resistors 2141 , 2142 .

[0034] The power selector circuit 216 is further arranged to supply power to the battery information providing circuit 214 in the power saving mode so that the battery information providing circuit 214 communicates with the control unit 215 . This can be achieved by operating the first switch 216- 1 to be in an on state which provides power supply to the digital interface 2140 which comprises the signal lines and the pull-up resistors 2141 , 2142 . By supplying the pull-up resistors 2141 , 2142 of the digital interface with the positive supply, communication over the ( I2C ) interface is possible . However, as in the power saving mode , still the second switch 216-2 is operated to be in an of f state , power can be saved by cutting of f power supply to elements that are not needed to enquire about the battery information . The selective operation of the first switch 216- 1 and the second switch 216-2 can in this way provide the advantages of still performing functionalities in a power saving mode while suspending also those in a sleep mode .

[0035] A BAT terminal ( labelled as "BAT" ) of the fuel gauge IC 2140 may work as power supplying terminal . In an embodiment , supplying power to the BAT terminal of the fuel gauge IC 2140 is continued in both the sleep and power saving modes , so that the fuel gauge IC 2140 can continuously measure and internally store the information in relation to a state of the battery 212 . I f supplying power to the fuel gauge IC 2140 is interrupted in the sleep mode , the fuel gauge IC 2140 cannot work . In particular, Coulomb counting method widely installed into the fuel gauge IC 2140 continuously update a remaining capacity of the battery 212 by subtracting discharged charges and adding charged charges in every monitoring period . Even in the sleep mode , charges may be flown out from the battery 212 , always continuing supplying power to the fuel gauge IC 2140 will be important in view of the accurate monitoring of the battery 212 .

[0036] Figure 2B shows a schematic circuitry diagram of elements of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention . Speci fically, there are shown the elements of an aerosol generating device 1-2 for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user . The aerosol generating device 1-2 comprises the elements as described in conj unction with the functional circuit 1- 1 of Figure 2A, so like elements are denoted with like reference numerals . However, the functional circuit 211-2 is insofar di f ferent as it does comprise some other composition of elements .

[0037] Speci fically, the position of the second switch 216-2 of the power selector circuit 2162 is changed as compared to its respective position in the circuit of Figure 2A. In the shown embodiment , the switching of the second switch 216-2 does not influence the driving of a battery temperature sensor 240 . For example , such a sensor 240 may be in the form of a thermistor that is placed near the battery . In this way, the sensor 240 is still supplied with the supply voltage VLD0SLP in the power saving mode , which allows for obtaining in formation on the battery temperature from the respective sensor . While such information can in principle also be obtained from the battery information providing circuit 214 . However, the communication between battery information providing circuit 214 and the control unit 215 may be occupied by obtaining the remaining battery level , and i f a battery temperature can be obtained from respective sensors, e.g. sensor 240, a parallel communication path is established and the communication speed over the digital interface 2140 may be improved. Otherwise, sensor 240 may be used to measure a temperature at other location (e.g., an internal or surface temperature of the aerosol generating device 1-2, or a temperature of a heater) .

[0038] Generally, the power selector circuit 2162 may thus comprise the first switch 216-1 in a supply line toward the battery information providing circuit 214 and the second switch 216-2 in the supply line toward the functional circuit 211-2. The second switch 216-2 may be connected at downstream to the first switch 216-2. The the battery information providing circuit, or parts thereof in form of e.g. the digital interface 2140, is connected between the first switch 216-1 and the second switch 216-2, which then allows the control unit 215 to open (switch off) both the first switch 216-1 and the second switch 216-2 in the sleep mode and close (switch on) the first switch 216-1 and open (switch off) the second switch 216-2 in the power saving mode. This allows the aerosol generating device 1-2 to further comprise an electronic component in the form of a user interface or a sensor and to connect that electronic component between the first switch 216-1 and the second switch 216-2, such as the sensor 230. According to the circuitry diagram of the aerosol generating device 1-2, the battery temperature sensor 230 and the active LPF 228 are powered on in the power saving mode, so the control unit 215 may obtain a battery temperature and battery current.

[0039] Figure 2C shows a schematic circuitry diagram of elements of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, there are shown the elements of an aerosol generating device 1-3 for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user. The aerosol generating device 1-3 comprises the elements as described in conjunction with the functional circuit 1-1 of Figure 2A, so like elements are denoted with like reference numerals. Also, the functional circuit 211-3 comprises like elements as compared to the functional circuit 211-1, but is connected via a parallel supply line originating from and provide by the power selector circuit 2163. Specifically, the second switch 216-2 of the power selector circuit 2163 is fed in parallel from the supply line with the first switch 216-1.

[0040] As this parallel connection does not depend on the serial and sequential power supply as described in conjunction with Figures 2A and 2B, a greater flexibility can be obtained as the functional circuit 211-3 can be operated and supplied by power independently from a power supply toward the battery information providing circuit 214. Specifically, the first switch 216-1 can be switched on, e.g. by providing a low driving signal Cl, and the second switch 216-2 can be switched off, e.g. by providing a high driving signal C2. In such a situation, power is supplied to the battery information providing circuit 214 (specifically to the digital interface) so that communication can take place. However, the first switch 216-1 can also be switched off while the second switch 216-2 can be switched on, so that no power is supplied to at least the digital interface 2140 so power is saved, but the functional circuit 211-3 is supplied with power and can operate. Specifically, the operation of sensors and memories 230, 224,... can take place while the power to the digital interface 2140 is interrupted.

[0041] Generally, the power selector circuit 2163 may thus comprise the first switch 216-1 in a supplying line toward the battery information providing circuit 214 (at least parts thereof in the form of the digital interface) , and the second switch 216-2 in a supply line toward the functional circuit 211-3, wherein the first switch 216-1 is connected to the second switch 216-2 in parallel. The control unit 215 can then be configured to open (switch off) both the first switch 216-1 and the second switch 216-2 in the sleep mode and to open (switch off) the second switch 216-2 and close (switch on) the first switch 216-1 in the power saving mode.

[0042] Figure 2D shows a schematic circuitry diagram of elements of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, there are shown the elements of an aerosol generating device 1-4 for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user . The aerosol generating device 1-4 comprises the elements as described in conj unction with the functional circuit 1- 1 of Figure 2A, so like elements are denoted with like reference numerals . Also , the functional circuit 211-4 comprises like elements as compared to the functional circuit 211- 1 , but is connected via a parallel supply line originating from and provide by the power selector circuit 2164 . Similar as in the configuration of Figure 2C, the second switch 216-2 of the power selector circuit 2164 is fed in parallel from the supply line with the first switch 216- 1 . However, there is provided a third switch 216-3 downstream from the second switch 216-2 , and the sensor 230 is fed from a point there between . This allows supply of power via the second switch 216-2 while any additional parts of the functional circuit 211-4 are supplied via the third switch 216-3 . In a way, this divides the functional circuit 211-4 into at least two sections which can be step by step provided with power .

[0043] In this embodiment , the power selector circuit 2164 also comprises an OR-gate 216-4 to which as its respective inputs the control lines Cl are C2 are fed in addition to driving the respective switches 216- 1 , 216-2 . In this way, the number of di f ferent power supply schemes can be increased while not occupying more I / O ports of the control unit 215 . The obtained pattern may include the following as set out in the below table :

[0044] Cl C2 power supply at least to

[0045] LOW LOW 2140 , 211-4 incl . 230

[0046] HIGH LOW 211-4 incl . 230

[0047] LOW HIGH 2140

[0048] HIGH HIGH (none of above )

[0049] Generally, the power selector circuit 2164 may thus comprise the first switch 216- 1 in a supplying line toward the battery information providing circuit 214 ( at least parts thereof in the form of the digital interface 2140 ) , and the second switch 216- 2 in a supply line toward the functional circuit 211-3 , wherein the first switch 216- 1 is connected to the second switch 216-2 in parallel . The control unit 215 can then be configured to open ( switch of f ) both the first switch 216- 1 and the second switch 216-2 in the sleep mode and to open ( switch of f ) the second switch 216-2 and close ( switch on) the first switch 216- 1 in the power saving mode .

[0050] The power selector circuit 2164 may comprise also the third switch 216-3 in the supply line downstream to the second switch 216-2 and further comprise a first electronic component ( e . g . the sensor 230 ) connected between the second switch 216-2 and the third switch 216-3 and a second electronic component connected to downstream to the third switch 216-3 ( e . g . the memory 224 or other parts of the functional circuit 211-4 ) . The power selector circuit 2164 may comprise also the OR gate 216-4 and the first , second and third switches 216- 1 , 2 , 3 can be in the form of a p-channel MOSFET . The gate terminals of the first and second switches can then be connected to the input terminals of the OR gate 216-4 and the gate terminal of the third switch 216- 3 is connected to the output terminal of the OR gate 216-4 .

[0051] Generally and as for the above disclosed configurations , the battery information providing circuit can comprise not only a gauge IC which is arrange to measure the information in relation to a state of the battery 212 but also a memory IC arranged to store this information ( e . g . in the form of a separate serial non-volatile memory chip ) . The control unit 215 can then be configured to obtain the information from the gauge IC before entering the sleep mode , store the information obtained from the gauge IC into the memory IC before entering the sleep mode , and obtain the information stored in the memory IC in the power saving mode .

[0052] In the above , the battery information providing circuit can again comprise a communication line to connect respective communication interface of the gauge IC and the control unit so that the gauge IC and the control unit communicate each other, and a pull-up resistor connected to the communication line . The control unit can then be configured to interrupt supplying to power to the pull-up resistor in both the sleep mode and the power saving mode by correspondingly controlling power selector circuit . The memory IC can include a non-volatile , e . g . flash, memory and the control unit can be configured to interrupt supplying power to the flash memory in the sleep mode by controlling the power selector circuit , and to resume supplying power to the flash memory in the power saving mode by controlling the power selector circuit . Further, the memory IC may be connected to the control unit via an independent interface which does not employ any power-dissipating elements , such as pull-up or pull-down resistors . For example , the configuration may be as shown in any one of Figures 2A through 2E in which the memory 224 is coupled to the control unit 215 via the SO / S I / CLK-lines . The information in relation to a state of the battery can thus be obtained without losing power over the pull-up resistors 2141 , 2142 .

[0053] Generally and as for the above disclosed configurations , the aerosol generating device can comprise an operation element 229 , e . g . in the form of push button connected to an input port of the control unit 215 , which is arranged to be operated by a user . The control unit 215 can be arranged to control the power selector circuit , in said power saving mode , to supply power to the battery information providing circuit in response to an operation of the operation element so that the battery information providing circuit communicates with the control unit . In the shown embodiment , the operation element 229 is connected to upstream to the power selector circuit 2164 , so that its operation can be detected by the control unit 215 even in states in which the power selector circuit 2164 does not provide power to all connected elements and circuit sections .

[0054] Generally and as for the above disclosed configurations , the aerosol generating device can comprise a display part 227 which is arranged to convey the information in relation to a state of the battery to a user ( e . g . in the form of a an LCD, OLED display or one or more LEDs ) . The control unit 215 can be configured to turn of f the display unit 227 in the sleep mode and to temporarily turn on the display unit 227 in the power save mode so that the display unit 227 conveys the information in relation to a state of the battery to the user . As shown, the display part 227 can be connected to upstream to the power selector circuit 216- 1 , 216-2 , 216-3 , 216-4 , 216-4 . Further, in embodiments in which the safety circuit 225 is provided, the control unit 215 can be configured to forcibly terminate an operation of the aerosol generating device by controlling the power selector circuit to interrupt supplying power to the safety circuit 225 in both the sleep mode and the power saving mode .

[0055] Figure 3 shows a flow chart of a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to a general method embodiment of the present invention . The subj ect aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user and comprises a functional circuit arranged to provide functions of the aerosol generating device , a battery, a power supply circuit arranged to supply a power to the functional circuit , a battery information providing circuit arranged to provide an information in relation to a state of the battery, and a control unit arranged to communicate with the battery information providing circuit . The subj ect aerosol generating device further comprises a power selector circuit which can be controlled, e . g . by means of the mentioned control unit , to supply selectively power to only to respectively selected elements of the aerosol generating device .

[0056] The general method embodiment of the present invention comprises a step S 10 to enter a sleep mode , in which the subj ect aerosol generating device is put into a state so that the overall power consumption is , at least in average , at a minimum . This mode may comprise any mode in which only elements are kept active that are necessary for reactivation, such as a push button and the polling of its corresponding signal . This could involve , for example , the buttons 129 , 227 and the respective I / O port of the control unit 215 as described earlier . The general method embodiment of the present invention comprises a step S20 to enter a power saving mode in which the subj ect aerosol generating device is put into a state so that the overall power consumption is , at least in average , less than in an operation mode in which an aerosol is generated and inhaled by a user . This mode may comprise any mode in which at least one element , such as the functional circuit is powered of f in order to conserve power resources of the battery relative to the operation mode .

[0057] The general method embodiment of the present invention comprises a step S30 to instruct the power selector circuit to interrupt supplying power to the functional circuit of the subj ect aerosol generating device in both a sleep mode and a power saving mode . Further, the general method embodiment of the present invention comprises a step S31 to instruct the power selector circuit to at least partially interrupt supplying power to the battery information providing circuit in the sleep mode so that the battery information providing circuit does not communicate with the control unit , and a step S32 to instruct the power selector circuit to supply power to the battery information providing circuit in the power saving mode so that the battery information providing circuit communicates with the control unit .

[0058] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above , it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example , not limitation . It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art ( s ) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein . Thus , the above-described exemplary embodiments are not limiting .

Claims

Claims :1 . An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user comprising : a functional circuit arranged to provide functions of the aerosol generating device ; a battery; a power supply circuit arranged to supply a power to the functional circuit ; a battery information providing circuit arranged to provide an information in relation to a state of the battery; a control unit arranged to communicate with the battery information providing circuit , and a power selector circuit arranged to : interrupt supplying power to the functional circuit in both a sleep mode and a power saving mode ; at least partially interrupt supplying power to the battery information providing circuit in the sleep mode so that the battery information providing circuit does not communicate with the control unit , and supply power to the battery information providing circuit in the power saving mode so that the battery information providing circuit communicates with the control unit .2 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the battery information providing circuit comprises : a gauge IC arranged to measure the information; a digital interface with a communication line to connect respective communication interface of the gauge IC and the control unit so that the gauge IC and the control unit communicate with each other, and a pull-up resistor connected to the communication line , wherein the control unit is configured to :interrupt supplying power to the pull-up resistor in the sleep mode by controlling the power selector circuit ; and supply power to the pull-up resistor in the power saving mode by controlling the power selector circuit .3 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the battery information providing circuit comprises : a gauge IC arrange to measure the information, a memory IC arranged to store the information; wherein the control unit is configured to : obtain the information from the gauge IC before entering the sleep mode ; store the information obtained from the gauge IC into the memory IC before entering the sleep mode , and obtain the information stored in the memory IC in the power saving mode .4 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the battery information providing circuit further comprises : a communication line to connect respective communication interface of the gauge IC and the control unit so that the gauge IC and the control unit communicate each other, and a pull-up resistor connected to the communication line , wherein the control unit is configured to interrupt supplying to power to the pull-up resistor in both the sleep mode and the power saving mode by controlling power selector circuit .5 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the memory IC includes a flash memory, and the control unit is configured to : interrupt supplying power to the flash memory in the sleep mode by controlling the power selector circuit ; and resume supplying power to the flash memory in the power saving mode by controlling the power selector circuit .6 . The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims1 to 5 , wherein the power selector circuit comprises : a first switch in a supply line toward the functional circuit ; and a second switch in the supply line downstream to said first switch, wherein the battery information providing circuit is connected between the first switch and the second switch, and wherein the control unit is configured to : open both the first switch and the second switch in the sleep mode ; and close the first switch and open the second switch in the power saving mode .7 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , further comprising an electronic component including at least one o f a user interface or a sensor, wherein the electronic component is connected between the first switch and the second switch .8 . The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the power selector circuit comprises : a first switch in a supplying line toward the battery information providing circuit , a second switch in a supply line toward the functional circuit ; and wherein the first switch is connected to the second switch in parallel , and the control unit is configured to : open both the first switch and the second switch in the sleep mode ; and open the second switch and close the first switch in the power saving mode .9 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , wherein the power selector circuit comprises a third switch in the supply line downstream to the first or second switch, further comprising :a first electronic component connected between the first or second switch and the third switch; and a second electronic component connected to downstream to the third switch .10 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 , further comprising a OR gate ; wherein the first , second and third switches are consisted by p-channel MOSFET ; gate terminals of the first and second switches are connected to input terminals of the OR gate , and a gate terminal of the third switch is connected to an output terminal of the OR gate .11 . The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , further comprising an operation element arranged to be operated by a user, and wherein the control unit is arranged to control the power selector circuit , in said power saving mode , to supply power to the battery information providing circuit in response to an operation of the operation element so that the battery information providing circuit communicates with the control unit .12 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the operation element is connected to upstream to the power selector circuit .13 . The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , further comprising a display part arranged to convey the information to a user, wherein the control unit is configured to : turn of f the display unit in the sleep mode ; and temporarily turn on the display unit in the power save mode so that the display unit conveys the information in the user .14 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 13 , wherein the display part is connected to upstream to the power selector circuit .15 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 , further comprising a safety circuit configured to forcibly terminate an operation of the aerosol generating device , wherein the control unit is configured to control the power selector circuit to interrupt supplying power to the safety circuit in both the sleep mode and the power saving mode .

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