An aerosol generating system

Abstract

An aerosol generating system (1) is described. The aerosol generating system (1) comprises an aerosol generating device (100) adapted to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device (100) comprises a cavity (101) to receive an aerosol generating article, a first energy storage device (102), a heater (103) adapted to heat the aerosol generating article received in the cavity (101) by consuming a power supplied from the first energy storage device (102), a first user button (104), a first controller (105), and a first terminal (106). The aerosol generating system (1) further comprises a hand-held charger (200) adapted to charge the first energy storage device (102). The charger (1) comprises a docking assembly (201) adapted to partially receive the aerosol generating device (100) so that the first user button (104) is exposed, and a second terminal (202) mechanically and electrically connectable to the first terminal (106) of the aerosol generating device (100) when received in the docking assembly (12). The first controller (105) is configured to control supplying power to the heater (103) in response to user manipulation onto the first user button (104) if the aerosol generating device (100) is received in the docking assembly (201).

Description

[0001] AN AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device and a portable (hand-held) charger. In particular, a charger is adapted to charge an energy storage device, e.g., a rechargeable battery, of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device is adapted to heat aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0004] Technical Background

[0005] Devices which heat, rather than bum, an aerosol generating material to produce an aerosol for inhalation have become popular with consumers in recent years. A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is the heated material aerosol generating device, or so-called heat-not-burn device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating material to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 300°C, and in some cases as high as 350°C. This temperature range is quite low compared to an ordinary cigarette. Heating the aerosol generating material to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material, generates a vapour which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.

[0006] The aerosol generating material may be a solid or liquid. For example, the aerosol generating article may include a solid or semi-solid substrate of plant derived material, such as tobacco, or it may include a wick and a heater to produce vapour from aerosol generating liquid stored in a capsule or tank. When a user operates the aerosol generating device, liquid that has soaked into the wick is heated by the heater, producing a vapour which cools and condenses to form an aerosol which may then be inhaled. An aerosol generating article (sometimes called a pod or cartridge) may be received in the aerosol generating device and may include a liquid store, a liquid transfer element (e.g., a wick) and a heater. Electrical contacts may provide an electrical connection between the heater and an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. The energy storage device may be a rechargeable battery that may be charged from an external power source such as a universal serial bus (USB) charger, for example. A stick that looks like an ordinary cigarette may also be used as an aerosol generating article.

[0007] In some arrangements, the aerosol generating device may be charged by receiving it into a portable (hand-held) charger (sometimes called a “pocket charger”). The charger may include an energy storage device such as a rechargeable battery that may be used instead of an external power source to charge the battery of the aerosol generating device when it is received into the charger. The battery of the charger may be charged from an external power source such as a USB charger, for example. The battery of the aerosol generating device may hold enough charge to provide the user with a few consecutive vaping sessions (e.g., two or three) before its battery needs to be recharged by inserting it into the charger. The battery of the charger may have a larger capacity and may hold enough charge to allow the aerosol generating device to be charged multiple times before it needs to be re-charged from the external power source.

[0008] On the contrary of the aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device and the charger, all-in-one system, which the battery of the aerosol generating device has large capacity being enough to provide many consecutive vaping sessions (e.g., 10 to 30) and may be directly charged by the external power source without the charger, is also known. The battery may be dominant of dimension of the device, thus the aerosol generating system may be advantageous to provide a small and light weight aerosol generating device.

[0009] However, in current aerosol generating systems, while the aerosol generating device is received in the charger the vaping session is unavailable. If a user hopes to enjoy the vaping session, removal of the aerosol generating device from the charger is required.

[0010] There is therefore a need for an improved aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and a charger where the system is designed for enabling vaping session even if the aerosol generating device is received in the charger. Summary of the Disclosure

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising:

[0012] an aerosol generating device arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0013] a cavity arranged to receive an aerosol generating article; a first energy storage device;

[0014] a heater arranged to heat the aerosol generating article received in the cavity in use by consuming power supplied from the first energy storage device;

[0015] a first user button;

[0016] a first controller; and

[0017] a first terminal; and

[0018] a hand-held charger arranged to charge the first energy storage device, the charger comprising:

[0019] a docking assembly arranged to at least partially receive the aerosol generating device so that the cavity and the first user button are exposed: and a second terminal mechanically and electrically connectable to the first terminal of the aerosol generating device when received in the docking assembly in use;

[0020] wherein the first controller is configured to control supply of power to the heater in response to user manipulation of the first user button in use if the aerosol generating device is received in the docking assembly.

[0021] The aerosol generating device comprises the necessary components to run the vaping session. In response to user manipulation of the first user button, the first controller controls supplying power from the first energy storage device (e.g., battery) to the heater. The heater subsequently heats the aerosol generating article received in the cavity. These may be part of a series of steps of the vaping session. In addition to such necessary components, the aerosol generating device may comprise the first terminal which may be mechanically and electronically connected to the charger. The docking assembly of the charger may be configured to receive the aerosol generating device by allowing both the cavity and the first user button to be exposed. In general, a user inhales a generated aerosol from a proximal end of the aerosol generating article, so a part of the aerosol generating article (i.e., the proximal end) will be exposed from the cavity when the vaping session runs. This improved docking assembly may allow insertion of the aerosol generating article into the cavity and user manipulation of the first user button to run the vaping session, even whilst the aerosol generating device is received in the charger.

[0022] Consequently, a user may enjoy the vaping session when both the aerosol generating device is removed from and received in the charger which can significantly improve the user convenience of the aerosol generating system.

[0023] The charger may further comprise a second user button and a second energy storage device. The first controller may be further configured to control supplying power to the heater, in response to user manipulation of the second user button when the aerosol generating device is received in the docking assembly. Preferably, the power is supplied from the second energy storage device to the heater via the second terminal and the first terminal,

[0024] It may be arranged such that not only the first user button provided on the aerosol generating device, but also the second user button provided on the charger may also trigger the vaping session. This is because, compared to the first user button exposed from the docking assembly, the second user button originally provided on the charger may be positioned to be easier to manipulate by user.

[0025] Preferably, when the aerosol generating device is received in the charger, the first user button may be exposed on one face of the charger and the second user button may be provided on an opposite face of the charger. Such a configuration may lead to further improve the convenience of the aerosol generating system. In some arrangements, the second energy storage device (such as a battery) in the charger may provide power to the heater via the first and second terminals to run the vaping session alternatively or additionally to the first energy storage device. As described in above, the capacity of the second energy storage device may tend to be larger than the first energy storage device, thus it may reduce power drain on the first energy storage device. It may also ensure that the aerosol generating device can run as larger number of vaping sessions.

[0026] The system may be configured such that the respective remaining capacities of the first and second power supplies may be taken account to judge whether either the first or second energy storage device provides a power to the heater.

[0027] The charger may further comprise a charging port being able to electrically connect to an external power source. The first controller may be further configured to control supplying power from the external power source to the heater via the charging port, the second terminal, and the first terminal.

[0028] Although the second energy storage device in the charger has a larger capacity, the remaining capacity of the second energy storage device may not be always enough to run the vaping session. The charger may generally comprise the charging port to charge the second energy storage device by power supplied from an external power source in either a wired or wireless manner. The direct flow of power from the charging port to the heater may enable running of the vaping session even if the remaining capacity of the second energy storage device is low. It may also help to save the second energy storage device.

[0029] The charger may further comprise a second charging integrated circuit (IC) adapted to control charging of the second energy storage device by using power supplied from the charging port.

[0030] The second charging IC may comprise:

[0031] a second VBUS pin connected to the charging port; a second BAT pin connected to the second energy storage device: and a second SYS pin configured to output a power supplied to the second VBUS pin.

[0032] The second SYS pin may be electrically connected to the second terminal via a first conductive path. The first conductive path may comprise a switch configured to open and close the first conductive path. The second energy storage device may be electrically connected to the second terminal via a second conductive path without connection via the second charging IC.

[0033] A charging integrated circuit (IC) generally supports a power-path function which outputs a power inputted from the external power source via the VBUS pin and from the battery via the BAT pin. The SYS pin will support such output of the power-path function. If the external power source is available, electronic components connected to the SYS pin are powered by power supplied from the external power source. Alternatively if the external power source is unavailable, the electronic components can be powered by power supplied from the battery.

[0034] The first conductive path may be for supplying power from the external power source to the heater, and the second conductive path may be for supplying power from the second energy storage device to the heater. When a current flows through the charging IC, unavoidable loss will occur. Such loss will tend to be greater than a loss which occurs when current flows a standard conductive line. By providing a second conductive path which is not via the charging IC, the aerosol generating system may efficiently provide a power from the second energy storage device to the heater.

[0035] In some arrangements, the first conductive path may be connected to a power middle (PMID) pin of the second charging IC instead of the SYS pin. The PMID is arranged to be close to the VBUS pin in the electrical circuit, so loss occurring in the second charging IC is reduced.

[0036] The second conductive path may comprise a second boost DC / DC converter. It is common for the charging port to generally support USB Type-C protocol, and has voltage at around 5 Volt according to this protocol. On the other hand, a fully charged voltage of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which are broadly used as a power source of the aerosol generating device, is around 4.2 Volt. Thus, there may exist a gap between a voltage supplied from the first conductive path and a voltage supplied from the second conductive path. Such the gap may have an effect on efficiency of operation of the heater.

[0037] The second boost DC / DC converter may boost a voltage supplied from the second energy storage device via the second conductive path and narrow the gap. As a result, the operation of the heater may be stable regardless of whether power is supplied from the second energy storage device or the external power source.

[0038] The first controller may be further configured to continue supplying power to the heater from the second energy storage device if the charging port is electrically disconnected from the external power source.

[0039] An aerosol generating article for which the vaping session is interrupted at midway may not be suitable for reuse, in view of its taste and amount of aerosol it will generate. Thus, continuity of the vaping session may be important. In this configuration, the continuity of the vaping session may be secured by the second storage device even if the charging port has the external power source unavailable to it.

[0040] The aerosol generating device may further comprise:

[0041] a first charging IC adapted to control charging of the first energy storage device by using a power supplied from the first terminal; and

[0042] a first boost DC / DC converter.

[0043] The first charging IC may comprise:

[0044] a first VBUS pin connected to the terminal;

[0045] a first BAT pin connected to the first energy storage device; and a first SYS pin configured to output a power supplied to the first VBUS pin.

[0046] The first boost DC / DC converter may comprise:

[0047] an output pin electrically connected to the heater; and

[0048] an input pin electrically connected to the first VBUS pin and the first BAT pin in parallel.

[0049] In general, a higher voltage applied across the heater may increase the efficiency of the operation of the heater. The input pin of the first boost DC / DC converter is connected in parallel to both the VBUS pin receiving power from the first terminal (i.e., the charger) and BAT pin receiving power from the first energy storage device of the first charging IC. Subsequently, a higher voltage may be provided to the heater in regardless of whether power is supplied from the charger or the second energy storage device.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a first diode for which the anode is connected to the first VBUS pin and the cathode is connected to the input pin.

[0051] This first diode may prevent a back-flow current toward the first VBUS pin and / or the first terminal.

[0052] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a second diode the anode of which is connected to the first VBAT pin and the cathode of which is connected to the input pin.

[0053] The second diode may prevent a back-flow current toward the first VBAT pin and / or the first energy storage device.

[0054] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a safety circuit configured to output a disabling signal in response to detection of an error, without communication with the first controller. The first boost DC / DC converter may comprise an enable pin for input of the disabling signal. In general a DC / DC converter will comprise an enable pin to turn the operation on and off in accordance with a level (i.e., an electrical potential) of signal being input. If the enable pin follows to a positive logic, a high-level signal is input into the enable pin turn on the operation, or vice versa. If the enable pin follows to a negative logic, a low-level signal is input into the enable pin turn on the operation, or vice versa.

[0055] If error occurs, the operation of the heater may be preferably stopped. Such an error may be due to a problem occurring in the first controller. Thus, it may be preferable that the safety circuit protects the aerosol generating device without communication with the first controller.

[0056] In some arrangements, power supplied to the heater may always pass thought the first boost DC / DC converter. Because the safety circuit outputs a disabling signal to the enable pin of the first boost DC / DC converter, the operation of the heater may be forcibly terminated regardless of whether power is supplied from the charger or the second energy storage device.

[0057] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a heater temperature sensor configured to output a heater temperature signal representing a temperature of the heater. The safety circuit may be further configured to receive the heater temperature signal and judge an error based on the heater temperature signal. This can be used to prevent an over-heating of the heater.

[0058] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a terminal temperature sensor configured to output a terminal temperature signal representing a temperature of the first terminal.

[0059] The safety circuit may comprise:

[0060] a first comparator in which either one of a non-inverting or inverting input pin receives the heater temperature signal, and the other of the non-inverting or inverting input pin receives a reference signal representing a first threshold value, and an output pin outputs a low-level signal when the temperature of the heater is equal to or exceeds the first threshold value; and

[0061] a second comparator in which either one of a non-inverting or inverting input pin receives the terminal temperature signal, and the other of the non-inverting or inverting input pin receives a reference signal representing a second threshold value, and an output pin outputs a low-level signal when the temperature of the first terminal is equal to or exceeds the second threshold value.

[0062] The output pins of the first and second comparators may be connected in parallel to the enable pin of the first boost DC / DC converter. The first boost DC / DC converter is configured to stop an operation in response to input of a low-level signal to the enable pin.

[0063] By configuring both the first and second comparators, in which output pins are connected in parallel, so as to output a low-level signal in response to respective detection of the error, the output signal of the safety circuit may be a low-level if at least one of the temperatures of the heater and the first connector shows an error. In some arrangements, the enable pin of the first boost DC / DC converter may follow negative logic, so the operation of the first boost DC / DC converter may be immediately stopped in response to detection of any error.

[0064] If the heater is powered by power supplied from the charger, large current may flow through the first and second terminals. Thus, monitoring temperature of the first connector may be important in view of safety.

[0065] The charger may further comprise a display and a second controller configured to control the display. The second controller is configured to control the display so that it shows time-varying information relating to the supply of power to the heater when the first controller controls supply of power to the heater if the aerosol generating device is received in the docking assembly. The second controller may be further configured to control the display so that it stops showing the time-varying information relating supplying power to the heater if the aerosol generating device is removed from the docking assembly.

[0066] A duration of the vaping session may continue for several minutes, so visualizing the current status of the vaping session as time-varying information may be beneficial to the user. Due to its small dimension, the aerosol generating device may not be suitable for implementing the display. If the aerosol generating device and the charger are electrically connected, the first controller may transmit the current status of the vaping session via the first and second terminals, and the second controller may control the display implemented in the charger based on the status transmitted from the first controller to improve usability.

[0067] The second controller may be further configured to:

[0068] communicate with the first controller via the second terminal and the first terminal; and

[0069] control the display so that it shows the time-varying information if the aerosol generating device as power supplied to the heater is received in the docking assembly, based on the communication with the first controller.

[0070] The supply power to the heater (during a vaping session) may be mainly controlled by the first controller, in which case the second controller may not be able to obtain the current status of the vaping session, if the second terminal is electrically disconnected from the first terminal. In other words, the second controller may obtain information necessary for controlling the display from the first controller once the second terminal is electrically connected to the first terminal. Consequently, by initiating the control of the display midway through the vaping session, it can lead to improve the usability when the aerosol generating device power supplied to the heater is received in the docking assembly.

[0071] The first controller may be further configured to continue supplying power to the heater if the aerosol generating device being power supplied to the heater is removed from or received into the docking assembly. This can ensure continuity of the vaping session even if an electrical connection between the first and second terminals is changed midway through the vaping session.

[0072] The aerosol generating material may comprise any type of solid or semi-solid material. Example types of aerosol generating solids include powder, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particles, gel, strips, loose leaves, cut filler, porous material, foam material or sheets. The aerosol generating material may comprise plant derived material and in particular, may comprise tobacco. It may advantageously comprise reconstituted tobacco, for example including tobacco and any one or more of cellulose fibres, tobacco stalk fibres and inorganic fillers. The solid or semi-solid aerosol generating material may be heated by the heater of the aerosol generating aerosol generating device for example, when arranged in the heating chamber.

[0073] The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol-former. Examples of aerosolformers include polyhydric alcohols and mixtures thereof such as glycerine or propylene glycol. Typically, the aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosolformer content of between approximately 5% and approximately 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosolformer content of between approximately 10% and approximately 22% on a dry weight basis, and possibly approximately 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0074] The aerosol generating device may be adapted to heat the aerosol generating material or substrate, without burning the aerosol generating material, to volatise at least one component of the aerosol generating material and thereby generate a heated vapour which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol generating device. The volatile compounds released from the aerosol generating material may include nicotine or flavour compounds such as tobacco flavouring.

[0075] In general terms, a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapour may be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. It should, however, be noted that the terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapour’ may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with regard to the form of the inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.

[0076] When the aerosol generating material is depleted, the aerosol generating article may be removed from the aerosol generating device and a new article may be inserted.

[0077] The aerosol generating article may comprise a mouthpiece through which the generated aerosol may be inhaled.

[0078] According to any second aspect of the present disclose, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and a hand-held charger, both as described above.

[0079] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0080] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an aerosol generating system when an aerosol generating device is removed from a docking assembly;

[0081] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the aerosol generating system when the aerosol generating device is received in the docking assembly and a shutter is opened; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the aerosol generating system when the aerosol generating device is received in the docking assembly and the shutter is closed; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic electrical circuit of the charger; and

[0082] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic electrical circuit of the aerosol generating device

[0083] Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0084] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0085] Referring initially to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown diagrammatically an example of an aerosol generating system 1. The system 1 includes an aerosol generating device 100 configured to receive and heat an aerosol generating substrate (not shown) and a handheld charger 200 configured to receive and charge the aerosol generating device 100.

[0086] The aerosol generating device 100 may be designed so that it is able to perform a vaping session by itself and comprise necessary components to achieve this. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may comprise a cavity 101, a first energy storage device 102, a heater 103, a first user button 104, a first controller 105, a first terminal 106, and an indicator 122.

[0087] The cavity 101 may receive the aerosol generating article. A user generally inhales a generated aerosol from a proximal end of the aerosol generating article, thus the cavity 101 is preferably configured to receive the aerosol generating article so that at least its proximal end is exposed. In other words, the depth of the cavity may be shorter than a length of the aerosol generating article. A good contact between an outer surface of the aerosol generating article and an inner wall of the cavity 101 will be also important in view of an efficient heating and / or prevention of dropping of the received aerosol generating article. From this perspective, an inner diameter of the cavity may be preferably equal to or smaller than a diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0088] The heater 103 is configured to heat the aerosol generating article received in the cavity 101. Any type of heating engine (e.g., resistive heating, inductive heating, or a combination thereof) may be employed as the heater 103. The heater 103 may have an internal heating mechanism which internally heats the received aerosol generating article, and / or an external heating mechanism which heats the received aerosol generating article from its outer surface may be employed. A part of the heater 103 (e.g., a susceptor in inductive heating engine) may be included inside the aerosol generating article or attached on surface of the aerosol generating article in advance.

[0089] The first energy storage device 102 may supply power to electrical components (including the heater 103). The first energy storage device 102 is a rechargeable type so that the aerosol generating device 100 can be repeatedly used. Any type of rechargeable power source may be employed as the first energy storage device 102, but a rechargeable (secondary) lithium-ion battery may be preferably employed. The aerosol generating device 100 may be preferably small and light weight so that a user can easily handle it (ideally as same as ordinarily combustible cigarette). In general, the capacity of an energy storage device may be proportional to its dimension. Thus, the capacity of the first energy storage device 102 will have an upper limit. A preferable capacity of the first energy storage device 102 may be sufficient capacity for performing the vaping session N times. Where N may be 1 at least and preferably be 2 or 3. Taking account into degradation of capacity, some buffer capacity may be preserved in the first energy storage device 102.

[0090] The first user button 104 may be configured to receive user manipulation or instruction. The umber of the first user buttons 104 may be arbitrary, but two first user buttons 104 are depicted in Figures 1 to 3 as an example. If the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a plurality of the first user buttons 104, respective first user buttons 104 may correspond to different instructions (e.g., different vaping modes). It should be noted that the first user button 104 is just one example of a user interface to receive a user manipulation or instruction. A skilled person will understand that any kind of user interface (e.g., touch screen or dial) may be alternatively or additionally used.

[0091] The first controller 105 may be configured to totally control an operation of the aerosol generating device 100 (including supplying power to the heater 103). The first controller 105 may be comprise an integrated chip (IC), an aggregation of discrete components, or combination thereof. The first controller 105 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) and / or a micro processing unit (MPU).

[0092] The first terminal 106 may be configured to electrically connect with the charger 200 at least but also preferably mechanically. In other words, the first terminal 106 may work as an interface with the charger 200. Power supplied from the charger 200 may be initially input into the first terminal 106 and subsequently distributed toward the heater 103 and / or the first energy storage device 102 in accordance with the condition of the aerosol generating device 100. This may not only be power, but information may be also exchanged among the aerosol generating device 100 and the charger 200 via the first terminal 106.

[0093] The indicator 122 may be configured to indicate a status of the aerosol generating device 100. The indicator 122 may comprise an LED, a haptic motor, a display, or combination thereof.

[0094] The charger 200 comprises a docking assembly 201, a second terminal 202, a second user button 203, a second energy storage device 204, a charging port 204, a display 214, a second controller 215, and a shutter 216.

[0095] The docking assembly 201 may be configured to receive the aerosol generating device 100, and the received aerosol generating device 100 may be removed from the docking assembly 201. In Figure 1, the aerosol generating device 100 is removed from the docking assembly 201. In Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 100 is received in the docking assembly 201. The docking assembly 201 may be configured to retain the aerosol generating device 100 so that it is not dropped. This may be provided by a snap-fit mechanical structure or a magnetic coupling.

[0096] The second terminal 202 may be configured to electrically connect with the aerosol generating device 100. In other words, the second terminal 202 may work as an interface with the aerosol generating device 100. Power supplied from the charger 200 may be delivered to the aerosol generating device 100 via the first and second terminals 106, 202. Not only power, but information may be also exchanged between the aerosol generating device 100 and the charger 200 via the first and second terminals 106, 202.

[0097] The second user button 203 may be configured to receive user manipulation or instruction. The number of the second user button 203 is arbitrary, but two first user buttons 203 are depicted in Figures 1 to 3 as an example. If the charger 200 comprises a plurality of the second user buttons 203, respective second user buttons 203 may correspond to different instructions. It should be noted that the second user button 203 is just one example of a user interface to receive a user manipulation or instruction. A skilled person will be understood that any kind of user interface (e.g., touch screen or dial) may be alternatively or additionally used.

[0098] The second user button 203 may not receive the user manipulation or instruction only for the charger 200, but also the user manipulation or instruction for the aerosol generating device 100, if the first and second terminals 106, 202 are electrically connected. For example, a short press of the second user button 203 may correspond to an instruction for checking a status of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., remaining amount of power in the first energy storage device 102), and / or a long press of the second user button 203 may correspond to an instruction for initiating the vaping session.

[0099] To effectively utilize the surface of the charger 200, the docking assembly 201 may be provided on one side face of the charger 200, and the second user button 203 may be provided on another side face of the charger 200.

[0100] The second energy storage device 204 may supply power to electrical components. The second energy storage device 204 is a rechargeable type so that the aerosol generating system 1 can be repeatedly used. Any type of rechargeable power source may be employed as the second energy storage device 204, but a rechargeable (secondary) lithium-ion battery may be preferably employed. To sufficiently charge the first energy storage device 102 without frequent charging of the second energy storage device 204, the capacity of the second energy storage device 204 may be preferably larger. As a specific example, the capacity of the second energy storage device 204 is larger by several times the capacity of the first energy storage device 102.

[0101] The charging port 205 may be electrically connected to an external power source so that power for charging the secondary energy storage device 204 is received. The charging port 205 may support wired charging, wireless charging or both. If the charging port 205 supports wired charging, the charging port 205 may comprise a receptacle for a plug in to be inserted. Such receptacle may be provided at a bottom face, or the side face if the second user button 203 provided. The charging port 205 may be generally compatible with USB-C protocol.

[0102] The display 214 may be configured to show the status of the charger 200. If the first and second terminals 106, 202 are electrically connected, the display 214 may also show the status of the aerosol generating device 100. In general, a duration of the vaping session continues for several minutes, so visualizing the status of the vaping session may be beneficial for the user. The display 214 may comprise an organic EL (electroluminescence) such as OLED (organic light emitting diode) or AMOLED (activematrix light emitting diode).

[0103] The second controller 215 may be configured to totally control an operation of the charger 200. The second controller 215 may comprise an integrated chip (IC), an aggregation of discrete components, or combination thereof. The second controller 215 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) and / or a micro processing unit (MPU).

[0104] The shutter 216 may be configured to be movable between a state covering the cavity 101 of the aerosol generating device 100 received in the docking assembly 201, for preventing any ingress to the cavity 101, and a state exposing the cavity 101. The aerosol generating system 1 may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosol generating device 100 from the docking assembly 201 when the shutter covers the cavity 101. The shutter 216 may be provided at the top face of the charger 200.

[0105] In Figure 2, the aerosol generating device 100 is received in the docking assembly 201 of the charger 200. The docking assembly 201 does not fully receive the aerosol generating device 100 but may partially receive the aerosol generating device 100 so that the first user button 104 may be exposed. As a result, a user may manipulate the first user button 104 to initiate the vaping session even if the aerosol generating device 100 is received in the docking assembly 201.

[0106] In Figure 3, the shutter 216 covers the cavity of the aerosol generating device 100. Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic electrical circuit of the charger 200. In addition to components described in above, a second charging IC 206, a power distribution switch 211, a second boost DC / DC converter 213, a mini -breaker 217, a protection IC 218, a fuel gauge IC 219, an USB-C controller 220, an AMOLED power supply IC 221, a hall sensor IC 222, and a LDO (Low Drop Out) regulator 223 are depicted. The charger 200 may not always comprise all these components, and additionally comprise other components.

[0107] The second energy storage device 204 may comprise a rechargeable battery, and may have optional peripherals. A battery temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor) may be the peripheral. The battery temperature sensor may not be always included in the second energy storage device 204, it may be provided outside of the second energy storage device 204. The second energy storage device 204 may comprise a mini -breaker 217 and / or a protection IC 218 to protect the battery. The mini -breaker 217 is an integrated chip to prevent the flow of a large current from the battery. The mini -breaker 217 may comprise a bi-metal switch which opens the circuit when large current flows. The protection IC 218 may prevent the battery being over-discharged and / or over-charged states by turning the respective switches off.

[0108] The status of the battery in the second energy storage device 204 may be monitored by the fuel gauge IC 219 which is a dedicated IC. The second controller 215 may obtain the status by communicating with the fuel gauge IC 219.

[0109] The second charging IC 206 may be configured to control the charging of the second energy storage device 204 by power supplied from the external power source via the charging port 205. A VBUS pin 207 (labelled as “VBUS” in Figure 4) of the second charging IC 206 may be electrically connected to the charging port 205 and receive power supplied from the external power source. The second charging IC 206 may convert power input into the VBUS pin 207 into an appropriate current and / or voltage in accordance with the condition of the second energy storage device 204 being connected to a BAT pin 208 (labelled as “VBAT” in Figure 4). The second charging IC 206 may also comprise a SYS pin 209 (labelled as "SYS” in Figure 4) configured to output a power inputted from the second energy storage device 204 via the BAT pin 208 and / or inputted from the charging port 205 via the VBUS pin 207. Power supplied from the SYS pin 209 may be used as a power supply for electrical components of the charger 200.

[0110] The LDO regulator 223 may convert power supplied from the SYS pin 209 of the second charging IC 206 into a substantially constant voltage which may bring a stable operation of the second controller 215. Further in detail, a positive power supply pin (labelled as “VDD” in Figure 4) of the second controller 215 may be electrically connected to an output pin (labelled as “OUT” in Figure 4) of the LDO regulator 223.

[0111] The USB-C controller 220 may be communicate with the external power source via configuration channel pins (labelled as “D-“ and “D+” in Figure 4) to optimize charging control. Such a scheme is sometimes referred to as USB-PD (Power Delivery).

[0112] The second controller 215 may be configured to communicate with the second charging IC 206, the fuel gauge IC 219, or the USB-C controller 220. In Figure 4, 12C protocol may be employed for this communication, but other protocols (e.g., SPI or UART) may be alternatively or additionally employed.

[0113] The second charging IC 206, the fuel gauge IC 219 and the USB-C controller 220 may not be always formed as an individual IC, these may be provided as single-chip PMIC (power management IC).

[0114] The second controller 215 may be configured to detect user manipulation of the second user button 203. In detail, one end of the second user button 203 may be connected to ground, and another end of the second user button 203 may be pulled up to any power supply through a pull-up resistor and connected to the second controller 205. Consequently, a high-level signal is input into the second controller 215 if the second user button 203 is not pressed, and a low-level signal is input into the second controller 215 if the second user button is pressed. The hall sensor IC 222 may be configured to detect a state of the shutter 216. A magnet (labelled as “MAGNET” in Figure 4) implemented in the shutter 216 may locate above of the hall sensor IC 222 in the open state, thus the hall sensor IC may detect an existence of the magnet representing the open state. An output pin (labelled as “OUT” in Figure 4) of the hall sensor IC 222 may be connected to the second controller 215, and the second controller may be configured to control the operation of the charger in response to user manipulation of the shutter 216. For example, once opening of the shutter 216 is detected, the second controller 215 may control the display 214 so that it shows the relevant information.

[0115] The AMOLED power supply IC 221 may be a dedicated IC for supplying appropriate power to the display 214. An input pin (labelled as “VIN” in Figure 4) of the power supply IC 221 may be connected to either the BAT pin 208 or the SYS pin 209 of the second charging IC 206, the power supply IC 221 may output a converted power from a plurality of output pins (labelled as “OVDD”, “AVDD” and “OVSS” in Figure 4). The power supply IC 221 may not comprise an output pin (labelled as “OVDD” and “AVDD” in Figure 4), outputting only a positive power supply, but also another output pin (labelled as “OVSS” in Figure 4) outputting a negative power supply. By connecting the cathode of a diode in the display 214 to the negative power supply, charge in the diode may be quicky drawn. As a result, the drawing speed of the display 214 will be increased. The AMOLED power supply IC 221 may comprise an enable pin (labelled as “AVDDEN” in Figure 4) electrically connected to the second controller 215. The second controller 215 may activate and deactivate the display 214 in accordance with a level of signal being input into the enable pin.

[0116] The display 214 may comprise a plurality of pins. A plurality of power supply pins (labelled as “OVDD”, “AVDD” and “OVSS” in Figure 4) are electrically connected to the corresponding pins of the AMOLED power supply IC 221. A plurality of control pins (labelled as “CNTL” in Figure 4) are electrically connected to the second controller 215, and the second controller 215 may be configured to control the display 214 by signals input into the control pins. The second terminal 202 may comprise a connection detection pin (labelled as “CON” in Figure 4), a communication pin (labelled as “COMM” in Figure 4), a positive power supply pin (labelled as “PCC+” in Figure 4), and a negative power supply pin (labelled as “PCC-“ in Figure 4). The connection detection pin may be used for detection of connection with the aerosol generating device 100. The communication pin may be used for establishing a communication between the first and second controllers 105, 215. The positive power supply pin may be used to provide power from the charger 200 to the aerosol generating device 100. The negative power supply pin may be used to align an electrical potential between a ground of the charger 200 and a ground of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0117] The charger 200 may further comprise a first conductive path 210 and a second conductive path 212 for providing power to the aerosol generating device 100. The first conductive path 210 may electrically connect the SYS pin 209 of the second charging IC 206 with the positive power supply pin of the second terminal 202. The second conductive path 212 may electrically connect the BAT pin 208 of the second charging IC 206 with the positive power supply pin of the second terminal 202. As a result, the first conductive path 20 may provide power supplied from an external power source, the second conductive path 212 may provide power supplied from the second energy storage device 204. Both the first and second conductive paths 210, 212 may comprise a component so that supplying power to the second terminal 202 is exclusively permitted. In Figure 4, the first conductive path 210 may comprise a switch 211 configured to open and close the first conductive path 210. A control pin (labelled as “EN” in Figure 4) of the switch 211 may be electrically connected to the second controller 215, and the second controller 215 may be configured to close the switch if the charging port 205 is electrically connected to the external power supply. The second conductive path may comprise a second boost DC / DC converter 213 in which enable pin (labelled as “EN” in Figure 4) is electrically connected to the second controller 215. The second controller 215 may be configured to activate the second boost DC / DC converter 213 if the charging port 205 is electrically disconnected to the external power supply. The second boost DC / DC converter 213 may be replaced by a switch such as the switch 211, but the second boost DC / DC converter may be advantageous by maintaining a voltage applied to the positive power supply pin of second terminal 202 at the same level in regardless of whether power is supplied from an external power source or the second energy storage device 204.

[0118] The first conductive path 210 may be connected to the VBUS pin 207 instead of the SYS pin 209. If the second charging IC 206 comprises a PMID (power middle) pin, the first conductive path 210 may be alternatively connected to the PMID pin. Compared to the SYS pin 209, the VBUS pin 207 or PMID pin may advantageously reduce loss in the second charging IC 206.

[0119] Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic electrical circuit of the aerosol generating device 100. In addition to components described in above, there is shown a first charging IC 107, a first boost DC / DC converter 108, a first diode 114, a second diode 115, a safety circuit 116, a heater temperature sensor 118, a terminal temperature sensor 119, a mini -breaker 123, a protection IC 124, a fuel gauge IC 125, a LDO regulator 126, a PCB temperature sensor 127, and a current sensor 128.

[0120] The description for similar or same components with the charger 200 is omitted to avoid repetition.

[0121] The heater temperature sensor 118 may be disposed inside of or close to the heater 103 and may output a heater temperature signal representing a temperature of the heater 103. The first controller 105 may be configured to receive the heater temperature signal from the heater temperature sensor and control supplying power to the heater 103 based on its value.

[0122] The first boost DC / DC converter 108 may provide higher voltage to the heater 103 from output pin 112 (labelled as “VOUT” in Figure 5) for efficiently operating the heater 103. A target voltage to be output from the output pin 112 may be set in advance, and the first boost DC / DC converter 108 may halt voltage conversion and just pass through a voltage input into input pin 113 (labelled as “VIN” in Figure 5) if a voltage of the input voltage is substantially equal to the target voltage. The input pin 113 of the first boost DC / DC converter 117 may be electrically connected to the BAT pin 110 of the first charging IC 107 so that the first energy storage device 102 can supply power to the heater 103 without connecting via the second charging IC 107. The input pin 113 may also be electrically connected to the first terminal 106 via the VBUS pin 109 (labelled as “VBUS” in Figure 5) of the first charging IC 107 so that charger 200 can supply power to the heater 103 also without connection via the first charging IC 107. This configuration may lead to secure a plurality of power supplying routes to the heater 103. A first route may be from the first energy storage device 102, a second route may be from the second energy storage device 204, and a third route may be from the external power source. Of course, any one of the routes may be omitted.

[0123] To avoid a backflow current, at least one of the first diode 114, which has its anode electrically connected to the VBUS pin 111 and its cathode electrically connected to the input pin 113, and the second diode 115, has its anode electrically connected to the BAT pin 100 and its cathode is electrically connected to the input pin 113, may be provided.

[0124] A connection detection pin (labelled as “CON” in Figure 5) may be electrically connected to ground. If the connection detection pin of the second terminal 202 is pulled up to any power source, the electrical potential of the connection detection pin of the second terminal 202 may become low-level once the connection detection pins are electrically connected. If both connection detection pins are electrically disconnected, the electrical potential of the connection detection pin of the second terminal 202 may become high-level. A communication pin (labelled as “COMM” in Figure 5), a positive power supply pin (labelled as “HLD+” in Figure 5), and a negative power supply pin (labelled as “HLD-“ in Figure 5) of the first terminal 106 may be electrically and respectively connected to the communication pin (labelled as “COMM” in Figure 4), the positive power supply pin (labelled as “PCC+” in Figure 4), and the negative power supply pin of the second terminal 202 (labelled as “PCC-” in Figure 4). The aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a safety circuit 116 which forcibly terminates the vaping session once an error is detected. It is preferable that such a safety circuit 116 can terminate the vaping session without communicating with the first controller 105. Because such the error may tend to occur through a problem of the first controller 105 (e.g., a freeze). An enable pin 117 (labelled as “EN” in Figure 5) of the first boost DC / DC converter 108 may be utilized for this forcible termination. Once a disabling signal is input into the enable pin 117, the first boost DC / DC converter 117 stops outputting power from the output pin 112. Consequently, the vaping session may be safely stopped regardless of whether power is supplied from the first energy storage device 102 or the charger 200. The enable pin 117 may follow a positive logic, and the first boost DC / DC converter 117 may stop its operation once a low-level signal is input into the enable pin 117.

[0125] For judging an occurrence of the error, the temperature of the heater 118 may be referred to. If various parameters are referred to, the safety circuit 116 may comprise a multi-channel comparator. In Figure 5, the safety circuit 116 comprises a quad-channel comparator as one example. The quad-channel comparator may receive the temperature of heater 118 from the heater temperature sensor 118, a temperature of the first terminal 106 from the terminal temperature sensor 119, a temperature of circuit board from the PCB temperature sensor 127, a current of the first energy storage device 102 from the current sensor 128. Respective signals may be input either to a non-inverting or inverting input pin of each comparator so that an output signal of each comparator amplifier becomes a low-level if the value represented by the signal exceeds a respective threshold value. A signal representing the respective threshold value may be input into the other of the non-inverting or inverting input pin. The heater temperature 118, the terminal temperature 119 and the PCB sensor 127 may individually comprise either a NTC or PTC thermistor. Respective output pins of each comparator may be connected in parallel to the enable pin 117 of the first DC / DC converter 108. This configuration may lead to output low-level signal once either one of parameters reach or exceed the threshold value. Instead of the first boost DC / DC converter 108, a MOSFET switch or a parallel circuit such as the charger 200 may be employed. In this alternative embodiment, the safety circuit 116 may stop such the alternative components.

[0126] Not only the first user button 104, but the second user button 203 may be used to initiate the vaping session if the aerosol generating device 100 is received in the docking assembly 201. The manipulation of the second switch 203 may be detected by the second controller 215, the second controller 215 may subsequently notify the manipulation to the first controller 105 via the first and second terminals 106, 202, and the first controller 105 may further subsequently initiate the vaping session.

[0127] If the vaping session runs when the aerosol generating device 100 is received in the docking assembly 201, the display 214 may visualize a status of the vaping session as time-varying information. The status of the vaping session may be sent to the second controller 215 from the first controller 105.

[0128] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0129] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0130] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. List of reference signs

[0131] 1 aerosol generating system 100 aerosol generating device 101 cavity

[0132] 102 first energy storage device 103 heater

[0133] 104 first user button

[0134] 105 first controller

[0135] 106 first terminal

[0136] 107 first charging IC

[0137] 108 first boost DC / DC converter 109 first VBUS pin

[0138] 110 first BAT pin

[0139] 111 first SYS pin

[0140] 112 output pin

[0141] 113 input pin

[0142] 114 first diode

[0143] 115 second diode

[0144] 116 safety circuit

[0145] 117 enable pin

[0146] 118 heater temperature sensor 119 terminal temperature sensor 120 first comparator

[0147] 121 second comparator

[0148] 122 indicator

[0149] 123 mini -breaker

[0150] 124 protection IC

[0151] 125 fuel gauge IC

[0152] 126 LDO

[0153] 127 PCB temperature sensor 128 current sensor

[0154] 200 hand-held charger 201 docking assembly

[0155] 202 second terminal

[0156] 203 second user button

[0157] 204 second energy storage device 205 charging port

[0158] 206 second charging IC

[0159] 207 second VBUS pin

[0160] 208 second BAT pin

[0161] 209 second SYS pin

[0162] 210 first conductive path

[0163] 211 switch

[0164] 212 second conductive path

[0165] 213 second boost DC / DC converter 214 display

[0166] 215 second controller

[0167] 216 shutter

[0168] 217 mini -breaker

[0169] 218 protection IC

[0170] 219 fuel gauge IC

[0171] 220 USB-C controller

[0172] 221 AMOLED power supply IC 222 Hall sensor IC

[0173] 223 LDO

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol generating system (1) comprising:an aerosol generating device (100) arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device (100) comprising:a cavity (101) arranged to receive an aerosol generating article in use; a first energy storage device (102);a heater (103) arranged to heat the aerosol generating article when received in the cavity (101) by consuming power supplied from the first energy storage device (102);a first user button (104);a first controller (105); anda first terminal (106); anda hand-held charger (200) arranged to charge the first energy storage device (102), the charger (1) comprising:a docking assembly (201) arranged toy receive the aerosol generating device (100) in use and shaped so that the cavity (101) and the first user button (104) are exposed when the aerosol generating device is received therein in use: anda second terminal (202) mechanically and electrically connectable to the first terminal (106) of the aerosol generating device (100) when received in the docking assembly (12);wherein the first controller (105) is configured to control supplying power to the heater (103) in response to user manipulation of the first user button (104) when the aerosol generating device (100) is received in the docking assembly (201).

2. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the charger (200) further comprises:a second user button (203); anda second energy storage device (204); andthe first controller (105) is further configured to control supplying power from the second energy storage device (204) to the heater (103) via the second terminal (202) and the first terminal (106), in response to user manipulation of the second user button(203) when the aerosol generating device (100) is received in the docking assembly (201).

3. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the charger (200) further comprises a charging port (205) arranged to electrically connect to an external power source in use; andthe first controller (105) is further configured to control supplying power from the external power source to the heater (103) via the charging port (205), the second terminal (202), and the first terminal (106).

4. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the charger (200) further comprises a second charging integrated circuit, IC, (206) arranged to control charging of the second energy storage device (204) by using power supplied from the charging port (205);the second charging IC (206) comprising:a second VBUS pin (207) connected to the charging port (205);a second BAT pin (208) connected to the second energy storage device (204): anda second SYS pin (209) configured to output a power supplied to the second VBUS pin (207);the second SYS pin (209) being electrically connected to the second terminal (202) via a first conductive path (210);the first conductive path (210) comprises a switch (211) configured to open and close the first conductive path (210); andthe second energy storage device (204) is electrically connected to the second terminal (202) via a second conductive path (212) without connecting via the second charging IC (206).

5. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second conductive path (212) comprises a second boost DC / DC converter (213).

6. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first controller (105) is further configured to continue supplying power to the heater (103) from the second energy storage device (204) if the charging port (205) is electrically disconnected from the external power source.

7. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the aerosol generating device (100) further comprises:a first charging integrated circuit, IC, (107) arranged to control charging of the first energy storage device (102) by using power supplied from the first terminal (106); anda first boost DC / DC converter (108);the first charging IC (107) comprising:a first VBUS pin (109) connected to the terminal (106);a first BAT pin (110) connected to the first energy storage device (102); anda first SYS pin (111) configured to output a power supplied to the first VBUS pin (108);the first boost DC / DC converter (108) comprising:an output pin (112) electrically connected to the heater (103); and an input pin (113) electrically connected to the first VBUS pin (109) and the first BAT pin (110) in parallel.

8. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the aerosol generating device (100) further comprises a first diode (114) the anode of which is connected to the first VBUS pin (109) and the cathode of which is connected to the input pin (113).

9. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the aerosol generating device (100) further comprises a second diode (115)the anode of which is connected to the first VBAT pin (110) and the cathode of which is connected to the input pin (113).

10. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the aerosol generating device (100) further comprises a safety circuit (116) configured to output a disabling signal in response to detection of an error, without communication with the first controller (106); andthe first boost DC / DC converter (108) comprises an enable pin (117) for receiving the disabling signal.

11. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol generating device (100) further comprises a heater temperature sensor (118) configured to output a heater temperature signal representing a temperature of the heater (103); and the safety circuit (116) is further configured to receive the heater temperature signal and judge any error based on the heater temperature signal.

12. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating device (100) further comprises a terminal temperature sensor (119) configured to output a terminal temperature signal representing a temperature of the first terminal (106);the safety circuit (116) comprises:a first comparator (120) in which either one of the non-inverting or inverting input pin receives the heater temperature signal, the other the noninverting or inverting input pin receiving a reference signal representing a first threshold value, and an output pin which outputs a low-level signal when the temperature of the heater (103) is equal to or exceeds the first threshold value; anda second comparator (121) in which either one of the non-inverting or inverting input pin receives the terminal temperature signal, the other of the non-inverting or inverting input pin receiving a reference signal representing a second threshold value, and an output pin which outputs a low-level signal when the temperature of the first terminal (106) is equal to or exceeds the second threshold value;the output pins of the first and second comparators (120, 121) are connected in parallel to the enable pin (117) of the first boost DC / DC converter (108); andthe first boost DC / DC (108) converter is configured to stop an operation in response to input of a low-level signal into the enable pin (117).

13. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the charger (200) further comprises a display (214) and a second controller (215) configured to control the display (214); andthe second controller (215) is configured to control the display (214) so that it shows a time-varying information relating supplying power to the heater (103) when the first controller (105) controls supplying power to the heater (103) if the aerosol generating device (100) is received in the docking assembly (201).

14. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the second controller (215) is further configured to:communicate with the first controller (105) via the second terminal (202) and the first terminal (106);control the display (214) so that it shows the time-varying information if the aerosol generating device (100) being power supplied to the heater (103) is received in the docking assembly (201), based on the communication with the first controller (105).

15. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first controller (105) is further configured to continue supplying power to the heater (103) if the aerosol generating device being power supplied to the heater (103) is removed from the docking assembly (201).

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