RU2787098C2 - Aerosol generating system with air quality sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: aerosol generating system, aerosol generating device, and charging case for aerosol generating device are proposed. The aerosol generating system contains aerosol generating device (200), surrounding air quality sensor (116, 214), and controller (110, 210). Aerosol generating device (200) contains casing (202) having chamber (204) for accommodation of aerosol forming substrate and heating configuration (206) for heating of aerosol forming substrate, when placing this aerosol forming substrate in specified chamber (204). Surrounding air quality sensor (116, 214) is made with the possibility of determination of properties of surrounding air near the system, and controller (110, 210) is connected to surrounding air quality sensor (116, 214) and is made with the possibility of reception of readings on surrounding air quality from surrounding air quality sensor (116, 214) and output of a surrounding air quality signal based on one or more readings of surrounding air quality sensor (116, 214).

EFFECT: obtainment of an aerosol generating system with an air quality sensor.

14 cl, 4 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system, an aerosol generating device of an aerosol generating system, and a charging unit of an aerosol generating system.

Aerosol-generating systems are known, comprising an aerosol-generating device configured to accommodate an aerosol-forming substrate and generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Such systems are generally configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate with a heating assembly to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user of the system. Some systems are configured to generate an aerosol from a solid aerosol-forming substrate, typically containing tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be wrapped together with a filter and other elements to form a rod similar to a conventional cigarette. Other systems are configured to generate an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, typically containing nicotine. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate may be enclosed in a disposable cartridge, which may also contain a heating element powered by an aerosol-generating device to heat and vaporize the substrate.

Aerosol generating systems can be used in a variety of environments. Environmental conditions in the vicinity of the system may affect the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system. For example, humidity in the vicinity of a system having a solid aerosol-forming substrate may affect the moisture content of the solid aerosol-forming substrate, which may alter the composition of the aerosol generated from the substrate. The environment in the vicinity of the system may also affect the user's perception of the aerosol generated by the system.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that is capable of generating a stable aerosol under various environmental conditions. It would also be desirable to provide such an aerosol generating system that would be adaptable for use in different environments.

According to the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising: an aerosol generating device; ambient air quality sensor; and controller. The aerosol-generating device comprises: a casing having a chamber for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate; and a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol-forming substrate while placing the aerosol-forming substrate in said chamber. The ambient air quality sensor is configured to detect properties of the ambient air in the vicinity of the system, and the controller is connected to the ambient air quality sensor and configured to receive ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor and output an ambient air quality signal based on one or more sensor readings. ambient air quality.

Advantageously, the present inventors have found that the environment in the vicinity of an aerosol generating system can affect the user's experience of aerosol generation. For example, changes in ambient humidity may affect the properties of the aerosol generating substrate and may require temperature control of the heating unit to generate a stable aerosol regardless of the environment in which the aerosol generating system is used. Accordingly, by monitoring the properties of the ambient air in the vicinity of the system, it is possible to improve the user's experience of generating the aerosol.

In some preferred embodiments, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating device, in turn comprising: a housing having a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate located at a proximal end of the device; a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol-forming substrate while placing the aerosol-forming substrate in said chamber; an ambient air quality sensor configured to detect properties of ambient air in the vicinity of the system and located at a distal end of the device opposite the proximal end; and a controller coupled to the ambient air quality sensor and configured to receive an ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor and to output an ambient air quality signal based on the one or more readings from the ambient air quality sensor.

This arrangement of the ambient air quality sensor provides the advantage of being able to locate the ambient air quality sensor as far away as possible from the aerosol generating portion of the device in the chamber and heater assembly. This makes it possible to reduce the likelihood that the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device can affect the ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor.

In some preferred embodiments, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating device and a charging unit. The aerosol-generating device comprises: a casing having a chamber for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate; a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol-forming substrate while placing the aerosol-forming substrate in said chamber; and a power supply housed in the casing. The charging unit includes: a power transmission circuit for transmitting power to a power source of the aerosol generating device; an ambient air quality sensor configured to detect properties of ambient air in the vicinity of the system; and a controller coupled to the ambient air quality sensor and configured to receive an ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor and to output an ambient air quality signal based on the one or more readings from the ambient air quality sensor.

By providing the ambient air quality sensor in the charging unit of the aerosol generating system rather than in the aerosol generating device, there is an advantage of being able to place the ambient air quality sensor further away from the aerosol generating part of the system in the chamber and heating assembly of the aerosol generating device. This makes it possible to further reduce the likelihood that the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device can affect the ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor.

In the context of this document, the term "ambient air" is used to refer to the air in the environment around the system. In other words, the term "ambient air" is used to refer to the air directly surrounding the system. The term "ambient air" is not intended to encompass the mixture of air and aerosol within the chamber of the device when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in said chamber and heated by the aerosol generating heating assembly.

In the context of this document, the term "ambient air quality sensor" is used to refer to a sensor that is configured to detect one or more properties of the ambient air in the vicinity of the system. In particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, the ambient air quality sensor is configured to detect one or more of the following: carbon monoxide; volatile organic compounds; humidity, in particular relative humidity; carbon dioxide; fine solid particles; nitrogen dioxide; carbon dioxide; pressure; and nicotine.

The ambient air quality sensor may include one or more gas sensors to detect the presence of one or more gases in the environment around the system. In particular, said one or more gas sensors may be configured to determine the concentration of one or more gases in the ambient air around the system. Preferably, said one or more gas sensors may be configured to detect one or more of the following: carbon monoxide; volatile organic compounds; carbon dioxide; nitrogen dioxide; dioxygen; and nicotine. Preferably, the aerosol generating system comprises an ambient air quality sensor configured to detect carbon monoxide in the ambient air around the system.

Said one or more air sensors may be of any suitable type. Suitable types of gas sensors include: electrochemical gas sensors such as chemically sensitive field effect transistors; chemically sensitive resistive sensors; sensors based on the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure; catalytic sensors (pellistors); sensors based on an array of microcantilevers; sensors on surface acoustic waves (SAW); photoionization detectors (PID); and infrared sensors.

Some examples of suitable gas sensors currently available include: SGP30 and SGPC3 from Sensirion AG; CDM7160-C00 and TGS2602 from FIGARO USA., INC; and MiCS-VZ-89TE from SGX Sensortech Limited.

The ambient air quality sensor may include one or more volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors. In the context of this document, the term "organic compound" means any compound containing at least elemental carbon and one or more of the following: hydrogen, halogens, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, or nitrogen, excluding oxides of carbon and inorganic carbonates and bicarbonates. In the context of this document, the term "volatile organic compound (VOC)" means any organic compound having a vapor pressure of 0.01 kilopascal (kPa) or more at 293.15 Kelvin (K), or having an appropriate volatility under specific conditions of use. The definitions of "organic compound" and "volatile organic compound" used in this document are taken from Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control).

Said one or more VOC sensors may be any suitable type of sensor. For example, suitable VOC sensors include: electrochemical gas sensors such as chemically sensitive field effect transistors; chemically sensitive resistive sensors; sensors based on the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure; catalytic sensors (pellistors); sensors based on an array of microcantilevers; sensors on surface acoustic waves (SAW); photoionization detectors (PID); and infrared sensors.

Some exemplary suitable VOC sensors currently available include: SGP30 and SGPC3 from Sensirion AG; TGS2602 from FIGARO USA., INC; and MiCS-VZ-89TE from SGX Sensortech Limited.

The ambient air quality sensor may include one or more humidity sensors. In the context of this document, the term "humidity" may refer to absolute humidity, relative humidity, or specific humidity. In the context of this document, the term "absolute humidity" refers to the mass of water vapor in a unit volume of air, and it can be expressed in grams per cubic meter. In the context of this document, the term "relative humidity" refers to the ratio of actual vapor density to saturated vapor density at a given temperature, and it may be expressed as a percentage. In other words, the term "relative humidity" refers to the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor in a mixture at a given temperature to the equilibrium pressure of water vapor over a flat surface of pure water at a given temperature. In the context of this document, the term "specific humidity" refers to the ratio of the mass of water vapor to the total mass of the mixture of water vapor and air, and it can be expressed in grams of steam per kilogram of air.

Said one or more humidity sensors may be any suitable type of sensor. For example, suitable humidity sensors include: capacitive humidity sensors; resistive humidity sensors; and humidity sensors based on thermal conductivity.

Some examples of suitable humidity sensors currently available include: SHT3x, SHTW2, SHTC3 and SHT7x humidity sensors from Sensirion AG.

Said one or more humidity sensors may be combined with one or more temperature sensors. In particular, if said one or more humidity sensors are configured to determine the relative humidity of the air in the vicinity of the aerosol generating system, then said one or more humidity sensors also comprise a temperature sensor. Said one or more temperature sensors may be any suitable type of temperature sensors, such as: bandgap temperature sensors; resistive temperature detectors (RTDs); thermocouples; thermistors, in particular negative temperature coefficient (OTC) thermistors; and semiconductor temperature sensors.

The ambient air quality sensor may include one or more sensors configured to detect fine particulate matter in ambient air in the vicinity of the aerosol generating system. In the context of this document, the term "fine particulate matter" refers to particles suspended in ambient air in the vicinity of an aerosol generating system. In particular, the particulate matter comprises respirable particles with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers or less (PM10) and fine respirable particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5).

More specifically, in the context of this document, the fine particulate material contains PM10 related to particulate matter that passes through a size selective inlet with 50% retention efficiency at an aerodynamic diameter of 10 µm. A reference method for sampling and determining PM10 is described in EN 12341:1999 "Air quality - Determination of the proportion of PM10 in suspended solids - Reference method and field test procedure to demonstrate the equivalence of methods of determination to the reference method". In the context of this document, fine particulate matter also includes PM2.5, referring to particulate matter passing through a size selective inlet with 50% retention efficiency at an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm. The reference method for sampling and measuring PM2.5 is similar to that described in EN 14907:2005 "Standard gravimetric measurement method for determining the proportion of PM2.5 particles in suspension". The definitions of PM10 and PM2.5 used in this document are taken from Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and air purification for Europe.

Said one or more fine particulate sensors may be any suitable type of particulate sensor, such as: resistive particulate sensors; thermophoretic particulate sensors; and laser-based particulate sensors using light scattering.

The ambient air quality sensor may include one or more ambient pressure sensors. Ambient pressure readings can be especially useful in combination with humidity and temperature readings, as the combination of humidity, temperature, and pressure readings can improve the accuracy of the moisture reading.

Said one or more ambient pressure sensors may be any suitable type of pressure sensor, such as: capacitive pressure sensors; piezoelectric pressure sensors; and piezoresistive pressure sensors. Said one or more pressure sensors may be absolute pressure sensors or differential pressure sensors.

Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may comprise at least one of the following: an electrochemical sensor; chemically sensitive resistive sensor; sensor based on the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure; catalytic sensor; and mass spectrometer.

Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may be electromechanical devices. Said one or more air quality sensors may be any of the following: mechanical device, optical device, optical-mechanical device; and a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor. Preferably, said one or more ambient air quality sensors are microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors.

Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor capable of detecting carbon monoxide. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor capable of detecting carbon dioxide. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor capable of detecting nicotine. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may be comprised of a gas sensor capable of detecting carbon monoxide and a gas sensor configured to detect carbon dioxide. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor configured to detect carbon monoxide and a gas sensor configured to detect nicotine. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor configured to detect carbon dioxide and a gas sensor configured to detect nicotine. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a carbon monoxide gas sensor, a carbon dioxide gas sensor, and a nicotine gas sensor.

Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a VOC sensor. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor and a VOC sensor. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a sensor for detecting fine particulate matter. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor and a fine particulate sensor. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor, a VOC sensor, and a fine particulate sensor.

Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor and a humidity sensor. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor and a humidity sensor comprising an ambient temperature sensor. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a humidity sensor and a pressure sensor. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a humidity sensor including an ambient temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor, a humidity sensor, and a pressure sensor. Said one or more ambient air quality sensors may consist of a gas sensor, a humidity sensor containing an ambient temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor.

The aerosol generating system includes a controller. The controller is an electrical circuit connected to an ambient air quality sensor. The controller is configured to receive ambient air quality readings from an ambient air quality sensor and to output an ambient air quality signal based on one or more ambient air quality sensor readings.

The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, microcontroller, or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The controller may contain additional electronic components. In some embodiments, the controller may include an ambient air quality sensor.

Preferably, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may comprise an ambient air quality sensor. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may comprise a controller. In some embodiments, the implementation of the ambient air quality sensor may be located on or in the casing of the device. In some embodiments, the implementation of the controller may be located on or in the casing of the device. Placing an ambient air quality sensor on or within the housing of the aerosol generating device provides the advantage of being able to ensure that the ambient air quality readings are representative of the environment in the vicinity of the device. In such an arrangement, the ambient air quality sensor is in the same environment as the chamber of the device, the heating unit, and the aerosol-forming substrate placed in said chamber.

In some preferred embodiments, the implementation of the ambient air quality sensor is located inside the casing of the device. In these preferred embodiments, the housing of the device may include at least one opening to allow ambient air to enter the housing and reach the ambient air quality sensor. Said opening may be located adjacent or adjacent to the ambient air quality sensor. In some embodiments, the case may include a first opening to allow ambient air to enter the case and reach the ambient air quality sensor and a second hole to allow ambient air to exit the case. An air flow channel may be formed through the casing from the first opening along the ambient air quality sensor to the second opening. Said air flow path allows ambient air to flow along the ambient air quality sensor.

The ambient air quality sensor is not located in or in the vicinity of the aerosol-forming substrate chamber. The ambient air quality sensor is not disposed in or around the aerosol-generating substrate accommodation chamber because the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system is generated in and around said chamber. Therefore, the air in and around the aerosol-forming substrate chamber is generally not representative of the ambient air around the system.

The ambient air quality sensor may be located at a distance from the chamber to accommodate the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device is elongated and has a longitudinal axis, and the ambient air quality sensor is located at a distance along said longitudinal axis from the chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. In the context of this document, the terms "near" and "far" are used to describe the relative positions of the components or parts of the components generating aerosol devices and charging units. The camera of the device may be located at the proximal end of the device. An ambient air quality sensor may be located at the far end of the device. This arrangement provides the advantage of being able to locate the ambient air quality sensor as far away as possible from the aerosol generating portion of the apparatus in said chamber and heating assembly. This makes it possible to reduce the likelihood that the aerosol generated by the device can interfere with the ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor.

The ambient air quality sensor may be substantially isolated from the aerosol generating regions of the aerosol generating device. For example, the ambient air quality sensor may be substantially isolated from the chamber of the aerosol generating device. If the charging unit comprises an ambient air quality sensor and a chamber for housing an aerosol generating device, then the ambient air quality sensor may be substantially isolated from said chamber for housing an aerosol generating device. In other words, the ambient air quality sensor can be substantially isolated from the aerosol generating device by placing the aerosol generating device in the chamber of the charging unit.

The isolation of the ambient air quality sensor from the aerosol generating regions of the aerosol generating device makes it possible to ensure that the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system does not come into contact with the ambient air quality sensor.

The aerosol generating system may include a first airflow channel through which air is drawn into the aerosol generating system, passes through the aerosol generating area of the system, and exits the aerosol generating system to a user. Such an air flow channel enables the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system to be entrained in the air flow passing through the first air flow channel and delivered to the user through said first air flow channel. The first air flow channel may comprise a chamber of the aerosol generating device. The ambient air quality sensor may be substantially isolated from the first air flow path.

The ambient air quality sensor may be substantially isolated from the aerosol generating regions of the aerosol generating device in any suitable manner. For example, one or more gas-tight baffles may be located between the ambient air quality sensor and the first air flow path. For example, an ambient air quality sensor may be located at the opposite end of the aerosol generating device relative to the chamber of the aerosol generating device. For example, an ambient air quality sensor may be located in a second air flow path of the aerosol generating system, the second air flow path being substantially isolated from the first air flow path.

If an ambient air quality sensor is provided in a charging unit having a chamber for accommodating the aerosol generating device, then the ambient air quality sensor may be located outside said chamber for accommodating the aerosol generating device. The ambient air quality sensor may be located at the opposite end of the charging block from the chamber for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a power source configured to supply power to the heating assembly. Preferably, the power supply is a DC power supply. The power supply may be located inside the casing of the device. Typically, the power supply is a battery such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. However, in some embodiments, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged and may have a capacity to store enough power for one or more user operations, such as one or more aerosol generation sessions. For example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous heating of the aerosol-forming substrate for a period of approximately six minutes, which corresponds to a typical time spent smoking a conventional cigarette, or for a period of multiples of six minutes. In yet another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for a given number of puffs or individual activations of the heating assembly.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device may also include a power control circuit connected to the power supply and the heating unit. The power control circuit is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the heating unit. The power control circuit is an electrical circuit that is configured to control the supply of current to the heater assembly. The current supply to the heating assembly may be continuous after activation of the device, or it may be intermittent, such as from puff to puff.

The power control circuitry may be configured to control the power supplied from the power source to the heater assembly in any suitable manner. In some preferred embodiments, the power control circuitry may be configured to provide power from a power source to the heater assembly in the form of a pulsed power signal. In these preferred embodiments, the power control circuit may be configured to control the power supplied to the heater assembly using frequency modulation or pulse width modulation of the power pulse signal.

If the aerosol generating device includes a controller, then the power control circuit may be part of the controller, or it may be a separate electrical circuit connected to the controller. If the power control circuit is connected to the controller, then the power control circuit is configured to receive an ambient air quality signal from the controller and control power supply from the power source to the heating unit based on said ambient air quality signal. Thus, the controller may be configured to adjust the power supplied to the heating unit based on one or more ambient air quality readings.

In some preferred embodiments, the power management circuitry is part of the controller. In these preferred embodiments, the controller may be configured to adjust the power supplied from the power source to the heater assembly based on one or more ambient air quality readings. In these embodiments, the power control circuit may provide an ambient air quality signal in the form of a power signal to the heater assembly.

The controller may be configured to reduce the power supplied to the heating assembly if the ambient air quality readings indicate that the ambient air quality satisfies one or more predetermined ambient air quality conditions. For example, the controller may be configured to reduce the power supplied to the heating unit if the ambient air quality reading exceeds a predetermined threshold. Reducing the power supplied to the heating unit allows the amount of aerosol generated by the system to be reduced.

In some embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to increase the power supplied from the power source to the heating assembly if the ambient air quality readings indicate that the ambient air quality meets a certain air quality condition or exceeds a certain quality threshold.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to increase the power supplied from the power source to the heating assembly if the ambient air quality signal indicates that the humidity is above a certain humidity threshold. The controller may be configured to increase the power supplied from the power source to the heating assembly for an initial predetermined period of time such that any additional moisture in the substrate due to moisture evaporates before the user begins an aerosol generating session. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to reduce the power supplied from the power source to the heating assembly if the ambient air quality signal indicates that the concentration of one or more gases, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, exceeds a predetermined threshold. concentration.

The controller may be configured to store one or more predetermined ambient air quality conditions or ambient air quality thresholds. The controller may be configured to store one or more predetermined ambient air quality conditions or ambient air quality thresholds in a memory of the controller. Said one or more ambient air quality target conditions or ambient air quality thresholds may be stored in a lookup table.

Any suitable ambient air quality conditions or thresholds can be stored in the controller's memory.

Suitable carbon monoxide (CO) concentration thresholds may include: at least 1 ppm (ppm), at least 5 ppm, at least 10 ppm, at least 20 ppm, at least 30 ppm, at least 40 ppm, at least 50 ppm, at least 60 ppm, at least 70 ppm, at least 80 ppm, at least 90 ppm, at least 100 ppm, at least 150 ppm and at least 200 ppm. carbon monoxide in the surrounding air.

Suitable PM2.5 particulate matter concentration thresholds may include: at least 5 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 7 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 10 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 12 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 15 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 20 micrograms per cubic meter and at least 25 micrograms per cubic meter and at least 30 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5 particles in ambient air. Suitable PM10 particulate matter concentration thresholds may include: at least 10 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 15 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 20 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 25 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 30 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 40 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 50 micrograms per cubic meter, and at least 60 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 particles in the ambient air.

Suitable nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration thresholds may include: at least 20 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 25 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 30 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 35 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 40 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 45 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 50 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 60 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 100 micrograms per cubic meter, at least 150 micrograms per cubic meter and at least 200 micrograms per cubic meter of nitrogen dioxide in ambient air.

Suitable carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration thresholds may include: at least 350 ppm, at least 500 ppm, at least 750 ppm, at least 1000 ppm. , at least 1500 ppm, at least 2000 ppm, at least 3000 ppm, at least 4000 ppm, at least 5000 ppm. , at least 5000 ppm and at least 6000 hours/million. carbon dioxide in the surrounding air.

In the first example, in some embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to reduce the power supplied from the power source to the heating unit if it is determined that the concentration of carbon monoxide in the ambient air is at least 1 ppm. In these embodiments, the control circuit may also be configured to prevent the power supply from supplying power to the heater assembly if it is determined that the carbon monoxide concentration in the ambient air is at least 70 ppm.

In a second example, in some embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to reduce the power supplied from the power source to the heating assembly if it is determined that the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the ambient air is at least 25 ppm. In these embodiments, the control circuitry may be further configured to prevent power from being supplied from the power source to the heating assembly if it is determined that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the ambient air is at least 150 ppm.

In some embodiments, the power control circuitry may be configured to supply a constant average power to the heater assembly during an aerosol generating session. In some preferred embodiments, the power control circuitry is configured to supply power from a power source to the heater assembly with a predetermined power profile that varies over time during an aerosol generating session. For example, the power control circuit may be configured to gradually increase the power supplied to the heating unit from initial power to operating power over a preheat time period and then maintain the power supplied to the heating unit at a constant average power. The power control circuit may be configured to increase the power supplied to the heating assembly from the initial power to the preheat power during the initial preheat time period and then reduce the power to an operating power that is less than the preheat power. The power control circuit may be configured to reduce the power supplied to the heating unit over time during the period of operation when the aerosol is generated.

The controller may be configured to supply a normal power profile to the heating assembly if the ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor indicates that the ambient air quality is within a normal range.

The controller may be configured to increase the power supplied to the heating assembly during the preheat time period if the ambient air quality sensor includes a humidity sensor and the ambient air quality reading indicates that the ambient air humidity is above a predetermined humidity threshold. This allows the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to rise more rapidly in a humid environment to evaporate any additional water in the substrate due to the humid environment during the preheating time period. For example, the controller may be configured to increase the power supplied to the heating unit during the initial preheat time period to raise the temperature of the heating unit to about 10 degrees above the normal preheat temperature. This allows the system to generate an aerosol after the preheating time has elapsed, which corresponds to the aerosol generated in a less humid environment. The controller may be configured to supply normal operating power to the heating unit after the preheat time period has elapsed.

The controller may be configured to reduce the power supplied to the heating assembly during a period of operation to reduce the amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system if the ambient air quality sensor includes a carbon monoxide sensor and the ambient air quality reading indicates that the level carbon monoxide above the set carbon monoxide threshold.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to monitor the power supplied to the heater assembly during an aerosol generating session and maintain a target power profile applied to the heater assembly. The controller may be configured to adjust a target power profile based on one or more ambient air quality sensor readings.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to monitor another property of the power management circuitry or heating assembly, such as the resistance of the heating assembly, during an aerosol generating session, and may be configured to adjust the power supplied to the heating assembly to maintain a target value or profile of said properties of the heating unit. For example, the control circuitry may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating assembly and to adjust the power supplied to the heating assembly to maintain a target resistance profile of the heating assembly. The control circuitry may be configured to adjust said target profile based on one or more ambient air quality sensor readings.

In some preferred embodiments, the power control circuitry is configured to compare the ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor with a predetermined ambient air quality condition. Said ambient air quality predetermined condition may be a predetermined threshold or a predetermined range. This ambient air quality setpoint can be stored in the controller's memory. The controller may also be configured to substantially prevent or reduce the power supply from the power source to the heating unit in the event that one or more ambient air quality readings do not meet specified ambient air quality setpoints. In other words, the controller may be configured to cut off power from the power source to the heating assembly if one or more ambient air quality readings are outside a predetermined range or exceed a predetermined threshold. This provides the advantage of being able to ensure that the user does not experience undesirable environmentally related sensations from the generation of the aerosol.

For example, the ambient air quality sensor may include a carbon monoxide sensor, and the controller may be configured to prevent power being supplied to the heating assembly if one or more of the ambient air quality sensor readings indicate that the carbon monoxide concentration in the ambient air is above a predetermined level. carbon monoxide concentration threshold.

In some one embodiments, the system also includes a charging unit. The charging unit includes a power transfer circuit for transferring power to the power source of the aerosol generating device. The power transfer circuit may be any suitable type of circuit.

The power transmission circuit may comprise a wired power transmission circuit. In these embodiments, the charging block comprises an electrical connector and the aerosol generating device comprises a complementary electrical connector configured to electrically interact with the electrical connector of the charging block.

The power transmission circuit may comprise a wireless power transmission circuit. In these embodiments, the charging unit may include a first inductor and the aerosol generating device may include a second inductor configured to communicate with the first inductor to transfer power between the first inductor and the second inductor.

In some embodiments, the charging unit may include an ambient air quality sensor. In these embodiments, the charging unit may include a controller. The ambient air quality sensor can be located on or in the charging box. The controller can be located on or in the charging box. Preferably, the size of the charging unit may be larger than the size of the aerosol generating device, whereby the charging unit can provide a larger ambient air quality sensor including more sensors than the aerosol generating device.

In some preferred embodiments, the charging unit is a charging case having a chamber for housing an aerosol generating device. The chamber can be made in size and shape with the possibility of placing an aerosol generating device in it.

The charging case preferably contains a power source placed in the specified casing. Preferably, the power supply is a DC power supply. Typically, the power supply is a battery such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. However, in some embodiments, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged and may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored to repeatedly, eg 10 or 20 times, charge the power supply of the aerosol generating device.

The charging unit may also include a power transmission circuit housed in said housing. The power transfer circuit may be configured to transfer power from the power supply of the charging case to the power supply of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is placed in the chamber of the charging case.

In some preferred embodiments, the implementation of the ambient air quality sensor is located inside the casing of the charging case. In these preferred embodiments, the shroud of the charging case may include at least one opening to allow ambient air to enter the shroud and reach the ambient air quality sensor. Said opening may be located adjacent or adjacent to the ambient air quality sensor. In some embodiments, the case may include a first opening to allow ambient air to enter the case and reach the ambient air quality sensor and a second hole to allow ambient air to exit the case. An air flow channel may be formed through the casing from the first opening along the ambient air quality sensor to the second opening. Said air flow path allows ambient air to flow along the ambient air quality sensor.

The ambient air quality sensor is not located in or in the vicinity of the chamber for housing the aerosol generating device. The ambient air quality sensor is not located in or around the aerosol generating device accommodating chamber because the air in and around the aerosol generating device accommodating chamber is generally not representative of the ambient air around the system.

The ambient air quality sensor may be located at a distance from the chamber to accommodate the aerosol generating device.

In some embodiments, the charging case may include a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The chamber of the charging case can be opened at the proximal end of the charging case. The chamber of the charging case may be closed at the proximal end of the charging case. The ambient air quality sensor may be located at the far end of the charging case. This arrangement provides the advantage of being able to place the ambient air quality sensor as far away as possible from the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is placed in the chamber of the charging case. This makes it possible to reduce the likelihood that the aerosol generated by the device can interfere with the ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, both the aerosol generating device and the charging unit may comprise an ambient air quality sensor. The aerosol generating device may include a first ambient air quality sensor and the charging unit may include a second ambient air quality sensor.

In those embodiments in which the aerosol generating system comprises a charging case and the aerosol generating device comprises an ambient air quality sensor, the controller may be configured to prevent the aerosol generating device ambient air quality sensor from determining an ambient air quality reading when the aerosol generating device is placed in charging case chamber. This can be useful as the air inside the chamber of the charging case may not be representative of the ambient air near the system. This may be particularly applicable to the case where the aerosol generating device is configured to carry out, when placed in the charging case, a cleaning cycle including powering a heating unit to burn off residues in the device chamber by means of pyrolysis.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating system also includes a display coupled to or configured to couple to a controller. The display may be configured to receive an ambient air quality signal from the controller and display ambient air quality information based on the ambient air quality signal.

By providing such a display, it is possible to increase the usefulness and efficiency of the user's interaction with the control system. For example, in some embodiments, the system may be configured to allow a user to change one or more device settings, such as the temperature to which the heating assembly is heated and the duration of heating, so that the user can change the feel of the aerosol generation. . In these embodiments, by providing a display capable of displaying ambient air quality information, the user is able to quickly and easily identify potential settings that can be adjusted to ensure that the system meets their specific aerosol generating experience requirements.

Said display is preferably a touch screen device further configured to receive input from a user. Preferably, the touch screen is configured to allow the user to adjust one or more settings of the aerosol generating device.

The display may be any suitable type of display, such as a liquid crystal (LCD) display or an LED display. In some embodiments, the system may include a graphical user interface (GUI). The graphical user interface may include a touch screen.

The display output of the ambient air quality signal by the controller may include recommended actions for the user corresponding to the specified one or more ambient air quality readings. For example, if an ambient air quality reading indicates poor ambient air quality, such as a concentration of fine particulate matter above a predetermined threshold, the ambient air quality signal may include a recommended action to open a window or move to a new location before starting an aerosol generating session. The recommended action may be displayed on a display for the user to view.

In preferred embodiments comprising a charging case, the charging case comprises a display coupled or capable of being coupled to the controller, and also configured to receive an ambient air quality signal from the controller and capable of displaying ambient air quality information based on said quality signal. ambient air.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating system may also include an ambient air quality alarm. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to output an ambient air quality signal to an ambient air quality alarm under certain conditions. For example, the controller may be configured to compare one or more ambient air quality readings from an ambient air quality sensor with one or more predetermined thresholds or predetermined conditions. The controller may also be configured to output an ambient air quality signal to said alarm to activate the alarm if the comparison result indicates that said one or more ambient air quality readings exceed a predetermined threshold or fail to meet predetermined conditions.

The aerosol generating device may include a signaling device. In embodiments containing a charging unit, this charging unit may contain an alarm. Both of the charging unit and the aerosol generating device may contain a signaling device. The charging unit and the aerosol generating device may have the same type of annunciators. The charging unit and the aerosol generating device may have different types of signaling devices.

The signaling device may be any suitable type of signaling device. In some embodiments, the annunciator may be a visual annunciator, such as one or more LEDs, or a specific message displayed on the system display. In some embodiments, the alarm may be an audible alarm such as a buzzer or speaker.

In some preferred embodiments, the controller is configured to transmit an ambient air quality signal over a communication link to an external device or server. The external device may be any suitable external device such as a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer or smartphone. The external server may be a remote server. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to communicate with a cloud server over the Internet.

The communication channel is preferably suitable for transferring a data stream between the aerosol generating system and an external device or server. The communication channel may be suitable for transmitting a data stream from an aerosol generating system to an external device or server. The communication channel may be suitable for transmitting a data stream from an external device or server to the aerosol generating system. Preferably, the communication channel is suitable for two-way transmission of the data stream from the aerosol generating system to the external device or server, and from the external device or server to the aerosol generating system.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the communication channel is a wired communication channel. In some embodiments, the communication channel represents a wireless communication channel. Preferably, the communication channel operates according to an interface standard. An interface standard is a standard that describes one or more functional characteristics, such as code conversion, line assignment, or protocol compatibility, or physical characteristics, such as electrical, mechanical, or optical characteristics, necessary to enable the exchange of information between two or more systems. or parts of equipment. Examples of suitable interface standards for a communication channel include, without limitation, the Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) family of standards; Universal Serial Bus (USB); Bluetooth®; FireWire (a trademark of Apple, Inc. for its IEEE 1394 interface); IrDA (Infrared Data Association - communication standard for short-range data exchange using infrared light); Zigbee (specification based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for wireless personal area networks); and other Wi-Fi standards.

Preferably, the controller includes a communication interface, such as at least a telemetry circuit and an antenna, for two-way communication with other external devices such as servers, network devices, personal computers, other aerosol generating systems having communication interfaces, and the like, and with other networks such as the Internet and the like. More specifically, data and commands may be transmitted and received during uplink or downlink telemetry between the aerosol generating system device and other external devices and/or networks using said communication interface. In at least one embodiment, said communication interface is a wireless interface using one or more wireless (e.g., radio frequency) communication protocols, such as Bluetooth®, WI-FI, any ultra high frequency (UHF) protocol, any protocol in the microwave range (SHF), low-frequency protocols, etc.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a controller having a communication interface. In some embodiments containing a charging unit, this charging unit contains a controller having a communication interface. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a first controller having a first communication interface and the charging unit comprises a second controller having a second communication interface.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transmit an air quality signal from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit over a communication channel. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transmit the air quality signal from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device over a communication channel. In some embodiments, the communication channel is suitable for two-way data streaming between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a first controller having a first communication interface, the charging unit comprises a second controller having a second communication interface, and said first and second controllers are configured to transmit an ambient air quality signal over a communication channel between the first and second communication interfaces. . Preferably, the communication channel is suitable for two-way transmission of the data stream between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit.

In some preferred embodiments, the controller of the aerosol generating system may be configured to transmit an ambient air quality signal to an external device, such as a user's smartphone, using a short-range communication protocol such as Bluetooth®, and said external device may be configured to transmit the signal ambient air quality to an external server such as a cloud server through a network such as the Internet.

The external device or server may be configured to store data transmitted from the aerosol generating system. An external device or server may be configured to analyze the data transmitted from the aerosol generating system. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating system controller may include additional sensors and may be configured to collect additional data such as aerosol generating system usage data and geographic location data. The controller may also be configured to transmit said additional data to an external device or server, and the external device or server may be configured to analyze the ambient air quality data in combination with additional data such as usage data and location data.

The aerosol-generating device comprises a heating unit for heating the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the device chamber. The heating unit may be any suitable heating unit.

The heating unit may include one or more heating elements. In particular, the heating unit may comprise one or more resistive heating elements. If the aerosol-generating substrate is a solid substrate, then said one or more heating elements may be internal heating elements configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate. Said one or more heating elements may be external heating elements capable of being placed on or in the vicinity of the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating unit may include one or more internal heating elements and one or more external heating elements.

Said one or more heating elements may extend into the chamber to receive the aerosol-forming substrate. Said one or more heating elements may conveniently be in the form of a needle, pin, rod or blade that can be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in said chamber.

Said one or more heating elements may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, without limitation: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide, for example), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made from a ceramic material and a metal material. Such composite materials may contain alloyed or unalloyed ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and the platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, constantan, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese - and ferrous alloys, as well as high-temperature alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, alloys based on iron and aluminum and alloys based on iron, manganese and aluminum. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation, 1999 Broadway Suite 4300, Denver, Colorado. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in or coated with the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and the desired external physico-chemical properties. Said one or more heating elements may comprise an etched metal foil insulated between two layers of inert material. In this case, the inert material may comprise Kapton®, full polyimide foil or mica foil. Kapton® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898, USA. A flexible heating element of this type may conform to the shape of said chamber and may extend around the periphery of said chamber.

The electrical heating element may be made using a metal having a certain relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such embodiments, the metal may be provided as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An electrical heating element thus constructed can be used both as a heater and as a temperature sensor.

In some embodiments, the heating assembly may be an induction heating assembly. In these embodiments, a current collector may be located in said chamber along with the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the current collector may be part of an aerosol generating device. In some preferred embodiments, the current collector is contained in an aerosol generating article or cartridge containing an aerosol generating substrate.

In the context of this document, the term "susceptor element" (or susceptor element, "susceptor element") means a conductive element that is heated by an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents and/or hysteresis losses generated in the current collector.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an inductor surrounding at least a portion of said chamber. In these embodiments, the power control circuit of the aerosol generating device may be configured to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field within said chamber. Preferably, the inductor, power supply, and power control circuitry may be capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field at a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, such as 2 to 10 MHz, such as 5 to 7 MHz. Preferably, the power supply, the power control circuit, and the inductor are capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a field strength (H-field) of 1 to 5 kA/m, such as 2 to 3 kA/m, such as approximately 2.5 kA / m.

The aerosol generating device comprises a casing. The casing contains a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The casing has a proximal end and a distal end. The camera may be located at the proximal end of the device.

The casing of the device can be elongated. Preferably, the casing of the device has a cylindrical shape. The casing of the device may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for use in the food or pharmaceutical industry, such as polypropylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-fragile.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device may have a length of from about 70 millimeters to about 120 millimeters. The aerosol generating device may be a device held in the hand. In other words, the aerosol generating device can be sized and shaped to be held in the user's hand.

In embodiments comprising a charging case, the casing of the charging case may be made of a material similar to that of the aerosol generating device. The chamber of the charging case is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating device. Preferably, the charging case is portable. The charging case may be a case held in the hand. In other words, the charging case can be sized and shaped to be held in a user's hand.

The aerosol generating device is configured to interact with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, an aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Volatile compounds may be released as a result of heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may also contain an aerosol-forming agent that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerin and propylene glycol.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, grains, pieces, thin tubes, strips, or sheets containing one or more of the following: grass leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. In the context of this document, the term "homogenized tobacco" refers to the material resulting from the agglomeration of tobacco in the form of particles. The homogenized tobacco may be in the form of a leaf. The aerosolizing agent content of the homogenized tobacco material may be greater than 5% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "corrugated sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be present in loose form, or it may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge compartment.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine may be a nicotine salt matrix. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant material. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more aerosol generating agents. The aerosol generating agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents include glycerin and propylene glycol. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gel. At room temperature, the gel may be stable in size and shape and not flowable. The gel may be a thermoreversible gel. This means that the gel becomes a fluid when heated to the melting temperature and turns back into a gel at the gelation temperature. The gelation temperature is preferably equal to or greater than room temperature at atmospheric pressure. The melting temperature is preferably above the gelation temperature. Preferably, the melting point of the gel is above 50 degrees Celsius, or 60 degrees Celsius, or 70 degrees Celsius, more preferably above 80 degrees Celsius. Melting point in the context of this document means the temperature at which the gel is no longer solid and begins to flow. Preferably, the gel contains agar or agarose or sodium alginate. The gel may contain gellan gum. The gel may contain a mixture of materials. The gel may contain water.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an evaporation temperature of from about 70 degrees Celsius to about 230 degrees Celsius. The aerosol generating system may be configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate to an average temperature of about 60°C to about 240°C.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided, comprising: a housing having a chamber for housing an aerosol-generating substrate; and a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol-forming substrate when placed in said chamber. The aerosol generating device also comprises: an ambient air quality sensor configured to determine properties of the ambient air in the vicinity of the device; and a controller coupled to the ambient air quality sensor and configured to receive an ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor and to output an ambient air quality signal based on the one or more readings from the ambient air quality sensor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging case for an aerosol generating system, comprising: a housing containing a chamber for housing an aerosol generating device; and a power transmission circuit configured to transmit power to the power source of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is placed in said chamber. The charging case also includes: an ambient air quality sensor configured to detect properties of the ambient air in the vicinity of the charging case; and a controller coupled to the ambient air quality sensor and configured to receive an ambient air quality reading from the ambient air quality sensor and to output an ambient air quality signal based on the one or more readings from the ambient air quality sensor.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an aerosol generating system comprising a heating assembly and an ambient air quality sensor, the method comprising: determining ambient air properties in the vicinity of the system using an ambient air quality sensor; and controlling power supply to the heating unit based on one or more ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, the features described above in relation to one aspect of the present invention may also be applicable to other aspects of the present invention. In particular, any feature described with respect to the first aspect may be equally applicable to the second, third and fourth aspects, any feature described with respect to the second aspect may be equally applicable to the first, third and fourth aspects, any the feature described with respect to the third aspect may be equally applicable to the first, second and fourth aspects, and any feature described with respect to the fourth aspect may be equally applicable to the first, second and third aspects.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described solely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in FIG. 1 shows a charging case having an ambient air quality sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

in FIG. 2 shows an aerosol generating device having an ambient air quality sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

in FIG. 3 shows the aerosol generating device of FIG. 2 placed inside the charging case of FIG. 1 and a charging case communicating with an external cloud server according to an aspect of the present invention; and

in FIG. 4 shows an exemplary logic diagram that the controller of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 2.

On FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a charging unit for an aerosol generating system according to the first aspect of the present invention. The charging unit shown in Fig. 1 is a charging case 100. The charging case 100 is a portable case having a case 102 that is shaped and sized to be gripped by a user's hand and fit into a user's clothing pocket. Housing 102 is generally a rectangular box having a length of approximately 20 mm, a width of approximately 50 mm, and a height of approximately 110 mm.

The housing 102 includes a chamber 104 for housing an aerosol generating device. The chamber 104 is open at the proximal end of the housing 102 to accommodate the aerosol generating device and is closed at the distal end of the housing 102 opposite the proximal end. To the proximal end of the casing 102, a lid 105 is pivotally attached to the proximal end of the housing 102 and is configured to close the open end of the chamber 104 when rotated to the closed position and to open the open end of the chamber 104 when rotated to the open position.

Within the housing 102 is a power source 106 in the form of a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of approximately 2900 milliamp-hours (mAh).

An electrical connector 108 is disposed at the closed distal end of the chamber 104 for receiving the aerosol generating device. The electrical connector 108 is connected to the power source 106 and is configured to electrically connect to a corresponding electrical connector of the aerosol generating device when it is fully housed in the chamber 104.

Also housed within housing 102 is controller 110. Controller 110 is coupled to power source 106 and electrical connector 108, and configured to control the power supply from power source 106 to electrical connector 108.

The controller 110 and the electrical connector 108 are configured to supply electrical power to the aerosol generating device located in the chamber 104 and to communicate with the aerosol generating device to transmit data to the aerosol generating device and to receive data from the aerosol generating device.

Controller 110 includes a microprocessor (not shown) as well as a communications interface 112, which in this embodiment includes telemetry circuitry and an antenna for two-way communication with an external device or server. In this embodiment, communication interface 112 is a wireless interface using the Bluetooth® protocol to communicate with an external device or server. Typically, the communication interface 112 is configured to communicate with a user's smartphone.

According to the present invention, an ambient air quality sensor 116 is also placed inside the housing 102 of the housing 100. In this embodiment, the ambient air quality sensor 116 is comprised of a plurality of air quality sensors including: gas sensors for detecting carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations; fine particulate sensor; a humidity sensor configured to determine the relative humidity of the ambient air around the housing, including the temperature of the ambient air; and an ambient pressure sensor. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the ambient air quality sensor 116 may also include additional gas sensors to determine: nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration; concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2); and oxygen concentration (O2).

Preferably, the ambient air quality sensor 116 is located at the far end of the housing 102, opposite the open end of the chamber 104 and the cover 105 at the proximal end, on the opposite side of the housing 102 relative to the chamber 104. In this arrangement, the ambient air quality sensor 116 is located as far as possible from an aerosol generating device housed in the chamber 104. This arrangement is advantageous because the aerosol generating device inserted into the body 100 may have been used shortly before and may still generate a small amount of aerosol when inserted into the body. In this situation, the aerosol generated by the device may affect the readings of the ambient air quality sensor 116 if the ambient air received by the sensor 116 contains the aerosol generated by the device. In addition, the aerosol generating device may be configured to perform a cleaning procedure when inserted into the chamber, which may include applying relatively high power to the heater to burn off unwanted residues by pyrolysis. The pyrolysis products can also affect the readings of the ambient air quality sensor 116 if the ambient air received by the sensor 116 contains some of the pyrolysis products.

A first opening 118 is provided in the housing near the ambient air quality sensor 116. The first opening 118 is configured to allow ambient air near the housing to enter the housing 102 and reach the ambient air quality sensor 116. A second opening 120 is also provided in the casing 102 near the ambient air quality sensor 116. The second opening 120 is configured to allow ambient air received by the ambient air quality sensor 116 to exit the casing 102. Thus, an air passage 122 is formed through the casing 102 from the first opening 118 along the ambient air quality sensor 116 to the second opening 120.

The controller 110 of the housing 100 is connected to the ambient air quality sensor 116 and configured to receive ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor 116 . The controller 110 is configured to periodically obtain readings from the ambient air quality sensor 116 . The readings of the ambient air quality sensor 116 contain information including: the concentration of carbon monoxide in the ambient air; the concentration of a volatile organic compound in the ambient air; the concentration of fine particulate matter in the ambient air; relative humidity of the ambient air, including temperature; and ambient air pressure. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the ambient air quality sensor readings may include additional information, including: carbon dioxide concentration; concentration of nitrogen dioxide; and oxygen concentration.

The controller 110 is also configured to output an ambient air quality signal based on one or more readings from the ambient air quality sensor 116 .

Controller 110 is configured to output a first ambient air quality signal, based on one or more ambient air quality sensor readings, to communication interface 112. Communication interface 112 is configured to transmit an ambient air quality signal to a user's smartphone over a communication channel using the Bluetooth® protocol.

It is envisaged that a program for analyzing the ambient air quality information contained in the first ambient air quality signal may be stored in the user's smart phone. In some embodiments, a program stored on a user's smartphone may not be configured to analyze the data received as part of the first ambient air quality signal, and may instead be configured to transmit the data or signal to an external server, such as a cloud server. , for analysis.

Charging case 100 also includes a graphic display 124 on the outer surface of case 102. Controller 110 is also configured to output a second ambient air quality signal, based on one or more ambient air quality sensor readings, to display 124. Display 124 is configured to display air quality information. of the ambient air contained in the second ambient air quality signal, so that the user is able to receive current air quality information in the vicinity of the charging unit 100 from the charging unit 100 itself.

On FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an aerosol generating device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. 2 is a device capable of receiving an aerosol-generating article (not shown) containing a solid aerosol-generating substrate and a filter wrapped together in a rod similar to a conventional cigarette. The aerosol generating device 200 is a portable device that is configured to be held in a user's hand. The aerosol generating device 200 includes a casing 202 that is generally cylindrical and has a length of approximately 90 mm and a diameter of approximately 14 mm, similar to a conventional cigar. The case 202 of the device 200 has a shape and dimensions that are generally complementary to the shape and dimensions of the chamber 104 of the charging case 100 shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the device 200 is configured to be placed in the chamber 104 of the charging case 100.

An open chamber 204 is provided at the proximal end of the housing 202 of the apparatus 200 for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. A heating assembly 206 in the form of a resistive heating blade or pin extends into the chamber 204 to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article placed in the chamber 204.

Housing 202 accommodates a power source 208 in the form of a lithium ion battery with a capacity of approximately 120 milliamp hours.

The controller 210 is also located within the housing 202. The controller 210 contains a microprocessor (not shown). The controller 210 is connected to the heating unit 206 and the power supply 208 and is configured to control the power supply from the power supply 208 to the heating unit 206.

An electrical connector 212 is located on the far end surface of housing 202 opposite chamber 204. Power supply 208 and controller 210 are connected to electrical connector 212. Electrical connector 212 is located and configured to electrically connect to electrical connector 108 at the far end of chamber 104 in housing 102 housing 100 when the device 200 is placed in the chamber 104 of the housing 100. Thus, when the device 200 is placed in the chamber 104 of the housing 100, the electrical connector 108 of the housing 100 is electrically connected to the electrical connector 212 of the device 200. The controller 110 of the housing 100 is configured to supply power from the source 106 power supply in the case 100 to the power source 208 in the device 200 to charge the power source 208 in the device 200, if the electrical connector 108 of the case 100 and the electrical connector 212 of the device 200 are electrically connected, the controller 210 is configured to control the power supply from the electrical connector 212 to the power source 208 to charge the power source 208. Due to this, the controller 210 is able to protect the power supply 208 of the device 200 from overcharging.

The controller 110 of the housing 100 and the controller 210 of the device 200 are also capable of two-way communication via electrically connected electrical connectors 108, 212.

According to the present invention, an ambient air quality sensor 214 is housed within a housing 202 of device 200. In this embodiment, the ambient air quality sensor 214 includes several air quality sensors, including: a gas sensor for detecting the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in the ambient air around device 200; and a humidity sensor configured to determine the relative humidity of the ambient air around the device 200, including the temperature of the ambient air. The ambient air quality sensor 214 of the aerosol generating device 200 contains fewer sensors than the ambient air quality sensor 116 of the charging case 100 because the size of the aerosol generating device 200 is much smaller than the size of the charging case 100, and the limited space inside the case 202 of the aerosol generating device 200 limits the number and the type of sensors that may be provided in the ambient air quality sensor 214 of the aerosol generating device 200.

Preferably, the ambient air quality sensor 214 is located at the far end of the case 202 at the opposite end of the device 200 relative to the chamber 204 located at the proximal end. In this arrangement, the ambient air quality sensor 214 is located as far as possible from the heating assembly 206 and the aerosol generated by the device 200. This arrangement is preferred because the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device can affect the readings of the ambient air quality sensor 214 if the ambient the air received by the ambient air quality sensor 214 contains an aerosol generated by the device 200.

A first opening 216 is provided in the housing 202 near the ambient air quality sensor 214. The first opening 216 is configured to allow ambient air in the vicinity of the device to enter the housing 202 and reach the ambient air quality sensor 214. A second opening 218 is also provided in the casing 202 near the ambient air quality sensor 214. The second opening 218 is configured to allow ambient air received by the ambient air quality sensor 214 to exit the casing 202. An air flow channel 220 is formed through the casing 202, extending from the first opening 216 along the ambient air quality sensor 214 to the second opening 218.

The controller 210 of the device 200 is connected to the ambient air quality sensor 214 and configured to receive ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor 214 . The controller 210 is also configured to output an ambient air quality signal based on one or more readings from the ambient air quality sensor 214.

The controller 210 is configured to output an ambient air quality signal based on one or more readings from the ambient air quality sensor 214. In particular, the controller 210 is configured to control the power supply from the power source 208 to the heating unit 206 based on one or more ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor 214, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. four.

The controller 210 may be configured to store the ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor 214 in a memory (not shown) until the device 200 is placed in the charging case 100. The controller 210 may be configured to transmit the stored readings by ambient air quality on the controller 110 of the charging case 100 when the device 200 is placed in the chamber 104 of the charging case 100.

On FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 2 placed in the chamber 104 of the charging case 100 of FIG. 1.

The controller 210 of the aerosol generating device 200 is configured to communicate with the controller 110 of the charging case 100 via electrically connected electrical connectors 108, 212 when the aerosol generating device 200 is located in the case 100. In particular, the controller 210 of the device 200 is configured to transmit stored ambient quality readings. air to the controller 110 of the housing 100.

The controller 210 of the device 200 is also configured to determine the location of the device 200 in the charging case 100 either by interrogating the controller 110 of the case 100 or by determining that the power supply 208 is being charged. Controller 210 of device 200 is also configured to stop detecting ambient air quality readings while device 200 is placed in chamber 104 of housing 100. Controller 210 is configured to stop detecting ambient air quality readings while device 200 is placed in chamber 104 because the air inside chamber 104 may not be representative of ambient air near the system. The difference between air quality in chamber 104 of housing 100 and ambient air quality in the vicinity of the system can be particularly large if controller 210 of device 200 is configured to perform a cleaning operation, such as energizing a heating assembly to burn off residue by pyrolysis when device 200 is placed in the chamber. 104 cases 100.

On FIG. 3 also shows the controller 110 of the charging case 100 communicating with the user's smartphone 300 wirelessly using the Bluetooth® protocol.

The controller 110 of the charging case 100 is configured to periodically transmit the first ambient air quality signal to the user's smartphone 300 via the communication interface 112 . The controller 110 is also configured to wirelessly transmit the ambient air quality signal received from the controller 210 of the aerosol generating device 200 to the user's smartphone 300 via the communication interface 112 .

In this embodiment, the user's smartphone is configured to store the received ambient air quality data contained in the received ambient air quality signals and periodically transmit the stored ambient air quality data to an external cloud server via the Internet. The ambient air quality data may be analyzed by the cloud server, for example by comparing the ambient air quality data with historical ambient air quality data. The user's smartphone may also be configured to transmit geographic location information to an external cloud server along with ambient air quality data so that the cloud server can generate a geographic air quality map.

On FIG. 4 shows an illustrative flow diagram of a method capable of being implemented by the controller 210 of the aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 2. In other words, in FIG. 4 shows an exemplary method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising an ambient air quality sensor according to the present invention.

The controller 210 is configured to receive, in a first step 401, ambient air quality readings from an ambient air quality sensor 214 . In this embodiment, the ambient air quality readings include carbon monoxide readings and relative humidity readings.

The controller 210 is configured to compare, in a second step 403, the carbon monoxide reading with a minimum carbon monoxide concentration threshold stored in a look-up table in the memory of the controller 210.

The controller 210 is configured to compare, in a third step 405, the result of the carbon monoxide concentration determination with a predetermined maximum carbon monoxide concentration threshold value stored in a look-up table in the memory of the controller 210, if it is determined in the second step 403 that the carbon monoxide concentration is above the predetermined minimum threshold.

The controller 210 is configured to prevent, in a fourth step 407, power from the power source 208 to the heater assembly 206 if it is determined in a third step 405 that the carbon monoxide concentration is above a predetermined carbon monoxide concentration threshold. In other words, the controller 210 is configured to prevent operation of the device 200 if the level of carbon monoxide in the ambient air is above a predetermined maximum threshold.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 200 may be equipped with an alarm, such as a visual alarm, such as an LED, or an audible alarm, such as a buzzer, and the controller 210 may be configured to send an alarm signal to the alarm to activate the alarm if the controller 210 determines that the measured carbon monoxide concentration is above the specified maximum carbon monoxide concentration threshold.

The controller 210 is configured to apply, in a fifth step 409, a reduced power profile to the heater assembly 206 if, in a third step 405, it is determined that the carbon monoxide concentration is below a predetermined maximum carbon monoxide concentration threshold, such that the device can generate a smaller volume of aerosol than under normal conditions, when the concentration of carbon monoxide in the ambient air is below a specified minimum threshold. The reduced power profile is stored in a look-up table in the memory of the controller 210.

The controller 210 is configured to compare, in a sixth step 411, the relative humidity reading with a predetermined humidity threshold stored in a look-up table in the memory of the controller 210, if it is determined in the second step 403 that the carbon monoxide concentration is below the predetermined minimum carbon monoxide concentration threshold.

The controller 210 is configured to supply a standard power profile to the heating unit 206 to maintain a standard temperature profile of the heating unit 206 to generate a standard aerosol for consumption by the user if it is determined in the sixth step 411 that the relative humidity is below a predetermined humidity threshold. The standard power profile is stored in a lookup table in the memory of the controller 210.

The controller 210 is configured to provide an increased power profile to the heater assembly 206 during the initial preheat period such that the temperature of the heater assembly 206 rises to a higher temperature than the standard power profile during the preheat period to evaporate any additional moisture that may be present in the substrate due to moisture if it is determined in the sixth step 411 that the relative humidity is above the predetermined moisture threshold. The increased power profile is stored in a look-up table in the memory of the controller 210.

Thus, the controller 210 of the aerosol generating device 200 is configured to control the power supply to the heating unit 206 based on the ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor.

In this embodiment, the controller 210 is configured to take readings from the ambient air quality sensor 214 before energizing the heater assembly 206. As a result, the reading of the ambient air quality takes place before aerosol generation begins. This further reduces the likelihood that the ambient air monitored by the ambient air quality sensor 214 of the device 200 will contain the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 200. In addition, by ensuring that only necessary ambient air quality readings are analyzed prior to aerosol generation, the controller has the ability to minimize the use of processor resources when determining the ambient air quality for an aerosol generation session, thereby reducing the power required to operate the device and extending battery life.

The above examples of embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. In light of the exemplary embodiments discussed above, other embodiments corresponding to the exemplary embodiments described above should now be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (37)

1. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device comprising a casing having a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate located at the proximal end of the device; a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol-forming substrate while placing the aerosol-forming substrate in said chamber; an ambient air quality sensor configured to detect properties of ambient air in the vicinity of the system, the ambient air quality sensor configured to detect one or more of the following: carbon monoxide; volatile organic compounds; carbon dioxide; fine solid particles; nitrogen dioxide; dioxygen; pressure and nicotine, and wherein the ambient air quality sensor is located at the far end of the device, opposite the proximal end; a controller connected to the ambient air quality sensor and configured to receive ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor and to output an ambient air quality signal based on one or more ambient air quality sensor readings, wherein the ambient air quality sensor is substantially isolated from the chamber of the aerosol-generating device and is located inside the casing, wherein said casing also contains a first opening for allowing ambient air to enter the casing and reaching the ambient air quality sensor and a second opening for allowing ambient air to exit from casing, and through the casing, an air flow channel is formed, passing from the first hole at the ambient air quality sensor to the second hole. 2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the controller is located on or within the housing of the device. 3. Generating aerosol system according to any one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, in which the aerosol generating device also includes a power supply and a power control circuit configured to control the power supply from the power source to the heating unit; said power control circuit is configured to receive an ambient air quality signal from the controller and control power supply from the power source to the heating unit based on said ambient air quality signal. 4. The aerosol-generating system of claim 3, wherein the power control circuit is configured to compare the ambient air quality signal from the ambient air quality sensor with a predetermined ambient air quality condition and to prevent the power supply from supplying power to the heating unit if the signal ambient air quality does not meet the specified ambient air quality target condition. 5. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device comprising a housing having a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate; a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol-forming substrate while placing the aerosol-forming substrate in said chamber; a power source located in the casing; charging box containing a power transmission circuit for transmitting power to a power source of the aerosol generating device; an ambient air quality sensor configured to detect properties of ambient air in the vicinity of the system, the ambient air quality sensor configured to detect one or more of the following: carbon monoxide; volatile organic compounds; carbon dioxide; fine solid particles; nitrogen dioxide; dioxygen; pressure and nicotine; a controller coupled to the ambient air quality sensor and configured to receive ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor and to output an ambient air quality signal based on the readings from the ambient air quality sensor. 6. The aerosol generating system of claim 5, wherein the ambient air quality sensor and controller are located on or in the charging unit. 7. Generating aerosol system according to any one of paragraphs. 5 or 6, in which the charging unit is a charging case having a chamber for accommodating the aerosol generating device and a power source housed in the case; and the power transfer circuit is configured to transfer power from the power source of the charging case to the power source of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is placed in the chamber of the charging case. 8. The aerosol generating system of claim 7, wherein the ambient air quality sensor is located in the charging case housing, and said charging housing housing includes at least one opening to allow ambient air to enter the housing and reach the ambient air quality sensor. 9. Generating aerosol system according to any one of paragraphs. 5-8, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a first ambient air quality sensor and the charging unit comprises a second ambient air quality sensor. 10. Generating aerosol system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, wherein the ambient air quality sensor comprises at least one of the following: an electrochemical sensor; chemically sensitive resistive sensor; sensor based on the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure; catalytic sensor; gas spectrometer and nicotine sensor. 11. Generating aerosol system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, also comprising a display coupled or capable of being coupled to the controller, and also configured to receive an ambient air quality signal from the controller, and capable of displaying ambient air quality information based on the ambient air quality signal. 12. Generating aerosol system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, also comprising a wireless transceiver configured to transmit an ambient air quality signal. 13. An aerosol generating device comprising a casing having a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate located at the proximal end of the device; a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol-forming substrate while placing the aerosol-forming substrate in said chamber; an ambient air quality sensor configured to detect properties of ambient air in the vicinity of the device, the ambient air quality sensor configured to detect one or more of the following: carbon monoxide; volatile organic compounds; carbon dioxide; fine solid particles; nitrogen dioxide; dioxygen; pressure and nicotine, and wherein the ambient air quality sensor is located at the far end of the device, opposite the proximal end; a controller connected to the ambient air quality sensor and configured to receive ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor and to output an ambient air quality signal based on one or more ambient air quality sensor readings, wherein the ambient air quality sensor is substantially isolated from the chamber of the aerosol generating device and is located inside the housing, which also contains a first opening to allow ambient air to enter the housing and reach the ambient air quality sensor and a second hole to allow ambient air to exit the housing, and an air flow channel is formed through the casing, extending from the first opening at the ambient air quality sensor to the second opening. 14. Charging case for generating an aerosol device containing a casing containing a chamber for accommodating an aerosol generating device; a power transmission circuit configured to transmit power to a power source of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is placed in said chamber; an ambient air quality sensor configured to detect properties of ambient air in the vicinity of the charging case, the ambient air quality sensor configured to detect one or more of the following: carbon monoxide; volatile organic compounds; carbon dioxide; fine solid particles; nitrogen dioxide; dioxygen; pressure and nicotine; a controller coupled to the ambient air quality sensor and configured to receive ambient air quality readings from the ambient air quality sensor and to output an ambient air quality signal based on one or more ambient air quality sensor readings.

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