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WO2024200521A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol, module de batterie et procédé - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol, module de batterie et procédé Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024200521A1
WO2024200521A1 PCT/EP2024/058267 EP2024058267W WO2024200521A1 WO 2024200521 A1 WO2024200521 A1 WO 2024200521A1 EP 2024058267 W EP2024058267 W EP 2024058267W WO 2024200521 A1 WO2024200521 A1 WO 2024200521A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
battery module
generation device
visual indicator
battery
aerosol generation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2024/058267
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Claude Zominy
Franck Pourrat
Grzegorz Aleksander PILATOWICZ
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JT International SA
Original Assignee
JT International SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by JT International SA filed Critical JT International SA
Priority to CN202480019438.6A priority Critical patent/CN120826812A/zh
Priority to KR1020257031315A priority patent/KR20250152638A/ko
Publication of WO2024200521A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024200521A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • H01M10/488—Cells or batteries combined with indicating means for external visualization of the condition, e.g. by change of colour or of light density
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H01M2010/4271—Battery management systems including electronic circuits, e.g. control of current or voltage to keep battery in healthy state, cell balancing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/30—Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0047—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • Aerosol generation device battery module, and method
  • the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device.
  • the present disclosure further relates to a battery module.
  • the present disclosure further relates to a method.
  • An aerosol generation device is configured to heat an aerosol substrate to generate aerosol for inhalation.
  • An aerosol generation device includes a power supply in the form of a battery cell.
  • the battery cell provides power for operation of the aerosol generation device, and for example may provide the necessary power to generate aerosol.
  • the battery cell may be incorporated in a battery module comprising the battery cell and/or other battery module components.
  • An aerosol generation device must typically comprise many components whilst maintaining a small form factor.
  • An existing approach involves providing aerosol generation device components and a battery module in a layered construction. Available space within the aerosol generation device is not optimally used. It is desired to make improved use of available space within an aerosol generation device.
  • Battery module replacement and recycling is also an important consideration. It may be desired to access the battery module of the aerosol generation device to replace battery module components. It is desired to make removal and replacement of battery module components simpler and more intuitive. Ensuring authenticity of replacement battery module components is also an important consideration.
  • dangers associated with extraction of the battery module include electrical, chemical, and thermal dangers, and their potential interactions. It is desired to improve safety in accessing and replacing the battery module in an aerosol generation device.
  • an aerosol generation device comprising: a plurality of volumes defined by components of the aerosol generation device; and a battery module comprising one or more battery module components located within the plurality of volumes.
  • the one or more battery module components are removably located within the plurality of volumes.
  • the one or more battery module components can be removed so as to be replaced with new battery module components, and/or the removed battery module components recycled.
  • the plurality of volumes are defined by a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or one or more casing portions of the aerosol generation device.
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the PCB and/or one or more casing portions can advantageous be adapted or shaped to define the volumes thereby to receive the one or more battery module components.
  • the one or more battery module components correspond to one of the volumes, optionally a specific volume, optionally wherein the one or more battery module components are shaped or sized to correspond to one of the volumes.
  • the volumes are provided or defined by a plurality of compartments.
  • the volume may be the internal space in which the components are to be provided, with compartments providing the internal space and having outer bounds or surfaces defined by components of the aerosol generation device.
  • Compartments may be shaped to receive the one or more battery module components.
  • the battery module comprises a first part of a sensor arrangement, and a second part of the sensor arrangement is provided at the at least one of the plurality of volumes.
  • Such a construction may facilitate prevention of operation of the battery module, or of the aerosol generation device, until the battery module components are correctly located within the volumes. This may improve safety. Furthermore, such a construction can allow non-authentic replacement parts to be identified.
  • the second part of the sensor arrangement is configured to sense the first part of the sensor arrangement.
  • the sensor arrangement comprises a proximity sensor.
  • a signal can be provided by the sensor to indicate that the battery module components are correctly oriented.
  • the second part of the sensor arrangement is provided on a battery module component that is separate to a battery cell.
  • This may simplify installation by reducing problems relating to uncertainty in correctly locating battery module components other than the battery cell. Whilst in some examples it may be readily determinable where the battery cell need be installed, the correct location for other battery module components may not be readily determinable. Such a construction thus ensures correct placement of battery module components other than the battery cell.
  • the sensor arrangement provides or generates an output signal to authenticate the battery module and/or ensure proper connection.
  • an authentic battery module or authentic components thereof
  • a proper connection of the battery module e.g., correct placement, and/or correct electrical connection
  • the one or more battery module components comprise: a battery cell; and one or more additional battery module components.
  • the battery cell may be shaped to be located in a plurality of volumes. That is, a single battery cell may be shaped to be located in a plurality of volumes.
  • the battery cell may comprise a plurality of sub-cells.
  • the battery cell may comprise protruding regions to be located in said volumes. A part or portion of the battery cell may extend outside of the volumes, and said portion may extend between protrusions of the battery cell such that the single battery cell is locatable in a plurality of volumes.
  • the one or more additional battery module components comprises a battery module hardware protection system and/or an interface.
  • the battery module hardware protection system may comprise, or be, a fuse and/or a protection IC module.
  • the interface may comprise a screen or display. Additionally, or alternatively, the interface may comprise a visual indicator arranged to indicate a battery module component characteristic.
  • the battery module comprises a plurality of battery module components connected to one another by one or more connection elements. The connection elements may be locatable outside of the volumes.
  • connection elements may comprise, or be, one or more flexible connections.
  • the flexible connections may be thin-film connections, and may be electrical connections.
  • the flexible connections may comprise layers of electrical conductors and insulation provided in a parallel arrangement. The flexible nature of the connections allows for any required relative movement or manipulation of the components when inserting/remove the battery module.
  • the flexible functionality might also increase space-saving, since a definite, reserved space for a rigid connector is not necessarily required.
  • a battery module for an aerosol generation device comprising a plurality of volumes defined by components of the aerosol generation device, wherein the battery module comprises one or more battery module components locatable within the plurality of volumes.
  • an advantageous battery module is provided for an aerosol generation device, with associated benefits in improving use of available space within an aerosol generation device, simplifying removal and replacement of the battery module, ensuring authenticity of the battery module, and improving safety.
  • the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first aspect of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
  • a method of assembling an aerosol generation device comprising: providing a battery module comprising one or more battery module components; and locating the one or more battery module components within a plurality of volumes defined by components of the aerosol generation device.
  • the third aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first and/or second aspect of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
  • a battery module for an aerosol generation device comprising one or more battery module components, wherein the battery module comprises a visual indicator as part of the battery module, the visual indicator being arranged to indicate a battery module component characteristic.
  • an operator is able to determine a characteristic of a battery module component by reference to the battery module, e.g., by reference to the battery module itself, or to the battery module alone.
  • This is in contrast to existing examples of aerosol generation devices in which characteristics of battery module components may be indicated to an operator by the aerosol generation device, but are not indicated by the battery module itself.
  • the present construction is highly advantageous in improving safety during disassembly of the aerosol generation device, and replacement or recycling of battery module components, as the operator need only refer to the battery module rather than to other systems which may be provided at the aerosol generation device.
  • the battery module need not be provided as part of the aerosol generation device in order to provide, or indicate, the battery module component characteristic.
  • the battery module can independently indicate characteristics, or a “status” of the battery module.
  • This is highly advantageous in enabling characteristics of battery module components to be determined, and thereby facilitating replacement or recycling of the battery module.
  • characteristics of battery module components can be determined without, or before, insertion into the device. This may guide a user decision on whether the battery module is suitable for use in the aerosol generation device - i.e., the user may decide not to employ the battery module in some instances. User convenience is thereby improved, as a user need not insert the battery module into the device in order to understand characteristics of the battery module.
  • the visual indicator being “part of” the battery module may mean that the battery module and visual indicator are integrally formed. The visual indicator may be attached to, or provided on a surface of, the battery module.
  • the visual indicator may be distinct from, different to, or separate from, a user interface of the aerosol generation device.
  • Conventional aerosol generation devices may comprise user interfaces indicating, for example, a battery cell charge level.
  • the present visual indicator is comprised in (e.g., specific to) the battery module, rather than receiving a signal from another system or component of the aerosol generation device, such as a processor or controller of the aerosol generation device.
  • the visual indicator may provide a visual indicator without the use of electronic means.
  • the visual indicator may be a chemical indicator of an electrical characteristic of the battery module component.
  • the visual indicator may be operable to indicate a battery module component characteristic when the battery module is disconnected from the aerosol generation device (i.e. , when the battery module is provided in isolation).
  • the battery module comprises: one or more connection elements connecting to the one or more battery module components, wherein the one or more connection elements comprises the visual indicator.
  • connection elements provided in the battery module can be used as a means to indicate battery module component characteristics to an operator. This improves safety of removal and replacement of battery module components.
  • connection elements may be thin-film connections.
  • the one or more connection elements may be flexible connections. This may enable the connection elements to be located in a suitable location for viewing by an operator.
  • the one or more connection elements may be electrical connection elements, and the electrical connection elements may provide a visual indication of an electrical characteristic of the battery module component.
  • the battery module component characteristic is related to operation of the one or more battery module components. In this way, an operator can determine whether the battery module component is operating correctly, or will continue to operate correctly.
  • the battery module component may be a battery cell, and the battery module component characteristic may be a charge level of the battery cell. Additionally, or alternatively, the battery module component characteristic may be a reference, or identification information, of the battery module component or of the battery module as a whole.
  • the battery module component may be a battery cell, and the battery module component characteristic may be an expiry date of the battery cell or an indication of a level of degradation of the battery cell. In this way, an operator may establish that the battery cell requires replacement by reference to the visual indicator of the battery module, rather than by reference to a user interface of the aerosol generation device.
  • the battery module component characteristic is related to an electrical state of the one or more battery module components.
  • the electrical state may be a current charge level, or voltage, of the battery cell. In this way, an operator may establish that the battery cell is discharged and is safe to remove and handle, thus minimising risk to the operator of thermal runaway during handling.
  • the one or more battery module components comprise a battery cell and/or a battery module hardware protection system. In one example, the one or more battery module components comprise one or more battery cells.
  • the battery module may indicate characteristics of the battery cell (or one or more battery cells) and/or of the battery module hardware protection system.
  • the battery module hardware protection system may comprise, or be, a fuse and/or a protection IC module. This improves safety in replacement of said components.
  • the battery module comprises a determiner module configured to: determine one or more parameters of the battery cell; determine the battery module component characteristic of the battery cell based on the one or more parameters; provide an indication of the battery module component characteristic as an output.
  • the battery module component characteristic can be determined.
  • the output of the determiner module can be used as input for indicating the battery module component characteristic. This is highly advantageous in enabling the battery module itself to determine and indicate its own characteristics, without insertion into, or connection with, an aerosol generation device or any other device. This is useful in instances where the battery module is, for example, a spare battery module which has not been used for a time period and the user wishes to determine if the battery module is suitable for use in the aerosol generation device. It will be appreciated that the determiner module is provided as part of the battery module. This is in contrast with other approaches which may involve providing a determiner module elsewhere, for example in the aerosol generation device but not as part of the battery module.
  • the battery module comprises a visual indicator driver configured to provide a signal to the visual indicator based on the output of the determiner module.
  • the visual indicator can be driven, or operated, to provide the visual indicator to the user.
  • the visual indicator driver may perform comparison with a threshold.
  • An advantageous visual indicator, as described herein, can then be driven to provide an intuitive and clear indication of the battery module component characteristic. It will be appreciated that the visual indicator driver is provided as part of the battery module. This is in contrast with other approaches which may involve providing a visual indicator driver elsewhere, for example in the aerosol generation device but not as part of the battery module.
  • the visual indicator is configured to receive the signal from the visual indicator driver and provide an output indicative of the battery module component characteristic of the battery cell.
  • the battery module component characteristic can be communicated to the user.
  • the visual indicator may comprise, or be, an electrochromic display. That is, the battery module may comprise the electrochromic display.
  • the electrochromic display may be operable with a small input power signal.
  • the electrochromic display may have a memory latency to display information for a time after the power input has been removed.
  • the electrochromic display requires a low power input, which means that continuous display of a battery component characteristic may be achieved without substantially draining the battery unit. This means that a visual indicator comprising an electrochromic display is power efficient.
  • the electrochromic display may be flexible (e.g., formed of a flexible material) and can implemented on a variety of battery modules and/or in a variety of positions as required.
  • the electrochromic display may conform to a shape or surface of at least a part of the battery module.
  • the electrochromic display is clear and visible in different lighting environments, such as in ambient light, without the need for an additional light emitting element.
  • the electrochromic display is a low power, flexible and simple solution for displaying battery information.
  • the electrochromic display may receive a signal from the visual indictor driver based on the output of the determiner module.
  • the electrochromic display may be configured to provide an output display indicative of the battery module component characteristic.
  • the battery module component characteristic is state of health (SoH) of the one or more battery module components, or is state of charge (SoC) of the one or more battery module components.
  • SoH state of health
  • SoC state of charge
  • Indicating SoH to the user is highly advantageous, as it enables a determination of whether the battery module is suitable, or safe, for connection in the aerosol generation device, which may include suitable or safe for use in a particular use case.
  • knowledge of the SoH of a battery module may allow the user to choose between a plurality of available battery modules based on the requirements of the user, or particular use case, or to improve safety.
  • Indicating SoC is highly advantageous, as it enables a determination of whether the battery module is suitable, or safe, for connection in the aerosol generation device, which may include suitable or safe for use in a particular use case.
  • the visual indicator comprises a fuse arrangement comprising one or more fuses.
  • the one or more fuses comprise one or more resettable fuses and/or one or more non-resettable fuses.
  • a fuse arrangement is a low power, robust, and simple solution to indicating the battery module component characteristic.
  • Resettable fuses may enable SoC to be indicated.
  • Non-resettable fuses may reduce manufacturing costs.
  • the fuse arrangement is provided on an organic substrate.
  • the organic substrate comprises a hydrophobic material.
  • the visual indicator comprises a light arrangement comprising one or more light emitting elements.
  • the battery module component characteristic may be communicated more clearly and/or intuitively to the user.
  • light emitting elements may facilitate indication of SoC, which can increase and decrease through a charge/discharge cycle. Where a single light emitting element is used, this may enable indication of a battery module component characteristic above, or below, a threshold value.
  • a plurality of light emitting elements may provide more detailed, or graduated, indication of battery module component characteristic above, or below, a plurality of threshold values.
  • the light emitting elements comprise one or more LEDs and/or OLEDs.
  • LEDs may facilitate cost-effective manufacture.
  • OLEDs may enable a flexible display to be provided, to wrap around or conform with the form of one or more battery module components, in particular a battery cell.
  • the visual indicator comprises the light arrangement and the fuse arrangement.
  • Such a construction would be simple to manufacture, but also provide a robust and low power means for indicating battery module component characteristics.
  • the battery cell characteristic indicator provides an indication of charge level of the battery cell, degradation level of the battery cell, and/or expiry date of the battery cell.
  • the visual indicator comprises a chemical indicator of battery cell charge level.
  • the visual indicator may comprise a chemical indicator of battery cell voltage.
  • the visual indicator is operable to provide the indication of the battery module component characteristic.
  • the visual indicator may be operable by an operator to provide the indication.
  • the visual indicator is operable by a trigger.
  • the trigger is a button.
  • the indication of the battery module component characteristic may be provided only when desired by the operator. This improves the lifetime of the battery module component, as the indication of the characteristic is not provided when not needed. This is particularly advantageous when the battery module component is a battery cell, whereby the indication of the battery cell characteristic (e.g., charge level) is providable only when the visual indicator is operated by the operator. Furthermore, by providing a trigger, power consumption may be reduced, as the visual indicator may be operated to indicate the battery module component characteristic only when desired or required by the user.
  • the battery cell characteristic e.g., charge level
  • the visual indicator may be operable to form, or complete, an electrical circuit.
  • the visual indicator may be a thermochromic indicator.
  • the visual indicator may be operable by the application of pressure on one or more contacts to form, or complete, an electrical circuit.
  • the battery module is provided behind a cover assembly comprising a viewing assembly for viewing the visual indicator.
  • the operator may be protected from contacting the battery module or components thereof in an assembled arrangement, but battery module component characteristics can still be monitored by viewing the visual indicator via the viewing assembly. In this way, the characteristic of the battery module component can be determined and monitored prior to disassembly. Safety of the disassembly process is thus improved.
  • the visual indicator is provided on an outer surface of at least one of the one or more battery module components.
  • this reduces the form factor of the battery module, thereby improving space saving.
  • an aerosol generation device comprising a battery module according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.
  • an operator is able to determine a characteristic of a battery module component by reference to the battery module, e.g., by reference to the battery module itself, or to the battery module alone.
  • This is in contrast to existing examples of aerosol generation devices in which characteristics of battery module components may be indicated to an operator by the aerosol generation device (or systems or modules other than the battery module), but are not indicated by the battery module itself.
  • the present construction is highly advantageous in improving safety during disassembly of the aerosol generation device, and replacement or recycling of battery module components, as the operator need only refer to the battery module rather than to other systems which may be provided at the aerosol generation device.
  • the battery module need not be provided as part of the aerosol generation device in order to provide, or indicate, the battery module component characteristic.
  • the battery module can independently indicate characteristics, or a “status” of the battery module. This is highly advantageous in enabling characteristics of battery module components to be determined, and thereby facilitating replacement or recycling of the battery module.
  • characteristics of battery module components can be determined without, or before, insertion into the device. This may guide a user decision on whether the battery module is suitable for use in the aerosol generation device - i.e., the user may decide not to employ the battery module in some instances. User convenience is thereby improved, as a user need not insert the battery module into the device in order to understand characteristics of the battery module.
  • the fifth aspect of the present invention may comprise any or all features of any of the aspects introduced above, as desired or as appropriate.
  • a battery module for an aerosol generation device comprising: a plurality of battery module components; wherein the battery module components are connected by one or more flexible connections.
  • connections can be formed between battery module components provided in different volumes, or in dispersed locations.
  • the one or more flexible connections are thin-film connections.
  • the one or more flexible connections are electrical connections.
  • An electrical connection can thus be more easily formed between battery module components provided in different volumes, or in dispersed locations.
  • the battery cell comprises a plurality of battery sub-cells.
  • an aerosol generation device comprising a battery module according to the sixth aspect of the present invention.
  • the seventh aspect of the present invention may comprise any or all features of any of the aspects introduced above, as desired or as appropriate.
  • a method of installing a battery module in an aerosol generating device comprising: manipulating one or more flexible connections connecting battery module components to locate the battery module in the aerosol generating device.
  • the eighth aspect of the present invention may comprise any or all features of any of the aspects introduced above, as desired or as appropriate.
  • Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an aerosol generation device
  • Figure 2 shows an assembled view of the aerosol generation device of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 shows arrangements of connection elements
  • Figure 4 shows a battery module for an aerosol generation device
  • FIG. 5 shows general methodology principles
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a battery module
  • Figure 7 shows a cross section of an aerosol generation device
  • Figure 8 shows a circuit diagram of a battery module
  • Figure 9 shows views of the battery module of Figure 8 in various states
  • Figure 10 shows a circuit diagram of a battery module
  • FIG 11 shows views of the battery module of Figure 10 in various states
  • Figure 12 shows an aerosol generation device
  • Figure 13 shows an aerosol generation device.
  • aerosol precursor material As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and may refer to a material and/or composition, which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and a vaporising agent.
  • the aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (such as by vibrations).
  • tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts.
  • Suitable vaporising agents include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin.
  • the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco.
  • An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user.
  • vapour and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.
  • aerosol generation device is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user.
  • the device may be portable.
  • “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user.
  • the device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.
  • aerosol may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.
  • an aerosol generation device 100 is shown in an exploded, side cross-sectional view.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 is shown in schematic, with only details necessary for understanding the relevant concepts described herein being illustrated in Figure 1. That is, a number of components used in the generation of aerosol may also be comprised in the aerosol generation device 100, but are not illustrated in Figure 1 for simplicity.
  • a more detailed example of an aerosol generation device is illustrated in Figure 13. The skilled person will appreciate that this detail may be incorporated in the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a plurality of volumes 110a - c.
  • the volumes 110a - c are defined by components 102 of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a battery module 120.
  • the battery module 120 comprises one or more battery module components 122.
  • the one or more battery module components 122 are locatable within the plurality of volumes 110a - c. Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generation device is shown in an assembled view.
  • the one or more battery module components 122 are located within the plurality of volumes 110a - c.
  • the volumes 110a - c defined by components 102 are made use of to locate the one or more battery module components 122.
  • the volumes may be seen as “gaps” between components 102, and said gaps “filled” by locating battery module components 122 therein.
  • the removal of battery module components 122 is simplified as the battery module components 122 can be removed from said volumes 110a - c.
  • replacement is simpler and more intuitive as replacement battery module components can be installed in said volumes 110a - c. This is in contrast to existing approaches where battery module components are inserted in a unique, perhaps separate, location within the aerosol generation device 100, and not into volumes defined by components which may be suitable (or specifically designed or arranged) to receive components.
  • the volumes 110a - c may be suitable for receiving (e.g., specifically designed or arranged) to receive one or more battery module components 122.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 comprises an outer case 104 and an outer case cover 106.
  • the outer case cover 106 is connectable to the outer case 104 to house components (including the battery module 120) therein.
  • the components 102 of the aerosol generation device 100 define the plurality of volumes 110a - c.
  • the components 102 may be known as aerosol generation device components, or system components.
  • the components 102 may be those other than battery module components 122.
  • the components 102 are arranged or installed in the aerosol generation device 100 in a suitable manner.
  • the components 102 may be arranged so as to define volumes 110a - c (otherwise referred to as “gaps”).
  • the volumes 110a - c may be provided deliberately, for locating or receiving the one or more battery module components therein. Alternatively, the volumes 110a - c may be incidentally provided, as a result of the arrangement of the components 102 within the aerosol generation device 100.
  • existing aerosol generation devices may comprise volumes defined by components of the aerosol generation device
  • existing approaches do not make appropriate or any use of such volumes. Instead, many existing approaches incorporate battery modules in a unique volume specifically designed for the battery module, which may be a parallelepiped and unique volume.
  • An important feature of the present invention is that such volumes can be used to locate one or more battery module components 122 therein. The available space in the aerosol generation device 100 can thus be used more effectively. It is also an important feature that the one or more battery module components 122 are located within a plurality of volumes 110a - c, rather than in a single volume as in conventional arrangements. It is thus possible to make use of available space provided by multiple volumes within the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the battery module 120 may be removably located in the aerosol generation device 100. That is, the battery module 120 may be a removable battery module 120 (or “removably locatable battery module 120” or “a battery module 120 removably located or provided in the aerosol generation device 100”).
  • the removable battery module 120 may comprise one or more connections for forming a releasable electrical and/or engaging connection with a component of the aerosol generation device 100 (such as components 102), which may involve forming a connection with a PCB of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • a component of the aerosol generation device 100 such as components 102
  • the battery module 120 may be connected to the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the battery module 120 may be connected to at least one of the components 102 of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • An electrical connection may be formed between the battery module 120 and the at least one of the components 102 of the aerosol generation device 100 when the battery module 120 is located in the volumes 110a - c.
  • the electrical connection may be formed at a single point or location. That is, the battery module 120 may comprise an electrical connector, and the aerosol generation device may comprise a corresponding electrical connector for connecting to the electrical connector of the battery module 120.
  • One of the battery module components 122 may comprise, or be provided with, the electrical connector, and other battery module components may be absent an electrical connector.
  • Said other battery module components may comprise connectors for forming a mechanical connection with the volumes 110a - c, or components 102 of the aerosol generation device 100, but only a single electrical connection need be provided. Power may be provided from the battery module 120 to the aerosol generation device 100 via the electrical connection.
  • the battery module 120 may be electrically connected to the aerosol generation device 100 at a PCB of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • an insulating body (not shown) is provided in a region, or space, between at least a part of the battery module 120 and at least one of the volumes 110a - c.
  • the insulating body may be provided on or around one or more battery module components 122. This provides protection to the components 102 of the aerosol generation device 100 from the battery module 120, for example preventing electrical short circuits and/or overheating of components 102 of the aerosol generation device 100 due to operation of the battery cell 124.
  • the one or more battery module components 122 comprise a battery cell 124 and one or more additional battery module components.
  • the one or more additional battery module components comprises a battery module hardware protection system 126.
  • the battery module hardware protection system 126 may comprise a fuse 126a and/or a protection integrated circuit (IC) module 126b.
  • the one or more additional battery module components may comprise an interface (e.g., a user interface).
  • the one or more battery module components 122 are removably located within the plurality of volumes 110a - c.
  • the plurality of volumes 110a - c are defined by a printed circuit board 108 (PCB) and/or one or more casing portions of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the one or more casing portions may be portions of the outer case 104 and/or portions of the outer case cover 106.
  • the one or more battery module components 122 correspond to one of the volumes 110a - c.
  • the volumes 110a - c may be, or comprise, a specific volume.
  • the one or more battery module components 122 may be shaped or sized to correspond to one of the volumes 110a - c.
  • each battery module component 122 may correspond to a specific volume 110a - c.
  • Each battery module component 122 may be an insertable component, and the volumes 110a - c may be receiving volumes, configured to receive the insertable component.
  • the volumes 110a - c provide a unique 3D pattern. This simplifies the replacement of the battery module 120, as only a battery module having a suitable configuration are insertable and receivable in the volumes 110a - c. This can be used to ensure only authentic and/or suitable battery modules are used in the replacement process.
  • the volumes 110a - c are provided or defined by a plurality of compartments.
  • Each compartment may be defined by surfaces of the components of the aerosol generation device 100 and comprise a volume of the volumes 110a - c.
  • the battery module 120 may be attachable or connectable to a surface of the compartment, for example to a compartment wall. That is, the battery module 120, or a battery module component 122, may be attachable to a part of a component 102 of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • An attachment mechanism may be provided, with a first part of the attachment mechanism provided at the battery module 120 and a second part of the attachment mechanism provided at the compartment.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a sensor arrangement 132.
  • the battery module 120 comprises a first part 132a of the sensor arrangement 132, and a second part 132b of the sensor arrangement 132 is provided at at least one of the plurality of volumes 110a - c.
  • the second part 132b of the sensor arrangement 132 may be provided in, or at a surface of, a compartment.
  • the first part 132a of the sensor arrangement 132 is provided on battery cell 124.
  • the first part 132a of the sensor arrangement 132 may be provided elsewhere on or in the battery module 120, and the second part 132b of the sensor arrangement 132 provided at a corresponding volume 110a - c so that the parts may cooperate to perform sensing.
  • the second part 132b of the sensor arrangement 132 is configured to sense the first part 132a of the sensor arrangement 132.
  • the sensor arrangement 132 comprises a proximity sensor.
  • the proximity sensor may be a hall effect sensor.
  • the second part 132b of the sensor arrangement 132 is provided on a battery module component 122 that is separate to the battery cell 124. That is, the second part 132b of the second arrangement 132 is provided on a battery module component 122 that is not the battery cell 124.
  • the sensor arrangement provides or generates an output signal to authenticate the battery module and/or ensure proper connection.
  • the output signal may be a combination of signals.
  • the sensor arrangement may comprise a plurality of sensors locatable on or in different battery module components 122 and volumes 110a - c. That is, each battery module component 122 may comprise a first part of a sensor and each volume 110a - c may comprise a corresponding second part of the sensor. In this way, an output signal may be provided as a combination of signals from the plurality of sensors, ensuring proper connection of each battery module component 122 in each volume 110a - c.
  • the battery module 120 comprises a plurality of battery module components 122 connected to one another (i.e., connected together) by one or more connection elements 140.
  • the connection elements 140 may be locatable outside of the volumes 110a - c.
  • connection elements 140 connect battery module components 122 located in different volumes 110a - c.
  • the one or more connection elements 140 may extend between the components partially, or completely, outside of the volumes 110a - c.
  • connection of separated battery module components 122 e.g., those provided in different volumes 110a - c
  • This improves utilisation of space in the aerosol generation device 100, rather than requiring a single volume in which all components and connections must be provided.
  • the one or more connection elements 140 may comprise, or be, one or more flexible connections.
  • the flexible connections may be thin-film connections, and may be electrical connections.
  • the flexible connections may comprise layers of electrical conductors and insulation provided in a parallel arrangement.
  • connection elements 140 are shown.
  • Connection elements 140 connect a plurality of battery module components 122.
  • the components 122 are components of the battery module hardware protection system 126 comprising a fuse 126a and a protection IC module 126b.
  • connection element 140 comprises a layered, stacked, or superposed, construction of polyimide films 142 and metal (e.g., steel or copper) conductive layers 144.
  • Polyimide films 142 may be used in forming flexible printed circuits.
  • the connection elements 140 are flexible, allowing the connection elements 140 to be bent or manipulated in tight angles. This facilitates connection of battery module components 122 provided in volumes 110a - c. Furthermore, this simplifies connection of components in an aerosol generation device having a curved or rounded outer profile. Thin film connections also do not require much space in the aerosol generation device, thus enabling a reduction in device form factor and/or freeing up space for additional componentry.
  • connection elements 140a, 140b connect either side of a battery module component, specifically a PCB 146.
  • a battery module component specifically a PCB 146.
  • Such a construction allows a narrow connection, e.g., an electrical connection formed in a narrow or limited space.
  • the connection elements 140a, 140b connect to the PCB 146 using flat tabs. Flat tabs allow conduction of high electrical current, and simplifies connection to the PCB.
  • connection elements 140c, 140d are connected to a single side of a battery module component, specifically a PCB 148.
  • the connection elements 140c, 140d connect to the PCB 146 using flat tabs. Flat tabs allow conduction of high electrical current, and simplifies connection to the PCB.
  • a battery module 120 for an aerosol generation device 100 is schematically shown.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a plurality of volumes 110a - c defined by components of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the battery module 120 comprises one or more battery module components 122 locatable within the plurality of volumes 110a - c.
  • the battery module 120 may be used to retrofit the aerosol generation device 100. Improved use of available space within the aerosol generation device 100 can be made. Furthermore, the battery module 120 may be readily replaced in the aerosol generation device 100, without intensive disassembly of the aerosol generation device.
  • Step S510 comprises providing a battery module comprising one or more battery module components.
  • Step S520 comprises locating the one or more battery module components within a plurality of volumes defined by components of the aerosol generation device.
  • the battery module of Figure 6 is the battery module 120 as described above, and is for the aerosol generation device 100 as described above. That is, the battery module 120 as shown in Figure 6 may incorporate any or all of the features of the battery module 120 as described above, as desired or as appropriate. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that in other examples the battery module 120 as shown in Figure 6 may be a different battery module to that described above in relation to Figures 1 to 5, and need not require (i.e. , may be absent) features thereof.
  • the battery module 120 may otherwise be referred to as a battery pack 120.
  • the battery module 120 comprises one or more battery module components 122.
  • the battery module 120 comprises a visual indicator 150.
  • the visual indicator 150 is (or forms) part of the battery module 120.
  • the visual indicator 150 is arranged to indicate a battery module component characteristic.
  • a battery module component characteristic may be a characteristic of the one or more battery module components 122 (e.g., of one of the components 122 or of a combination of two or more battery module components 122, and may be of the battery module 120 as a whole).
  • the visual indicator 150 is a part of the battery module 120.
  • a conventional aerosol generation device an indication of a battery cell charge level may be provided to a user of the aerosol generation device using a user interface of the aerosol generation device.
  • the user interface may be connected to a controller or processor which does not form part of the battery module.
  • a user may decide based on said information whether or not to connect the particular battery module 120 in the aerosol generation device 100. This decision may be based on the battery module component characteristic, including whether the user considers a battery module 120 state of health, or state of charge, to be suitable for connection to the aerosol generation device 100. Furthermore, where a plurality of battery modules 120 are available to the user for connection to, or provision in, the aerosol generation device 100, the user may be able to base their decision of which battery module to use in the aerosol generation device 100 on the characteristic of the battery module component, which is provided to the user via the visual indicator 150.
  • the visual indicator 150 may be provided in addition to a user interface (e.g., a standard user interface) arranged to indicate a battery module component characteristic.
  • the user interface may receive a signal from a processor of the aerosol generation device, the processor being connected to the battery module 120.
  • the present visual indicator 150 is specific to the battery module 120.
  • Conventional devices may incorporate visual indictors in the form of a battery charge level display, but it will be understood that such prior art indicators are not comprised in (or do not form part of) a battery module.
  • the visual indicator 150 may be operable to indicate a battery module component characteristic when the battery module 120 is disconnected from the aerosol generation device 100 (i.e., when the battery module 120 is provided in isolation).
  • the battery module 120 comprises one or more connection elements 140.
  • the one or more connection elements 140 connect, or are connectable to, the one or more battery module components 122.
  • the one or more connection elements 140 comprise the visual indicator 150.
  • the visual indicator 150 may be provided elsewhere in the battery module 120.
  • the connection elements 140 may provide electrical connections within the battery module 120.
  • the one or more connection elements 140 provide dualfunctionality, in that they serve as both electrical connections and as a visual indicator of the battery module component characteristic.
  • the visual indicator 150 being comprised in the connection element 140 enables the characteristic to be determined whilst also improving utilisation of available space in the battery module 120 and aerosol generation device 100.
  • the connection element may be a thin film connection as described above.
  • the battery module component characteristic is related to operation of the one or more battery module components 122.
  • Operation may include the provision of electrical power from the battery module 120 to the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, operation of the one or more battery module components 122 may be electrical operation of the one or more battery module components 122, and the characteristic may be representative of the electrical operation. In this way, an operator can determine whether the battery module component 122 is operating correctly, or will continue to operate correctly.
  • the battery module component characteristic is related to an electrical state of the one or more battery module components 122.
  • the electrical state may be a state of charge, or voltage, of the one or more battery module components 122.
  • the electrical state may be a current charge level, or voltage, of the battery cell 124. In this way, an operator may establish that the battery cell 124 is discharged and is safe to remove and handle, thus minimising risk to the operator of thermal runaway during handling.
  • the one or more battery module components 122 comprise a battery cell 124 and/or a battery module hardware protection system 126.
  • the battery module component characteristic may be a charge level of the battery cell 124. Additionally, or alternatively, the battery module component characteristic may be a reference, or identification information, of the battery module component 122, of the battery cell 124, or of the battery module 120 as a whole.
  • the battery module component 122 may be a battery cell 124, and the battery module component characteristic may be an expiry date of the battery cell 124 or an indication of a level of degradation of the battery cell 124. In this way, an operator may establish that the battery cell requires replacement by reference to the visual indicator 150 of the battery module 120, rather than by reference to a user interface of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the battery module 120 may indicate characteristics (via the visual indicator 150) of the battery cell 124 and/or of the battery module hardware protection system 126.
  • the battery module hardware protection system 126 may comprise, or be, a fuse 126a and/or a protection IC module 126b. This improves safety in replacement of said components.
  • the visual indicator 150 provides an indication of charge level of the battery cell 124, degradation level of the battery cell 124, and/or expiry date of the battery cell 124.
  • Indicating the charge level of the battery cell 124 may allow an operator to establish that the battery cell 124 is discharged and is thus safe to handle during removal and replacement of the battery cell. Furthermore, indicating the degradation level of the battery cell 124 and/or the expiry date of the battery cell 124 may enable a determination that the battery cell 124 should be replaced.
  • the degradation level may be an indication of a relative level of safety, reliability, or performance of the battery cell 120 (e.g., compared with a new battery cell 120).
  • the visual indicator 150 comprises a chemical indicator of battery cell charge level.
  • the chemical indicator may be a thermochromic indicator of battery cell charge level.
  • electronic means need not be required to indicate the battery cell module component characteristic. This may be well suited in a replacement process performed by an operator, which contrasts with conventional devices which comprise electronic means to indicate characteristics, such as battery charge level, to a user via a more intuitive electronic display.
  • the visual indicator 150 is operable to provide the indication of the battery cell module component characteristic.
  • the visual indicator may be operable by the application of pressure on one or more contacts to form, or complete, an electrical circuit. In this way, the visual indication may be provided only at a time when the operator desires to determine the battery cell module component characteristic. This may enhance the lifetime, or preserve charge of, the battery cell 124.
  • the battery module 120 is shown located in the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the battery module 120 is provided behind a cover assembly 160 comprising a viewing assembly 162 for viewing the visual indicator 150.
  • the battery module 120 and specifically the battery cell 124, is shielded from the operator during the replacement process, whilst enabling the operator to determine whether the battery module 120 is safe to handle (due to being discharged) or whether the battery module 120 requires replacement (due to degradation level or having expired).
  • the viewing assembly 162 may comprise a slot in the cover assembly 160.
  • the visual indicator 150 may be visible through the slot.
  • the viewing assembly 162 may comprise a slot and a transparent or translucent material member provided in the slot through which the visual indicator 150 is visible.
  • the slot may be known as an aperture.
  • FIG 8 a circuit diagram of a battery module 120 is shown.
  • the battery module 120 is substantially as described above, in relation to Figures 6 and 7.
  • the visual indicator 150 is shown to be comprised in a connection element 140, in the battery module 120 illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 the visual indicator may be provided elsewhere in the battery module 120, or indeed comprised in a connection element 140 as above. Further features of the battery module 120 will be described in relation to Figure 8.
  • the battery module 120 is for an aerosol generation device 100. As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the battery module 120 may be connected to the aerosol generation device 100, to provide electrical power thereto, by battery module terminals (or pads) 121a, 121 b. Terminal 121a may be a positive terminal, and terminal 121b may be a negative terminal.
  • the battery module 120 comprises one or more battery module components 122.
  • the battery module 120 comprises a battery cell 124.
  • the battery cell 124 may be a rechargeable battery cell 124.
  • the battery module 120 comprises a visual indicator 150.
  • the visual indicator 150 is arranged to indicate a battery module component characteristic.
  • the battery module component characteristic may be state of health (SoH) of the battery module component 122.
  • SoH state of health
  • SoH of a battery cell is well known in the related arts. SoH is a figure of merit of a condition of a battery compared to its ideal conditions. Over time, repeated charge cycles, and use, of the battery cell, the SoH of the battery will decrease. State of health may be defined as the ratio of maximum battery charge (e.g., at the current time) to its rated capacity (e.g., as new), and may be expressed as a percentage.
  • the battery module 120 comprises a determiner module 202.
  • the determiner module 202 is configured to determine one or more parameters of the battery cell 124.
  • the determiner module 202 is configured to determine the battery module component characteristic of the battery cell 124 based on the one or more parameters. That is, in a highly advantageous example, the determiner module 202 is configured to determine the SoH of the battery cell 124 based on the one or more parameters.
  • the determiner module 202 may form part of a battery module component characteristic determiner system, which may interchangeably be referred to as a “battery cell state of health determiner system” or “battery cell health determiner system”.
  • the one or more parameters of the battery cell 124 may be one or more of: internal resistance/impedance/conductance; capacity; voltage; self-discharge; ability to accept a charge; number of charge-discharge cycles; age of the battery cell; temperature of the battery cell during previous uses or use cycles; total energy charged and discharged.
  • the parameters may be used singly or in combination. When used in combination, the parameters may be weighted or biased for each parameter’s contribution to the SoH value.
  • the determiner module 202 is configured to determine one or more parameters of the battery cell 124. This may be by provision of said one or more parameters of the battery cell 124 to the determiner module 202 from one or more other components of the battery module 120, for example from a processor or controller. Alternatively, or additionally, this may be by the determiner module 202 determining, by measurement, the one or more parameters of the battery cell 124.
  • the determiner module 202 may comprise a measurement module (not shown).
  • the measurement module may be configured to measure one or more electrical loads of the battery cell 124.
  • the measurement module may be configured to provide the measurement of the one or more electrical loads of the battery cell 124 as an output.
  • the determiner module 202 may be configured to determine the battery module component characteristic of the battery cell 124 based on the output of the measurement module.
  • the determiner module 202 is configured to provide an indication of the battery module component characteristic as an output.
  • the determiner module 202 is configured to provide the SoH of the battery cell 124, or an indication thereof (e.g., an electrical signal of a particular voltage or current), as an output.
  • the battery module 120 comprises a visual indicator driver 206.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 is configured to provide a signal to the visual indicator 150 based on the output of the determiner module 202. In this way, the visual indicator 150 can be controlled to provide an indication of the battery module component characteristic, for visual indication to the user of the characteristic (e.g., SoH of the battery cell 124).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may be in the form of a comparator unit 206.
  • the comparator unit 206 may comprise an interface (not shown).
  • the interface may be configured to compare the output of the determiner module 202 with a threshold value.
  • the interface may be configured to provide an output based on the comparison of the output of the determiner module 202 with the threshold value.
  • the signal provided to the visual indicator 150 from the visual indicator driver 206 may be based on the output of the interface.
  • the visual indicator 150 is configured to receive the signal from the visual indicator driver 206.
  • the visual indicator 150 is configured to provide an output indicative of (or to indicate) the battery module component characteristic of the battery cell 124.
  • the battery module component characteristic can be indicated to the user, thereby to allow a rapid determination of the battery module component characteristic of the battery module 120. Further advantageously, this determination can be performed without installation (or connection) of the battery module 120 in the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the visual indicator 150 may comprise, or be, one or more electrochromic displays. That is, the battery module 120 may comprise the one or more electrochromic displays.
  • the electrochromic display is configured to provide an output display indicative of the battery module component characteristic.
  • Each electrochromic display may be configured to be activated independently so that the various battery module component characteristics can be indicated in response to respective trigger signals.
  • the multiple electrochromic displays can be activated together in response to one trigger signal so that the various battery module component characteristics can be indicated at the same time.
  • the electrochromic display is operable with a small input power signal.
  • the electrochromic display has a memory latency to display information for a time after the power input has been removed.
  • the electrochromic display requires a low power input, which means that continuous display of a battery component characteristic may be achieved without substantially draining the battery unit.
  • the visual indicator 150 comprising an electrochromic display is power efficient.
  • the electrochromic display is clear and visible in different lighting environments, such as in ambient light, without the need for an additional light emitting element.
  • the electrochromic display is a low power, flexible and simple solution for displaying battery information.
  • a battery module component characteristic determiner system which is configured to determine one or more parameters/characteristic of the battery module, is located on the aerosol generation device and functions as a “Host System”.
  • the host system can calculate various battery module component characteristics and output this information to the visual indicator driver (MCU) which is configured to control the electrochromic display accordingly.
  • MCU visual indicator driver
  • the electrochromic display may be integrated with an MCU.
  • This arrangement obviates the need for a separate memory to store the latest reading on the battery unit as it may be displayed on the electrochromic display.
  • it facilitates a method for easily indicating the charge of the battery unit during charging process (such as a wireless charging process).
  • the electrochromic display may continue to display information. Once the host system is connected again, the display may show the information without the need to sync or receive information from an external source, such as the cloud.
  • the electrochromic display may indicate to a user if the battery unit has been disconnected from the aerosol generation device.
  • the electrochromic display may receive a signal from the visual indictor driver 206 based on the output of the determiner module 202.
  • the electrochromic display may be configured to provide an output display indicative of the battery module component characteristic.
  • the battery module component characteristic is state of health (SoH) of the one or more battery module components 122.
  • SoH state of health
  • the battery module component characteristic is state of charge (SoC) of the one or more battery module components 122. Indicating SoC in the manner described is highly advantageous, as the user may determine the SoC without installation (or connection) of the battery module 120 in the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the visual indicator 150 comprises a fuse arrangement 212.
  • the fuse arrangement 212 is shown in Figures 8 and 9.
  • the fuse arrangement 212 comprises one or more fuses 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d.
  • a single fuse may enable an indication of a battery module component characteristic above, or below, a threshold value.
  • a plurality of fuses may provide more detailed indication of battery module component characteristic above, or below, a plurality of threshold values.
  • using a fuse arrangement 212 as described herein is a low power, robust, and simple solution to indicating the SoH of the battery cell 124.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may provide a signal to the visual indicator 150 based on the output of the determiner module 202 to burn, or blow, one or more fuses of the fuse arrangement 212 to indicate the SoH of the battery cell 124. That is, the visual indicator driver 206 may provide a signal to the visual indicator 150 based on the value of the battery module component characteristic as determined by the determiner module 202. The value of the battery module component characteristic may be determined relative to a threshold value.
  • the determiner module 202 determines the SoH of the battery cell 124 to be a value in excess of 80% (e.g., 90%).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may compare the determined SoH value with a threshold value.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 does not provide a signal to the visual indicator 150 so that no fuses are burnt, as shown in Figure 9(a). In this way, when no fuses are burnt, an indication is provided by the visual indicator 150 that the SoH of the battery cell 124 is in excess of 80%.
  • the determiner module 202 determines the SoH of the battery cell 124 to be a value in excess of 60% but less than 80% (e.g., 70%).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may compare the determined SoH value with a threshold value.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 provides a signal to the visual indicator 150 so that one fuse 212a is burnt, as shown in Figure 9(b). In this way, when one fuse 212a is burnt, an indication is provided by the visual indicator 150 that the SoH of the battery cell 124 is in excess of 60% but less than 80%.
  • the determiner module 202 determines the SoH of the battery cell 124 to be a value in excess of 40% but less than 60% (e.g., 50%).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may compare the determined SoH value with a threshold value.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 provides a signal to the visual indicator 150 so that two fuses 212a, 212b are burnt (or one additional fuse 212b is burnt relative to Figure 9(b)), as shown in Figure 9(c). In this way, when two fuses 212a, 212b are burnt, an indication is provided by the visual indicator 150 that the SoH of the battery cell 124 is in excess of 40% but less than 60%.
  • the determiner module 202 determines the SoH of the battery cell 124 to be a value in excess of 20% but less than 40% (e.g., 30%).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may compare the determined SoH value with a threshold value.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 provides a signal to the visual indicator 150 so that three fuses 212a, 212b, 212c are burnt (or one additional fuse 212c is burnt relative to Figure 9(c)), as shown in Figure 9(d). In this way, when three fuses 212a, 212b, 212c are burnt, an indication is provided by the visual indicator 150 that the SoH of the battery cell 124 is in excess of 20% but less than 40%.
  • the user may decide whether to use the particular battery module 120 in the aerosol generation device 100.
  • a battery module 120 comprising a battery cell 124 having a low SoH value (e.g., less than 20%, or less than 40%) may not be suitable for a particular use case.
  • threshold percentages of 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% are described above, it will be appreciated that other threshold percentages may be used.
  • fewer or greater number of fuses may be provided in the visual indicator 150.
  • a single fuse may be used, where the single fuse may be burnt when the SoH of the battery cell 124 is less than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%.
  • a greater number of fuses may allow for a more graduated indication of the SoH of the battery cell 124.
  • the fuses may be arranged to be burnt sequentially. That is, fuse 212a may be burnt first, followed by fuse 212b, and so on.
  • this improves the indication of the battery module component characteristic to the user, and ease of interpretation thereof.
  • Each fuse of the fuse arrangement 212 may be formed from an electrically conductive material, and advantageous examples include copper alloy and/or aluminium alloy.
  • the fuse resistance is low, such that the fuse may burn fast at low electrical power (e.g., on the order of a few mW).
  • the one or more fuses 212a - d may comprise one or more resettable fuses. In this way, SoC may be indicated. Unlike SoH, SoC can increase when the battery cell 124 is provided with electrical charging power, and decrease when the battery cell 124 is depleted by drawing electrical current therefrom.
  • the one or more fuses 212a - d may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more non-resettable fuses. In this way, SoH may be indicated to the user, whilst also being cheaper to manufacture.
  • a battery cell 124 is provided.
  • the battery cell 124 may be provided with a substrate 214, which may partly or completely surround, cover, or be provided over, the battery cell 124.
  • the substrate 214 is shown in Figure 9.
  • the substrate 214 may be a shrink wrap substrate.
  • One or more battery module components may be provided on the substrate 214, which may include protection and monitoring electronics, including the determiner module 202, visual indicator driver 206, fuse arrangement 212, and/or other electronic components.
  • the fuse arrangement 212 is provided on the substrate 214.
  • the substrate 214 is an organic substrate 214.
  • the organic substrate 214 may be formed of (e.g., completely or partly formed of) a hydrophobic material.
  • Advantageous materials include hydrophobic treated pulp and/or polylactide (PLA).
  • the hydrophobic material may be provided in the region of the fuse arrangement 212, or the fuse arrangement 212 may be provided on a region of the substrate 214 formed of hydrophobic material.
  • the thickness and/or thermal mass of the organic substrate can be kept relatively low, in order to rapidly vaporise in the event of burning of a fuse of the fuse arrangement 212. In this way, a hole or burn indication may remain on the substrate 214, thereby advantageously improving readability.
  • the battery module 120 may further comprise a battery module hardware protection system 126, which may otherwise be referred to as a protection circuit module 126.
  • the battery module hardware protection system 126 may be as described elsewhere in this specification.
  • the battery module hardware protection system 126 is configured to provide protection to the battery cell 124 against overheating, provision of current over a safe level, overcharge, overdischarge, and short-circuit.
  • FIG. 10 a circuit diagram of a battery module 120 is shown.
  • the battery module 120 is substantially identical to that illustrated in Figure 8 and described with reference thereto, apart from the following differences.
  • Like reference numerals will be used to indicate like features.
  • the visual indicator 150 instead comprises a light arrangement 230.
  • the light arrangement is shown in Figures 10 and 11.
  • the light arrangement 230 comprises one or more light emitting elements 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d.
  • the battery module component characteristic may be communicated more clearly and/or intuitively to the user.
  • light emitting elements 232 may facilitate indication of SoC, which can increase and decrease through a charge/discharge cycle. Where a single light emitting element is used, this may enable indication of a battery module component characteristic above, or below, a threshold value.
  • a plurality of light emitting elements may provide more detailed, or graduated, indication of battery module component characteristic above, or below, a plurality of threshold values.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may provide a signal to the visual indicator 150 based on the output of the determiner module 202.
  • the provided signal can operate the light arrangement 230 to indicate the SoH of the battery cell 124. This may be by operating light emitting elements 232 of the light arrangement 230 to provide light output, no light output, or light output of a particular colour.
  • the determiner module 202 determines the SoH of the battery cell 124 to be a value in excess of 80% (e.g., 90%).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may compare the determined SoH value with a threshold value.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 provides a signal to the visual indicator 150 so that all light emitting elements 232 emit a green light. In this way, when all light emitting elements 232 emit a green light, an indication is provided by the visual indicator 150 that the SoH of the battery cell 124 is in excess of 80%.
  • the determiner module 202 determines the SoH of the battery cell 124 to be a value in excess of 60% but less than 80% (e.g., 70%).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may compare the determined SoH value with a threshold value.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 provides a signal to the visual indicator 150 so that one light emitting element 232a emits a red light. In this way, when one light emitting element 232a emits a red light, an indication is provided by the visual indicator 150 that the SoH of the battery cell 124 is in excess of 60% but less than 80%.
  • the determiner module 202 determines the SoH of the battery cell 124 to be a value in excess of 40% but less than 60% (e.g., 50%).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may compare the determined SoH value with a threshold value.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 provides a signal to the visual indicator 150 so that two light emitting elements 232a, 232b emit a red light. In this way, an indication is provided by the visual indicator 150 that the SoH of the battery cell 124 is in excess of 40% but less than 60%.
  • the determiner module 202 determines the SoH of the battery cell 124 to be a value in excess of 20% but less than 40% (e.g., 30%).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may compare the determined SoH value with a threshold value.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 provides a signal to the visual indicator 150 so that three light emitting elements 232a, 232b, 232c emit a red light. In this way, an indication is provided by the visual indicator 150 that the SoH of the battery cell 124 is in excess of 20% but less than 40%.
  • the determiner module 202 determines the SoH of the battery cell 124 to be a value in excess of 0% but less than 20% (e.g., 10%).
  • the visual indicator driver 206 may compare the determined SoH value with a threshold value.
  • the visual indicator driver 206 provides a signal to the visual indicator 150 so that four light emitting elements 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d emit a red light. In this way, an indication is provided by the visual indicator 150 that the SoH of the battery cell 124 is less than 20%.
  • the user may decide whether to use the particular battery module 120 in the aerosol generation device 100.
  • a battery module 120 comprising a battery cell 124 having a low SoH value (e.g., less than 20%, or less than 40%) may not be suitable for a particular use case.
  • a similar indication may be provided by driving, by the visual indicator driver 206, the light arrangement 230 to cause a particular light emitting element 232 to emit light, or to not emit light. Additionally, a single light emitting element 232 may be used, and controlled to emit a particular colour indicative of SoH of the battery cell 124.
  • threshold percentages of 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% are described above, it will be appreciated that other threshold percentages may be used.
  • fewer or greater number of light emitting elements 232 may be provided in the visual indicator 150.
  • a single light emitting element may be used, where the single element may be operated to emit when the SoH of the battery cell 124 is less than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%.
  • a greater number of light emitting elements 232 may allow for a more graduated indication of the SoH of the battery cell 124.
  • the light emitting elements may be arranged to be operated sequentially. That is, light emitting element 232a may be lit first, followed by element 232b, and so on.
  • this improves the indication of the battery module component characteristic to the user, and ease of interpretation thereof.
  • a battery cell 124 is provided.
  • the battery cell 124 may be provided with a substrate 214, which may partly or completely surround, cover, or be provided over, the battery cell 124.
  • the substrate 214 is shown in Figure 11.
  • the substrate 214 may be a shrink wrap substrate.
  • One or more battery module components may be provided on the substrate 214, which may include protection and monitoring electronics, including the determiner module 202, visual indicator driver 206, light arrangement 230, and/or other electronic components.
  • the light emitting elements 232 comprise one or more LEDs and/or OLEDs.
  • LEDs may facilitate cost-effective manufacture.
  • OLEDs may enable a flexible display to be provided, to wrap around or conform with the form of the battery cell 124.
  • the battery module 120 comprises a trigger 234.
  • the trigger may be operated to cause or initiate the determination of the battery module component characteristic and/or to cause or initiate the indication of the battery module component characteristic. This may be advantageous in reducing power consumption.
  • the trigger 234 may be in the form of a button or “check button”. That is, the visual indicator 150 may be operable by the trigger 234. Additionally, or alternatively, the trigger 234 may be operated to deactivate the visual indicator 150.
  • the battery module 120 may further comprise a battery module hardware protection system 126, which may otherwise be referred to as a protection circuit module 126.
  • the battery module hardware protection system 126 may be as described elsewhere in this specification.
  • the battery module hardware protection system 126 is configured to provide protection to the battery cell 124 against overheating, provision of current over a safe level, overcharge, overdischarge, and short-circuit.
  • the visual indicator 150 may be provided on an outer surface of at least one of the one or more battery module components 122.
  • the visual indicator 150 may be provided on an outer surface of the battery cell 124.
  • this may reduce the form factor of the battery module 120, thereby improving space saving.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a battery module 120.
  • the battery module 120 may be the battery module 120 as shown and described in relation to Figures 6 to 11 . That is, the battery module 120 comprises one or more battery module components 122, and the battery module 120 comprises a visual indicator 150 as part of the battery module 120, the visual indicator 150 arranged to indicate a battery module component characteristic. Advantages of such a construction are numerous, and will be appreciated from the description provided herein.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise the cover assembly 160 comprising the viewing assembly 162 for viewing the visual indicator 150 of the battery module 120.
  • Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device 100.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may be any aerosol generation device 100 described above. That is, the aerosol generation device 100 described in relation to Figure 13 may incorporate any or all of the features described above, as desired or as appropriate.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 is suitable for receiving a consumable 1002 therein.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may include a chamber 1004 in which the consumable 1002 is received.
  • the invention is not limited to the specific aerosol generation device 100 or consumable 1002 described herein. That is, the description of the aerosol generation device 100 and consumable 1002 is provided for illustrative purposes only. The skilled person will appreciate that alternative constructions of aerosol generation devices and consumables will be compatible with the present invention.
  • a consumable 1002 comprises an aerosol substrate.
  • aerosol substrate is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapour when heated. Aerosol substrate might be interpreted as an aerosol precursor. In one example, aerosol substrate is synonymous with smokable material, aerosol generation substrate and aerosol generation medium. Aerosol substrate includes materials that provide volatilized components upon heating, typically in the form of vapor or an aerosol. Aerosol substrate may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. Aerosol substrate may, for example, include one or more of tobacco per se, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol substrate also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol substrate may comprise one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise one or more heaters 1006 configured to provide heat to the consumable 1002, in use.
  • the consumable 1002 contains a liquid and the one or more heaters comprises a heating element, such as a coil, a ceramic heater, a flat resistive heater, a mesh heater, a MEMS heater, or the like, configured to aerosolise the liquid for inhalation.
  • a heating element such as a coil, a ceramic heater, a flat resistive heater, a mesh heater, a MEMS heater, or the like
  • a liquid delivery element or mechanism such as a porous material, a capillary system, and/or valve, may transfer the liquid to the heating element, in use.
  • the aerosolised liquid may pass through a solid substrate within the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the consumable 1002 may comprise a solid aerosol substrate.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a nebulizing engine, such as a vibrating mesh, to generate an aerosol from a liquid with or without heating thereof.
  • a nebulizing engine such as a vibrating mesh
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a mouthpiece 1012 through which a user draws on the aerosol generation device 100 to inhale generated aerosol.
  • the mouthpiece 1012 includes a vent or channel 1014 that is connected to a region close to the consumable 1002 for passage of any generated aerosol from the consumable 1002, during use.
  • the channel 1014 may extend between an opening in the mouthpiece 1012 and the chamber 1004 in which the consumable 1002 is at least partially receivable.
  • the mouthpiece 1012 is arranged such it may be received in a user’s mouth in use.
  • a mouthpiece 1012 is not required and a portion of the consumable 1002 may protrude from the aerosol generation device 100.
  • protruded portion of the consumable 1002 may work as mouthpiece.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a control unit 1008 (or control circuitry) for electronic management of the device.
  • the control unit 1008 may include a PCB or the like (not shown).
  • the control unit 1008 is configured to control the one or more heaters 1006.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an activation input sensor 1018.
  • the activation input sensor 1018 may be a button, a touchpad, or the like for sensing a user’s input, such as a tap or swipe.
  • the activation input sensor 1018 comprises a consumable sensor configured to detect if a consumable 1002 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the input sensor 1018 may comprise an authenticity detector that is configured to detect if an authentic consumable 1002 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the user input may also comprise an inhalation action by a user.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a puff sensor 1020 (otherwise known as an inhalation sensor).
  • the puff sensor 1020 is configured to detect an inhalation action (or puff) by a user on the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the puff sensor 1020 comprises a microphone or a flow sensor configured to an airflow within the chamber 1004 and/or an airflow channel extending from the chamber 1004 through the mouthpiece 1012 to an inhalation outlet thereof, the airflow being associated with a user’s inhalation action.
  • the puff sensor 1020 is configured to detect a change in pressure indicative of a beginning of an inhalation action on the aerosol generation device 100 by the user.
  • the puff sensor 1020 may be located anywhere on the aerosol device 100 in which there would be a change in pressure due to an inhalation action of the user. In one example, the puff sensor 1020 is located in the channel 1014 between the chamber 1004 and the mouthpiece 1012 of the aerosol generation device 100. The puff sensor 1020 may also detect the end of an inhalation action by the user. For example, the puff sensor 1020 may be configured to detect a further change in pressure due to the end of an inhalation action of a user.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may include one or more temperature sensors 1022 configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the consumable 1002 in the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the one or more temperature sensors 1022 may comprise a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or thermistor, configured to be located within or adjacent to the consumable 1002 when it is received in the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the one or more temperature sensors 1022 may be located within the chamber 1004 of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the temperature of the consumable 1002 may be indirectly measured by the use of thermal imaging sensors.
  • the heater 1006 itself works as a temperature sensor if the heater 1006 has PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) or NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristic.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may include a power supply 1050 such as a battery cell.
  • the power supply 1050 may be the battery cell 124 described above.
  • the power supply 1050 may comprise, or be, a battery module 120.
  • the power supply may provide the aerosol generation device 100 with electrical energy providing a voltage in the range of 3 V and 18 V, preferably in the range of 3 V and 4.2 V.
  • the voltage source (which may be the battery cell 110) is a lithium-ion secondary battery delivering a value of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for a modern aerosol generation device in view of rechargeability, high energy density and large capacity.
  • the power supply 1050 may provide power for operation of the aerosol generation device 100, for example the necessary power to generate aerosol.
  • the power supply 1050 may provide power to one or more heaters 1006.
  • the battery module 120 may comprise one or more battery module components, and the battery module 120 may comprise a visual indicator 150 arranged to indicate a battery module component characteristic.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 of Figure 13 may comprise a plurality of volumes (not shown in Figure 13) defined by components of the aerosol generation device 100; and a battery module 120 comprising one or more battery module components 122 located within the plurality of volumes 110a - c.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a controller 1030.
  • the controller 1030 is connected to the control unit 1008.
  • the controller 1030 is configured to receive data from the control unit 1008.
  • the controller 1030 is configured to receive data from the control unit 1008 relating to various sensors/inputs (such as the activation input sensor 1018, puff sensor 1020 and/or temperature sensor 1022) of the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the controller 1030 and the control unit 1008 may be integral with each other. In one example, a single component performs the function of the control unit 1008 and controller 1030. In other examples, the control unit 1008 and the controller 1030 are distinct components.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a USB port 1052 (e.g., a USB receiving port).
  • the USB port may provide connection to the controller 1030.
  • a “battery” may mean any device delivering electrical energy generated by direct conversion of chemical energy, having internal or external storage, and consisting of one or more non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery cells or modules thereof, and includes a battery that has been subject to preparation for re-use, preparation for repurposing, repurposing or remanufacturing;
  • a “battery module” may mean one or more battery module components (e.g., any set of one or more battery cells and/or one or more other components, as described above) that are connected together or encapsulated within an outer casing, housing, surround, envelope, wrapping, or the like, to protect the cells against internal impact, and which is meant to be used either alone or in combination with other modules.
  • a “battery module” within the context of this specification may otherwise be known as a “battery pack”;
  • a “battery cell” may mean the basic functional unit in a battery, composed of electrodes, electrolyte, container, terminals, and, if applicable, separators, and containing the active materials the reaction of which generates electrical energy;
  • An “active material” means a material which reacts chemically to produce electric energy when the battery cell discharges or to store electric energy when the battery is being charged.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un module de batterie pour un dispositif de génération d'aérosol, comprenant un ou plusieurs composants de module de batterie, le module de batterie comprenant un indicateur visuel faisant partie du module de batterie, l'indicateur visuel étant conçu pour indiquer une caractéristique de composant de module de batterie. L'invention concerne également un dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un module de batterie.
PCT/EP2024/058267 2023-03-28 2024-03-27 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol, module de batterie et procédé Pending WO2024200521A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202480019438.6A CN120826812A (zh) 2023-03-28 2024-03-27 气溶胶产生装置、电池模块和方法
KR1020257031315A KR20250152638A (ko) 2023-03-28 2024-03-27 에어로졸 생성 디바이스, 배터리 모듈 및 방법

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23164701 2023-03-28
EP23164701.7 2023-03-28
EP23177338 2023-06-05
EP23177338.3 2023-06-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024200521A1 true WO2024200521A1 (fr) 2024-10-03

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KR (1) KR20250152638A (fr)
CN (1) CN120826812A (fr)
WO (1) WO2024200521A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170027220A1 (en) * 2015-07-31 2017-02-02 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Product and package including power producer and output mechanism, and related method
US20170214261A1 (en) * 2014-07-29 2017-07-27 Nicoventures Holdings Limited E-cigarette and re-charging pack
RU2676994C2 (ru) * 2014-04-30 2019-01-14 Филип Моррис Продактс С.А. Образующее аэрозоль устройство с индикацией состояния батареи
EP3838028A1 (fr) * 2019-12-20 2021-06-23 Nerudia Limited Dispositif/système d'administration d'aérosol
WO2022064174A1 (fr) * 2020-09-22 2022-03-31 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de fourniture d'aérosol
US20230014618A1 (en) * 2019-12-10 2023-01-19 Nicoventures Trading Limited Power level indication in a device for an electronic aerosol provision system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2676994C2 (ru) * 2014-04-30 2019-01-14 Филип Моррис Продактс С.А. Образующее аэрозоль устройство с индикацией состояния батареи
US20170214261A1 (en) * 2014-07-29 2017-07-27 Nicoventures Holdings Limited E-cigarette and re-charging pack
US20170027220A1 (en) * 2015-07-31 2017-02-02 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Product and package including power producer and output mechanism, and related method
US20230014618A1 (en) * 2019-12-10 2023-01-19 Nicoventures Trading Limited Power level indication in a device for an electronic aerosol provision system
EP3838028A1 (fr) * 2019-12-20 2021-06-23 Nerudia Limited Dispositif/système d'administration d'aérosol
WO2022064174A1 (fr) * 2020-09-22 2022-03-31 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de fourniture d'aérosol

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CN120826812A (zh) 2025-10-21

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