WO2025149592A1

WO2025149592A1 - Aerosol provision device, system, charging unit and method of operating thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2025149592A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/050485
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wei Shao; Wei Wei
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-01-10
Filing date: 2025-01-09
Publication date: 2025-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-10

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (12; 112a-c) for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material comprises device electronic circuitry, the device electronic circuitry comprising a device general purpose input-output (GPIO) pin; and a device communication interface configured to communicate with a charger communication interface (117; 217) of a charging unit (14; 114; 214). The device electronic circuitry is configured to connect the GPIO pin to the device communication interface so that the aerosol provision device (12; 112a-c) communicates with the charging unit (14; 114; 214) via the GPIO pin. Also provided is a method of operating an aerosol provision device (12; 112a-c), a charging unit (14; 114; 214) for an aerosol provision device (12; 112a-c), a method of operating a charging unit (14; 114; 214) for an aerosol provision device (12; 112a-c) and an aerosol provision system (10; 110; 210).

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE, SYSTEM, CHARGING UNIT AND METHOD OF

OPERATING THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system, a method of operating an aerosol provision device, a charging unit for an aerosol provision device and a method of operating a charging unit for an aerosol provision device.

BACKGROUND

Smoking items such as cigarettes, cigars and the like traditionally burn tobacco during use, producing tobacco smoke. Efforts are being made to create alternatives to such items. In this regard, it may be envisaged in particular to heat, but not burn, a suitable material to release certain compounds, particularly in an inhalable aerosol. A suitable material may or may not contain tobacco and may or may not contain nicotine. Such a material may, e.g., be provided in a cylindrical unit or, more generally, an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

Other examples are vapour provision devices and systems such as e-cigarettes which generally comprise a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, which may or may not contain nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, such as through vaporisation or other means.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: device electronic circuitry, the device electronic circuitry comprising a device general purpose input-output pin; and a device communication interface configured to communicate with a charger communication interface of a charging unit, wherein the device electronic circuitry is configured to connect the device general purpose input-output pin to the device communication interface so that the aerosol provision device communicates with the charging unit via the device general purpose input-output pin. The aerosol provision device may be configured to transmit data to the charging unit via the device general purpose input-output pin.

The aerosol provision device may be configured to receive data from the charging unit via the device general purpose input-output pin.

The device electronic circuitry may be configured to connect the device general purpose input-output pin to the device communication interface in response to the aerosol provision device entering a device sleep mode.

The device electronic circuitry may be configured to disconnect the device general purpose input-output pin from the device communication interface in response to the aerosol provision device entering a device active mode.

The device electronic circuitry may comprise a device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

The device electronic circuitry may be configured to connect the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the device communication interface so that the aerosol provision device communicates with the charging unit via the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

The device electronic circuitry may be configured to connect the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the device communication interface in response to the aerosol provision device entering the device active mode.

The aerosol provision device may be configured to enter the device active mode in response to data being received at the device general purpose input-output pin above an active threshold data bit rate.

The data being received at the device general purpose input-output pin above the active threshold data bit rate may indicate that the data has been transmitted via a charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. The aerosol provision device may be configured to enter the device sleep mode in response to data being received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter below a sleep threshold data bit rate.

The data being received at the device universal asynchronous receivertransmitter below the sleep threshold data bit rate may indicate that the data has been transmitted via a charger general purpose input-output pin.

The aerosol provision device may be configured to enter the device sleep mode in response to the aerosol provision device being in the device active mode for a device time-out time period.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a system comprising the aerosol provision device as described in the first aspect and the charging unit.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device configured to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising device electronic circuitry, the device electronic circuitry comprising a device general purpose input-output pin, wherein the method comprises communicating the aerosol provision device with a charging unit via the device general purpose input-output pin.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a charging unit for an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device configured to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material, the charging unit comprising: charger electronic circuitry, the charger electronic circuitry comprising a charger general purpose input-output pin; and a charger communication interface configured to communicate with a device communication interface of the aerosol provision device, wherein the charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect the charger general purpose input-output pin to the charger communication interface so that the charging unit communicates with the aerosol provision device via the charger general purpose input-output pin. The charging unit may be a handheld charging unit or a charging unit for positioning or mounting on a surface (e.g. a worksurface or desktop).

The charging unit may be configured to receive a plurality of aerosol provision devices simultaneously. The charging unit may thus be capable of charging each of the plurality of aerosol provision devices. The aerosol provision device described above in the fourth aspect of the invention may form one of the plurality of aerosol provision devices. Each of the plurality of aerosol provision devices may be configured to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material. Each of the plurality of aerosol provision devices may comprise a respective device communication interface.

The charger communication interface may be configured to communicate with a respective device communication interface of each of the plurality of aerosol provision devices.

The charger electronic circuitry may be configured to connect the charger general purpose input-output pin to the charger communication interface so that the charging unit communicates with each of the plurality of aerosol provision devices via the charger general purpose input-output pin.

The charger electronic circuitry may comprise a plurality of charger general purpose input-output pins, wherein the charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect each of the plurality of charger general purpose input-output pins to the charger communication interface so that the charging unit communicates with a respective aerosol provision device of the plurality of aerosol provision devices via a respective general purpose input-output pin and the charger communication interface.

The charging unit may comprise a plurality of charger communication interfaces, wherein each charger communication interface is configured to communicate with a respective device communication interface of each of the plurality of aerosol provision devices. The charging unit may comprise a plurality of charger communication interfaces, wherein each charger communication interface is configured to communicate with the device communication interface of a respective aerosol provision device, and wherein the charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect the charger general purpose input-output pin to each of the plurality of charger communication interfaces so that the charging unit communicates with the respective aerosol provision device via the charger general purpose input-output pin and the respective charger communication interface.

The charger electronic circuitry may comprise a plurality of charger general purpose input-output pins and a plurality of charger communication interfaces, wherein each charger communication interface is configured to communicate with the device communication interface of a respective aerosol provision device, and wherein the charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect each of the charger general purpose input-output pins to a respective charger communication interface so that the charging unit communicates with the respective aerosol provision device of the plurality of aerosol provision devices via a respective general-purpose inputoutput pin and the respective charger communication interface.

It will be appreciated that any or all of the features described herein with reference to a charger general purpose input-output pin (in the singular) may, as appropriate, apply to each of the plurality of charger general purpose input-output pins, in embodiments in which such a plurality is provided.

It will further be appreciated that any or all of the features described herein with reference to a charger communication interface (in the singular) may, as appropriate, apply to each of the plurality of charger communication interfaces, in embodiments in which such a plurality is provided.

The charging unit may be configured to transmit data to the aerosol provision device via the charger general purpose input-output pin. The charging unit may be configured to receive data from the aerosol provision device via the charger general purpose input-output pin.

The charger electronic circuitry may be configured to connect the charger general purpose input-output pin to the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering a charger sleep mode.

The charger electronic circuitry may be configured to disconnect the charger general purpose input-output pin from the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering a charger active mode.

The charger electronic circuitry may comprise a charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

The charger electronic circuitry may be configured to connect the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the charger communication interface so that the charging unit communicates with the aerosol provision device via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

The charger electronic circuitry may be configured to connect the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter to the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering the charger active mode.

The charging unit may be configured to enter the charger sleep mode in response the charging unit being in the charger active mode for a charger time-out time period.

The charging unit may be configured to enter the charger sleep mode in response to data being received at the charger universal asynchronous receivertransmitter below a sleep threshold data bit rate.

The data being received at the charger universal asynchronous receivertransmitter below the sleep threshold data bit rate may indicate that the data has been transmitted via a device general purpose input-output pin. The data being received at the charger universal asynchronous receivertransmitter below the sleep threshold data bit rate may indicate that the aerosol provision device has been disconnected from the charging unit.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a system comprising the charging unit of the fourth aspect and the aerosol provision device.

The system may comprise a plurality of aerosol provision devices. In such embodiments, the aerosol provision device may form one of the plurality of aerosol provision devices.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of operating a charging unit for an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device configured to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material, the charging unit comprising charger electronic circuitry, the charger electronic circuitry comprising a charger general purpose input-output pin, wherein the method comprises communicating the charging unit with the aerosol provision device via the charger general purpose input-output pin.

The charging unit may be configured to receive a plurality of aerosol provision devices and the method may comprise communicating the charging unit with respective aerosol provision devices. The charger electronic circuitry may comprise one or more further charger general purpose input-output pins and the communication may be achieved via the charger general purpose input-output pin or the one or more further charger general purpose input-output pins.

According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a system comprising the aerosol provision device of the first aspect and the charging unit of the fourth aspect.

The system may comprise at least one further aerosol provision device of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a communication between an aerosol provision device and a charging unit;

Fig. 3 shows a method of operating an aerosol provision device;

Fig. 4 shows a method of operating a charging unit;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a charging unit that can receive multiple devices simultaneously, the charging unit comprising a single charger GPIO pin and a single charger communication interface; and

Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a further charging unit that can receive multiple devices simultaneously, the charging unit comprising multiple charger GPIO pins and multiple charger communication interfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine.

Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid. The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosolgenerating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the noncombustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

Aerosol generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semisolid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.

The aerosol generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol generating material may comprise or be an aerosol generating film. The aerosol generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosolformer and one or more other components, such as active substances, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such an arrangement of discrete portions of film on a support. The aerosol generating film may be substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet.

The aerosol generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

A susceptor is a heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The aerosol provision device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.

Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object, referred to as a susceptor, is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents and when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic or resistive heating. Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule heating.

Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision system 10 comprising an aerosol provision device 12 and a charging unit 14. The charging unit 14 is for charging a power source of the aerosol provision device 12. The charging unit 14 charges the device 12 when the charging unit 14 is in electrical communication with the device 12. For example, the charging unit 14 charges the device 12 when the device 12 is docked in the charging unit 14, as will be described.

In figure 1, the device 12 is shown located within a cavity or receptacle 16 of the charging unit 14. The device 12 is inserted into the receptacle 16 through an opening 18 thereof. The device 12 may be inserted through an opening along a longitudinal side of the charging unit 14. The device 12 may be inserted through an opening at an end of the device 12 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The charging unit 14 comprises a first or proximal end 20 at which the opening 18 is disposed, and a second or distal end 22 opposed to the proximal end. The charging unit 14 defines a longitudinal axis X along a direction which extends between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 22.

In other embodiments, as discussed below in relation to Figures 5 and 6, the charging unit 14 may comprise a plurality of cavities or receptacles. Each cavity or receptacle may be configured to receive a respective device in substantially the same way as the receptacle 16 shown in Figure 1. The charging unit 14 comprises a housing 24 which surrounds internal components of the charging unit 14. The housing 24 comprises a proximal end surface 26 which is arranged at the proximal end 20, the opening 18 of the cavity 16 extending through the proximal end surface 26.

The aerosol provision device 12 is withdrawable from the charging unit 14 to be used by a user separately from the charging unit 14, before being reinserted into the receptacle 16 through the opening 18. In some arrangements, the aerosol provision device 12 is also usable while inserted in the charging unit 14.

The aerosol provision device 12 may comprise an elongate structure which extends along the longitudinal axis. The aerosol provision device 12 has a proximal end, which is closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 12. The aerosol provision device 12 further comprises a distal end which will be furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end may also be referred to as the mouth end.

The aerosol provision device 12 comprises an opening leading into a heating chamber. A rod-shaped aerosol generating article comprising aerosol generating material may be inserted through the opening and may be retained within the heating chamber of the aerosol provision device 12. The aerosol generating article may be heated by a heating element so that an aerosol or other inhalable medium may be generated which may then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol provision device 12.

The device 12 may comprise one or more user operable control elements arranged on an external surface of the device 12 which can be used to operate the aerosol provision device.

The aerosol provision device 12 comprises general circuitry (not shown) which is configured to control various aspects of the device 12. In particular, the general circuitry may include a device general purpose input-output (GPIO) pin. A GPIO pin is an uncommitted digital signal pin on an integrated or electronic circuit board. The GPIO pin may be used as an input or output, or both.

The device general circuitry also comprises a device communication interface. The device general electronic circuitry connects the device general purpose input-output (GPIO) pin to the device communication interface. In arrangements, the device general electronic circuitry comprises a device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (LIART). A LIART is hardware that is used to asynchronous serial communication. The data format of data to be transmitted and transmission speeds (bit rate) are configurable.

The device general purpose input-output (GPIO) pin may be arranged to enable communication between the device communication interface of the device 12 and electronic circuitry in the charging unit 14.

The charging unit 14 comprises charger electronic circuitry. The charger electronic circuitry includes a charger general purpose input-output (GPIO) pin. The charger electronic circuitry also comprises a charger communication interface of the charging unit. The charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect the charger general purpose input-output pin to the charger communication interface. The charger electronic circuitry may comprise a charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

In use, the device general purpose input-output pin connects to the device communication interface. Via the device general purpose input-output pin, the device 12 communicates with the charging unit. In arrangements, the charger general purpose input-output pin connects to the charger communication interface so that the charging unit communicates with the device 12 via the charger general purpose input-output pin. Use of the general purpose input-output pins in each of the device 12 and the charging unit 14 reduces power consumption which may in turn enhance or prolong battery lifetime of the power sources.

The communication between the device 12 and the charging unit 14 via the device general purpose input-output pin may be a communication to transmit data from the device 12 to the charging unit 14. The transmitted data relates to a connection status between the device 12 and the charging unit 14. The device general purpose input-output pin is also configured to receive data relating to connection status from the charging unit 14. . Communication between the device 12 and the charging unit 14 in this way indicates that data is being transmitted therebetween. When data is transmitted between the device 12 and the charging unit 14, the device 12 and the charging unit 14 are connected to each other.

As shown in Figure 2, the device 12 sends a communication 30 to the charging unit 14. In response, the charging unit 14 sends a communication 32 to the device 12. The communications 30, 32 may be transmitted via general purpose input-output or universal asynchronous receiver-transmitters. When the device 12 is received in the charging unit 14, the device 12 may enter a device sleep mode. In the sleep mode, the device 12 may be in a power-saving mode. In response to entering a sleep mode, the device electronic circuitry is configured to connect the device general purpose input-output pin to the device communication interface. In arrangements, the device 12 may enter a sleep mode in response to an input by a user. In arrangements, the aerosol provision device 12 may be configured to enter the device sleep mode in response to the device 12 being in the device active mode for a device time-out period or in response to a predetermined period of device inactivity.

When the device 12 is removed from the charging unit 14, the device 12 may enter an active mode. In the active mode, the device 12 may be ready for use or in use. In response to entering the active mode, the device electronic circuitry is configured to disconnect the device general purpose input-output pin from the device communication interface. In arrangements, the device 12 may enter the active mode in response to an input by a user or in response to commencement of a session of use, for example, if the device 12 is used while still inserted in the charging unit 14.

The communication via the device general purpose input-output pin may be in the form of periodic signals, for example in 200ms intervals. This may be known as a heartbeat communication.

The communication may have a predetermined bit rate, which is the rate at which data is transferred between the device 12 and the charging unit 14 or vice versa. The bit rate may determine the communication status between the device 12 and the charging unit 14.

In arrangements, the device 12 is configured to enter the device active mode in response to the data being received at the device general purpose inputoutput pin above a threshold data bit rate. The interval between GPIO communications may be approximately 100ms, which may also be a threshold data bit rate. This means that the data is being transferred at a rate that is higher than the threshold. In arrangements, the data being received at the device general purpose input-output pin above the active threshold data bit rate indicates that the data has been transmitted via the charger universal asynchronous receivertransmitter. In arrangements, the device 12 is configured to enter the device sleep mode in response to the data being received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter below a threshold data bit rate. The threshold data bit rate may be a sleep threshold data bit rate. In arrangements, the data being received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter below the sleep threshold data bit rate indicates that the data has been transmitted via the charger general purpose input-output pin.

As mentioned, the charging unit 14 may be configured to transmit data to the aerosol provision device 12 via the charger general purpose input-output pin or via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. The charging unit 14 may also be configured to receive data from the aerosol provision device 12 via either of the charger general purpose input-output pin or via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. The asynchronous receiver-transmitter may transmit data information such as a sleep status mode status, a battery status or information on user sessions. Other data information is also envisaged.

The charging unit 14 may also be in a charger sleep mode or a charger active mode. The charging unit 14 may enter the charger sleep mode after being in the charger active mode for a specified or predetermined time period. In the charger sleep mode, the charging unit 14 may be in a power saving mode.

In response to the charging unit 14 entering the charger sleep mode, the charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect the charger general purpose input-output pin to the charger communication interface. As such, the charging unit 14 communicates with the device 12 via the charger general purpose input-output pin.

In response to the charging unit 14 entering a charger active mode, the charger electronic circuitry is configured to disconnect the charger general purpose input-output pin from the charger communication interface.

In response to the charging unit 14 entering the charger active mode from the charger sleep mode and the charger electronic circuitry disconnecting the charger general purpose input-output pin from the charger communication interface, the charger electronic circuitry instead connects the charger communication interface to the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. As such, the charging unit 14 communicates with the aerosol provision device 12 via the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. In the charger active mode, the charging unit 14 may be configured to enter the charger sleep mode in response to data being received at the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter below a sleep threshold data bit rate. This indicates that the data has been transmitted via the device general purpose inputoutput pin of the device 12. In the charger sleep mode, the charger data is transmitted and receiver via the charger general purpose input-output pin.

In arrangements, data being received at the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter below the sleep threshold data bit rate when the charging unit 14 is in the active mode may indicate that the device 12 has been disconnected from the charging unit 14.

When communication between the aerosol provision device 12 and the charging unit 14 is via each or both of the general purpose input-output pin, information relating to connection status is provided. The information may relate to a voltage being transmitted via the respective pins. The data transmitted may be signals of high and low voltages which provide a heartbeat communication between the two. As such, this communication is particularly useful when each or both of the aerosol provision device 12 and the charging unit 14 is in the sleep mode. The power used to communicate between the device 12 and the charging unit 14 in the sleep modes is relatively lower than using one or each of the universal asynchronous receiver-transmitters.

In the active modes, more information may be required to be transmitted between the charging unit 14 and the device 12. For example, information relating to battery level, heating temperatures, heating modes, session information or battery status information may be transmitted via the respective charge universal asynchronous transmitter-receivers.

In arrangements, the sleep and active thresholds of each of the aerosol provision device 12 and the charging unit 14 may be set to predetermined values in order to determine the frequency with which the device 12 may wake up from the sleep mode to enter the active mode. Such thresholds may be adjustable depending on the power requirements of the aerosol provision device 12.

With reference to Fig. 3, a method of operating an aerosol provision device 12 is shown. At S1-1 , the device 12 is in a device active mode. In the device active mode, the device is ready for use or in use (e.g. the device is ready to activate the aerosol generator in response to an inhale or the device is activating the aerosol generator). The device 12 is connected to and in communication with a charging unit 14, which is in the charger active mode. Data is transmitted between the device 12 and the charging unit 14 via the device universal asynchronous receivertransmitter and charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter respectively.

At S1-2, and in response to the device 12 being in the device active mode for a device time-out period, in response to a predetermined period of device inactivity, or in response to a user input, the device 12 enters the device sleep mode. The device 12 may also enter the device sleep mode in response to the charging unit 14 entering the charger active mode (with the device 12 detecting this e.g. due to the charging unit 14 communicating via the charger GPIO at a lower bit rate).

At S1-3, the device 12 is in the device sleep mode. In the device sleep mode, the device electronic circuitry connects the device general purpose inputoutput pin to the device communication interface. The aerosol provision device 12 communicates with a charging unit 14 via the device general purpose input-output pin. The device 12 transmits data to the charging unit 14 via the device general purpose input-output pin. In turn, the device 12 receives data from the charging unit 14 via the device general purpose input-output pin.

At S1-4, and in response to data being received at the device general purpose input-output pin above a threshold data bit rate (which may be indicative of the charging unit being in the charger active mode and transmitting data via the charger LIART), the device returns to S1-1 where it operates in a device active mode.

With reference to Fig. 4, a method of operating a charging unit 14 is shown. At S2-1 , the charging unit 14 is in a charging unit active mode. The charging unit 14 is in communication with a device 12. The charger electronic circuitry connects to a charger communication interface. The charging unit 14 communicates with the device 12 via a charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter. The device 12 communicates with the charging unit 14 via the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

At S2-2, the charging unit 14 enters the device sleep mode in response to one of: the charging unit 14 being in the charging unit active mode for a predetermined time-out period; a user input; a device 12 being removed from the charging unit 14; or data being received at the charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter below a sleep threshold data bit rate (which may indicate that the device is in the device sleep mode).

At S2-3, the charging unit 14 is in a charging unit sleep mode. In the charging unit sleep mode, the charger electronic circuitry connects the charger communication interface with the charger general purpose input-output pin. The charger communication interface communicates with a device communication interface of the aerosol provision device 12. The communication is via the charger general purpose input-output pin. The communication via the charger general purpose input-output pin is to transmit and receive data at the charging unit 14 from the device general purpose input-output pin of the device 12.

At S2-3, the data being transferred by the may be at a predetermined data bit rate. At S2-4, and in response to the data bit rate being above a threshold data bit rate (which may be indicative of the device 12 being in the device active mode and transmitting via the device LIART), the charging unit 14 returns to S2-1 where it operates in a charging unit active mode. The charging unit 14 may also return to a charger active mode in response to being in the sleep mode for a predetermined sleep mode time-out period.

The above method may be applied, as appropriate, to the operation of a charging unit that receives a plurality of aerosol provision devices simultaneously, for example the charging units described below.

Fig. 5 shows an aerosol provision system 110 in which the charging unit is configured to receive multiple aerosol provision devices simultaneously. The system 110 comprises a first aerosol provision device 112a, a second aerosol provision device 112b, a third aerosol provision device 112c and a charging unit 114. Whilst three aerosol provision devices 112a-112c are shown and described, it will be appreciated that the charging unit 114 may be configured to receive any number of aerosol provision devices.

The charging unit 114 comprises a first cavity or receptacle 116a for receiving the first device 112a, a second cavity or receptacle 116b for receiving the second device 112b, and a third cavity or receptacle 116c for receiving the third device 112c. Whilst cavity or receptacles are shown, the charging unit 114 may receive the aerosol provision devices 112-112c in any suitable manner. The charging unit 114 comprises charger electronic circuitry that includes a charger general purpose input-output (GPIO) pin 115 and a charger communication interface 117. The charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect the charger general purpose input-output pin 115 to the charger communication interface 117 so that the charging unit 114 communicates with each of the devices 112a, 112b, 112c via the charger general purpose input-output pin 115. In this case, a single charger communication interface 117 is configured to communicate with the plurality of aerosol provision devices 112a, 112b, 112c. The charger communication interface 117 may comprise an associated charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

Fig. 6 shows an aerosol provision system 210 in accordance with another embodiment. The system 210 comprises a first aerosol provision device 212a, a second aerosol provision device 212b, a third aerosol provision device 212c and a charging unit 214. Again, whilst three aerosol provision devices are depicted, it will be appreciated that the charging unit 214 may be configured to receive any suitable number of aerosol provision devices.

The charging unit 214 is essentially the same as the charging unit 114 of Fig. 5, except that the charger electronic circuitry of the charging unit 214 comprises a plurality of charger general purpose input-output pins 215a, 215b, 215c and a plurality of charger communication interfaces 217a, 217b, 217c.

The charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect a first charger general purpose input-output pin 215a to a first charger communication interface 217a so that the charging unit 214 communicates with the first device 212a.

The charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect a second charger general purpose input-output pin 215b to a second charger communication interface 217b so that the charging unit 214 communicates with the second device 212b.

The charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect a third charger general purpose input-output pin 215c to a third charger communication interface 217c so that the charging unit 214 communicates with the third device 212a.

Each of the first, second and third charger communication interfaces 217a, 217b, 217c may comprise an associated respective charger universal asynchronous transmitter-receiver.

In another set of embodiments, the charger electronic circuitry may connect each of the charger general purpose input-output pins to a single charger communication interface to communicate with each of the devices. In a further set of embodiments, the charger electronic circuitry may connect a single charger general purpose input-output pin to multiple charger communication interfaces.

In the embodiments described above, the charging unit 114, 214 may be configured to charge the respective aerosol provision devices 116a, 116b, 116c, 212a, 212b, 212c, received therein, simultaneously or sequentially.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: device electronic circuitry, the device electronic circuitry comprising a device general purpose input-output pin; and a device communication interface configured to communicate with a charger communication interface of a charging unit, wherein the device electronic circuitry is configured to connect the device general purpose input-output pin to the device communication interface so that the aerosol provision device communicates with the charging unit via the device general purpose input-output pin.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to transmit data to the charging unit via the device general purpose input-output pin, and/or wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to receive data from the charging unit via the device general purpose input-output pin.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the device electronic circuitry is configured to connect the device general purpose input-output pin to the device communication interface in response to the aerosol provision device entering a device sleep mode.

4. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the device electronic circuitry is configured to disconnect the device general purpose inputoutput pin from the device communication interface in response to the aerosol provision device entering a device active mode.

5. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the device electronic circuitry comprises a device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

6. The aerosol provision device of claim 5, wherein the device electronic circuitry is configured to connect the device universal asynchronous receiver- transmitter to the device communication interface so that the aerosol provision device communicates with the charging unit via the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

7. The aerosol provision device of claim 6, wherein the device electronic circuitry is configured to connect the device universal asynchronous receivertransmitter to the device communication interface in response to the aerosol provision device entering the device active mode.

8. The aerosol provision device of claim 7, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to enter the device active mode in response to data being received at the device general purpose input-output pin above an active threshold data bit rate.

9. The aerosol provision device of claim 8, wherein the data being received at the device general purpose input-output pin above the active threshold data bit rate indicates that the data has been transmitted via a charger universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.

10. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to enter the device sleep mode in response to data being received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter below a sleep threshold data bit rate.

11. The aerosol provision device of claim 10, wherein the data being received at the device universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter below the sleep threshold data bit rate indicates that the data has been transmitted via a charger general purpose input-output pin.

12. An aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 11 and the charging unit.

13. A method of operating an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device configured to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising device electronic circuitry, the device electronic circuitry comprising a device general purpose input-output pin, wherein the method comprises communicating the aerosol provision device with a charging unit via the device general purpose input-output pin.

14. A charging unit for an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device configured to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material, the charging unit comprising: charger electronic circuitry, the charger electronic circuitry comprising a charger general purpose input-output pin; and a charger communication interface configured to communicate with a device communication interface of the aerosol provision device, wherein the charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect the charger general purpose input-output pin to the charger communication interface so that the charging unit communicates with the aerosol provision device via the charger general purpose input-output pin.

15. The charging unit of claim 14, wherein the charging unit is configured to transmit data to the aerosol provision device via the charger general purpose inputoutput pin and/or wherein the charging unit is configured to receive data from the aerosol provision device via the charger general purpose input-output pin.

16. The charging unit of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the charger electronic circuitry is configured to connect the charger general purpose input-output pin to the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering a charger sleep mode.

17. The charging unit of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the charger electronic circuitry is configured to disconnect the charger general purpose input-output pin from the charger communication interface in response to the charging unit entering a charger active mode.

18. The charging unit of any of claims claim 14 to 17, wherein the charger electronic circuitry comprises a charger universal asynchronous receivertransmitter.

19. An aerosol provision system comprising the charging unit of any of claims

14 to 18 and the aerosol provision device.

20. A method of operating a charging unit for an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device configured to generate aerosol from aerosol generating material, the charging unit comprising charger electronic circuitry, the charger electronic circuitry comprising a charger general purpose input-output pin, wherein the method comprises communicating the charging unit with the aerosol provision device via the charger general purpose input-output pin.