Aerosol Generating Device

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

BACKGROUND

Traditional aerosol generating devices comprise a heater and control electronics configured to control the heater to heat an aerosol substrate. A user may insert the aerosol substrate through an opening and into a cavity in the aerosol generating device, such that the heater may heat the aerosol substrate to generate aerosol for inhalation.

Some aerosol generating devices may comprise a cover that covers the opening of the aerosol generating device. Typically, the cover functions to simply cover the opening, to stop unwanted articles from entering the aerosol generating device. The cover does not typically interact with any other elements of the aerosol generating device.

As aerosol generating devices are typically portable, sustained operation of the aerosol generating device can quickly drain a power supply of the aerosol generating device.

In these traditional aerosol generating devices, the heater may be manually controlled by a user, or may be configured to be ‘on’ whenever the aerosol generating device is also ‘on’, regardless of the presence of the aerosol substrate, or the position of the cover.

It is the object of the invention to overcome at least some of the above-referenced problems.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol substrate comprising a body comprising an opening configured to receive the aerosol substrate, a controller housed in the body for controlling the aerosol generating device, a movable cover, operable to be moved between a first position to prevent insertion of the aerosol substrate and a second position to allow insertion of the aerosol substrate, and a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of the position of the movable cover, wherein the sensor is electrically connected to the controller, such that the controller controls the aerosol generating device based on the position of the movable cover.

Such a construction is highly advantageous because the device may be operated when the cover is in a particular position. Therefore, power may be saved by only powering the device when necessary.

Furthermore, the arrangement prevents accidental operation of the device.

In one example, the aerosol generating device further comprises at least one heater configured to heat the received aerosol substrate, in use; one or more secondary electronic components; and a first voltage regulator comprising an enable pin electrically connected to an I/O pin of the controller, and an output pin electrically connected to the one or more secondary electronic components; wherein the first voltage regulator is configured to be activated upon the movable cover being moved from the first position to the second position, and wherein the first voltage regulator is configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components when activated.

In this way, the one or more secondary electronic components are activated only upon movement of the cover from a first position to a second position, thus reducing power consumption. However, the at least one or more heaters may not necessarily be activated upon the movement of the cover from a first position to a second position to avoid unnecessary heating.

In one example, the aerosol generating device further comprises a circuit board configured to be mounted on the controller and the first voltage regulator, wherein the one or more secondary electronic components comprises a first thermistor configured to detect user inhalation, wherein the at least one heater is electrically connected to the circuit board via a first connecting member, and wherein the first thermistor is electrically connected to the circuit board via a second connecting member which differs from the first connecting member.

Since the thermistor continuously consumes power in the activation state, power consumed by the thermistor is large when compared with other electronic components. Therefore, by activating the thermistor only upon movement of the movable cover from a first position to a second position, power consumption is reduced. In addition, a large current supplied to the at least one heater may generate noise when it flows through the first connecting member. If such noise interferes with the output signal of the first thermistor, detecting user inhalation by using the output signal of the first thermistor will become difficult. By splitting the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the output signal of the first thermistor is effectively protected from such noise.

In one example, the one or more secondary electronic components comprises a second thermistor configured to detect a temperature of the at least one heater, wherein the second thermistor is electrically connected to the circuit board via the first connecting member.

In this way, the second thermistor is activated only upon movement of the cover from a first position to a second position, thus reducing power consumption. Mounting the second thermistor close to the at least one heater is preferable to more accurately detect a temperature of the at least one heater. Since the first connecting member is connected with the at least one heater, the number of parts can be effectively reduced by connecting the second thermistor and the circuit board via the second connecting member while maintaining the accuracy of the detected temperature of the at least one heater.

In one example, the first connecting member comprises a first GND line connected to the at least one heater and a second GND line connected to the second thermistor, wherein the first GND line and the second GND line are insulated on the first connecting member.

Generated noise is absorbed into the ground (GND) line and transformed into heat that is absorbed in the ground. In this way, generated noise caused from a larger current supplied to the at least one heater is effectively absorbed into the first GND rather than interfering with an output signal of the second thermistor. By splitting the first GND and the second GND, temporary fluctuation of the electrical potential of the first GND when the noise is absorbed and transformed into heat brings almost no effect against the output signal of the second thermistor.

In one example, the circuit board comprises a first ground and a second ground which differs from the first ground, wherein the first GND line is electrically connected to the first ground, and wherein the second GND line is electrically connected to the second ground.

In this way, there the first GND line may be substantially isolated from the second GND line, thereby reducing or removing electrical interaction between them. The first GND may also work as a power ground (GND), and the second GND may work as a signal ground (GND).

In one example, the aerosol generating device further comprises at least one heater configured to heat the received aerosol substrate, in use; one or more secondary electronic components; a NOT gate comprising an input pin electrically connected to the sensor, and an output pin; and a first voltage regulator comprising an enable pin electrically connected to the output pin of the NOT gate, and an output pin electrically connected to the one or more secondary electronic components; wherein the first voltage regulator is configured to be activated upon the movable cover being moved from the first position to the second position, and wherein the first voltage regulator is configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components when activated.

In this way, a more responsive operation can be achieved by bypassing the controller. Furthermore, a smaller controller may be used, thus saving space within the aerosol generating device and cost. In addition, the controller can use its calculation resource for other calculations. As a result, the calculation efficiency of the controller may be improved.

In one example, the controller is not electrically connected to the enable pin of the first voltage regulator.

In this way, the controller may be bypassed in the process of sensing a position of the movable cover. Since a general input/output (I/O) pin for the enable pin of the first voltage regulator is no longer needed, a smaller controller may be used.

In one example, the aerosol generating device further comprises one or more tertiary electronic components, a second voltage regulator comprising an output pin electrically connected to the one or more tertiary electronic components, and an enable pin, wherein the second voltage regulator is configured to control the supply of power to the one or more tertiary electronic components when activated.

In this way, activation timings of the secondary electronic components and the one or more tertiary electronic components can be independently controlled. This may bring an improvement in functionality and energy consumption.

In one example, the second voltage regulator is configured to be continuously activated irrelevant of the signal generated by the sensor.

In this way, power supply to fundamental electronic components, which is comprised of the one or more tertiary electronic components, can be continued irrelevant of the position of the movable cover.

In one example, the aerosol generating device further comprises a first resistor, wherein a VDD pin of the controller is electrically connected to the output pin of the second voltage regulator, wherein one end of the resistor is electrically connected to the enable pin of the first voltage regulator and the I/O pin of the controller in parallel, and wherein an other end of the resistor is electrically connected to the enable pin of the second voltage regulator.

In this way, even if a low level signal is inputted into the enable pin of the first voltage regulator from other electronic components (e.g., above-mentioned NOT gate), an electrical potential of the enable pin of the second voltage regulator can be kept at a high level. Accordingly, the one or more tertiary electronic components, which is connected with the output pin of the second voltage regulator, can be continuously worked.

In one example, the aerosol generating device further comprises a power source configured to power the at least one heater; and a charger IC configured to charge the power source; wherein the enable pin of the first voltage regulator and the enable pin of the second voltage regulator are electrically connected to the power source or a SYS pin of the charger IC.

In this way, even if a low level signal is inputted into the enable pin of the first voltage regulator from other electronic components (e.g., the above-mentioned NOT gate), an electrical potential of the enable pin of the second voltage regulator can be kept at a high level by the power source or the SYS pin of the charger IC.

In one example, the aerosol generating device further comprises a thermistor electrically connected to the power supply, and a voltage regulator comprising an output pin electrically connected to the thermistor, an input pin electrically connected to the power supply, and an enable pin electrically connected to the power supply, wherein the controller is configured to suppress power from the power supply to the thermistor via the voltage regulator when the movable cover is in the first position, and wherein the controller is configured to allow power from the power supply to the thermistor via the voltage regulator when the movable cover is in the second position.

In this way, the number of integrated circuits is reduced, thus simplifying the arrangement of the aerosol generating device. This reduction simplifies the manufacturing process, thus reducing cost. In addition, it may bring continuity to the manufacturing during worldwide semiconductor shortages.

In one example, one end of the thermistor is electrically connected to the output pin of the voltage regulator, wherein an other end of the thermistor is electrically connected to an I/O pin of the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to output a voltage signal, which has same voltage value as the output voltage from the voltage regulator, from the I/O pin when the movable cover is in the first position.

In this way, the power supply to the thermistor is easily suppressed, because the electrical potentials of both ends of the thermistor are kept at the same level.

In one example, the aerosol generating device further comprises a switch configured to be operable by a user, wherein the controller is configured to be rebooted upon receipt of a user input and the movable cover being moved between the first position to the second position.

In this way, an accidental or mistaken reboot of the controller is avoided.

In one example, the aerosol generating device further comprises a reboot controller comprising a reset pin configured to output a reset signal, a first input pin electrically connected to the switch and a second input pin electrically connected to the sensor, wherein the reboot controller is configured be activated upon the first input pin and the second input pin receiving each predetermined level signals for a predetermined duration, and wherein the activated reboot controller is configured to output the reset signal only for a predetermined time so that the controller is rebooted.

In this way, the controller can be rebooted to solve an associated problem (e.g., freeze).

In one example, the sensor comprises a Hall-effect sensor.

In this way, the sensor will have a reduced power consumption because the Hall-effect sensor can be used to detect the cover passing over a threshold position, rather than relying on the constant monitoring of a position of the cover. In addition, the mechanical toughness of the device may be improved, because physical contact between the cover and the sensor is no longer needed.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a control unit for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a controller for controlling said aerosol generating device, a sensor configured to generate data indicative of the position of a movable cover on said aerosol generating device, and wherein the sensor is electrically connected to the controller, such that the controller outputs a control signal to said aerosol generating device based on the received data from the sensor.

Such a control unit is highly advantageous because the device may be operated when the cover is in a particular position. Therefore, power may be saved by only powering the device when necessary.

Furthermore, the control unit prevents accidental operation of the device.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol generating device comprising: generating, at a sensor, data indicative of the position of a movable cover on said aerosol generating device; receiving, at a controller, the generated data; outputting a control signal to said aerosol generating device based on the received data from the sensor.

Such a method is highly advantageous because the device may be operated when the cover is in a particular position. Therefore, power may be saved by only powering the device when necessary.

Furthermore, the control unit prevents accidental operation of the device.

Such a construction is highly advantageous, in particular for the reasons provided above in relation to the first aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device with a movable cover in a first position;

FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device with a movable cover in a second position;

FIG. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device with a movable cover in the first position;

FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device with the movable cover in the second position;

FIG. 3 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding with a first configuration of the aerosol generating device with the movable cover in the first position;

FIG. 4 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding with the first configuration of the aerosol generating device with the movable cover in the second position;

FIG. 5 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding with a second configuration of the aerosol generating device;

FIG. 6 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding with a third configuration of the aerosol generating device;

FIG. 7 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding with the fourth configuration of the aerosol generating device with the movable cover in the first position;

FIG. 8 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding with the fourth configuration of the aerosol generating device with the movable cover in the second position;

FIG. 9 shows a representative circuit diagram corresponding with a fifth configuration of the aerosol generating device; and

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram representing a method of controlling the aerosol generating device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 100 is shown. The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a body 106. The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises an opening 118 and a movable cover 128 configured to move between a first position (as shown in FIG. 1a) and a second position (as shown in FIG. 1b). In the first position, the movable cover 128 may cover the opening 118. In the second position, the movable cover 128 may be away from the opening 118, such that the opening 118 is exposed for the insertion of an aerosol substrate 102, by a user. In the first position, the movable cover 128 prevents insertion of the aerosol substrate 102. In the second position, the movable cover 128 allows the insertion of the aerosol substrate 102. In other words, the first position can be interpreted as a closed position and the second position can be interpreted as an open position.

Referring to FIG. 2a, a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100 is shown. The aerosol generating device 100 is suitable for receiving the aerosol substrate 102 (as shown in FIG. 2b). The aerosol generating device 100 is also suitable for generating an aerosol from the aerosol substrate 102. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a passage 120 through which the aerosol substrate 102 is received and a chamber 104 in which at least part of the aerosol substrate 102 is housed.

The aerosol substrate 102 may form part of, or be, a consumable. The consumable may comprise the aerosol substrate 102. The consumable may comprise a housing which houses the aerosol substrate 102.

The invention is not limited to the specific aerosol generating device 100 or aerosol substrate 102 described herein, provided the aerosol generating device 100 or aerosol substrate 102 are in accordance with the appended claims. That is, the description of the aerosol generating device 100 and aerosol substrate 102 is provided for illustrative purposes only. The skilled person will appreciate that alternative constructions of aerosol generating devices and consumables will be compatible with the present invention.

As used herein, the term aerosol substrate is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapour. It may be synonymous with inhalable material and aerosol generating medium. The term aerosol substrate includes liquid or solid materials that provide volatilized components, typically in the form of vapour or an aerosol. The aerosol substrate 102 may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. The aerosol substrate 102 may, for example, include one or more of tobacco per se, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol substrate 102 also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol substrate 102 may comprise one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a body 106. The body 106 may be an outer casing or other structure for housing the components of the aerosol generating device 100.

The aerosol generating device 100 may comprise at least one heater 112 as one example of a vaporizer. The at least one heater 112 may comprise a heating circuit and/or may be part of a heating assembly. In an example, at least one heater 112 is for heating the aerosol substrate 102, in use, as shown in FIG. 2b.

In an example, the at least one heater 112 comprises a single heater 112. In a further example, the at least one heater 112 comprises a plurality of heaters 112. The at least one heater 112 may comprise a resistive heater and/or an inductive heater.

The at least one heater 112 may comprise a chamber or volume. The chamber may be suitable for receiving the aerosol substrate 102 therein. That is, the chamber of the at least one heater 112 may be the chamber 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. The chamber may provide, or define, an oven. The at least one heater 112 may be provided inside (i.e., within) the chamber, or outside of the chamber. That is, the at least one heater 112 may be provided inside of the oven, or outside of the oven.

The body 106 comprises the opening 118 through which a user may insert the aerosol substrate 102 into the aerosol generating device 100—as shown in FIG. 2b. When inserted, a portion of the aerosol substrate 102 may protrude from the opening 118 to allow a user to draw on the aerosol substrate 102 to inhale generated aerosol, in use. In other words, it is preferable that the movable cover 128 can not be moved from the second position to the first position while the aerosol substrate 102 is being inserted into or is inserted in the chamber 104. The opening 118 may be sized to receive the aerosol substrate 102.

The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a controller 122 (or control circuitry). The controller 122 may be a microcontroller unit (MCU) or micro processing unit (MPU). The controller 122 may be for electronic management of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 may comprise a circuit board 124, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The circuit board 124 may have mounted on it the controller 122. The circuit board 124 may have several further components mounted upon it. For example, the circuit board 124 may have mounted upon it the charger IC 138, first voltage regulator 150, second voltage regulator 156, tertiary electronic component 158, NOT gate 180 and reboot controller 172. The at least one heater 112 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 124. The electrical connection between the at least one heater 112 and the circuit board 124 is facilitated by a first connecting member 126.

The controller 122 may include a memory 142 for storing instructions and/or data therein. The controller 122 may be configured to control the at least one heater 112 by using stored instructions and/or data in the memory. Alternatively or additionally, a memory located on the outside of the controller 122 can be utilized.

The movable cover 128 is operable to be moved between a first position to prevent insertion of the aerosol substrate 102 and a second position to allow insertion of the aerosol substrate 102. The movable cover 128 may be positioned in a first position such that it may cover the opening 118. The movable cover 128 may be positioned in a second position such that it may uncover the opening 118. The movable cover 128 may be operable to be moved between a first position to substantially cover the opening 118 (as shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 2a and FIG. 3) and a second position in which the opening 118 is substantially uncovered by the movable cover 128 (as shown in FIG. 1b, FIG. 2b and FIG. 4). In the second position, the user may insert an aerosol substrate 102 into the opening 118 to be received in the chamber 104.

The movable cover 128 may be a slidable cover. The movable cover 128 may be movable along corresponding rails in the body 106. The movable cover 128 may be held in position by cooperating magnets. The movable cover 128 may be biased to the closed position. In other examples, the movable cover 128 may pivot about a pivot point (not shown) to move between the first position and the second position.

The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a sensor 130 configured to generate a signal indicative of the position of the movable cover 128. The sensor 130 is electrically connected to the controller 122, such that the controller 122 controls the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensed position of the movable cover 128.

In one example, the sensor 130 comprises a Hall-effect sensor. In this example, the movable cover 128 may comprise a magnet and/or magnetic metal. The sensor 130 may detect movement and/or the position of the movable cover 128. For example, if the movable cover 128 is at the first position, the sensor 130 does not magnetically interact with the movable cover 128 since the movable cover 128 does not cover the sensor 130 as shown in FIG. 2a. In this case, the sensor 130 outputs a first level signal (e.g., a high level signal) to the controller 122. The sensor 130 may detect movement and/or the position of the movable cover 128. On the other hand, if the movable cover 128 is at the second position, the sensor 130 magnetically interacts with the movable cover 128 since the movable cover 128 covers the sensor 130 as shown in FIG. 2b. In this case, the sensor 130 outputs a second level signal (e.g., a low level signal) to the controller 122. The controller 122 would interpret this signal as a movement of the movable cover 128 from the first position to the second position or vice versa. That is, the controller 122 may determine whether the movable cover 128 is in the open or closed position based on a signal from the sensor 130.

The sensor 130 may be any mechanical/electrical/magnetic sensor configured to directly or indirectly sense the position of the movable cover 128.

The aerosol generating device 100 may comprise one or more secondary electronic components 132. The one or more secondary electronic components 132 may be, for example, a thermistor, an input sensor or a puff sensor. The thermistor may be configured to detect user inhalation due to the temperature change during inhalation. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the one or more secondary electronic components 132 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 124 via a second connecting member 134 which is different from the first connecting member 126 connecting between the at least one heater 112 and the circuit board 124. That is, the at least one heater 112 and the one or more secondary electronic components 132 are individually and distinctly connected to the circuit board 124.

When one of the one or more secondary electronic components 132 is a thermistor configured to detect user inhalation, another one of the one or more secondary electronic components 132 may be a second thermistor 144 configured to detect a temperature of the at least one heater 112. The controller 122 may control a temperature of at least one heater 112 based on an output signal of the second thermistor 144 so that a preferable taste and amount of aerosol is generated. That is, the one or more secondary electronic components 132 may comprise a first thermistor 132 and a second thermistor 144. In this example, the first thermistor 132 may be configured to detect user inhalation and the second thermistor 144 may be configured to detect a temperature of the at least one heater 112.

A resistor 194 is connected between the output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150 and a one end of the first thermistor 132. In other words, the first thermistor 132 and the resistor 194 form a voltage divider circuit to divide a regulated voltage outputted from the output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150. Since the divided voltage, which depends on a temperature of the first thermistor 132, is inputted into an I/O pin 198 of the controller 122, the controller 122 may detect user inhalation based on an input signal of the I/O pin 198.

A resistor 196 is connected between the output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150 and a one end of the second thermistor 144. In other words, the second thermistor 144 and the resistor 196 form a voltage divider circuit to divide a regulated voltage outputted from the output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150. Since the divided voltage, which depends on a temperature of the second thermistor 144, is inputted into an I/O pin 200 of the controller 122, the controller 122 may detect a temperature of the at least one heater 112.

In this example, the first thermistor 132 is electrically connected to the circuit board 124 via the second connecting member 134 and the second thermistor 144 is electrically connected to the circuit board 124 via the first connecting member 126. The first connecting member 126 and the second connecting member 134 may be a flexible printed circuit board.

The first connecting member 126 may comprise a first GND line 146 connected to the at least one heater 112. The first connecting member 126 may comprise a second GND 148 line connected to the second thermistor 144. The first GND line 146 and the second GND line 148 may be insulated on the first connecting member 126.

In one example, the circuit board 124 comprises a first ground and a second ground (not shown). The first ground may, for example, be a broad copper foil inside the circuit board 124. The second ground may also be, for example, other broad copper foil isolated from the copper foil formed at the first ground. In this example, the first GND 146 line of the first connecting member 126 is electrically connected to the first ground of the circuit board 124. The second GND line 148 of the first connecting member 126 may be electrically connected to the second ground of the circuit board 124. That is, the first GND 146 line and the second GND line 148 are grounded separately.

By isolating the first GND line 146 and the second GND line 148 and separately grounding the first GND line 146 and the second GND line 148, generated noise caused by the larger current supplied to the at least one heater 112 is effectively absorbed into the first ground, which is connected to the first GND line 146, rather than interfering with an output signal of the second thermistor 144. Temporary fluctuation of electrical potential of the first ground when the noise is absorbed and transformed into heat brings almost no effect against the output signal of the second thermistor 144.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a first voltage regulator 150. The first voltage regulator 150 may be a low dropout regulator (LDO) or a DC/DC converter. The first voltage regulator 150 may be configured to be activated upon the movable cover 128 being moved from the first position to the second position. The first voltage regulator 150 may comprise an enable pin 152. The enable pin 152 may be electrically connected to a general input and output (I/O) pin 154 on the controller 122. The first voltage regulator 150 may comprise an output pin 186. The output pin 186 may be connected to the one or more secondary components 132. If the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 employs positive logic, the first voltage regulator 150 outputs regulated voltage from the output pin only when a high level signal is inputted into the enable pin 152. On the other hand, if the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 employs negative logic, the first voltage regulator 150 outputs regulated voltage from the output pin only when a low level signal is inputted into the enable pin 152.

In this example, when the movable cover 128 is moved from the first position to the second position, the sensor 130 may detect the movement of the movable cover 128, the sensor 130 may then send a signal to controller 122. The controller 122 may then send a signal to cause the first voltage regulator 150 to activate. The first voltage regulator 150 may be configured to, upon receipt of the signal from the controller 122, control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components 132. That is, the first voltage regulator 150 may be configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components 132 when activated. This is shown indicatively by the connection between the first voltage regulator 150 and the one or more secondary electronic components 132 being dashed in FIG. 3 (i.e. when the movable cover 128 is in the first position) and being solid in FIG. 4 (i.e. when the movable cover 128 is in the second position).

In another example, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises at least one heater 112 configured to heat the received aerosol substrate 102, in use. In this example. the aerosol generating device 100 further comprises one or more secondary electrical components 132. In one example, as shown in FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a NOT gate 180 comprising an input pin 182 and an output pin 184. The NOT gate 180 outputs an inverted signal, of the signal inputted into the input pin 182, from the output pin 184. For example, if a low level signal is inputted into the input pin 182, the NOT gate 180 outputs a high level signal and vice versa. The input pin 182 of the NOT gate 180 may be electrically connected to the sensor 130. In this example, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a first voltage regulator 150. The first voltage regulator 150 may comprise an enable pin 152 and an output pin 186. The enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 may be electrically connected to the output pin 184 of the NOT gate 180. The output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150 may be electrically connected to the one or more secondary electronic components 132. In this example, the sensor 130 outputs a low level signal when the movable cover 128 is at the second position, and the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 employs positive logic as a premise. The first voltage regulator 150 is configured to be activated upon the movable cover 128 being moved from the first position to the second position, because the high level signal, which is an inverted low level signal from the sensor 130, is inputted into the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150. The first voltage regulator 150 may be configured to control the supply of power to the one or more secondary electronic components 132, when activated.

In this example, the controller 122 is not electrically connected to the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150. Accordingly, since an I/O pin connected with the enable pin 152 is no longer needed, a smaller controller can be employed as the controller 122.

The aerosol generating device 100 may comprise one or more tertiary electronic components 158. The aerosol generating device 100 may comprise a second voltage regulator 156. The second voltage regulator 156 may be a low dropout regulator (LDO) or a DC/DC converter. In this example, the second voltage regulator 156 comprises an output pin 160 and an enable pin 162. The output pin 160 may be electrically connected to the one or more tertiary electronic components 158. The second voltage regulator 156 may be configured to control the supply of power to the one or more tertiary electronic components 158, when activated.

The tertiary electronic components 158 may be, for example, the MCU (controller 122), LED drivers, memory ICs, Hall ICs (sensor 130), switch 140, reboot controller 172, haptic driver, accelerometer, gyro sensor or wireless communication module. In FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 9, the controller 122 and the sensor 130 are separately illustrated against the tertiary electronic components 158, but these may form a part of the tertiary electronic components 158.

In one example, the second voltage regulator 156 is configured to be continuously activated irrelevant of the signal generated by the sensor 130.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a power source 136. The power source may be a battery (e.g., lithium-ion secondary battery) and/or a capacitor. The power source 136 may supply the aerosol generating device 100 with electrical power providing a voltage in the range of 2.5 V and 4.2 V. In a preferred embodiment the voltage source is a lithium-ion secondary battery delivering a value of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for a modern aerosol generating device 100 in view of rechargeability.

The power source 136 may be housed in the body 106. The power source 136 may be permanently located in the body 106, or could be replaceable with another power source (for example, by use of a replacement battery or similar). The power source 136 may supply the at least one heater 112 with electrical power. The at least one heater 112 may be energized by the power source 136. The power source 136 may also be arranged to provide electrical power to any other electrical component (e.g., the controller 122) of the aerosol generating device 100.

The aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a charger IC 138. In this example, the charger IC 138 is configured to charge the power source 136 by using supplied power from an external power supply. As shown in FIG. 6, the charger IC 138 may comprise a SYS pin 164. In one example, as shown in FIG. 6, the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 and the enable pin 162 of the second voltage regulator 156 are electrically connected to the SYS pin 164 of the charger IC 138 in parallel. In this example, the power source 136 supplies power via the SYS pin 164 of the charger IC 138. In this example, the external power may also supply power via the SYS pin 164 of the charger IC 138 by using a power path function.

The aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a first resistor 192. The controller 122 may comprise a VDD pin 190 that is electrically connected to the output pin 160 of the second voltage regulator 156 or the output pin 186 of the first voltage regulator 150 or the output pin 168 of the voltage regulator 166. One end of the first resistor 192 may be electrically connected to the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 and to the I/O pin 154 of the controller 122 in parallel. In this example, an other end of the first resistor 192 is electrically connected to the enable pin 162 of the second voltage regulator 156 and the SYS pin 164 of the charger IC 164 in parallel. The first resistor 192 may isolate an input signal of the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150 and an input signal of the enable pin 162 of the second voltage regulator 156. Accordingly, the input signal of the enable pin 162 of the second voltage regulator 156 is kept at the high level even while the controller outputs a low level signal to the enable pin 152 of the first voltage regulator 150. This may lead to continuous operation of the tertiary electronic components 158.

In another example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a thermistor 132 electrically connected to the power supply 136. In this example, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a voltage regulator 166 and does not comprise the above-mentioned second voltage regulator 156. It is noted that the number of voltage regulators present in the aerosol generating device is not limited to one. The aerosol generating device 100 in this example may also comprise an additional voltage regulator for another purpose. The voltage regulator 166 may be a low dropout regulator or a DC/DC converter. The voltage regulator 166 comprises an output pin 168 and an enable pin 170. The output pin 168 may be connected to the thermistor 132 and the thermistor 144. The enable pin 170 may be electrically connected to the power supply 136 and the I/O pin 154 of the controller 122. In this example, the voltage regulator 166 is the only voltage regulator associated with the thermistor 132 and the thermistor 144.

In this example, the controller 122 is configured to suppress power from the power supply 136 to the thermistor 132 via the voltage regulator 166 when the movable cover 128 is in the first position (as shown in FIG. 7). That is, the controller 132 may suppress power from the power supply 136 to the thermistor 132 via the voltage regulator 166 when the movable cover 128 is closed, and therefore no aerosol substrate 102 is present in the chamber 104.

In this example, the controller 122 is configured to allow power from the power supply 136 to the thermistor 132 via the voltage regulator 166 when the movable cover 128 is in the second position (as shown in FIG. 8). That is, the controller 122 may allow power from the power supply 136 to the thermistor 132 via the voltage regulator 166 when the movable cover 128 is open, and therefore an aerosol substrate 102 may be present in the chamber 104.

In this example, one end of the thermistor 132 may be electrically connected to the output pin 168 of the voltage regulator 166. An other end of the thermistor 132 may be electrically connected to an I/O pin 202 of the controller 122. In this example, the controller 132 is configured to output a voltage signal, which has the same voltage value as the output voltage from the voltage regulator 166, from the I/O pin 154 when the movable cover 128 is in the first position (i.e. when the cover 128 is closed and therefore no aerosol substrate 102 is present in the chamber 104).

Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a switch 140 configured to be operable by a user. The switch 140 may be configured to receive an input from a user. In one example, the switch 140 is a pressable button. In other examples, the switch 140 is a sliding switch. In further other examples, the switch 140 is a manipulatable portion on a screen. The controller 122 may be configured to be rebooted upon receipt of a user input at the switch 140 and the movable cover 128 being moved between the first position to the second position or the movable cover 128 being at either the first position or the second position. That is, controller 122 may return to its default state upon receipt of a user input at the switch 140 and the movable cover 128 being moved between the first position and the second position or the movable cover 128 is at either the first position or the second position.

As shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 100 may further comprise a reboot controller 172. In this example, the reboot controller 172 comprises a reset pin 174 configured to output a reset signal. The reset pin 174 may be connected to the VDD pin 190 of the controller 122. The reboot controller 172 may further comprise a first input pin 176 and a second input pin 178. The first input pin 176 may be electrically connected to a one end of the switch 140. The one end of the switch 140 may be also connected to the output pin 160 of the second voltage regulator 156. An other end of the switch 140 may be connected to the ground. During operation of the switch 140 by a user, the first input pin 176 of the reboot controller 172 is connected to ground via the switch 140. In other words, the first input pin 176 of the reboot controller 172 is grounded by the switch. Accordingly, a low level signal is inputted into the first input pin 176 of the reboot controller 172 during the switch 140 being operated. On the other hand, the one end of the switch 140 is isolated from the other end of the switch 140 when the switch 140 is not being operated. Accordingly, a high level signal supplied from the the output pin 160 of the second voltage regulator 156 is inputted into the first input pin 176 of the reboot controller 172. To isolate an input signal of the tertiary electronic components 158 from an input signal of the first input pin 176 of the reboot controller, connecting a resistor 188 with the output pin 160 of the second voltage regulator 156 and the tertiary electronic components 158 in parallel is preferable. The second input pin 178 may be electrically connected to the sensor 130. The reboot controller 172 may be configured to be activated upon the first input pin 176 and the second input pin 178 each receiving a predetermined level of signal for a predetermined duration. Once activated, the reboot controller 172 outputs the reset signal, which is a low level signal, from the reset pin 174. In one example, both of the predetermined level of the first input pin 176 and the second input pin 178 may be a low level. The reboot controller 172 may be configured to output the reset signal only for a predetermined time. This means that the VDD pin 190 of the controller 122 is kept low level only for the predetermined time. While the VDD pin 190 is kept at a low level, the controller 122 is powered off. After the predetermined time lapse, the reboot controller 172 may be configured to terminate outputting the reset signal such that the controller 122 is rebooted. Such reboot of the controller 122 may lead to solving problems of the controller 122 (e.g., freeze).

In another embodiment, there is provided a control unit for the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit comprises the controller 122 for controlling the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit comprises the sensor 130. The sensor 130 is configured to generate data indicative of the position of a movable cover 128 on the aerosol generating device 100. That is, the sensor 130 may be configured to generate data indicative of whether the movable cover 128 is in the first position (closed position) or the second position (open position). In this example, the sensor 130 is electrically connected to the controller 122, such that the controller 122 outputs a control signal to said aerosol generating device 100 based on the received data from the sensor 130.

In reference to FIG. 10, a method 1000 of controlling the aerosol generating device 100 is provided. Step 1010 comprises generating, at a sensor 130, data indicative of the position of a movable cover 128 on said aerosol generating device 100. Step 1020 comprises receiving, at a controller 122, the generated data. Step 1030 comprises outputting a control signal to said aerosol generating device 100 based on the received data from the sensor 130. The method may comprise any of the features or functionality of the aerosol generating device 100 described above.

Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.