EP4687555A1

EP4687555A1 - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: EP4687555A1
Application number: EP24717128.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juraj LEHOCKY
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2023-03-30
Filing date: 2024-03-28
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: KR20250139887A; WO2024200648A1; JP2026506217A; CN120936269A

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (1) comprising a power source unit comprising a battery (6) and a self- recharging system (7) for at least partly charging the battery (6), the self-recharging system (7) comprising at least one induction generator configured to generate electric current upon displacement of the aerosol generating device (1) so as to charge the battery (6), wherein the induction generator comprises at least one coil (8) and at least one magnet (9), one of them being movable in translation relative to the other on a displacement course (D) extending between two ends (10), wherein the self-recharging system (7) comprises a core frame (11) and the aerosol generating device (1) comprises a cylindrical body (2) housing the battery (6) surrounded by the core frame (11), the core frame (11) being surrounded by one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) which is itself surrounded by the other one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8), the core frame (11) and said one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) being configured so that said one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) is movable in translation relative to the core frame (11), said other one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) being static relative to the core frame (11) and extending between said two ends (10).

Description

Title: AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Technical Field

[0001] An aerosol generating device is described. The aerosol generating device is configured to receive a consumable article to be heated, for example resistively or inductively, to generate an inhalable aerosol. The consumable article may comprise an aerosol precursor material being any one of a liquid, a gel, a solid, and comprising tobacco or not.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating devices are an alternative to conventional cigarettes. Instead of generating inhalable smoke by combustion of an aerosol generation material such as tobacco, they generate an aerosol which can be inhaled by a user heating, without combusting, an aerosol precursor material comprising an aerosol former component. An aerosol generating device is a hand-held inhaler system having a housing to accommodate working components. The housing of the aerosol generating device may be elongated in a shape for a user to hold. It typically comprises a mouthpiece section, a housing for the consumable article, a vaporizer, a heating unit and a power supply unit, such as a battery. Vaporization is achieved when the heating unit heats the consumable article to form an aerosol that is inhalable through the mouthpiece section.

[0003] The power supply unit may comprise a battery and electronic control circuitry, for example arranged at least partially on a printed circuit board (PCB), as well as sensors, wireless communication chips or modules and control switches where appropriate. A plug, for example a USB-C plug, is provided in the aerosol generating device so that it can be connected to a power source to recharge the battery.

[0004] Like for all electronic handheld devices, power management and power availability is key to allow users to enjoy use of an aerosol generating device as freely and regularly as they would like throughout the day. Unfortunately, batteries only have limited capacities and it is not always possible to connect the aerosol generating device to a power supply to recharge the battery. There’s thus a need to provide aerosol generating devices with improved power management and rechargeability capabilities.

[0005] US 8 975 764 discloses a power generating electronic cigarette including a partially hollowed body having an enclosed distal end, and a filter cartridge attached at a proximal end of the body. The cigarette operates using power stored within a portable power storage media integrated within the body. A power generating subassembly is located within the hollowed body, wherein the power generating subassembly generates an electrical current to charge the power storage media. The power generating subassembly utilizes motion of a magnet in proximity of a coil in the cavity of the hollowed body to generate an electrical current within the coil. The current can be converted into stored electrical power. Motion of the magnet can result from shaking or rolling the electronic cigarette. The power storage media is housed in a cavity that is adjacent to the cavity housing the coil and magnet assembly, along a longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette. Summary

[0006] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0007] It is proposed an aerosol generating device comprising a power source unit comprising a battery and a self-recharging system for at least partly charging the battery, the self-recharging system comprising at least one induction generator configured to generate electric current upon displacement of the aerosol generating device so as to charge the battery. The induction generator comprises at least one coil and at least one magnet, one of them being movable in translation relative to the other on a displacement course extending between two ends.

[0008] The self-recharging system comprises a core frame. The aerosol generating device comprises a cylindrical body housing the battery surrounded by the core frame, the core frame being surrounded by one of the magnet and the coil which is itself surrounded by the other one of the magnet and the coil, the core frame and said one of the magnet and the coil being configured so that said one of the magnet and the coil is movable in translation relative to the core frame, said other one of the magnet and the coil being static relative to the core frame and extending between said two ends.

[0009] It is therefore possible to recharge the battery by moving the movable magnet or the movable coil without connecting the aerosol generating device to a power supply but only by carrying the aerosol generating device, for example in a pocket or in a bag, or by shaking the aerosol generating device with a hand. This may be helpful for outdoor enthusiasts staying in nature for a short or longer period or for users having no time or forgetting or simply not wanting to recharge their aerosol generating device.

[0010] The self-recharging system is configured to transfer generated electric current to the recharge of the battery.

[0011] The self-recharging system uses electromagnetic induction.

[0012] The self-recharging system may extend the battery life allowing the user longer usage of the aerosol generating device without the need of an external charger.

[0013] The following features, can be optionally implemented, separately or in combination one with the others:

[0014] The self-recharging system may comprise a housing, for instance made of a polymer material, movable with said one of the magnet and the coil that is movable, wherein said one of the magnet and the coil that is movable is accommodated inside the housing.

[0015] When the magnet is movable, the housing may hold tightly the magnet to prevent magnet damage.

[0016] The coil and the magnet may be cylindrical.

[0017] The housing may comprise at least one annular part covering a longitudinal end of the magnet or the coil that is movable, preferably two annular parts covering each of the longitudinal ends of the magnet or the coil that is movable. In such case, the magnet or coil may be tightly held between the two annular parts of the housing. [0018] The housing may have a plurality of first reliefs, notably pins or ribs, configured to cooperate with corresponding second reliefs, notably slots or rails, of the core frame so that the housing can slide relative to the core frame.

[0019] Such first reliefs may extend towards the inside of the aerosol generating device. When the housing comprises at least one ring, the first reliefs may extend from that ring towards the inside. The first and second reliefs may be at least two, preferably at least three, for example equal to four in number.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising necessary wiring, electrical components, chips, memory and so on to control operations of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] When the coil is movable, the second reliefs of the core frame may comprise rails that are equipped with electrically conductive material, allowing the transfer of electricity generated by the movement of the coil to the protection circuit board. Such an electrically conductive material may be a metal bar or metal bearing.

[0022] When the magnet is movable, the coil may be electrically connected to the PCB.

[0023] In an example, the magnet is movable, and the coil is static, the magnet having a cylindrical shape and being surrounded by the coil. The aerosol generating device according to this example may be lighter. In such case, the magnet is of short length whereas the coil extends between said two ends of the displacement course.

[0024] In an alternative example, the coil is movable and the magnet is static, the coil having a cylindrical shape and being surrounded by the magnet. In such case, the coil is of short length whereas the magnet extends between said two ends of the displacement course.

[0025] The self-recharging system may comprise at least one rubber hard or soft stop and/or at least one spring, at at least one of said two ends. The rubber hard or soft stop may prevent movable magnet or coil damage. The spring(s) may allow to maximize the movement potential.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0026] Other features, details and advantages will be shown in the following detailed description and on the figures, on which:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of an aerosol generating device according to an example, the aerosol generating device being shown fully assembled without an outer tube.

[0028] [Fig. 2] is a schematic exploded view in perspective of the power source unit and self-recharging system of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1 .

[0029] [Fig. 3] is a view similar to Fig. 1 with the coil being in partial section view.

[0030] [Fig. 4] is an enlarged schematic view in perspective of a detail of Fig. 3.

[0031] [Fig. 5] is a schematic view in section of the aerosol generating device of Fig.1 with the movable magnet in an up position. [0032] [Fig. 6] is a schematic view in section of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1 with the movable magnet in a down position.

[0033] [Fig. 7] is a schematic view in perspective of an aerosol generating device according to another example, the aerosol generating device being shown fully assembled without an outer tube and with the magnet in partial section view.

[0034] [Fig. 8] is an enlarged schematic view in perspective of a detail of Fig. 7.

[0035] [Fig. 9] is an enlarged schematic view in perspective of a detail of Fig. 8.

Description of Embodiments

[0036] Aspects set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. The same references correspond to the same elements on different drawings. These elements may be described on only one or more figures, but they apply to all figures except for mention to the contrary.

[0037] Figures 1 to 6 show an aerosol generating device 1 according to a first example. The aerosol generating device 1 is portable and is adapted to heat, rather than burn, a consumable article, not shown, containing tobacco and/or another suitable material, by conduction, induction or electromagnetic radiation for example, to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0038] The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a body 2 and a mouthpiece 3 comprising an opening 4 for inhalation by a user of the aerosol. The body 2 comprises an outer casing 5 partly shown with dots in figures 1 and 3, for housing various components that will be described in detail below. In this example, the outer casing 5 is in two pieces 5a and 5b but it could be in one piece without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In this example, the general shape of the body 2 is cylindrical along a longitudinal axis X, with a circular transversal cross-section but it could be of another shape of section.

[0039] The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a power source unit comprising a battery 6 and a selfrecharging system 7 for at least partly charging the battery 6. The self-recharging system 7 comprises at least one induction generator configured to generate electric current upon displacement of the aerosol generating device 1 , for example by carrying it in a bag and/or by shaking it in one hand, so as to charge the battery 6.

[0040] The induction generator comprises at least one coil 8 and at least one magnet 9, one of them being movable in translation relative to the other on a displacement course D extending between two ends 10 of the self-recharging system 7. In this example, there is a coil 8 and a magnet 9, and the magnet 9 is movable relative to the coil 8 whereas the coil 8 is static. The coil 8 extends between the two ends 10 of the selfrecharging system 7.

[0041] The coil 8 is made of copper. The magnet is preferably made of neodymium.

[0042] The self-recharging system 7 comprises a core frame 11 .

[0043] In the example, the battery 6 forms the central part of the body 2 and is surrounded by the core frame 11 . The battery 6 may be of the LiPol type, preferably around 600 mAh. The battery 6 has an external shape of a stick with a substantially square section in this example. The core frame 11 forms a peripheral wall 12 that extends around the battery 6 and covers it partly, along its whole length. The peripheral wall 12 comprises several, in this example four, wall portions 13, extending along the longitudinal axis X, parallel to one another. The wall portions 13 are separated by longitudinal slots 14. Still in this example, the core frame 11 has an end, opposite to the mouthpiece 3, forming a ring 15 connecting the portions 13 of the peripheral wall together. At the other end 16 of the core frame 11 , a separated core frame lid 27 may be provided. The core frame 11 may be made in an electrically conductive material, such as a metallic material, for example stainless steel, aluminum or copper.

[0044] The core frame 11 is surrounded by the magnet 9 which is in the form of a ring freely sliding around the core frame 11. The coil 8 surrounds the magnet 9 and is in the form of a tube of circular section extending between two ends 17 and 18. The length of the magnet 9 is shorter than the one of the coil 8 so as to be able to slide inside the coil 8 between the two ends 10 of the displacement course D. The magnet 9 is movable in translation relative to the core frame 11 between the two ends 10 which correspond substantially to the longitudinal position of the ends 17 and 18, respectively, whereas the coil is static. This relative movement generates electricity which is transmitted to the battery 6 so as to charge it.

[0045] In this example, the aerosol generating device 1 comprises a printed circuit board 19 (PCB) connected to the battery 6. The electricity generated by the movement of the magnet 9 relative to the coil 8 is transferred to the battery via the PCB, which in turns comprises a charging circuit configured to charge the battery 6. The PCB may take the form of a coin covering the end 18 of the coil 8 that is opposed to the ring 15 of the core frame 11 . Alternatively, the PCB may take any other alternative form, in particular that of a flexible PCB arranged about or within the self-recharging system 7.

[0046] It is to be noted that, in this example, the aerosol generating device 1 comprises, at an end opposite to the mouthpiece 3, a plug 20, for example a USB C plug, for connecting the aerosol generating device 1 to an external power supply. This plug 20 is for standard battery recharging. The plug 20 is also connected to the charging circuit of the PCB and the battery 6 thereby.

[0047] The self-recharging system 7 also comprises a plastic housing 21 movable with the magnet 9. In this example, the magnet 9 is accommodated inside the plastic housing 21 . More precisely, the plastic housing 21 comprises two annular parts 22 that respectively cover the longitudinal ends of the magnet 9.

[0048] As particularly visible in Figure 4, the plastic housing 21 has a plurality of first reliefs 23, notably pins or ribs, configured to cooperate with corresponding second reliefs 24, notably slots or rails, of the core frame 11 so that the plastic housing 21 can slide relative to the core frame 11 . This allows the magnet 9 to slide relative to the core frame 1 1 and to the coil 8. In this example, the second reliefs 24, which are rails in this example, are made within the portions 13, in the thickness thereof, and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X. Still in this example, the first reliefs 23, also called sliders, are pins extending from the annular parts 22 towards the inside of the device. The first reliefs 23 (for each annular part 22) and second reliefs 24 are four in number in this example, but they could be more or less numerous without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The coil 8 is connected to the PCB for the transfer of electricity. In this example, the second reliefs 24 may be covered with a coating of for example PTFe (polytetrafluoroethylene). [0049] The self-recharging system 7 also comprises, in this example, at least one rubber hard or soft stop at at least one of said two ends 10. In this example, the self-recharging system 7 comprises a rubber hard stop 25 at each of the ends 10 of the displacement course D of the magnet 9. This protects the magnet 9 from damages when the user is shaking the aerosol generating device 1 for charging the battery 6. In this example, the rubber hard stops 25 have an annular shape.

[0050] When a user wants or needs to charge at least partially the battery 6, he can shake with a movement to make the magnet 9 slide bottom to top then top to bottom along the displacement course D, many times. The magnet 9 in an up position is shown in Figure 5 whereas the magnet 9 in a down position is shown in Figure 6.

[0051] Figures 5 and 6 also show the heater or heating unit 30 of the aerosol generating device 1 and the pod 31 which is heated so as to deliver an aerosol through the mouthpiece 3 that may be inhaled by a user through the opening 4. It is to be noted that the heating unit, pod, mouthpiece may be of many different types known in the art without departing from the scope of the current disclosure.

[0052] The estimated power output is comprised between around 20 mA/h to 50 mA/h while the user is carrying the aerosol generating device 1. The estimated power output is comprised between around 120 mA/h to 140 mA/h while the user is shaking the aerosol generating device. The battery capacity may be around 600 mAh. If the user shakes the aerosol generating device 1 , he can generate enough power for one session. This allows the user to smoke without the need for searching for a power source.

[0053] In the second example shown in Figures 7 to 9, the coil 8 is movable and the magnet 9 is static, the coil 8 having a cylindrical shape and being surrounded by the magnet 9.

[0054] The magnet 9 extends from one end of the core frame 11 to the other end thereof. The coil 8 has a shape of a ring of a Litz wire coil of about 10 to 20 turns and accommodated in the plastic housing 21 in a similar manner as the magnet 9 in the first example. The coil 8 can freely slide along the displacement course D between the two ends 10 relative to the static magnet 9 so as to generate electricity, which is transmitted through the PCB 19 to the battery 6. The magnet 9 extends between the two ends 10.

[0055] In this example, the battery 6 is surrounded by the core frame 11 which is surrounded by the coil 8 which is surrounded by the magnet 9.

[0056] As the second reliefs 24 of the core frame 11 are equipped with electrically conductive material, for example copper or nickel coating, it allows the transfer of electricity generated by the movement of the coil 8 relative to the magnet 9 to the protection circuit board 19. Along two rails forming the second reliefs 24, there are metal contacts, i.e. a minus pole and a plus pole, connecting the coil 8 to the PCB 19 allowing electric current to charge the battery 6.

[0057] In this example, the ends 10 are equipped with hard rubber stops 25, which may alternatively be soft rubber stops, and also with coil springs 26 for protecting the coil 8 from damage when the aerosol generating device 1 is shaken or displaced. Springs 26 could be also present in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6. [0058] As for the example of Figures 1 to 6, the estimated solution power output is comprised between around 20 mA/h to 50 mA/h while the user is carrying the aerosol generating device 1 of the example of Figures 7 to 9. The estimated solution power output is comprised between around 120 mA/h to 140 mA/h while the user is shaking the aerosol generating device 1 . The battery capacity may be around 600 mAh. If the user shakes the aerosol generating device 1 , he can generate enough power for one session.

[0059] The first example may be lighter than the second example. The second example may be stronger than the first example as the movable coil is more rigid than the magnet.

[0060] The disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, many variations are possible within the scope of the disclosure. [0061] For example, the stop may be a rubber hard or soft stop equipped or not with a coil spring. Only springs may be present in an alternative example.

[0062] The aerosol generating device may be of any type concerning the type of consumable article (with a precursor in a liquid, solid or gel form, comprising tobacco or not, for example), the type of heating unit (either resistive or inductive, for example).

Claims

[Claim 1] An aerosol generating device (1) comprising a power source unit comprising a battery (6) and a self-recharging system (7) for at least partly charging the battery (6), the self-recharging system (7) comprising at least one induction generator configured to generate electric current upon displacement of the aerosol generating device (1) so as to charge the battery (6), wherein the induction generator comprises at least one coil (8) and at least one magnet (9), one of them being movable in translation relative to the other on a displacement course (D) extending between two ends

(10), wherein the self-recharging system (7) comprises a core frame (11) and the aerosol generating device (1) comprises a cylindrical body (2) housing the battery (6) surrounded by the core frame (11), the core frame

(11) being surrounded by one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) which is itself surrounded by the other one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8), the core frame (11) and said one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) being configured so that said one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) is movable in translation relative to the core frame (11), said other one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) being static relative to the core frame (11) and extending between said two ends (10).

[Claim 2] The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the self-recharging system (7) comprises a plastic housing (21) movable with said one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) that is movable, wherein said one of the magnet (9) and the coil (8) that is movable is accommodated inside the plastic housing (21).

[Claim 3] The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the plastic housing (21) has a plurality of first reliefs (23), notably pins or ribs, configured to cooperate with corresponding second reliefs (24), notably slots or rails, of the core frame (11) so that the plastic housing (21) can slide relative to the core frame (11).

[Claim 4] The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 3, comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) (19) , the coil (8) being movable, wherein the second reliefs (24) of the core frame (11) comprise rails that are equipped with electrically conductive material, allowing the transfer of electricity generated by the movement of the coil (8) to the protection circuit board (19).

[Claim 5] The aerosol generating device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the magnet (9) is movable, and the coil (8) is static, the magnet (9) having a cylindrical shape and being surrounded by the coil (8).

[Claim 6] The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coil (8) is movable and the magnet (9) is static, the coil (8) having a cylindrical shape and being surrounded by the magnet (9).

[Claim 7] The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the selfrecharging system (7) comprises at least one rubber hard or soft stop (25) and/or at least one spring (26), at at least one of said two ends (10).