Electrically operated aerosol-generating system

Abstract

The present application relates to an electrically operated aerosol-generating system. The electrically operated aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device (120) and a container (101) configured to receive the aerosol-generating device (120). The container (101) comprises a housing (102) having an opening (105) and a device holder (106) pivotally coupled to the housing (102) and pivotable relative to the housing (102) between an open position and a closed position. The device holder comprises an outer wall (107) and one or more inner walls (108) arranged to releasably hold the aerosol-generating device (120). The device holder (106) has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the device holder is pivotally coupled to the housing at or about the first end.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Aerosol Generation System with Container", with an international filing date of May 2, 2018, international application number PCT / EP2018 / 061234, and national application number 201880025304.X. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an electrically operated aerosol generation system, and more particularly to an electrically operated aerosol generation system having an aerosol generation device and a container for receiving the aerosol generation device. Background Technology

[0003] An electrically operated aerosol generation system generally includes an aerosol forming matrix and an atomizer, which operates to atomize volatile compounds in the aerosol forming matrix to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Typically, an electrically operated aerosol generation system also includes an aerosol generating device, which includes a power source supplying power to the atomizer. The atomizer may be an electric heater.

[0004] In some systems, the aerosol generating device is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming matrix, such as an agglomerated rolled sheet of tobacco. In these systems, the device typically includes an atomizer arranged to heat the aerosol-forming matrix as the article is received in the device. The article may also include a filter packaged together with the aerosol-forming matrix in a strip form, similar to a conventional cigarette. In other systems, the device is configured to receive a cartridge comprising an atomizer and a liquid aerosol-forming matrix. Such cartridges are commonly referred to as atomizing cartridges. A common type of atomizer used in atomizing cartridges comprises a heating wire coil with a thin wick wound and immersed in a liquid aerosol-forming matrix.

[0005] Some electrically operated aerosol generation systems include containers for releasably holding the aerosol generation device when not in use. Such containers can provide a degree of protection for the aerosol generation device and can also provide additional functionality such as recharging and refilling with the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0006] Containers used to hold aerosol generating devices typically include a housing that defines a narrow opening into which the user inserts the device. The narrow opening usually has a width similar to that of the aerosol generating device. Inserting the aerosol generating device into these containers typically requires the user to closely align the device with the narrow opening. This can be difficult for the user, especially in low light or when the user is moving. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is desirable to provide a container for an aerosol generating device that improves the speed and ease with which a user can insert and remove the aerosol generating device from the container. It is also desirable to provide a container that, when the device is received in the container, enables direct and reliable engagement between the electrical connector portion of the aerosol generating device and the electrical connector portion of the container.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrically operated aerosol generation system is provided, comprising an aerosol generation device and a container configured to receive the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device includes: a proximal end; a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end having a distal end face; a first rechargeable power source; and a cavity for receiving an aerosol forming matrix at the proximal end. The container includes a housing having an opening and a device holder pivotally coupled to the housing and pivotable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The device holder includes an outer wall and one or more inner walls arranged to releasably hold the aerosol generation device. The device holder has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The device holder is pivotally coupled to the housing at or around the first end. The container further includes a second rechargeable power source housed in the housing and arranged to supply power to the aerosol generation device when the aerosol generation device is received in the device holder and the device holder is in a closed position.

[0009] The system may further include an electrical connector comprising: a first connector portion at the distal end face of the aerosol generating device; and a second connector portion in or around the first end of the device holder, within the housing of the container or the device holder, when the device holder is in the closed position. The first and second connector portions may be arranged to be releasably electrically connected when the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder and the device holder is in the closed position.

[0010] The device provides a first portion of an electrical connector and the container provides a second portion of an electrical connector, which enables the device to be electrically connected to the container when the first and second connector portions are engaged. This allows at least one of power and data to be transferred between the container and the aerosol generating device.

[0011] Providing an electrical connector portion for the aerosol generating device at its distal end reduces the likelihood of the connector portion being caught or damaged during normal use. Typically, aerosol generating devices are elongated, including a proximal end with a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming matrix and, in some embodiments, a mouthpiece. Such a device can be held in the user's hand in a manner similar to conventional smoking products such as cigarettes or cigars. In other words, such aerosol generating devices are typically held in the user's hand between the proximal and distal ends, rather than at either the proximal or distal end. Therefore, arranging the first connector portion at the distal end of the device reduces the likelihood of the user touching the first connector portion during normal use.

[0012] In some embodiments, a portion of the device retainer at or around the second end does not include one or more inner walls.

[0013] Providing a device retainer for receiving an aerosol generating device, pivotally connected at one end to the housing, allows the container to offer an opening for receiving aerosol generating devices of variable size. Specifically, the pivotal connection of the device retainer to the housing allows for a larger opening for receiving the aerosol generating device compared to containers with a fixed-size opening. This increased opening size improves the speed and ease with which a user can insert and remove the aerosol generating device from the container.

[0014] In some embodiments, a portion of the device holder of the present invention is not included in one or more inner walls at or around the second end. In other words, one or more inner walls of the device holder do not extend in or over a portion of the device holder at or around the second end. This provides one or more spaces or gaps between one or more inner walls and an outer wall at or around the second end of the device holder in which one or more inner walls are not provided. The spaces or gaps in the device holder are located at or around the second end of the device holder, which is opposite to an end of the device holder that includes a pivotal connection with the housing. Thus, when the second end of the device holder is rotated or pivoted away from the housing into an open position, a user can insert a portion of one end of the aerosol generating device into the device holder through one or more gaps without fully aligning the aerosol generating device with the device holder. Compared to a device holder having an inner wall that extends substantially to the second end of the device holder, the spaces or gaps at the second end of the device holder allow the user to insert the aerosol generating device into the device holder at a wider range of angles. This facilitates the insertion of the aerosol generating device into the device holder.

[0015] Additionally, a portion of the outer wall at the second end of the device holder, which includes one or more inner walls, can serve as a guide for aligning the aerosol generating device with the device holder. This further facilitates the insertion of the aerosol generating device into the device holder.

[0016] When the device holder is in the open position, the space or clearance at the second end of the device holder (which may be provided by a portion at the second end excluding one or more inner walls) also allows the user to access or grasp the aerosol generating device received or held in the device holder. By facilitating the removal of the aerosol generating device from the container, the device holder may not require a lifting mechanism for raising the aerosol generating device outside the device holder. This reduces the manufacturing cost and complexity of the container compared to containers that include a lifting mechanism for removing the aerosol generating device from the container.

[0017] As used herein, the term 'open position' describes the angular or rotational position or orientation of the device holder relative to the housing, wherein the aerosol generating device can be received by and removed from the device holder. Similarly, as used herein, the term 'closed position' describes the angular or rotational position of the device holder relative to the housing, wherein the aerosol generating device can be substantially prevented or inhibited from being received by the device holder and wherein the aerosol generating device can be substantially prevented or inhibited from being removed from the device holder.

[0018] As used herein, the term 'aerosol generating device' refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol forming matrix to generate aerosols that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol forming matrix to promote the release of volatile compounds. The aerosol generating device may interact with an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming matrix or a cylinder comprising an aerosol forming matrix. Electrically operated aerosol generating devices may include a nebulizer (such as an electric heater, etc.) for heating the aerosol forming matrix to form an aerosol.

[0019] As used herein, the term 'aerosol generating article' refers to an article comprising an aerosol forming matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol forming matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols upon heating.

[0020] As used herein, the terms 'upstream,' 'downstream,' 'proximal,' and 'far-side' are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of an aerosol generating apparatus, aerosol generating article, and container.

[0021] As used herein, the term 'longitudinal' is used to describe the direction between the downstream proximal or oral end and the opposite upstream or distal end, and 'lateral' is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0022] As used herein, the term 'length' is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension between the distal or upstream end and the proximal or downstream end of a component, aerosol generating device, aerosol generating article, and container.

[0023] As used herein, the term 'diameter' is used to describe the maximum lateral dimension of components, aerosol generation devices, aerosol generation articles, and containers.

[0024] As used herein, the term 'cross section' is used to describe the cross section of a component, aerosol generating apparatus, aerosol generating article, and container in a direction perpendicular to the principal axis of the component, aerosol generating apparatus, aerosol generating article, and container, respectively.

[0025] The container of the present invention is configured to receive an aerosol generating device. The container can have any suitable size and shape for receiving the aerosol generating device. Typically, the container is portable. In other words, the container has a suitable size and shape for a user to carry. The container can have a size and shape similar to a conventional cigarette case. The container can have any suitable diameter and any suitable length. In some embodiments, the container can have a shape, diameter, and length generally similar to a conventional cigarette case. The container can have a length between about 50 mm and about 200 mm. The container can have an outer diameter between about 10 mm and about 50 mm.

[0026] The container can have a cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the container can have a generally circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhomboid, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generating device has a generally rectangular cross-section. The container can have a generally constant cross-section along its length. In some embodiments, the container can be a generally cuboid.

[0027] The container includes a shell and a device retainer.

[0028] The shell can generally take the shape of a container. The shell may include one or more walls. In a particular embodiment, the shell may be generally cuboid.

[0029] The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. In certain embodiments, the material is lightweight and not easily broken.

[0030] The container's shell includes an opening. The opening can have any suitable size and shape. When the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder, the opening can be substantially sized and shaped to receive the device holder and the aerosol generating device. The opening can be substantially sized and shaped to receive one or more inner walls of the device holder and the aerosol generating device. In some specific embodiments, the opening of the shell can extend substantially on one side of the shell. The container can be substantially formed as a rectangular box open on one side.

[0031] The housing may define a cavity or space for receiving a device holder and receiving an aerosol generating device within the device holder. The cavity or space may be open, allowing the device holder and the aerosol generating device to be inserted into the cavity or space through an opening in the housing. When the device holder is in the closed position, the cavity or space may be configured to receive one or more inner walls of the device holder and the aerosol generating device within the device holder. Typically, when the device holder is in the closed position, the cavity or space is configured to receive the entire aerosol generating device. Advantageously, this allows the aerosol generating device to be completely enclosed within the cavity or space, and allows the container to protect the aerosol generating device from the external environment.

[0032] A device holder is configured to receive an aerosol generating device. The device holder may be a drawer or a tray, sized to hold or accommodate the aerosol generating device. The device holder includes an outer wall and one or more inner walls. The outer wall and one or more inner walls are arranged to releasably hold the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, one or more inner walls are attached to or coupled to the outer wall. In other embodiments, one or more inner walls are integrally formed with the outer wall. The device holder can be formed of any suitable material. Typically, the device holder is formed of the same material as the housing of the container. The outer wall and one or more inner walls can be formed of the same material. The outer wall and one or more inner walls can be made of different materials.

[0033] The device holder can be any suitable size and shape for receiving the aerosol generating device.

[0034] The outer wall and one or more inner walls can be configured and arranged in any suitable configuration and arrangement to releasably retain the aerosol generating device. The outer wall and one or more inner walls can be arranged to define a channel or passage for receiving the aerosol generating device. The channel or passage can have any suitable size and shape. Typically, the channel or passage can have a size and shape substantially similar to the aerosol generating device. The channel or passage can have any suitable cross-section. For example, the channel or passage can have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhomboid, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. Typically, the cross-section of the channel or passage is substantially circular. The channel or passage can have any suitable length. Typically, the length of the channel or passage is less than the length of the aerosol generating device. The cross-section of the channel or passage can be substantially similar along the length of the channel or passage.

[0035] The channel or passage may be open at one end. The channel or passage may be open at one end and closed at the opposite end. The channel or passage may be open at both ends. In cases where the channel or passage includes a closed end, the closed end may be located at or around the first end of the device retainer.

[0036] In some embodiments, the outer wall and one or more inner walls may be arranged to form a tube including channels or passages.

[0037] The outer wall has a length, and one or more inner walls also have a length. Typically, the length of the outer wall defines the length of the device holder. The outer wall may extend over the entire length of the device holder.

[0038] The outer wall of the device holder can have any suitable length. The length of the outer wall can be approximately equal to the length of the container shell. Typically, the length of the outer wall of the device holder is approximately equal to the length of the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the length of the outer wall is greater than the length of the aerosol generating device. The length of the outer wall can be approximately similar to the length of the container. The length of the outer wall can be between about 30 mm and about 200 mm.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the device retainer is in the closed position, the outer wall of the device retainer is configured to cover an opening in the housing. The opening in the housing has a length, and the length of the outer wall of the device retainer may be approximately equal to the length of the opening. In some embodiments, the length of the outer wall may be greater than the length of the opening. The opening in the housing has a width, and the width of the outer wall of the device retainer may be approximately equal to the width of the opening. In some embodiments, the width of the outer wall may be greater than the width of the opening.

[0040] The device retainer may include any suitable number of inner walls. The device retainer may include one inner wall. The device retainer may include two or more inner walls. In some embodiments including two or more inner walls, the two or more inner walls may be joined or attached together. In some embodiments including two or more inner walls, the inner walls may be separate from or spaced apart from each other.

[0041] One or more inner walls can be arranged in any suitable configuration. In particular, each of the one or more inner walls can be arranged to extend from the outer wall. Each of the one or more inner walls can be arranged to extend from the outer wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer wall. One or more inner walls can be arranged to extend substantially along the outer wall from or around the first end of the device holder. In some embodiments, one or more inner walls can be arranged to extend substantially along the outer wall from or around the first end of the device holder in a direction toward the second end of the device holder. The device holder includes a portion or region at or around the second end of the device holder that does not include one or more inner walls. In some embodiments, the device holder may also include a portion around the first end of the device holder that does not include one or more inner walls.

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more inner walls comprise a pair of opposing inner walls, each inner wall having an end attached to an outer wall and an opposing unattached end not attached to the outer wall or the other opposing inner wall. In these embodiments, an opening or gap may be provided between the unattached ends of the opposing inner walls. The opening may be smaller or narrower than the diameter of the aerosol generating device, such that the aerosol generating device received in a device holder between a pair of opposing inner walls may not pass through the opening or gap between the unattached ends of the opposing inner walls.

[0043] In cases where the device holder includes an inner wall, the inner wall may be attached or fixed at each end to the outer wall to form a tube having a channel for receiving the aerosol generating device.

[0044] Typically, the length of each of the one or more inner walls is less than the length of the outer wall. The length of the one or more inner walls of the device retainer can be between about 10% to about 90% of the length of the outer wall, between about 20% to about 80% of the length of the outer wall, and between about 30% to about 70% of the length of the outer wall. The length of the one or more inner walls of the device retainer can not exceed 90%, 80%, 75%, or 70% of the length of the outer wall. The length of the one or more inner walls can be between about 25 mm and about 190 mm.

[0045] The length of the gap between one or more inner and outer walls at the second end of the device retainer can be between about 5% to about 50% of the length of the outer wall, between about 10% to about 40% of the length of the outer wall, and between about 10% to about 30% of the length of the outer wall. The length of the gap can be between about 5 mm and about 100 mm.

[0046] In some embodiments, the opening of the housing may extend generally on one side of the housing. In some of these embodiments, where the outer wall of the device holder is configured to cover the opening of the housing when the device holder is in the closed position, the outer wall of the device holder may form a sidewall of the housing when the device holder is in the closed position. In other words, when the device holder is in the closed position, the housing and the outer wall of the device holder may form an outer shell.

[0047] When the device holder is in the closed position, one or more inner walls of the device holder can be configured to be received within the housing, such that when the aerosol generating device is releasably held in the device holder, the aerosol generating device is received within the housing when the device holder is in the closed position. When the device holder is in the closed position, one or more inner walls of the device holder can be configured to be received within a cavity of the housing. Therefore, when the device holder is in the closed position, the aerosol generating device received within the device holder between one or more inner walls and an outer wall can be received within a cavity of the housing.

[0048] When the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder, the outer walls of the housing and the device holder can be arranged to substantially surround or enclose the aerosol generating device, and the device holder is in the closed position. Therefore, the container can be configured to provide protection for the aerosol generating device when it is received in the device holder and the device holder is in the closed position. In these embodiments, the outer walls of the housing and the device holder can substantially prevent or block a user from approaching the aerosol generating device until the device holder is rotated from the closed position to the open position. In other words, when the device holder is in the closed position, it can substantially prevent a user from removing the aerosol generating device from the device holder.

[0049] The device retainer has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The device retainer is pivotally coupled to the housing around the first end. The pivotal coupling can include any suitable type of pivotal coupling. For example, a pivotal coupling can include one or more of a hinge, a pivot, and a linkage.

[0050] The device retainer can be movable between an open position and a closed position by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the housing may be shaped such that portions of one or more inner walls are exposed when the device retainer is in the closed position. The exposed portions of the device retainer allow a user to grip or hold the device retainer and rotate or pivot it from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the housing may include one or more fan-shaped portions for exposing portions of the inner walls of the device retainer when the device retainer is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the device retainer can be moved from the closed position to the open position by pressing a portion of the device retainer at or around a first end of the device retainer. In other words, the device retainer can be moved from the closed position to the open position by a trigger action.

[0051] Aerosol generating devices can be handheld devices. In other words, aerosol generating devices can be any size and shape suitable for holding in a user's hand. Aerosol generating devices can be similar in size and shape to regular cigarettes or cigars. Aerosol generating devices can be portable.

[0052] Aerosol generating devices can be any suitable size and shape.

[0053] The aerosol generating device can have a cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the aerosol generating device can have a generally circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhomboid, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generating device has a generally circular cross-section.

[0054] The aerosol generating device may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. The aerosol generating device may have a generally circular cross-section along its length. The device may have rotational symmetry about its longitudinal axis. The device may have rotational symmetry of more than one order about its longitudinal axis. The device may be generally axisymmetric about its longitudinal axis. In a particular embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be generally circular-cylindrical.

[0055] The aerosol generating device can have any suitable diameter and any suitable length. The aerosol generating device can be elongated. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generating device can have a shape, diameter, and length generally similar to a conventional cigarette or cigar. The aerosol generating device can have a length between about 30 mm and about 150 mm. The aerosol generating device can have an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 30 mm.

[0056] The aerosol generating apparatus can be configured as one or more of a receiving tube, an atomizer, and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating apparatus can be configured with one or more of the receiving tube, an atomizer, and an aerosol generating article at a proximal end. The apparatus includes a cavity for receiving the aerosol forming matrix. The cavity may be adapted to one or more of the receiving tube, an atomizer, and an aerosol generating article.

[0057] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus may include an atomizer. When the aerosol generating apparatus includes an atomizer, the apparatus may be configured to receive an article comprising an aerosol forming matrix or a cartridge comprising an aerosol forming matrix. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to receive an atomizer or a combination of an atomizer and an article or cartridge comprising an aerosol forming matrix. When the apparatus includes a cavity for receiving one or more of the cartridge and the aerosol-generating article, the atomizer may be disposed within the cavity.

[0058] The aerosol generating device may include a housing. In a particular embodiment, the housing may be generally circular or cylindrical. The housing may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. In a particular embodiment, the material is lightweight and not easily broken.

[0059] The aerosol generating device includes a first rechargeable power source, and the housing includes a second power source. When the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder and the device holder is in the closed position, the second power source is arranged in the container to supply power to the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the container can be referred to as a rechargeable container.

[0060] The first rechargeable power source can be housed within the housing of the aerosol generating device. The second power source can be housed within the housing of the container.

[0061] The aerosol generating device includes a first electrical connector portion, and the container may include a second electrical connector portion. When the aerosol generating device is releasably held in a device holder and the device holder is in a closed position, the first and second electrical connector portions may be arranged to be releasably electrically engaged. When the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged, a second power source from the container can supply power to a first rechargeable power source for the aerosol generating device to charge the first rechargeable power source.

[0062] An aerosol generating device includes a proximal end and an opposing distal end. The device includes a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming matrix at the proximal end. The distal end of the device includes a distal face, and a first electrical connector portion is disposed at the distal face of the aerosol generating device. In cases where the aerosol generating device is elongated and extends generally along a longitudinal axis, the distal face may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The aerosol generating device may include a distal face, a proximal face, and a sidewall extending between the distal and proximal faces. The cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​disposed at the proximal end. Optionally, a mouthpiece may be disposed at the proximal end. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include a filter. The aerosol-forming matrix and the filter may be provided in strip form and secured together by an outer packaging material (e.g., cigarette paper).

[0063] In some embodiments, the container housing includes a second connector portion. In these embodiments, the second connector portion may be disposed at or around a first end of the device retainer when the device retainer is in the closed position.

[0064] In some embodiments, the device retainer of the container includes a second connector portion. In these embodiments, the second connector portion may be disposed at or around a first end of the device retainer. When the device retainer includes a second connector portion, the second connector portion may be electrically connected to circuitry housed within the container housing. The electrical connection may be a wired connection. The electrical connection may be a flexible circuit, such as a flexible printed circuit. The flexible circuitry allows the second connector portion to move relative to the housing without damaging the electrical connection. This flexible circuitry allows the second connector portion to move relative to the container housing along with the device retainer as the device retainer moves between open and closed positions.

[0065] When the device holder includes a channel or passage with a closed end, the second electrical connector portion may be disposed at the closed end face of the channel or passage. When the device holder includes a channel or passage open at both ends, the second electrical connector portion may be disposed on the housing of the container. When the housing includes a cavity or space for receiving the device holder and the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder, the second electrical connector portion may be disposed in the cavity or space.

[0066] The first and second power sources can include any suitable type of power source. For example, the first and second power sources can include one or more of batteries and capacitors. The first and second power sources can include lithium-ion batteries. The first and second power sources can be rechargeable power sources. The first and second power sources can be the same. The first and second power sources can be different. The second power source of the container can have a larger size than the power source of the aerosol generating device. The second power source of the container can have a larger capacity than the power source of the aerosol generating device.

[0067] The first and second electrical connector portions can be of any suitable type. The first and second connector portions can include any suitable number of electrical contacts. The first and second electrical connector portions can be configured to transfer power from a second power source of the container to a first rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating apparatus. The first and second electrical connector portions can also be configured to transfer data from at least one container in the container to the aerosol generating apparatus and to the container. In some embodiments, data transfer can be unidirectional, such as from the aerosol generating apparatus to the container. In other embodiments, data transfer can be bidirectional, from the aerosol generating apparatus to the container and from the container to the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0068] In some specific embodiments, the first electrical connector portion may include a face and a recess disposed generally centrally in the face, the recess having a closed end, an open end in the face, and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end. The first electrical connector portion may also include a first electrical contact disposed at the closed end of the recess; a second electrical contact disposed in the sidewall of the recess and generally surrounding the first electrical contact; and a third electrical contact disposed in the face and generally surrounding the first electrical contact.

[0069] In this arrangement, the second and third electrical contacts can form concentric rings or bands. The second electrical contact can be formed into an elongated thin ring on the sidewall of the recess, and the third electrical contact can be formed into a wide, flat ring on the face of the first connector portion. The first electrode can be formed into a flat circular ring on the end face of the recess.

[0070] In some specific embodiments, the second electrical connector portion may include a face and a protrusion disposed generally centrally in the face, the protrusion having an end face and a sidewall extending between the face and the end face of the protrusion. The second electrical connector portion may further include: a first electrical contact disposed at the end face of the protrusion; a second electrical contact disposed at at least one sidewall of the protrusion and radially outwardly spaced from the first electrical contact; and a third electrical contact disposed on the face and radially outwardly spaced from the first electrical contact.

[0071] In these specific embodiments, any one of the first, second, and third contacts can be configured to transfer power from the power source of the charging container to the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device. Similarly, any one of the first, second, and third contacts can be configured to transmit data between the charging container and the aerosol generating device. However, typically the second electrical contact of the first and second connector portions is configured to transmit data between the charging container and the aerosol generating device.

[0072] The container may include circuitry. When the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged, the circuitry may be configured to control the transmission or supply of power from the container to the aerosol generating apparatus. The circuitry may be configured to control the transmission of data from one or more containers within the container to the aerosol generating apparatus and from the aerosol generating apparatus to the container. The circuitry may include a microprocessor.

[0073] The aerosol generating apparatus may include circuitry. When the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged, the circuitry may be configured to control power transmission from the container to the aerosol generating apparatus. The circuitry may be configured to control the transmission of data from one or more containers to the aerosol generating apparatus and from the aerosol generating apparatus to the container. The circuitry may include a microprocessor.

[0074] The container may include means for releasably holding the housing and device retainer in a closed position.

[0075] In some embodiments, the device retainer may be configured to have a tight fit or a friction fit in an opening in the housing. The tight fit or friction fit may releasably retain the housing and the device retainer in place by friction.

[0076] In some embodiments, the container may include an elastic device, such as a torsion spring. In these embodiments, a user may need to apply force to the elastic device to move the device holder between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the elastic device may be configured to have more than one stable position, such as a bistable torsion spring. In these embodiments, the bistable spring may be arranged to be in a stable state when the device holder is in the open position and when the device holder is in the closed position.

[0077] In some embodiments, one of the housing and the device retainer may be provided with a movable catch for releasably securing the device retainer in a closed position. In these embodiments, the housing may be provided with a button configured to move the catch when pressed to release the device retainer from the closed position.

[0078] In some embodiments, the device holder may be provided with a first magnetic material, and the housing may be provided with a second magnetic material. The first and second magnetic materials may be arranged such that when the device holder is in the closed position, the first and second magnetic materials are adjacent to each other or adjacent to each other. The first and second magnetic materials may be arranged such that when the device holder is in the closed position, the first and second magnetic materials attract each other.

[0079] The term 'magnetic material' is used herein to describe materials capable of interacting with magnetic fields, including paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials. A magnetizable material can be a paramagnetic material such that it remains magnetized only in the presence of an external magnetic field. Alternatively, a magnetizable material can be a material that becomes magnetized in the presence of an external magnetic field and remains magnetized after the external field is removed (e.g., a ferromagnetic material). As used herein, the term "magnetic material" encompasses both magnetizable and magnetized materials.

[0080] At least one of the first and second magnetic materials may include, for example, a neodymium alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. In other words, at least one of the first and second magnetic materials may be a neodymium magnet. At least one of the first and second magnetic materials may include ferromagnetic stainless steel, such as SS430 stainless steel.

[0081] Where the container includes means for releasably holding the housing and device retainer in a closed position, the container may also include means for biasing the housing and device retainer to an open position. The housing may be provided with one or more springs arranged to pivot or rotate the device retainer to an open position.

[0082] The container may also include a holding device for releasably retaining the aerosol generating device in a device holder.

[0083] The holding device can be any suitable means for releasably holding the aerosol generating device in a device holder. For example, the holding device may include a frictional engagement between the aerosol generating device and the device holder when the aerosol generating device is received by the device holder. Alternatively, the holding device may include a resilient device disposed on the housing of the container to push the aerosol generating device into the device holder when the device holder is in the closed position.

[0084] In some specific embodiments, the holding device may include a magnetic holding device. The magnetic holding device may include a first magnetic material and a second magnetic material. The first magnetic material may be disposed in the aerosol generating device, and the second magnetic material may be disposed in the container.

[0085] The first and second magnetic materials can be arranged such that when the aerosol generating device is received by the device holder, the first and second magnetic materials are close to each other. The first and second magnetic materials can also be arranged such that when the aerosol generating device is received by the device holder, the first and second magnetic materials attract each other.

[0086] When the device holder is in the closed position, a first magnetic material may be disposed towards or toward the distal end of the aerosol generating device, and a second magnetic material may be disposed towards or toward the first end of the device holder, or disposed within the housing towards the first end of the device holder. The first magnetic material may be disposed at the distal end face of the aerosol generating device. If the device holder includes a sleeve with a closed end face at or around the first end, the second magnetic material may be disposed at the closed end face of the sleeve. If the device holder includes an electrical connector portion at or around the first end of the device holder, the first magnetic material may be disposed at the electrical connector portion. If the device holder includes a sleeve with a closed end face and an electrical connector portion at the closed end face, the first magnetic material may be disposed at the electrical connector portion.

[0087] In some of the specific embodiments described above, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a first electrical connector portion, the first electrical connector portion including a face and a recess disposed generally centrally in the face, the recess having a closed end, an open end in the face, and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end. The first connector portion further includes: a first electrical contact disposed at the closed end of the recess; a second electrical contact disposed in the sidewall of the recess and generally surrounding the first electrical contact; and a third electrical contact disposed in the face and generally surrounding the first electrical contact.

[0088] In these specific embodiments, at least one of the electrical contacts in the first connector portion may be formed of a magnetic material. In particular, the third electrical contact may be formed of a magnetic material.

[0089] In these specific embodiments, the second connector portion may include a face and a protrusion disposed generally centrally in the face, the protrusion having an end face and a sidewall extending between the face and the end face of the protrusion. The second connector portion further includes: a first electrical contact disposed at the end face of the protrusion; a second electrical contact disposed at at least one sidewall of the protrusion and radially outwardly spaced from the first electrical contact; and a third electrical contact disposed on the face and radially outwardly spaced from the first electrical contact.

[0090] In these specific embodiments, the two bodies of the magnetic material can be arranged on opposite sides of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion. The two bodies of the magnetic material can be electrically isolated from the electrical contacts of the second connector portion. The two bodies of the magnetic material can be generally arcuate and can have a curvature similar to or the same as that of the third electrical contact of the first connector portion.

[0091] According to another aspect of the invention, a container configured to receive an aerosol generating device is provided. The container includes a housing having an opening and a device retainer pivotally coupled to the housing and pivotable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The device retainer includes an outer wall and one or more inner walls arranged to releasably retain the aerosol generating device. The device retainer has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The device retainer is pivotally coupled to the housing at or around the first end.

[0092] In some embodiments, the container includes a power source and an electrical connector portion electrically connected to the power source, the electrical connector portion being disposed at or around a first end of the device holder when the device holder is in the closed position.

[0093] The electrical connector portion may include a face and a protrusion disposed generally centrally in the face, the protrusion having an end face and a sidewall extending between the face and the end face of the protrusion. The electrical connector portion may further include: a first electrical contact disposed at the end face of the protrusion; a second electrical contact disposed at at least one sidewall of the protrusion and radially outwardly spaced from the first electrical contact; and a third electrical contact disposed on the face and radially outwardly spaced from the first electrical contact.

[0094] In some embodiments, a portion of the device retainer at or around the second end does not include one or more inner walls.

[0095] It should be understood that the features described with respect to the first aspect of the invention can also be applied to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0096] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0097] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a known electrically operated aerosol generation system is shown, the electrically operated aerosol generation system including an aerosol generation article, an aerosol generation device, and a container for electrically operated aerosol generation article;

[0098] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first connector portion of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0099] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the first connector section;

[0100] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a second connector portion of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the second connector portion being... Figure 2 and 3 The first connector section is compatible;

[0101] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A perspective view of the second connector section;

[0102] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a container for an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the apparatus holder is separate from the container housing;

[0103] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the container, in which the device holder is in the closed position;

[0104] Figure 8 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the container, in which the device holder is in the open position;

[0105] Figure 9 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a container, wherein the device holder is in the open position and the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder;

[0106] Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a container, wherein the device holder is in the closed position and the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder;

[0107] Figure 11 A schematic cross-section of a container according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the device holder is in the open position;

[0108] Figure 12 A schematic cross-section of a container according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the device holder is in the open position; and

[0109] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the device holder is in the open position and the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder. Detailed Implementation

[0110] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a known electrically operated aerosol generation system is shown. The known electrically operated aerosol generation system includes a container 1, an aerosol generation device 20, and an aerosol generation product 30.

[0111] Container 1 includes a housing 2 having the general dimensions and shape of a conventional cigarette box. A lithium-ion battery 3 and circuitry 4 are housed within container 1. Container 1 also includes a generally cylindrical cavity 5 for receiving an aerosol generating device 20. Cavity 5 is defined by housing 2. An electrical connector portion (not shown) is arranged at the closed end of cavity 5 for electrically connecting the aerosol generating device received in cavity 5 to the battery 3 of container 1.

[0112] The aerosol generating device 20 is generally cylindrical and has the typical dimensions of a conventional cigar. The length of the device 20 is approximately the same as the length of the cavity 5, and the diameter of the device 20 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cavity 5, such that the device 20 fits snugly within the cavity 5. The aerosol generating device 20 includes an open cavity 21 at its proximal end for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device 20 includes an electrical connector portion (not shown) at its distal end opposite the proximal end. The aerosol generating device 20 also includes a battery (not shown) housed within the device's casing and an electric heater (not shown) disposed in the cavity 21 for heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 30 when it is received in the cavity 21.

[0113] The aerosol generating article 30 includes an aerosol forming matrix (not shown), which comprises aggregated curled tobacco sheets, and a strip-shaped filter (not shown) arranged back-to-back with the aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol generating article 30 has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the cavity 21 of the device 20, and a length greater than the cavity 21, such that when the article 30 is received in the cavity 21 of the device 20, the filter extends out of the cavity 21 and can be inhaled by a user, similar to a conventional cigarette.

[0114] In use, the user inserts the article 30 into the cavity 21 of the device 20 and turns on the device 20 to activate the electric heater. The electric heater heats the aerosol-forming matrix of the article 30, causing the volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming matrix to be released and atomized to form an aerosol. The user aspirates the filter of the article 30 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming matrix.

[0115] After using device 20, article 30 can be removed from device 20 for disposal, and device 20 can be placed in container 1 for storage and battery charging. To place article 30 into container 1, the longitudinal axis of device 20 must be closely aligned with the longitudinal axis of cavity 5 of container 1. When device 20 is aligned with cavity 5, the distal end of device 20 can be inserted into the open end of cavity 5. In some embodiments, a cap is provided to close the open end of the cavity and retain device 20 within cavity 5.

[0116] Figures 2 to 5 A schematic diagram of an electrical connector including a first connector portion 40 and a second connector portion 50 is shown. Figures 2 to 5 The electrical connectors can be used in any embodiment of the invention described herein.

[0117] Figure 2 and 3A first connector portion 40 is shown that can be arranged at the distal end face of an aerosol generating device (not shown). The first connector portion 40 includes three electrical contacts: a first electrical contact 43, a second electrical contact 44, and a third electrical contact 45.

[0118] The first connector portion 40 includes a generally circular plane 46, with a recess 48 located at the center of this plane. The recess 48 is generally cylindrical, having an open end at the plane 46, an opposing closed end, and a tubular sidewall extending between the open and closed end faces. The closed end face of the recess is generally circular and lies in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the plane 46. The circular plane 46 has a diameter of about 10 mm, and the recess 48 has a diameter of about 4 mm and a depth of about 4 mm.

[0119] The first electrical contact 43 is generally circular and extends substantially on the closed end face of the recess 48. The outer edge of the first electrical contact 43 is defined by the sidewall of the recess 48, and therefore the diameter of the first electrical contact is the same as the diameter of the recess. The second electrical contact 44 is generally tubular and extends substantially on the tubular sidewall of the recess 48. The second electrical contact 44 has a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm, such that positioning the second electrical contact 44 in the recess 48 does not significantly reduce the diameter of the recess 48. The second electrical contact 44 has a width of approximately 3.8 mm and is positioned in the recess 48 such that the second electrical contact 44 does not extend to the closed end face of the recess 48. This positioning ensures that the second electrical contact 44 does not contact the first electrical contact 44. The third electrical contact 45 is generally annular and extends substantially on the surface 46. The third electrical contact 45 has an outer diameter of approximately 8 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 4.6 mm, such that the third electrical contact 45 does not contact the second electrical contact 44. In this arrangement, the first electrical contact 43, the second electrical contact 44, and the third electrical contact 45 are all electrically isolated from each other. In this embodiment, the first electrical contact is formed of a copper alloy, the second electrical contact is formed of SS304 stainless steel, and the third electrical contact 45 is formed of SS430 stainless steel.

[0120] Figure 4 and 5 A second connector portion 50 is shown that can be disposed at the closed end face of a cavity in a charging container (not shown). The second connector portion 50 includes four electrical contacts: a first electrical contact 53, a second electrical contact 54, and two third electrical contacts 55.

[0121] The second connector portion 50 includes a generally circular plane 56, with a protrusion 58 located at the center of this plane. The protrusion 58 extends outward from the plane 56 in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the plane 56. The protrusion 58 is generally cylindrical and includes an end face and a tubular sidewall extending between the plane 56 and the open end face of the protrusion. The end face of the protrusion 58 is generally circular and lies in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the plane 56. The protrusion has a shape substantially the same as the recess 48 of the first connector portion 40, with a height of about 3 mm and a maximum diameter of about 3.3 mm, slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the recess 48, such that the protrusion 58 of the second connector portion 50 can fit tightly within the recess 48 of the first connector portion 40. The diameter or width of the protrusion 58 decreases toward the end face of the protrusion, such that the interface between the end face of the protrusion 58 and the sidewall is beveled, thereby making it easier to position the protrusion 58 within the recess 48 of the first connector portion 40.

[0122] The first electrical contact 53 is a spring-loaded pin contact disposed on the end face of the protrusion 58. The first electrical contact 53 extends outward from the end face of the protrusion 58 in a direction substantially the same as the protrusion. The second electrical contact 54 is a leaf spring disposed on the side wall of the protrusion 58. The second electrical contact 54 extends radially outward from the side wall of the protrusion 58 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side wall and substantially parallel to the plane 56 for a maximum distance of approximately 0.3 mm. The two third electrical contacts 55 are spring-loaded pin contacts substantially similar to the first electrical contact 53. The two third electrical contacts 55 extend outward from the surface 56 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface 56 and substantially parallel to the first electrical contact 53.

[0123] Two third electrical contacts 55 are radially spaced outward from the first electrical contact 53 in opposite directions, such that the first electrical contact 53 and the two third electrical contacts 55 are generally arranged in a line. The two third electrical contacts 55 are spaced approximately equidistant from the first electrical contact 53, a distance of approximately 2.75 mm measured from the central axis of the contacts. The distance between the third electrical contact 54 of the second connector portion 50 and the first electrical contact 53 is greater than the diameter of the protrusion 58.

[0124] In this embodiment, spring pin contacts 53 and 55 are made of brass, and leaf spring contact 54 is made of SS301 stainless steel.

[0125] Spring pin contacts 53 and 55 typically extend about 1 mm above the surface where they begin to extend when uncompressed, and about 0.5 mm above the surface where they begin to extend when compressed.

[0126] The first connector portion 40 and the second connector portion 50 include magnetic retaining devices. The magnetic retaining device includes a first magnetic material in the form of a third electrical contact 45 of the first connector portion 40, comprising a ferromagnetic metal ring or strip. The magnetic retaining device also includes a second magnetic material 59 comprising a pair of arched bodies of ferromagnetic material disposed on opposite sides of the electrical contact of the second connector portion 50. The second magnetic material 59 is electrically isolated from the electrical contact of the second connector portion 50.

[0127] In this embodiment, the third electrical contact 45 of the first connector portion 40 (i.e., the first magnetic material) is formed of ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SS430 stainless steel, and the second magnetic material 59 is formed of an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron magnetized to form a permanent magnet.

[0128] As the first connector portion 40 moves toward the second connector portion 50, the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic materials draws the first and second connector portions together, thereby compressing the spring pin contacts 53, 55 of the second connector portion 50 and engaging the electrical contacts of each connector portion. A magnetic holding mechanism helps maintain the electrical engagement of the first and second connector portions. When the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged, the force required to overcome the magnetic attraction and disengage from the first and second connector portions is typically between about 1 N and 5 N, for example, about 2 N.

[0129] Figures 6 to 10 A schematic diagram of a container 101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The container 101 is configured to receive an aerosol generating device, such as the one described above. Figure 1 The aerosol generating apparatus 20 described in the known electrically operated aerosol generating system is shown.

[0130] The container 101 includes a housing 102 and a device holder 106.

[0131] The housing 102 houses the lithium-ion battery 103 and the circuitry 104. The housing 102 also defines a cavity 105, which is shaped and sized to receive a portion of the device holder 106 and the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder 106.

[0132] The housing 102 is typically formed as an open rectangular box, having side walls defining five sides of the box and an opening on a sixth side. The opening forms the open end of the cavity 105 and extends generally along the length and width of one side of the housing 102. The housing 102 has the general shape and dimensions of a conventional cigarette box.

[0133] The device retainer 106 includes an outer wall 107 and an inner wall 108.

[0134] The outer wall 107 is elongated and has a length approximately the same as that of the housing 102. The length of the outer wall 107 defines the length of the device holder 106. The outer wall 107 is shaped and sized to cover the opening of the housing 102. Thus, the outer wall 107 is shaped and sized to be the sixth sidewall of the housing 102.

[0135] The inner wall 108 forms a generally cylindrical tube, defining a generally cylindrical inner channel 109 that extends along the length of the inner wall 108. The channel 109 is open at one end and closed at the other end opposite the open end. The channel 109 has a cross-section along its length that is substantially the same as the cross-section of the aerosol generating device, and the diameter of the inner channel 109 is slightly larger than that of the aerosol generating device, such that the aerosol generating device can be removably held in the inner channel 109 of the device holder 106.

[0136] The tubular inner wall 108 of the device holder 106 is integrally formed with the outer wall 107. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the inner wall 108 may not be integral with the outer wall 107, but may be attached to the outer wall 108 by any suitable attachment means. The tubular inner wall 108 is arranged such that its longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the outer wall 108. The closed end of the channel 109 is located at a first end of the outer wall 107, and the inner wall is arranged to extend along the outer wall 107 from the first end toward a second end. The length of the inner wall 108 is less than the length of the outer wall 107. Therefore, the inner wall 108 does not extend along the entire length of the outer wall 107. A portion of the device holder 106 at the second end does not include the inner wall 108. In other words, the inner wall 108 does not extend from the first end to the second end along the length of the device holder 106. The length of the inner wall 108 is approximately 70% of the length of the outer wall 107. Therefore, a space or gap 110 is provided between the end of the inner wall 108 facing the second end of the device holder 106 and the end of the outer wall 107 at the second end of the device holder 106.

[0137] The device retainer 106 is pivotally connected 111 to the housing at its first end. Specifically, the outer wall 107 is pivotally connected to the housing 102 at one end of the opening of the cavity 105. The pivotal connection 111 allows the device retainer 106 to pivot or rotate relative to the housing 102 between an open position and a closed position, in which the open end of the channel 109 toward the second end of the device retainer 106 is exposed, and in the closed position, the open end of the channel 109 is concealed by the housing 102, and the opening of the housing 102 is covered by the outer wall 107 of the device retainer 106.

[0138] When the device holder 106 is rotated to the closed position, the inner wall 108 of the device holder 106 is received in the cavity 105 of the housing 102. When the aerosol generating device is received in the inner channel 109 of the device holder 106, and the device holder is rotated to the closed position, the aerosol generating device is enclosed in the cavity 105 because it is surrounded or closed by the wall of the housing 102 and the outer wall 107 of the device holder 106. In this position, when the device holder is in the closed position, the aerosol generating device received in the device holder can be substantially protected by the container.

[0139] An electrical connector portion (not shown) is disposed at the closed end of the inner channel 109 for engaging with a complementary electrical connector portion received at the distal end face of the aerosol generating device within the inner channel 109. The electrical connector portion can be coupled with the portion described above... Figure 4 and 5 The second electrical connector portion 50 shown is identical. The electrical connector portion is electrically connected to circuitry 104 in housing 102 of container 101 via a flexible printed circuit (not shown), which allows the electrical connector portion to move from the device holder without damaging the electrical connection.

[0140] Figure 7 and 8 A schematic diagram of container 101 is shown, wherein device holder 106 rotates relative to housing 102 about pivot coupling 111 between closed and open positions.

[0141] Device retainer 106 is pivotable relative to housing 102 between two predetermined positions (closed position and open position). Device retainer 106 is pivotable in a first direction to rotate relative to housing 102 from the open position to the closed position. The outer wall 107 of device retainer 106 overlaps with housing 102 such that when device retainer 106 is in the closed position, outer wall 107 contacts housing 102 to prevent device retainer 106 from rotating further beyond the closed position in the first direction. Device retainer 106 is also pivotable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to rotate relative to housing 102 from the closed position to the open position. Cavity 105 of housing 102 includes a stop (not shown) arranged to contact inner wall 108 of device retainer 106 when device retainer 106 is in the open position to prevent device retainer 106 from rotating beyond the open position in the second direction.

[0142] Figure 8The device holder 106 is shown in the open position. In this embodiment, in the open position, the opening 112 between the housing 102 and the first end of the outer wall 107 of the device holder 106 has a width or diameter approximately twice the width or diameter of the aerosol generating device. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the device holder can pivot relative to the housing at different angles, which provides openings of different widths between the housing and the first end of the outer wall of the device holder.

[0143] The wide opening 112 and gap 110 between the second end of the inner wall 108 and the second end of the outer wall 107 allow the aerosol generating device to be inserted into the device holder 106 from a wide angle range. Specifically, when the aerosol generating device is inserted into the device holder 106, the gap 110 allows the aerosol generating device to contact the outer wall 107. This allows the portion of the outer wall 107 at the second end of the device holder 106 without the inner wall 108 to serve as a guide for aligning the aerosol generating device with the channel 109 of the tubular inner wall 108. This further facilitates the insertion of the aerosol generating device into the device holder 106.

[0144] Figure 9 and 10 An aerosol generating device 120 is shown that is releasably held in a device holder 106 in a container 101, wherein the device holder is in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

[0145] Figure 9 An aerosol generating device 120 is shown receiving an aerosol generator 106 in an open position. The aerosol generating device 120 is identical to the aerosol generating device 20 in the known systems described above. Figure 9 As shown, the gap 110 between the second end of the inner wall 108 and the second end of the outer wall 107 exposes a portion of the aerosol generating device 120 at its proximal end. This exposed portion at the proximal end of the device 120 can be approached and grasped by a user to remove the device 120 from the device holder 106. Therefore, the device holder 106 does not require a lifting mechanism for raising the device 120 outside the device holder 106. This reduces costs and simplifies the design of the device holder 106 compared to a device holder that includes a lifting mechanism for removing the device.

[0146] Figure 10 An aerosol generating device 120 is shown held in a device holder 106 with the device holder 106 in the closed position. The aerosol generating device 120 is completely enclosed in a cavity 105 of a housing 102 and surrounded by the outer wall 107 of the housing 102 and the device holder 106. In this configuration, the aerosol generating device 120 is substantially protected by a container 101.

[0147] An electrical connector (not shown) is provided at the closed end of channel 109 for electrically connecting the aerosol generating device 120 to the battery 103 via circuitry 104 of container 101 when the aerosol generating device 120 is received in device holder 106 and device holder 106 is in the closed position. Therefore, when the aerosol generating device is received in device holder 106 and device holder 106 is in the closed position, container 101 is configured to supply power to the aerosol generating device 120 to charge it.

[0148] Figure 11 and 12 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the container according to the present invention is shown.

[0149] Figure 11 A container 201 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Container 201 is generally similar to container 101 of the first embodiment described above. Container 201 includes a housing 202 and a device holder 206. Housing 202 houses a battery 203, a circuit 204, and a cavity 205 for receiving the device holder 206. Device holder 206 includes an outer wall 207 and a tubular inner wall 208 defining a channel 209 having a closed end at a first end of device holder 206 and an open end at a second end of device holder 206. Device holder 206 is pivotally coupled to housing 202 at the first end such that device holder 206 can rotate between an open position and a closed position, in which the outer wall 207 at the second end of device holder 206 is spaced from housing 202, and in the closed position, the outer wall 207 covers the opening of cavity 205 and contacts housing 202 at the second end.

[0150] The inner wall 208 is generally cylindrical and includes a generally cylindrical inner channel 209. The inner wall 208 extends generally along the outer wall 207 from the first end toward the second end. The inner wall 208 extends for approximately 70% of the length of the outer wall 207, such that a gap is provided between the inner wall 208 and the outer wall 207 at the second end of the device holder 206. When the device holder 206 is in the closed position, the inner wall 208 is received in a cavity 205 of the housing 202. When the device holder 206 is in the closed position, the outer wall 207 is arranged to cover the opening of the cavity 205 to enclose the aerosol generating device received in the device holder 206 within the housing 205 and the outer wall 207 of the device holder 206. When the device holder 206 is in the closed position, the outer wall 207 generally forms a sidewall of the housing 202.

[0151] A first electrical connector portion 213 is disposed at the closed end of channel 209. When the aerosol generating device is received in device holder 206, the first electrical connector portion 213 is configured to electrically engage with a second portion of an electrical connector (not shown) disposed at the distal end of the aerosol generating device. Device holder 206 also includes an electrical connector portion 214, which is configured to electrically engage with a complementary electrical connector portion 215 of circuitry 204 in housing 202 when device holder 206 is in the closed position relative to housing 202. When device holder 206 is in the closed position, circuitry 204 is configured to supply power from battery 203 of container 201 to the aerosol generating device received in device holder 206 via electrical connector portion 213 at the closed end of channel 209. When the device holder 206 pivots away from the closed position, the electrical connector portion 214 is electrically disconnected from the complementary electrical connector portion 215 of the circuit 204, so that when the device holder 206 is not in the closed position, power may not be supplied from the battery 203 of the container 201 to the aerosol generating device received in the device holder 206.

[0152] It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the first electrical connector portion 213 may be connected to the container's circuitry 204 via a flexible wired connection. The flexible wired connection may be a flexible printed circuit.

[0153] The container 201 is also provided with a magnetic holding device for releasably holding the device holder in a closed position. When the device holder is in the closed position, the magnetic holding device includes a first magnetic material 216 disposed at a second end of the device holder and a second magnetic material 217 disposed on the housing adjacent to the second end of the device holder. The first magnetic material 216 is primarily made of ferrous material, and the second magnetic material 217 is a permanent magnet. The first magnetic material 216 and the second magnetic material 217 are arranged to magnetically attract each other, causing the device holder 206 to be pushed or biased into the closed position. The magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic materials 216, 217 requires the user to apply additional force to the device holder 206 to pivot the device holder 206 from the closed position to the open position.

[0154] Figure 12 A container 301 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Container 301 is generally similar to that described above. Figures 6 to 11The embodiments shown are containers 101 and 201. Container 301 includes a housing 302 and a device holder 306. The housing 302 houses a battery 303, a circuit 304, and a cavity 305 for receiving the device holder 306. The device holder 306 includes an outer wall 307 and a tubular inner wall 308 defining a channel 309 having open ends at first and second ends of the device holder 306. The device holder 306 is pivotally coupled to the housing 302 at the first end such that the device holder 306 can rotate between an open position and a closed position, in which the outer wall 307 at the second end of the device holder 306 is spaced from the housing 302, and in the closed position, the outer wall 307 covers the opening of the cavity 305 and contacts the housing 302 at the second end.

[0155] The inner wall 308 is generally cylindrical and includes a generally cylindrical inner channel 309. The inner wall 308 extends generally along the outer wall 307 from near the first end toward the second end. The inner wall 308 extends for approximately 60% of the length of the outer wall 307, such that a gap is provided between the inner wall 308 and the outer wall 307 at the first and second ends of the device holder. When the device holder 306 is in the closed position, the inner wall 308 is received in a cavity 305 of the housing 302. When the device holder 306 is in the closed position, the outer wall 307 is arranged to cover the opening of the cavity 305 to enclose the aerosol generating device received in the device holder 306 within the housing 305 and the outer wall 307 of the device holder 306. When the device holder 306 is in the closed position, the outer wall 307 generally forms a sidewall of the housing 302.

[0156] The open end of the channel 309 at the first end of the device holder 306 allows the aerosol generating device received in the device holder to extend through the channel 309 and contact the housing 302 near the pivot connection.

[0157] Container 301 includes a first electrical connector portion 313 in a cavity 305 of housing 302, near the pivotal connection between housing 302 and device holder 306. The first electrical connector portion 313 is arranged such that when device holder 306 is in the closed position, the distal end of an aerosol generating device received in device holder 306 can contact the first connector portion 313. A second electrical connector portion (not shown) may be arranged at the distal end face of the aerosol generating device, and when the aerosol generating device is received in a channel 309 of device holder 306 and device holder 306 is in the closed position, the second electrical connector portion can electrically engage with the first electrical connector portion 313. In this embodiment, the first electrical connector portion 313 is fixedly electrically engaged to circuit 304. The second electrical connector portion at the distal end of the aerosol generating device electrically disconnects from the first electrical connector portion 313 by pivoting the device holder from the closed position to the open position, which moves the distal end face of the aerosol generating device relative to housing 302 and the first electrical connector portion 313.

[0158] Figure 13 An electrically operated aerosol generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 13 The container 401 is roughly similar to that described above. Figure 11 The illustrated embodiment shows container 201. However, container 401 has a second electrical connector portion (not shown) at the closed end of device holder 406, which is permanently electrically connected to the circuitry (not shown) of container 401 via flexible printed circuitry (not shown). Figure 13 As shown, container 401 includes a shell with rounded edges to provide a shape that is easy and comfortable for the user to hold. Container 401 includes a device retainer 406, which is pivotally coupled to the shell at a location near a first end of the device retainer 406. Device retainer 406 includes an outer wall forming a sidewall of the shell when the device retainer is in the closed position and an inner wall forming a generally cylindrical tube having a cylindrical channel with two opposing open ends. The outer wall of device retainer 406 extends generally along the length of the shell, while the inner wall extends from around the first end of the device shell for approximately 70% of the length of the outer wall. This arrangement of the inner wall provides a gap between the inner and outer walls at a second end of device retainer 406. This gap at the second end of device retainer 406 is exposed when the device retainer is in the open position, as... Figure 13 As shown in the diagram, the gap allows the user to insert the distal end of the aerosol generating device into the device holder from a wide angle range, enabling the user to directly insert the aerosol generating device into the holder. When the device holder is in the open position, the gap also allows the user to grasp the aerosol generating device received in the device holder.

[0159] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should also be understood that the features described above with respect to one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrically operated aerosol generation system, comprising: Aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: Proximal end; The distal end, opposite the proximal end, has a distal end face; First rechargeable power source; and A cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming matrix at the proximal end; and A container configured to receive the aerosol generating device, the container comprising: A shell with an opening; and A device retainer pivotally coupled to the housing and pivotable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position, the device retainer comprising an outer wall and one or more inner walls arranged to releasably retain the aerosol generating device; A second rechargeable power source, the second rechargeable power source being housed within the housing; and Circuit, in: The device retainer has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and the device retainer is pivotally coupled to the housing at or around the first end; and The electrically operated aerosol generation system further includes an electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising: The first connector portion at the distal end face of the aerosol generating device; and The second connector portion located at or around the first end of the device holder within the housing of the container or the device holder. When the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder, the first connector portion and the second connector portion are arranged to be electrically connected. When the first connector portion and the second connector portion are electrically connected, the second rechargeable power supply is arranged to supply power to the aerosol generating device via the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and The circuitry is configured to control the power supply from the second rechargeable power source to the aerosol generating device.

2. The electrically operated aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the device retainer at or around the second end does not include the one or more inner walls.

3. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the device holder is in the closed position, the outer wall of the device holder is arranged to cover the opening of the housing.

4. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer wall of the device holder has a length, and the one or more inner walls of the device holder have a length, and the length of the one or more inner walls is less than the length of the outer wall.

5. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the length of the one or more inner walls of the device holder is not greater than 75% of the length of the outer wall of the device holder.

6. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more inner walls of the device holder extend from or around the first end of the device holder along the outer wall of the device holder in a direction toward the second end of the device holder.

7. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more inner walls of the device holder are configured to be received in the housing when the device holder is in the closed position, such that the aerosol generating device is received in the housing when the device holder is releasably held in the device holder and when the device holder is in the closed position.

8. The electrically operated aerosol generating system of claim 7, wherein when the aerosol generating device is received in the device holder and the device holder is in the closed position, the housing and the outer wall of the device holder are arranged to enclose the aerosol generating device.

9. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening of the housing extends on one side of the housing.

10. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer wall and one or more inner walls of the device holder are arranged to form a channel for receiving the aerosol generating device.

11. The electrically operated aerosol generating system of claim 10, wherein the channel has a closed end at a first end of the device holder, the closed end defining a closed end face, and the second connector portion is disposed at the closed end face.

12. The electrically operated aerosol generating system of claim 10, wherein the channel has an open end at a first end of the device holder, and when the device holder is in the closed position, the second connector portion is disposed at the housing of the container around the first end of the device holder.

13. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrically operated aerosol generating system includes a magnetic holding device for releasably holding the first connector portion and the second connector portion of the electrical connector electrically engaged, the magnetic holding device including a first magnetic material disposed on the aerosol generating device and a second magnetic material disposed on the container.

14. The electrically operated aerosol generation system of claim 13, wherein the first magnetic material is disposed at the first connector portion and the second magnetic material is disposed at the second connector portion.

15. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container includes means for releasably holding the housing and the device retainer in a closed position.

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