Charging unit configured to operate with aerosol-generating device, and associated aerosol-generating assembly and method of operation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging unit (14) configured to operate with an aerosol-generating device (12); the aerosol-generating device (12) comprises a device body (21) extending along a device axis (X) and defining at least one lateral wall (25); the charging unit (14) comprises a unit body (51) defining an outer surface, and a recessed portion (54) formed in the outer surface and configured to receive the aerosol-generating device (12) such that a lateral wall (25) of the device body (21) extends continuously with the outer surface of the unit body (51); wherein the charging unit (14) further comprises an ejection mechanism (80) configured to eject one end (22, 24) of the aerosol-generating device (12) from the recessed portion (54) of the charging unit (14) upon a trigger event.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging unit configured to operate with an aerosol generating device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating assembly associated with such a charging unit and a method of operation.

[0002] In particular, according to the invention, an aerosol generating assembly comprises a charging unit and an aerosol generating device which can be received in the charging unit. Background Art

[0003] Different types of aerosol generating devices are known in the art. Typically, such devices include a storage portion for storing a vaporizable material, which may include, for example, a liquid or a solid. The heating system is formed by one or more electrically activated resistive heating elements arranged to heat the vaporizable material to generate an aerosol. The aerosol is released into a flow path extending between an inlet and an outlet of the device. The outlet may be arranged as a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol through which a user inhales.

[0004] In some aerosol generating devices, the vaporizable material is stored in a removable cartridge. Therefore, when the vaporizable material is consumed, the cartridge can be easily removed and replaced. In order to attach the removable cartridge to the device body, a threaded connection can be used, for example.

[0005] Some aerosol generating devices are configured to be stored in a housing. Such a housing may be adapted to receive the aerosol generating device, eventually with or without a removable cartridge. This may simplify the carrying of the device and, for example, protect it from impact. Some housings may also prevent leakage of vaporizable material contained in the cartridge.

[0006] According to some examples, the housing may be provided with a rechargeable battery capable of recharging the battery of the aerosol generating device when, for example, an external power source is not available. Such a housing may be referred to as a charging unit. According to additional examples, the housing may allow the device power supply to be connected to an external power source and / or the device data to be connected to an external device.

[0007] Some charging units are provided with a lid or other type of door to allow access to the aerosol generating device and to ensure that the aerosol generating device is securely stored inside the charging unit.Thus, the user must first open the lid in order to be able to grasp the device.

[0008] According to some examples, the charging unit may be provided with a means for facilitating a user to grip the aerosol generating device. For example, some charging units may be provided with a slope to eject the aerosol generating device from the charging unit.

[0009] Different means of allowing secure storage and / or gripping and / or ejection of the aerosol-generating device make the charging unit bulky and unsuitable for a user to carry together with the aerosol-generating device (eg as a portable device). Summary of the invention

[0010] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a charging unit of reduced size and weight. Thus, a user can carry the charging unit together with the aerosol generating device without difficulty.

[0011] To this end, the present invention relates to a charging unit configured to operate with an aerosol generating device;

[0012] The aerosol-generating device comprises a device body extending along a device axis between two ends, the device body defining at least one lateral wall of the aerosol-generating device;

[0013] the charging unit comprising a unit body defining an exterior surface and a recessed portion formed in the exterior surface and configured to receive the aerosol generating device such that a lateral wall of the device body extends continuously with the exterior surface of the unit body;

[0014] Wherein, the charging unit further comprises an ejection mechanism, which is configured to eject an end of the aerosol generating device from the recessed portion of the charging unit upon a triggering event.

[0015] Due to these features, no special means are required to facilitate gripping of the device.Thus, the user can directly grip the end of the aerosol generating device that is ejected from the recessed portion of the charging unit.

[0016] Preferably, the ejection mechanism according to the invention is powered, for example, by a battery included in the charging unit.Such an ejection mechanism can be particularly compact, thereby further reducing the size and weight of the charging unit.

[0017] In addition, since in the receiving position the lateral walls of the device body extend continuously with the outer surface of the unit body, the aerosol generating device can be removed from the charging unit using only the ejection mechanism. In particular, since no specific recess or gap is provided between the lateral walls of the device body and the outer surface of the unit body, the only possibility for the user to remove the aerosol generating device is to actuate the ejection mechanism via a triggering event. This can, for example, prevent children or any other unauthorized person from using the aerosol generating device. Thus, the aerosol generating device can be securely stored inside the charging unit. This also means that the charging unit has no lid or any other covering element to ensure access to the aerosol generating device.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the triggering event comprises activation of a button by a user.

[0019] Thanks to these features, the ejection mechanism can be easily actuated by the user. The button can, for example, be arranged on the unit body and present any suitable shape and form. For example, the button can be mechanical (e.g., a push button) or a touch button. According to other examples, the button can be arranged on the device body and present a mechanical or touch button as in the previous case. In these other examples, the size and weight of the charging unit are further reduced.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the trigger event may be generated by a controller, for example a controller included in the charging unit or in the aerosol generating device. For example, the controller may generate such a trigger event after a user performs an action related to the charging unit and / or the aerosol generating device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the triggering event further includes successful authentication of the user.

[0022] In this case, the controller of the aerosol generating device or the charging unit may be configured to perform an authentication process for the user. The process may include user authentication using, for example, authentication data (such as a username, password, identifier, etc.) or biometric data. The biometric data may, for example, include a user fingerprint, which may be detected by a sensor arranged on the unit body. Additionally or alternatively, user authentication may, for example, include sending an authentication signal from an external device (such as a smartphone).

[0023] Due to these features, the aerosol-generating device can only be ejected from the charging unit and be able to generate vapour if the user has been successfully authenticated. This prevents unauthorised users, such as children, from using the aerosol-generating device.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism is configured to be powered upon a triggering event to eject said end of the aerosol generating device;

[0025] Preferably, the ejection mechanism is configured to be powered during a predetermined period of time to maintain said end of the aerosol generating device in the ejection position.

[0026] Due to these features, a triggering event may trigger the powering of the ejection mechanism, for example by a battery of the charging unit. Alternatively or additionally, the battery of the aerosol generating device may power the ejection mechanism. Advantageously, the aerosol generating device may be in the ejection position as long as the ejection mechanism is powered. If the user does not grip the aerosol generating device during the predetermined time period, the powering of the ejection mechanism may be stopped and the aerosol generating device may be returned to its receiving position for charging, for example by action of a retaining mechanism or for example by gravity. Alternatively, the user may insert the aerosol generating device back into the recessed portion by manual action. The predetermined time period may last for a few seconds, for example 4 seconds or 5 seconds. The predetermined time period may also be configured by the user.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the charging unit further comprises a retaining mechanism configured to retain at least one end portion of the aerosol-generating device or the entire device body within the recessed portion of the charging unit.

[0028] Due to these features, the aerosol generating device can be retained in the recessed portion. According to different embodiments, the retaining mechanism can be configured to retain the entire device or only one of its ends in the recessed portion. In the first case, the retaining mechanism can be actuated, for example, when the rejection mechanism is not powered. This can fix the aerosol generating device in the receiving position and prevent, for example, unauthorized users from using the aerosol generating device. In the second case, the retaining mechanism can be actuated, for example, simultaneously with the ejection mechanism. In this case, one end of the aerosol generating device can be ejected from the recessed portion and the other end is retained in the recessed portion. This ensures a stable position of the aerosol generating device in the ejected state before it is grasped by the user.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a ferromagnetic element or a magnetic element arranged in the unit body so as to generate an attractive force with a magnetic element included in the device body.

[0030] Due to these features, the retaining mechanism can present a simplified structure. In some examples, the magnetic element in the device body can be formed by a permanent magnet, which attracts a corresponding ferromagnetic or magnetic element arranged in the unit body. In the case of a ferromagnetic element in the unit body, the ferromagnetic element can be made of any ferromagnetic material that can be attracted by a permanent magnet. In the case of a magnetic element in the unit body, the magnetic element can be formed by a permanent magnet. According to these examples, the retaining mechanism does not need to be powered because the retaining mechanism can function permanently when the aerosol generating device is received in the recessed portion.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism includes a first magnetic element disposed in the unit body to face a second magnetic element disposed in the device body, the first magnetic element being configured to repel the second magnetic element when powered;

[0032] The first magnetic element is a coil configured to generate a magnetic field that repels the second magnetic element.

[0033] Due to these features, the ejection action of the ejection mechanism can be achieved by activating the magnetic field by the charging unit and repelling the second magnetic element by the magnetic field. The second magnetic element can be formed by a permanent magnet or another magnetic coil.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the ferromagnetic element of the retention mechanism forms the electromagnetic core of said coil of the ejection mechanism;

[0035] Preferably, the retaining mechanism is configured to retain the entire device body within the recessed portion of the charging unit when the ejection mechanism is not powered.

[0036] Due to these features, the ejection mechanism and the retention mechanism can be combined to form the same structure. Therefore, when the coil is not powered, the ferromagnetic element can be attracted by the second magnetic element included in the device body so as to retain the device body and the unit body together. When the coil is powered, the magnetic field generated by the coil can be configured to exceed the attractive force generated between the second magnetic element and the ferromagnetic element to repel the second magnetic element. Therefore, an ejection force is generated.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism comprises a shape memory alloy spring capable of expanding when powered, and a plunger mounted on the spring and capable of repelling the end of the aerosol-generating device.

[0038] Due to these features, an ejection force can be obtained while the shape memory alloy spring is expanding. The plunger can directly abut the device body, so that no additional components are required in the aerosol generating device to generate the ejection action.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the retention mechanism is configured to retain the non-ejection end of the aerosol-generating device within the recessed portion of the charging unit.

[0040] Due to these features, a stable position of the aerosol-generating device may be achieved in its launched state.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism further includes a biasing element configured to bias the shape memory alloy spring to its initial position after the shape memory alloy spring has expanded.

[0042] Due to these features, the shape memory alloy spring can automatically take its initial shape when it is not powered. Therefore, the plunger can return to its initial position without any additional action by the user.

[0043] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating assembly, the aerosol generating assembly comprising:

[0044] - aerosol generating device;

[0045] - A charging unit as defined above.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a user interface.

[0047] When the aerosol generating device is received in the recessed portion of the charging unit and is, for example, being charged by the charging unit, the user interface may be used to display and / or input data / commands. Since at least a lateral wall of the aerosol generating device remains uncovered, such a user interface may be arranged directly on the lateral wall and there is no need to provide a separate user interface on the charging unit. This may simplify the structure of the charging unit and make it more compact.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the user interface is adapted to display at least one of the following data elements:

[0049] - an indicator indicating whether the aerosol-generating device is received in the charging unit;

[0050] - an indicator indicating the charging process of the aerosol generating device by the charging unit;

[0051] - an indicator indicating the result of the authentication process;

[0052] - an indicator indicating the progress of heating of the vaporizable material;

[0053] - an indicator indicating the remaining capacity for heating the vaporisable material without charging a battery included in the aerosol-generating device;

[0054] - an indicator indicating the remaining capacity of the battery of the aerosol-generating device;

[0055] - an indicator indicating the remaining capacity of the battery of the charging unit;

[0056] - an indicator indicating the charging process of the battery of the charging unit by the external power source.

[0057] Due to these features, useful information about the use of the device and / or the charging process and / or the authentication process may be provided to the user.

[0058] The present invention also relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating assembly as defined above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0059] -Detect trigger events;

[0060] - Powering the ejection mechanism to eject one end of the aerosol generating device from the recessed portion of the charging unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] - Figure 1is a schematic front view of an aerosol generating assembly according to the present invention, the aerosol generating assembly comprising a charging unit and an aerosol generating device received in the charging unit;

[0063] - Figure 2 is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a plane II-II' of the aerosol generating assembly, the aerosol generating device is taken out of the charging unit, the charging unit includes a rejection mechanism and a retention mechanism;

[0064] - Figure 3 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the rejection mechanism and retention mechanism;

[0065] - Figure 4 According to the second embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the rejection mechanism and retention mechanism; and

[0066] - Figure 5 According to the third embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the rejection mechanism and retention mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Before describing the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the construction details set forth in the following description. For those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, it is obvious that the present invention is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in a variety of different ways.

[0068] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" or "device" may include an inhalation device to deliver an aerosol (including an aerosol for inhalation) to a user by means of an aerosol generating unit (e.g., an aerosol generating element that generates a vapor that condenses into an aerosol before being delivered to the outlet of the device (e.g., at the mouthpiece) for inhalation by the user). The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to the device being used when held by a user. The device may be suitable for generating a variable amount of aerosol, for example, by activating a heater system for a variable amount of time (different from the aerosol of the metered dose), which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as an inhalation button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to inhalation intensity and inhalation duration to be able to provide a variable amount of vapor (so as to simulate the effect of inhaling a traditional combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe). The apparatus may include a temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heater and / or heated aerosol generating substance (aerosol precursor) to a specified target temperature and thereafter maintain the temperature at the target temperature effective to generate an aerosol.

[0069] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of vaporizable material such as one or more of the following: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. The suspension may be in a gas (including air). Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include vapor. Aerosol may contain one or more components of vaporizable material.

[0070] As used herein, the term "vaporizable material" or "precursor" or "aerosol forming substance" or "substance" is used to specify any material that can be vaporized in air to form an aerosol. Vaporization is usually obtained by increasing the temperature to the boiling point of the vaporized material, such as at a temperature lower than 400°C, preferably up to 350°C. Vaporizable material can, for example, include the following or be composed of the following: aerosol-generating liquid, gel, wax, foam, etc., aerosol-generating solid (which can be in the form of a rod, which contains a curled sheet or oriented strip of processed tobacco material, reconstituted tobacco (RTB)), or any combination of these. Vaporizable material can include one or more of the following: nicotine, caffeine or other active ingredients. Active ingredients can be carried by a carrier, which can be a liquid. The carrier can include propylene glycol or glycerol. Flavoring agents can also be present. Flavoring agents can include ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or the like.

[0071] As used herein, the term "external device" may refer to a device capable of establishing a wireless data connection with the aerosol generating device, as explained in this specification. Such an external device may be a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. In addition, such an external device may be a smart device capable of processing at least some data received from the aerosol generating device or intended to be transmitted to the aerosol generating device. Such a smart device may be a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet computer, a laptop, a desktop computer or any other smart object implemented, for example, according to IoT ("Internet of Things") technology. Such a smart device may also be another aerosol generating device similar to the aerosol generating device.

[0072] refer to Figure 1 , the aerosol generating assembly 10 according to the present invention comprises an aerosol generating device 12 and a charging unit 14 configured to operate with the aerosol generating device 12. In particular, the charging unit 14 is configured to store the aerosol generating device 12 and charge it. Figure 2 These elements 12 , 14 are shown in more detail in , wherein the aerosol generating device 12 is removed from the charging unit 14 .

[0073] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the aerosol generating device 12 comprises a device body 21 extending along a device axis X between a battery end 22 and a mouthpiece end 24. The device body 21 may be formed in a cylindrical shape having, for example, a circular, oval or rectangular cross-section. The device body 21 further defines a lateral wall 25 extending along the device axis X. Depending on the cross-sectional shape of the device body 21, the lateral wall 25 may be formed by one or several external surfaces.

[0074] The mouthpiece end 24 includes, for example, a mouthpiece (not shown) that is intended to cooperate with the user's mouth. The battery end 22 may be used, for example, by the user to hold the device 12 when it is used to generate vapor. In particular, the battery end 21 may be formed into an appropriate ergonomic shape for the user to hold when using the aerosol generating device 12.

[0075] refer to Figure 2 , the device body 21 defines a storage portion 26 designed to store vaporizable materials. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the storage portion 26 is designed to receive a removable cigarette cartridge, which is designed to store vaporizable materials. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the cigarette cartridge can be received in the storage portion 26 and when the vaporizable material is exhausted, it can be replaced with another cigarette cartridge. The vaporizable material can be in liquid form or at least partially in solid form. In a first example, the cigarette cartridge defines a reservoir capable of storing liquid vaporizable materials. In a second example, the cigarette cartridge can present a tobacco rod or any other suitable shape including shredded and / or compressed tobacco leaves. In some cases, the cigarette cartridge can define a suction nozzle and at least partially form the suction nozzle end 24 of the device 12. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the storage portion 26 is designed to be directly filled with vaporizable materials through, for example, a suitable opening. In this case, when the vaporizable material is exhausted, the storage portion 26 can be refilled with vaporizable materials.

[0076] The device body 21 defines an internal portion of the aerosol generating device 12, which includes, for example, a power block 32 designed to power the device 12, a heating system 34 designed to heat the vaporizable material included in the storage portion 26, and a controller 36 designed to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 12. The device body 21 may further include other internal components that perform various functions of the device known in the art.

[0077] It should be noted that Figure 2 Only a schematic representation of the different components of the aerosol-generating device 12 is presented, but does not necessarily show the actual physical arrangement and dimensions of these components. In particular, such an arrangement may be selected depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 12 and the technical features of its components.

[0078] The power block 32 comprises a battery and a battery charger. The battery is, for example, a known battery designed to be charged using a power supply provided by an external power source and to provide a direct current DC. The battery charger is capable of connecting the battery to the external power source and controlling the power delivered to the battery from the external power source according to, for example, a predetermined charging curve (e.g., a constant current-constant voltage curve). Such a charging curve can, for example, define the charging voltage of the battery according to the charge level of the battery.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to electrically connect the battery to an external power source, the battery charger includes Figure 2 The power connector 40 shown. The power connector 40 may correspond to any known connector and may be arranged on a transverse wall of the device body 21, which is substantially perpendicular to the device axis X and is arranged on the battery end 22 of the device body 21. In particular, the power connector 40 may protrude from the transverse wall or may be recessed in the wall. According to other embodiments, the power connector 40 may be arranged on any other wall. Advantageously, the power connector 40 may be provided with any suitable device that facilitates its connection with an external connector and / or disconnection from an external connector. Such a device may be formed by a magnetic element. Advantageously, the power connector 40 is configured to be connected to an external connector without engaging inside it and not receiving at least a portion of the external connector. In this case, the connection between the connectors may be performed by the cooperation of the contact surfaces of the two connectors. In order to maintain the connection and make it reliable, a suitable pushing device may be used to push at least one of the connectors toward another connector. Such a pushing device may be integrated into the aerosol generating device 12 and / or the charging unit 14. Advantageously, the operation of the pushing device may be deactivated after a triggering event, as will be explained in further detail below. In some embodiments, the power connector 40 can be used for purposes other than charging, such as data transmission purposes. In this case, the power connector can be directly connected to the controller 36.

[0080] According to some embodiments of the invention, the battery charger may also be adapted to wirelessly charge the battery of the device 12 using, for example, magnetic cooperation between a pair of coils known per se. In this case, the power connector 40 may be provided as previously explained or may be used only for other purposes, such as data transmission purposes. According to yet another example, the aerosol generating device 12 is not provided with a connector.

[0081] The heating system 34 is connected to the power block 32 via a controller 36. Various types of components known in the art may form the heating system 34. Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating system 34 may include a wick and a heating element, the wick being arranged in the storage portion 26, the heating element being arranged around the wick and connected to the power block 32 via the controller 36. In this case, the liquid vaporizable material may be vaporized by passing through the wick while being heated by the heating element. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the heating system 34 may include one or more heating plates. In this case, the heating plate may form a wall of the storage portion 26 and be connected to the power block 32 to heat at least a portion of the solid vaporizable material. Alternatively or additionally, the heating plate may form a protrusion protruding from the storage portion 26. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the heating system 34 may heat the vaporizable material by electromagnetic interaction between one or more susceptors and an electromagnetic coil.

[0082] The controller 36 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 12. In particular, the controller 36 is configured to power the heating system 34 of the device to generate vapor from the vaporizable material. The controller 36 can be activated by the user via a suction button, or, for example, after the pressure sensor arranged in the airflow path of the aerosol generating device 12 detects the user's suction. The controller 36 can perform any other function known to the device 12 itself. Such functions can, for example, relate to the communication capability, maintenance capability, analysis capability, etc. of the device 12 with an external device. The controller 36 may include one or more integrated circuits and several electrical parts. Such an integrated circuit may include at least one of an MCU (microcontroller unit) or an MPU (microprocessing unit).

[0083] According to some embodiments of the invention, the aerosol generating device 12 further comprises a user interface 39 arranged on the lateral wall 25 of the device body 21. The user interface 39 is connected to the controller 36 and is capable of inputting / outputting data to / from the controller 36. For example, the user interface 39 may comprise a display adapted to display at least one of the following data elements:

[0084] - an indicator indicating whether the aerosol generating device 12 is received in the charging unit 14;

[0085] - an indicator indicating the charging process of the aerosol generating device 12 by the charging unit 14;

[0086] - an indicator indicating the result of the authentication process (as explained in further detail below);

[0087] - an indicator indicating the progress of heating of the vaporizable material comprised in the storage portion 26;

[0088] - an indicator indicating a remaining amount of the vaporizable material included in the storage portion 26 that can be heated without charging the battery included in the power block 32;

[0089] - an indicator indicating the remaining charge of the battery of the aerosol generating device 12;

[0090] - an indicator showing the remaining amount of the battery of the charging unit 14;

[0091] - an indicator indicating the charging process of the charging unit 14 by the external power source.

[0092] In some embodiments, the user interface 39 includes an input device, such as a touch pad, that can obtain at least some commands from the user. These commands can be related to the authentication process, for example. In some embodiments, the user interface 39 can further include a biometric data sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor.

[0093] The charging unit 14 defines a unit body 51, which defines an outer surface 53 and a recessed portion 54, which is formed in the outer surface 53 and is configured to receive the aerosol generating device 12, so that the lateral wall 25 of the device body 21 extends continuously with the outer surface 53 of the unit body 51. In particular, by the continuous extension of the lateral wall 25 and the outer surface 53, it should be understood that the thickness of the gap formed between these elements along the entire boundary of the recessed portion 54 is less than a predetermined threshold. The threshold may be between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, for example. Advantageously, the threshold is selected so as not to allow the user's fingers to grasp the device body when the device body 21 is received in the recessed portion 54, allowing easy insertion of the device body 21 despite possible manufacturing inaccuracies and / or material expansion, for example. The lateral wall 25 and the outer surface 53 may, for example, have a design that ensures a smooth transition between these elements when the device body 21 is received in the recessed portion 54.

[0094] The recessed portion 54 extends along a recessed axis Y. The recessed portion 54 is adapted to receive the aerosol generating device 12 such that the device axis X coincides with the recessed axis Y. In particular, the recessed portion 54 extends along the recessed axis Y between a first end 62 and a second end 64. The first end 62 and the second end 64 are adapted to receive the battery end 22 and the mouthpiece end 24 of the aerosol generating device 12, respectively. To this end, in the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, the first end 62 of the recessed portion 54 may include a connector 70 configured to cooperate with the power connector 40 of the aerosol generating device 12, as explained above. Depending on the nature of the power connector 40, the connector 70 of the charging unit 14 may be adapted to transmit power to the device 12 or transmit data to the device 12. In some embodiments, the first end 62 of the recessed portion 54 may include foam or any other suitable material to prevent leakage from the mouthpiece when the aerosol generating device 12 is received in the recessed portion 54.

[0095] The unit body 51 of the charging unit 14 defines an internal part including, in particular, an electronic circuit system 72. According to some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 72 includes a charging circuit capable of providing a power supply to the aerosol generating device 12. For this purpose, the charging circuit may include a rechargeable battery and a charger capable of charging the battery of the aerosol generating device 12 wirelessly and / or via the connectors 40, 70. The charging circuit may further include an electrical connection device that makes it possible to connect the battery included in the circuit and / or the charger to an external power source. For example, the charging circuit may define an external connector for this purpose. The external connector is, for example, arranged on an external surface of the unit body 51.

[0096] According to the present invention, the electronic circuit system 72 further includes a control module 75 (referred to as a controller in some cases), which is capable of implementing the ejection capability of the charging unit 14 after a triggering event. The triggering event may include actuating a button by a user. In this case, the charging unit 14 may, for example, include a button 77, which is arranged on, for example, the outer surface 53 of the unit body 51. The button 77 may, for example, be a mechanical or touch button. The control module 75 may include one or several integrated circuits and several electrical parts as well as a controller 36. Such an integrated circuit may include at least one of an MCU (microcontroller unit) or an MPU (microprocessing unit).

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, the triggering event may comprise a successful authentication of the user following an authentication process. The authentication process may be performed, for example, using a button 77 on the outer surface 53 of the aerosol-generating device 12 and / or the user interface 39. For example, the authentication process may comprise verifying user data, such as an identifier, a name, a password and / or a biometric / data (e.g. a user's fingerprint). For this last purpose, a fingerprint sensor may be arranged in the button 77 and / or the user interface 39, as explained previously.

[0098] According to another example, the triggering event may include any other event that can be detected by the electronic circuit system 72. For example, the triggering event may include receiving a special command from an external device connected to the electronic circuit system 72 of the charging unit 14. According to another embodiment, the triggering event may include receiving a special command from the device 12 using, for example, the connectors 40 and 70.

[0099] According to the present invention, the charging unit 14 further comprises an ejection mechanism 80, which is configured to eject at least one end of the device 12 upon a triggering event. In some embodiments, the charging unit 14 further comprises a retention mechanism 90, which is configured to retain at least one end of the aerosol generating device 12 or the entire device in the recessed portion 54.

[0100] These institutions 80, 90 can now refer to Figures 3 to 5 The different embodiments explained are implemented.

[0101] First embodiment

[0102] according to Figure 3 In the first embodiment shown, the ejection mechanism and the retention mechanism are integrated into the same ejection / retention mechanism 80, 90. In particular, according to this embodiment, the ejection / retention mechanism 80, 90 includes a first magnetic element 81, which is configured to repel a second magnetic element 82 integrated into the device body 21 after a triggering event. Figure 3 As shown, when the device 12 is received in the recessed portion 54, the first magnetic element 81 is arranged to face the second magnetic element 82. The two magnetic elements 81, 82 can be arranged, for example, closer to the nozzle end 24 of the device body 21 than to the battery end 22. In this case, the ejection action is applied to the nozzle end 24 of the device body 21. Advantageously, each of the magnetic elements 81, 82 is arranged inside the corresponding body 21, 51 and can interact with the other magnetic element through the corresponding wall.

[0103] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second magnetic element 82 is a permanent magnet and the first magnetic element 81 is an electromagnet (e.g. a flat electromagnet). The electromagnet comprises a coil arranged along an axis perpendicular to the axis Y (hereinafter referred to as the coil axis Z). The coil is connected to the electronic circuit system 72 and in particular to the control module 75 capable of controlling its operation. In particular, the control element 75 is capable of supplying power to the coil to generate a magnetic field inside the coil along the coil axis Z. When the second magnetic element 82 is formed by a permanent magnet, the magnetic field along the coil axis Z has the same polarity as the outer surface of the second magnetic element.

[0104] In particular, if Figure 3 As shown in the bottom portion of , the coil is powered by the control module 75 to generate a magnetic field that repels the second magnetic element 82 along the coil axis Z. In this example, the magnetic field has a north pole. Therefore, the control module 75 is capable of powering the first magnetic element 81 to repel the second magnetic element 82. In some cases, the control module 75 is capable of powering the first magnetic element 81 to repel the second magnetic element 82 according to a predetermined curve. For example, according to the curve, the power to the coil can be delayed after a trigger event is detected. The curve can also change the power delivered to the coil, for example to adapt the repulsion speed, and thus achieve a specific visual effect for the user. In some other embodiments, the control module 75 is configured to power the first magnetic element 81 during a predetermined time period. Therefore, if the user does not grasp the device 12 during the time period, the repulsion action disappears, and the device 12 can be attracted to its initial position due to the retention action.

[0105] According to the first embodiment, the ejection / retention mechanism 80, 90 further comprises a ferromagnetic element 83 arranged in the coil to form an electromagnetic core. The ferromagnetic element is designed to be attracted by the second magnetic element 82, such as Figure 3 Thus, when the coil is not powered, the device body 21 can be attracted to the unit body 51 by the magnetic interaction between the ferromagnetic element 83 and the second magnetic element 82.

[0106] Second embodiment

[0107] according to Figure 4 In the second embodiment shown, the ejection mechanism 80 and the retention mechanism 90 form two different structures.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the ejection mechanism 80 comprises a shape memory alloy spring 84 which is capable of expanding when powered by the control module 75, and a plunger 85 which is mounted on the spring and is capable of repelling one of the ends of the aerosol generating device 12. Figure 4In the example of FIG. 1 , the plunger 85 is capable of repelling the mouthpiece end 24 of the device 12, as shown in the bottom portion of the figure. As in the previous case, the memory alloy spring 84 can be powered according to a predetermined curve. When the spring 84 is no longer powered, the spring can be returned to its initial position by manual action of the user, such as when the user inserts the device 12 into the recessed portion 54 again. This is in Figure 4 is shown in the top portion of .

[0109] According to a second embodiment, the retaining mechanism 90 comprises a first magnetic element 91 which is capable of interacting with a second magnetic element 92 integrated into the device body 21 to retain the battery terminal 22 of the device 12 in the recess 54. Each of these magnetic elements 91, 92 is, for example, formed by a permanent magnet which is arranged facing each other when the aerosol generating device 12 is received in the recess 54. In particular, the second magnetic element 92 is arranged so that its end facing the outer surface of the first magnetic element 91 has opposite polarity. In other words, the first magnetic element 91 is arranged to attract the second magnetic element 92. In some other embodiments, each of the magnetic elements 91, 92 can be formed by any other magnetic element like an electromagnet.

[0110] It is also clear that in some embodiments, the retention mechanism 90 as disclosed with respect to the second embodiment can be used in combination with the ejection mechanism 80 as disclosed with respect to the first embodiment. In this case, the ejection mechanism 80 can, for example, only exert a repelling action without a retaining action. For this purpose, the ferromagnetic element 83 can be suppressed.

[0111] Third embodiment

[0112] according to Figure 5 In the illustrated third embodiment, the ejection mechanism 80 and the retention mechanism 90 are similar to those explained with respect to the second embodiment.

[0113] The only difference of the third embodiment is that the ejection mechanism 80 according to the present embodiment further comprises a biasing element 86, which is configured to bias the shape memory alloy spring 84 to its initial position after the shape memory alloy spring 84 is expanded. The biasing element 86 presents, for example, a spring, which is arranged according to the same axis as the shape memory alloy spring 84 and is capable of applying a repulsive force to the shape memory alloy spring 84 when the shape memory alloy spring is expanded. In particular, the biasing element 86 is configured to apply a repulsive force that is less than the extension force of the shape memory alloy spring 84 when it is powered. When the shape memory alloy spring 84 is not powered, the repulsive force of the biasing element 86 biases the shape memory alloy spring 84 to its initial shape. Therefore, in this case, no manual user action is required to make the shape memory alloy spring 84 become its initial shape.

[0114] How to operate

[0115] Initially it is contemplated that the aerosol generating device 12 is received in the recessed portion 54 of the charging unit 14, such as Figures 3 to 5 When the user wishes to remove the aerosol generating device 12 from the charging unit 14, he / she may cause a triggering event by actuating, for example, a button 77 and / or by initiating an authentication process. The triggering event is detected by the control module 75, which activates the ejection mechanism 80. At least one end of the device body 21 is ejected from the recessed portion 54, as shown in FIG. Figures 3 to 5 Thus, a user can grasp the aerosol generating device 12 and start using the aerosol generating device by, for example, drawing a puff.

Claims

1. A charging unit (14) configured to operate with an aerosol generating device (12); The aerosol generating device (12) comprises a device body (21) extending along a device axis (X) between two ends (22, 24), the device body (21) defining at least one lateral wall (25) of the aerosol generating device (12); The charging unit (14) comprises a unit body (51) and a recessed portion (54), the unit body defining an exterior surface (53), the recessed portion being formed in the exterior surface (53) and being configured to receive the aerosol generating device (12) such that the lateral wall (25) of the device body (21) extends continuously with the exterior surface (53) of the unit body (51); in, The charging unit (14) further comprises an ejection mechanism (80) configured to eject an end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) from the recessed portion (54) of the charging unit (14) upon a triggering event.

2. The charging unit (14) according to claim 1, wherein: The triggering event includes user activation of a button (77).

3. The charging unit (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The triggering event further includes successful authentication of the user.

4. The charging unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ejection mechanism (80) is configured to be powered upon the triggering event to eject the end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12); Preferably, the ejection mechanism (80) is configured to be powered during a predetermined period of time to maintain the end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device in the ejection position.

5. The charging unit (14) according to any of the preceding claims further comprises a retaining mechanism (90), which is configured to retain at least one end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) or the entire device body (21) in a recessed portion (54) of the charging unit (14).

6. The charging unit (14) according to claim 5, wherein: The retaining mechanism (90) includes a ferromagnetic element (83) or a magnetic element (91), which is arranged in the unit body (51) so as to generate an attractive force with a magnetic element (82; 92) included in the device body (21).

7. The charging unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ejection mechanism (80) includes a first magnetic element (81) arranged in the unit body (51) to face a second magnetic element (82) arranged in the device body (21), the first magnetic element (81) being configured to repel the second magnetic element (82) when powered; The first magnetic element (81) is a coil configured to generate a magnetic field that repels the second magnetic element (82).

8. The charging unit (14) according to claim 7 in combination with claim 6, wherein: The ferromagnetic element (83) of the retaining mechanism (80) forms the electromagnetic core of the coil of the ejection mechanism (80); Preferably, the retaining mechanism (80) is configured to retain the entire device body (21) in the recessed portion (54) of the charging unit (12) when the ejection mechanism (80) is not powered.

9. The charging unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The ejection mechanism (80) comprises a shape memory alloy spring (84) which is capable of expanding when powered, and a plunger (85) which is mounted on the spring (84) and is capable of repelling an end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) which is configured to be ejected by the ejection mechanism (80).

10. The charging unit (14) according to claim 9 in combination with claim 5 or 6, wherein: The retention mechanism (90) is configured to retain the non-ejection end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) within the recessed portion (54) of the charging unit (14).

11. The charging unit (14) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The ejection mechanism (80) further includes a biasing element (86) configured to bias the shape memory alloy spring (84) to its initial position after the shape memory alloy spring (84) has expanded.

12. An aerosol generating assembly (10), comprising: - an aerosol generating device (12); - A charging unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to operate together with the aerosol generating device (12).

13. An aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The aerosol generating device (12) further comprises a user interface (39).

14. An aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 13, wherein: The user interface (39) is adapted to display at least one of the following data elements: - an indicator indicating whether the aerosol generating device (12) is received in the charging unit (14); - an indicator indicating the charging process of the aerosol generating device (12) by the charging unit (14); - an indicator indicating the result of the authentication process; - an indicator indicating the progress of heating of the vaporizable material; - an indicator indicating the remaining capacity for heating the vaporizable material without charging a battery included in the aerosol generating device (12); - an indicator indicating the remaining capacity of the battery of the aerosol generating device (12); - an indicator indicating the remaining capacity of the battery of the charging unit (14); - an indicator indicating the charging process of the battery of the charging unit (14) by the external power source.

15. A method of operating an aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, the method comprising the following steps: - detecting the trigger event; - the ejection mechanism (80) is powered to eject an end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) from the recessed portion (54) of the charging unit (14).

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