Charging connector for aerosol-generating device

Abstract

A charging system (100, 200) for an aerosol-generating device (10) is described. A charging system includes a charger (108, 208) having a device interface portion, the charger including a first portion (116a) of a charging circuit, the first portion of the charging circuit includes a first contact pin (114a) having a first polarity, a second contact pin (114b) having a second polarity opposite the first polarity, and a third contact pin (114c) having the same polarity as the first contact pin. The charging system further comprises an aerosol-forming device (10) having a device housing and comprising a second portion (116a) of the charging circuit, the second portion of the charging circuit comprising a first device contact (118a) and a second device contact (118b). The device interface portion of the charger further includes a first fixed magnet or magnet group (122a) arranged circumferentially around the first contact pin (114a), and a second fixed magnet or magnet group (122c) arranged circumferentially around the third contact pin (114c), a charging cable is releasably secured to the aerosol-generating device using a first magnet or magnet set and a second magnet or magnet set. The first device contact (118a) is positioned to form an electrical connection with the first contact pin (114a) and / or the third contact pin (114c), and the second device contact (118b) is positioned to form an electrical connection with the second contact pin (114b) when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device in order to complete the charging circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging connector for an aerosol generating device (such as an electronic cigarette). The present invention particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a charging connector between a charging cable and an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Electronic cigarettes are an alternative to conventional cigarettes. Instead of producing combustion smoke, electronic cigarettes vaporize a liquid that can be inhaled by the user. The liquid typically includes an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerol or propylene glycol, which produces a vapor when heated. Other common substances in the liquid are nicotine and a variety of different flavors.

[0003] Conventional cigarette smoke contains nicotine, as well as a large number of other chemical compounds produced as a product of partial combustion and / or pyrolysis of plant materials. On the other hand, electronic cigarettes mainly deliver an aerosolized form of the initial electronic cigarette liquid composition, which includes nicotine and various food-safe substances, such as propylene glycol and glycerol, but can also efficiently deliver the required nicotine dose to the user. Electronic cigarettes need to deliver a satisfactory amount of vapor to obtain the best user experience while maximizing energy efficiency.

[0004] An electronic cigarette is a handheld inhaler system that typically includes a mouthpiece, a liquid reservoir, and a power supply unit. Vaporization is achieved by a vaporizer or heater unit, which typically includes a heating element in the form of a heating coil and a fluid transfer element, such as a wick. Vaporization occurs when the heater heats the liquid in the wick until the liquid is converted into vapor.

[0005] Another type of aerosol generating device is configured to heat a tobacco substrate contained or wrapped in the form of a rod or pod. Such devices (also known as heat-not-burn devices) typically include an electrical heating element, such as an oven, blades or pins, or an induction heater.

[0006] As handheld electronic cigarettes or heat-not-burn devices typically include a battery, the battery may be a rechargeable battery. In order to charge the battery within the aerosol-generating device, in some cases, the user may remove the battery from the aerosol-generating device and place it in an external battery charger. However, this may be inconvenient for the user and there is a risk of damaging the device by removal. Therefore, in other cases, the user may instead connect the aerosol-generating device including the battery to a charger.

[0007] The charger may comprise a charger cable which may be connected to an external power source (such as a USB or mains connector), or may comprise a charger unit (such as a charging cradle or charging box) which may comprise an independent power source (such as a larger battery) and / or may be connected to an external power source. In each case, a charging connector is required to connect the aerosol generating device to the charger. The charging connector typically comprises a first connector part comprising two or more contacts on the charger and a second connector part comprising two or more complementary contacts on the aerosol forming device. When the first and second parts of the charging connector are mated together so that the charger contacts are electrically coupled to the device contacts, a charging current may flow from the charger to the aerosol forming device to charge the battery contained therein.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved charging connector. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging system for an aerosol generating device, the system comprising:

[0010] a charger having a device interface portion, the charger comprising a first portion of a charging circuit, the first portion of the charging circuit comprising a first contact pin having a first polarity, a second contact pin having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, and a third contact pin having the same polarity as the first contact pin;

[0011] an aerosol-forming device having a device housing and comprising a second portion of a charging circuit, said second portion of the charging circuit comprising a first device contact and a second device contact;

[0012] wherein the device interface portion of the charger further comprises a first fixed magnet or magnet group disposed adjacent to, preferably circumferentially around, the first contact pin, and a second fixed magnet or magnet group disposed adjacent to, preferably circumferentially around the third contact pin, the charger being releasably fixed to the aerosol generating device using the first magnet or magnet group and the second magnet or magnet group;

[0013] wherein the first device contact is positioned to form an electrical connection with the first contact pin and / or the third contact pin, and the second device contact is positioned to form an electrical connection with the second contact pin when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol forming device so as to complete the charging circuit.

[0014] The charger preferably includes a recess having a recess surface formed to receive an end portion of the device housing when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device, the first contact pin, the second contact pin, and the third contact pin protruding from the recess surface.

[0015] This charging system is reversible in that the charger can be connected to the aerosol generating device in one of two predetermined connection orientations.The recessed surface forms a seat for the end portion of the aerosol generating device which, in combination with the magnetic attraction, provides a stable and user-friendly connection.

[0016] The charger may be a charging cable. Alternatively, the charger may be a charging stand or a charging box.

[0017] The first fixed magnet may include a first annular magnet having a centrally located hole through which at least a portion of the first contact pin extends and protrudes. The second fixed magnet may include a second annular magnet having a centrally located hole through which the third contact pin extends and protrudes. This arrangement helps ensure a secure and properly located connection.

[0018] The aerosol-forming device may comprise a third fixed magnet, wherein the first device contact covers the third fixed magnet.Such a magnet may help to ensure a secure but releasable connection.

[0019] The first contact pin and the third contact pin may be equally spaced on opposite sides of the second contact pin.Such a contact arrangement is compact but fully reversible.

[0020] The first device contact may surround the second device contact so that when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device, the first device contact is electrically connected to both the first contact pin and the third contact pin. The first device contact may be oval or rounded rectangular and may be concentric with the second device contact. This contact arrangement is fully reversible while having a simplified electrical structure.

[0021] The first device contact may be comprised in a contact holder having at least one coupling flange. Using the coupling flange, the contact holder may be connected to the device housing above the third fixed magnet. Thus, the contact holder may perform a secondary function of holding the third fixed magnet in place within the aerosol-forming device.

[0022] The aerosol generating device may further include a third device contact and a fourth fixed magnet, the third device contact covering the fourth fixed magnet, wherein the first device contact and the third device contact are equally spaced on opposite sides of the second device contact. The first device contact and the third device contact may have the same polarity.

[0023] The device contact member may not protrude from and may not be flush with the outer surface of the end portion of the aerosol-generating device. This may present an attractive and easily cleanable outer surface of the device.

[0024] The recess surface may be at least partially curved and may not include corners, and may, for example, be concave. The outer surface of the end portion of the device may also be at least partially curved and may not include corners, and may, for example, be convex. The contact pins may be positioned on or through a flat surface portion of the recess surface. Both the recess surface of the charger and the outer surface of the end portion of the device may be formed of a non-deformable (i.e., non-rubber) material to ensure proper magnetic adjustment and alignment. The device contacts may be positioned on a flat surface portion of the outer surface of the end portion of the device. These features may improve the user-friendliness and reliability of the connection system while maintaining an attractive appearance.

[0025] The recess may be shallow, and may for example have a depth of less than 5 mm, and preferably less than 2 mm.A shallow cavity may help locate the end portion of the device housing for a secure connection, while still maintaining visibility of the main portion of the device housing.

[0026] The recess surface can have an elliptical or rounded rectangular shape in a plan view. The flat portion of the recess surface can be an elliptical or rounded rectangular shape, and its major radius can be at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times or 2.5 times of its minor radius. The recess surface can include an edge, and a curved table can extend between the flat surface and the edge to form a concave recess surface. The edge can be higher at two opposite edge regions, which can be edge regions located on the major radius of the recess surface, so that a concave curvature is presented when viewed from the side. These features can increase usability by helping to guide the device to the correct orientation in the recess.

[0027] In the case where the charger is a charging cable, the cable may include a cable portion having a thickness and a width, and the cross-section of the cable portion may be flat such that the width is at least 1.5 times the thickness, such as at least 2 times the thickness, or 2.5 times the thickness, or more. Such a cable may resist entanglement.

[0028] The cable may comprise an outer surface shaped to blend smoothly into an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device when the end portion of the device is located within the recess.

[0029] The device interface portion may be located at a first end of the cable portion, and the charging cable may further include a power connector located at a second end of the cable portion and electrically connected to the first portion of the charging circuit.

[0030] The aerosol generating device may further include a rechargeable battery operable to be electrically connected to the second portion of the charging circuit. The battery may be a DC voltage source, such as a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron phosphate, lithium ion or lithium-polymer battery). The aerosol generating device may further include a processor associated with the electrical components of the electronic cigarette (including the battery).

[0031] In the context of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device may include an electronic cigarette, which may include a cartridge removably connected to a base portion, or may include a heat-not-burn device configured to receive a replaceable tobacco cartridge. As used herein, the term "electronic cigarette" may include an electronic cigarette configured to deliver an aerosol to a user, the aerosol including an aerosol for inhalation / inhalation. Aerosols for inhalation / inhalation may refer to aerosols with a particle size of 0.01 to 20 µm. The particle size may be between 0.015 µm and 20 µm. The electronic cigarette or heat-not-burn device may be portable.

[0032] It will be appreciated that the cartridge and base portion may comprise any one or more of the components conventionally included in such parts of an aerosol-generating device, as discussed in the following description.

[0033] The features set out above may be combined in any combination and may also be combined with features selected from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates an aerosol generating device comprising a base portion and a disposable cartridge;

[0036] Figure 2 showing an aerosol generating device and a charging cable connected together using a charging connector;

[0037] Figure 3 Shows the disconnected state Figure 2 A charging connector of , showing a first portion of the charging connector in the aerosol generating device and a second portion of the charging connector in the charger cable;

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a charging connector in a connected state;

[0039] Figure 5Another example charging connector is shown in a connected state;

[0040] Figure 6 Shows the disconnected state Figure 5 A charging connector of the aerosol generating device is shown, showing a first part of the charging connector in the aerosol generating device;

[0041] Figure 7 Shown Figure 5 and Figure 6 Two views of the charger cable shown in part;

[0042] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 a close-up view of further details of a second portion of the charging connector of the charging cable shown;

[0043] Fig. 9 It passes through Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a first contact pin of the charging cable is shown;

[0044] Fig.10 The range of movement of the contact pins is schematically shown;

[0045] Fig.11 yes Figures 5 to 9 A cross-sectional view of a charging connector in a connected state;

[0046] Fig.12 is a perspective view of the charging station; and

[0047] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a charging system with a charging base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 An example of an aerosol generating device 10 (such as an electronic cigarette) is schematically shown. The aerosol generating device includes a base portion 12 and a cartridge 14 (also referred to as a "capsule" or "pod" in the art). The cartridge 14 is removably connected to the base portion 12 and can be disposable. The base portion 12 is therefore the main body of the electronic cigarette and is generally reusable.

[0049] The base portion 12 comprises a housing 16 in which is housed a power supply unit in the form of a rechargeable battery 18. The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a controller 20 and a user interface 22 for permitting a user to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 18 via the controller 20.

[0050] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the cartridge 14 includes a liquid reservoir 24 configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized therein. The liquid may include an aerosol-forming substance, such as propylene glycol and / or glycerol, and may contain other substances, such as nicotine and acids. The liquid may also contain flavorings, such as tobacco, menthol, or fruit flavors. A vapor delivery channel 26 extends from an air inlet (not shown) to an outlet 28 disposed in a mouthpiece region 30 of the cartridge. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the vapor transfer channel 26 extends through the center of the cartridge, but it should be understood that this position is merely exemplary.

[0051] The cartridge 14 further includes a heater unit 32. A fluid transfer element 34, such as a wick, is positioned in fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir 24 and is configured to draw vaporizable liquid from the reservoir 24 toward the heater unit 32 at a vaporization region 36. The vaporization region 36 is in fluid communication with the vapor transfer channel 26. When the base portion 12 is attached to the cartridge 14, power may be supplied from the battery 18 via the heater contact 38 to the heater unit 32 to heat the liquid in the vaporization region 36, thereby generating vapor, which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation via the outlet 26 by a user of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0052] Generally speaking, a vapor is a substance that is in the gaseous phase at a temperature below its critical temperature, which means that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing its pressure without lowering the temperature, while an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with respect to the form of the inhalable medium produced for inhalation by the user.

[0053] Once the liquid within the reservoir has vaporized, a new cartridge can be attached to the base portion and the empty cartridge discarded.

[0054] As mentioned above, Figure 1 The aerosol generating device of EMBODIMENT 1 comprises a reusable base portion 12 including a rechargeable battery 18, thereby allowing a user to use the aerosol generating device 10 multiple times by charging the battery when required.

[0055] Reference now Figures 2 to 4, describes a charging system 100 for an aerosol-generating device. The charging system 100 includes a charging connector 102 having a first connector portion 104 disposed in the aerosol-generating device 10 and a second connector portion 106 disposed in a charger, such as a charging cable 108 connectable to the aerosol-generating device 10. It should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary and that the positions of the first connector portion 104 and the second connector portion 106 may be reversed if desired. In addition, the charging connector may be disposed in a charger other than a charging cable, such as a charging stand or charging box.

[0056] The charging cable 108 includes a cable portion 110 having a first end and a second end, and a device interface portion 112 located at the first end. The charging cable 108, more specifically the device interface portion 112 of the charging cable, includes three contact pins 114, namely a first contact pin 114a having a first polarity, a second contact pin 114b having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, and a third contact pin 114c having the same polarity as the first contact pin (i.e., also having the first polarity). The contact pins 114 are included in a first portion 116a of the charging circuit 116.

[0057] The second part 116b of the charging circuit 116 is comprised within the base portion 12 of the aerosol-forming device 10. The second part of the charging circuit comprises at least two device contacts 118, and in the example shown comprises a first device contact 118a and a second device contact 118b.

[0058] The device interface portion 112 of the charging cable 108 further includes: a first fixed magnet or magnet group 122a, which is at least partially circumferentially arranged around the first contact pin 114a, and a second fixed magnet or magnet group 122c, which is at least partially circumferentially arranged around the third contact pin 114c. In an alternative (not shown), the magnets 122a, 122c can be positioned adjacent to their respective contact pins (e.g., partial annular magnets, semi-annular magnets, or rectangular magnets). The charging cable 108 can be releasably secured to the aerosol generating device 10 using the first magnet or magnet group and the second magnet or magnet group.

[0059] As in Figure 4As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 1 , the first device contact 118a is positioned to form an electrical connection with the first contact pin 114a and / or the third contact pin 114c when the charging cable 108 is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device 10 using the first and second securing magnets. Similarly, the second device contact 118b is positioned to form an electrical connection with the second contact pin 114b when the charging cable 108 is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device 10 using the first and second securing magnets. The electrical connection of these various contacts electrically connects the first and second portions of the charging circuit, thereby allowing charging current to flow through the charging cable and into the battery 18.

[0060] Because the first contact pin 114a and the third contact pin 114c have the same polarity, either of these pins can be used to complete the charging circuit via the first device contact 118a. This means that the user can connect the charging cable to their device in one of two predefined connection orientations. Typically, the charging cable includes a power connector 120 that is electrically connected to the first part of the charging circuit and is located at the second end of the cable portion (i.e., at the end opposite to the first end including the device interface portion 112). Depending on the intended use, any suitable power connector may be included in the charging cable, such as a mains, USB or USB-C connector. In the case where the power connector itself is reversible (such as a USB-C connector and a mains connector in some countries), it is advantageous for the user to be able to connect the charging cable to their device in more than one orientation.

[0061] It will be appreciated that the aerosol generating device itself may have a defined or preferred orientation for use. Figure 2 In the example shown, for example, the aerosol generating device is non-cylindrical and includes a first (also referred to herein as the "upper") side having the user interface 22 and a second (also referred to herein as the "lower") side having no primary interface features. It may therefore be advantageous to provide a charging cable that is configured to allow a user to connect their device in one of two predetermined orientations. This may be, for example, Figure 2 A first "right side up" orientation is shown, and a second "inverted" orientation that is 180 degrees opposite the first orientation. This means that no matter which way a user connects the power connector of the cable to a power outlet, the user can always connect their device to the cable in the right side up orientation, thereby ensuring that the user interface remains fully visible and usable during charging.

[0062] In the example shown, a first fixed magnet or magnet group is provided in the charging cable as a first annular magnet 122a. A hole 124a passes centrally through the annular magnet 122a, through which at least a portion of the first contact pin 114a extends and protrudes. Similarly, in the example shown, a second fixed magnet or magnet group is provided as a second annular magnet 122c. A hole 124c passes centrally through the annular magnet 122c, through which at least a portion of the third contact pin 114c extends and protrudes. The two magnets are arranged to have the same magnetic pole at the top to ensure the reversibility of the connection as discussed above.

[0063] A fixed magnet in the charging cable releasably secures the cable to the aerosol generating device via magnetic attraction. This may be magnetic attraction to a metal part of the device, such as the first contact 118a. Alternatively, Figure 4 As shown, the aerosol-forming device may include at least a third fixed magnet or magnet group 126 positioned to magnetically attract and couple with the first magnet (or magnet group) 122a and / or the second magnet (or magnet group) 122c within the cable.

[0064] exist Figures 2 to 4 In the example shown, the first device contact 118a covers the third fixed magnet or magnet group 126. In particular, the first device contact 118a is configured as a thin conductive (e.g. metal) plate covering a pair of third fixed magnets 126. The first device contact 118a surrounds the second device contact 118b and is separated from the second device contact 118b by an insulator 128. This concentric arrangement allows the first device contact to form an electrical connection with the first contact pin 114a and the third contact pin 114c when the charging cable is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device. In the example shown, the second device 118b contact is configured as a contact pin extending through the insulator 128, but another form may be taken if desired. The concentric contacts 188a, 188b are centered on the longitudinal axis 129 of the device.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the shape of the first device contact 118a is generally oval or elliptical, but can have any shape as long as it remains insulated from the second device contact 118b. In the example shown, the first device contact 118a is included in a contact bracket 130, which has at least one coupling flange 132 extending away from the first device contact 118a. Using the coupling flange, the contact bracket 130 can be connected to the device housing 16 above the third fixed magnet 126. Therefore, the contact bracket 130 can perform a secondary function of maintaining the third fixed magnet 126 in a suitable position within the aerosol-forming device.

[0066] The charging cable 108 has a longitudinal axis 134, and the second contact pin 114b is located on the longitudinal axis 134 so as to be aligned with the longitudinal axis. The first contact pin and the third contact pin are positioned so that the second connector part 106 has a second-order rotational symmetry. This ensures that the cable can be easily reversed between the two defined use orientations. In the example shown, the first contact pin 114a and the third contact pin 114c are equally spaced on opposite sides of the second contact pin 114b, so that the three contact pins of the charging cable 100 are located in a plane including the longitudinal axis. In addition to the rotational symmetry, this arrangement ensures that the contact pins are symmetrical about a symmetry line passing through the second contact and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, which makes the cable more compact.

[0067] The first contact pin 114a, the second contact pin 114b, and the third contact pin 114c are electrically isolated from each other by the insulator 136. The annular fixed magnets 122a, 122b are held in cylindrical recesses within the insulator. To ensure a reliable connection, the contact pins may be biased outwards and may be configured as spring pins, for example. Fig.10 As best shown, the spring pin includes a compressible spring loaded tip which retracts into the body of the pin under contact pressure so that the pin has a maximum extension d 最大 With minimum extension d 最小 (i.e., fully compressed) wherein electrical connection is ensured at any terminal position within the entire range.

[0068] In the example shown, the aerosol generating device 12 and the charging cable 108 are shaped to smoothly blend into each other so as to provide a charging system with a substantially continuous appearance. To this end, the housing 16 of the base portion of the aerosol generating device 12 is covered with a device outer skin 40, which exposes the first connector portion. Similarly, the device interface portion 112, the cable portion 110, and the power connector portion 120 are covered with a cable outer skin 140, which exposes the second connector portion. The device outer skin 40 thus forms the outer surface of the aerosol generating device, and the cable outer skin 140 forms the outer surface of the cable 108. The outer skins 40, 140 can be formed of an elastic material (e.g., silicone).

[0069] The cable 108, and in particular the device interface portion 112, includes a recess 142 from which a first charging pin 114a, a second charging pin 114b, and a third charging pin 114c protrude. The recess 142 is formed to receive a portion of the aerosol generating device 12 when the charging cable is releasably secured to the aerosol forming device. Specifically, the recess is formed to receive an end portion of the device 12, the portion including a first connector portion. The outer surface of the cable outer sheath 140 is formed to smoothly blend into the outer surface of the device outer sheath when a portion of the device is secured in the recess by a securing magnet. "Smoothly blending" means that when connected, the aerosol generating device 12 and the charger cable 108 together present a substantially continuous outer surface without significant changes in surface direction, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 shown.

[0070] The recess 142 has a recess surface 144 that includes the exposed surface of the insulator 136 and the exposed surfaces of the fixed magnets 122a, 122b. To ensure a smooth appearance, the exposed surfaces of the fixed magnets 122a, 122b preferably do not protrude from the exposed surface of the insulator 136 and can be flush with the exposed surface of the insulator. The contact pins can be positioned so that their minimum extension (i.e., fully compressed) position occurs below the recess surface so that when the cable 108 is secured to the device 12, the contact pins remain biased outward.

[0071] In the example shown, the recess surface 144 is curved and does not include angles or corners, so as to present a concave cavity. The cavity is shallow because its depth is small compared to its width and height. For example, the depth of the cavity can be less than 5 mm, and preferably less than 2 mm. The depth of the cavity can be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, and in the example shown, it is included between 0.7 mm and 1.35 mm. The depth of the cavity can vary, and can be higher at the larger width of the recess than at the shorter width (that is, the cavity can be 2 mm, or 1.5 mm, or 1.35 mm at its maximum width, and can be 1 mm, or 0.7 mm, or 0.5 mm at its shortest width). In the example shown, the cavity has a depth of 1.35 mm at its deepest point and a depth of 0.7 mm at its shallowest point.

[0072] In plan view, the recess may be an ellipse or a rounded rectangle with a major axis at least 1.5 times the length of its minor axis. In the example shown, the major axis of the recess is approximately twice the length of the minor axis. The lower surface of the recess (through which the contact pin protrudes) is substantially flat to improve ease of connection. As with the overall shape of the recess, when viewed in plan view, the flat recess is an ellipse or a rounded rectangle with a major axis at least 1.5 times the length of its minor axis. In the example shown, the major radius of the recess is approximately twice the length of the minor radius. In the example shown, the major radius of the flat recess portion is 2.8 mm, while the minor radius is 1.4 mm.

[0073] The recess surface may include an edge, and the curved table may extend between the flat portion of the recess surface and the edge to form the entire concave recess surface. The flat portion may blend smoothly into the curved table without sharp or angular transitions. The edge may be higher at two opposing edge regions, which may be edge regions located on the long radius of the recess surface so as to present a concave curvature when viewed from the side. This may cause the depth of the recess to vary, as discussed above.

[0074] The end portion of the aerosol generating device has an outer surface that is shaped to fit within the recess and that is also curved without angles or corners. Figure 4 As shown, the end portion of the device can have a surface shape that matches and is substantially the same as the shape of the recess surface. That is, the end portion of the device housing is convex, and its angle of curvature is substantially the same as the angle of curvature of the concave recess. The device contact preferably does not protrude from the outer surface of the end portion and can be flush with the outer surface. The portion of the device surface that is shaped to cooperate with the flat portion of the recess surface can itself be substantially flat.

[0075] Prior art charging connectors typically include a slot in which a portion of an aerosol forming device can be received, the slot having substantially vertical side walls that tightly surround the portion of the aerosol forming device to maintain it in a coaxial orientation with the slot. Such a slot requires the aerosol forming device to be inserted in a coaxial orientation, which may result in mechanical interference between the slot and the device, which may hinder mechanical connection. In contrast, the arrangement described herein presents a smooth bowl-shaped surface without corners, which allows the fixed magnets to guide the device and cable into coupling and connection. In addition, the relatively smooth connection surface is less susceptible to soiling of the connection surface including matching protrusions and recesses, which may accumulate dirt and debris and make the connection unreliable over time. However, the charging connector described herein is operable to maintain the aerosol generating device and the charging cable in coaxial alignment at least at the connection interface.

[0076] The cable portion of the charging cable has a thickness t and a width w. The cross-section of the cable portion is flat, such as an oval or a rounded rectangle, so that the width is greater than the thickness, such as the width is at least 1.5 times the thickness, or at least twice the thickness, or at least 2.5 times the thickness. This helps ensure that the cable maintains a constant orientation between the power connector 120 and the device interface portion 112 without twisting about the longitudinal axis. The silicone body of the cable can have a width in the range of 16.5 mm-6 mm and a thickness in the range of 8.5 mm-3.5 mm.

[0077] The charging cable is also short (compared to typical charging cables) and can be of a size comparable to the aerosol generating device 10 itself, for example 15 cm or less, 12 cm or less, or 10 cm or less. In the specific example shown, the length of the cable is approximately 9 cm. This further resists cable entanglement and helps to ensure that the aerosol generating device remains in a defined use orientation when it is secured to the charging cable. The cable and device further have approximately the same height so that they can be easily stored in a small length packaging tray without the cable being bent. This type of short, flat cable is not prone to entanglement and tends to return to its original shape after being bent, particularly if formed from an elastic material such as silicone.

[0078] Reference now Figures 5 to 9 and Fig.11 , these figures show another example of a charging system 100 having a different arrangement of device contacts. Figures 1 to 4 The system shown is Figures 5 to 9 11, for the sake of brevity, the same description will not be repeated, and the same reference numerals will be used to represent the same elements. It should be understood that the above Figures 1 to 4 The description also applies to Figures 5 to 9 and 11, but with the necessary modifications.

[0079] Figures 5 to 9 and Fig.11 The charging system and Figures 1 to 4 The charging system of FIG. 1 is different in that, in addition to the first device contact 118a and the second device contact 118b, the first connector portion 104 further includes a third device contact 118c. The third device contact 118c has the same polarity as the first device contact 118a, so that the contact arrangement is reversible (i.e., has second-order rotational symmetry).

[0080] In this example, the first device contact 118a and the third device contact 118c mirror the positions of the first contact pin 114a and the third contact pin 114c, such that when the charging cable 108 is connected to the device 12, the first device contact 118a is electrically coupled to the first contact pin 114a and the third device contact 118c is electrically coupled to the third contact pin 114c. As in the above example, the second device contact 118b is positioned to electrically couple to the second contact pin 114b. However, in this case, the second device contact 118b is in the form of a board contact rather than a contact pin.

[0081] In the example shown, the first contact pin 114a and the third contact pin 114c are equally spaced on opposite sides of the second contact pin 114b, so that the three contact pins of the charging cable 100 are located in a plane including the longitudinal axis 134 of the cable. In addition to rotational symmetry, this arrangement ensures that the contact pins are symmetrical about a symmetry line passing through the second contact pin 114b and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, which makes the cable more compact. Similarly, the first device contact 118a and the third device contact 118c are equally spaced on opposite sides of the second device contact 118b, so that the three device contacts are located in a plane including the longitudinal axis 129 of the device. In this case, when the cable is connected to the device, the longitudinal axis 129 of the device and the longitudinal axis 134 of the cable substantially coincide.

[0082] As in the previous example, the first device contact covers the third fixed magnet 126a. However, in this example, the first connector portion additionally includes a fourth fixed magnet 126c, and the third device contact covers the fourth fixed magnet 126c. The device contacts are electrically isolated from each other by insulators 128. As described above, all three device contacts are flush with the device housing to present a smooth outer surface of the end portion of the device.

[0083] Reference now Fig.12 and Fig.13 , these show another example of a charging system 100 where the charging connector is included in the charging dock 208. Figures 1 to 11 The system shown in Figure 12 to Figure 13 For the sake of brevity, the same description will not be repeated, and the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same elements. It should be understood that the above Figures 1 to 11 The description also applies to Figure 12 to Figure 13 system as shown, mutatis mutandis.

[0084] The charging dock 208 includes a dock base 210 having a dock housing 212. A device interface portion is included in an upper surface of the dock housing. As described above, the device interface portion includes three contact pins 114, namely a first contact pin 114a having a first polarity, a second contact pin 114b having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, and a third contact pin 114c having the same polarity as the first contact pin (i.e., also having the first polarity). The contact pins 114 are included in the first portion of the charging circuit, as described above, and include a fixed magnet (not visible), as described above.

[0085] The contact pins 114 are located in recesses 242 which are shaped to receive an end portion of the aerosol generating device 12 in the same manner as discussed above. Fig.13 As shown, when the aerosol device is received in the recess, it remains upright with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the surface on which the charging base rests. Due to the shallow profile of the recess, substantially the entire device 12 is visible during charging.

[0086] Although the above charging connector has been described with respect to an aerosol generating device comprising a liquid reservoir and a resistive heater, it will be appreciated that this is not necessary and that the charging connector may be used in other types of aerosol forming devices (such as heat-not-burn devices) and / or devices comprising an induction heating system.

[0087] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Unless otherwise noted herein or the context is clearly contradictory, the present disclosure encompasses any combination of all possible variations of the above features.

Claims

1. A charging system (100, 200) for an aerosol generating device (10), the charging system include: A charger (108, 208) having a device interface portion, the charger comprising a first portion (116a) of a charging circuit, the first portion of the charging circuit comprising a first contact pin (114a) having a first polarity, a second contact pin (114b) having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, and a third contact pin (114c) having the same polarity as the first contact pin; an aerosol-forming device having a device housing (16) and comprising a second portion (116b) of the charging circuit, the second portion of the charging circuit comprising a first device contact (118a) and a second device contact (118b); wherein the device interface portion of the charger further comprises a first fixed magnet or magnet group (122a) arranged adjacent to, preferably circumferentially around, the first contact pin (114a), and a second fixed magnet or magnet group (122c) arranged adjacent to, preferably circumferentially around the third contact pin (114c), the charger being capable of being releasably fixed to the aerosol generating device using the first magnet or magnet group and the second magnet or magnet group; wherein the first device contact (118a) is positioned to form an electrical connection with the first contact pin (114a) and / or the third contact pin (114c), and the second device contact (118b) is positioned to form an electrical connection with the second contact pin (114b) when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device so as to complete a charging circuit; and The charger comprises a recess (142) having a recess surface (144) formed to receive an end portion of a housing of the device when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device, the first contact pin, the second contact pin, and the third contact pin (114a, 114b, 114c) protruding from the recess surface (144).

2. The charging system according to claim 1, in, The charger is a charging cable (108), a charging stand (208), or a charging box.

3. A charging system according to claim 1 or claim 2, in, The aerosol-forming device comprises a third fixed magnet (126, 126a), wherein the first device contact (118a) covers the third fixed magnet.

4. A charging system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3, in, The first contact pin and the third contact pin (114a, 114c) are equally spaced apart on opposite sides of the second contact pin (114b).

5. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in, The first device contact (118a) surrounds the second device contact (118b) such that when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device, the first device contact (118a) forms an electrical connection with both the first contact pin (114a) and the third contact pin (114c).

6. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in, The aerosol-forming device further comprises a third device contact (118c) and a fourth fixed magnet (126c), the third device contact covering the fourth fixed magnet, wherein the first device contact and the third device contact (118a, 118c) are equally spaced apart on opposite sides of the second device contact.

7. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in, The device contact members (118a, 118b, 118c) are flush with the outer surface of the end portion of the aerosol generating device.

8. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in, The recess surface (144) is curved and does not include angles or corners.

9. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in: (i) the recess surface (144) is concave and preferably has a flat area including the contact pins (114a, 114b, 114c); and / or (ii) The end portion of the device housing is convex and preferably has a flat region that includes the device contacts (118a, 118b).

10. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in, The recess (142) defines a shallow cavity, and preferably wherein the depth of the cavity is less than 5 mm.

11. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in, The charger is a charging cable (108) comprising an outer surface (140) shaped to blend smoothly into an outer surface (40) of the aerosol generating device when an end portion of the device is located within the recess.

12. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in, The charger is a charging cable (108) comprising a cable portion (110) having a thickness and a width, and wherein the cross-section of the cable portion is flat such that the width is at least 1.5 times the thickness.

13. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in, The charger is a charging cable (108), and the device interface portion (112) is located at a first end of the cable portion, and the charging cable further includes a power connector (120) located at a second end of the cable portion and electrically connected to the first portion (116a) of the charging circuit.

14. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in, The charger is a charging cradle (208), and the device interface portion is located in an upper surface of a cradle housing (212).

15. A charging system as claimed in any preceding claim, in, The aerosol generating device further comprises a rechargeable battery (18) operable to be electrically connected to the second part of the charging circuit.

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