Protective components for aerosol generating systems

Abstract

An aerosol generation system comprising an electronic cigarette (2) with a vaping function and a protective element (3) removably attached to the electronic cigarette (2), the electronic cigarette (2) comprising a first electrical connector (26). The protective element (3) comprises a second electrical connector (38) complementary to the first electrical connector (26) and adapted to be coupled to the first electrical connector (26) when the protective element (3) is attached to the electronic cigarette (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective member for an aerosol generating system and to an aerosol generating system comprising such a protective member. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating systems generally allow for vaporization of the product by application of heat.

[0003] Known aerosol generating systems include an electronic cigarette fitted with a cover-type protective element, usually with thermal insulation properties, the electronic cigarette and the protective element forming a portable system for protecting the user from burns during use.

[0004] To this end, the electronic cigarette and the protective member are provided with magnets such that the attractive force of the magnets holds the protective member in place on the electronic cigarette. In some cases, the electronic cigarette includes a Hall effect sensor to detect the presence of the protective member.

[0005] There is a need to improve the safety of such aerosol generating systems, especially during user use. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an electronic cigarette with a vaping function and a cover-type protective member that is removably attached to the electronic cigarette, wherein the electronic cigarette has a first electrical connector, and the aerosol generation system is characterized in that the protective member has a second electrical connector that is complementary to the first electrical connector and configured to be electrically coupled to the first electrical connector by mechanical engagement when the protective member is attached to the electronic cigarette.

[0007] Maintaining a protective member on the electronic cigarette is very important because it improves the safety of the aerosol generating system. This is because the electronic cigarette may heat up during use or charging, and the protective member provides a thermal protection function. In particular, the cover-type protective member makes it possible to prevent the user from being burned during use, i.e., during handling of the aerosol generating system. In other words, the cover-type protective member functions as a thermal insulator on the electronic cigarette, especially when the electronic cigarette is in use.

[0008] Thus, the cooperation between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector can provide a safer aerosol generation system by improving the retention of the protective element on the electronic cigarette while maintaining removability. The cooperation between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector results from both a mechanical coupling through mechanical engagement and an electrical coupling through electrical contact. The mechanical engagement is configured to hold the protective element in place on the electronic cigarette. In other words, the cooperation provides both an electrical connection and a mechanical retention between the electronic cigarette and the protective element.

[0009] Mechanical engagement means an assembly of two parts that implements a mechanical interlock when the two parts are assembled. In the context of the present invention, the mechanical engagement between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is removable if sufficient force is applied to mechanically unlock them. In addition, it is no longer necessary to add additional members such as magnets to ensure the holding force between the protective member and the electronic cigarette. In fact, most, if not all, electronic cigarettes generally include an electrical connector intended for charging. Thus, the aerosol generation system according to the present invention allows the protective member to be fitted without modifying the electronic cigarette. This is particularly advantageous to reduce the weight of such a system or to avoid the introduction of members that may disturb the system or its environment.

[0010] Furthermore, due to the location where the electronic cigarette is stored, for example in a trouser pocket, dust usually enters the first electrical connector. The protective element of the prior art does not clean the dust from entering, especially when the dust is trapped between the protective element and the electronic cigarette. The protective element according to the present invention makes it possible to prevent clogging of the first electrical connector by coupling, especially mechanical coupling, with the second electrical connector.

[0011] Preferably, the protective member comprises an integrated circuit electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and the electronic cigarette comprises a controller electrically connected to the first electrical connector, the integrated circuit configured to send a signal to the controller when the first electrical connector is mated to the second electrical connector.

[0012] The electrical coupling between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector allows the signal emitted by the integrated circuit of the protective element to be transferred to the controller of the electronic cigarette. It is therefore possible for the controller to detect the presence of the protective element. Detection of the protective element is then only possible if the electrical connectors are coupled, and in particular electrically coupled, as opposed to prior art systems in which a magnet allows detection of the protective element. Since the electrical coupling of the electrical connectors requires sufficient mechanical engagement between the electrical connectors, detection of the protective element requires a correct positioning and mounting of the protective element on the electronic cigarette. It is therefore possible to detect the presence of the protective element, and therefore whether the protective element is correctly positioned on the electronic cigarette.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to disable a vaping function of the e-cigarette until said signal is received.

[0014] In other words, the controller allows the vaping function when it receives a signal from the integrated circuit. Therefore, it is impossible to use the e-cigarette for vaping without the protective member being detected, i.e., correctly positioned. Therefore, if the charging signal is different from the signal emitted by the integrated circuit, it is also impossible to use the e-cigarette when charging. Therefore, the controller can be configured to distinguish the signal emitted by the integrated circuit from the charging signal.

[0015] Preferably, the signal includes a second unique code, and the controller is configured to compare the second unique code with a first unique code stored in a memory of the electronic cigarette.

[0016] For example, during manufacture, each electronic cigarette may be associated with a protective element by a unique code. When the first electrical connector is coupled to the second electrical connector, a signal including the second unique code is sent to the controller, which compares it with the first unique code. In this way, it is possible to verify the authenticity of the protective element. This may be particularly useful when protective elements, which may be customizable, are available on the market that are not approved by the manufacturer of the aerosol generating system. Such protective elements may usually not have a sufficient level of protection and may put users at risk.

[0017] In the event of loss, theft or damage of the protective element, the electronic cigarette can be repaired and associated with a new protective element, preferably by the manufacturer or a qualified person.

[0018] Advantageously, the electronic cigarette has a first surface adjacent to the first electrical connector, said first surface being provided with at least one protrusion or recess, and the protective member has a second surface adjacent to the second electrical connector, said second surface being provided with at least one complementary portion for providing mechanical engagement with said at least one protrusion or recess when the protective member is attached to the electronic cigarette.

[0019] The mechanical engagement between the at least one protrusion or recess and the at least one complementary portion further improves the fit of the protective element on the electronic cigarette, thus reducing the risk of dropping and losing the protective element.

[0020] Furthermore, the mechanical engagement provided by the mating of the electrical connector and the mechanical engagement provided by the protrusions or recesses form at least two separate fastening points between the electronic cigarette and the protective member, which has the effect of reducing or even eliminating twisting forces that may be applied to the electrical connector when the protective member is attached to the electronic cigarette.

[0021] In addition, these parts allow to align either the first electrical connector or the second electrical connector with the other and to guide the protective member in translation when the protective member is attached to the electronic cigarette. Thus, the cooperation between the at least one protrusion or recess and the at least one complementary part allows to protect the electrical connectors, more particularly the electrical contacts they comprise. These parts can also function as a foolproof device, which is particularly useful when the attachment of the protective member is not obvious and / or when the electrical connector requires a specific assembly orientation.

[0022] Preferably, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are USB Type-C connectors.

[0023] USB Type-C connectors have the advantage that they are reversible, i.e. they can be connected in either direction. This is particularly advantageous if the protective element can also be fitted in either direction, as this allows the user to easily and quickly fit the protective element to the e-cigarette.

[0024] Additionally, new functions for the protection component are enabled by the known performance and capabilities of the USB Type-C connector, such as increased transfer or speed of audio and video signals.

[0025] Advantageously, the protective member comprises a battery electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

[0026] The battery of the protective member allows the electronic cigarette to be charged with electrical energy when the electrical connectors are coupled. Thus, electrical energy flows from the protective member to the electronic cigarette through the first and second electrical connectors. The battery of the protective member serves as an additional energy source for charging or recharging the electronic cigarette. Thanks to this, it is possible to charge the electronic cigarette without having to remove the protective member. This is particularly advantageous when the electronic cigarette activates the vaping function only in the presence of the protective member.

[0027] Preferably, the protective member includes a charging coil that generates an electric current under the action of an electromagnetic field, the charging coil being electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

[0028] The electric current generated by the charging coil is transmitted to the second electrical connector. When the second electrical connector is coupled to the first electrical connector, the electric current can charge the electronic cigarette, more specifically, the battery of the electronic cigarette. Thus, it is possible to charge or recharge the electronic cigarette without disassembling the protective member.

[0029] If the protective member comprises a battery, the charging coil may be connected to the battery so that current directly charges the battery.

[0030] Advantageously, the protective member further comprises a communication module electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

[0031] When the second electrical connector is coupled to the first electrical connector, the communication module can exchange data with the electronic cigarette. In addition, the communication module can be powered by the electronic cigarette when the first and second electrical connectors are coupled. Thanks to the communication module, it is possible to establish a connection, preferably wirelessly, with a device external to the aerosol generating system, such as a smartphone or another aerosol generating system. This allows information related to the electronic cigarette, such as, for example, the battery charge level, the aerosol generating substrate level, statistics on use, or location, to be displayed on the external device. The communication module can be implemented using any suitable technology, such as, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.

[0032] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a protective member for an aerosol generation system as described above, characterized in that it comprises a second electrical connector configured to be coupled to the first electrical connector of the electronic cigarette.

[0033] The protective member offers the same advantages as those described in relation to the aerosol generating system.

[0034] Preferably, the protective member includes an integrated circuit electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

[0035] Again preferably, the protective member has a second surface adjacent said second electrical connector, said second surface being provided with at least one protrusion or recess.

[0036] Advantageously, the protective member comprises a battery electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

[0037] Preferably, the protective member comprises a charging coil configured to generate an electric current under the action of an electromagnetic field.

[0038] Finally, preferably, the protective member includes a communications module electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

[0039] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

[0040] The accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples, are: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system comprising an electronic cigarette and a protective element, the protective element being separated from the electronic cigarette, according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but with a protective element attached to the electronic cigarette. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] 1 depicts an aerosol generation system 1 according to one embodiment. The aerosol generation system 1 comprises an electronic cigarette 2 and a protective element 3 removably attachable to the electronic cigarette.

[0043] The electronic cigarette 2 includes a housing 21 having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. As illustrated, the housing 21 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, edges and corners of the housing 21 may be rounded to be more comfortable for a user. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the electronic cigarette 2 is of a heat-non-combustion type. As such, the housing 21 defines a cavity 29 adapted to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. However, the present invention is not limited to this type of electronic cigarette and can be implemented with any type of electronic cigarette.

[0044] The electronic cigarette 2 includes a heater (not shown) disposed around the cavity 29. The heater is used to heat the interior of the cavity 29 in order to heat an aerosol-forming substrate inserted into the cavity. The cavity 29, and therefore the heater, are located near the first surface 22 of the housing 21. As such, the first surface 22 is more likely to heat up than the other surfaces of the housing 21. The first surface 22 is relatively flat here and extends between a top surface into which the cavity 29 opens and a bottom surface opposite the top surface.

[0045] The housing 21 has a first portion 23 recessed inwardly of the housing from the first surface 22. The first recess 23 here has a rounded shape.

[0046] The electronic cigarette 2 comprises a battery 24 and a controller 25 disposed inside a housing 21. The battery 24 is electrically connected to the heater and the controller 25 by electrical leads. The controller 25 is also connected to the heater for controlling the heater. The controller 25 has a memory 29 in which a first unique code is stored.

[0047] The electronic cigarette 2 also includes a first electrical connector 26 electrically connected to the battery 24 by a conductor. In this embodiment, the first electrical connector 26 is female. The first electrical connector 26 extends into the interior of the housing 21 and opens at the first surface 22. Among other things, the first electrical connector 26 allows for charging the battery 24 by connecting a charging cable equipped with a complementary electrical connector.

[0048] The protective member 3 is of the cover type. Together with the electronic cigarette 2 it forms a portable assembly which can be handled by the user, i.e. can be handled by the user. The protective member 3 is intended to be attached to the electronic cigarette 2 in particular when the electronic cigarette is in use by the user. Naturally, it can also be attached at other times.

[0049] The protective member 3 comprises a housing 31 whose dimensions are substantially smaller than those of the housing 21 of the electronic cigarette 2. The housing 31 of the protective member 3 has thermal insulation properties. In particular, this housing 31 can be made from materials with low thermal conductivity, such as thermoplastics and engineering plastics.

[0050] The housing 31 of the protective member 3 has a second surface 32 having a shape complementary to the first surface 22. The housing 31 has a second portion 33 protruding from the housing to the outside of the second surface 32. The second protrusion 33 here has a rounded shape. The second protrusion 33 extends to a length greater than the length of the second electrical connector 38 protruding from the second surface 32. In this way, the second protrusion 33 contacts the housing 21 of the electronic cigarette 2 before the second electrical connector 38 when the protective member 3 is attached to the electronic cigarette, as described below.

[0051] Here, the protection member 3 includes a battery 34 , an integrated circuit 35 , a charging coil 36 , a communication module 37 and a second electrical connector 38 .

[0052] The second electrical connector 38 is electrically connected to the battery 34, the integrated circuit 35, the charging coil 36, and the communication module 37 via conductors (not shown).

[0053] The second electrical connector 38 is male. The second electrical connector 38 extends outwardly from the housing 31 from the second surface 32. The second electrical connector 38 is complementary to the first electrical connector 26.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 34 of the protective member 3 is electrically connected to the integrated circuit 35 and the communication module 37 to provide power thereto. The integrated circuit 35 may be supplied with energy by the battery 24 of the electronic cigarette 2 via the coupling of the electrical connectors 26 and 38. In this case, the integrated circuit 35 may be configured to emit a signal as soon as it is supplied with energy.

[0055] The communication module 37 may be a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G, or other wireless module.

[0056] The battery 34 is electrically connected to the charging coil 36 so that when the charging coil is subjected to an electric field, the charging coil generates a current that recharges the battery.

[0057] The integrated circuit 35 may include or be connected to a memory 39 in which the second unique code is stored. The integrated circuit 35 is configured to send a signal including the second unique code to the second electrical connector 38.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 2, the protective member 3 is attached to the electronic cigarette 2. To achieve this attachment, the first recess 23 fits over the second protrusion 33 to align the first and second electrical connectors 26 and 38. The second electrical connector 38 then fits over the first electrical connector 26, thereby mechanically and electrically coupling them together. In particular, the second electrical connector 38 is inserted into the first electrical connector 26, thereby holding the protective member 3 in place on the electronic cigarette 2.

[0059] The assembly is removable: the protective member 3 can be removed to release the first electrical connector 26 of the electronic cigarette 2, for example, for recharging the electronic cigarette 2 with a wired charger or a fixed charging station.

[0060] Separating the protective element 3 from the electronic cigarette 2 preferably requires a force greater than the weight of the electronic cigarette 2. This prevents the electronic cigarette 2 from becoming detached from the protective element 3, or vice versa, when a user handles the aerosol generation system 1 by holding it only by the protective element 3. When assembled, the housing 21 of the electronic cigarette 2 and the housing 31 of the protective element 3 define a substantially homogenous shape, i.e. a shape without discontinuities.

[0061] When electrical connectors 26 and 38 are electrically coupled, integrated circuit 35 sends a signal to controller 25 that includes the second unique code stored in its memory 39. Controller 25 then checks whether the first unique code stored in its memory 29 matches the second unique code.

[0062] If the first unique code matches the second unique code, the controller 25 enables the vaping function of the electronic cigarette 2 and the heater can be activated, for example, by the user. If the first unique code does not match the second unique code, the controller 25 disables the vaping function of the electronic cigarette 2 and the heater cannot be activated despite the user's actions. In other words, the controller 25 can be configured to disable the vaping function when the authenticity of the protective member 3 is not recognized, i.e., when the second unique code does not match the first unique code. Conversely, the controller 25 can be configured to enable that the vaping function can be enabled when the authenticity of the protective member 3 is recognized, i.e., when the second unique code matches the first unique code.

[0063] In addition to its function of supplying electrical energy to the various components of the protective member 3, the battery 34 can also recharge the battery 24 of the electronic cigarette 2 by transmitting electrical energy through the first and second electrical connectors 26 and 38. The same applies to the charging coil 36, which, in addition to transmitting current to the battery 34 of the protective member 3, can also transmit this current to the battery 24 of the electronic cigarette 2.

[0064] The communication module 37 allows signals or information to be received and / or transmitted from and / or to devices external to the aerosol generation system 1. Information related to the e-cigarette 2 may be generated, for example, by the controller 25 and transmitted to the communication module 37 via the first and second electrical connectors 26 and 38. This information may then be transmitted to the external device.

[0065] Alternatives not shown are described below.

[0066] Other forms of the housing are contemplated, for example the housing of the electronic cigarette and / or the housing of the protective element may have the shape of an elongated cylinder, like a pen.

[0067] The housing of the electronic cigarette and the housing of the protective element may each have several protrusions or recesses. Other shapes of the protrusions or recesses can be envisaged, such as elongated, polygonal, or a combination of these shapes. In particular, the recesses of the electronic cigarette may instead be protruding, i.e. protruding outwardly from the housing from the first surface, while the protruding members of the protective element may instead be recessed.

[0068] The first electrical connector may be male and the second electrical connector may be female.

[0069] It is possible that the electronic cigarette does not include a cavity and / or a heater and / or a battery and / or a controller.

[0070] It is also possible that the protection element does not comprise a battery and / or an integrated circuit and / or a charging coil and / or a communication module.

[0071] Finally, the present invention is not limited to a particular type of electrical connector, but rather contemplates any type of electrical connector, such as, for example, a type A, B or C USB connector.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system comprising an electronic cigarette (2) with a vaping function and a cover-type protective member (3) removably attached to the electronic cigarette (2), wherein the electronic cigarette (2) comprises a first electrical connector (26); an aerosol generation system, characterized in that the second electrical connector (38) of the protective member (3) is complementary to the first electrical connector (26) and is configured to be electrically coupled to the first electrical connector (26) by mechanical engagement when the protective member (3) is attached to the electronic cigarette (2).

2. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the protective member (3) comprises an integrated circuit (35) electrically connected to the second electrical connector (38), the electronic cigarette (2) comprises a controller (25) electrically connected to the first electrical connector (26), and the integrated circuit (35) is configured to send a signal to the controller (25) when the first electrical connector (26) is coupled to the second electrical connector (38).

3. 3. The aerosol generation system of claim 2, wherein the controller (25) is configured to disable the vaping function of the electronic cigarette (2) until the signal is received.

4. 4. The aerosol generation system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the signal includes a second unique code, and the controller (25) is configured to compare the second unique code with a first unique code stored in a memory (29) of the electronic cigarette (2).

5. 3. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the electronic cigarette (2) has a first surface (22) adjacent to the first electrical connector (26), the first surface (22) being provided with at least one protrusion or recess (23), and the protective member (3) has a second surface (32) adjacent to the second electrical connector (38), the second surface (32) being provided with at least one complementary portion (33) to provide mechanical engagement with the at least one protrusion or recess (23) when the protective member (3) is attached to the electronic cigarette (2).

6. 3. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the first electrical connector (26) and the second electrical connector (38) are USB Type-C connectors.

7. 3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member (3) comprises a battery (34) electrically connected to the second electrical connector (38).

8. 3. The aerosol generation system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member (3) further comprises a charging coil (36) configured to generate an electric current under the action of an electromagnetic field, and the charging coil (36) is electrically connected to the second electrical connector (38).

9. 3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member (3) further comprises a communication module (37) electrically connected to the second electrical connector (38).

10. 3. A protective element (3) for an aerosol generation system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protective element (3) comprises a second electrical connector (38) configured to be coupled to the first electrical connector (26) of the electronic cigarette (2).

11. 11. The protective element (3) according to claim 10, comprising an integrated circuit (35) electrically connected to the second electrical connector (38).

12. 11. The protective element (3) according to claim 10, having a second surface (32) adjacent to the second electrical connector (38), the second surface (32) being provided with at least one protrusion or recess (23).

13. The protective element (3) according to claim 10, comprising a battery (34) electrically connected to the second electrical connector (38).

14. 11. The protective element (3) according to claim 10, comprising a charging coil (36) configured to generate an electric current under the action of an electromagnetic field.

15. 11. The protective element (3) according to claim 10, comprising a communication module (37) electrically connected to the second electrical connector (38).

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