A charging unit configured to operate with an aerosol generating device, as well as a related 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) including a device body (21) extending along an axis (X) of the device and defining at least one transverse wall (25), the charging unit (14) including a unit body (51) defining an outer surface and a recess (54) formed in the outer surface and configured to receive the aerosol generating device (12) such that the transverse wall (25) of the device body (21) extends continuously with the outer surface of the unit body (51), and the charging unit (14) further including an extraction mechanism (80) configured such that, simultaneously with a trigger event, one end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) is removed from the recess (54) of the charging unit (14).

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 and method of operation associated with such a charging unit.

[0002] In particular, according to the present invention, the aerosol generating assembly includes a charging unit and an aerosol generating device that can be accommodated within the charging unit.

Background Art

[0003] Different types of aerosol generating devices are already known in the art. Such devices include a storage section for storing a vaporizable material, which can include, for example, a liquid or a solid. A heating system is formed of one or more electrically activated resistive heating elements and is arranged to heat the vaporizable material to generate an aerosol. The aerosol is discharged into a flow path extending between an inlet and an outlet of the device. The outlet can be arranged as a mouthpiece for the user to inhale so that the aerosol is delivered.

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

[0005] Some aerosol generating devices are configured to be stored within a case. Such a case can ultimately be adapted to accommodate the aerosol generating device, either with or without a removable cartridge. This facilitates the portability of the device and can, for example, protect the device from impact. Some cases can also prevent leakage of the vaporizable material contained within the cartridge.

[0006] According to some examples, the case can be provided with a rechargeable battery that can recharge the battery of the aerosol generating device when, for example, an external power source is not available. Such a case can be referred to as a charging unit. According to additional examples, the case may enable connecting the power source of the device to an external power source and / or connecting the data of the device to an external device.

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

[0008] According to some examples, the charging unit can be provided with means for facilitating the user to grasp the aerosol generating device. For example, some charging units can be provided with an inclination so that the aerosol generating device can be taken out from the charging unit.

[0009] Due to various means that enable safe storage, and / or grasping, and / or removal of the aerosol generating device, the charging unit becomes cumbersome and is not suitable for the user to carry together with the aerosol generating device as, for example, a portable device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a charging unit with reduced dimensions and weight. Thus, the user can easily carry the charging unit together with the aerosol generating device. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0011] For this purpose, the present invention is a charging unit configured to operate with an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is a device body extending between two ends along the axis of the device, and the charging unit includes the device body defining at least one transverse wall of the aerosol generating device, a unit body defining an outer surface, and a recess formed in the outer surface and configured to accommodate the aerosol generating device such that the transverse wall of the device body extends continuously with the outer surface of the unit body, and further relates to a charging unit further including a removal mechanism configured such that one end of the aerosol generating device is removed from the recess simultaneously with a trigger event.

[0012] Thanks to these features, no specific means for facilitating the gripping of the device are necessary. Thus, the user can directly grip the end of the aerosol generating device removed from the recess of the charging unit.

[0013] Preferably, the removal mechanism according to the present invention is powered, for example, by a battery included in the charging unit. Such a removal mechanism can be made particularly compact, further reducing the size and weight of the charging unit.

[0014] Additionally, at the storage position, since the lateral wall of the device body extends continuously with the outer surface of the unit body, the aerosol generating device can be pulled out from the charging unit using only the extraction mechanism. In particular, since no specific recess or gap is provided between the lateral wall of the device body and the outer surface of the unit body, the only possibility for the user to pull out the aerosol generating device is to activate the extraction mechanism via a trigger event. Thereby, for example, the use of the aerosol generating device by a child or an unauthorized person can be prevented. Thus, the aerosol generating device can be safely stored inside the charging unit. This also means that there is no lid or any other covering element to secure access to the aerosol generating device in the charging unit.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the trigger event includes the activation of a button by the user.

[0016] Thanks to these features, the user can easily activate the extraction mechanism. The button can be arranged, for example, on the unit body and can present any suitable shape and form. For example, the button can be either a mechanical button (e.g., a push button) or a touch button. According to other examples, the button can be arranged on the device body and can present either a mechanical button or a touch button as in the previous case. In these other examples, the dimensions and weight of the charging unit are further reduced.

[0017] Alternatively, or additionally, the trigger event can be generated by a controller, for example, a controller included in either the charging unit or the aerosol generating device. For example, the controller can generate such a trigger event in response to a user operation further executed in relation to the charging unit and / or the aerosol generating device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the trigger event further includes the successful authentication of the user.

[0019] In such a case, the controller of the aerosol generating device or the controller of the charging unit can be configured to perform a user authentication process. This process may include, for example, user authentication using authentication data (such as username, password, identifier, etc.) or biometric data. Biometric data may include, for example, the user's fingerprint that can be detected by a sensor disposed on the unit body. Additionally, or alternatively, user authentication may include, for example, transmitting an authentication signal from an external device such as a smartphone.

[0020] Thanks to these features, the aerosol generating device can be removed from the charging unit and vapor can be generated only when the user has successfully passed the authentication. This prevents unauthorized users, such as children, from using the aerosol generating device.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the extraction mechanism is configured such that power is supplied simultaneously with the trigger event and the end portion of the aerosol generating device is extracted. Preferably, the extraction mechanism is configured such that power is supplied for a predetermined time to maintain the end portion of the aerosol generating device in the extracted position.

[0022] Thanks to these features, a trigger event can trigger the power supply to the extraction mechanism, for example, by the battery of the charging unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the battery of the aerosol generating device can supply power to the extraction mechanism. Advantageously, the aerosol generating device can stay in the extracted position as long as power is supplied to the extraction mechanism. If the user does not grasp the aerosol generating device for a predetermined time, the power supply to the extraction mechanism can be stopped, and the aerosol generating device can return to its accommodation position in the charging unit, for example, by the action of the holding mechanism or, for example, by gravity. Alternatively, the user can manually reinsert the aerosol generating device into the recess. The predetermined time can last for several seconds, for example, 4 or 5 seconds. The predetermined time can also be set by the user.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the charging unit further includes a holding mechanism configured to hold at least one end of the aerosol generating device or the entire device body within the recess of the charging unit.

[0024] Thanks to these features, it is possible to hold the aerosol generating device in the recess. According to various embodiments, the holding mechanism can be configured to hold the entire device or only one of the ends within the recess. In the first case, the holding mechanism can be actuated, for example, when power is not supplied to the rejection mechanism. Thereby, the aerosol generating device can be fixed in the accommodation position, for example, preventing an unauthorized user from using the aerosol generating device. In the second case, the holding mechanism can be actuated, for example, simultaneously with the extraction mechanism. In this case, one end of the aerosol generating device can be taken out of the recess and the other end can be held in the recess. Thereby, it is ensured that the aerosol generating device is in a stable position in the extracted state before being grasped by the user.

[0025] According to some embodiments, to generate an attractive force with a magnetic element included in the device body, the holding mechanism includes a ferromagnetic element or a magnetic element disposed on the unit body.

[0026] Thanks to these features, the holding mechanism can simplify the structure. In some examples, the magnetic element in the device body can be formed by a permanent magnet that attracts a corresponding ferromagnetic element or magnetic element disposed on the unit body. In the case of the ferromagnetic element in the unit body, it can be made of any ferromagnetic material that can be attracted by a permanent magnet. In the case of the magnetic element in the unit body, it can be formed by a permanent magnet. According to these examples, since the holding mechanism can act permanently when the aerosol generating device is housed in the recess, there is no need to supply power.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the extraction mechanism includes a first magnetic element disposed on the unit body so as to face a second magnetic element disposed on the device body, and when power is supplied, the first magnetic element is configured to repel the second magnetic element, This first magnetic element is a coil configured to generate a magnetic field that repels the second magnetic element.

[0028] Thanks to these features, the extraction action by the extraction mechanism can be realized 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.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the ferromagnetic element of the holding mechanism forms the electromagnetic core of the coil of the extraction mechanism, Preferably, the holding mechanism is configured to hold the entire device body in the recess of the charging unit when no power is supplied to the extraction mechanism.

[0030] Thanks to these features, the extraction mechanism and the holding mechanism can be combined to form the same structure. Therefore, when no power is supplied to the coil, the ferromagnetic element can be attracted by the second magnetic element included in the device body, thereby holding the device body and the unit body together. When power is supplied to the coil, the magnetic field generated by the coil can be configured to repel the second magnetic element by exceeding the attractive force generated between the second magnetic element and the ferromagnetic element. In this way, an extraction force is generated.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the extraction mechanism includes a shape memory alloy spring that can extend when power is supplied, and a plunger attached to the spring and capable of repelling the end of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] Thanks to these features, an extraction force can be achieved while the shape memory alloy spring extends. By being able to bring the plunger into contact with the device body, no additional elements are required for the aerosol generating device to produce the extraction action.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the holding mechanism is configured to hold the unextracted end of the aerosol generating device within the recess of the charging unit.

[0034] Thanks to these features, a stable position of the aerosol generating device can be achieved when the aerosol generating device is in the extracted state.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the extraction mechanism further includes a biasing element configured to bias the shape memory alloy spring back to its original position after extension.

[0036] Thanks to these features, the shape memory alloy spring can automatically return to its original shape when no power is supplied. The plunger can thus return to its original position without additional operation by the user.

[0037] The present invention also relates to - an aerosol generation device, and - a charging unit according to the above definition, and an aerosol generation assembly including the same.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generation device further includes a user interface.

[0039] The aerosol generation device is accommodated in the recess of the charging unit, and for example, while being charged by this charging unit, data / commands can be displayed and / or input using the user interface. Since at least the lateral wall of the aerosol generation device remains uncovered, such a user interface can be directly arranged on this lateral wall, and there is no need to provide a separate user interface for the charging unit. Thereby, the structure of the charging unit is simplified, and the charging unit can be made more compact.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the user interface includes the following data items, namely, - an indicator indicating whether the aerosol generation device is accommodated in the charging unit, - an indicator indicating the charging process of the aerosol generation device by the charging unit, - 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 amount of the vaporizable material that can be heated without charging the battery included in the aerosol generation device, - an indicator indicating the remaining amount of the battery of the aerosol generation device, - an indicator indicating the remaining amount of the battery of the charging unit, - an indicator indicating the charging process of the battery of the charging unit by an external power source, and is adapted to display at least one of them.

[0041] Thanks to these features, useful information regarding the use of the device, and / or the charging process, and / or the authentication process can be provided to the user.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating assembly as defined above, the method comprising the following - detecting a trigger event; and - powering a removal mechanism to cause one end of the aerosol generating device to be removed from the recess of the charging unit. The present invention also relates to an operating method including the above steps.

[0043] The present invention and its advantages are given by way of non-limiting example only and will be better understood by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0045] Before describing the present invention, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of the structures described in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0046] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" or "device" can include a vaping device that delivers an aerosol containing an aerosol for vaping to a user by an aerosol generating element (such as an aerosol generating element that generates vapor that condenses into an aerosol before being delivered to the outlet of the device in a mouthpiece for the user to inhale). The device can be portable. "Portable" can refer to a device that a user can hold and use by hand. The device can be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a measured dose of aerosol inhalation) that can be controlled by a trigger, for example, by operating a heating system for a variable period of time. The trigger can be something that a user operates, such as a vaping button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor can be sensitive to both the strength and duration of inhalation (so as to mimic the effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe, etc.) and enable a variable supply of vapor. The device can include a temperature adjustment control unit for driving the temperature of the heater and / or the heated aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to a specific target temperature and then maintaining the temperature at the target temperature at which the aerosol can be efficiently generated.

[0047] As used herein, the term "aerosol" can include a suspension of vaporizable materials such as one or more of solid particles, droplets, and gases. The suspension may be in a gas including air. The aerosol herein can generally refer to / include vapor. The aerosol can include one or more components consisting of vaporizable materials.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "vaporizable material", "precursor", "aerosol-forming substance", or "substance" are used to designate any material that is vaporizable in air to form an aerosol. Vaporization is generally achieved by a temperature rise to the boiling point of the vaporizable material, such as a temperature below 400 °C, preferably up to 350 °C. The vaporizable material can be, for example, an aerosol-generating solid, which may be in the form of a rod containing a processed tobacco material such as an aerosol-generating liquid, gel, wax, foam, etc., a reconstituted tobacco (RTB) crimped sheet or oriented strip, or any combination or composition thereof. The vaporizable material can include one or more of nicotine, caffeine, or other active ingredients. The active ingredient can be carried by a carrier, which can be a liquid. The carrier can include propylene glycol or glycerin. There may also be a flavor present. The flavor can include ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), or the like.

[0049] As used herein, the term "external device" can refer to a device capable of establishing a wireless data connection with an aerosol-generating device, as described herein. Such an external device can be, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone. Additionally, such an external device can be a smart device capable of processing at least some data intended to be received from or transmitted to the aerosol-generating device. Such a smart device can be a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet computer, laptop, desktop computer, or any other smart object implemented, for example, according to Internet of Things (IoT, "Internet of Things") technology. Such a smart device can also be another aerosol-generating device similar to the aerosol-generating device.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating assembly 10 according to the present invention includes 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 and charge the aerosol generating device 12. These elements 12, 14 are shown in more detail in FIG. 2, in which the aerosol generating device 12 is withdrawn from the charging unit 14.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 12 includes a device body 21 that extends between a battery side 22 and a mouthpiece side 24 along the axis X of the device. The device body 21 can form a cylindrical shape having, for example, a circular, elliptical, or rectangular cross section. The device body 21 further defines a transverse wall 25 that extends along the axis X of the device. Depending on the cross-sectional shape of the device body 21, the transverse wall 25 can be formed by one or several outer surfaces.

[0052] The mouthpiece side 24 includes, for example, a mouthpiece (not shown in the figure) intended to cooperate with the user's mouth. The battery side 22 can be held and used by the user, for example, while generating vapor using the device 12. In particular, the battery side 21 can be formed in an ergonomic shape suitable for the user to hold during use of the aerosol generating device 12.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, the device body 21 defines a storage portion 26 that is designed to store the vaporizable material. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, this storage portion 26 is designed to accommodate a removable cartridge, and the removable cartridge is designed to store the vaporizable material. Thus, according to this embodiment, the cartridge can be accommodated in the storage portion 26, and when the vaporizable material is used up, it can be replaced with another cartridge. The vaporizable material can be either liquid or at least partially solid. In the first example, the cartridge defines a reservoir capable of storing a liquid vaporizable material. In the second example, the cartridge can present any other suitable shape including a tobacco stick shape or shredded and / or compressed tobacco leaves. In some cases, the cartridge can define a mouthpiece and at least partially form the mouthpiece side 24 of the device 12. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the storage portion 26 is designed to be directly filled with the vaporizable material through a suitable opening, for example. In this case, when the vaporizable material is used up, the storage portion 26 can be refilled with the vaporizable material.

[0054] The device body 21 defines the boundary of the inner portion of the aerosol generating device 12, including, for example, a power block 32 designed to supply power to the device 12, a heating system 34 designed to heat the vaporizable material contained in the storage portion 26, and a controller 36 designed to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 12. The device body 21 can further include other internal components that perform various functionalities of devices known in the art.

[0055] It should be noted that FIG. 2 merely presents a schematic view of the various components of the aerosol generating device 12 and does not necessarily show the actual physical arrangement and dimensions of these components. In particular, such an arrangement can be chosen according to the design of the aerosol generating device 12 and the technical characteristics of its components.

[0056] The power block 32 includes a battery and a battery charger. The battery is a known battery designed to be charged using a power source that supplies direct current (DC) provided, for example, by an external power source. The battery charger can connect the battery to an external power source and control the power delivered from the external power source to the battery according to, for example, a predetermined charging profile (e.g., a constant current constant voltage profile). Such a charging profile can define, for example, the charging voltage of the battery according to the level of its charge.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, to electrically connect the battery to an external power source, the battery charger includes a power connector 40 shown in FIG. 2. The power connector 40 can correspond to any known connector and can be arranged on a horizontal wall of the device body 21 disposed on the battery side 22 of the device body 21, substantially perpendicular to the axis X of the device. In particular, the power connector 40 can protrude from this horizontal wall or can be recessed into this wall. According to other embodiments, the power connector 40 can be arranged on any other wall. Advantageously, the power connector 40 can be provided with any suitable means for facilitating connection to and / or disconnection from an external connector. Such means can be formed by a magnetic element. Advantageously, the power connector 40 is configured to be connected to an external connector without being engaged therein and without accommodating at least a part of this external connector. In this case, the connection between the connectors can be made by the cooperation of the contact surfaces of both connectors. To maintain the connection and enhance its reliability, at least one of the connectors can be pushed towards the other connector using suitable pushing means. Such pushing means can be integrated into the aerosol generating device 12 and / or the charging unit 14. Advantageously, as will be explained in more detail below, the operation of the pushing means can be further released in response to a trigger event. In some embodiments, the power connector 40 can be used for purposes other than charging, such as for data transmission purposes, for example. In this case, the connector can be directly connected to the controller 36.

[0058] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the battery charger can also be adapted to wirelessly charge the battery of the device 12 using, for example, magnetic cooperation between a pair of coils, which is known per se. In this case, the power connector 40 can be provided as described above or can be used only for other purposes, such as for data transmission purposes, for example. According to yet another example, the aerosol generating device 12 is not provided with a connector.

[0059] The heating system 34 is connected to the power block 32 through the controller 36. Various types of components known in the art can form the heating system 34. Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating system 34 can include a wick disposed in the storage portion 26 and a heating element disposed around the wick and connected to the power block 32 through the controller 36. In this case, the vaporizable material of the liquid can 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 can include one or more heating plates. In this case, the heating plate forms the wall of the storage portion 26 and can be connected to the power block 32 to at least partially heat the solid vaporizable material. Alternatively, or additionally, the heating plate can form a protrusion protruding from the storage portion 26. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the heating system 34 can heat the vaporizable material by electromagnetic interaction between one or more susceptors and an electromagnetic coil.

[0060] The controller 36 is capable of controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 12. In particular, the controller 36 is configured to supply power to the heating system 34 of the device to generate vapor from the vaporizable material. The controller 36 can be actuated by the user via the vaping button, or can be actuated, for example, in response to detection of a user puff by a pressure sensor provided in the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 12. The controller 36 can perform any other functionality of the device 12 that is known per se. Such functionality may relate, for example, to the communication capabilities of the device 12 with external devices, maintenance capabilities, analysis capabilities, and the like. The controller 36 can include one or several integrated circuits and several electrical components. Such integrated circuits can include at least one of an MCU (microcontroller unit) or an MPU (microprocessor unit).

[0061] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 12 further includes a user interface 39 disposed on the lateral wall 25 of the device body 21. The user interface 39 is connected to the controller 36 and can input / output data to / from the controller 36. For example, the user interface 39 can include the following data items, namely, - An indicator indicating whether the aerosol generating device 12 is housed within 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 an authentication process, as will be described in more detail below; - An indicator indicating the progress of heating of the vaporizable material included in the storage unit 26; - An indicator indicating the remaining number of times it is possible to perform heating of the vaporizable material included in the storage unit 26 without charging the battery included in the power block 32; - An indicator indicating the remaining amount of the battery of the aerosol generating device 12; - An indicator indicating the remaining amount of the battery of the charging unit 14; - An indicator showing the charging process of the charging unit 14 by an external power source, can include a display adapted to display at least one of them.

[0062] In some embodiments, the user interface 39 includes input means capable of obtaining at least some commands from the user, such as a touch pad. These commands may be related to, for example, the authentication process. In some embodiments, the user interface 39 can further include a biometric data sensor such as a fingerprint sensor.

[0063] The charging unit 14 defines a unit body 51 that defines an outer surface 53 and a recess 54 formed within the outer surface 53 and configured to accommodate the aerosol generating device 12, and the transverse 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 transverse wall 25 and the outer surface 53, it can be seen that the thickness of the gap formed between these elements along the entire boundary of the recess 54 is less than a predetermined threshold value. This threshold value can be included, for example, between 0.5 and 4 mm. Advantageously, the threshold value is selected such that, for example, despite possible manufacturing inaccuracies and / or material expansion, the device body 21 can be easily inserted, but when housed in the recess 54, the user's finger cannot grasp the device body 21. The transverse wall 25 and the outer surface 53 can have a design such that the joint between these elements is always smooth when the device body 21 is housed in the recess 54.

[0064] The recess 54 extends along the axis Y of the recess. The recess 54 is adapted to receive the aerosol generating device 12 such that the axis X of the device coincides with the axis Y of the recess. In particular, the recess 54 extends along the axis Y of the recess between a first end 62 and a second end 64. The first end 62 and the second end 64 are adapted to snugly receive the battery side 22 and the mouthpiece side 24 of the aerosol generating device 12. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end 62 of the recess 54 can include a connector 70 configured to cooperate with the power connector 40 of the aerosol generating device 12 as described above. Depending on the nature of the power connector 40, the connector 70 of the charging unit 14 can be adapted to transmit power to the device 12 or to transmit data to this device 12. In some embodiments, the first end 62 of the recess 54 can include a foam or any other suitable material that prevents leakage from the mouthpiece when the aerosol generating device 12 is received in the recess 54.

[0065] The unit body 51 of the charging unit 14 defines an inner portion that includes, among other things, electrical circuitry 72. According to some embodiments, the electrical circuitry 72 includes a charging circuit capable of supplying power to the aerosol generating device 12. For this purpose, the charging circuit can include a rechargeable battery and a charger capable of wirelessly charging the battery of the aerosol generating device 12 and / or via the connectors 40, 70. The charging circuit can further include electrical connection means that enable connecting the battery and / or the charger included in this circuit to an external power source. For example, the charging circuit can define an external connector for this purpose. This external connector is arranged, for example, on the outer surface of the unit body 51.

[0066] According to the present invention, the electrical circuits 72 further include a control module 75, which may sometimes be called a controller and is capable of implementing the extraction ability of the charging unit 14 in response to a trigger event. The trigger event may exist in the operation of a button by the user. In this case, the charging unit 14 can include, for example, a button 77 disposed on the outer surface 53 of the unit body 51. The button 77 can be, for example, a mechanical button or a touch button. The control module 75 can include not only the controller 36 but also one or several integrated circuits and several electrical components. Such an integrated circuit can include at least one of an MCU (microcontroller unit) or an MPU (microprocessor unit).

[0067] Alternatively, or additionally, for the authentication process, the trigger event can include the successful authentication of the user. The authentication process can be executed using, for example, the button 77 on the outer surface 53 and / or the user interface 39 of the aerosol generating device 12. For example, the authentication process can include the verification of user data such as an identifier, name, password, etc., and / or biometric / data such as, for example, the user's fingerprint. For this last purpose, as described above, a fingerprint sensor can be disposed on the button 77 and / or the user interface 39.

[0068] According to another example, the trigger event can exist in any other event that can be detected by the electrical circuits 72. For example, the trigger event can exist in the reception of a special command from an external device connected to the electrical circuits 72 of the charging unit 14. According to another embodiment, the trigger event can exist in the reception of a special command from the device 12 using, for example, the connectors 40 and 70.

[0069] According to the present invention, the charging unit 14 further includes a take-out mechanism 80 configured such that at least one end of the device 12 is taken out simultaneously with the trigger event. In some embodiments, the charging unit 14 further includes a holding mechanism 90 configured to hold at least one end of the aerosol generating device 12, or the entire device, within the recess 54.

[0070] These mechanisms 80, 90 can be implemented according to various embodiments, which will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0071] First Embodiment According to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the take-out mechanism and the holding mechanism are integrated into the same take-out mechanism 80 / holding mechanism 90. In particular, according to this embodiment, the take-out mechanism 80 / holding mechanism 90 further includes a first magnetic element 81 configured to repel in response to the trigger event, and a second magnetic element 82 integrated with the device body 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the first magnetic element 81 is disposed opposite the second magnetic element 82 when the device 12 is housed in the recess 54. Both magnetic elements 81, 82 can be disposed, for example, closer to the mouthpiece side 24 than the battery side 22 of the device body 21. In this case, the take-out action is applied to the mouthpiece side 24 of the device body 21. Advantageously, the magnetic elements 81, 82 are disposed inside the corresponding bodies 21, 51, respectively, and can interact with the other magnetic element through the corresponding wall.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second magnetic element 82 presents a permanent magnet, and the first magnetic element 81 presents an electromagnet, for example, an electromagnet having a flat shape. This electromagnet includes a coil arranged along an axis perpendicular to the axis Y, and this axis is hereinafter referred to as the axis Z of the coil. The coil is connected to the electric circuits 72, and in particular, to a control module 75 capable of controlling its operation. In particular, the control element 75 can supply power to the coil to generate a magnetic field inside the coil along the Z of the coil axis. The magnetic field along the axis Z of the coil has the same polarity as the outer surface of the second magnetic element 82 when the second magnetic element 82 is formed by a permanent magnet.

[0073] In particular, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 3, power is supplied to the coil by the control module 75 to generate a magnetic field that repels the second magnetic element 82 along the axis Z of the coil. In this example, the magnetic field has an N polarity. The control module 75 can thus supply power to the first magnetic element 81 to repel the second magnetic element 82. In some cases, the control module 75 can supply power to the first magnetic element 81 to repel the second magnetic element 82 according to a predetermined profile. For example, according to this profile, power can be supplied to the coil with a delay after the detection of a trigger event. The profile can also achieve a specific visual effect for the user, for example, by changing the power delivered to the coil to adapt the repulsion speed. In some other embodiments, the control module 75 is configured to supply power to the first magnetic element 81 for a predetermined time. Therefore, if the user does not grasp the device 12 within this time, the repulsion effect disappears, and the holding effect can pull the device 12 back to its original position.

[0074] According to the first embodiment, the extraction mechanism 80 / holding mechanism 90 further includes a ferromagnetic element 83 disposed in the coil to form an electromagnetic core. The ferromagnetic element is designed to be attracted by a second magnetic element 82 as shown at the top of FIG. 3. Therefore, when no power is supplied to the coil, the magnetic interaction between the ferromagnetic element 83 and the second magnetic element 82 can attract the device body 21 to the unit body 51.

[0075] Second Embodiment According to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the extraction mechanism 80 and the holding mechanism 90 form two different structures.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the extraction mechanism 80 includes a shape memory alloy spring 84 that can extend when powered by a control module 75, and a plunger 85 attached to the spring and capable of repelling one end of the aerosol generating device 12. In the example of FIG. 4, the plunger 85 can repel the mouthpiece side 24 of the device 12 as shown at the bottom of this figure. As in the previous case, power can be supplied to the memory alloy spring 84 according to a predetermined profile. When no more power is supplied to the spring 84, the spring can return to its original position by manual operation of the user, for example, when the user reinserts the device 12 into the recess 54. This is shown at the top of FIG. 4.

[0077] According to the second embodiment, the holding mechanism 90 includes a first magnetic element 91 and interacts with a second magnetic element 92 integrated with the device body 21 to hold the battery side 22 of the device 12 within the recess 54. These magnetic elements 91, 92 are each formed, for example, by permanent magnets arranged to face each other when the aerosol generating device 12 is housed in the recess 54. In particular, the second magnetic element 92 is arranged such that the tip portion thereof facing the outer surface of the first magnetic element 91 has an opposite polarity. In other words, the first magnetic element 91 is arranged to attract the second magnetic element 92. In some other embodiments, the magnetic elements 91, 92 can each be formed by any other magnetic element such as an electromagnet.

[0078] In some embodiments, it is also apparent that the holding mechanism 90 as disclosed in connection with the second embodiment can be used in combination with the extraction mechanism 80 as disclosed in connection with the first embodiment. In such a case, this extraction mechanism 80 can, for example, apply only a repulsive action without applying a holding action. For this purpose, the ferromagnetic element 83 can be suppressed.

[0079] Third Embodiment According to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the extraction mechanism 80 and the holding mechanism 90 are the same as those described in connection with the second embodiment.

[0080] The only difference in the third embodiment is that the extraction mechanism 80 according to this embodiment further includes a biasing element 86 configured to bias the shape memory alloy spring 84 back to its original position after it has extended. The biasing element 86 presents, for example, a spring arranged along the same axis as the shape memory alloy spring 84 and is capable of applying a repulsive force to this spring when the shape memory alloy spring 84 extends. In particular, the biasing element 86 is configured to apply a repulsive force smaller than its extension force when power is supplied to the shape memory alloy spring 84. When no power is supplied to the shape memory alloy spring 84, the repulsive force of the biasing element 86 biases the shape memory alloy spring 84 back to its original shape. Therefore, in this case, there is no need for the user to manually operate to return the shape memory alloy spring 84 to its original shape.

[0081] Operation method First of all, it is considered that the aerosol generating device 12 is housed in the recess 54 of the charging unit 14 as shown in the upper part of FIGS. 3 to 5. When the user wants to pull out the aerosol generating device 12 from the charging unit 14, the user can cause a trigger event, for example, by operating the button 77 and / or by starting an authentication process. The trigger event is detected by the control module 75, whereby the extraction mechanism 80 is activated. As shown in the lower part of FIGS. 3 to 5, at least one end of the device body 21 is removed from the recess 54. In this way, the user can grasp the aerosol generating device 12 and start using the device, for example, by taking a puff.

Claims

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

2. 2. The charging unit (14) of claim 1, wherein the triggering event comprises activation of a button (77) by a user.

3. The charging unit (14) of claim 1, wherein the triggering event further comprises successful authentication of a user.

4. the ejection mechanism (80) is configured to be powered upon the trigger event to eject the ends (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12); 2. The charging unit (14) of claim 1, wherein the ejection mechanism (80) is preferably configured to be powered for a predetermined time to maintain the ends (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device in the ejected position.

5. 2. The charging unit (14) of claim 1, further comprising a holding mechanism (90) configured to hold at least one end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12), or the entire device body (21), within the recess (54) of the charging unit (14).

6. 6. The charging unit (14) of claim 5, wherein the retaining mechanism (90) includes a ferromagnetic element (83) or a magnetic element (91) disposed on the unit body (51) to generate an attractive force with a magnetic element (82, 92) included in the device body (21).

7. The ejection mechanism (80) includes a first magnetic element (81) arranged in the unit body (51) so as 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 power is supplied; 7. The charging unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first magnetic element (81) is a coil configured to generate a magnetic field that repels the second magnetic element (82).

8. the ferromagnetic element (83) of the holding mechanism (80) forms an electromagnetic core of the coil of the removal mechanism (80); Preferably, the charging unit (14) of claim 7, which is dependent on claim 6, is configured so that the holding mechanism (80) holds the entire device body (21) within the recess (54) of the charging unit (12) when power is not supplied to the ejection mechanism (80).

9. 7. A charging unit (14) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ejection mechanism (80) includes a shape memory alloy spring (84) that can expand when power is supplied, and a plunger (85) attached to the spring (84) that can repel the end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) that is configured to be ejected by the ejection mechanism (80).

10. A charging unit (14) as described in claim 9, which relies on claim 5 or 6, wherein the holding mechanism (90) is configured to hold the non-removed end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) within the recess (54) of the charging unit (14).

11. 10. The charging unit (14) of claim 9, wherein the ejection mechanism (80) further comprises a biasing element (86) configured to bias the shape memory alloy spring (84) toward its original position after being extended.

12. An aerosol generating assembly (10) comprising: an aerosol generating device (12), a charging unit (14) adapted to operate with the aerosol generating device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; An aerosol-generating assembly (10) comprising:

13. 13. The aerosol generating assembly (10) of claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating device (12) further comprises a user interface (39).

14. Said user interface (39) receives the following data items: an indicator indicating whether the aerosol generating device (12) is housed in the charging unit (14); an indicator indicating the charging process of the aerosol generating device (12) by the charging unit (14); - indicators showing the results of the certification process; - an indicator showing the progress of heating of the vaporizable material; an indicator indicating the remaining amount of heating of the vaporizable material without charging the battery contained in the aerosol generating device (12); - an indicator showing the remaining charge of the battery of the aerosol generating device (12); an indicator showing the remaining capacity of the battery of said charging unit (14); an indicator indicating the charging process of the battery of the charging unit (14) by an external power source; 14. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of claim 13, adapted to display at least one of:

15. 13. A method of operating an aerosol generation assembly (10) according to claim 12, comprising the steps of: - detecting a trigger event; - applying power to an ejection mechanism (80) to eject one end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) from the recess (54) of the charging unit (14); A method comprising:

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