Aerosol-Generating Assembly

Abstract

The aerosol generating assembly (10) comprises an aerosol generating device (12) and a charging unit (14), the aerosol generating device (12) comprising a device locking mechanism (16) and a housing (18), and comprising: - a heating chamber (20); - a first charge storage module (22); the charging unit (14) comprising a charger locking mechanism (26) and a housing (28) comprising a second charge storage module (30), the device locking mechanism (16) configured to be disengaged from the charger locking mechanism (26) by twisting and / or sliding, one of the locking mechanisms (16, 26) comprising at least one lug (36) and at least one electrode (40, 42), the other locking mechanism (16, 26) comprising at least one slot (38) configured to receive and secure the lug (36); It is provided with electrodes (40, 42) designed to contact the electrodes of the lugs (36).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating assembly comprising an aerosol generating device and a charging unit.

[0002] The aerosol-generating device of the assembly according to the invention is configured to operate with an aerosol-generating substrate, for example, providing a solid substrate capable of forming an aerosol when heated. Thus, this type of aerosol-generating device, also known as a non-combustion heated device, is adapted to heat the substrate by conduction, convection, and / or radiation rather than by combustion to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

[0003] The charging unit of the assembly according to the invention is adapted to supply power to the aerosol generating device, for example to recharge the charge storage module of said device. [Background technology]

[0004] The popularity and use of risk-reducing or risk-modifying devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as aids to assist regular smokers who wish to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and roll-up cigarettes. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm a vaporizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0005] Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate-heated aerosol-generating devices or non-combustion-heated devices. This type of device typically generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, also known as an aerosol-generating substrate, which comprises moist tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material, typically to temperatures ranging from 150°C to 350°C. By heating, rather than burning or combusting, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol containing the ingredients desired by the user but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols generated by heating tobacco or other vaporizable material typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning, which can be unpleasant to users, and therefore the substrate does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to users.

[0006] Such devices require a power source to heat the aerosol substrate. For this purpose, these aerosol generating devices are often part of an aerosol generating assembly, which includes the aerosol generating device and a charging unit. This allows the device to be charged from the charging unit, thus enabling the user to charge the aerosol generating device from any location. This increases the portability of the device, as the charging unit is separate from the aerosol generating device, eliminating the need for a bulky aerosol generating device.

[0007] However, known devices are not entirely satisfactory. In fact, the electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit does not allow for sufficient power to be transferred between the device and the unit, especially for the most power-demanding aerosol generating devices. The mechanical interface between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit in known assemblies is also not reliable enough, leading to unexpected separation between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit. This not only impairs the user experience, as it can result in unexpected interruptions to the charging of the aerosol generating device, but it can also be dangerous for the user. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide an aerosol generating assembly that improves the user experience and user safety. Another object is to provide an assembly that can meet the energy requirements of the most energy-hungry aerosol generating devices.

[0009] To this end, the present invention provides an aerosol generating assembly comprising an aerosol generating device and a charging unit, The aerosol generating device includes a device locking mechanism and a device housing extending along a device axis, a heating chamber configured to receive and heat a flat tobacco article; a first charge storage module configured to provide power to the heating chamber; the charging unit includes a charger locking mechanism and a charger housing including a second charge storage module configured to charge the first charge storage module and provide power to the heating chamber; the device locking mechanism is configured to engage with the charger locking mechanism to attach the aerosol generating device to the charging unit and to be disengaged from the charger locking mechanism by twisting and / or sliding; one of the locking mechanisms includes at least one lug protruding from a corresponding housing and including at least one electrode, and the other locking mechanism includes at least one slot; - configured to receive and secure said lug; - an aerosol generating assembly comprising an electrode designed to contact the electrode of the lug and electrically connect the first charge storage module to the second charge storage module and / or the heating chamber.

[0010] Such an assembly including a device locking mechanism configured to engage and disengage from the charger locking mechanism by twisting and / or sliding is particularly advantageous because it prevents, for example, the accidental removal of the aerosol generating device from the charging unit, which might otherwise occur by simply pulling the aerosol generating device away from the charging unit. The twisting and / or sliding, however, remains intuitive to the user, allowing the user to easily remove the aerosol generating device from the charging unit. Having one locking mechanism with a lug having an electrode and the other locking mechanism with at least one slot having an electrode configured to contact the electrode of the lug ensures a secure electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit via the locking mechanism. This allows for a reliable electrical connection that safely enables high power transfer between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit.

[0011] The present invention is particularly advantageous for aerosol generating devices that require a relatively significant amount of power, such as those with ceramic heaters or other types of powerful heaters designed to heat, for example, flat tobacco articles, where a power supply comprised between 1.5 V and 9 V and between 5 A and 30 A is typically required.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the device locking mechanism is located on a sidewall formed by the device housing and the charger locking mechanism is located on a sidewall formed by the charger housing.

[0013] This feature makes the assembly particularly compact whilst still allowing for easy removal of the aerosol generating device from the charging unit, in particular the aerosol generating device being easily accessible when attached to the charging unit.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the lug is configured to be disengaged from the slot by sliding the lug along the slot and removing the lug from the opening of said slot.

[0015] Thanks to this feature, the aerosol generating device remains attached to the charging unit unless the lug slides into the opening, thereby improving the attachment between the charging unit and the aerosol generating device and further preventing the aerosol generating device from accidentally detaching from the charging unit.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the slot further comprises an abutment cavity configured to receive the lug, and the lug is further configured to be pushed or pulled to disengage from the abutment cavity before sliding along the slot.

[0017] Thanks to this feature, the lug disengages from the abutment cavity by a pushing or pulling motion, as opposed to a sliding motion, which therefore prevents unintentional sliding of the lug in the slot, thus further improving the safety of the assembly.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the lug is configured to be slid along the slot along the device axis and removed from the opening of the slot along a transverse axis perpendicular to the device axis.

[0019] Thanks to this feature, the movement of removing the lug from the slot is different from a sliding movement, thus preventing the lug from being unintentionally removed from the slot. This feature also makes it particularly intuitive to remove the lug from the slot.

[0020] According to some embodiments, one of the locking mechanisms includes two lugs protruding from a corresponding housing, and the other locking mechanism includes two slots, each configured to receive and secure a respective lug.

[0021] Such a locking mechanism further improves the attachment between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit.

[0022] According to some embodiments, each lug comprises an electrode designed to contact an electrode disposed in the corresponding slot when the lug engages said slot.

[0023] Thanks to this feature, the electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit can be provided entirely by the locking mechanism.

[0024] According to some embodiments, each lug comprises a native electrode designed to contact a native electrode located in the corresponding slot when the lug engages said slot.

[0025] Thanks to this feature, the electrical connection is only reliable when the aerosol generating device is properly attached to the charging unit, thus further improving the safety of the assembly.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the device locking mechanism comprises the or each lug and the charger locking mechanism comprises the or each slot.

[0027] Thanks to this feature, for example, a charging unit intended to be in a user's pocket while the aerosol generating device is in use does not have protruding lugs, thus preventing any damage that may be caused by such lugs while the aerosol generating device is in use.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the lugs are arranged according to the device axis.

[0029] Thanks to this feature, the assembly is particularly compact and the locking mechanism is located along the device axis.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device is configured to perform a pre-heating phase of the flat-shaped tobacco article when the device locking mechanism is engaged with the charger locking mechanism.

[0031] Thanks to this feature, the second charger unit can be used by the aerosol generating device during the pre-heating phase, which allows saving energy of the first charge storage module during pre-heating and / or more efficient pre-heating.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the device locking mechanism is configured to engage with the charger locking mechanism by twisting and / or sliding.

[0033] Thanks to this feature, engagement of the device locking mechanism is particularly easy and intuitive.

[0034] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly of the present invention, with the aerosol generating device detached from the charging unit. [Figure 2]2 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the aerosol generating device in a first position during its attachment / detachment to / from the charging unit. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the aerosol generating device in a second position during its attachment / detachment to / from the charging unit. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly of the present invention in which an aerosol generating device is attached to a charging unit. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic diagram of a tobacco article configured to be received within the aerosol generating device of FIGS. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic diagram of the charger locking mechanism and device locking mechanism of the assembly of FIGS. 1-4. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a charger locking mechanism and a device locking mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0037] As used herein, the terms "aerosol-generating device" or "device" may include a vaping device that delivers an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for vaping, using a heater element, as described in more detail below. The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to a device intended for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol), for example, by activating the heater element for a variable amount of time, which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vaping button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to inhalation intensity and inhalation duration, allowing for the provision of a variable amount of vapor (to mimic the smoking effect of a conventional combustible smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar, or pipe). The device may include a temperature regulation control for driving the temperature of the heater and / or heated aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to a specific target temperature and then maintaining the temperature at the target temperature that enables efficient generation of aerosol.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gas. The suspension may be in a gas, including in air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapor. The aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "vaporizable material" or "precursor" can refer to smokable material and aerosol-forming agents, which may include, for example, nicotine or tobacco. Tobacco may take the form of various materials, such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyols (e.g., sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol), non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, and triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may also include at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a humectant.

[0040] 1-4, an aerosol generating assembly 10 includes an aerosol generating device 12 and a charging unit 14.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the aerosol generating device 12 includes a device locking mechanism 16 and a device housing .

[0042] The device housing 18 extends along a device axis X-X'. In particular, the device housing 18 extends along said device axis X-X'. The device housing 18 comprises a heating chamber 20 and a first charge accumulation module 22. By comprising a heating chamber 20 and a first charge accumulation module 22, for example, it is understood herein that the housing 18 houses the heating chamber 20 and the first charge accumulation module 22 of the aerosol generation device 12. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the device housing 18 further comprises a mouthpiece 23.

[0043] The first charge storage module 22 is configured to supply power to the heating chamber 20. The first charge storage module 22 is, for example, electrically connected to the heating chamber 20 and configured to provide power to the heating chamber 20. The first charge storage module 22 includes, for example, at least one battery cell and includes, for example, a battery control unit (not shown). For example, the capacity of the first charge storage module 22, which corresponds to the capacity of the at least one battery cell of the first charge storage module 22, is comprised, for example, between 200 mAh and 2000 mAh, preferably between 300 mAh and 1000 mAh.

[0044] The heating chamber 20 is configured to receive a flat tobacco article 24. The shape of the heating chamber 20 is, for example, complementary to the shape of the flat tobacco article 24. The shape of the heating chamber 20 is therefore, for example, flat in appearance, as understood from the description of the shape of the tobacco article 24.

[0045] The heating chamber 20 is configured to heat the tobacco article 24. To that end, the heating chamber 20 comprises, for example, a resistive heating element (not shown). The heating chamber 20 is particularly configured to heat the tobacco article 24 received therein to a temperature comprised between 150°C and 350°C. At least some of the walls defining the heating chamber 20 may be in direct contact with the tobacco article 24 and heat it by conduction, or may be at least slightly spaced apart and heat it by convection. According to another embodiment, instead of a resistive heating element, the heating chamber 20 comprises a coil intended to extend around the tobacco article 24 when the tobacco article 24 is inserted into the heating chamber 20. In this case, heating can be achieved by magnetic interaction between the coil and a susceptor provided on the tobacco article 24.

[0046] 5, the tobacco article 24 has the shape of, for example, a flattened rectangular parallelepiped extending along an article axis XT between an inlet end IN and an outlet end OU and having external dimensions L×W×H. The consumable article 24 is adapted to direct an air flow from the inlet end IN to the outlet end OU, as will be explained in more detail below. In a typical embodiment, the length L of the article 24 according to the article axis XT is approximately 25-35 mm, for example equal to 33 mm, while its width W is comprised between 8-15 mm, for example equal to approximately 12 mm, and its height H is comprised between 0.8-2 mm, for example equal to approximately 1.2 mm. According to different embodiments, the values ​​L, W, and H can be selected within a range of, for example, ±40%.

[0047] In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the tobacco article 24 is wrapped by a common wrapper WR. In other words, in this embodiment, the wrapper WR is formed from a unique sheet that wraps substantially the entire length of the consumable article 24 about the article axis XT. In other embodiments, the wrapper WR extends along only a portion of the length of the tobacco article 24. For example, the wrapper WR can extend only along the tobacco substrate of the tobacco article 24 and advantageously wrap only the tobacco substrate. According to another embodiment, the wrapper WR is formed from two different sheets that separately wrap, for example, the tobacco substrate and the support structure of the consumable article 24. The wrapper WR is made of aluminum and / or paper. To prevent liquid absorption, the paper can be coated with an impermeable coating, such as baking paper or backing paper. In some embodiments, if the wrapper WR is made of aluminum, it can wrap only the tobacco substrate to prevent condensation and / or vapor leakage. Additionally, aluminum allows for better heat transfer.

[0048] 1-4, the mouthpiece 23 is aligned with the outlet OU of the tobacco article 24, for example, when the tobacco article 24 is received within the heating chamber 20. In some non-illustrated embodiments, a portion of the tobacco article 24 forms the mouthpiece. The device housing 18 does not include a separate mouthpiece 23, in which case the mouthpiece is formed, for example, by a portion of the tobacco article 24 protruding from the device housing 18.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the charging unit 14 includes a charger locking mechanism 26 and a charger housing .

[0050] The charger housing 28 comprises a second charge storage module 30. By comprising a second charge storage module 30, for example, it is understood here that the charger housing 28 houses the second charge storage module 30 of the charging unit 14.

[0051] As will be understood later, the second charge storage module 30 is configured to charge the first charge storage module 22 and supply power to the heating chamber 20. In some embodiments, the second charge storage module 30 is configured to supply power directly to the heating chamber 20, i.e., using a direct electrical connection to this chamber 20. According to other embodiments, the second charge storage module 30 is configured to supply power indirectly to the heating chamber 20, for example, via the first charge storage module 22. The second charge storage module 30 comprises, for example, at least one battery cell and a battery control unit (not shown). For example, the capacity of the second charge storage module 30, which corresponds to the capacity of the at least one battery cell of the second charge storage module 30, is higher than, for example, the capacity of the first charge storage module 22. The capacity of the second charge storage module 30 is, for example, comprised between 500 mAh and 5000 mAh, preferably between 1000 mAh and 3600 mAh.

[0052] As will be understood later, the second charge storage module 30 is configured to be connected to the first charge storage module 22 and / or the heating chamber 20, for example, via the device locking mechanism 16 and the charger locking mechanism 26.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the aerosol generating device 12 is configured to perform a pre-heating phase of the flat-shaped tobacco article 24 when the device locking mechanism 16 is engaged with the charger locking mechanism 26. In this embodiment, the heating chamber 20 is configured to be powered, at least in part, directly or indirectly, by, for example, the second charge storage module 30. The aerosol generating device 12 and / or the charging unit 14 include, for example, a user interface (not shown) that allows for controlling the power supply of the heating chamber 20.

[0054] As is apparent from FIGS. 1-4 , the device locking mechanism 16 is disposed on, for example, a side wall 32 formed by the device housing 16. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 , the side wall 32 formed by the device housing 16 is generally parallel to the device axis X-X′. The charger locking mechanism 26 is disposed on, for example, a side wall 34 formed by the charger housing 18. As will be disclosed in more detail later, the side wall 32 formed by the device housing 16 faces, for example, the side wall 18 formed by the charger housing when the device locking mechanism 16 is engaged with the charger locking mechanism 26.

[0055] The device locking mechanism 16 is configured to engage with the charger locking mechanism 26 to attach the aerosol generating device 12 to the charging unit 14. The device locking mechanism 16 is configured to engage with the charger locking mechanism, for example, by twisting and / or sliding. In the embodiment of Figures 1-4, and as can be seen in Figure 6, which shows details of this embodiment, the device locking mechanism 26 is configured to engage with the charger locking mechanism 26 by sliding. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 7, the device locking mechanism 26 is configured to engage with the charger locking mechanism 26 by twisting.

[0056] The device locking mechanism 16 is configured to be disengaged from the charger locking mechanism 26 to remove the aerosol generating device 12 from the charging unit 14. The device locking mechanism 16 is configured to be disengaged from the charger locking mechanism by, for example, twisting and / or sliding. In the embodiment of Figures 1-4 and as seen in Figure 6, which shows details of this embodiment, the device locking mechanism 26 is configured to be disengaged from the charger locking mechanism 26 by sliding. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 7, the device locking mechanism 26 is configured to be disengaged from the charger locking mechanism 26 by twisting.

[0057] One of the locking mechanisms 16, 26 includes at least one lug 36 that protrudes from the corresponding housing 18, 28, and the other locking mechanism 16, 26 includes at least one slot 38. For example, the device locking mechanism 16 includes the or each lug 36, and the charger locking mechanism 26 includes the or each slot 38. In particular, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, 6, and 7, the device locking mechanism 16 includes two lugs 36 that protrude from the device housing 18, and the charger locking mechanism 26 includes two slots 38.

[0058] The or each slot 38 is configured to receive and secure one of the lugs 36. In the embodiment of Figures 1-4, two slots 38 of the charger locking mechanism 26 are configured to receive and secure the lug slots 36 of the device locking mechanism 16.

[0059] The lugs 36 include at least one electrode 40. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, each lug 36 includes a unique electrode 40. The slots 38 include at least one electrode 42. It should be understood that the phrase "a slot 38 includes an electrode 42" is used when, for example, the electrode 42 is disposed within the slot 38, e.g., such that the electrode 42 is accessible from within the slot 38. Each slot 38 includes, for example, a unique electrode 42. In alternative embodiments, at least one slot 38 includes multiple electrodes 42 and / or at least one lug 36 includes multiple electrodes 40. In certain embodiments (not shown), one slot 38 includes, for example, two concentric electrodes 42, and the corresponding lug 36 includes two concentric electrodes 40.

[0060] The electrodes 42 in the slots 38 are designed to contact the electrodes 40 in the lugs 36 to electrically connect the first charge storage module 22 to the second charge storage module 30 and / or the heating chamber 20. In particular, if one of the locking mechanisms 16, 26 includes two slots 38 and the other includes two lugs 36, each lug 36 includes an electrode 40 designed to contact the electrode 42 located in the corresponding slot 38 when the lug 36 engages with the slot 38. In the embodiment of Figures 1-4, the specific electrode 40 of each lug 46 is designed to contact the specific electrode 42 of the corresponding slot 38 when the lug 36 engages with the slot 38.

[0061] 1-4 and 6-7, the two lugs 36 of the device locking mechanism 16 are arranged in accordance with the device axis X-X'. In other words, the two lugs 36 are aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the device axis X-X'.

[0062] 1-4 and 6-7, slot 38 includes opening 44. Opening 44 corresponds to a portion of slot 38 where, for example, the width of slot 38 is greater than the remainder of slot 38. In these embodiments, lug 36 is configured to be disengaged from the slot by sliding lug 36 along slot 38 and removing lug from opening 44.

[0063] The openings 44 are located, for example, at the ends of the slots 38. In this embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 and 6, each slot 38 extends substantially along an axis parallel to the device axis X-X' when the aerosol generating device 12 and charging unit 14 are attached. The openings 44 are located, for example, at the same end of the slot 38, for example, at the end of the slot 38 facing the mouthpiece 23 when the aerosol generating device 12 and charging unit 14 are attached. In the embodiment of Figure 7, each slot 38 has an arc segment shape, which is preferably concentric and centered on an arc center C. In this embodiment, the openings 44 are, for example, diametrically opposed to the arc center C.

[0064] 1-4 , the lug 36 includes, for example, a neck portion 46 and a head portion 48, with the cross section of the head portion 48 being larger than the cross section of the neck portion 46. The slot 38 then defines an internal volume within which the head portion can slide while being guided by the slot 38. The opening 44 has a cross section larger than the cross section of the head portion 48, and the head portion 48 is configured to be engaged / disengaged from the internal volume, i.e., from the slot 38, by passing through the opening 44. In other words, as long as the head portion 48 slides within the slot 38, it is locked within the internal volume defined by the slot, and the head portion 48 is configured to be removed from the slot 38 through the opening 44.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the slot 38 includes an abutment cavity 50 configured to receive, for example, the lug 36. The abutment cavity 50 is more specifically configured to receive, for example, the head portion 48. The lug 36 is configured to be disengaged from the abutment cavity 50 by pushing or pulling the lug 36, before sliding the lug 36 along the slot 38. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 , the lug 36 of the device locking mechanism 16 is configured to be disengaged from the abutment cavity 50 by pushing the lug 36, i.e., by pushing the aerosol generating device 12, toward the charging unit 14 (see the movement of the lug 36 between FIG. 4 , where the lug 36 is engaged with the abutment cavity, and FIG. 3 , where the lug 36 is disengaged from the cavity 50 without being slid within the slot 38). In certain embodiments, the slot 38 further includes a biasing means (not shown) configured to push the lug out of the charging unit 14. In this embodiment, the biasing means is configured, for example, to press the lug 36 in the abutment cavity 50 .

[0066] The electrode 42 of the slot 38 is located, for example, within the abutment cavity 50. The electrode 40 of the lug 36 is then configured, for example, to contact the electrode 40 of the lug 36 only when the lug 36 is engaged within the abutment cavity 50.

[0067] 1-4 and 6, the lugs 36 are configured to be slid along the slots 38 along, for example, a device axis X-X' (see between the first position shown in FIG. 2 and the second position shown in FIG. 2) and removed from the openings 44 of the slots 38 along a transverse axis T-T' perpendicular to the device axis X-X' (see FIG. 1 for when the lugs 36 are removed from the openings 44). In the embodiment of FIG. 7, each lug 36 is configured to be slid along the slots 38 about, for example, an arc center, and removed from the openings 44 of the slots 38 along a transverse axis perpendicular to the device axis X-X'.

[0068] A method for attaching the aerosol generating device 12 to the charging unit 14 of the aerosol generating assembly 10 as described above will now be presented.

[0069] In a first step, lug 36 is inserted into slot 38. In particular, in the embodiment of Figures 1-4 and 6-7, lug 36 of device locking mechanism 16 is inserted into opening 44 of slot 28 of charger locking mechanism 26 (see particularly Figure 2, which shows assembly 10 after lug 36 has been inserted into slot 38).

[0070] In a second step, the lug 36 is slid within the slot 38 so that the device locking mechanism 16 engages with the charger locking mechanism 26 to attach the aerosol generating device 12 to the charging unit 14 (see in particular Figure 3, which shows the assembly 10 after the lug 36 has been slid within the slot 38).

[0071] In the embodiment of Figures 1-4 and 6, the lug 36 slides along the slot 38 according to the device axis X-X'. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the lug slides about the arc center C.

[0072] In an optional third step, the lugs 36 are further engaged with the abutment cavities 50 such that the device locking mechanism 16 engages with the charger locking mechanism 26 to attach the aerosol generating device 12 to the charging unit 14 (see in particular FIG. 4 , which shows the assembly 10 after the lugs 36 have engaged with the abutment cavities 50). In the examples of FIGS. 1-4 and 6 and 7 , the lugs 36 are engaged with the abutment cavities 50 by pulling the aerosol generating device 12 away from the charging unit 14. As explained above, in some embodiments, the biasing means pulls the aerosol generating device 12 away from the charging unit 14 such that the lugs engage in the abutment cavities 50 when the lugs 36 are slid within the slots 38.

[0073] When the device locking mechanism 16 engages with the charger locking mechanism 26 to attach the aerosol generating device 12 to the charging unit 14, the electrode 40 of the lug 36 comes into contact with, for example, the electrode 42 of the slot 38. That is, when the aerosol generating device 12 is attached to the charging unit 14, the electrode 40 of the lug 36 comes into contact with the electrode of the slot 38, electrically connecting the first charge storage module 22 to the second charge storage module 30 and / or the heating chamber 20.

[0074] It will then be apparent that the method of engaging and disengaging the aerosol generating device 12 with respect to the charging unit 14 of the aerosol generating assembly 10 as described above includes, for example, disengaging the lug 36 from the abutment cavity 50, and then sliding the lug 36 within the slot 38 and removing the lug 36 from the slot 38 via the opening 44.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating assembly (10) comprising an aerosol generating device (12) and a charging unit (14), The aerosol generating device (12) comprises a device locking mechanism (16) and a device housing (18) extending along a device axis (X-X'); a heating chamber (20) configured to receive and heat a flat-shaped tobacco article (24); a first charge storage module (22) configured to supply power to said heating chamber (20); the charging unit (14) comprises a charger locking mechanism (26) and a charger housing (28) comprising a second charge storage module (30) configured to charge the first charge storage module (22) and provide power to the heating chamber (20); the device locking mechanism (16) is configured to engage with the charger locking mechanism (26) to attach the aerosol generating device (12) to the charging unit (14), and to be disengaged from the charger locking mechanism (26) by twisting and / or sliding; one of the locking mechanisms (16, 26) includes at least one lug (36) protruding from the corresponding housing (18, 28) and including at least one electrode (40, 42), and the other locking mechanism (16, 26) includes at least one slot (38); - configured to receive and fix said lug (36); - electrodes (40, 42) designed to be in contact with the electrodes of the lugs (36) and to electrically connect the first charge storage module (22) to the second charge storage module (30) and / or to the heating chamber (20); An aerosol-generating assembly (10).

2. 2. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the device locking mechanism (16) is positioned on a side wall (32) formed by the device housing (18), and the charger locking mechanism (26) is positioned on a side wall (34) formed by the charger housing (28).

3. 3. An aerosol generating assembly (10) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the lug (36) is configured to be disengaged from the slot (38) by sliding the lug (36) along the slot (38) and removing the lug (36) from the opening (44) of the slot (38).

4. - said slot (38) further comprises an abutment cavity (50) adapted to receive said lug (36); - said lug (36) is further adapted to be disengaged from said abutment cavity (50) by pushing or pulling before sliding along said slot (38); 4. The aerosol generating assembly (10) of claim 3.

5. 5. An aerosol generation assembly (10) as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the lug (36) is configured to be slid along the slot (38) along the device axis and removed from the opening (44) of the slot (38) along a transverse axis (T-T') perpendicular to the device axis (X-X').

6. An aerosol generation assembly (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the locking mechanisms (16, 26) has two lugs (36) protruding from the corresponding housing (18, 28), and the other locking mechanism (16, 26) has two slots (38), each configured to receive and secure a respective lug (36).

7. 7. The aerosol generating assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein each lug (36) is provided with an electrode (40) designed to contact an electrode (42) disposed in the corresponding slot (38) when the lug (36) engages with the slot (38).

8. 8. The aerosol generating assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein each lug (36) is provided with a specific electrode (40) designed to contact a specific electrode (42) disposed in the corresponding slot (38) when the lug (36) engages with the slot (38).

9. An aerosol generation assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device locking mechanism (16) comprises the or each lug (36) and the charger locking mechanism (26) comprises the or each slot (38).

10. 10. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of claim 9 in combination with claim 6, wherein the lug (36) is disposed along the device axis (X-X').

11. The aerosol generating assembly (10) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol generating device (12) is configured to perform a pre-heating phase of the flat-shaped tobacco article (24) when the device locking mechanism (16) is engaged with the charger locking mechanism (26).

12. The aerosol generation assembly (10) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device locking mechanism (16) is configured to engage with the charger locking mechanism (26) by twisting and / or sliding.

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