Charging connector for aerosol generators

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] E-cigarettes are an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Instead of burning and producing smoke, e-cigarettes vaporize a liquid, which the user can inhale. The liquid typically contains an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, which produces a vapor when heated. Other common substances in the liquid are nicotine and various flavorings.

[0003] Traditional cigarette smoke contains nicotine and numerous other compounds that arise as products of the partial combustion and / or thermal decomposition of plant material. Electronic cigarettes, on the other hand, deliver an aerosolized version of an initial starting e-liquid composition that primarily contains nicotine and various food-safe substances, such as propylene glycol and glycerin, while also being efficient at delivering the desired nicotine dose to the user. Electronic cigarettes need to maximize energy efficiency while simultaneously delivering a satisfying amount of vapor for an optimal user experience.

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

[0005] Another type of aerosol generating device is configured to heat a tobacco substrate contained or wrapped in stick or pod form. Such devices, also called "heat-and-burn" devices, typically include an oven, a blade or pin, or an electric heating element such as an induction heater.

[0006] Because electronic cigarettes or heat-and-burn devices are handheld, they typically include a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery. To recharge the battery in the aerosol generating device, a user may, in some circumstances, remove the battery from the aerosol generating device and place it in an external battery charger. However, this can be inconvenient for the user and poses a risk of damage to the device due to disassembly. Therefore, in other circumstances, a user may instead connect the aerosol generating device, including the battery, to the charger.

[0007] The charger may include a charger cable connectable to an external power source (such as a USB or mains connector), or may include a charger unit such as a charging dock or charging case, which may include an independent power source such as a larger battery and / or be connectable to an external power source. In either case, a charging connector is required to connect the aerosol generation device to the charger. The charging connector typically includes a first connector portion including two or more contacts on the charger and a second connector portion including two or more complementary contacts on the aerosol forming device. When the first and second portions of the charging connector are mated with each other so that the charger contacts are electrically coupled to the device contacts, a charging current can flow from the charger to the aerosol forming device to charge the battery contained in the aerosol forming device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an improved charging connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, we provide a charging system for an aerosol generating device, the system comprising: a charger having a device interface portion, the charger including a first portion of a charging circuit, the first portion of the charging circuit including a first contact pin having a first polarity, a second contact pin having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, and a third contact pin having the same polarity as the first contact pin; an aerosol-forming device having a device housing and a second portion of a charging circuit, the second portion of the charging circuit including a first device contact and a second device contact; the device interface portion of the charger further comprises a first fixed magnet or group of magnets arranged adjacent to the first contact pin, preferably in a circumferential direction, and a second fixed magnet or group of magnets arranged adjacent to the third contact pin, preferably in a circumferential direction, and the charger is releasably securable to the aerosol generating device using the first and second magnets or groups of magnets; When the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol forming device, the first device contact is positioned to form an electrical connection with the first contact pin and / or the third contact pin, and the second device contact is positioned to form an electrical connection with the second contact pin to complete a charging circuit.

[0010] The charger preferably includes a recess having a recess surface shaped to receive an end portion of the device housing when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol forming device, with first, second, and third contact pins protruding from the recess surface.

[0011] Such a charging system is reversible in that the charger can be connected to the aerosol generating device in one of two predetermined connection orientations. The recessed surface forms a seat for the end portion of the aerosol generating device, which, combined with the magnetic attraction, provides a stable and easy-to-use connection.

[0012] The charger may be a charging cable. Alternatively, the charger may be a charging dock or a charging case.

[0013] The first fixed magnet may include a first annular magnet having a centrally located bore through which at least a portion of the first contact pin extends and protrudes, and the second fixed magnet may include a second annular magnet having a centrally located bore through which the third contact pin extends and protrudes, this arrangement helping to ensure a secure and properly positioned connection.

[0014] The aerosol-forming device may include a third fixed magnet, and the first device contact may overlie the third fixed magnet. Such a magnet may help ensure a strong but releasable connection.

[0015] The first and third contact pins may be equally spaced on either side of the second contact pin, making this contact arrangement compact yet fully reversible.

[0016] The first device contact may surround the second device contact so that the first device contact forms an electrical connection with both the first contact pin and the third contact pin when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device. The first device contact may be oval or rounded rectangular and may be concentric with the second device contact. This contact arrangement is fully reversible while having a simplified electrical structure.

[0017] The first device contact may be included in a contact bracket having at least one connecting flange. Using the connecting flange, the contact bracket may be connected to the device housing via the third fixed magnet. Thus, the contact bracket may perform a secondary function of maintaining the third fixed magnet in a predetermined position within the aerosol-forming device.

[0018] The aerosol generating device may further include a third device contact and a fourth stationary magnet, the third device contact overlying the fourth stationary magnet, and the first and third device contacts being equally spaced on either side of the second device contact. The first and third device contacts may have the same polarity.

[0019] The device contacts may not protrude from the outer surface of the end portion of the aerosol generating device, but may be flush with the outer surface of the end portion, which may present an attractive and easy-to-clean outer surface of the device.

[0020] The recessed surface may be at least partially curved and free of corners, e.g., concave. The outer surface of the device end portion may also be at least partially curved and free of corners, e.g., convex. Contact pins may be positioned on or through flat surface portions of the recessed surface. Both the recessed surface of the charger and the outer surface of the device end portion may be formed of a non-deformable (i.e., non-rubber-like) material to ensure proper magnetic alignment and positioning. The device contacts may be positioned on flat surface portions of the outer surface of the device end portion. These features can enhance the ease of use and reliability of the connection system while maintaining an attractive appearance.

[0021] The recess may be shallow, for example, having a depth of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. A shallow cavity may help locate the end portion of the device housing to achieve a secure connection while still maintaining visibility of most of the device housing.

[0022] The recessed surface may have an elliptical or rounded rectangular shape in plan view. The flat portion of the recessed surface may be elliptical or rounded rectangular, with a major axis at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 or 2.5 times, its minor axis. The recessed surface may include a rim, and a curved land may extend between the flat surface and the rim to form a concave recessed surface. The rim may be higher at two opposing edge regions, which may be on the major axis of the recessed surface, so as to present a concave curvature when viewed from the side. These features may enhance usability by helping to orient the device within the recess.

[0023] If the charger is a charging cable, the cable may include a cable portion having a thickness and a width, and the cross section of the cable portion may be flattened such that the width is at least 1.5 times the thickness, e.g., at least 2 times the thickness, or 2.5 times the thickness, or more. Such a cable may be less likely to tangle.

[0024] The cable may have an outer surface that is shaped to blend smoothly with the outer surface of the aerosol generating device when the end portion of the device is located within the recess.

[0025] The device interface portion may be located at a first end of the cable portion, and the charging cable may further include a power connector located at a second end of the cable portion and electrically connected to a first portion of the charging circuit.

[0026] The aerosol generating device may further include a rechargeable battery operable to be electrically connected to the second portion of the charging circuit. The battery may be a DC voltage source such as a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium-polymer battery. The aerosol generating device may further include a processor associated with the electrical components of the electronic cigarette, including the battery.

[0027] In the context of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device may comprise an electronic cigarette, which may include a cartridge removably connected to a base, or may comprise a heat-and-burn device configured to accept a replaceable tobacco cartridge. As used herein, the term "electronic cigarette" may include an electronic cigarette configured to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for inhalation / vaping. An aerosol for inhalation / vaping may refer to an aerosol with a particle size of 0.01 to 20 μm. The particle size may be between about 0.015 μm and 20 μm. The electronic cigarette or heat-and-burn device may be portable.

[0028] It should be understood that the cartridge and base portion may include any one or more components conventionally included in these portions of an aerosol generating device, as discussed below.

[0029] The features described above may be combined together in any combination, or may be combined with selected features from the following detailed description.

[0030] The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic representation of an aerosol generating device including a base and a disposable cartridge. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device and a charging cable connected together using a charging connector. [Figure 3] 3 illustrates the charging connector of FIG. 2 in a disconnected state, showing a first portion of the charging connector within the aerosol generating device and a second portion of the charging connector within the charger cable. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view through the charging connector of FIGS. 2 and 3 in a connected state. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a further exemplary charging connector in a connected state. [Figure 6] 6 illustrates the charging connector of FIG. 5 in a disconnected state, showing a first portion of the charging connector within the aerosol generating device. [Figure 7] 7 illustrates two views of the charger cable partially shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a close-up view showing further details of a second portion of the charging connector of the charging cable shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross section through a first contact pin of the charging cable shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 illustrates a schematic range of movement of a contact pin. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view through the charging connector of FIGS. 5 to 9 in a connected state. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a charging dock. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a charging system including a charging dock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example aerosol generating device 10, such as an electronic cigarette. The aerosol generating device includes a base portion 12 and a cartridge 14 (also referred to in the art as a "capsule" or "pod"). The cartridge 14 is removably connectable to the base portion 12 and may be disposable. The base portion 12 is therefore the main body of the electronic cigarette and is generally reusable.

[0033] The base portion 12 comprises a housing 16 that houses therein a power supply unit in the form of a rechargeable battery 18. The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a controller 20 and a user interface 22 for enabling a user to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 18 via the controller 20.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 1, cartridge 14 includes a liquid storage reservoir 24 configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized. The liquid may include an aerosol-forming substance, such as propylene glycol and / or glycerol, and may contain other substances, such as nicotine and acid. The liquid may also include flavorings, such as tobacco, menthol, or fruit flavors. A vapor transport path 26 extends from an air inlet (not shown) to an outlet 28 located in a mouthpiece region 30 of the cartridge. While Figure 1 shows vapor transport path 26 extending through the center of the cartridge, it will be understood that this location is merely exemplary.

[0035] Cartridge 14 further includes heater unit 32. A fluid transfer element 34, such as a wick, is positioned in fluid communication with the interior of reservoir 24 and is configured to draw vaporizable liquid from reservoir 24 toward heater unit 32 in a vaporization zone 36. Vaporization zone 36 is in fluid communication with vapor transfer path 26. When base 12 is attached to cartridge 14, power is supplied from battery 18 via heater contacts 38 to heater unit 32 to heat the liquid in vaporization zone 36, thereby generating vapor that can cool and condense to form an aerosol for inhalation through outlet 26 by a user of aerosol generation device 10.

[0036] Generally speaking, a vapor is a substance that is in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature. An aerosol, on the other hand, is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" can be used interchangeably herein, particularly with respect to the form of inhalable medium generated for inhalation by a user.

[0037] Once the liquid in the reservoir has evaporated, a new cartridge may be installed in the base and the empty cartridge discarded.

[0038] As mentioned above, the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 includes a reusable base portion 12 that includes a rechargeable battery 18, allowing the user to use the aerosol generating device 10 multiple times by recharging the battery as needed.

[0039] 2 to 4, a charging system 100 for an aerosol generating device will now be described. The charging system 100 includes a charging connector 102 having a first connector portion 104 provided on the aerosol generating device 10 and a second connector portion 106 provided on a charger, such as a charging cable 108, connectable to the aerosol generating device 10. It will be understood that this arrangement is exemplary, and the positions of the first and second connector portions 104, 106 can be reversed as needed. Furthermore, the charging connector can also be provided on a charger other than a charging cable, such as a charging dock or charging case.

[0040] The charging cable 108 has a cable portion 110 having a first end and a second end, and a device interface portion 112 located at the first end. The charging cable 108, and more specifically the device interface portion 112 of the charging cable, includes three contact pins 114: a first contact pin 114a having a first polarity, a second contact pin 114b having a second polarity opposite the first polarity, and a third contact pin 114c having the same polarity as the first contact pin (i.e., also having the first polarity). The contact pins 114 are included within a first portion 116a of a charging circuit 116.

[0041] The second portion 116b of the charging circuit 116 is included within the base portion 12 of the aerosol-forming device 10. The second portion of the charging circuit includes at least two device contacts 118, which in the illustrated example include a first device contact 118a and a second device contact 118b.

[0042] The device interface portion 112 of the charging cable 108 further comprises a first fixed magnet or magnet group 122a disposed at least partially circumferentially around the first contact pin 114a and a second fixed magnet or magnet group 122c disposed at least partially circumferentially around the third contact pin 114c. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the magnets 122a, 122c may be positioned adjacent to the respective contact pins (e.g., partial annular, half-ring, or rectangular magnets). The charging cable 108 may be releasably secured to the aerosol generation device 10 using the first and second magnets or magnet groups.

[0043] 4, the first device contact 118a is positioned to form an electrical connection with the first contact pin 114a and / or the third contact pin 114c when the charging cable 108 is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device 10 using the first and second fixed magnets. Similarly, the second device contact 118b is positioned to form an electrical connection with the second contact pin 114b when the charging cable 108 is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device 10 using the first and second fixed magnets. The electrical connection of these various contacts electrically connects the first and second portions of the charging circuit, thereby allowing charging current to flow through the charging cable to the battery 18.

[0044] Because the first and third contact pins 114a, 114c have the same polarity, either pin can be used to complete the charging circuit via the first device contact 118a. This means that a user can connect the charging cable to their device in one of two predetermined connection orientations. Typically, the charging cable includes a power connector 120 electrically connected to the first portion of the charging circuit and located at the second end of the cable portion (i.e., the end opposite the first end including the device interface portion 112). Any suitable power connector can be included in the charging cable depending on the intended use, such as a mains, USB, or USB-C connector. In the case of a power connector that is itself reversible (such as a USB-C connector and some countries' mains power connectors), it can be advantageous for a user to be able to couple the charging cable to their device in more than one orientation.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the aerosol generating device itself may have a defined or preferred orientation for use. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2 , the aerosol generating device is non-cylindrical and includes a first side (also referred to herein as the “top”) having the user interface 22 and a second side (also referred to herein as the “bottom”) lacking any primary interface features. It may therefore be advantageous to provide a charging cable configured to allow a user to connect their device in one of two predetermined orientations. This may be a first “right-side-up” orientation, as shown in FIG. 2 , and a second “upside-down” orientation that is 180 degrees opposite to the first orientation. This means that regardless of which way a user connects the cable’s power connector to a power outlet, the user can always connect their device to the cable in the right-side-up orientation, ensuring that the user interface remains fully visible and usable during charging.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the first stationary magnet or magnets are provided in the charging cable as a first annular magnet 122a. A bore 124a is centrally located through the annular magnet 122a, through which at least a portion of the first contact pin 114a extends and protrudes. Similarly, in the illustrated example, the second stationary magnet or magnets are provided as a second annular magnet 122c. A bore 124c is centrally located through the annular magnet 122c, through which at least a portion of the third contact pin 114c extends and protrudes. Both magnets are oriented with the same pole facing up to ensure reversibility of the connection as described above.

[0047] A stationary magnet in the charging cable releasably secures the cable to the aerosol-generating device by magnetic attraction, which may be to a metal portion of the device (e.g., the first contact 118a, etc.). Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the aerosol-forming device may include at least a third stationary magnet or magnet group 126 positioned to magnetically attract and couple with the first and / or second magnet(s) 122a, 122c in the cable.

[0048] In the example shown in FIGS. 2-4, the first device contact 118a overlies the third stationary magnet or magnet group 126. Specifically, the first device contact 118a is provided as a thin conductive (e.g., metal) plate overlying the pair of third stationary magnets 126. The first device contact 118a surrounds the second device contact 118b and is separated from the second device contact 118b by an insulator 128. This concentric arrangement allows the first device contact to form an electrical connection with both the first contact pin 114a and the third contact pin 114c when the charging cable is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device. In the illustrated example, the second device contact 118b is provided as a contact pin extending through the insulator 128, but may take other forms as needed. The concentric contacts 188a, 188b are centered on the longitudinal axis 129 of the device.

[0049] 3, the first device contact 118a is generally oval or elliptical in shape, but may have any shape so long as it remains insulated from the second device contact 118b. In the illustrated example, the first device contact 118a is included in a contact bracket 130 having at least one coupling flange 132 extending away from the first device contact 118a. Using the coupling flange, the contact bracket 130 may be connected to the device housing 16 via the third stationary magnet 126. Thus, the contact bracket 130 may serve a secondary function of maintaining the third stationary magnet 126 in place within the aerosol-forming device.

[0050] The charging cable 108 has a longitudinal axis 134, and the second contact pin 114b is aligned with the longitudinal axis 134. The first and third contact pins are positioned such that the second connector portion 106 has second-order rotational symmetry. This ensures that the cable can be easily flipped between the two defined orientations of use. In the illustrated example, the first and third contact pins 114a, 114c are equally spaced on either side of the second contact pin 114b so that the three contact pins of the charging cable 100 lie in a plane containing the longitudinal axis. In addition to the rotational symmetry, this arrangement ensures that the contact pins are symmetrical about a line of symmetry that passes through the second contact and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, resulting in a more compact cable.

[0051] The first, second, and third contact pins 114a, 114b, 114c are electrically insulated from one another by an insulator 136. The annular stationary magnets 122a, 122b are held in cylindrical recesses within the insulator. To ensure a reliable connection, the contact pins may be outwardly biased and may be provided, for example, as pogo pins. As best shown in FIG. 10, pogo pins have compressible spring-loaded tips that retract into the body of the pin under contact pressure, so that the pins can be extended to a maximum extension d max and minimum elongation d min (i.e., full compression) and ensures electrical connection at any tip position throughout that range.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the aerosol generating device 12 and the charging cable 108 are molded to blend smoothly together to provide a charging system with a substantially continuous appearance. To this end, the base housing 16 of the aerosol generating device 12 is covered with a device shell 40 that leaves the first connector portion exposed. Similarly, the device interface portion 112, the cable portion 110, and the power connector portion 120 are covered with a cable shell 140 that leaves the second connector portion exposed. Thus, the device shell 40 forms the outer surface of the aerosol generating device, and the cable shell 140 forms the outer surface of the cable 108. The shells 40, 140 may be formed of a resilient material such as silicone.

[0053] The cable 108, particularly the device interface portion 112, includes a recess 142 from which the first, second, and third charging pins 114a, 114b, and 114c protrude. The recess 142 is shaped to receive a portion of the aerosol generating device 12 when the charging cable is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device. Specifically, the recess is shaped to receive an end portion of the device 12, including the first connector portion. The outer surface of the cable jacket 140 is shaped to blend smoothly with the outer surface of the device jacket when a portion of the device is secured within the recess by a fixed magnet. By "blending smoothly," we mean that when connected, the aerosol generating device 12 and the charger cable 108 together present a substantially continuous outer surface without significant changes in surface orientation, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 .

[0054] Recess 142 has a recess surface 144 that includes the exposed surface of insulator 136 and the exposed surfaces of fixed magnets 122a, 122b. To ensure a smooth appearance, the exposed surfaces of fixed magnets 122a, 122b preferably do not protrude beyond the exposed surface of insulator 136 and may be flush with the exposed surface of insulator 136. The contact pins may be positioned such that their minimum extension (i.e., fully compressed) position occurs below the recess surface so that the contact pins maintain an outward bias when cable 108 is secured to device 12.

[0055] In the illustrated example, the recess surface 144 is curved and does not include angles or corners to create a concave cavity. The cavity is shallow in that its depth is small compared to its width and height. For example, the cavity depth may be less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. The cavity depth may be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, and in the illustrated example, is between 0.7 and 1.35 mm. The cavity depth may vary, being higher in the wider recesses than in the narrower recesses (i.e., the cavity may be 2 mm, 1.5 mm, or 1.35 mm at its widest width, and 1 mm, 0.7 mm, or 0.5 mm at its narrowest width). In the illustrated example, the cavity depth is 1.35 mm at its deepest point and 0.7 mm at its shallowest point.

[0056] In plan view, the recess may be an oval or rounded rectangle whose major axis is at least 1.5 times the length of its minor axis. In the illustrated example, the major axis of the recess is approximately twice the length of its minor axis. The underside of the recess from which the contact pin protrudes is substantially flat to improve ease of connection. Like the overall shape of the recess, the flat recess portion is an oval or rounded rectangle when viewed in plan view, whose major axis is at least 1.5 times the length of its minor axis. In the illustrated example, the major axis of the recess is approximately twice the length of its minor axis. In the illustrated example, the major axis of the flat recess portion is 2.8 mm, while the minor axis is 1.4 mm.

[0057] The recessed surface may include a rim, and a curved land may extend between the flat portion of the recessed surface and the rim to form an overall concave recessed surface. The flat portion may blend smoothly into the curved land without a sharp or angular transition. The rim may be higher at two opposing edge regions, which may be edge regions on the major radius of the recessed surface, to present a concave curvature when viewed from the side. This may result in varying recess depths, as described above.

[0058] The end portion of the aerosol generating device is shaped to fit within the recess and also has an outer surface that is curved with or without an angle. As can be seen from Figure 4, the end portion of the device can have a surface shape that matches and is substantially the same as the shape of the recess surface. That is, the end portion of the device housing is convex, with a curvature angle that is substantially the same as the curvature angle of the concave recess. The device contacts preferably do not protrude from the outer surface of the end portion and can be flush with the outer surface of the end portion. The portion of the device surface shaped to mate with the flat portion of the recess surface may itself be substantially flat.

[0059] Conventional charging connectors typically include a slot into which a portion of the aerosol-forming device can be received, with the slot having substantially vertical sidewalls that closely surround the portion of the aerosol-forming device and maintain it in a coaxial orientation with the slot. Such slots require the aerosol-forming device to be inserted in a coaxial orientation, which can result in mechanical interference between the slot and the device, preventing mechanical coupling. In contrast, the arrangement described herein presents a smooth, bowl-like surface without corners that allows a fixed magnet to guide the device and cable into a mating connection. Furthermore, relatively smooth mating surfaces are less likely to get dirty than mating surfaces that include mating protrusions and recesses, which can collect dirt and debris over time and result in an unreliable connection. Nevertheless, the charging connector described herein is operable to maintain the aerosol-forming device and charging cable in coaxial alignment, at least at the connection interface.

[0060] The cable portion of the charging cable has a thickness t and a width w. The cross section of the cable portion is flattened, e.g., oval or rounded rectangular, and therefore the width is greater than the thickness, e.g., at least 1.5 times the thickness, or at least 2 times the thickness, or at least 2.5 times the thickness. This helps ensure that the cable maintains a consistent orientation between the power connector 120 and the device interface portion 112 without twisting about its longitudinal axis. The silicone body of the cable may have a width ranging from 16.5 mm to 6 mm and a thickness ranging from 8.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0061] The charging cable may also be short (compared to a typical charging cable) and comparable in size to the aerosol generating device 10 itself, e.g., 15 cm or less, 12 cm or less, or 10 cm or less. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable is approximately 9 cm long. This further reduces cable tangling and helps ensure that the aerosol generating device is maintained in its intended orientation when secured to the charging cable. The cable and device also have approximately the same height, allowing for easy storage in a compact packaging tray without bending the cable. This type of short, flat cable, especially if made from a resilient material such as silicone, is less likely to tangle and tends to return to its original shape after bending.

[0062] 5-9 and 11, which illustrate further examples of charging systems 100 having different arrangements of device contacts. In view of the similarities between the systems illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 5-9 and 11, for the sake of brevity, like descriptions will not be repeated and like reference numerals will be used to refer to like elements. It will be understood that the description of FIGS. 1-4 above applies equally, mutatis mutandis, to the systems illustrated in FIGS. 5-9 and 11.

[0063] 5-9 and 11 differ from the charging system of Figures 1-4 in that the first connector portion 104 further includes a third device contact 118c in addition to the first and second device contacts 118a, 118b. The third device contact 118c is of the same polarity as the first device contact 118a, so the contact arrangement is reversible (i.e., has second-order rotational symmetry).

[0064] In this example, the first and third device contacts 118a, 118c reflect the positions of the first and third contact pins 114a, 114c such that the first device contact 118a is electrically coupled to the first contact pin 114a and the third device contact 118c is electrically coupled to the third contact pin 114c when the charging cable 108 is connected to the device 12. As in the previous example, the second device contact 118b is positioned to be electrically coupled to the second contact pin 114b. However, in this case, the second device contact 118b is in the form of a plate contact rather than a contact pin.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the first and third contact pins 114a, 114c are equally spaced on either side of the second contact pin 114b so that the three contact pins of the charging cable 100 lie in a plane that includes the cable's longitudinal axis 134. In addition to rotational symmetry, this arrangement ensures that the contact pins are symmetrical about a line of symmetry that passes through the second contact pin 114b and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, making the cable more compact. Similarly, the first and third device contacts 118a, 118c are equally spaced on either side of the second device contact 118b so that the three device contacts lie in a plane that includes the device's longitudinal axis 129. In this case, the longitudinal axes 129, 134 of the device and the cable are substantially coincident when the cable is connected to the device.

[0066] As in the previous example, the first device contact overlies the third stationary magnet 126a. However, in this example, the first connector portion additionally includes a fourth stationary magnet 126c, and the third device contact overlies the fourth stationary magnet 126c. The device contacts are electrically insulated from one another by insulator 128. As noted above, all three device contacts are flush with the device housing, presenting a smooth outer surface at the end of the device.

[0067] 12 and 13, these figures show a further example of a charging system 100 in which the charging connector is included in a charging dock 208. In view of the similarities between the system shown in FIGS. 1-11 and the system 1 shown in FIGS. 12-13, for the sake of brevity, like descriptions will not be repeated and like reference numerals will be used to refer to like elements. It will be understood that the description of FIGS. 1-11 above applies equally, mutatis mutandis, to the system shown in FIGS. 12-13.

[0068] The charging dock 208 includes a dock base 210 having a dock housing 212. A device interface portion is included on the top surface of the dock housing. As described above, the device interface portion includes three contact pins 114: a first contact pin 114a having a first polarity, a second contact pin 114b having a second polarity opposite the first polarity, and a third contact pin 114c having the same polarity as the first contact pin (i.e., also having the first polarity). The contact pins 114 are included within a first portion of a charging circuit, as described above, which includes a stationary magnet (not visible), as described above.

[0069] The contact pin 114 rests in a recess 242 shaped to receive an end portion of the aerosol generating device 12 in the same manner as described above. As can be seen in Figure 13, when the aerosol device is received in the recess, it is held upright, with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the surface on which the charging dock rests. Due to the shallow profile of the recess, substantially the entire device 12 is visible during charging.

[0070] Although the above charging connector has been described in relation to an aerosol generating device having a liquid reservoir and a resistive heater, it will be understood that this is not required and the charging connector may be used with other types of aerosol forming devices, such as non-combustion heating devices and / or devices including induction heating systems.

[0071] While exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications to those embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context, any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations is encompassed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A charging system (100, 200) for an aerosol generating device (10), the charging system comprising: a charger (108, 208) having a device interface portion, the charger including a first portion (116a) of a charging circuit, the first portion of the charging circuit including a first contact pin (114a) having a first polarity, a second contact pin (114b) having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, and a third contact pin (114c) having the same polarity as the first contact pin; an aerosol-forming device having a device housing (16) and a second portion (116b) of the charging circuit, the second portion of the charging circuit including a first device contact (118a) and a second device contact (118b); Equipped with the device interface portion of the charger further comprises a first fixed magnet or magnet group (122a) disposed adjacent to the first contact pin (114a), preferably in a circumferential direction, and a second fixed magnet or magnet group (122c) disposed adjacent to the third contact pin (114c), preferably in a circumferential direction, and the charger is releasably securable to the aerosol generating device using the first and second magnets or magnet groups; When the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device, the first device contact (118a) is positioned to form an electrical connection with the first contact pin (114a) and / or the third contact pin (114c), and the second device contact (118b) is positioned to form an electrical connection with the second contact pin (114b) to complete a charging circuit; the charger includes a recess (142) having a recess surface (144) shaped to receive an end portion of the device housing when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol-forming device, and the first, second, and third contact pins (114a, 114b, 114c) protrude from the recess surface (144); Charging system (100, 200).

2. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein the charger is a charging cable (108), a charging dock (208), or a charging case.

3. 3. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-forming device includes a third stationary magnet, and the first device contact overlaps the third stationary magnet.

4. 4. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the first and third contact pins (114a, 114c) are arranged at equal intervals on both sides of the second contact pin (114b).

5. 5. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the first device contact (118a) surrounds the second device contact (118b) so that the first device contact (118a) forms the electrical connection with both the first contact pin (114a) and the third contact pin (114c) when the charger is releasably secured to the aerosol forming device.

6. 6. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol forming device further includes a third device contact (118c) and a fourth fixed magnet (126c), the third device contact overlapping the fourth fixed magnet, and the first and third device contacts (118a, 118c) being equally spaced on either side of the second device contact.

7. 7. A charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device contacts (118a, 118b, 118c) are flush with an outer surface of an end portion of the aerosol generating device.

8. The charging system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the recessed surface (144) is curved and does not include angles or corners.

9. (i) said recess surface (144) is concave and preferably includes a flattened area containing said contact pins (114a, 114b, 114c); and / or (ii) the end portion of the device housing is convex and preferably includes a flattened area containing the device contacts (118a, 118b); The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the recess (142) defines a shallow cavity, preferably the depth of the cavity being less than 5 mm.

11. 11. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the charger is a charging cable (108) including an outer surface (140) shaped to blend smoothly with the outer surface (40) of the aerosol generating device when the end portion of the device is positioned within the recess.

12. 12. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the charger is a charging cable (108) including a cable portion (110) having a thickness and a width, and the cross section of the cable portion is flattened such that the width is at least 1.5 times the thickness.

13. 13. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the charger is a charging cable, the device interface portion is located at a first end of the cable portion, and the charging cable further comprises a power connector located at a second end of the cable portion and electrically connected to the first portion of the charging circuit.

14. The charging system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the charger is a charging dock (208) and the device interface portion is located on a top surface of a dock housing (212).

15. Charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a rechargeable battery (18) operable to be electrically connected to the second part of the charging circuit.

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