Aerosol generating device with removable battery, system including such device, and method for replacing battery in such device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device having a removable battery, a system including such a device, and a method for replacing the battery in such a device are provided. An aerosol generating device (1) is provided that includes a power supply unit configured to provide power for operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, the power supply unit including a battery compartment (10) for removably holding a battery (2). The aerosol generating device further includes an aerosol-generation compartment including an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity (12) for removably receiving an aerosol-generating article. A housing accommodates the power supply unit and the aerosol-generation compartment. The housing includes two removably attachable housing portions (3, 4). One of the housing portions forms a ring element (4) for securing the aerosol-generation compartment within the housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply unit configured to provide power for operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, the power supply unit comprising a battery, and the aerosol generating device further comprising a housing comprising the power supply unit and an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity for removably receiving an aerosol-generating article. The present invention also relates to a system comprising the aerosol generating device and a method for replacing a battery in an aerosol generating device. The present invention further relates to the use of a removably attachable housing portion in an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of aerosol-generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld, electrically operated smoking systems typically include an aerosol-generating device that includes a rechargeable battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol-generating device. In some examples, the aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug, and the heater housed within the aerosol-generating device is inserted into or positioned around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. In an alternative electrically operated smoking system, the aerosol-generating article may include a capsule containing an aerosol-forming substrate, such as loose tobacco.

[0003] In known electrically operated smoking systems, the battery is either permanently integrated into the housing of the aerosol generating device or is installed so that it can only be removed with great effort. As a result, users tend to discard the entire aerosol generating device, including the battery, as soon as the battery reaches the end of its life, while the device itself is still functional. On the one hand, this generates unnecessary waste, and on the other hand, it makes it difficult to recycle materials used in the battery, such as mercury or cadmium.

[0004] In view of the above, it is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that minimizes waste associated with aging batteries for operating the aerosol generating device, and therefore contributes to protecting, preserving, and improving the quality of the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a power supply unit configured to supply power for operation of an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, the power supply unit having a battery compartment for removably holding a battery; and a housing having an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity for removably receiving the power supply unit and an aerosol-generating article.

[0006] In this aerosol generating device, the battery is removable and easily replaceable. As soon as the battery reaches the end of its life or simply runs out of power, a replacement battery can be inserted into the battery compartment to power the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the use of the aerosol generating device is no longer bound by the lifespan or the capacity of a single battery. The simple replaceability of the battery allows heavy smokers to continuously use the aerosol generating article in combination with several replaceable batteries, even when there is no opportunity to charge the battery for an extended period of time, such as during festivals or outdoor activities.

[0007] Preferred examples and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Preferred features are disclosed below.

[0008] General Aspects of Aerosol Generating Devices The aerosol generating device may be a Heat-tastic.

[0009] The aerosol generating device may be tubular or substantially tubular in shape.

[0010] The aerosol generating device may be a handheld device.

[0011] The aerosol-generating device may have the appearance and / or handling of a cigarette or cigar.

[0012] The main axis / principal extension direction of the aerosol-generating device, i.e., the axis / direction along which the aerosol-generating device has its maximum length, may be the longitudinal axis / longitudinal direction. The transverse axis / lateral direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis / longitudinal direction. The circumferential direction may be defined around the longitudinal axis / longitudinal direction. In the upright orientation of the aerosol-generating device, the longitudinal axis / longitudinal direction may be the height axis / height direction, and the transverse axis / lateral direction may be the horizontal axis / horizontal direction. The designations below regarding "upper", "top", "lower" and "bottom" are relative to the longitudinal axis / longitudinal direction, which is the height axis / height direction.

[0013] Housing design and shape The housing may have an opening for removing a battery from the battery compartment and inserting the same or another battery into the battery compartment. The opening may have a closure that can be selectively positioned in one of at least two different states, including a closed state in which the battery is locked within the battery compartment or housing, and an open state in which the battery may be removed from or inserted into the battery compartment or housing. The opening may have a circular shape with a diameter slightly larger than that of the battery or battery compartment. The opening may be configured such that the battery or battery compartment must be inserted into and / or removed from the housing along the longitudinal axis of the battery.

[0014] The housing may comprise an elongate body extending along a linear axis forming a major axis of the housing.

[0015] The housing may have a top end and a bottom end.

[0016] The aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity may be disposed concentrically with the major axis of the housing.

[0017] The housing may have one of a tubular shape, a cylindrical shape, a tapered shape, or a partially cylindrical and partially tapered shape.

[0018] The housing may have a polygonal, elliptical, or oval cross-sectional area.

[0019] The housing and power supply unit may be configured so that the housing can accommodate the power supply unit in different orientations, particularly a first orientation in which the power supply unit is oriented opposite to a second orientation.

[0020] The housing may include an opening for inserting the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity.

[0021] Power supply unit The power supply unit may be enclosed within a housing.

[0022] The power supply unit may include a controller for controlling the supply of power from the battery during operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0023] The power supply unit may be removably housed within the housing.

[0024] The power unit may include an elongated body defining a major axis.

[0025] The power supply unit may be disposed concentrically about a major axis of the housing within the receptacle.

[0026] The power supply unit may be configured to be insertable into the receptacle in at least two different / inverted / reverse orientations.

[0027] The power supply unit may have electrical terminals of different polarity (positive and negative) at each of its two opposite ends.

[0028] The electrical terminals may be arranged in the same pattern on each of the two opposing ends.

[0029] The electrical terminals may be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at each opposite end of the housing ("positive" symmetrical with "positive" and "negative" symmetrical with "negative").

[0030] The power supply unit may include an electrical circuit connecting electrical terminals in parallel with the battery.

[0031] The electrical terminals and poles of the battery of the same polarity may be electrically connected to each other.

[0032] The power supply unit may comprise male electrical terminals in the form of interconnecting electrodes or female electrodes in the form of concentric rings.

[0033] Reversibly attachable housing section The housing may comprise two reversibly attachable housing portions configured to be selectively disposed in either of at least two different states, including an attached state in which the housing portions are attached to one another, and a detached state in which the housing portions are detached from one another. This embodiment allows for easy replacement of the battery, or the battery compartment or even the entire power unit, if necessary.

[0034] The housing portion may be designed for multiple uses.

[0035] The housing may be laterally separated into two housing portions.

[0036] The partition line or plane between the two housing portions may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0037] The housing may have an elongated shape that defines a major axis of the housing.

[0038] Some or all of the exterior surfaces of the first and second housing portions may be flush with one another in the attached state of the housing portions.

[0039] Some or all of the edges and / or corners of the mating surfaces of the first and second housing portions may be aligned with one another in the attached state of the housing portions.

[0040] The housing portions may together define a battery compartment or a receptacle for receiving a power unit.

[0041] The housing portion may lock the battery or battery compartment or power unit within the receptacle in the installed state.

[0042] The battery or battery compartment or power unit may be removable only from the receptacle with the housing portion removed, and may be reinsertable into the receptacle.

[0043] One of the housing portions, particularly the housing portion comprising the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, may comprise the majority of the volume of the receptacle.

[0044] One of the housing portions may be a ring with an opening for accessing the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity when the housing portions are attached.

[0045] One of the housing portions may be a closed end cap configured to close a receptacle for receiving a battery compartment or power unit formed in the other housing portion when attached.

[0046] The rotation between the first and second housing portions may be invisible regardless of the amount of threadable tightening.

[0047] At least one of the housing portions may be tapered on its exterior and / or interior from its proximal / mounting end to its distal end.

[0048] At least a portion of the battery compartment or power unit may be concentrically disposed within the housing portion having a tapered shape.

[0049] The separation line between the housing portions may be at the tapered end.

[0050] The housing portions may be configured to be attached to one another at their proximal ends.

[0051] The housing portions may have the same outer diameter at least at their proximal and / or distal ends to provide a continuous transition between the housing portions in the attached state of the housing.

[0052] The housing portion comprising the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity may include internal threads and the other housing portion may include external threads, or vice versa.

[0053] The housing portions may be configured to be attached to one another by a bayonet joint or a threaded joint.

[0054] The housing portions may include interengaging threads.

[0055] A locking mechanism for locking the housing sections in the installed position The aerosol generating device may include a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the housing portions in the attached state, which may prevent inadvertent removal of the housing portions.

[0056] The aerosol generating device may comprise an actuator configured to lock / unlock the locking mechanism when actuated.

[0057] Torque engagement structure The housing may include at least one torque engagement structure configured to engage a matching torque tool for applying torque to the housing, such torque engagement structure simplifying application of a predetermined amount of torque to the housing, for example, to open the housing in connection with a battery change.

[0058] The torque engagement structure may be provided at a bottom end of the housing opposite the top end of the housing that includes the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity.

[0059] The torque engagement structure may be provided on at least one of the two housing portions.

[0060] The torque engagement structure may include, but is not limited to, female torque engagement elements such as, for example, hex structures, torx structures, phillips structures, and the like.

[0061] The female torque engagement element may include a recessed flower-shaped pattern.

[0062] The female torque engagement element may have a six-point flower pattern.

[0063] The female torque engaging element may have holes evenly spaced around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0064] The female torque engaging element may include a recess or cavity.

[0065] The torque engagement structure may be disposed concentrically about the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0066] The torque engagement structure may be disposed about the electrical terminal.

[0067] The torque engagement structure may be configured to apply a torque about the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0068] External electrical / mechanical interface of the housing The housing may include an external electrical and / or mechanical interface that is electrically and / or mechanically connectable to an external device, particularly a charging device or docking station. Such an external interface may be particularly useful for allowing simple and safe charging of the battery without removing the battery from the battery compartment or housing.

[0069] The external interface may be disposed longitudinally at an end of the housing, particularly at the bottom end.

[0070] The external interface may comprise external electrical terminals of different polarity.

[0071] The external electrical terminals may be disposed concentrically about the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0072] The minimum radial extension of the female torque engaging elements from the longitudinal axis of the housing may be greater than the maximum radial extension of the electrical terminals.

[0073] The minimum radial extension of the female torque engaging element from the central axis may be the same as the minimum radial extension of the electrical terminal.

[0074] The external electrical terminal may have an annular shape.

[0075] The external electrical terminals may be formed as concentric rings.

[0076] The external electrical interface may comprise a separation element located between the external electrical terminals.

[0077] The external interface may include an attachment mechanism configured to be mechanically and / or magnetically attached to an external device.

[0078] The attachment mechanism may comprise a magnetic element.

[0079] The attachment features may be disposed concentrically about the longitudinal axis.

[0080] The attachment mechanism may be surrounded by external electrical terminals.

[0081] Internal electrical / mechanical interface of the housing The housing may include an internal electrical and / or mechanical interface that is electrically and / or mechanically connectable to the battery compartment or power supply unit. Such an internal interface may be particularly useful for allowing easy removal and installation of the battery compartment or power supply unit or other unit from / into the housing.

[0082] The internal interface comprises electrical terminals (of different polarities) that may be electrically connectable to electrical terminals (of different polarities) of a battery compartment or a power supply unit.

[0083] Each of the two housing portions may be provided with electrical terminals of different polarity.

[0084] The electrical terminals of different polarities may be provided at radial distances from one another relative to a central axis of the housing.

[0085] The internal interface may include male terminals electrically and / or mechanically connectable to female terminals of the battery compartment or power unit.

[0086] The internal interface may include female terminals electrically and / or mechanically connectable to male terminals of the battery compartment or power unit.

[0087] At least one of the male terminals may be a resilient pin or tab including at least one of a pin, tab, spring-loaded pin or tab, pogo pin, or pin or tab made of a resilient material.

[0088] At least one of the female terminals may be a recess, in particular an annular recess.

[0089] The inner electrical terminals may be formed as concentric rings.

[0090] The battery compartment or power unit may be electrically connectable to an internal electrical interface of the housing.

[0091] Power Consumption Unit The device may comprise a power consumption unit configured to consume power during operation of the aerosol generation device, in particular for generating the aerosol.

[0092] The power consuming unit may comprise a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article, such as an induction coil or electrical resistance heating means.

[0093] The power consumption unit may be removably housed within the housing.

[0094] The power consumption unit and the power supply unit may be removably housed in the same receptacle of the housing.

[0095] The power consumption unit and the power supply unit may be removable through the same opening in the housing.

[0096] The power consumption unit and the power supply unit may be combined such that they are removable from and / or insertable into the housing as a single unit.

[0097] The power consumption unit and the power supply unit may be contained within a housing such that the power consumption unit must be removed before the power supply unit can be removed.

[0098] The power consumption unit and the power supply unit may be housed in a housing such that the power supply unit must first be housed (installed) in the housing before the power supply unit can be housed (installed).

[0099] Aerosol generation area The device, particularly the power consumption unit, may comprise an aerosol-generating compartment contained within a housing and comprising an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity.

[0100] The aerosol-generation section may be removably contained within the housing.

[0101] The aerosol generating device may include a spacer for spacing the aerosol-generation section from the housing wall.

[0102] The spacer may form a gap between the aerosol-generation section and the housing wall.

[0103] One of the housing portions may form a removable cap for securing the aerosol-generation section within the housing.

[0104] The cap may cover a gap between the aerosol-generation compartment and the housing wall.

[0105] The cap may be formed as a ring element.

[0106] Identification items The power supply unit may be provided with an identification item.The device may be provided with an identification unit for identifying the power supply unit by means of the identification item.

[0107] The identification item may include a private / authentication key, which may be shared among many power supply units or may be unique to each power supply unit.

[0108] The identification item may include a private / authentication key, allowing unique identification of a power supply unit equipped with a unique identification item.

[0109] The identification unit may comprise a communication interface that allows communication between the housing and the power supply unit for identification.

[0110] The communication interface may be at least one of a wireless communication interface or a contact-based interface.

[0111] The identification item may be permanently embedded within the power supply unit, so that the private key cannot be read from outside the unit but is hidden within the power supply unit, and authentication can be achieved through the use of a session key generated from the private key of the identification item.

[0112] The identification item may be at least one of an embedded SIM (eSIM) or an integrated SIM (iSIM).

[0113] The device may be configured to allow power from the power supply unit for aerosol generation upon successful identification of the power supply unit.

[0114] Aerosol Generation System According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any of the above embodiments / examples and a charging device configured to charge a power supply unit of the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0115] The charging device may be removably connectable to the aerosol generating device.

[0116] The charging device may comprise an electrical and / or mechanical interface that is electrically and / or mechanically connectable to an external interface of the aerosol generating device, in particular for charging a battery of the aerosol generating device.

[0117] The charging device may include a cavity for at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device.

[0118] How to replace the battery According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for replacing a battery in an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments / examples, comprising the steps of opening the housing, removing the battery from the battery compartment of the power supply unit, inserting a replacement battery into the battery compartment, and closing the housing.

[0119] The housing may be opened by placing the housing portions in a detached state.

[0120] The housing may be closed by placing the housing portions in an attached configuration.

[0121] To move the housing between an attached and detached state, the housing portions may be rotated relative to one another to engage / disengage the threaded or bayonet joints.

[0122] To rotate the housing portions relative to one another, torque may be applied to each of the housing portions, preferably in different directions, via a tool that engages with torque engagement structure provided on one of the housing portions, while the other housing portion is held by the user to create a counter torque.

[0123] Use of attachable housing parts to form a housing - Patent application A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of two removably attachable housing parts to form a housing for an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply unit having a battery compartment for removably holding a battery. [Example]

[0124] List of Examples The present invention is defined in the appended claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0125] Example 1: a power supply unit configured to provide power for operation of the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol, the power supply unit comprising a battery compartment for removably holding a battery; An aerosol generating device comprising: a power supply unit; and a housing comprising an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity for removably receiving an aerosol-generating article. Example 2: The aerosol generating device of Example 1, wherein the aerosol generating device may be a heater stick, and the heater stick may be in tubular or substantially tubular form. Example 3: 3. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the power supply unit is sealed within the housing. Example 4: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the aerosol generating device is a handheld device. Example 5: 5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the housing comprises an elongate body extending along a linear axis forming a major axis. Example 6: 6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the housing has a top end and a bottom end. Example 7: 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the cavity is arranged concentrically with the main axis of the housing. Example 8: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the housing has two reversibly attachable housing parts configured to be selectively positioned in either one of at least two different states, including an attached state in which the housing parts are attached to each other, and a detached state in which the housing parts are detached from each other. Example 9: 9. The aerosol generating device of example 8, wherein the housing portions together define a receptacle for accommodating a power supply unit. Example 10: 10. The aerosol generating device of Example 9, wherein the power supply unit is engaged within the attached receptacle of the housing. Example 11: 11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the power supply unit is removable from the housing only upon separation of the housing parts, and reinsertable into the housing. Example 12: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein one of the housing parts, in particular the housing part comprising the cavity, comprises the majority of the volume of the receptacle. Example 13: 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, wherein one of the housing parts is a ring with an opening for accessing the cavity of the housing in its installed state. Example 14: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 13, wherein one of the housing portions is a closed end cap configured to close the receptacle when the housing is attached. Example 15: 15. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 14, wherein at least one of the housing parts has one of a cylindrical shape, a tapered shape, or a partially cylindrical shape and a partially tapered shape. Example 16: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 15, wherein the housing has a main body oriented longitudinally and extending along a major axis, but may have other shapes such as a polygonal cross-sectional area, an elliptical cross-sectional area, or an oval cross-sectional area. Example 17: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 8 to 16, wherein the bottom cap of the second housing portion is tapered relative to the cylindrical main body of the first housing portion, and / or the power supply unit is at least partially located within the second housing portion having a tapered shape, and / or the separation line between the first housing and the second housing is at the tapered end, thereby making the separation line less visible. Example 18: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 16, wherein the housing parts are configured to be attached to each other at their proximal ends. Example 19: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 8 to 18, wherein the housing portions have the same outer diameter at least at their distal ends (to provide a continuous transition between the housing portions in the attached state of the housing). Example 20: 20. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 19, wherein the housing portion comprising the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity comprises internal threads and the other housing portion comprises external threads, or vice versa. Example 21: 21. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 20, wherein the housing parts are configured to be attached to each other by a bayonet joint or a threaded joint. Example 22: 22. The aerosol generating device of example 21, wherein the housing portions are provided with interengaging threads. Example 23: 23. An aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 8 to 22, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the housing portions. Example 24: 24. The aerosol generation device of Example 23, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises an actuator configured to lock / unlock the locking mechanism upon actuation. Example 25: 25. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the housing comprises an internal electrical interface for electrically connecting to a battery compartment or a power supply unit. Example 26: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the housing and battery compartment or power supply unit are configured so that the housing can accommodate the battery compartment or power supply unit in different orientations, particularly a first orientation in which the battery compartment or power supply unit is oriented opposite to the second orientation. Example 27: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 8 to 26, wherein the housing is separated laterally into two housing portions, and the separation line or plane between the two housing portions extends laterally, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Example 28: 28. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the housing has an elongated shape defining a major axis of the housing. Example 29: 29. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the housing is divided into two housing parts in a direction perpendicular to the main axis of the housing, in particular in the longitudinal direction. Example 30: 30. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 29, wherein the dividing line between the two housing parts extends perpendicular to the main axis, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Example 31: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 30, wherein the dividing line between the two housing portions extends from one side of the housing to the other side. Example 32: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the housing comprises at least one torque engagement structure configured to engage with a matching torque tool for applying torque to the housing. Example 33: 33. The aerosol generating device of Example 32, wherein the torque engagement structure is provided at the bottom end of the housing. Example 34: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 32 to 33, wherein the torque engagement structure is provided on at least one of the two housing parts. Example 35: 35. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 32 to 34, wherein the torque engagement structure comprises a female torque engagement element. Example 36: 36. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 35, wherein the female torque engaging element comprises a recessed flower-shaped pattern. Example 37: 37. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 35-36, wherein the female torque engaging elements are a hexagonal pattern or holes evenly spaced around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. Example 38: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 32 to 37, wherein the torque engagement structure is arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing and / or the torque engagement structure includes a recess or cavity arranged around an electrical terminal located on the bottom surface of the housing. Example 39: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the housing is provided with an external electrical and / or mechanical interface that can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to an external device, in particular a charging device or a docking station. Example 40: 39. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 39, wherein the external interface is disposed longitudinally at an end of the housing, particularly at the bottom end. Example 41: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 39 or 40, wherein the external interface has external electrical terminals of different polarities arranged concentrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Example 42: 42. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 41, wherein the minimum radial extension of the female torque engaging element from the longitudinal axis of the housing is greater than the maximum radial extension of the electrical terminal. Example 43: 43. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 41 to 42, wherein the minimum radial extension of the female torque engaging element from the central axis is the same as the minimum radial extension of the electrical terminal. Example 44: 44. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 41 to 43, wherein the external electrical terminal has an annular shape. Example 45: 45. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 41 to 44, wherein the external electrical interface comprises a separation element located between the external electrical terminals. Example 46: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 39 to 45, wherein the external interface comprises an attachment mechanism configured to mechanically and / or magnetically attach to an external device. Example 47: 47. The aerosol generating device of example 46, wherein the magnetic attachment mechanism comprises a magnetic element. Example 48: 48. The aerosol generating device of Example 47, wherein the magnetic elements are arranged concentrically relative to the longitudinal axis. Example 49: 49. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 47 to 48, wherein the magnetic element is surrounded by an external electrical terminal. Example 50: 50. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 49, wherein the housing comprises an internal electrical and / or mechanical interface that is electrically and / or mechanically connectable to a battery compartment or a power supply unit. Example 51: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 50, wherein the device further comprises a power consumption unit configured to consume power during operation of the aerosol generating device, in particular for generating the aerosol. Example 52: 52. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 51, wherein the power consumption unit comprises a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article, such as an induction coil or an electrical resistance heating means. Example 53: 53. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 51 to 52, wherein the power consumption unit and the power supply unit are removably accommodated within the same receptacle of the housing. Example 54: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 51 to 53, wherein the power consumption unit and the power supply unit are removable through the same opening in the housing. Example 55: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 51 to 54, wherein the power consumption unit and power supply unit are contained within a housing such that the power consumption unit must first be removed from the housing before the power supply unit can be removed. Example 56: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 51 to 55, wherein the power consumption unit and the power supply unit are housed in a housing such that the power supply unit must first be housed (installed) in the housing before the power supply unit can be housed (installed). Example 57: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 50, wherein the internal interface has electrical terminals (of different polarities) that can be electrically connected to interconnecting electrodes (of different polarities) of a battery compartment or power supply unit. Example 58: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 57, wherein each of the two housing portions has electrical terminals of different polarity. Example 59: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 50 or 57-58, wherein electrical terminals of different polarities are provided at radial distances from each other relative to the central axis of the housing. Example 60: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 50 or 57 to 59, wherein the internal interface has a male terminal that can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to a female terminal of the battery compartment or power supply unit, or the internal interface has a female electrical terminal that can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to a male terminal of the battery compartment or power supply unit. Example 61: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 60, wherein at least one of the male terminals is an elastic pin or tab including at least one of at least one pin, tab, spring-loaded pin or tab, a pogo pin, or a pin or tab made of an elastic material. Example 62: 62. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 60 to 61, wherein at least one of the female terminals is a recessed portion. Example 63: 63. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 62, wherein the battery compartment or power supply unit is removably housed within the housing. Example 64: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 63, wherein the battery compartment is electrically connectable to an internal electrical interface of the housing. Example 65: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 63 to 64, wherein the battery compartment comprises an elongated body defining a major axis. Example 66: 66. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 63 to 65, wherein the battery compartment is arranged concentrically with respect to the main axis of the housing. Example 67: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 63 to 66, wherein the battery compartment is configured to be insertable into the housing in at least two different / inverted / reverse orientations. Example 68: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 63 to 67, wherein the battery compartment has interconnected electrodes of different polarities (positive and negative) at each of its two opposite ends. Example 69: 69. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 68, wherein the interconnected electrodes are arranged in the same pattern at each of two opposing ends of the battery compartment. Example 70: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 68 to 69, wherein the interconnected electrodes are arranged symmetrically with respect to the battery compartments at each of the opposing ends of the housing ("positive" symmetrical with respect to "positive" and "negative" symmetrical with respect to "negative"). Example 71: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 68 to 70, wherein the battery compartment comprises an electrical circuit connecting the interconnecting electrodes in parallel to the battery. Example 72: 72. The aerosol generating device of Examples 68-71, wherein the interconnection electrodes and the poles of the battery of the same polarity are electrically connected to each other. Example 73: The aerosol generating device of Examples 68 to 72, wherein the interconnected electrodes are concentric rings. Example 74: 74. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 73, wherein the device comprises an aerosol-generating compartment contained within a housing and comprising an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. Example 75: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 74, wherein the aerosol-generating section is removably contained within the housing. Example 76: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 74 or 75, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a spacer for spacing the aerosol generation compartment from the outer wall of the housing. Example 77: 77. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 76, wherein the spacer forms a gap between the aerosol-generation section and the outer wall of the housing. Example 78: 78. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 77, wherein the housing comprises an opening for inserting an aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. Example 79: 79. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 78, wherein one of the housing parts has an opening. Example 80: 80. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 74 to 79, wherein one of the housing parts forms a removable cap for securing the aerosol-generation compartment within the housing. Example 81: 81. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 80, wherein the cap covers the gap between the aerosol-generation compartment and the outer wall of the housing. Example 82: 82. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 80-81, wherein the cap is formed as a ring element. Example 83: 83. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 82, wherein the power supply unit comprises an identification item, and the device comprises an identification unit for identifying the power supply unit by the identification item. Example 84: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 83, wherein the identification item comprises a secret key, preferably a unique secret key, allowing (unique) identification of the power supply unit by the unique identification item. Example 85: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 83 to 84, wherein the identification unit is provided with a communication interface that enables communication between the housing and the power supply unit for identification. Example 86: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 85, wherein the communication interface is at least one of a wireless communication interface or a contact-based interface. Example 87: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 83 to 86, wherein an identification item is permanently incorporated. Example 88: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 83 to 87, wherein the identification item is at least one of an embedded SIM (eSIM) or an integrated SIM (iSIM). Example 89: 89. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 83 to 88, wherein the identification item comprises an authentication key. Example 90: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 83 to 89, wherein the device is configured to allow power supply from the power supply unit for aerosol generation when the device successfully identifies the power supply unit. Example 91: An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 90 and a charging device configured to charge the power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus. Example 92: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 91, wherein the charging device is removably connectable to the aerosol generation device. Example 93: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 91 or 92, wherein the charging device has an electrical and / or mechanical interface that can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the external interface of the aerosol generating device, particularly for charging the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device. Example 94: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 91 to 93, wherein the charging device has a cavity for at least partially receiving the aerosol generating device. Example 95: 10. A method for replacing a battery in an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: opening the housing; removing the battery from a battery compartment of the power supply unit; Inserting a replacement battery into the battery compartment; and closing the housing. Example 96: 96. The method of example 95, wherein the housing is opened by moving the housing from an attached state to an detached state. Example 97: 97. The method of any one of Examples 95-96, wherein the housing is closed by moving the housing from a detached state to an attached state. Example 98: The method of any one of Examples 95 to 97, wherein the housing parts rotate relative to each other to engage / disengage the threaded or bayonet joints to move the housing between the attached and detached states. Example 99: A method described in any one of Examples 95 to 98, wherein torque is applied to each of the housing parts in different directions, preferably via a tool that engages with a torque engagement structure provided on one of the housing parts, to rotate the housing parts relative to each other, and the other housing part is held by the user to generate a counter torque. Example 100: 1. Use of two removably attachable housing parts to form a housing for an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply unit having a battery compartment for removably holding a battery.

[0126] The methods described in Examples 95-98 may be performed using the devices described in Examples 1-90. The systems described in Examples 1-90 may be used according to Example 100.

[0127] Terms and Definitions As used herein, some relevant terms are defined as follows:

[0128] Power supply unit As used herein, the term "power supply unit" refers to the exact unit required to provide power to generate the aerosol, including, for example, electronics and / or a controller for starting and stopping the supply of power from a battery to a power consumption unit.

[0129] Battery compartment The term battery compartment, as used herein, refers to a device, unit, or assembly configured to removably hold a battery while ensuring that the battery is removably electrically interconnected to the aerosol generating device or system. This may function as a battery housing within the aerosol generating device housing, e.g., an external housing that can be held or grasped by a user. The battery compartment may also provide electrical contacts for drawing power from the battery. The battery compartment itself may have an electrical interface for supplying power from the battery to the controller. The battery compartment is preferably configured to allow a user to manually and reversibly remove and insert a battery into it without the need for special tools or destructive processes. For example, the battery compartment may be configured to allow a battery to be removed and inserted without severing the electrical interconnection with a cutting tool, such as scissors, shear cutters, shears, wire cutters, or a saw. The battery compartment may also be configured to avoid the need to fracture or otherwise irreversibly damage a casing component or enclosure, as is the case with electronic assemblies having batteries that cannot be easily removed by a user. Additionally, the battery compartment can also be configured so that battery removal is apparent to the user, similar to those used in conventional electronic devices, without the need to engage hidden release features that require specific knowledge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0130] figure Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the following figures:

[0131] [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the housing has a tubular shape and extends along a major longitudinal axis, the first (lower) housing portion defines a tubular receptacle for removably receiving a removable internal unit including a power supply unit having a battery compartment and a battery, and a power consumption unit including an aerosol generating compartment, and the second (upper) housing portion is formed as a ring for fixing the removable internal unit within the receptacle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of an internal electrical interface of the aerosol generating device according to Figure 1, which is provided on the top and bottom ends of a receptacle for receiving a battery compartment inside the housing and has female electrical terminals of different polarities in the form of concentric rings. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of an external electrical interface of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1, in which the external electrical interface is provided at the bottom end of the housing and has female electrical terminals of different polarities in the form of concentric rings, and a flower-shaped torque engagement structure is arranged concentrically outside one of the outer concentric rings of the female electrical terminals. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a charging / docking station in a semi-attached state, in which the aerosol generating device is removably receivable within the longitudinal cavity of the charging / docking station, and the bottom end of the aerosol generating device is positioned within the cavity, around which the aerosol generating device with its protruding upper end can be pulled out of the cavity to be completely removed or pivoted, or placed or pivoted within the cavity of the charging / docking station, so that the aerosol generating device is fully received within the cavity around its longitudinal axis, tightened, and electrically and mechanically connected to the charging / docking station in a fully attached state (not shown). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a removable battery compartment of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the housing has two reversibly attachable housing portions defining a tubular receptacle for removably receiving a battery compartment therebetween when the housing portions are attached, the receptacle being partially formed in each of the housing portions. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the housing has two reversibly attachable housing portions defining a tubular receptacle for removably receiving a battery compartment therebetween when the housing portions are attached, the upper housing portion having the tubular receptacle and the lower housing portion forming a bottom end cap for closing the receptacle when the housing portions are attached. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an exploded schematic view and cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the housing comprises two reversibly attachable housing portions, the battery compartment is integrated into or attached to one of these housing portions, the second (upper) housing portion comprises an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity as well as a tubular receptacle for the battery compartment, and the first (lower) housing portion comprises the battery compartment and forms a bottom end cap for closing the receptacle when the housing portions are attached. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an exploded schematic view and cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which the housing comprises two reversibly attachable housing portions, the battery compartment is integrated into or attached to one of these housing portions, the second (upper) housing portion comprises an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity as well as the battery compartment, and the first (lower) housing portion comprises a tubular receptacle for the battery compartment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 shows a schematic structure of an identification unit for identifying the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0132] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0133] The aerosol-generating device according to a preferred embodiment is a tubular or stick-shaped device that looks and handles similarly to a cigarette or cigar. A user can insert an aerosol-generating article, such as a tobacco plug, into the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity at the top end of the housing and press a button to heat the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. A power supply unit provides power to heat the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity in response to a user's request, allowing the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device from the aerosol-generating article, which resembles cigarette or cigar smoke. The power source for heating the aerosol-generating article is a battery removably received in a battery compartment of the power supply unit.

[0134] First embodiment (Figs. 1 to 5) The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises housing portions 3 and 4, where housing portion 3 is substantially tubular in shape and housing portion 4 is formed as a ring that can be reversibly attached along a main axis 100 by a threaded or bayonet joint 5 to allow for quick and easy replacement of battery 2. The first (lower) housing portion 3 has a cavity 6 for receiving a removable internal unit 7. The other, second (upper) housing portion defines an upper end cap in the form of a ring 4 for securing the removable internal unit 7 within the first housing portion 3. The ring 4 may include an opening having a torque engagement structure 8, particularly a torque pattern, such as, but not limited to, a flower-shaped pattern, for engaging with a torque tool (not shown) to remove the ring 4 from the first housing portion 3. The tubular housing portion 3 can be fabricated as a single piece of a material for forming a tubular structure, such as, but not limited to, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0135] The removable internal unit 7 includes a power consumption unit 9, a power supply unit having a battery compartment 10, and an electronics unit 11 disposed therebetween along a main axis 100. The power consumption unit 9 and the battery compartment 10 may be mechanically attached to one another. The removable internal unit 7 may be removed as a single unit after removing the ring or second housing portion 4. The battery compartment 10 may removably hold the battery 2. The power consumption unit 9 includes an aerosol-generating compartment in the form of a tubular coil having a cylindrical aerosol-generating-article-receiving cavity 12 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 12' for induction heating, in particular a heater stick, thereby generating consumable aerosol. Alternatively, the power consumption unit 9 may include a different type of heater, such as a resistive heater or other type of heater, for heating an aerosol / generating article removably disposed within the cavity 12. The electronics unit 11 may include a controller and power electronics for drawing power from the battery 2 to the tubular coil for induction heating upon user demand.

[0136] A primary button 13 is provided on the first housing portion 3. The primary button 13 is electrically connected to the electronic unit 11 and controls the electronic unit 11 upon start-up. In particular, when the primary button 13 is pressed, power is drawn from the battery 2 to the tubular coil for induction heating.

[0137] The battery 2 can be a standard or non-standard type battery that can be easily removed by the user from the battery compartment once the second housing part or closure ring 4 is removed from the first tubular housing part and the removable inner unit 7 is pulled out from the first tubular housing part 3.

[0138] An internal electrical interface 14 is provided at the bottom of the removable internal unit 7 , in particular between the battery compartment 10 and the internal bottom surface of the first housing part 3 .

[0139] 2 shows the internal electrical interface 14 of the aerosol generating device 1. As will be explained in more detail below, the internal electrical interface 14 allows for an orientation-independent electrical interconnection between the battery compartment 10 and the first housing portion 3.

[0140] The internal electrical interface 14 may be provided, for example, at the top and bottom ends of a receptacle for receiving the battery compartment 10 inside the housing. The internal electrical interface comprises interconnection electrodes, specifically two concentric rings 16 of different polarities (positive and negative) around a main axis 100 separated by an insulator ring. The two concentric rings may be electrically connected to two protruding elements, specifically spring-loaded pins 17 depicted in FIG. 5 , that are arranged to be offset by the main / central axis 100 by a radius that ensures electrical interconnection with both polarities regardless of angular orientation. In particular, the spring-loaded pins 17 are arranged at a radius from the central axis 100 equal to the radius of the concentric rings 16 from the central axis. The spring-loaded pins 17 are loaded against the concentric rings 16 by a resilient element, thereby ensuring a secure electrical connection independent of orientation, even when the housing parts 3, 4 are not fully engaged.

[0141] The internal interface 14 may also be used to connect the battery compartment 10 to one or both of the internal bottom surface of the first housing portion 103, 203 and the internal top surface of the second housing portion 104, 204 of the aerosol generating devices 101, 201 illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8, 9, respectively. The internal interface 14 is preferably located on the internal bottom and / or internal top surface of the respective housing portion (i.e., the top and / or bottom end of the receptacle).

[0142] In another variation, a ring and a protruding element (e.g., spring-loaded pin 17) having a different radius than the central axis 100 are provided on the battery compartment 10 to engage with respective corresponding elements on the housing side, again providing an orientation-independent electrical interconnection.

[0143] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the housing, illustrating the bottom end 19 of the first (lower) housing portion 3. The bottom end 19 includes an external electrical interface 20 configured to engage a charging device 21 for battery charging, as shown in FIG. 4, and has two concentric electrical terminals that ensure electrical interconnection to the terminals of the charging device, regardless of the angle of orientation about the main cylindrical axis of the tubular housing portion. The external electrical interface 20 has a similar structure compared to the internal electrical interface 14 shown in FIG. 2. The external electrical interface 20 is surrounded by a torque engagement structure 22 for engaging a matching torque tool to apply torque to the first housing portion 3. The torque engagement structure 22 includes a female torque engagement element having a recessed, flower-shaped pattern. Other torque engagement structures 22, such as a hexagonal or Torx cavity in the center of two concentric rings 16, can also be used. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery compartment 23 that can be used in the aerosol generation device 1 according to the present invention. Male electrical terminals in the form of spring-loaded pins 17 are provided on each of two opposing ends of the battery compartment 23. Male electrical terminals 17 of different polarities (positive and negative) are provided in the same pattern on each of two opposing ends of the battery compartment 23 so that the battery compartment 23 can be inserted into the housing in at least two different / flipped / reverse orientations. The male electrical terminals 17 are configured to be electrically connected to female electrical terminals in the form of concentric rings of the internal electrical interface 14 (see FIG. 2 ) provided at respective positions within the housing, thereby also providing electrical interconnection between the battery compartment 23 and the housing portions 103, 104 regardless of angular orientation about the major axis 100. The electrical circuit 24 connects the spring-loaded protruding electrical terminals 17 on each side parallel to the battery 2. In other embodiments, interconnection electrodes in the form of two concentric rings 16 of different polarities (positive and negative) around the major axis 100 are provided on the battery compartment 23 and used instead of the spring-loaded protruding electrical terminals 17. In such cases, corresponding male electrical terminals 17 are provided at respective positions within the housing as the internal electrical interface 14.

[0144] Second embodiment (Fig. 6) 6 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device 101 according to a second embodiment, in which a first housing portion 103 and a second housing portion 104 together define a cavity for accommodating a battery compartment 10. The second embodiment has the same features as the first embodiment, except for the differences described herein.

[0145] The first (lower) housing portion 103 has a tubular form with a top loading cavity for receiving the lower end or the entire battery compartment 10. The lower portion of the first housing portion 103 tapers toward its distal (lower) end. The second (upper) housing portion 104 has a tubular form with a bottom loading cavity for receiving the upper end of the battery compartment 10, or only the upper surface of the battery compartment 10. The two housing portions 103, 104 are reversibly attachable along the main axis 100 by threaded joints 105, 106. An external thread 105 is provided on the second (upper) housing portion 104. A mating internal thread 106 is provided on the first (lower) housing portion 104. However, the positions of the external thread 105 and the internal thread 106 can also be reversed. The second (upper) housing portion houses the power consumption unit 9 and the electronic unit 11 and includes an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity 12. The battery compartment 10 may be as shown in FIG. 5 and may therefore be arranged in any manner within the cavity formed by the housing portions 103, 104 to provide electrical interconnections.

[0146] Third embodiment (Fig. 7) 7 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device 101 according to a third embodiment, in which a second (upper) housing portion 104 defines a bottom loading cavity for receiving all or an upper portion of the battery compartment 10, and a first (lower) housing portion 103 defines a bottom end cap for closing the cavity when the housing portions are attached. The third embodiment has the same features as the second embodiment, except for the differences described herein.

[0147] In Figure 7, the first (lower) housing portion 103 generally tapers toward its distal (lower) end. Internal electrical interfaces (not shown) similar to those shown in Figure 2 are provided inside the first (lower) housing portion 103 and the second (upper) housing portion 104, while external electrical interfaces (not shown) similar to those shown in Figure 3 are provided outside the first (lower) housing portion 103.

[0148] Fourth embodiment (Fig. 8) Figure 8 shows an aerosol generating device 201 according to a fourth embodiment. In contrast to the aerosol generating device 101 shown in Figures 6 and 7, the battery compartment 10 is fixed to or integrated into one of the first housing part 203 and the second housing part 204, respectively. The fourth embodiment has the same features as the third embodiment, except for the differences described herein.

[0149] 8 , the battery compartment 10 is secured to or integrated into a first (lower) housing portion 203 so as to protrude along the major longitudinal axis 100, allowing for lateral removal and insertion of a battery from / into the battery compartment 10 and axial removal and insertion of the battery compartment 10 from / into the second (upper) housing portion 204. The second (upper) housing portion 204 has a tubular form with a bottom loading cavity for receiving the battery compartment 10. The two housing portions 203, 204 are reversibly attached along the major longitudinal axis 100 by a threaded joint, where an external thread 205 may be provided on the first (lower) housing portion and a mating internal thread 206 may be provided on the distal end (lower) of the second (upper) housing portion 204, or vice versa. The first (lower) housing portion 103 generally tapers from a separation line that remains visible toward its distal (lower) end in the installed state of the housing portions. An internal electrical interface, as shown in Figure 2, is provided at the top end of a receptacle inside the second (upper) housing portion 204 and electrically connects to interconnect electrodes provided at the top end of the battery compartment 10 in the installed state of the housing portions 203, 204. Because the bottom end of the battery compartment 10 is connected to the first (lower) housing portion 203, no interconnect electrodes are required.

[0150] Fifth embodiment (Fig. 9) 9 shows an aerosol generating device 201 according to a fifth embodiment. The first embodiment has the same features as the second embodiment, except for the differences described herein.

[0151] In FIG. 9 , the battery compartment 10 is secured to or integrated within the second (upper) housing portion 204. The second (upper) housing portion 204 has a tubular configuration. The battery compartment 10 protrudes from the second (upper) housing portion 204 along the major longitudinal axis 100, allowing for lateral removal and insertion of a battery into / from the battery compartment 10, as well as axial removal and insertion of the battery compartment 10 into / from the first (lower) housing portion 204. The battery compartment 10 has a tapered bottom portion. An upper loading cavity for receiving the battery compartment 10 is provided within the first (lower) housing portion 103 and tapers toward its bottom end in a negative shape of the battery compartment 10 to simplify concentric arrangement. The internal shape of the cavity and the external shape of the battery compartment 10 are adapted to one another, so that the battery compartment 10 fits snugly within the cavity without rattle or vibration when the housing portions 203, 204 are attached. Furthermore, the first housing portion 203 tapers on its exterior toward its distal (lower) end to optically reduce the length and width of the housing, preferably to the minimum length and width physically required to accommodate the battery compartment 10. The two housing portions 203, 204 are reversibly attachable along the main axis 100 by a threaded joint, with an internal thread 206 provided on the first (lower) housing portion 203 and a mating external thread 205 provided on the distal end of the second (upper) housing portion 204. The internal thread 106 is preferably provided on the housing portion that comprises the receptacle for the battery compartment 10.

[0152] A peripheral torque-engagement structure 22 surrounding the external electrical interface 20, particularly the recessed flower-shaped pattern shown in Figure 3, may also be provided on the outer bottom end of the first housing portion 103, 203 of the aerosol generating device 101, 201 shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, 9, respectively, for threadable torque engagement of the two housing portions 103, 104 or 203, 204. An internal electrical interface such as that shown in Figure 2 is provided at the bottom end of a receptacle in the first (lower) housing portion 203 for electrical connection to interconnection electrodes provided at the bottom end of the battery compartment 10 when the housing portions 203, 204 are attached. Because the top end of the battery compartment 10 is connected to the second (upper) housing portion 203, no interconnection electrodes are required.

[0153] Identification items FIG. 10 shows a schematic structure of an identification unit for identifying the power supply unit / battery compartment 10 by an identification item.

[0154] Every power supply unit / battery compartment 10 can be equipped with an identification item including a SIM 25 or device (subscribe identity module), e.g., a software-based eSIM card or SIM chip (micro-SI or nano-SIMI), which can communicate via a data communication interface with the power consumption units 9, e.g., when the power consumption units 9 and the power supply unit / battery compartment 10 are interconnected with each other. This can be done by communicating with the IO channel 26 of the SIM or directly via an additional data processor 27 on the power supply unit / battery compartment 10. The SIM 25 contains a secret and unique Ki encryption key that cannot be read from outside the SIM, which can be initially recorded by the manufacturer in a database for authenticating the original power supply unit / battery compartment 10. Typically, the secret key Ki has a 128-bit value.

[0155] For example, each secret key Ki can be pre-recorded in a database and uniquely associated with an authorized power supply / battery compartment 10. This allows the power supply / battery compartment 10 to be checked to see if it is an original or a copy, providing technical authenticity protection, ensuring that only original equipment is used, and ensuring that batteries of a certain quality are used. Other data from the SIM 25, such as but not limited to the ICCID, IMSI, IMEI, MSISDN, and / or EID, can also be used for authentication (other than the secret key Ki), although the use of these numbers reduces the security of the authentication. The SIM itself can also generate a session key from the secret key Ki in a data processor internal to the SIM, so that the secret key Ki never leaves the electronic circuitry of the power supply / battery compartment 10, more specifically, the internal storage memory for the SIM 25's private key. Applying the same encryption / decryption algorithm, the power consumption unit 9 authenticating the power supply / battery compartment 10 can authenticate the power supply / battery compartment 10 with one or more session keys.

[0156] In a simplified variant, to avoid managing many different secret keys for each power supply unit / battery compartment 10, the power supply unit / battery compartment 10 can be equipped with a digital circuit (not necessarily a SIM) that has a secretly stored key among a specific limited number of secret keys, or can contain only one secret key for all power supply units / battery compartments 10, and the power consuming units 9 can request authentication of the power supply units / battery compartments 10 based on the limited number of secret keys or just one secret key. For example, it is possible to use one and the same secret key for each power supply unit / battery compartment 10 (or a limited number thereof) and then run an encryption algorithm to generate a session key for each algorithm. The power consuming units 9 may have the same secret key stored therein (e.g., in a manner that cannot be read from the outside) and may use the same algorithm to authenticate the power supply unit / battery compartment 10 with the session key. This makes it possible to mimic the functionality of the SIM 25 with limited complexity. In this respect, an eSIM architecture can also be used, but with only a limited number of keys, such that, for example, not every power supply unit / battery compartment 10 has its unique and private key K i , but rather a specific limited number, or even only one private key K i . Such a solution offers less authentication security, but is much easier to manage and may be sufficient to authenticate the power supply unit / battery compartment 10 for an aerosol generating system / device. Once the power consumption unit 9 has authenticated the power supply unit / battery compartment 10, it can initiate or enable aerosol formation by the power consumption unit 9, for example, to enable heat generation by the power consumption unit 9. If the power supply unit / battery compartment 10 cannot be authenticated, error information, for example, a visual, audible, or tactile signal, or a combination thereof, can be generated, and the power consumption unit 9 can be disabled.

[0157] It is also technically possible for the SIM 25 or equivalent circuit to be integrated into the power consumption unit 9 or module instead of the power supply unit / battery compartment 10, and for the power supply unit / battery compartment 10 to authenticate the power consumption unit 9 before allowing the power consumption unit 9 to operate.

[0158] Data communication can take place via a separate data communication channel between the power consumption unit 9 and the power supply unit / battery compartment 10, but can also take place via an internal electrical interface 14, thereby having only two power terminals and no specific data communication terminals or interconnections. Data communication for authentication can also take place via a wireless interface, for example Bluetooth or RFID circuitry.

[0159] Furthermore, the power consuming units 9 and power supply units / battery compartments 10 can be paired, for example, in a pairing process performed by the power consuming units 9 or the electronic unit 11, thereby enabling the use of a unique key for each power supply unit / battery compartment 10 without having to actually manage all of the secret keys in a database. For example, upon first interconnection of a new or other original power supply unit / battery compartment 10 with a power consuming unit 9, the power consuming unit 9 or the electronic unit 11 can request pairing in a pairing algorithm. However, pairing can also be performed at the manufacturing level rather than by the end user.

[0160] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 1. Aerosol Generating Device (First Embodiment) 2.Battery 3. First housing part 4. Removable ring / cap (second housing part) 5.Bayonet joint 6. Receptacle with opening 7. Removable internal unit 8. Torque engagement structure (Ring 4) 9. Power consumption unit 10. Battery compartment / power unit 11. Electronic Unit 12. An aerosol-generating article receiving cavity within the aerosol-generating compartment in the form of a tubular coil 13. Primary Button 14. Internal electrical interface 15. Bottom cap of battery compartment 10 16. Concentric rings (interconnecting electrodes) 17. Spring-loaded protruding electrical terminals (protruding electrical terminals) 18. Torque engagement structure of bottom cap 15, Torx opening 19. Bottom end of first housing part 3 20. External electrical interface 21. Charging / Companion Devices 22. Torque engagement structure of first housing portion 1 having a recessed flower-shaped pattern 23. Battery compartment according to the second embodiment 24. Electrical Circuits 25. SIM (Identification Item) 26. I / O interface (e.g., COM) 27. Battery compartment 10 / supply unit 10 processor 28. Processor of power consumption unit 9 100.Main axis / longitudinal axis / central axis 101. Aerosol Generator (Second Embodiment) 103. First housing part 104. Second housing part 105. Male Thread 106. Female Thread 201. Aerosol Generator (Third Embodiment) 203. First housing part 204. Second housing part 205. Male Thread 206. Female Thread

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a power supply unit configured to provide power for operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, the power supply unit comprising a battery compartment for removably holding a battery; an aerosol-generating compartment comprising an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity for removably receiving an aerosol-generating article; a housing that contains the power supply unit and the aerosol-generation section; the housing comprises two removably attachable housing portions; An aerosol generating device wherein one of the housing parts forms a ring element for fixing the aerosol-generation section within the housing.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the ring element includes an opening for accessing the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity when the housing portion is attached.

3. 3. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the housing parts are configured to be attached to each other by a bayonet joint or a screw joint.

4. 4. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing comprises at least one torque engaging structure configured to engage with a matching torque tool for applying torque to the housing.

5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing is provided with an external electrical and / or mechanical interface that can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to an external device, in particular a charging device or a docking station.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing may comprise an internal electrical and / or mechanical interface electrically and / or mechanically connectable to the battery compartment or power supply unit.

7. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the battery compartment or power supply unit is removably housed within the housing.

8. 8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit is provided with an identification item, and the device is provided with an identification unit for identifying the power supply unit by means of the identification item.

9. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a charging device configured to charge the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

10. A method for replacing the battery of an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of: a. opening the housing; b. Removing the battery from the battery compartment of the power supply unit; c. inserting a replacement battery into the battery compartment; and d. closing said housing.

11. Use of a ring element as one of two removably attachable housing parts of an aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 for fixing an aerosol-generation section within a housing formed by the housing parts.

Images