Power System for Portable Aerosol Generator

Abstract

To provide an electric system equipped with a primary device and a secondary device.SOLUTION: An electric system is equipped with a primary device and a secondary device. The primary device includes: a power source; a cavity configured so as to receive the secondary device; at least one electric contact point in the cavity configured to be electrically connected to the power source and come in contact with a corresponding contact point of the secondary device when the secondary device is in the cavity; and a lid that can move between a first position in which the secondary device is held in a state of being in contact with at least one electric contact point and a second position in which the secondary device escapes from the state of being in contact with the at least one electric contact point, and is free to move. The electric system can be related to an aerosol generation system having an aerosol forming substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical system in which a secondary device having a rechargeable power source is charged by a primary device. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a portable aerosol generating device that can be coupled to a primary power device.

Background Art

[0002] An example of such an electrical system having a portable device and a primary charging device is an electrically operated smoking system. The electrically operated smoking system allows a consumer to selectively operate the smoking system during the smoking experience and significantly reduces sidestream smoke compared to a lit-end smoking device. Generally, an electrically operated smoking system includes an aerosol generating device having a housing for receiving an aerosol generating article or smoking article, a heating element for generating an aerosol, a power source, and necessary electronic circuitry. For example, the electronic circuitry can be a circuit for controlling the heating and charging of the aerosol generating device. Having a portable device and a primary charging device provides the advantages of a small aerosol generating device that is a portable device easy to hold and use, but can also provide the ability to quickly and conveniently recharge the aerosol generating device for repeated use.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved operation of this type of electrical system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical system is provided that includes a primary device and a secondary device. The primary device includes a power source, a cavity configured to receive the secondary device, at least one electrical contact within the cavity configured to be electrically connected to the power source and contact a corresponding contact of the secondary device when the secondary device is within the cavity, and a lid movable between a first position that maintains the secondary device in contact with the at least one electrical contact and a second position where the secondary device is disengaged from contact with the at least one electrical contact and can move freely.

[0005] Advantageously, such a system enables reliable and efficient charging of the secondary device through a secure electrical contact between the primary device and the secondary device.

[0006] The primary device is preferably configured to prevent power supply to the secondary device via the at least one electrical contact when the lid is not in the first position. By preventing power supply to the secondary device when the lid is not in the first position, use of the secondary device when power is being supplied to it can be prevented.

[0007] The primary device can be configured to prevent power supply to the secondary device by ensuring a very high resistance between the at least one electrical contact and the secondary device when the lid is not in the first position. The primary device can be configured to prevent contact between the at least one electrical contact and the secondary device when the lid is not in the first position. The primary device can be configured to prevent a complete electrical connection between the primary device and the secondary device when the lid is not in the first position. A complete electrical connection means that electricity can flow between the primary device and the secondary device.

[0008] In one modification, preferably, when the lid is not in the first position, the lid includes means for preventing power supply to the secondary device. Preferably, the power prevention means includes a switch. The switch can be a physical contact switch configured to close when the lid is in the first position. The switch is in electrical connection with the power supply and can supply power to the secondary device when in the closed state. The switch can be a reed switch. The reed switch is provided in the primary device adjacent to the opening of the cavity, and an activation magnet is provided on the lid. The magnet is provided on the lid such that when the lid is in the first position, the magnet activates the reed switch to supply power to the secondary device. Alternatively, a Hall effect transducer can be used. In this modification, the Hall effect transducer is provided in the primary device adjacent to the opening of the cavity. The magnet is provided on the lid such that when the lid is in the first position, the magnet activates the Hall effect transducer to supply power to the secondary device.

[0009] Preferably, in the first position, the lid biases the secondary device into contact with at least one electrical contact. By biasing the secondary device into contact with at least one electrical contact, the electrical resistance between the contact and the secondary device can be significantly reduced, and as a result, power supply to the secondary device becomes possible.

[0010] As used herein, the term "bias" or "biasing" means applying a force from one component to another component.

[0011] As used herein, the term "elastic element" relates to an element that can be deformed or bent by applying a force, but can return to its original position or state when the applied force is released. When an elastic element is deformed or bent by a force applied by a component moving towards the elastic element, the elastic element generates a reaction force that biases the component to move away from the elastic element. Examples of elastic elements include coil springs and cantilever springs.

[0012] Preferably, the electrical system can further include at least one elastic element configured to bias the secondary device towards the lid when the secondary device is disposed within the cavity. Preferably, the at least one elastic element is configured to bias the secondary device towards the lid when the lid is in the first position. Preferably, the at least one elastic element is configured not to bias the lid towards the secondary device when the lid is in the second position. The elastic element can be configured to bias the secondary device at least partially out of the cavity when the lid is in the second position. By biasing the secondary device at least partially out of the cavity, it can be made even easier to remove the secondary device from the primary device. Preferably, at least one electrical contact is at least one elastic element.

[0013] Preferably, the cavity is an elongated cavity extending from the topmost part of the primary device. Preferably, the distance from the open end to the closed end of the cavity is at least as long as the secondary device.

[0014] Preferably, the electrical system further includes a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to a power source. The electrical system can include two electrical contacts, with the first electrical contact connected to the positive pole of the power source and the second electrical contact connected to the negative pole of the power source.

[0015] In another variant, the power supply is blocked by providing one elastic movable electrical contact and one non - movable electrical contact. The movable electrical contact is configured to prevent the second non - movable electrical component from engaging with the secondary device when the lid is not in the first position. This prevents the formation of a complete electrical connection until the lid is closed.

[0016] Preferably, the electrical contacts are made of metal. Preferably, the metal forming the electrical contacts is copper beryllium. Preferably, at least a part of the electrical contacts is gold plated.

[0017] Preferably, the power source is a rechargeable battery. Preferably, the primary device comprises means for receiving external power to recharge the rechargeable battery.

[0018] Preferably, the power supply device is configured to supply power to the secondary device in a manner suitable for recharging the secondary battery of the secondary device.

[0019] The first position of the lid is preferably the closed position, and the second position of the lid is preferably the open position. When the lid is in the closed position, preferably, access to the secondary device is substantially blocked. Further, when the lid is in the closed position, preferably, the secondary device cannot be removed from the primary device.

[0020] Preferably, the primary device further comprises a housing, and the lid is attached to the housing in both the first and second positions.

[0021] Preferably, the housing comprises a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, a top wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall.

[0022] The terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "apex", "bottom", "right", "left", and other terms used to describe the relative positions of the components of the primary device and the secondary device refer to the primary device in an upright position with an opening of a cavity configured to receive the secondary device at the upper end.

[0023] The term "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction from the bottom to the top or vice versa. The term "lateral direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The primary device can be a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and includes two wide walls separated by two narrow side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. Preferably, the secondary device is elongated.

[0025] Preferably, the lid is a hinged lid. Preferably, the hinge extends from the front wall to the rear wall at the top of the housing. The hinge can be provided with a spring adapted to hold the lid in a first position. Also, the hinge can be provided with a damper adapted to brake the movement of the lid when the lid moves from a second position to the first position. Alternatively, the hinge can be provided with a spring adapted to hold the lid in the second position. In this variant, the lid preferably comprises means for holding the lid in the first position, and the holding means is adapted to apply a sufficient force to overcome the force exerted by the spring on the lid.

[0026] The holding means can comprise at least one magnet and at least one corresponding iron part. The at least one magnet is provided within the housing of the primary device, and the iron part is provided within the lid. Alternatively, the holding means can be a latch-type device.

[0027] The hinged lid can form all of the top of the housing. In this variant, the hinge can be integral with the lid and can further be adjacent to the side wall of the housing.

[0028] Preferably, the secondary device is an electrically heated aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device is designed to contain an aerosol generating article and be held by the user during a smoking experience. Preferably, the power source is provided in the secondary device and is adapted to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to an operating temperature before the generation of the aerosol begins. Also, the power source of the secondary device is adapted to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate during the generation of the aerosol. Preferably, the power source of the primary device is used to charge the secondary power source in a charging mode when the secondary device is not in use.

[0029] The secondary device in the form of an electrically heated aerosol generating device is preferably of a size equal to or slightly larger than a lit-end cigarette. Thus, the secondary unit can be held between the user's fingers in the same way as a lit-end cigarette.

[0030] Preferably, the secondary device comprises an electric heating element, and the primary device is configured to supply power to the secondary device when the lid is in the first position, so as to heat the electric heating element and thermally release the organic substances adhering or deposited on the heating element. During use, the aerosol generating article is provided within the secondary device and is in the form of an aerosol generating substrate. When the aerosol generating article is removed from the secondary device, it may remain on the heater of the secondary device, and the heater can be cleaned by heating the electric heater to a temperature sufficient to release the organic residue. This operation can be performed by the user activating the switch of the primary device or after a predetermined number of charges of the secondary device.

[0031] As used herein, an "aerosol generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol forming substrate can be part of an aerosol generating article, for example, part of a smoking article. The aerosol generating device can comprise one or more components used to supply energy from a power source to the aerosol forming substrate to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol generating device can be a heated aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can be an electrically heated aerosol generating device or a gas heated aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can be a smoking article that interacts with the aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0032] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. As a variant with respect to heating or combustion, in some cases, the volatile compounds can be released by a chemical reaction or by mechanical stimulation such as ultrasonic waves. The aerosol-forming substrate can also be solid or liquid, or can contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate can be adsorbed, coated, impregnated, or filled by other methods on a carrier or support. Advantageously, the aerosol-forming substrate can be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0033] The aerosol-forming substrate can contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain tobacco, for example, can contain a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate can contain a homogeneous tobacco material, for example, cast leaf tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain at least one aerosol former such as propylene glycol or glycerin.

[0034] As used herein, the terms "aerosol-generating article" and "smoking article" refer to an article provided with an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article can be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating article can be made disposable. Hereinafter, the term "aerosol-generating article" will generally be used.

[0035] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a heated aerosol-generating article, which is an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate intended to be heated rather than burned to release volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol formed by heating the aerosol-forming substrate can contain fewer known harmful components that would otherwise be produced by combustion or pyrolysis of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article can be a tobacco stick or can contain a tobacco stick.

[0036] The presence of organic substances or residues on the heating element may impair the user experience when consuming an aerosol-generating article such as a smoking article. Therefore, it can be considered preferable for the heater or heating element of the aerosol-generating device (i.e., the secondary device) to be cleaned regularly. Either the primary device or the aerosol-generating device can be provided with an indicator that alerts the user that it is due for a cleaning cycle. A controller provided in either the aerosol-generating device or the primary device can determine when a predetermined number of smoking cycles have been performed without performing a cleaning cycle and activate the indicator. If the user does not activate the cleaning cycle within the range of a predetermined number of smoking cycles after the indicator is activated, the user cannot consume the article further until the cleaning cycle is executed. Such a cleaning cycle may need to be activated manually or may occur automatically when the aerosol-generating device is loaded into the primary device after it has been determined that cleaning is required. By preventing the operation of the aerosol-generating device when cleaning is required, a more stable and comfortable user experience can be provided.

[0037] Preferably, the lid comprises at least one aperture that allows a substance to be released from the cavity when the secondary device is in the cavity and the lid is in the first position. Preferably, the aperture is configured such that released organic substances can escape to the outside. Conveniently, providing at least one aperture in the lid allows ventilation of the cavity in the primary device and can reduce the deposition of deposits.

[0038] Preferably, the secondary device is adapted to operate in at least three modes. Preferably, the at least three modes are a charging mode, a cleaning mode, and an operating mode. Preferably, the charging mode and the cleaning mode are only accessible when the secondary device is within the primary device and the lid is in the first position. Preferably, the operating mode in which the aerosol is generated is only available when the secondary device is not within the primary device.

[0039] Preferably, the secondary device comprises a rechargeable battery, and the primary device is configured to supply power to the secondary device in a manner suitable for recharging the rechargeable battery of the secondary device while the secondary device is in contact with at least one electrical contact.

[0040] Preferably, the secondary power source can be charged by the primary power source during the charging mode, and the secondary power source is adapted to have a charge sufficient to substantially maintain the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate at the operating temperature during the smoking mode. If the optimal temperature is not reached, the quantity and quality of the aerosol generated during operation of the device may decrease. For example, when the heating element heats the aerosol-forming substrate to a lower temperature compared to when the substrate is heated to the optimal temperature, volatile components with different characteristics may be generated, and as a result, the flavor of the aerosol may change. To provide a more optimal and stable user experience, it would be preferable for the secondary device to be operable only when fully charged. In a fully charged state, the secondary power source should always be able to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to the optimal temperature. Since any operation of the secondary device will consume power from the secondary power source, preferably, the secondary device needs to be recharged before each operation. For example, the aerosol-generating device needs to be recharged after all operations before consuming other smoking articles.

[0041] If the secondary device does not have sufficient charge to heat the aerosol-forming substrate for a period sufficient to deplete or substantially deplete the substrate of any aerosol formed, insufficient charge can lead to an unsatisfactory user experience. Thus, in one embodiment, the secondary device will prevent the user from initiating operation of the device if it does not have sufficient power to complete an aerosol generation cycle. For example, if the aerosol-forming smoking article includes a tobacco-based aerosol-generating substrate, the secondary device may not permit a smoking experience if there is not sufficient power to maintain the operating temperature for at least six minutes.

[0042] Preferably, the power supply from the primary power source to at least one heating element during the preheating mode is controlled by a secondary circuit of the secondary device. The power supply from the primary power source to charge the secondary power source during the charging mode can be controlled by a secondary circuit of the secondary device.

[0043] The secondary device can key into the cavity of the primary device, and only a secondary device that is compatible with the primary device can be inserted into the cavity. To effect keying of the secondary device into the cavity of the primary device, the cavity can have a specific irregular shape, and the secondary device can have a corresponding irregular shape. Further, preferably, the irregular shape is not rotationally symmetric to ensure that the secondary device is inserted correctly into the cavity in the correct orientation. Thus, the secondary device can be inserted into the cavity in only one direction.

[0044] The primary device can further include at least one contact adapted to transfer data between the primary device and the secondary device. Preferably, the primary device can further include at least two contacts adapted to transfer data between the primary device and the secondary device. The primary device is preferably configured to transfer data to or receive data from the secondary device when the lid is in a first position.

[0045] At least one data transfer contact is preferably an elastic element. Preferably, at least one data transfer contact is configured to prevent power supply to the secondary device when the lid is not in the first position. Preferably, at least one elastic data transfer contact moves from a first neutral position where at least one power supply electrical contact does not engage with the secondary device when the lid is in the second position, to a second deflected position where both at least one data electrical contact and at least one power supply electrical contact are in electrical contact with the secondary device when the lid is in the first position.

[0046] Data can be transmitted between the secondary device and the primary device, and to a computer interface that can be read by a computer from the primary device, or to other electronic devices that can transfer data to a computer or the Internet. Preferably, the data connection functions under an interface standard. The interface standard is a standard that represents functional characteristics such as one or more code conversions, line assignments, or protocol compliance, or physical characteristics such as electrical, mechanical, or optical characteristics, and is necessary to enable information exchange between two or more systems, or between each part of a device. Examples of suitable interface standards for communication links include, but are not limited to, the Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) standard series, USB, Bluetooth, FireWire (a trademark of Apple Inc. related to the IEEE 1394 interface), IrDA (Infrared Data Association, a communication standard for short-range data exchange by infrared), Zigbee (a specification based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for wireless personal area networks), and other Wi-Fi standards.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical system is provided that includes a primary device and a secondary device. The primary device includes a power source, a cavity configured to receive the secondary device, at least one electrical contact within the cavity configured to contact a corresponding contact on the secondary device when the secondary device is within the cavity and electrically connected to the power source, a lid movable between a first position that holds the secondary device within the cavity and a second position where the secondary device can be removed from the cavity and move freely, and the lid includes at least one aperture that allows a substance to be released from the cavity when the lid is in the first position.

[0048] The lid can be held in the first position by mechanical means such as a fastener or magnetic latch means. The lid can be held in the first position by the closing force of a spring. For example, the lid can have a hinge incorporating a locking mechanism. Preferably, the lid has a hinge incorporating a braking mechanism that helps prevent damage to the lid while it moves between the first and second positions. Thus, the lid can have a hinge incorporating a rotary damper or barrel damper mechanism.

[0049] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided that includes the aerosol forming substrate and the electrical system described herein. The secondary device is an aerosol generating device configured to contain the aerosol forming substrate. The lid is prevented from moving to the first position when the secondary device is within the cavity and the aerosol forming substrate is contained within the secondary device.

[0050] According to still other aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol, a rechargeable battery connected to the heating element and configured to supply power to the heating element, and a controller connected to the rechargeable battery, the controller being configured to prevent the operation of the heating element when the rechargeable battery is not charged to a predetermined threshold or more. Preferably, the heating element provided in the aerosol generating device is held within a housing, and the housing defines a substrate receiving chamber for receiving and positioning the aerosol-forming substrate adjacent to or in contact with the heating element. Advantageously, the aerosol-forming substrate can be a component of an aerosol-generating article adapted to be received within a substrate receiving cavity.

[0051] In one embodiment of the aerosol generating device, the controller is configured to prevent the operation of the heating element for a predetermined period after a previous operation of the heating element. Alternatively or additionally, the controller can be configured to prevent the operation of the heating element based on the charge level of the rechargeable battery or based on the power consumption after the operation of the heating element. As described above, the amount and quality of the aerosol generated during operation may decrease if the charge level of the rechargeable battery is not sufficient to provide a predetermined thermal cycle to the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0052] The primary device can include a display (e.g., a digital display) for presenting information to the user. For example, the display can present the consumption amount of the smoking article, the energy consumption, or other information. Further, the display can indicate when the secondary power source is charged sufficiently to be used to consume the smoking article.

[0053] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element, a power source connected to the heating element and configured to supply power to the heating element, and a controller connected to the heating element, the controller being configured to control the power supply to the heating element so as to execute an aerosol generation cycle in a first mode and a cleaning cycle in a second mode, and further the controller is configured to monitor the operation of the device and prevent power supply in the first mode following execution of a continuous predetermined number of aerosol generation cycles without executing a cleaning cycle. Preferably, the heating element provided in the aerosol generating device is held within a housing, and the housing defines a substrate receiving chamber for receiving and positioning an aerosol forming substrate adjacent to or in contact with the heating element. Conveniently, the aerosol forming substrate can be a component of an aerosol generating article adapted to be received within a substrate receiving cavity.

[0054] Preferably, the aerosol forming substrate comprises a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate can comprise a non-tobacco material. Preferably, the aerosol forming substrate further comprises an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0055] The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid substrate. The solid substrate can include, for example, one or more powders, granules, pellets, fragments, spaghetti, strips, or sheets, which can include one or more herb leaves, tobacco leaves, fragments of tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can include additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that will be released upon heating of the substrate. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can be provided on or incorporated into a thermally stable carrier. The carrier can be in the form of a powder, granule, pellet, fragment, spaghetti, strip, or sheet. Alternatively, the carrier can be a tubular carrier having a thin layer of solid substrate deposited on its inner surface, outer surface, or both inner and outer surfaces. Such a tubular carrier can be in the form of, for example, paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fiber mat, low-mass coarse-mesh metal screen, or perforated metal foil, or a heat-resistant polymer matrix. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be deposited on the carrier surface in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, in a predetermined pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use. Alternatively, the carrier can be a non-woven fabric or fiber bundle incorporating tobacco components. The non-woven fabric or fiber bundle can include, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose derivative fibers.

[0056] The aerosol-forming substrate can be a liquid substrate, and the smoking article can be provided with means for storing the liquid substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate can be other types of substrates such as a gaseous substrate or any combination of various substrates.

[0057] The primary unit can include storage means for at least one aerosol-generating article, such as a smoking article, containing a tobacco aerosol-forming substrate. The storage means can include a storage section for used smoking articles, unused smoking articles, or both. This is advantageous because the primary unit and the secondary unit cooperate to provide all the components necessary for the smoking mode.

[0058] One aspect can provide an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system including an aerosol generator for consuming an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol generator including a heating element and a rechargeable power source for supplying power to the heating element, and a charging device coupled to the aerosol generator for recharging the power source and cleaning the heating element, the system being configured to prevent consumption of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol generator is coupled to the charging device. The aerosol generator can be any aerosol generator or any secondary device described herein. The charging device can be any charging device or the primary device described herein. The aerosol-generating article can be any aerosol-generating article or the smoking article described herein. The system can include mechanical means for preventing consumption of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol generator is coupled to the charging device. For example, the heating element cannot be activated when the aerosol generator is coupled to the charging device, except when the aerosol generator is surrounded by a lid inside the charging device. When the aerosol generator is coupled to the aerosol-generating article, the lid cannot be closed. The system can include electrical means or software means for preventing consumption of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol generator is coupled to the charging device. For example, a sensor can detect the presence of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol generator is coupled to the charging device, and then a controller can prevent activation of the heating element.

[0059] One aspect can provide an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a power source for supplying power to the heating element, the device being configured to prevent operation of the heating element except when the power source is at a charge level greater than a predetermined charge level at which the power source can be used to supply power to the heating element. It would be preferable for the operation of the heating element to occur only when the power source is fully charged. The aerosol generating device can be any aerosol generating device or any secondary device described herein.

[0060] One aspect can provide a method of providing a stable user experience to a consumer of an aerosol generating article, the article being consumable by heating an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a power source for supplying power to the heating element, the method comprising determining a charge level of the power source and activating the heating element only when the available charge level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The aerosol generating device can be any aerosol generating device or any secondary device described herein. The aerosol generating article can be any aerosol generating article or a smoking article described herein.

[0061] One aspect can provide an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device for consuming an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device including a heating element and a rechargeable power source for supplying power to the heating element, and a charging device coupled to the aerosol generating device for recharging the power source and cleaning the heating element, the system being configured to prevent a user from consuming the aerosol generating article more than a predetermined number of times without cleaning the heating element when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the charging device.

[0062] As used herein, a means-plus-function feature element can alternatively be expressed using a corresponding structure.

[0063] Any characteristic elements related to one aspect can be applied to other aspects in any suitable combination. In particular, aspects of a method can be applied to aspects of an apparatus, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some, or all of the characteristic elements of one aspect can be applied to any, some, or all of the characteristic elements of other aspects in any suitable combination.

[0064] It should be understood that specific combinations of the various characteristic elements described and defined in any aspect of the present invention can be implemented, supplied, or used independently.

[0065] The present invention will be described by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0066]

Fig. 1a

Fig. 1b

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0067] Figure 1(a) shows the primary device 100. The primary device 100 of this embodiment is a charging and cleaning unit for an electrically heated smoking system. Figure 1(b) shows the secondary device 102. The secondary device 102 of this embodiment is an electrically heated aerosol generating device adapted to accommodate a smoking article 104 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The primary device 100 includes a primary battery 106, control electronics 108, and electrical contacts 110, and the electrical contacts 110 are configured to supply power from the battery 106 to the secondary device when the secondary device is in a connected state with the electrical contacts 110. The primary device is configured to charge the secondary device using the battery 106. The electrical contacts 110 are provided near the bottom of the cavity 112. The cavity is configured to receive the secondary device 102. A lid 114 is provided, and the lid is configured to fix the secondary device 102 within the cavity 112 of the primary device 100. The components of the primary device 100 are housed within a housing 116. The lid 114 is coupled to the housing 116 by a hinge 118. The operation of the lid will be described in detail below.

[0068] In addition, the primary device 100 includes a series of three indicators 120, 122, and 124. The indicator 120 is provided to indicate the remaining charge amount in the primary battery 106. It is configured to indicate the remaining charge rate of the primary battery. For example, 100% indicates that the battery 106 is fully charged, and 50% indicates that the battery 106 is half charged.

[0069] The second indicator 122 is provided to indicate that the secondary device 102 is fully charged and ready to be used to generate an aerosol. The indicator 122 indicates, for example, only the state when the secondary device is ready as soon as it becomes possible to supply sufficient power for the user to have a complete smoking experience, which is sufficient power to aerosolize the entire aerosol-forming substrate 104 or sufficient power to cause a predetermined number of puffs. In this particular embodiment, the secondary device 102 cannot operate unless the rechargeable battery 126 is fully charged.

[0070] The third indicator 124 is provided to indicate that the secondary device has been cleaned. The cleaning operation will be described in detail below.

[0071] The secondary device 102 includes a rechargeable battery 126, secondary control electronics 128, and electrical contacts 130. As described above, the rechargeable battery 126 of the secondary device 102 is configured to receive power supply from the primary battery 106 when the electrical contacts 130 are in a connected state with the electrical contacts 110 of the primary device 100 and the lid is in the closed position. Further, the secondary device 102 includes a cavity 132 configured to receive the aerosol generating article 104. For example, a heater 134 in the form of a blade heater is provided at the bottom of the cavity 132. In use, the user activates the secondary device 102, and power is supplied from the battery 126 to the heater 134 via the control electronics 128. The heater is heated to a standard operating temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article 104. The components of the secondary device 102 are housed within a housing 136.

[0072] The primary device includes four electrical contacts 110, two of which supply power to the secondary device and the remaining two transmit data between the primary device and the secondary device. The data connection is configured to download data such as usage statistics and operating status information from the secondary device. Further, the data connection is configured to upload data such as an operation protocol from the primary device to the secondary device. The operation protocol can include a power supply profile used when supplying power from the secondary power supply to the heater. The data can be transmitted from the secondary device 102 to the primary device 100 and stored, for example, in the control electronics 108. Next, the data can be transmitted outside the primary device 100 via a communication port 138 that can be connected to the control electronics 108.

[0073] Figure 2 shows the secondary device 102 housed within the cavity of the primary device 100. The lid 114 is shown in the closed position. In this closed position, the lid is configured to act on the secondary device 102 such that a good electrical connection between the primary and secondary devices is enabled. As can be seen from the figure, the electrical contact 130 of the secondary device engages with the electrical contact 110 of the primary device. The electrical contact 110 of the primary device is configured to apply a force to the secondary device when the lid is in the closed position. The electrical contact 110 forms an elastic element and is in a neutral position and displaced from the bottom surface of the cavity 112 when there is no opposing force from the secondary device (see Figure 1a).

[0074] The primary device is sized such that when the smoking article 104 is housed in the secondary device, the lid is not closed. Thus, since the lid cannot move to the closed position where power can be supplied to the secondary device, it cannot be charged or cleaned while housing the smoking article. This prevents the user from generating an aerosol using the secondary device while the secondary device is being charged or cleaned.

[0075] The lid 114 comprises means for holding the lid in the closed position. The holding means applies sufficient force such that the lid acts on the secondary device and the electrical contact flexes from the position shown in Figure 1a to the engaged position shown in Figure 2. The holding means is a spring within the hinge 118. Alternatively or additionally, the lid is an iron part configured to engage with a magnet provided on the housing of the primary device.

[0076] Figure 3 is a detailed view of the electrical contact 110 of the primary unit. As can be seen in the figure, the electrical contact 110 is in the form of a leaf spring and can be made elastic in order to apply sufficient force to the secondary device when the lid is in the closed position to ensure good electrical connection between the primary device and the secondary device. The electrical contact 110 is attached to the primary device by the support portion 300. The support portion 300 is configured such that when the secondary device engages with the electrical contact 110 at the contact end portion 304 and deflects from the neutral position shown in FIG. 1a, the rear end portion 302 of the electrical contact remains substantially stationary. Since the rear end portion 302 is connected to the control electronics by an electric wire, ensuring that the rear end portion 302 remains substantially stationary during use reduces the possibility of the connection portion failing due to fatigue. As described above, the primary device includes four such electrical contacts, two for power and two for data communication. The four electrical contacts together apply a force of approximately 5 N to the secondary device when the secondary device is within the cavity and the lid is in the closed position. Accordingly, the lid retaining means is configured to apply a retaining force of approximately 7.5 N between the housing and the lid. The additional force is applied to reduce the possibility of the lid opening if the user accidentally bumps into the lid during charging or cleaning of the secondary device.

[0077] Although specific embodiments of the electrical contact are provided in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any suitable configuration of the electrical contact can be utilized.

[0078] As described above, the primary device is also configured to perform a cleaning operation on the secondary device. The cleaning operation includes supplying sufficient power to the secondary device to heat the heater 134 beyond the standard operating temperature to the cleaning temperature. The cleaning temperature is a temperature sufficient to release any residual aerosol-forming substrate that may remain attached to the blade heater after the smoking article 104 is removed from the secondary device 102. As shown in FIG. 4, the lid 114 includes a vent 400, and the vent is configured to allow the released aerosol-forming substrate to exit the cavity in the form of an aerosol such as smoke. During the cleaning operation, a third indicator 124 lights up to inform the user that the secondary device is being cleaned. During this cleaning operation, the user is prevented from opening the lid and removing the secondary device.

[0079] Of course, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to be limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments described for illustrative purposes only.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0080] 100 Primary device 102 Secondary device 104 Smoking article 106 Primary battery 108 Control electronics 110 Electrical contact 112 Cavity 114 Lid 116 Housing 118 Hinge

Claims

1. An aerosol generation system comprising a primary device and a secondary device, wherein the secondary device is an aerosol generator for consuming aerosol-generating articles, and the primary device is a charging device configured to be coupled to the aerosol generator to recharge the power source of the aerosol generator, and the primary device comprises a power source, a cavity configured to receive the secondary device, at least one electrical contact within the cavity configured to be electrically connected to the power source and to contact corresponding contacts of the secondary device when the secondary device is within the cavity, and the secondary device is keyed to the cavity of the primary device such that only a secondary device that is compatible with the primary device can be inserted into the cavity, wherein the cavity of the primary device has an irregular shape and the secondary device has a corresponding irregular shape, the aerosol generation system.

2. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the irregular shape is not rotationally symmetric.

3. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the secondary device can be inserted into the cavity in only one direction.

4. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a lid movable between a first position in which the secondary device is held in contact with the at least one electrical contact and a second position in which the secondary device is disengaged from contact with the at least one electrical contact and can move freely.

5. The aerosol generation system according to claim 4, wherein the secondary device comprises an electrical heating element, and the primary device is configured to supply power to the secondary device when the lid is in the first position to heat the electrical heating element to thermally liberate organic substances adhering or deposited on the heating element.

6. The aerosol generation system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the primary device is configured to prevent power supply to the secondary device via the at least one electrical contact when the lid is not in the first position.

7. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein in the first position, the lid biases the secondary device into contact with the at least one electrical contact.

8. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, comprising at least one elastic element configured to urge the secondary device toward the lid when the secondary device is disposed within the cavity.

9. The aerosol generation system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one electrical contact is the at least one elastic element.

10. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the lid comprises at least one aperture that enables the release of substances from the cavity when the secondary device is within the cavity and the lid is in the first position.

11. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the secondary device is an electrically heated aerosol generator.

12. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the primary device is configured to supply power to the secondary device to perform a cleaning operation on the secondary device.

13. The aerosol generation system according to claim 12, wherein the secondary device comprises an electrically heated element, and the primary device is configured to supply power to the secondary device to heat the electrically heated element to a cleaning temperature to thermally liberate organic substances adhering or deposited on the heating element.

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