Aerosol generating system with improved electrical connectors

Abstract

An electrically operated aerosol generation system (100), an electrically operated aerosol generation device (101), a charging unit (103) for the electrically operated aerosol generation system (100), and an electrical connector for the aerosol generation system (100). The electrically operated aerosol generation system (100) comprises an aerosol generation device (101), a charging unit (103) configured to receive the aerosol generation device (101), and a first connector portion (1) and a second connector portion (21). The aerosol generation device (101) has one of the first connector portion (1) and the second connector portion (21), and the charging unit (103) has the other of the first connector portion (1) and the second connector portion (21). The first connector portion (1) includes a first electrical contact (3), a second electrical contact (4) substantially surrounding the first electrical contact (3), and a third electrical contact (5) substantially surrounding the second electrical contact (4). The second connector portion (21) includes a surface (26) and a protrusion (27) disposed substantially at the center of the surface (6), a first electrical contact (23) disposed on the protrusion (27), a second electrical contact (24) disposed on the surface (26) radially outward from the first electrical contact (23), and a third electrical contact (25) disposed on the surface (26) radially outward from the second electrical contact (23). The first connector portion (1) and the second connector portion (21) are arranged such that the first connector portion (1) and the second connector portion (21) are electrically engaged when the aerosol generating device (101) is received by the charging unit (103).The electrical contacts of the first connector portion (1) and the second connector portion (21) are arranged such that when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are electrically engaged, regardless of the angular position of the second connector portion (21) relative to the first connector portion (1), the first electrical contact (3) of the first connector portion (1) electrically engages with the first electrical contact (23) of the second connector portion (21), the second electrical contact (4) of the first connector portion (1) electrically engages with one of the second electrical contact (24) and the third electrical contact (25) of the second connector portion (21), and the third electrical contact (5) of the first connector portion (1) electrically engages with the other of the second electrical contact (24) and the third electrical contact (25) of the second connector portion (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrically operated aerosol generation system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an electrically operated aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device and a charging unit. The present disclosure also relates to an electrical connector for an electrically operated aerosol generation system.

[0002] An electrically operated aerosol generation system generally comprises an aerosol forming substrate and a heater operative to heat the aerosol forming substrate to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Typically, an electrically operated aerosol generation system also comprises an aerosol generating device including a power source for supplying power to the heater. The heater may be a resistive electric heater, an induction heater, or the like.

[0003] In some systems, the aerosol generating device is configured to receive an aerosol generating article including a solid aerosol forming substrate such as an assembly of crimped tobacco sheets. In these systems, the device typically comprises a heater arranged to heat the aerosol forming substrate when the article is received within the device. The article may also comprise a filter wound together with an aerosol forming substrate in the form of a rod, similar to a conventional cigarette. In other systems, the device is configured to receive a cartridge comprising a heater and a liquid aerosol forming substrate. Such cartridges are often referred to as atomizers. A common type of heater used in atomizers comprises a coil of heater wire wound around an elongate wick immersed in the liquid aerosol forming substrate.

[0004] Some electrically operated aerosol generating systems include a charging unit for recharging the power source of the electrically operated aerosol generator. The charging unit may comprise a housing, a rechargeable power source housed within the housing, and a cavity for receiving the electrically operated aerosol generator. Typically, the charging unit is portable and may be carried by the user along with the device to extend the device's operating time.

[0005] It is desirable to improve the speed and ease with which users can electrically connect the aerosol generator and the charging unit. It is also desirable to provide an electrically operated electrical connector for an aerosol generating system that enables electrical connection between the aerosol generator and the charging unit at any angular position. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an electrically operated electrical connector for an aerosol generating system that enables electrical connection between the aerosol generator and the charging unit when the aerosol generator is not perfectly aligned with the charging unit. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electrically operated aerosol generating system is provided, comprising an aerosol generator, a charging unit configured to receive the aerosol generator, and a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The aerosol generator may have one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and the charging unit may have the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. The first connector portion may include a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact substantially surrounding the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact substantially surrounding the second electrical contact. The second connector portion may include a surface and a projection substantially centered on the surface, a first electrical contact located on the projection, a second electrical contact located on a surface radially outward from the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact located on a surface radially outward from the second electrical contact. The first connector portion and the second connector portion may be arranged so as to electrically engage when the aerosol generator is received by the charging unit. The electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion may be arranged such that, when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are electrically engaged, the first electrical contact of the first connector portion electrically engages with the first electrical contact of the second connector portion, the second electrical contact of the first connector portion electrically engages with one of the second and third electrical contacts of the second connector portion, and the third electrical contact of the first connector portion electrically engages with the other of the second and third electrical contacts of the second connector portion, regardless of the angular position of the second connector portion relative to the first connector portion.

[0007] The first and second connector portions of this disclosure enable electrical connection between the aerosol generator and the charging unit regardless of the angular position of the device relative to the charging unit. Advantageously, this can improve the speed and ease with which a user can electrically connect the aerosol generator and the charging unit. For example, this may allow a user to electrically connect the device and the charging unit when they are not visible, such as in a dark place, or when the user's attention is focused elsewhere.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the projection of the second connector portion is defined by an end face and at least one side wall extending between the face and the end face of the projection. Particularly preferably, the first electrical contact of the second connector portion is located on at least one side wall of the projection.

[0009] No electrical contacts are located on the end face of the projection of the second connector portion. In other words, the end face of the projection of the second connector portion does not contain any electrical contacts. More specifically, no electrical contacts are located in the center of the end face of the projection of the connector portion. The only electrical contacts located on the projection, or any electrical contacts, are located on at least one side wall of the projection. Advantageously, this can provide a robust electrical connector that can be connected and disconnected many times without damaging the electrical contacts of either connector portion.

[0010] Undesirable contact between the end face of the projection of the second connector portion and the first connector portion may occur during connection and disconnection of the connector portions due to misalignment between the first and second connector portions. For example, if a charging unit has a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article, and the cavity has a longitudinal axis, the connector portion of the aerosol generating device received in the cavity may not align with the connector portion of the charging unit if the aerosol generating device is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cavity. Such misalignment of the aerosol generating device in the cavity may result in the first connector portion undesirably colliding with the first contact on the end face of the projection of the second connector portion. Such undesirable contact may result in damage to the end face of the projection. By not placing electrical contacts on the end face of the projection of the second connector portion, the second connector portion becomes more resilient to damage during normal use.

[0011] In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a charging unit having a cavity for receiving an aerosol generator having a diameter or width larger than the diameter or width of the aerosol generator. Advantageously, providing a charging unit having a cavity for receiving an aerosol generator having a diameter or width larger than the diameter or width of the aerosol generator can facilitate the insertion of the aerosol generator into the charging unit cavity. However, providing a charging unit with a cavity that is larger in diameter or width compared to the diameter or width of the aerosol generator may increase the risk of misalignment of the first and second connector portions when the aerosol generator is inserted into the cavity. Advantageously, by providing an aerosol generating system with an electrical connector according to this disclosure, it may be possible to include a larger diameter cavity in the charging unit that facilitates insertion of the aerosol generator into the cavity without significantly increasing the risk of damage to the first and second connector portions during connection and disconnection.

[0012] In some preferred cases, it may be desirable to provide a charging unit having a cavity for receiving an aerosol generator configured to receive the aerosol generator laterally. In other words, the cavity for receiving the aerosol generator may have an opening on the side for receiving the aerosol generator. In these cases, the cavity of the charging unit may be formed by two closed ends spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and a side wall extending between the two closed ends may define the base of the cavity. In these cases, the side wall and closed ends define a trough on which the aerosol generator can be seated. One side of the cavity may be open to allow the aerosol generator to be inserted into the cavity by moving the aerosol generator laterally or laterally into the cavity in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This may facilitate the insertion of the aerosol generator into the cavity and the removal of the aerosol generator from the cavity. Advantageously, providing an aerosol generating system having an electrical connector and a charging unit having a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generator laterally according to this disclosure can minimize the risk of damaging the first and second connector portions during connection and disconnection of the first and second connector portions due to the lateral movement of the aerosol generator into the cavity.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first connector portion includes a surface and a cavity substantially located in the center of the surface. A projection of the second connector portion is receivable into the cavity of the first connector portion. The first electrical contact of the first connector portion is preferably located within the cavity. The second electrical contact of the first connector portion is preferably located on the surface, and is preferably radially spaced from the cavity by a first distance. The third electrical contact of the first connector portion is preferably located on the surface, and is preferably radially spaced from the cavity by a second distance greater than the first distance.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the cavity defines a closed end face, an open end in the face, and at least one side wall extending between the open end and the closed end face. Preferably, the first electrical contacts of the first connector portion are located on at least one side wall of the cavity.

[0015] Preferably, no electrical contacts are located on the closed end face of the cavity of the first connector portion. In other words, the end face of the cavity of the first connector portion does not contain any electrical contacts. More specifically, no electrical contacts are located in the center of the cavity of the first connector portion. The only electrical contacts located within the cavity, or any electrical contacts, are located on at least one side wall of the cavity.

[0016] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user’s lungs through the user’s mouth. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generator may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds. The aerosol generator may interact with an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, or with a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. An electrically operated aerosol generator may include a heater, such as a resistance electric heater or an induction heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

[0017] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols in conjunction with heating.

[0018] As used herein, “electrical engagement” is used to describe an electrical connection or contact between a first connector portion and a second connector portion that enables the flow of electric current between the first connector portion and the second connector portion.

[0019] As used herein, "angular position" is used to describe the rotational position or orientation of one component relative to other components, around an axis.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “upstream,” “downstream,” “proximal,” and “distal” are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of an aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, and charging unit.

[0021] As used herein, the term “longitudinal axis” is used to describe the direction between the downstream, proximal, or oral end and the opposite upstream or distal end, and the term “transverse axis” is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0022] As used herein, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum length of a component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, or charging unit in the longitudinal direction between its distal or upstream end and its proximal or downstream end.

[0023] As used herein, the term “diameter” is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating articles, and charging units.

[0024] As used herein, the term “cross section” is used to describe the cross section of a component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, and charging unit in a direction perpendicular to the principal axis of the component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, and charging unit, respectively.

[0025] At least one of the electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit, transport, or supply power from the charging unit to the aerosol generator. For example, the first electrical contact of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit power from the charging unit to the aerosol generator. In particular, at least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit power from the power source of the charging unit to the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generator. Preferably, the second electrical contact of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit power from the charging unit to the aerosol generator. In addition, at least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured as an earth connection. For example, the third electrical contact of each of the first and second connector portions may be configured as an earth connection.

[0026] At least one of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion may be configured to transmit data from at least one charging unit to an aerosol generator and from the aerosol generator to the charging unit.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first connector portion and the second connector portion may be configured to transmit data from the charging unit to the aerosol generator. Advantageously, this may enable the transmission of software updates from the charging unit to the aerosol generator. In some embodiments, at least one of the electrical contacts of each of the first connector portion and the second connector portion may be configured to transmit data from the aerosol generator to the charging unit. This may enable the transmission of usage data from the aerosol generator to the charging unit. The usage data may include, for example, the charge state of one or more rechargeable power supplies of the device, the number of times the device has been used, the number of times the heater has been used, and the identification information of the aerosol-forming substrate. The third electrical contact of each of the first connector portion and the second connector portion may be configured to transmit data from the charging unit to the aerosol generator. The second electrical contact of each of the first connector portion and the second connector portion may be configured to transmit data from the charging unit to the aerosol generator. Preferably, the first electrical contact of each of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is configured to transmit data from the charging unit to the aerosol generator.

[0028] The first connector portion and the second connector portion of the present disclosure may be configured to transmit power from the charging unit to the aerosol generator and to transmit data from at least one charging unit to the device and from the device to the charging unit. Advantageously, this may enable the device to comprise only a single electrical connector portion. This may reduce the size and weight of the aerosol generator compared to a device having multiple electrical connector portions.

[0029] Typically, an aerosol generator may be equipped with a rechargeable power source. The rechargeable power source may include any suitable type of rechargeable power source, such as a battery or capacitor. The rechargeable power source may include a lithium-ion battery. The rechargeable power source of the aerosol generator may have sufficient capacity to provide one or more user experiences. A user experience generally involves a series of inhalations of the aerosol generator, which generates an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol-forming substrate, and the user inhales the aerosol generated by the device. The number of inhalations constituting a typical user experience may be any suitable number. Generally, the number of inhalations may be 2 to 20, 4 to 12, or about 6 or 7. The rechargeable power source of the aerosol generator may have sufficient capacity to provide any suitable number of user experiences. A rechargeable power source may have sufficient capacity to provide the aerosol generator with one, two, three, four, five, or six user experiences.

[0030] Similarly, the charging unit may include a power supply source. The power supply source of the charging unit may include any suitable type of power supply source such as a battery and a capacitor. The power supply source of the charging unit may include a lithium-ion battery. The first connector portion and the second connector portion of the present disclosure may enable the transfer of power between the power supply source of the charging unit and the rechargeable power supply source of the aerosol generating device in order to charge the rechargeable power supply source of the aerosol generating device. Advantageously, this may extend the usable life of the aerosol generating device. The power supply source of the charging unit may have a capacity sufficient to provide the aerosol generating device with a charge sufficient to provide a plurality of user experiences. The power supply source of the charging unit may have a capacity sufficient to provide the aerosol generating device with a charge sufficient to provide any suitable number of user experiences, such as 1 to 20 user experiences, 5 to 15 user experiences, and approximately 10 user experiences. Advantageously, this may enable the user to carry both the aerosol generating device and the charging unit and use the aerosol generating device over a long period of time, such as a day or a week, without connecting the aerosol generating device to an external power supply source such as a main power supply to charge the rechargeable power supply source of the aerosol generating device.

[0031] Generally, the power supply source of the charging unit may be rechargeable. The power supply source of the charging unit may have a capacity greater than the rechargeable power supply source of the aerosol generating device. The power supply source of the charging unit may be physically larger than the rechargeable power supply source of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit data between the charging unit and the aerosol generator, the second electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions may be configured to transmit power between the power source of the charging unit and the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generator, and the third electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions may be configured as ground connections.

[0033] The aerosol generator may be a handheld device. In other words, the aerosol generator may have any size and shape suitable for being held in the user's hand. The aerosol generator may have a size and shape similar to a conventional cigarette or cigar. The aerosol generator may be portable. Generally, the charging unit may also be portable. The charging unit may have any suitable size and shape. The charging unit may have a size and shape similar to a conventional cigarette packet. By providing a portable charging unit, it may be possible for the user to carry the charging unit together with the aerosol generator. Advantageously, this may allow the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generator to be smaller and lighter without sacrificing the operating life of the aerosol generator, while the aerosol generator can be charged from a portable charging unit carried by the user when the device's rechargeable power source is depleted.

[0034] The electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions may be made from any suitable conductive material. For example, the electrical contacts may be made from a metal such as copper or gold. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts may be made from the same material, while in other embodiments, the electrical contacts may be made from different materials.

[0035] Generally, the electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions are electrically isolated or isolated from each other. The first, second, and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion may be electrically isolated or isolated from each other. Similarly, the first, second, and third electrical contacts of the second connector portion may be electrically isolated or isolated from each other. Electrical isolation or isolation of the electrical contacts of each connector portion may be provided by an electrically insulating material placed between adjacent electrical contacts. Electrical isolation or isolation may be provided by adjacent electrical contacts with a gap between them.

[0036] As used herein, "conductive" refers to 1x10 -4 This refers to materials having an electrical resistivity of Ωm or less. As used herein, "electrically insulated" means 1x10 -4 This refers to materials with an electrical resistivity of Ωm or greater.

[0037] The electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions may be any suitable type of electrical contact. The electrical contacts may be elastic contacts. For example, the electrical contacts may be leaf spring contacts. The electrical contacts may be pin contacts. Pin contacts may extend outward from the surface, generally at a substantially right angle to the surface plane, or may protrude from the surface. Pin contacts may be elastic pin contacts or "pogo pin" contacts. In other words, pin contacts may be elastic or spring-type contacts. The electrical contacts may be plate contacts. Plate contacts may extend substantially on or in a plane, or on or along a surface. The electrical contacts may be provided on a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, all electrical contacts may be of the same type. In other embodiments, the electrical contacts may include different types of electrical contacts. The electrical contacts of the first connector portion may include one type of electrical contact, and the electrical contacts of the second connector portion may include different types of electrical contacts.

[0038] The first, second, and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion may be of the same type. Generally, the electrical contacts of the first connector portion are plate electrical contacts. In other words, generally, the electrical contacts of the first connector portion extend substantially on or within the plane of the first connector portion, or on or along the surface. Generally, the first connector portion includes one or more surfaces, and each of the first, second, and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion extends substantially on or along one or more surfaces of the first connector portion.

[0039] The first, second, and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion can be arranged in any suitable configuration.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion are substantially annular. In other words, each of the first, second, and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion may form a ring. The first, second, and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion may form a concentric ring.

[0041] In some specific embodiments,

[0042] The first electrical contact of the first connector portion is substantially circular and is arranged around at least one side wall of the cavity.

[0043] The second electrical contact of the first connector portion is positioned on the surface and forms a cavity and a ring surrounding the first electrical contact.

[0044] The third electrical contact of the first connector portion is positioned on a surface and forms a cavity and a ring surrounding the first and second electrical contacts.

[0045] The first, second, and third electrical contacts of the second connector portion may be of the same type. Generally, the electrical contacts of the second connector portion are pin electrical contacts. In other words, generally, the electrical contacts of the second connector portion extend outward from a plane or surface of the second connector portion, generally substantially perpendicular to the plane or surface. Typically, the second connector portion includes parallel surfaces on which the first, second, and third electrical contacts are located. In these embodiments, each of the first, second, and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion extends perpendicularly from the surface on which it is located.

[0046] The electrical contacts of the second electrical connector portion may be elastic electrical contacts. In particular, the electrical contacts of the second electrical connector portion may be pogo pin electrical contacts. Pogo pin electrical contacts have the advantage of being electrically engaged between the first and second connector portions and can help maintain a reliable electrical connection between them when exposed to vibrations and small movements caused by user movement.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, the first, second, and third electrical contacts of the second connector extend in substantially different directions. The second and third electrical contacts may extend in the same, substantially parallel direction, while the first electrical contact may extend in a different direction, substantially perpendicular to the directions of the first and third electrical contacts.

[0048] Preferably, the first connector portion includes a substantially planar surface and a cavity substantially located in the center of the substantially planar surface. The cavity may extend inward substantially perpendicularly from the planar surface. The cavity may have a closed end, an open end in the surface, and at least one side wall extending between the open end and the closed end. The first electrical contact of the first connector portion may be located within the cavity. Preferably, the first electrical contact is located on at least one side wall of the cavity. The first electrical contact may substantially surround the closed end of the cavity. The second electrical contact of the first connector portion is located on the surface and substantially surrounds the cavity and the first electrical contact. The third electrical contact of the first connector portion is located on the surface and substantially surrounds the cavity and the first and second electrical contacts.

[0049] Preferably, the second connector portion includes a substantially planar surface and a projection substantially centered on the planar surface. The projection may extend outward from the surface and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface. The projection may be configured to be received within a cavity of the first connector portion. The projection may have an end face and at least one side wall extending between the surface and the end face of the projection. The first electrical contact of the second connector portion may be located on at least one side wall of the projection. The second electrical contact of the second connector portion may be located on the planar surface. The third electrical contact of the second connector portion may be located on the planar surface.

[0050] The second electrical contact of the second connector portion may be spaced radially from the protrusion by the first distance. The third electrical contact of the second connector portion may be spaced radially from the protrusion by the second distance. The second distance may be greater than the first distance.

[0051] The first connector portion and the second connector portion can be electrically engaged by inserting the protrusion of the second connector portion into the cavity of the first connector portion.

[0052] The projection may be tapered. The projection may have a face width or diameter that is greater than the width or diameter of the projection on the end face. Advantageously, this may facilitate the insertion of the projection of the second connector portion into a cavity of the first connector portion where the face of the first connector portion is not aligned with the face of the second connector portion. In other words, this may facilitate the insertion of the projection into a cavity where the first connector portion is inclined relative to the second connector portion. The interface between the end face of the projection and at least one side wall of the projection may be rounded. The interface between the end face of the projection and at least one side wall of the projection may be inclined. Advantageously, providing a rounded or inclined interface between the end face of the projection and at least one side wall of the projection may further facilitate the insertion of the projection into a cavity where the first and second connector portions are not perfectly aligned.

[0053] When the first connector portion and the second connector portion are electrically engaged,

[0054] The first electrical contact of the second connector portion on at least one side wall of the protruding portion may electrically engage with the first electrical contact of the first connector portion on at least one side wall of the cavity.

[0055] The second electrical contact of the second connector portion on the surface of the second connector portion may be electrically engaged with the second electrical contact of the first connector portion on the surface of the first connector portion.

[0056] The third electrical contact of the second connector portion on the surface of the second connector portion may be electrically engaged with the third electrical contact of the first connector portion on the surface of the first connector portion.

[0057] In these embodiments, the cavities and protrusions of the first and second connector portions may be substantially annular cylindrical in shape. This may allow the first and second connector portions to rotate freely relative to each other about the axes of the cavities and protrusions. This may enable the first and second connector portions to engage electrically regardless of the angular position of the first connector portion relative to the second connector portion.

[0058] The second electrical contact of the second connector portion, located on at least one side wall of the projection, may be tightly fitted inside the cavity of the first connector portion by friction fit or interlock fit, etc., to achieve reliable electrical engagement with the second electrical contact of the first connector portion on at least one side wall of the cavity. The second electrical contact of the second connector portion and the cavity may be configured such that the projection is received within the cavity and the second electrical contact of the second connector portion snaps into the cavity when the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged.

[0059] The first and second connector portions may have any appropriate additional number of electrical contacts, which may be configured to perform any desired function.

[0060] In particular, the second connector portion may include a fourth electrical contact. The fourth electrical contact may be arranged on a surface.

[0061] The fourth electrical contact may be radially spaced from the protrusion by the first distance. In other words, the fourth electrical contact may be radially spaced from the protrusion by the same distance as the second electrical contact. The fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion may be positioned to contact the second electrical contact of the first connector portion when the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged. The fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion may be positioned to electrically engage with the second electrical contact of the first connector portion when the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged.

[0062] Preferably, the fourth electrical contact is radially spaced from the protrusion by a second distance. In other words, the fourth electrical contact may be radially spaced from the protrusion by the same distance as the third electrical contact. The fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion may be positioned to contact the third electrical contact of the first connector portion when the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged. The fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion may be positioned to electrically engage with the third electrical contact of the first connector portion when the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged.

[0063] The fourth electrical contact may be spaced angularly apart from the third electrical contact of the second connector portion.

[0064] The fourth electrical contact may be configured as an insertion detection contact to detect when the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged. The fourth electrical contact may be configured to detect when the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged in any suitable manner. In one particular embodiment, the fourth electrical contact is positioned to connect to the ground connection of the first connector portion. Thus, the controller can detect when the fourth contact is grounded, indicating that the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged with each other.

[0065] In another embodiment, the fourth electrical contact may be an elastic pin contact that communicates with a switch that closes when the elastic pin contact is compressed. The switch may be connected to a controller of the charging unit, which may be configured to determine that the first connector portion is electrically engaged with the second connector portion when the switch is closed.

[0066] The cavity may have any suitable shape and dimensions. The cavity may be substantially cylindrical. The cavity may have a substantially circular cross-section. The diameter of the cavity is smaller than the diameter of the face. The diameter of the cavity may be 75% or less of the diameter of the face, or about 21% or less of the diameter of the face.

[0067] The projection may have any suitable shape and dimensions. The projection may be substantially cylindrical. The projection may have a substantially circular cross-section. The diameter of the projection is smaller than the diameter of the face. The diameter of the projection may be 75% or less of the diameter of the face, or about 21% or less of the diameter of the face.

[0068] In some embodiments, the intersection between the end face of the projection and at least one side wall may be inclined, beveled, or chamfered to facilitate the positioning of the projection within the cavity of the first connector portion.

[0069] The second connector portion may include a body to which electrical contacts are attached. The protrusion may be formed integrally with the body, or it may be a separate portion fixed to the body portion.

[0070] The aerosol generator has one of a first connector portion and a second connector portion, and the charging unit has the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. In some embodiments, the first connector portion may be provided on the device, and the second connector portion may be provided on the charging unit. If the electrical contacts of the second connector portion are pin contacts, it may be advantageous to provide the second connector on the charging unit so that the charging unit can provide improved protection against damage to the pin contacts.

[0071] An aerosol generator may comprise a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end may be the end where the user inhales the aerosol generator and inhales the aerosol generated by the device. Thus, the proximal end is sometimes called the mouth end. One of a first connector portion and a second connector portion may be provided at the distal end of the aerosol generator. One of the first connector portion and a second connector portion may be provided at the distal end face of the aerosol generator.

[0072] The aerosol generator may have any suitable size and shape.

[0073] The aerosol generator may have a cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the aerosol generator may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generator has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0074] The aerosol generator may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. The aerosol generator may have a substantially circular cross-section along its length. The device may have rotational symmetry about its major axis. The device may have rotational symmetry of a degree greater than 1 about its major axis. The device may be substantially axially symmetric about its major axis. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generator may be substantially annular and cylindrical.

[0075] The aerosol generator may have any suitable diameter and any suitable length. The aerosol generator may be elongated. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generator may have a shape, diameter, and length substantially similar to a conventional cigarette or cigar. The length of the aerosol generator may be about 30 mm to about 121 mm, or about 21 mm to about 120 mm, or about 90 mm to about 100 mm. The outer diameter of the aerosol generator may be about 5 mm to about 30 mm, or about 10 mm to about 20 mm, or about 25 mm.

[0076] The aerosol generator may be configured to receive one or more of a cartridge, a heater, and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator may be configured to receive one or more of a cartridge, a heater, and an aerosol generating article at its proximal end. The device may include a cavity for receiving one or more of a cartridge, a heater, and an aerosol generating article.

[0077] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may include a heater. If the aerosol generator includes a heater, the device may be configured to receive an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator may be configured to receive a heater or a combination of a heater and an article or cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. If the device includes a cavity for receiving one or more of the cartridge and aerosol-generating articles, the atomizer may be disposed within the cavity.

[0078] The device may include one of a first connector portion and a second connector portion at its distal end. The device may have one of the first connector portion and a second connector portion on its distal end face. In other words, the face at the distal end of the device, opposite the mouth end, may include one of the first connector portion and a second connector portion. The distal end face of the device may be substantially circular.

[0079] The aerosol generator may include a housing. In certain embodiments, the housing may be substantially annular or cylindrical. The housing may contain any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic resins suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. In certain embodiments, the material is lightweight and not brittle.

[0080] A rechargeable power source for the aerosol generator may be housed within the housing. The housing may include a cavity for receiving one or more aerosol generating articles and cartridges. The aerosol generator may also include a heater. The heater may be a resistance electric heater or an induction heater, etc. If the device includes a cavity for receiving aerosol generating articles or cartridges, the heater may be located within the cavity.

[0081] The aerosol generator may include an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may be configured to control the transfer of power from the charging unit to the aerosol generator when the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged. The electrical circuit may be configured to control the transfer of data from one or more charging units to the aerosol generator, and from the aerosol generator to the charging units. The electrical circuit may include a microprocessor. The electrical circuit may include a controller such as a microcontroller.

[0082] The charging unit may have any suitable size and shape.

[0083] The charging unit may have a cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the charging unit may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generator has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0084] The charging unit may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. The charging unit may have a substantially rectangular cross-section along its length. In certain embodiments, the charging unit may be a substantially rectangular cube.

[0085] The charging unit may have any suitable diameter and any suitable length. The charging unit may be handheld. In some embodiments, the charging unit may have a shape, diameter and length substantially similar to a conventional pack of cigarettes. The charging unit may have a length of about 21 mm to about 200 mm. The charging unit may have an outer diameter of about 10 mm to about 121 mm, or about 21 mm to about 100 mm.

[0086] The charging unit may have a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generator. The cavity may be configured to receive the distal end of the aerosol generator. The cavity may be configured to receive the entire aerosol generator. The cavity of the charging unit may have any size and shape suitable for receiving the aerosol generator.

[0087] The cavity of the charging unit may have a cross-sectional area of ​​any suitable shape. For example, the cavity may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-sectional area. In certain embodiments, the cavity of the charging unit may have a cross-sectional area of ​​substantially the same shape as the cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol generator received in the cavity. In some specific embodiments, the cavity may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0088] The cavity of the charging unit may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. The cavity may have a substantially circular cross-section along its length. The cavity may be substantially annular and cylindrical. The cavity may be substantially axially symmetric with respect to its longitudinal axis.

[0089] The cavity of the charging unit may have any suitable diameter and any suitable length.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the cavity of the charging unit may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the aerosol generator. Providing a cavity with a diameter larger than the diameter of the aerosol generator can facilitate insertion of the aerosol generator into the cavity.

[0091] The cavity of the charging unit may be elongated. The cavity may be shorter than the length of the aerosol generator so that when the distal end of the aerosol generator is received in the cavity of the charging unit, the proximal or downstream end of the aerosol generator protrudes from the cavity. The cavity of the charging unit may be substantially equal to or slightly longer than the length of the aerosol generator so that substantially the entire length of the aerosol generator is received in the cavity of the charging unit. Advantageously, this may allow the device to be completely enclosed within the cavity, and the charging unit may be able to protect the device from the external environment.

[0092] One of the first and second connector portions may be located in a cavity of the charging unit. This arrangement can substantially shield or protect the connector portion from the external environment. The cavity may have an open end. The open end may allow the aerosol generator to be inserted into and removed from the cavity. The cavity may also have a closed end on the opposite side of the open end. One of the first and second connector portions may be located at the closed end of the cavity of the charging unit.

[0093] In some specific embodiments, one of the first and second connector portions may be located on the end face at the distal end of the aerosol generator, and the other of the first and second connector portions may be located on the end face at the closed end of the cavity of the charging unit. In these specific embodiments, the first and second connector portions can be electrically engaged by inserting the distal end of the aerosol generator into the open end of the cavity of the charging unit and bringing the connector portion located on the distal end face of the device into contact with the connector portion located on the closed end face of the cavity of the charging unit.

[0094] In some preferred embodiments, the cavity of the charging unit may be configured to receive an aerosol generator laterally. In other words, the cavity of the charging unit may have an opening on one side for receiving an aerosol generator. In these embodiments, the cavity may be defined by two closed ends spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and a side wall extending between the two closed ends. The side wall may define the base of the cavity. The side wall and the two closed ends may define a trough on which the aerosol generator can be seated. One side of the cavity may be open. One side of the cavity may be open so that the aerosol generator can be inserted into the cavity by moving the aerosol generator laterally or laterally into the cavity in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This may facilitate the insertion of the aerosol generator into the cavity and the removal of the aerosol generator from the cavity. Advantageously, providing an aerosol generating system having an electrical connector and a charging unit having a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generator laterally according to this disclosure can minimize the risk of damaging the first and second connector portions during connection and disconnection of the first and second connector portions due to the lateral movement of the aerosol generator into the cavity.

[0095] When the cavity of the aerosol generator and charging unit is substantially annular and cylindrical, the aerosol generator can rotate freely within the cavity about its longitudinal axis. In these embodiments, the first and second connector portions allow the device to be inserted into the cavity of the charging unit at any angular position relative to the cavity, and allow the aerosol generator to rotate within the cavity without disrupting the electrical connection between the first and second connector portions.

[0096] The charging unit may include a housing. In certain embodiments, the housing may be a substantially rectangular cube. The housing may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic resins suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. In certain embodiments, the material is lightweight and not brittle.

[0097] If the charging unit includes a cavity for receiving an aerosol generator, the housing may define the cavity. The charging unit may include means for closing the open end of the cavity, such as a lid hinged to the housing.

[0098] If the charging unit includes a power source, the power source may be housed within the housing. The charging unit may include means for connecting the charging unit to an external power source, such as a mains power source, in order to recharge the power source of the charging unit.

[0099] The charging unit may include an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may be configured to control the transfer of power from the charging unit to the aerosol generator when the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged. The electrical circuit may be configured to control the transfer of data from one or more charging units to the aerosol generator and from the aerosol generator to the charging unit. The electrical circuit may include a microprocessor. The electrical circuit may include a controller such as a microcontroller.

[0100] An electrically operated aerosol generating system may further include a retaining device for detachably holding the electrical engagement between the first connector portion and the second connector portion when the aerosol generating device is received by a charging unit.

[0101] The retaining device may be any suitable means for removably retaining the electrical engagement between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. For example, the retaining device may include a friction fit between the aerosol generator and the charging unit when the aerosol generator is received by the charging unit. For example, the retaining device may include a seal, such as a lid, configured to removably cover the open end or side of the cavity of the charging unit. For example, the retaining device may include an elastic means disposed on the charging unit for biasing the first connector portion relative to the second connector portion when the aerosol generator is received by the charging unit. The elastic retaining device may include a spring, such as a leaf spring.

[0102] In some preferred embodiments, the retaining device may include a magnetic retaining device. The magnetic retaining device may include a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element may be provided in the aerosol generator, and the second magnetic element may be provided in the charging unit.

[0103] The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be arranged such that they are in close proximity to each other when the aerosol generator is received by the charging unit. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be arranged such that they are attracted to each other when the aerosol generator is received by the charging unit. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be arranged such that the first connector portion and the second connector portion are detachably held in electrical engagement when the aerosol generator is received by the charging unit.

[0104] As used herein, “magnetic element” is used to describe an element comprising a magnetic material. The term “magnetic material” is used herein to describe a material that can interact with a magnetic field, including both paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials. A magnetizable material may be a paramagnetic material, such that it becomes magnetized only in the presence of an external magnetic field. Alternatively, a magnetizable material may be a material that becomes magnetized in the presence of an external magnetic field and remains magnetized after the external magnetic field is removed (e.g., a ferromagnetic material). The term “magnetic material” as used herein includes both types of magnetizable materials, as well as already magnetized materials.

[0105] At least one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may include neodymium alloys such as neodymium, iron, and boron. In other words, at least one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be a neodymium magnet. At least one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may include ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SS430 stainless steel.

[0106] The first magnetic element may be positioned close to one of the first and second connector portions of the aerosol generator. The second magnetic element may be positioned close to the other of the first and second connector portions of the charging unit. In this arrangement, when the first and second connector portions are not electrically engaged, the magnetic retainer can attract the first and second connector portions together and electrically engage them. Advantageously, this provides the first and second connector portions with a degree of self-alignment and self-engagement, facilitating electrical engagement. Thus, the magnetic retainer can further improve the speed and ease with which the user can electrically connect the device and the charging unit. When the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged, the magnetic retainer increases a specific force required to disengage the first and second connector portions. Advantageously, this substantially prevents or deterrs the first and second connector portions from unintentionally disengaging, for example, through vibration and rotation during movement.

[0107] As used herein, the term “proximity” is used to describe the relative arrangement of two objects that are very close to each other, such as adjacent or near objects. Magnetic material positioned in proximity to a connector means magnetic material positioned on or above the connector, or separated from the connector by a short distance. In this context, a short distance is a small distance relative to the dimensions of the aerosol generator and charging unit.

[0108] In some embodiments, at least one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may form one or more electrical contacts of the connector portion. For example, a third electrical contact of the first connector portion may be formed from a magnetic material. In embodiments where the magnetic material does not form one or more electrical contacts, the magnetic material may be electrically isolated from the electrical contacts of the connector portion.

[0109] The first magnetic element may be located on or around the connector portion of the aerosol generator. The first magnetic element may include a body of magnetic material located substantially behind the electrical contacts of the connector portion of the aerosol generator. If the device includes a connector portion at its distal end face, the first magnetic element may be located proximal to the connector portion within the device. If the aerosol generator includes a first connector portion, the first magnetic element may include at least one of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion. In particular, a third electrical contact may include magnetic material such that the third electrical contact is the first magnetic element. In embodiments where the first magnetic element is not one or more electrical contacts, the first magnetic element may be electrically isolated from the electrical contacts of the first connector portion.

[0110] The second magnetic element may be located on or around the connector portion of the charging unit. The second magnetic element may include a body of magnetic material located substantially behind the electrical contacts of the connector portion of the charging unit. If the charging unit includes the second connector portion, the second magnetic element may include one or more bodies of magnetic material located between or around the electrical contacts of the second connector portion. In particular, the second magnetic element may include two bodies of magnetic material located on either side of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion such that the electrical contacts of the second connector portion are located between the two bodies of magnetic material. The two bodies of magnetic material may be substantially arc-shaped and may have the same or similar curvature as the third electrical contact of the first connector portion.

[0111] The first and second magnetic elements may have any suitable shape. For example, the first and second magnetic elements may be substantially circular, elliptical, or square. The first and second magnetic elements may have the same shape. The first and second magnetic elements may have different shapes. The first and second magnetic elements may be substantially annular. The first and second magnetic elements may include an annular body, ring, or tube of magnetic material. Providing an annular body, ring, or tube of magnetic material may be advantageous because the annular body or tube may include a central passage through which an electrical connector can pass and connect one or more electrical contacts of the connector portion to a power source of the device or charging unit.

[0112] If the charging unit includes a cavity and the connector portion of the charging unit is located at the closed end of the cavity, the first and second magnetic elements may be positioned such that the north-south magnetic poles of the magnetic material substantially align with the longitudinal axis of the cavity. This may help the magnetic retainer to attract the aerosol generator into the cavity and position the first and second connector portions within electrical engagement.

[0113] In some preferred embodiments, the first connector portion includes a first magnetic element, and the second connector portion includes a second magnetic element. Preferably, at least one electrical contact of the second connector portion is an elastic contact that is operable between an extended position and a recessed position and is biased to return to the extended position. In these preferred embodiments, the first and second connector portions are positionable in a first connection position, where at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion is in the extended position, the first connector portion is positioned in contact with at least one elastic contact, the first and second magnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other, and the magnetic attractive force between the first and second is greater than the force required to move at least one elastic contact from the extended position to the recessed position.

[0114] At least one elastic contact of the second connector portion allows the first and second connector portions to maintain electrical connection within a range of positions along the length of movement of the at least one elastic contact between the expanded and recessed positions. The length of movement of the at least one elastic contact between the expanded and recessed positions can be any suitable distance. The length of movement of the at least one elastic contact between the expanded and recessed positions may be at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.3 mm. The length of movement of the at least one elastic contact between the expanded and recessed positions may be about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm, or about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm.

[0115] At least one elastic contact of the second connector portion is biased to return to the extended position. When at least one elastic contact is pushed down by the first connector portion from the extended position toward the recessed position, the at least one elastic contact exerts a biasing force on the first portion toward the extended position. The first and second magnetic elements are positioned to provide a magnetic attraction force between the first and second connector portions that acts in the opposite direction to the biasing force of at least one elastic contact. When the first and second connector portions are in the first connection position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the force required to move at least one elastic contact from the extended position toward the recessed position. Advantageously, this magnetic attraction force overcomes the biasing force of at least one elastic contact when the first and second connector portions are in the first connection position, and can pull the first and second connector portions together. In other words, when the first and second connector portions are in the first connection position, they tend to be attracted to each other by magnetic attraction, and at least one elastic contact of the second connector portion is pushed down from the expanded position to the recessed position by the first connector portion.

[0116] Advantageously, when the user moves the aerosol generator and the charging unit to electrically engage, the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements is such that, when the first and second connector portions engage at the first connection position, at least one elastic contact is pushed down from the extended position to the recessed position, so that the user does not experience resistance from the biasing force of at least one elastic contact. In other words, the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements at the first connection position is large enough to conceal or mask the biasing force of at least one elastic contact from the user electrically connecting the aerosol generator to the charging unit.

[0117] When the first and second connector portions are in the first connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements can be any appropriate magnitude. When the first and second connector portions are in the first connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements can be at least 0.1 Newtons, at least 0.15 Newtons, or at least 0.2 Newtons, at least 0.5 Newtons, at least 1 Newton, or at least 1.5 Newtons. When the first and second connector portions are in the first connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements can be at least 0.15 Newtons. When the first and second connector portions are in the first connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements can be about 0.1 Newtons to about 10 Newtons, about 0.5 Newtons to about 5 Newtons, or about 1.5 Newtons to about 4.0 Newtons.

[0118] In some preferred embodiments, the first and second connector portions may further be situable to a second connection position, where at least one electrical contact of the first connector portion is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of the second connector portion, the first and second magnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other, and at least one elastic contact of the second connector is in a recessed position.

[0119] When the first and second connector portions are positioned in the second connection position, at least one elastic contact in the recessed position applies a biasing force to the first connector portion. In some embodiments, when the first and second connector portions are positioned in the second connection position, the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the biasing force applied to the first connector portion by at least one elastic contact. This magnetic attraction ensures that the biasing force of at least one elastic contact on the second connector portion cannot bias the first and second connector portions outside the second connection position.

[0120] In some preferred embodiments, when the first and second connector portions are in the second connection position, the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements is greater than the weight of the aerosol generator and the biasing force of at least one elastic contact on the first connector portion. Such magnetic attraction forces ensure that the first and second connector portions can be held in the second connection position regardless of the orientation of the system.

[0121] When the first and second connector portions are not electrically engaged, the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements can pull them together and electrically engage them. Advantageously, this provides the first and second connector portions with a degree of self-alignment and self-engagement, facilitating electrical engagement. This can further improve the speed and ease with which the user can electrically connect the device and the charging unit. When the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged, the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic elements increases the force required to disengage them. Advantageously, this substantially prevents or prevents the first and second connector portions from unintentionally disengaging, for example, through vibration and rotation during movement.

[0122] When the first and second connector portions are in the second connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements can be any appropriate magnitude. When the first and second connector portions are in the second connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements can be at least 0.5 Newtons, at least 1 Newton, at least 1.5 Newtons, at least 2 Newtons, at least 3 Newtons, or at least 4 Newtons. When the first and second connector portions are in the second connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements can be at least 1 Newton. When the first and second connector portions are in the second connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements can be about 0.5 Newtons to about 10 Newtons, about 1 Newton to about 5 Newtons, or about 1.5 Newtons to about 4 Newtons. When the first and second connector portions are in the second connection position, the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic elements can be approximately 1.5 Newtons to approximately 4 Newtons.

[0123] The disclosure also provides an electrically operated aerosol generator including an electrical connector portion. The electrical connector portion includes a surface and a cavity substantially located in the center of the surface. The electrical connector portion further includes a first electrical contact located within the cavity, a second electrical contact located on the surface and substantially surrounding the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact located on the surface and substantially surrounding the second electrical contact.

[0124] In some preferred embodiments, the cavity has a closed end, an open end in the face, and at least one side wall extending between the open end and the closed end. The first electrical contact is preferably located on at least one side wall of the projection. No electrical contact is located at the closed end of the cavity.

[0125] In some embodiments, an electrically operated aerosol generator may include one or more of the following: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate; an electric heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate received in the cavity; a rechargeable power source for supplying power to the electric heater; and one or more electrical circuits for controlling the power supply from the power source to the electric heater, and electrically connected to an electrical connector for the transmission of at least one of power and data through an electrical connector portion.

[0126] The electrical connector portion may be located on the end face of the aerosol generator. If the device has a cavity at one end for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, the electrical connector portion may be located at the opposite end.

[0127] The present disclosure also provides a charging unit for charging an aerosol generator, the charging unit comprising a housing having a cavity for receiving an electrically operated aerosol generator, and an electrical connector portion arranged to be electrically connected to the electrically operated aerosol generator when the device is received in the cavity. The electrical connector portion includes a projection located substantially in the center of the surface, a first electrical contact located on the projection, a second electrical contact located on a surface radially outward from the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact located on a surface radially outward from the first and second electrical contacts.

[0128] In some preferred embodiments, the projection has an end face and at least one side wall extending between the face and the end face of the projection. The first electrical contact is preferably located on at least one side wall of the projection. No electrical contact is located on the end face of the projection.

[0129] The electrical connector portion may be located at the closed end of a cavity for receiving an electrically operated aerosol generator.

[0130] The Disclosure also provides an electrical connector for an electrically operated aerosol generating system. The electrical connector includes a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The first connector portion includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact at least partially surrounding the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact at least partially surrounding the first electrical contact. The second connector portion includes a surface and a projection substantially centered on the surface, a first electrical contact located on the projection, a second electrical contact located on a surface radially outward from the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact located on a surface radially outward from the first and second electrical contacts.

[0131] In some preferred embodiments, the projection has an end face and at least one side wall extending between the face and the end face of the projection. Preferably, the first electrical contacts of the second connector portion are located on at least one side wall of the projection. No electrical contacts are located on the end face of the projection.

[0132] When the first connector portion and the second connector portion of the electrical connector are electrically engaged, regardless of the rotational orientation of the second connector portion relative to the first connector portion, the first electrical contact of the first connector portion is electrically engaged with the first electrical contact of the second connector portion, the second electrical contact of the first connector portion is electrically engaged with one of the second and third electrical contacts of the second connector portion, and the third electrical contact of the first connector portion is electrically engaged with the other of the second and third electrical contacts of the second connector portion. [Examples]

[0133] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0134] Example 1 An electrically operated aerosol generation system, Aerosol generator and A charging unit configured to receive an aerosol generator, A first connector portion and a second connector portion, wherein the aerosol generator has one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and the charging unit has the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, The first connector portion includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact substantially surrounding the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact substantially surrounding the second electrical contact. The second connector portion includes a projection positioned on a surface and substantially in the center of the surface, a first electrical contact positioned on the projection, a second electrical contact positioned on a surface radially outward from the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact positioned on a surface radially outward from the first and second electrical contacts. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are arranged such that they are electrically engaged when the aerosol generator is received by the charging unit. When the electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion are electrically engaged, regardless of the angular position of the second connector portion relative to the first connector portion, The first electrical contact of the first connector portion is electrically engaged with the first electrical contact of the second connector portion. The second electrical contact of the first connector part electrically engages with the second electrical contact of the second connector part. An electrically operated aerosol generating system in which the third electrical contact of the first connector portion is arranged to electrically engage with the third electrical contact of the second connector portion. Example 2 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Example 1, wherein the projection is defined by an end face and at least one side wall extending between the face and the end face of the projection. Example 3 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 2, wherein the first electrical contact of the second connector portion is located on at least one side wall of the protrusion. Example 4 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 2 or 3, wherein no electrical contacts are located on the end face of the projection of the second connector portion, more specifically, no electrical contacts are located in the center of the end face of the projection of the second connector portion, and / or more specifically, the only electrical contact located on the projection, or the electrical contact, is located on at least one side wall of the projection. Example 5 The first connector portion comprises a surface and a cavity substantially located in the center of the surface, and the projection of the second connector portion is receivable into the cavity of the first connector portion. The first electrical contact of the first connector is located inside the cavity. The second electrical contact of the first connector portion is positioned on the surface, and the second electrical contact is radially separated from the cavity by the distance of the first, An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the third electrical contact of the second connector portion is positioned on the surface, and the third electrical contact is radially separated from the cavity by a distance greater than the first distance and by a second distance. Example 6 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Example 5, wherein the cavity is defined by a closed end face, an open end in the face, and at least one side wall extending between the open end and the closed end face. Example 7 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 6, wherein the first electrical contact of the first connector portion is located on at least one side wall of the cavity. Example 8 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 6 or 7, wherein no electrical contacts are located on the closed end faces of the cavity, more specifically, no electrical contacts are located in the center of the end face of the cavity of the first connector portion, and / or more specifically, the only electrical contacts located within the cavity, or the electrical contacts, are located on at least one side wall of the cavity. Example 9 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is configured to transmit data from at least one charging unit to an aerosol generator and from the aerosol generator to a charging unit. Example 10 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 9, wherein the first electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured to transmit data from at least one of the charging units to the aerosol generator and from the aerosol generator to the charging unit. Example 11 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is configured to transmit power from at least one charging unit to an aerosol generator and from the aerosol generator to a charging unit. Example 12 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 11, wherein the second electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured to transmit power from at least one of the charging units to the aerosol generator and from the aerosol generator to the charging unit. Example 13 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is configured as a ground connection. Example 14 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 13, wherein the third electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions are configured as ground connections. Example 15 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol generator is equipped with a rechargeable power source. Example 16 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the charging unit comprises a rechargeable power source. Example 17 The aerosol generator is equipped with a rechargeable power source. The charging unit is equipped with a rechargeable power source. An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein at least one of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is configured to transmit power from a rechargeable power source of the charging unit to a power source of the aerosol generator, and at least one of the other electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is configured to transmit data from at least one of the charging units to the aerosol generator and from the aerosol generator to the charging unit. Example 18 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 17, wherein the first electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions are configured to transmit data from at least one of the charging units to the aerosol generator and from the aerosol generator to the charging unit, and the second electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions are configured to transmit power from the rechargeable power source of the charging unit to the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generator. Example 19 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the second connector portion includes a fourth electrical contact arranged on the surface. Example 20 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 19, wherein the fourth electrical contact is configured as an insertion detection contact that detects when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are electrically engaged. Example 21 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 20, wherein one of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion is configured as a ground connection, and the fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion is arranged to electrically engage with the electrical contact of the first connector portion which is configured as a ground connection. Example 22 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 21, comprising an aerosol generator or charging unit, a controller configured to detect when a fourth contact is electrically engaged with a ground connection, and indicating that the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged. Example 23 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 19 to 22, wherein the fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion is radially spaced from the protrusion by a distance of first magnitude, angularly spaced from the second electrical contact of the second connector portion, and is arranged so as to electrically engage with the second electrical contact of the first connector portion, and optionally, the second electrical contact of the first connector portion is configured as a ground connection. Example 24 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 19 to 22, wherein the fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion is radially spaced from the protrusion by a second distance and angularly spaced from the third electrical contact of the second connector portion, and the fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion is arranged to electrically engage with the third electrical contact of the first connector portion, and optionally the third electrical contact of the first connector portion is configured as a ground connection. Example 25 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 19 to 24, wherein the fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion is a pin contact. Example 26 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 1 to 25, wherein one or more of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion are pin contacts. Example 27 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the first electrical contact of the second connector portion is a leaf spring contact, and the second and third electrical contacts of the second connector portion are pin contacts. Example 28 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the aerosol generator includes a proximal end and a distal end, and the charging unit includes a cavity configured to receive at least the distal end of the aerosol generator, the cavity having an open end and a closed end. Example 29 One of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is positioned on the end face at the distal end of the aerosol generator. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 28, wherein the other of the first and second connector portions is positioned on the end face at the closed end of the cavity of the charging unit. Example 30 The first connector portion is positioned on the end face at the distal end of the aerosol generator. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Example 28 or 29, wherein the second connector portion is positioned on the end face at the closed end of the cavity of the charging unit. Example 31 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 30, wherein the cavity of the charging unit is configured to receive the aerosol generator laterally. Example 32 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 28 to 31, wherein the cavity of the charging unit is defined by two closed ends spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and a side wall extending between the two closed ends, the side wall defining an opening on the side of the cavity. Example 33 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Example 32, wherein the opening on the side of the cavity is configured to receive the aerosol generator in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Example 34 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the first electrical contact of the first connector portion extends substantially in a first plane, and the second and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion extend substantially in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. Example 35 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, further comprising a retaining device for detachably holding the electrical engagement of a first connector portion and a second connector portion when the aerosol generating device is received by a charging unit. Example 36 The holding device includes a first magnetic element provided on the aerosol generator and a second magnetic element provided on the charging unit. An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 35, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are positioned close to each other when the aerosol generating device is received by the charging unit, and the holding device is positioned to detachably hold the engagement of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. Example 37 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 36, wherein the first magnetic element is positioned in close proximity to one of the first and second connector portions of the aerosol generating device, and the second magnetic element is positioned in close proximity to the other of the first and second connector portions of the charging unit. Example 38 An electrically operated aerosol generator for an electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 37. Example 39 An electrically operated aerosol generator, comprising an electrical connector portion including a surface, a cavity substantially located in the center of the surface, a first electrical contact located within the cavity, a second electrical contact located on the surface and substantially surrounding the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact located on the surface and substantially surrounding the second electrical contact. Example 40 An electrically operated aerosol generator according to Example 39, wherein the cavity is defined by a closed end face, an open end in the face, and at least one side wall extending between the open end and the closed end face. Example 41 The electrically operated aerosol generator according to Embodiment 40, wherein the first electrical contact of the connector portion is located on at least one side wall of the cavity. Example 42 An electrically operated aerosol generator according to Example 40 or 41, wherein no electrical contacts are located on the closed end face of the cavity. Example 43 An electrically operated aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 39 to 42, wherein the aerosol generator is equipped with a rechargeable power source. Example 44 An electrically operated aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 39 to 43, wherein the connector portion is located on the end face of the aerosol generator. Example 45 An electrically operated aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 39 to 44, wherein the first electrical contact of the connector portion extends substantially in a first plane, and the second and third electrical contacts of the connector portion extend substantially in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. Example 46 An electrically operated aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 39 to 45, wherein the aerosol generator further includes a magnetic element adjacent to the connector portion. Example 47 A charging unit for an electrically operated aerosol generating system as described in any one of Examples 1 to 37. Example 48 A charging unit for charging an aerosol generator, comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving an electrically operated aerosol generator; and an electrical connector portion arranged to electrically connect to the electrically operated aerosol generator when the device is received in the cavity, wherein the electrical connector portion includes a projection substantially centered between two surfaces; a first electrical contact located on the projection; a second electrical contact located on a surface radially spaced outward from the first electrical contact; and a third electrical contact located on a surface radially spaced outward from the first and second electrical contacts. Example 49 The charging unit according to Embodiment 48, wherein the projection is defined by an end face and at least one side wall extending between the face and the end face of the projection. Example 50 The charging unit according to Embodiment 49, wherein the first electrical contact of the connector portion is located on at least one side wall of the cavity. Example 51 A charging unit according to embodiment 49 or 50, wherein no electrical contacts are located on the end face of the protruding part of the connector. Example 52 A charging unit according to any one of Examples 49 to 51, wherein the charging unit is equipped with a rechargeable power source. Example 53 A charging unit according to any one of Examples 49 to 52, wherein the connector portion includes a fourth electrical contact positioned on the surface. Example 54 The charging unit according to Embodiment 53, wherein the fourth electrical contact is configured as an insertion detection contact that detects when one connector portion is electrically engaged with another connector portion. Example 55 The charging unit according to Embodiment 54, comprising a controller configured to detect when a fourth contact is electrically engaged with a ground connection, which indicates that a connector portion of the charging unit is electrically engaged with another connector portion. Example 56 A charging unit according to any one of Examples 53 to 55, wherein the fourth electrical contact of the connector portion is radially separated from the protruding portion by a distance equal to the first distance and angularly separated from the second electrical contact. Example 57 A charging unit according to any one of Examples 53 to 55, wherein the fourth electrical contact of the connector portion is radially separated from the protruding portion by a second distance and angularly separated from the third electrical contact. Example 58 A charging unit according to any one of Examples 53 to 57, wherein the fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion is a pin contact. Example 59 A charging unit according to any one of Examples 53 to 58, wherein one or more of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion are pin contacts. Example 60 A charging unit according to any one of Examples 48 to 59, wherein the first electrical contact of the connector is a leaf spring contact, and the second and third electrical contacts are pin contacts. Example 61 A charging unit according to any one of Examples 48 to 60, wherein the cavity of the charging unit is configured to receive at least the distal end of an aerosol generator, and the cavity has an open end and a closed end. Example 62 The charging unit according to Embodiment 61, wherein the connector portion is positioned on the end face of the closed end of the cavity of the charging unit. Example 63 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 48 to 62, wherein the cavity of the charging unit is configured to receive the aerosol generator laterally. Example 64 An electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 48 to 63, wherein the cavity of the charging unit is defined by two closed ends spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and a side wall extending between the two closed ends, the side wall defining an opening on the side of the cavity. Example 65 The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to Example 64, wherein the opening on the side of the cavity is configured to receive the aerosol generator in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Example 66 A charging unit according to any one of Examples 48 to 65, wherein the charging unit further comprises a magnetic element located adjacent to the connector portion. Example 67 An electrical connector for an electrically operated aerosol generating system, as described in any one of Examples 1 to 37. Example 68 An electrical connector for an electrically operated aerosol generating system, comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion, wherein the first connector portion includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact at least partially surrounding the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact at least partially surrounding the first electrical contact, and the second connector portion includes a surface and a projection substantially centered on the surface, a first electrical contact disposed on the projection, a second electrical contact disposed on a surface radially outward from the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact disposed on a surface radially outward from the first and second electrical contacts. Example 69 The electrical connector according to Embodiment 68, wherein the projection is defined by an end face and at least one side wall extending between the face and the end face of the projection. Example 70 The electrical connector according to Embodiment 69, wherein the first electrical contact of the second connector portion is located on at least one side wall of the cavity. Example 71 The electrical connector according to embodiment 69 or 70, wherein no electrical contacts are located on the end face of the protruding portion of the second connector part. Example 72 The first connector portion comprises a surface and a cavity substantially located in the center of the surface, and the projection of the second connector portion is receivable into the cavity of the first connector portion. The first electrical contact of the first connector is located inside the cavity. The second electrical contact of the first connector portion is positioned on the surface, and the second electrical contact is radially separated from the cavity by the distance of the first, An electrical connector according to any one of Examples 68 to 71, wherein the third electrical contact of the second connector portion is arranged on a surface, and the third electrical contact is radially separated from the cavity by a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Example 73 The electrical connector according to Embodiment 72, wherein the cavity is defined by a closed end face, an open end in the face, and at least one side wall extending between the open end and the closed end face. Example 74 The electrical connector according to Embodiment 73, wherein the first electrical contact of the first connector portion is located on at least one side wall of the cavity. Example 75 An electrical connector according to embodiment 73 or 74, wherein the electrical contacts are not located on the closed end face of the cavity. Example 76 An electrical connector according to any one of Examples 68 to 75, wherein the second connector portion includes a fourth electrical contact arranged on the surface. Example 77 The electrical connector according to Embodiment 76, wherein the fourth electrical contact is configured as an insertion detection contact that detects when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are electrically engaged. Example 78 The electrical connector according to Embodiment 76 or 77, wherein the fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion is radially spaced from the protrusion by a first distance, angularly spaced from the second electrical contact of the second connector portion, and is arranged so as to electrically engage with the second electrical contact of the first connector portion. Example 79 The electrical connector according to Embodiment 76 or 77, wherein the fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion is radially spaced from the protrusion by a second distance, angularly spaced from the third electrical contact of the second connector portion, and is arranged so as to electrically engage with the third electrical contact of the first connector portion. Example 80 An electrical connector as described in any one of Examples 76 to 79, wherein the fourth electrical contact of the second connector portion is a pin contact. Example 81 An electrical connector according to any one of Examples 68 to 80, wherein one or more of the electrical contacts of the second connector portion are pin contacts. Example 82 An electrical connector according to any one of Examples 68 to 81, wherein the first electrical contact of the second connector portion is a leaf spring contact, and the second and third electrical contacts of the second connector portion are pin contacts. Example 83 An electrical connector according to any one of Examples 68 to 82, wherein the first electrical contact of the first connector portion extends substantially in a first plane, and the second and third electrical contacts of the first connector portion extend substantially in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. Example 84 An electrical connector according to any one of embodiments 68 to 83, further comprising a retaining device for detachably holding the electrical engagement of a first connector portion and a second connector portion when the aerosol generator is received by a charging unit. Example 85 The retaining device comprises a first magnetic element provided on a first connector portion and a second magnetic element provided on a second connector portion. The electrical connector according to Embodiment 84, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are positioned close to each other when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are electrically engaged, and the retaining device is arranged to detachably hold the engagement of the first connector portion and the second connector portion.

[0135] Here, we will further describe the embodiments with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0136] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the first connector portion of an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the first connector portion of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a second connector portion of an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second connector portion being electrically connectable to the first connector portion of Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the second connector portion in Figure 3. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an electrically operated aerosol generating system including an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system including an aerosol generator housed in a charging unit, the aerosol generator including the first connector portion shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the charging unit including the second connector portion shown in Figures 3 and 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an electrically operated aerosol generating system including an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system including an aerosol generator that is laterally received by a charging unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of an electrically operated aerosol generation system, in which the aerosol generator is housed within a charging unit, and the first and second connector portions of the electrical connector are electrically engaged. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a second connector portion of an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second connector portion being electrically connectable to the first connector portion of Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a side view of the second connector portion in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of an electrically operated aerosol generating system including an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system including an aerosol generator housed in a charging unit, the aerosol generator including the first connector portion shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the charging unit including the second connector portion shown in Figures 8 and 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the magnetic holding structure of the second connector portion in Figures 8 and 9. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a front view of one of the magnets in the magnetic holding structure shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a side view of the electrical connector of the embodiment shown in Figure 10 at the first connection position. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a side view of the electrical connector of the embodiment in Figure 10 at the second connection position.

[0137] Figures 1 and 2 show schematic diagrams of a first connector portion 1 of an electrically operated aerosol generating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The first connector portion 1 is located on the distal end face of an aerosol generating device (not shown). The first connector portion 1 includes three electrical contacts: a first electrical contact 3, a second electrical contact 4, and a third electrical contact 5.

[0138] The first connector portion 1 includes a substantially circular planar surface 6 having a cavity 7 located in the center of the surface 6. The cavity 7 is substantially annular and cylindrical, with an open end on the surface 6, a closed end on the opposite side having a closed end face, and a tubular side wall extending between the open end and the closed end face. The closed end face of the cavity 7 is substantially circular and lies on a plane substantially parallel to the plane of surface 6. The circular surface 6 has a diameter of about 10 mm, and the cavity 7 has a diameter of about 4 mm and a depth of about 4 mm.

[0139] The first electrical contact 3 is located within the cavity 7. The first electrical contact 3 is located on the side wall of the cavity 7. The first electrical contact 3 is substantially tubular and extends substantially along the tubular side wall of the cavity 7. The first electrical contact 3 has a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm and its position within the cavity 7 does not significantly reduce the diameter of the cavity 7. The first electrical contact 3 has a width of approximately 3.8 mm and is located within the cavity 7 such that it does not extend from the closed end face of the cavity 7 or from the open end face of the cavity 7. No electrical contacts are located on the closed end face of the cavity 7. The second and third electrical contacts 4 and 5 are located on the planar surface 6. The second electrical contact 4 is annular and extends along the planar surface 6. The second electrical contact 4 surrounds both the cavity 7 and the first electrical contact 3. The second electrical contact 4 has an outer diameter of approximately 6 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 4.6 mm so as not to overlap with the cavity 7 or to contact the first electrical contact 3. The third electrical contact 5 is annular and extends onto a planar surface 6. The third electrical contact surrounds the second electrical contact 4, the cavity 7, and the first electrical contact 3. The third electrical contact 45 has an outer diameter of approximately 8 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 6.6 mm so as not to contact the second electrical contact 4. In this arrangement, the first electrical contact 3, the second electrical contact 4, and the third electrical contact 5 are all electrically isolated from each other.

[0140] The first electrical contact 3, the second electrical contact 4, and the third electrical contact 5 do not all extend in the same plane. The second electrical contact 4 and the third electrical contact 5 extend in the same plane on a planar surface 6, while the first electrical contact 3 extends on a surface substantially perpendicular to the plane of the second electrical contact 4 and the third electrical contact 5, and to the side wall of the cavity 7.

[0141] In this embodiment, the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact 4, and the third electrical contact 5 are made of SS430 stainless steel.

[0142] The advantage of the arrangement of the electrical contacts 3, 4, and 5 of the first connector portion 1 is that the electrical contacts have circular rotational symmetry about an axis passing through the center of the cavity 7 and the first electrical contact 3. This makes it possible to connect the first connector portion 1 to the second connector portion in any rotational orientation about the axis and to provide the same contact arrangement to the second connector portion. Thus, the first connector portion 1 can be connected to the second connector portion in any orientation of the first connector portion 1 relative to the second connector.

[0143] Figures 3 and 4 show schematic diagrams of a second connector portion 21 of an electrically operated aerosol generating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The second connector portion 21 is electrically connectable to the first connector portion 21 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The second connector portion 21 is located at the closed end face of a cavity in a charging unit (not shown). The second connector portion 21 includes three electrical contacts: a first electrical contact 23, a second electrical contact 24, and a third electrical contact 25.

[0144] The second connector portion 21 includes a substantially circular and planar surface 26, which is substantially the same size as the surface 6 of the first connector portion 1. The second connector portion 21 includes a projection 27 located in the center of the circular planar surface 26. The projection 27 extends outward from the surface 26 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface 26. The projection 27 is substantially annular and cylindrical, and includes an end face and a tubular side wall extending between the surface 26 and the open end face of the projection 27. The end face of the projection 27 is substantially circular and lies on a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the surface 26. The projection 27 has substantially the same shape as the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1, with a height of approximately 3 mm and a maximum diameter of approximately 3.3 mm. The maximum diameter of the projection 27 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1 so that the projection 27 of the second connector portion 21 can fit tightly into the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1. The diameter or width of the projection 27 decreases toward the end face of the projection, so as to facilitate positioning the projection 27 within the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1, the interface between the end face and the side wall of the projection 27 is sloped.

[0145] The first electrical contact 23 is located on the projection 27. The first electrical contact 23 is a leaf spring located on the side wall of the projection 27. The first electrical contact 23 extends radially outward from the side wall of the projection 27 for a maximum distance of about 0.3 mm in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side wall and substantially parallel to the plane 26. No electrical contacts are located on the end face of the projection 27. The second electrical contact 24 and the third electrical contact 25 are elastic pin contacts, or "pogo pin" contacts, located on the planar surface 26. The second electrical contact 24 and the third electrical contact 25 extend outward from the planar surface 26 in substantially the same direction as the projection. The second electrical contact 24 and the third electrical contact 25 are spaced radially outward in opposite directions from the projection 27 such that the second electrical contact 24 and the third electrical contact 25 are located substantially in a straight line. The second electrical contact 24 is spaced approximately 1.3 mm from the central axis of the contact away from the side wall of the protrusion 27. The third electrical contact 25 is spaced at a greater distance from the side wall of the protrusion 27 than the distance between the second electrical contact 24 and the side wall of the protrusion 27. The third electrical contact 25 is spaced approximately 3.3 mm from the central axis of the contact away from the side wall of the protrusion 27.

[0146] In this embodiment, the leaf spring contact 23 is made of SS301 stainless steel, and the pogo pin contacts 24 and 25 are made of brass.

[0147] The pogo pin contacts 24 and 25 extend approximately 1 mm onto the planar surface 26 of the second connector portion 21 when not compressed, and approximately 0.5 mm onto the planar surface 26 when fully compressed.

[0148] The first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 can be electrically engaged by inserting the distal end of the aerosol generator into the cavity of the charging unit. The aerosol generator is substantially annular and cylindrical, and the cavity of the charging unit is also substantially annular and cylindrical, with a diameter larger than the diameter of the aerosol generator. By inserting the distal end of the aerosol generator into the cavity, the surface 6 of the first connector portion 1 and the surface 26 of the second connector portion 21 are substantially aligned. Furthermore, by aligning surfaces 6 and 26, the first electrical contact 3 of the first connector portion 1 and the first electrical contact 23 of the second electrical connector portion 21 are aligned, the second electrical contact 4 of the first connector portion 1 and the second electrical contact 24 of the second connector portion 21 are aligned, and the third electrical contact 5 of the first connector portion 1 and the third electrical contact 25 of the second connector portion 21 are aligned. Therefore, when the first connector portion 1 comes into contact with the second connector portion 21, the first electrical contacts 3 and 23 come into contact and engage electrically, the second electrical contacts 4 and 24 come into contact and engage electrically, and the third electrical contacts 5 and 25 come into contact and engage electrically. The distal end of the aerosol generator may be inserted into the cavity of the charging unit at any angular position, and the aerosol generator can rotate freely within the cavity without affecting the electrical engagement of the first and second connector portions.

[0149] Advantageously, the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 provide a robust electrical connection means that can be connected and disconnected repeatedly without damaging the electrical contacts of either connector portion. In particular, this is because no electrical contacts are provided on the end face of the projection 27 of the second connector portion 21. The projection 27 of the second connector portion 21 is the feature of the connector portion that extends furthest from the faces 6, 26 of the connector portions, and therefore the end face of the projection 27 is most likely to be the feature of either connector portion 1, 21 that first makes contact with the opposing connector portion during the electrical connection of the first portion 1 and the second portion 21. Thus, the end face of the projection 27 of the second connector portion 21 is the feature of either connector portion that is most likely to be damaged during normal use. Undesirable contact between the end face of the projection 27 of the second connector portion 21 and the first connector portion 1 may occur during the connection of connector portions 1, 21 due to misalignment between the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21. Such undesirable contact may result in damage to the end face of the projection 27. By not placing electrical contacts on the end face of the protrusion 27 of the second connector portion 21, the second connector portion 21 becomes more resilient to damage during normal use.

[0150] The aerosol generator is equipped with a rechargeable power source (not shown), and the charging unit is equipped with a rechargeable power source (not shown). The first electrical contacts 3, 23 are configured to transmit data between the aerosol generator and the charging unit. The second electrical contacts 4, 24 are configured to transmit power from the rechargeable power source of the charging unit to the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generator. The third electrical contacts 5, 25 are configured as an earth connection.

[0151] Naturally, the second connector portion may be provided with any appropriate number of first, second, and third electrical contacts. For example, the second connector portion may be provided with three second electrical contacts and two third electrical contacts. Naturally, additional electrical contacts may also be provided on both the first and second connector portions. For example, an insertion detection electrical contact may be provided on the second connector portion to determine when the aerosol generator is received in the cavity of the charging unit and electrically connected to the charging unit via the second electrical connector portion.

[0152] The first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 include a magnetic retaining device. The magnetic retaining device includes a first magnetic material in the form of a third electrical contact 5 of the first connector portion 1, which includes a ring or band of ferromagnetic metal. The magnetic retaining device further includes a second magnetic material including a pair of arched bodies 33, 35 of ferromagnetic material positioned on either side of the electrical contacts 23, 24, 25 of the second connector portion 21. The second magnetic material is electrically isolated from the electrical contacts of the second connector portion 21.

[0153] In this embodiment, the third electrical contact 5 of the first connector portion 1 (i.e., the first magnetic material) is formed from a ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SS430 stainless steel, and the second magnetic material is formed from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron that forms a permanent magnet when magnetized.

[0154] When the first connector portion 1 moves near the first connector portion 21, the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material pulls the first and second connector portions together, compressing the pogo pin contacts 24 and 25 of the second connector portion 21 and electrically engaging the electrical contacts of each connector portion. The magnetic retaining device helps to hold the first and second connector portions in an electrically engaged state.

[0155] Naturally, in other embodiments, the first and second magnetic materials may be made of alternative materials and may be positioned in different locations. For example, the first magnetic material may be positioned behind the electrical contacts of the first connector portion 1 to form a ring of ferromagnetic material surrounding the cavity 7 below the third electrical contact 5.

[0156] Naturally, in other embodiments, the first magnetic material may include a magnetized material, and the second magnetic material may include an unmagnetized magnetic material. In other embodiments, both the first and second magnetic materials may include magnetized magnetic materials.

[0157] Figure 5 shows the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 in fixed positions within the aerosol generating system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] The aerosol generating system 100 comprises an aerosol generator 101 having a first connector portion 1 located on its distal end face. The aerosol generating system 100 further comprises a charging unit 103 including a cavity 104 for receiving the distal end of the aerosol generator 101. The cavity 104 includes a second connector portion 21 on its closed end face. The charging unit 103 further comprises a battery 105 and an electrical circuit 106 housed within a housing. The housing defines an annular cylindrical cavity 104. The first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 can be electrically engaged by inserting the distal end of the aerosol generator 101 into the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103. The aerosol generator 101 is an annular cylindrical shape, and the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103 is also an annular cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than the diameter of the aerosol generator 101. By inserting the distal end of the aerosol generator 101 into the cavity 104, the surface 6 of the first connector portion 1 substantially aligns with the surface 26 of the second connector portion 21. Furthermore, by aligning the surface 6 of the first connector portion 1 and the surface 26 of the second connector portion 21, the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1, the protrusion 27 of the second connector portion 21, the first electrical contacts 3 and 23, the second electrical contacts 4 and 24, and the third electrical contacts 5 and 25 are aligned, respectively. Therefore, when the first connector portion 1 comes into contact with the second connector portion 21, the protrusion 27 is received within the cavity 7, the first electrical contacts 3 and 23 are electrically engaged, the second electrical contacts 4 and 24 are electrically engaged, and the third electrical contacts 5 and 25 are electrically engaged.

[0159] In one example, as shown in Figure 5, the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103 is formed by at least one side wall extending in the longitudinal direction. The side wall may have one closed end and one open end so that the aerosol generator can be inserted into the cavity 104 by moving the aerosol generator in the longitudinal direction. A first or second connector portion may be located at the closed end. In Figure 5, the second connector portion 21 is located at the closed end. The cavity 104 can be tubular. In particular, the cavity 104 may have a circular cross-section, a square cross-section, or any other shape. Preferably, the cavity has a cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the aerosol generator.

[0160] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103 is formed by two closed ends spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. There is a side wall defining the base of the cavity 104. Thus, the side wall and closed ends define a trough in which the aerosol generator 101 can be seated. One side of the cavity 104 is open so that the aerosol generator 101 can be positioned in the cavity by moving the aerosol generator 101 laterally or in a lateral direction into the cavity 104. There may be a lid (not shown), such as a flexible flap, provided on the charging unit 103, as a result of covering one open surface of the cavity 104, thereby holding the aerosol generator 101 in a predetermined position within the cavity 104. In some embodiments, the system 100 may include additional or alternative retaining devices for holding the aerosol generator 101 within the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103, such as a magnetic retaining device described below with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0161] Naturally, as shown in Figure 5, in the first example of the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103, the aerosol generator 101 is mounted axially within the cavity 104, while in the second example of the cavity 104, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the aerosol generator 101 is mounted in the cavity 104 at least partially lateral or transversely. The connectors described herein are particularly suitable for lateral mounting because the contacts are protected from lateral impact. Lateral or transverse mounting can be achieved by moving the aerosol generator 101 into the charging unit 103 at a certain angle, as shown in Figure 6, so that the connector portion 1 of the aerosol generator enters the cavity 104 first, and the projection of the second connector portion 1 enters the cavity of the first connector portion 21. The aerosol generator 101 can then be pushed into the cavity 104 by rotating toward the charging unit so that the opposite end of the device enters the cavity 104 and the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 are electrically engaged.

[0162] Figures 8 and 9 show schematic diagrams of a second connector portion 21 of an electrically operated aerosol generating system according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. The second connector portion 21 is electrically connectable to the first connector portion 21 of Figures 1 and 2. The second connector portion 21 is located at the closed end face of a cavity of a charging unit (not shown). The second connector portion 21 includes four electrical contacts: a first electrical contact 23, a second electrical contact 24, a third electrical contact 25, and four electrical contacts 28.

[0163] The second connector portion 21 includes a substantially circular and planar surface 26, which is substantially the same size as the surface 6 of the first connector portion 1. The second connector portion 21 includes a projection 27 located in the center of the circular planar surface 26. The projection 27 extends outward from the surface 26 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface 26. The projection 27 is substantially annular and cylindrical, and includes an end face and a tubular side wall extending between the surface 26 and the open end face of the projection 27. The end face of the projection 27 is substantially circular and lies on a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the surface 26. The projection 27 has substantially the same shape as the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1, with a height of approximately 3 mm and a maximum diameter of approximately 3.3 mm. The maximum diameter of the projection 27 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1 so that the projection 27 of the second connector portion 21 can fit tightly into the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1. The diameter or width of the projection 27 decreases toward the end face of the projection 27, so as to round the interface between the end face and the side wall of the projection 27, making it easier to position the projection 27 within the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1.

[0164] The first electrical contact 23 is located on the projection 27. The first electrical contact 23 is a leaf spring located on the side wall of the projection 27. The first electrical contact 23 extends radially outward from the side wall of the projection 27 for a maximum distance of about 0.3 mm in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side wall and substantially parallel to the plane 26. No electrical contacts are located on the end face of the projection 27. The second electrical contact 24, the third electrical contact 25, and the fourth electrical contact 28 are elastic pin contacts, or "pogo pin" contacts, located on the planar surface 26. The second electrical contact 24, the third electrical contact 25, and the fourth electrical contact 28 extend outward from the planar surface 26, substantially in the same direction as the projection. The second electrical contact 24 and the third electrical contact 25 are spaced radially outward in opposite directions from the projection 27 such that the second electrical contact 24 and the third electrical contact 25 are located substantially in a straight line. The second electrical contact 24 is spaced approximately 1.3 mm from the central axis of the contact from the side wall of the projection 27. The third electrical contact 25 is spaced a greater distance from the side wall of the projection 27 than the distance between the second electrical contact 24 and the projection 27. The third electrical contact 25 is spaced approximately 3.3 mm from the central axis of the contact from the side wall of the projection 27. The fourth electrical contact 28 is spaced approximately 3.3 mm from the central axis of the contact from the side wall of the projection 27, the same distance as the third electrical contact 25. The fourth electrical contact 28 is positioned on the opposite side of the surface 26 from the third electrical contact 25 and offset from the second electrical contact 24, so that the fourth electrical contact 28 does not align with the second electrical contact 24 and the third electrical contact 25.

[0165] In this embodiment, the leaf spring contact 23 is made of SS301 stainless steel, and the pogo pin contacts 24, 25, and 28 are made of brass.

[0166] The pogo pin contacts 24, 25, and 28 extend approximately 1 mm above the planar surface 26 of the second connector portion 21 when not compressed, and approximately 0.5 mm above the planar surface 26 when fully compressed.

[0167] The first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 can be electrically engaged by inserting the distal end of the aerosol generator into the cavity of the charging unit. The aerosol generator is substantially annular and cylindrical, and the cavity of the charging unit is also substantially annular and cylindrical, with a diameter larger than the diameter of the aerosol generator. By inserting the distal end of the aerosol generator into the cavity, the surface 6 of the first connector portion 1 and the surface 26 of the second connector portion 21 are substantially aligned. Furthermore, by aligning surfaces 6 and 26, the first electrical contact 3 of the first connector portion 1 and the first electrical contact 23 of the second electrical connector portion 21 are aligned, the second electrical contact 4 of the first connector portion 1 and the second electrical contact 24 of the second connector portion 21 are aligned, and the third electrical contact 5 of the first connector portion 1 and the third electrical contact 25 of the second connector portion 21 are aligned. Therefore, when the first connector portion 1 contacts the second connector portion 21, the first electrical contacts 3 and 23 make contact and engage electrically, the second electrical contacts 4 and 24 make contact and engage electrically, and the third electrical contacts 5 and 25 make contact and engage electrically. The distal end of the aerosol generator may be inserted into the cavity of the charging unit at any angular position, and the aerosol generator can rotate freely within the cavity without affecting the electrical engagement of the first and second connector portions. When the first connector portion 1 contacts the second connector portion 21, the fourth electrical contact 28 of the second connector portion 21 makes contact with the third electrical contact 5 of the first connector portion.

[0168] The flexible circuit 37 connects the electrical contacts 23, 24, 25, and 28 of the second connector portion 21 to the controller (not shown) of the charging unit.

[0169] Figure 10 shows the first connector portion 1 in Figures 1 and 2 and the second connector portion 21 in Figures 8 and 9, positioned within the aerosol generating system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] The aerosol generating system 100 comprises an aerosol generator 101 having a first connector portion 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, located on its distal end face. The aerosol generating system 100 further comprises a charging unit 103 including a cavity 104 for receiving the distal end of the aerosol generator 101. The cavity 104 includes a second connector portion 21, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, on its closed end face. The charging unit 103 further comprises a battery and electrical circuitry housed within a housing. The housing defines an annular cylindrical cavity 104. The flexible circuit 37 of the second connector portion 21 connects the electrical contacts 23, 24, 25, and 28 of the second connector portion 21 to a controller of the charging unit 103.

[0171] The first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 can be electrically engaged by inserting the distal end of the aerosol generator 101 into the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103. The aerosol generator 101 is an annular cylindrical shape, and the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103 is also an annular cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the aerosol generator 101. By inserting the distal end of the aerosol generator 101 into the cavity 104, the surface 6 of the first connector portion 1 substantially aligns with the surface 26 of the second connector portion 21. Furthermore, by aligning the surface 6 of the first connector portion 1 and the surface 26 of the second connector portion 21, the cavity 7 of the first connector portion 1, the protrusion 27 of the second connector portion 21, the first electrical contacts 3, 23, the second electrical contacts 4, 24, and the third electrical contacts 5, 25 are aligned, respectively. Therefore, when the first connector portion 1 comes into contact with the second connector portion 21, the protruding portion 27 is received within the cavity 7, the first electrical contacts 3 and 23 are electrically engaged, the second electrical contacts 4 and 24 are electrically engaged, and the third electrical contacts 5 and 25 are electrically engaged.

[0172] In this embodiment, the first electrical contacts 3, 23 are configured for data transmission between the charging unit 103 and the aerosol generator 101. The second electrical contacts 4, 24 are configured for power transmission between the charging unit 103 and the aerosol generator 101. The third electrical contacts 5, 25 are configured as ground connections. The fourth electrical contact 28 of the second connector portion 21 is configured as an insertion detection pin to detect when the first connector portion 1 is electrically connected to the second connector portion 21. The fourth electrical contact 28 communicates with a dome switch (not shown), which closes when the pogo pin contact 28 is compressed. The dome switch is connected to a controller of the charging unit, which is configured to determine that the first connector portion 1 is electrically connected to the second connector portion 21 when the dome switch is closed.

[0173] When the aerosol generator 101 of the system is received within the cavity 104 of the charging unit 103 of the system, the magnetic retaining device removably holds the electrical engagement between the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 of the aerosol generating system in Figure 10. The magnetic retaining device includes a first magnetic element at the distal end of the aerosol generator 101 and a second magnetic element 32 at the closed end of the cavity 104 of the charging unit.

[0174] The first magnetic element at the distal end of the aerosol generator is the third electrical contact 5 of the first connector portion 1 and comprises a ring made of ferromagnetic material.

[0175] The second magnetic element 32 includes two arc-shaped permanent magnets 33, 35, which are shown in detail in Figures 11 and 12. The two permanent magnets 33, 35 are arc-shaped and have the same curvature as the third electrical contact 3 of the first connector portion 1. The permanent magnets 33 and 35 are positioned on either side of the second connector portion 21 and are electrically isolated from the second connector portion 21. The permanent magnets 33, 35 are positioned around a cylindrical passage 38, generally enclosing the cylindrical passage 38 on both sides. The cylindrical passage 38 encloses the protrusion 27 of the second connector portion 21.

[0176] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the permanent magnets 33 and 35 extend over the surface 26 of the second connector portion 21. The arched upper surfaces of the permanent magnets 33 and 35 are positioned just below the top of the second, third, and fourth pogo pin contacts 24, 25, and 28 when the pogo pin contacts are in their compressed position. In this arrangement, the third electrical contact 5 of the first connector portion 1, which is the first magnetic element of the magnetic retainer, is positioned adjacent to the second magnetic element 32 of the second connector portion 21, which comprises the permanent magnets 33 and 35, and the device 101 is placed within the cavity 104, with the first connector portion 1 in contact with the second connector portion 21.

[0177] Each permanent magnet 33, 35 has a single north magnetic pole on one of its upper or lower sides, and a single south magnetic pole on the other of its upper or lower sides. As shown in Figure 12, when viewing each permanent magnet 33 from the front, and looking at the opposing end faces of the arched magnet, both end faces of the magnet have north and south magnetic poles oriented in the same direction.

[0178] The north and south magnetic poles of the permanent magnets 33 and 35 are oriented in opposite directions, as indicated by "N" and "S" in Figure 12. The north magnetic pole of magnet 33 and the south magnetic pole of magnet 35 are positioned to extend from the surface of the second connector portion 21 in the direction of the central passage 38 through the magnets. In this arrangement, the north magnetic pole of magnet 33 and the south magnetic pole of magnet 35 are positioned adjacent to the third electrical contact 5 of the first connector portion 1 when the device 101 is placed inside the cavity 104 and the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 are engaged. In this arrangement, the permanent magnet 33, the third electrical contact 5 of the first connector portion 1, and the permanent magnet 35 form a magnetic circuit.

[0179] The magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element 32 pulls the aerosol generator towards the second connector portion 21 and the second magnetic element 32 along the long axis of the cavity 104 at the closed end of the cavity 104. This action facilitates the electrical connection between the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21, as described above.

[0180] Figure 13 shows the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 in the first connection position. In the first connection position, the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 are electrically engaged. In other words, in the first connection position, the first electrical contact of the connector portion is engaged, the second electrical contact of the connector portion is engaged, and the third electrical contact of the connector portion is engaged. In the first connection position, the second, third, and fourth electrical contacts of the second connector portion are all elastic pin contacts and are in their extended position. In the first connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element 32 is greater than the force required to push down the second, third, and fourth elastic pin contacts of the second connector portion, and the frictional force between the device and the charging unit. Therefore, the first connector portion 1 and the second connector 21 are attracted together by the magnetic attractive force. When a user moves the device into the cavity of the charging unit through the first connection position, they do not experience any additional resistance at the first connection position when the first connector portion contacts the elastic pin contact, because the magnetic attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements substantially masks the biasing force applied to the device by the elastic pin contact. In this embodiment, the first and second magnetic elements are separated by only about 0.5 millimeters when the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 are in the first connection position.

[0181] Figure 14 shows the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 in the second connection position. In the second connection position, the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 21 are electrically engaged. In the second connection position, the second, third, and fourth elastic pin contacts are in their recessed positions. In the second connection position, the magnetic attractive force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element 32 is greater than the combined biasing force applied to the first connector portion 1 by the elastic pin contacts of the second connector portion 21 and the weight of the aerosol generator, so that the charging unit and device are reversed and the aerosol generator can be held in the second connection position by the magnetic attractive force. In this embodiment, a small gap is provided between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element in the second connection position. Naturally, in other embodiments, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may be in direct contact in the second connection position.

[0182] Naturally, features described in relation to one embodiment of the present disclosure may also apply to other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, features described in relation to an embodiment of an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generator, a charging unit, and an electrical connector may also apply to embodiments of the aerosol generator, the charging unit, and the electrical connector.

[0183] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., should be understood in all cases as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± {5%}. In this context, the number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some cases as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics(s) of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An electrically operated aerosol generation system, Aerosol generator and A charging unit configured to receive the aerosol generator, A first connector portion and a second connector portion, wherein the aerosol generator has one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and the charging unit has the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, The first connector portion comprises a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact substantially surrounding the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact substantially surrounding the second electrical contact. The second connector portion comprises a surface and a projection substantially centered on the surface, the projection comprising: an end face and a surface and projection defined by at least one side wall extending between the surface and the end face of the projection; a first electrical contact disposed on the projection at the at least one side wall of the projection; a second electrical contact disposed on the surface radially outward from the first electrical contact; and a third electrical contact disposed on the surface radially outward from the first and second electrical contacts. No electrical contacts are located on the end face of the protruding portion of the second connector portion. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are arranged such that they are electrically engaged when the aerosol generator is received by the charging unit. When the first and second connector portions are electrically engaged, the electrical contacts of the first and second connector portions are independent of the angular position of the second connector portion relative to the first connector portion. The first electrical contact of the first connector portion is electrically engaged with the first electrical contact of the second connector portion. The second electrical contact of the first connector portion is electrically engaged with the second electrical contact of the second connector portion. An electrically operated aerosol generating system in which the third electrical contact of the first connector portion electrically engages with the third electrical contact of the second connector portion.

2. The first connector portion comprises a surface and a cavity substantially located in the center of the surface, and the protrusion of the second connector portion is receivable into the cavity of the first connector portion. The first electrical contact of the first connector portion is located within the cavity. The second electrical contact of the first connector portion is positioned on the surface, and the second electrical contact is radially separated from the cavity by a distance equal to the first distance. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the third electrical contact of the first connector portion is arranged on the surface, and the third electrical contact is radially separated from the cavity by a second distance greater than the first distance.

3. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein the cavity is defined by a closed end face, an open end in the face, and at least one side wall extending between the open end and the closed end face.

4. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein the first electrical contact of the first connector portion is located on the at least one side wall of the cavity.

5. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein no electrical contacts are located on the closed end face of the cavity.

6. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a rechargeable power supply source, and the charging unit comprises a rechargeable power supply source.

7. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is configured to transmit power from the rechargeable power source of the charging unit to the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device, and at least one of the other electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is configured to transmit data from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device and from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit.

8. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 7, wherein the first electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured to transmit data from the charging unit to the aerosol generating device and from the aerosol generating device to the charging unit, and the second electrical contacts of the first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured to transmit power from the rechargeable power source of the charging unit to the rechargeable power source of the aerosol generating device.

9. The electrically operated aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein the second connector portion comprises a fourth electrical contact disposed on the surface, the fourth electrical contact being radially spaced from the protrusion by the distance of the second, and angularly spaced from the third electrical contact of the second connector portion, and the fourth electrical contact being configured as an insertion detection contact for detecting when the first connector portion and the second connector portion are electrically engaged.

10. An electrically operated aerosol generator comprising an electrical connector portion comprising a surface and a cavity substantially located in the center of the surface, wherein the cavity is defined by an end face and at least one side wall extending between the surface and the end face of the cavity; a first electrical contact disposed within the cavity at the at least one side wall of the cavity; a second electrical contact disposed on the surface and substantially surrounding the first electrical contact; and a third electrical contact disposed on the surface and substantially surrounding the second electrical contact, wherein no electrical contacts are disposed on the end face of the cavity.

11. A charging unit for charging an aerosol generator, comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving an electrically operated aerosol generator; and an electrical connector portion arranged to electrically connect to the electrically operated aerosol generator when the device is received in the cavity, wherein the electrical connector portion comprises a surface and a projection substantially located in the center of the surface, the projection being defined by an end face and at least one side wall extending between the surface and the end face of the projection; a first electrical contact disposed on the projection at the at least one side wall of the projection; a second electrical contact disposed on the surface radially outward from the first electrical contact; and a third electrical contact disposed on the surface radially outward from the first and second electrical contacts, wherein the end face of the projection has no electrical contacts.

12. An electrical connector for an electrically operated aerosol generating system, comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion, wherein the first connector portion includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact at least partially surrounding the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact at least partially surrounding the first electrical contact, and the second connector portion includes a surface and a projection substantially located in the center of the surface, the projection being defined by an end face and at least one side wall extending between the surface and the end face of the projection, a first electrical contact disposed on the projection at at least one side wall of the projection, a second electrical contact disposed on the surface radially outward from the first electrical contact, and a third electrical contact disposed on the surface radially outward from the first and second electrical contacts, wherein the end face of the projection of the second connector portion does not have an electrical contact.

13. The first connector portion comprises a surface and a cavity substantially located in the center of the surface, and the protrusion of the second connector portion is receivable into the cavity of the first connector portion. The first electrical contact of the first connector portion is located within the cavity. The second electrical contact of the first connector portion is positioned on the surface, and the second electrical contact is radially separated from the cavity by a distance equal to the first distance. The electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein the third electrical contact of the first connector portion is arranged on the surface, and the third electrical contact is radially separated from the cavity by a second distance greater than the first distance.

14. The cavity of the first connector portion is defined by a closed end face, an open end on the face, and at least one side wall extending between the open end and the closed end face. The first electrical contact of the first connector portion is located on at least one side wall of the cavity. The electrical connector according to claim 13, wherein no electrical contacts are arranged on the closed end face of the cavity of the first connector portion.

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