Case for aerosol generator with detector

Abstract

An aerosol generation system including a case (401) for an aerosol generation device, and an aerosol generation device (120) and a case (401) for the aerosol generation device, the case (401) comprising a housing (402), a holder (406) for receiving a portion of the aerosol generation device (120), the holder (406) being movably connectable to the housing (402) and movable relative to the housing (402) between an open position for receiving the aerosol generation device (120) and a closed position for storing the aerosol generation device (120), and a holder position detector adapted to detect whether the holder (406) is in the open position or the closed position.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system, particularly an electrically operated aerosol generating system having an aerosol generating device and a case for receiving the aerosol generating device. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Known electrically operated aerosol generating systems generally comprise an aerosol generating device including an atomizer and a power source for supplying power to the atomizer. The atomizer can be an electric heater. Also, known systems generally comprise an aerosol forming substrate that is received by the device and atomized by the atomizer to release a volatile compound within the aerosol forming substrate to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Some known systems also comprise a case for receiving the aerosol generating device when not in use. It is known that cases in different systems provide different functions, such as protecting the device when not in use, recharging the device's battery, and in some instances where the aerosol forming substrate is a liquid aerosol forming substrate, refilling the device with the liquid aerosol forming substrate. 【0003】 In some known aerosol generating systems, the aerosol generator is configured to receive an aerosol generating article containing a solid aerosol-forming substrate, such as an aggregate of crumpled tobacco sheets. In these systems, the device typically includes an atomizer in the form of a heater blade, which is positioned to penetrate the solid aerosol-forming substrate when the article is received into the device and the aerosol-forming substrate is heated from the inside. When the article is removed from the device, a small amount of residue from the aerosol-forming substrate may remain on the heater blade. It is known that residue can be cleaned from the heater blade by thermal decomposition, and the device is configured to remove the residue from the heater blade by thermal degradation by heating the heater blade to a temperature higher than the operating temperature at which the heater blade heats the aerosol-forming substrate. In systems with a case, it may be preferable to perform the thermal decomposition cycle when the device is received into the case. Performing thermal decomposition when the aerosol generator is in the case is generally advantageous because the case can provide additional protection to the user from the heater blade when the heater blade is heated to the temperature required for thermal decomposition of the residue. 【0004】 It is desirable to provide a case for the aerosol generator to collect information about the device. It is especially desirable to provide a case for the aerosol generator to track the use of the device. It is also desirable to provide a case that enhances the user experience of the device and the aerosol generator system. [Overview of the project] 【0005】 According to a first aspect of the present invention, a case for an aerosol generator is provided, the case comprising a housing, a holder for receiving a portion of the aerosol generator, the holder being movably coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between an open position for receiving the aerosol generator and a closed position for storing the aerosol generator, and a holder position detector adapted to detect whether the holder is in the open or closed position. 【0006】 By providing a case equipped with a holder position detector, the case can determine the position of the holder relative to the housing. Advantageously, this can allow the case to track the use of the aerosol generator. For example, movement of the holder from the closed position to the open position indicates that the user opened the case and removed the device from the holder, while movement of the holder from the open position to the closed position indicates that the user has ended their user experience and returned the device to the case for storage between uses. As a result, monitoring the position of the device holder can provide an indication of how many times the device has been removed from the case for use. 【0007】 As used herein, the term “open position” is used to describe the position or orientation of the holder relative to the housing in which the aerosol generator can be received by the holder and can be removed from the holder. Similarly, as used herein, the term “closed position” is used to describe the position of the holder relative to the housing in which the aerosol generator can be substantially prevented or deterred from being received by the holder and can be substantially prevented or deterred from being removed from the holder. 【0008】 As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to produce an aerosol. In certain embodiments, an aerosol generator may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol generator may interact with an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, or with a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. An electrically operated aerosol generator may include an atomizer, such as an electric heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. 【0009】 As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release 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 condense and form aerosols upon heating. 【0010】 The holder position detector can be any type of detector suitable for detecting or sensing the position of the holder relative to the housing. 【0011】 In some embodiments, the holder position detector may include a sensor adapted to sense the position of the holder relative to the housing. The sensor may be any suitable type of sensor. 【0012】 The sensor may be a proximity sensor. As used herein, a proximity sensor is a sensor adapted to detect the presence of an object near or in the vicinity of the sensor. The proximity sensor may be any suitable type of proximity sensor. For example, a proximity sensor may be capacitive, inductive, magnetic, or ultrasonic. In particular, the sensor may be an optical proximity sensor. An optical proximity sensor may include a light source and an optical transducer positioned to receive reflected light from the light source when an object is placed near or in the vicinity of the sensor. The proximity sensor is preferably an infrared proximity sensor. An infrared proximity sensor may utilize a light source that emits light in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, typically having wavelengths in the range of about 700 nanometers to about 1100 nanometers. 【0013】 The sensor may be positioned on or within the case at any suitable location to detect the relative position of the holder and the housing. In some embodiments, the sensor may be positioned on or within the holder to sense the position of the housing or one or more components housed within the housing relative to the holder. In some preferred embodiments, the sensor may be positioned on or within the housing to sense the position of the holder relative to the housing. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the sensor may be positioned to sense the presence of a device within the holder. For example, the sensor may be positioned to detect a device when the device is received within the holder and the holder is in the closed position. The sensor may be positioned so that it does not detect only the holder when the holder is in the closed position and the aerosol generator is not received within the holder. 【0014】 In some preferred embodiments, the holder position detector may include a switch. In particular, the holder position detector may include a mechanical switch having a button or lever that is movable to open or close an electrical circuit. The switch may be operable between an open position and a closed position. The switch may be biased to either the open position or the closed position. In other words, the switch may be biased to return to either the open position or the closed position in the absence of an external force in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the switch may be a push-button switch. As used herein, a push-button switch means a switch that includes a button that is linearly movable along an axis between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the switch may be a toggle switch or a lever switch. As used herein, a toggle switch or a lever switch means a switch that includes a lever that is movable, generally rotatable, between an open position and a closed position. 【0015】 In some preferred embodiments, the holder position detector includes a switch positioned to act when the holder moves relative to the case between an open position and a closed position. 【0016】 In some embodiments, the switch is located on or within the holder. In these embodiments, the housing or one or more components housed within the housing may include a switch engaging portion configured to activate the switch when the holder moves between an open and a closed position. In some of these embodiments, the switch engaging portion may include a projection from the housing or a shape of the housing that contacts and activates the switch when the holder moves relative to the housing. 【0017】 In some preferred embodiments, the switch is located on or within the housing. In these embodiments, the holder may include a switch engaging portion adapted to actuate the switch when the holder moves between an open and a closed position. In some of these embodiments, the switch engaging portion may include a projection from the holder or a shape of the holder that contacts and actsuate the switch as the holder moves relative to the housing. 【0018】 In some preferred embodiments, the holder position detector includes circuitry adapted to determine the position of the holder relative to the housing. 【0019】 In embodiments where the holder position detector includes a sensor, the sensor may be connected to a circuit, and the circuit may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor. The signal includes information about the position of the holder relative to the housing. 【0020】 In embodiments where the holder position detector includes a switch, the switch may be connected to a circuit, and the circuit may be configured to monitor the state of the switch. The state of the switch (e.g., open / closed) may indicate the position of the holder relative to the housing. 【0021】 The circuit may include integrated circuits such as microprocessors. 【0022】 In some preferred embodiments, the holder position detector circuit is adapted to count each movement of the holder from the closed position to the open position, and from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the holder position detector circuit is adapted to count each movement of the holder from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the holder position detector circuit is adapted to count each movement of the holder from the open position to the closed position. Advantageously, counting the movement of the holder relative to the housing may allow the case to track the use of the aerosol generator. 【0023】 In some embodiments, the holder position detector circuit is adapted to compare the count of each movement of the holder to a threshold. The holder position detector circuit may be adapted to compare the count of the number of movements of the holder from the closed position to the open position to a threshold. The holder position detector circuit may be adapted to compare the count of the number of movements of the holder from the open position to the closed position to a threshold. 【0024】 In some embodiments, the holder position detector includes an aerosol generator detector. The aerosol generator detector is configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generator in the holder. In embodiments where the holder position detector includes a sensor, the sensor may also be configured as an aerosol generator detector. In some embodiments, the case includes an electrical connector for electrically connecting to an aerosol generator received in the holder. In these embodiments, the aerosol generator detector may include an electrical connector and a circuit connected to the electrical connector. 【0025】 In embodiments where the holder position detector includes an aerosol generator detector, the holder position detector circuit may be configured to count the number of times the aerosol generator has been received in the holder. In a preferred embodiment, the holder position detector circuit is configured to count the number of times the holder is in the closed position and the aerosol generator has been received in the holder. Advantageously, this may allow for more accurate monitoring of the use of the aerosol generator than simply counting the number of times the holder moves between the open and closed positions. 【0026】 In some preferred embodiments, the case includes means for recharging the power supply of the aerosol generator received in the holder. In these preferred embodiments, the case may be called a charging case. 【0027】 In these preferred embodiments, the case includes a power supply. The power supply may be any suitable type of power source. For example, the power supply may include one or more batteries and capacitors. The power supply may include a lithium-ion battery. Preferably, the power supply is a rechargeable power source. 【0028】 The case may further comprise an electrical connector. The electrical connector may be configured to electrically connect the power supply of the case to the aerosol generator received within the holder. The electrical connector may be any suitable type of electrical connector for electrically connecting to the aerosol generator received within the holder. The electrical connector may include any suitable number of electrical contacts. Preferably, the electrical connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts. The electrical connector may be configured to transfer power from the power supply of the case to the aerosol generator received within the case. The electrical connector may be configured to transfer data from the case to the aerosol generator. In some embodiments, the transfer of data may be in one direction, such as from the case to the aerosol generator. In other embodiments, the transfer of data may be bidirectional, from the aerosol generator to the case and from the case to the aerosol generator. The electrical connector may have at least one electrical contact arranged to transfer power. The electrical connector may have at least one electrical contact arranged to transfer an electrical signal including data. 【0029】 The case may further comprise a power supply control circuit. The power supply control circuit may be configured to control the power supply from the power supply of the case to the electrical connector. The power supply control circuit may be configured to control the power supply from the power supply of the case to the aerosol generator received within the holder and connected to the electrical connector. The power supply control circuit may be any suitable electrical circuit. In some embodiments, the power supply control circuit may be integral with the holder position detector circuit. In some embodiments, the power supply control circuit may be separate from the holder position detector circuit. 【0030】 The power supply source control circuit is configured to supply power to an electrical connector for recharging the power source of the aerosol generator received in the holder from the power source of the case. The power supply source control circuit may be configured to supply power from the power source to the electrical connector when the holder position detector indicates that the detector is in the closed position. The power supply source control circuit may be configured to prevent supplying power from the power source to the electrical connector when the holder position detector indicates that the holder is in the open position. 【0031】 In an embodiment where the holder position detector includes an aerosol generator detector, the power supply source control circuit may be configured to supply power from the power source to the electrical connector to recharge the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator detector indicates that the aerosol generator is received in the holder. The power supply source control circuit may be configured to supply power from the power source to the electrical connector when the aerosol generator detector indicates that the aerosol generator is received in the holder and the holder is in the closed position. The power supply source control circuit may be configured to prevent power supply from the power source to the electrical connector when the aerosol generator detector indicates that the aerosol generator is not received in the holder. 【0032】 In some embodiments, the power supply source control circuit may be configured to monitor the charging level of the power source of the aerosol generator received in the holder. The power supply source control circuit may be configured to monitor the charging level of the power source of the aerosol generator by monitoring one or more of the voltage and current supplied from the power source of the case to the aerosol generator. 【0033】 The power source control circuit may be configured to initiate a charging cycle when it is determined that the aerosol generator is received in the holder and the holder is in the closed position. The charging cycle may include supplying power from the case power supply to the aerosol generator's power supply until the aerosol generator's power supply is fully charged. When the power source control circuit determines that the aerosol generator's power supply is sufficiently charged, it may terminate the charging cycle by preventing the supply of power from the case power supply to the aerosol generator's power supply. 【0034】 The case may further include an electrical connector for connecting the case's power supply to an external power supply for recharging the case's power supply. The case may include any suitable electrical connector for connecting the case's power supply to an external power supply. 【0035】 In some embodiments, the holder position detector circuit is configured to supply a signal to an aerosol generator received in the holder. In some embodiments, the holder position detector circuit is configured to supply a signal to an aerosol generator received in the holder and connected to an electrical connector when the holder position detector circuit determines that the holder is in the closed position and the count of each movement of the holder exceeds a threshold. The signal may be any suitable type of signal. The signal may include information or data. The signal may include information or data related to the use of the device. The signal may include instructions for operating the aerosol generator. 【0036】 The signal is preferably transmitted via a wired connection between the case and the aerosol generator. It is particularly preferable that the signal be transmitted via electrical connectors in the case and the device when the electrical connectors are electrically connected. However, in some embodiments, it is assumed that the signal may be transmitted via a wireless connection between the case and the aerosol generator. In these embodiments, the case includes a transmitter for transmitting the signal to the aerosol generator, and the aerosol generator includes a receiver for receiving the signal. 【0037】 In some preferred embodiments, the case is configured to receive an aerosol generator which includes a heater positioned to heat an aerosol-forming substrate and a control circuit configured to control the power supply from a power source to the heater. In these preferred embodiments, the control circuit of the aerosol generator may be configured to perform a cleaning cycle when the aerosol generator is received in the case. The cleaning cycle may typically involve supplying higher power than normal operation to raise the heater temperature to a temperature sufficient to thermally degrade the aerosol-forming substrate residue on the heater. Such a cleaning cycle may also be called a pyrolysis cycle. The heater may be heated to any suitable temperature during the cleaning cycle to thermally degrade the aerosol-forming substrate residue on the heater. For example, the heater may be heated to a temperature of about 400°C to about 700°C. In some preferred embodiments, the organic material deposited on the heating element may be thermally released by raising the heater temperature to about 430°C or higher. For example, the temperature may be raised to 475°C or higher, or to 550°C or higher. The heater temperature may rise to even higher temperatures, such as 600 degrees Celsius or above, or 800 degrees Celsius or above. 【0038】 The cleaning cycle can be performed for any suitable duration. It is desirable that the heater be kept at a high temperature for a certain period of time to allow for the thermal release of organic compounds. Typically, the cleaning cycle is performed over a predetermined period. For example, the predetermined period may be about 10 seconds to about 7 minutes, about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, or about 2 minutes to about 4 minutes. In some preferred embodiments, the heater may be kept at a high temperature for at least 5 seconds during the cleaning cycle. It is preferable that the heater be kept at a high temperature for about 5 seconds to about 60 seconds, for example, during a cleaning cycle of about 10 seconds to about 30 seconds. 【0039】 The aerosol generator preferably includes an electrical connector. The electrical connector may be complementary to the electrical connector of the case. The electrical connector of the aerosol generator may be arranged to electrically connect to the electrical connector of the case when the aerosol generator is received in the holder. The electrical connector of the aerosol generator may be arranged to electrically connect to the electrical connector of the case when the aerosol generator is received in the holder and the holder is in the closed position. The power supply control circuit of the case may be configured to supply power to the power supply of the aerosol generator when the electrical connector is electrically connected. The holder position detector circuit of the case may be configured to transmit a signal to the control circuit of the aerosol generator when the electrical connector is electrically connected. 【0040】 In some preferred embodiments, the case's holder position detector circuit may be configured to send a signal to the aerosol generator to initiate a cleaning cycle. Such signals are also referred to herein as “cleaning signals.” The case's holder position detector circuit may be configured to send a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator to initiate a cleaning cycle when the holder position detector indicates that the aerosol generator is received in the holder and the holder is in the closed position. In such embodiments, the aerosol generator's control circuit is configured to perform a cleaning cycle upon receiving a signal from the case's power source control circuit. Advantageously, this can deter or prevent the aerosol generator from performing a cleaning cycle when it is outside the case. Performing a cleaning cycle only when the aerosol generator is received inside the case may further protect the user from contacting the device’s heater when the heater is heated to the high temperature required for the cleaning cycle. 【0041】 In some embodiments, the control circuit of the aerosol generator is configured to supply power to the heater from the aerosol generator's power supply during the cleaning cycle. However, in some embodiments, the control circuit of the aerosol generator is configured to supply power to the heater from the aerosol generator's electrical connector during the cleaning cycle. This may allow power to be supplied directly to the aerosol generator's heater from the case's power supply during the cleaning cycle. This may allow higher power to be supplied to the heater than would be possible from the aerosol generator's power supply. 【0042】 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the holder position detector circuit is configured to increment a counter each time it is determined that the aerosol generator is received in the holder and the holder is in the closed position. The holder position detector circuit is further configured to compare the counter with one or more thresholds and to send a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator if the counter is greater than or equal to one or more thresholds. One or more thresholds may be predetermined values ​​stored in the memory of the holder position detector circuit. One or more thresholds may be predetermined values ​​indicating the maximum number of times the aerosol generator is used between cleaning cycles. A first threshold may indicate a first ideal number of times the device is used between cleaning cycles. The first threshold may be any preferred value such as 3 to 30, 5 to 25, 7 to 20, or one of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15. A second threshold greater than the first threshold may indicate the maximum number of times the device is used between cleaning cycles. The second threshold may be any suitable value, such as 5-40, 10-35, 15-30, or one of 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. 【0043】 The holder position detector circuit may be configured to reset the counter to zero when a cleaning signal is sent to the aerosol generator. Resetting the counter to zero when a cleaning signal is sent to the aerosol generator may indicate that the aerosol generator has just completed a cleaning cycle. 【0044】 In some embodiments, the holder position detector circuit is configured to send a stop signal to the aerosol generator when it determines that the counter is above one or more thresholds. When the aerosol generator's control circuit receives the stop signal, it is configured to prevent power from being supplied to the heater until a cleaning signal is received. This can ensure that the aerosol generator is not used again before a cleaning cycle is performed. The holder position detector circuit may be configured to send a stop signal at any appropriate time. Typically, the holder position detector circuit is configured to send a stop signal before a charging cycle is initiated. 【0045】 The holder position detector circuit may be configured to send a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator at any appropriate time. For example, the holder position detector circuit may be configured to send a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator after the charging cycle of the aerosol generator is complete. This can ensure that the power supply of the aerosol generator has sufficient charge to perform the cleaning cycle. This can also prioritize charging the power supply of the aerosol generator over cleaning the aerosol generator, so that the device can be fully charged for use before being cleaned. By prioritizing charging the power supply of the aerosol generator over cleaning, the user may, if desired, remove the device from its case before the cleaning cycle begins. 【0046】 The holder position detector circuit is preferably configured to prevent a cleaning signal from being sent to the aerosol generator when it is determined that the holder is in the open position. This can further help prevent the user from coming into contact with the heater of the device when the heater is heated to the high temperature required for the cleaning cycle. 【0047】 In some embodiments, the holder position detector circuit may also be configured to prevent a cleaning signal from being sent to the aerosol generator until an external power supply is connected to the case's power supply. This ensures that the case's power supply has sufficient charge to power the aerosol generator throughout the cleaning cycle. In some embodiments, the case's power source control circuit may be configured to supply power directly to the aerosol generator from an external power supply via an electrical connector. 【0048】 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the holder position detector circuit is configured to trigger a cleaning cycle in the aerosol generator when it is determined that the aerosol generator is inside the holder, the holder is in the closed position, and the counter is above a first threshold but below a second threshold. In some embodiments, the holder position detector circuit requires additional conditions to trigger the cleaning cycle, such as requiring the case to be connected to an external power supply. Preferably, the holder position detector circuit is configured to send a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator after the charging cycle is complete. 【0049】 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the holder position detector circuit is further configured to send a stop signal to the aerosol generator when the counter is determined to be above a second threshold. When the control circuit of the aerosol generator receives the stop signal, the control circuit is configured to prevent power from being supplied to the heater until a cleaning signal is received. The holder position detector circuit is configured to send a stop signal before a charging cycle is initiated. After the charging cycle is complete, the control circuit is configured to send a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator. This helps to ensure that the aerosol generator is not used excessively between cleaning cycles so that residue on the heater does not affect aerosol generation and composition. When the counter is determined to be above a second threshold, the number of conditions for sending a cleaning signal may be reduced. For example, the case may not need to be connected to an external power supply before a cleaning signal is sent. The holder position detector circuit may only require that the charge level of the case's power supply is above a minimum level, that the aerosol generator is received in the holder, and that the holder is in the closed position. 【0050】 The case may have any suitable size and shape for receiving the aerosol generator. Generally, the case is portable. In other words, the case has a suitable size and shape for being carried by the user. Preferably, the case is a handheld case. In other words, the case may have a suitable size for being held in the user's hand. The case may have a size and shape similar to a conventional pack of cigarettes. The case may have any suitable diameter and any suitable length. The case may have a length of about 50 mm to about 200 mm. The case may have an outer diameter of about 10 mm to about 50 mm. 【0051】 The case may have a cross section of any suitable shape. For example, the case 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. The case may have a substantially constant cross section along its length. The case may have a substantially rectangular cross section along its length. In certain embodiments, the case may be a substantially rectangular cube. 【0052】 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. 【0053】 As used herein, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension between the distal or upstream end and the proximal or downstream end of a component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, or case. 【0054】 As used herein, the terms “diameter” and “width” are used to describe the maximum dimensions in the transverse direction of components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating articles, and cases. 【0055】 As used herein, the term “cross section” is used to describe the cross section of a component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, and case in a direction perpendicular to the principal axis of the component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating article, and case, respectively. 【0056】 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 case. 【0057】 The housing of the case can generally form the shape of the case. The housing may include one or more walls. In certain embodiments, the housing may be substantially a rectangular cube. 【0058】 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. 【0059】 The housing includes an opening. The opening can be of any suitable size and shape. Generally, the opening may be of a size and shape that accommodates the holder and the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is received within the holder. Generally, the opening may be of a size or shape that accommodates one or more inner walls of the holder and the aerosol generator. In some specific embodiments, the opening of the housing may extend substantially along or on one side of the housing. In these embodiments, the case may generally form a rectangular box that is open on one side. 【0060】 The housing defines a recess or space for receiving the holder and the aerosol generator received within the holder. The recess or space is open so that the holder and the aerosol generator can be inserted into the recess or space through an opening in the housing. The recess or space may be configured to receive at least one or more inner walls of the holder and the aerosol generator received within the holder when the holder is in the closed position. Generally, the recess or space is configured to receive the entire aerosol generator when the holder is in the closed position. Advantageously, this allows the aerosol generator to be completely enclosed within the recess or space, and the case may be able to protect the aerosol generator from the external environment. 【0061】 The holder is configured to receive an aerosol generator. The holder may be a drawer or cradle sized to hold or house the aerosol generator. Preferably, the holder includes an outer wall and one or more inner walls. The outer wall and one or more inner walls are arranged to detachably hold the aerosol generator. In some embodiments, one or more inner walls are attached to or joined to the outer wall. In other embodiments, one or more inner walls are formed integrally with the outer wall. The holder may be formed from any suitable material. Generally, the holder is formed from the same material as the housing of the case. The outer wall and one or more inner walls may be formed from the same material. The outer wall and one or more inner walls may be made from different materials. 【0062】 The holder can be of any suitable size and shape to accommodate the aerosol generator. 【0063】 The outer wall and one or more inner walls may be configured in any suitable configuration to detachably hold the aerosol generator. The outer wall and one or more inner walls may be arranged to define a passage or channel for receiving the aerosol generator. The passage or channel may have any suitable size and shape. Generally, the passage or channel may have a size and shape substantially similar to that of the aerosol generator. The passage or channel may have any suitable cross section. For example, the passage or channel may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross section. Generally, the cross section of the passage or channel is substantially circular. The passage or channel may have any suitable length. Generally, the length of the passage or channel is shorter than the length of the aerosol generator. The cross section of the passage or channel may be substantially similar along the length of the passage or channel. 【0064】 The passage or channel may be open at one end. The passage or channel may be open at one end and closed at the other end opposite the open end. The passage or channel may be open at both ends. If the passage or channel includes an open end and a closed end, the open end may be located at or around the first end of the holder, and the closed end may be located at or around the second end of the holder. In some embodiments, the outer wall and one or more inner walls may be arranged to form a pipe containing the passage or channel. 【0065】 The outer wall of the holder may have any suitable length. The length of the outer wall may be substantially equal to the length of the case housing. Generally, the length of the outer wall of the holder is substantially equal to the length of the aerosol generator. In some embodiments, the length of the outer wall is greater than the length of the aerosol generator. The length of the outer wall may be substantially similar to the length of the case. The length of the outer wall can be about 30 mm to about 200 mm. 【0066】 In some embodiments, the outer wall of the holder is configured to cover the opening of the housing when the holder is in the closed position. The opening of the housing has a length, and the length of the outer wall of the holder may be substantially equal to the length of the opening. In some embodiments, the length of the outer wall may be greater than the length of the opening. The opening of the housing has a width, and the width of the outer wall of the holder may be substantially equal to the width of the opening. In some embodiments, the width of the outer wall may be greater than the width of the opening. 【0067】 The holder may include any appropriate number of inner walls. The holder may include one or more inner walls. The holder may include two or more inner walls. In some embodiments including two or more inner walls, the two or more inner walls may be joined together or mounted together. In some embodiments including two or more inner walls, the inner walls may be separate or separated from each other by gaps. 【0068】 One or more interior walls may be arranged in any suitable configuration. In particular, one or more interior walls may be arranged to extend from the exterior wall. Each of the one or more interior walls may be arranged to extend from the exterior wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the exterior wall. One or more interior walls may be arranged to extend substantially along the exterior wall. One or more interior walls may be arranged to extend substantially along the exterior wall from or around the first end of the holder. In some embodiments, one or more interior walls may be arranged to extend substantially along the exterior wall from or around the second end of the holder in a direction toward the first end of the holder. The holder may include a portion or region at or around the first end of the holder that does not include one or more interior walls. In some embodiments, the holder may also include a portion at or around the second end of the holder that does not include one or more interior walls. 【0069】 In some embodiments, one or more inner walls may include a pair of opposing inner walls, each inner wall having one end attached to the outer wall and the other unattached end not attached to the outer wall or the other opposing inner wall. In these embodiments, an opening or gap may be provided between the unattached ends of the opposing inner walls. The opening may be smaller than the diameter of the aerosol generator or narrower in width than the opening, so that the aerosol generator received in the holder between the pair of opposing inner walls does not pass through the opening or the open space between the unattached ends of the opposing inner walls. 【0070】 If the holder includes one or more inner walls, the inner walls may be attached to or fixed to the outer walls at both ends to form a tube having a passage for receiving an aerosol generator. 【0071】 Generally, the length of each of the inner walls is shorter than the length of the outer wall. The length of one or more inner walls of a holder may be approximately 10% to 90% of the length of the outer wall, approximately 20% to 80%, or approximately 30% to 70%. The length of one or more inner walls of a holder may be 90% or less of the length of the outer wall, 80% or less, 75% or less of the length of the outer wall, or 70% or less. The length of one or more inner walls may be approximately 25 mm to 190 mm. 【0072】 The length of the gap between one or more inner walls and outer walls at the first end of the holder may be approximately 5% to 50% of the length of the outer wall, approximately 10% to 40%, or approximately 10% to 30% of the length of the outer wall. The length of the gap may be approximately 5 mm to 100 mm. 【0073】 In some embodiments, the opening of the housing may extend substantially to one side of the housing. In some of these embodiments, where the outer wall of the holder covers the opening of the housing when the holder is in the closed position, the outer wall of the holder may form a side wall of the housing when the holder is in the closed position. In other words, the outer wall of the housing and the outer wall of the holder may form an enclosure when the holder is in the closed position. 【0074】 One or more inner walls of the holder may be configured to be receptive to the housing when the holder is in the closed position, so that when the aerosol generator is removably held in the holder, the aerosol generator is receptive to the housing when the holder is in the closed position. One or more inner walls of the holder may be configured to be receptive to a recess in the housing when the holder is in the closed position. Therefore, an aerosol generator receptive to the holder between one or more inner walls and outer walls may be receptive to a recess in the housing when the holder is in the closed position. 【0075】 The housing and the outer walls of the holder may be positioned to substantially enclose or enclose the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is received within the holder and the holder is in the closed position. Thus, the case may be configured to provide protection for the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is received within the holder and the holder is in the closed position. In these embodiments, the housing and outer walls of the holder may substantially prevent or deter the user from accessing the aerosol generator until the holder moves from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the user may be substantially prevented from removing the aerosol generator from the holder when the holder is in the closed position. 【0076】 The holder has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The holder is movable relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the holder may be slidable relative to the housing. In some preferred embodiments, the holder may be rotatably coupled to the housing. The holder may be rotatably coupled to the housing around the second end. The rotatable coupling may include any suitable type of coupling. For example, the rotatable coupling may include one or more of hinges, pivots, and links. 【0077】 In some particularly preferred embodiments, the holder includes a first end having an opening for receiving an aerosol generator within the holder, and a second end opposite to the first end, and the holder is rotatably coupled to the housing around the second end. The holder may be rotatably coupled to the housing at a position closer to the second end than to the first end. In some embodiments, the outer wall of the holder may be rotatably coupled to the housing. In some preferred embodiments, one or more inner walls of the holder may be rotatably coupled to the housing. 【0078】 The holder may be movable between an open position and a closed position by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the housing may be shaped such that one or more portions of its inner wall are exposed when the holder is in the closed position. The exposed portions of the holder may allow a user to grasp or hold the holder and rotate or pivot the holder from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the housing may include one or more corrugated portions to expose a portion of the inner wall of the holder when the holder is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the holder may be movable from the closed position to the open position by pressing a portion of the holder at or around the first end of the holder. In other words, the holder may be movable from the closed position to the open position by a trigger action. 【0079】 The case may include means for removably holding the housing and holder in a closed position. 【0080】 In some embodiments, the holder may be configured to have an interlocking or friction fit at an opening in the housing. The interlocking or friction fit may, by friction, removably hold the housing and holder in place. 【0081】 In some embodiments, the case may include an elastic means such as a torsion spring. In these embodiments, the user may need to apply force to the elastic means to move the holder between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the elastic means, such as a bistable torsion spring, may be configured to have one or more stable positions. In these embodiments, the bistable spring may be positioned to be stable when the holder is in the open position and when the holder is in the closed position. 【0082】 In some embodiments, one of the housing and the holder may be provided with a movable latch for removably securing the holder in a closed position. In these embodiments, the housing may be provided with a button configured to move the latch, when pressed, to release the holder from the closed position. 【0083】 In some embodiments, a first magnetic material may be provided in the holder and a second magnetic material in the housing. The first and second magnetic materials may be arranged such that they are close to or adjacent to each other when the holder is in the closed position. The first and second magnetic materials may be arranged such that they are attracted to each other when the holder is in the closed position. 【0084】 As used herein, the term “magnetic material” is used 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). As used herein, the term “magnetic material” includes both types of magnetizable materials, as well as materials that are already magnetized. 【0085】 At least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material may include neodymium alloys such as neodymium, iron, and boron. In other words, at least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material may be a neodymium magnet. At least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material may include ferromagnetic stainless steel such as SS430 stainless steel. 【0086】 If the case includes means for removably holding the housing and holder in a closed position, the case may also include means for biasing the housing and holder in an open position. The housing may be provided with one or more springs arranged to pivot or rotate the holder in the open position. 【0087】 The case may also include retaining means for detachably holding the aerosol generator in the holder. 【0088】 The retaining means may be any suitable means for removably holding the aerosol generator in the holder. For example, the retaining means may include a friction fit between the aerosol generator and the holder when the aerosol generator is received by the holder. For example, the retaining means may include an elastic means disposed on the housing of the case for biasing the aerosol generator into the holder when the holder is in the closed position. 【0089】 In some specific embodiments, the retaining means may include a magnetic retaining means. The magnetic retaining means may include a first magnetic material and a second magnetic material. The first magnetic material may be provided within the aerosol generator, and the second magnetic material may be provided within the case. 【0090】 The first magnetic material and the second magnetic material may be arranged such that they are in close proximity to each other when the aerosol generator is received by the holder. The first magnetic material and the second magnetic material may be arranged such that they are attracted to each other when the aerosol generator is received by the holder. 【0091】 When the holder is in the closed position, the first magnetic material may be positioned at or toward the distal end of the aerosol generator, and the second magnetic material may be positioned at or toward the first end of the device, or toward the first end of the holder, in the housing. The first magnetic material may be positioned on the distal end face of the aerosol generator. If the holder includes a sleeve having a closed end face at or around the first end, the second magnetic material may be positioned on the closed end face of the sleeve. If the holder includes an electrical connector portion at or around the first end of the holder, the first magnetic material may be positioned on the electrical connector portion. If the holder includes a sleeve having an electrical connector portion on its closed end face, the first magnetic material may be positioned on the electrical connector portion. 【0092】 According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided comprising an aerosol generator and a case for the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator comprises a recess for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, a heater disposed to heat the aerosol-forming substrate received in the recess, and a control circuit configured to control the power supply between a power source and the heater. The case comprises a housing having an opening, a holder for receiving the aerosol generator, which is movably coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position for receiving the aerosol generator, and a holder position detector adapted to determine whether the holder is in the open or closed position. 【0093】 In preferred embodiments, the case comprises a power supply, an electrical connector configured to electrically connect the power supply to an aerosol generator housed in the holder, and a power source control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the aerosol generator housed in the holder and connected to the electrical connector. In these embodiments, the holder position detector circuit of the case may be adapted to count each movement of the holder from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position, and to compare the count of each movement of the holder to a threshold. The holder position detector circuit of the case may also be configured to supply a signal to the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is housed in the holder and connected to the electrical connector, and when the holder position detector circuit determines that the holder is in the closed position and the count of each movement of the holder exceeds a threshold. 【0094】 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the control circuit of the aerosol generator is configured to supply power to the heater during the cleaning cycle when the control circuit of the aerosol generator receives a signal from the holder position detector circuit of the case. 【0095】 The aerosol generator can have any suitable size and shape. 【0096】 The aerosol generator may be a portable 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 cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generator may be portable. 【0097】 An aerosol generator may have a cross-sectional area of ​​any suitable shape. For example, an aerosol generator may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombic, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-sectional area. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generator has a substantially circular cross-sectional area. 【0098】 An aerosol generator may have a substantially constant cross-sectional area along its length. An aerosol generator may have a substantially circular cross-sectional area along its length. The device may have rotational symmetry about its longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generator may be substantially annular and cylindrical. 【0099】 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 aerosol generator may have a length of about 30 mm to about 150 mm. The aerosol generator may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 30 mm. 【0100】 An aerosol generator may be configured to receive one or more of a cartridge, atomizer, and aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator may be configured to receive one or more of a cartridge, atomizer, and aerosol generating article at its proximal end. The device may have a recess for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The recess may be adapted to receive one or more of a cartridge, atomizer, and aerosol generating article. 【0101】 In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generator may include an atomizer. If the aerosol generator includes an atomizer, 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 an atomizer or a combination of an atomizer and an article or cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. If the device includes a recess for receiving one or more of the cartridge and the aerosol-generating article, the atomizer may be placed in the recess. 【0102】 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. 【0103】 The aerosol generator may be equipped with a power supply. The power supply may be any suitable type of power source. For example, the power supply may include one or more batteries and capacitors. The power supply may include a lithium-ion battery. Preferably, the power supply is a rechargeable power source. 【0104】 The aerosol generator includes a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. Preferably, the device includes a recess at the proximal end for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The distal end of the device includes a distal end face. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical connector is located on the distal end face. If the aerosol generator is elongated and substantially extends along its longitudinal axis, the distal end face is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 【0105】 According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for initiating a cleaning cycle of an aerosol generating system, the method being: Aerosol generator, A recess for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate, A heater positioned to heat the aerosol-forming substrate received in the recess, Power supply and To provide an aerosol generator comprising a control circuit configured to control the power supply between a power source and a heater, The present invention provides a case for receiving an aerosol generator, wherein the case is A housing having an opening, A holder for receiving an aerosol generator, which is movably coupled to a housing and movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position for receiving the aerosol generator, A holder position detector adapted to determine whether the holder is in an open or closed position, To provide a power source control circuit configured to control the supply of power from a power source to an aerosol generator that is received in a holder and connected to an electrical connector, Counting each movement of the holder from the closed position to the open position, and from the open position to the closed position, The count of each movement of the holder is compared against a threshold, When the aerosol generator is received in the holder and connected to the electrical connector, and when the holder position detector circuit determines that the holder is in the closed position and the count of each movement of the holder exceeds a threshold, a signal is supplied to the aerosol generator. This includes supplying power to the heater during the cleaning cycle when the aerosol generator receives a signal from the case. 【0106】 Naturally, features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may also be equally applicable to other aspects of the present invention. Naturally, features described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention may also be equally applicable to the second and third aspects of the present invention, and vice versa. Features described in relation to the second aspect of the present invention may also be equally applicable to the third aspect of the present invention, and vice versa. 【0107】 The present invention will be further described, for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0108】 [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a known electrically operated aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating article, an aerosol generating device, and an electrically operated case for the aerosol generating article. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the case from Figure 1, with the holder separated from the case housing. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the case in Figure 1 with the holder in the open position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the case in Figure 1, where the holder is in the open position and the aerosol generator is housed within the holder. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the case in Figure 1, where the aerosol generator is housed within the holder and the holder is in the closed position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a case according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the holder in the open position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a case according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the holder in the open position. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the case according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with the holder in the open position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the distal portion of the case shown in Figure 8, with the aerosol generator housed within the holder and the holder in the closed position. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0109】 Figures 1-5 show schematic diagrams of Case 101, which is a known electrically operated aerosol generating system. The known electrically operated aerosol generating system comprises Case 101, an aerosol generating device 120, and an aerosol generating article 130. 【0110】 Case 101 includes a housing 102 and a holder 106. 【0111】 The housing 102 houses a power supply 103 in the form of a lithium-ion battery and an electrical circuit 104. The housing 102 also defines a recess 105 which is a part of the holder 106 and has the shape and dimensions to receive the aerosol generator 120 when the aerosol generator 120 is received in the holder 106. 【0112】 Case 101 is configured to receive the aerosol generator 120. 【0113】 The aerosol generator 120 is substantially annular and cylindrical, and has the typical dimensions of a conventional cigar. The length of the device 120 is substantially the same as the length of the recess 105, and the diameter of the device 120 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the recess 105, so that the device 120 fits tightly into the recess 105. The aerosol generator 120 includes an open recess 121 at its proximal end for receiving an aerosol generating article 130. The aerosol generator 120 further includes an electric heater 122 positioned within the recess 121 for heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 130 when the aerosol generating article 130 is received within the recess 121. A power supply 123 in the form of a lithium-ion battery is housed within the housing of the device 120 to power the heater 122, together with a control circuit 124 for controlling the power supply from the power supply 123 to the heater 122. The aerosol generator 120 also includes an electrical connector portion 125 at the distal end opposite the proximal end, which is configured to receive power from an external power source to recharge the power supply 123. 【0114】 The aerosol-generating article 130 includes an aerosol-forming substrate (not shown) in the form of an aggregate of crumpled tobacco sheets and a filter (not shown) positioned back-to-back with the aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a rod. The aerosol-generating article 130 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the recess 121 of the device 120 and a length longer than the recess 121, so that when the article 130 is received in the recess 121 of the device 120, the filter extends outward from the recess 121 and can be pulled out by the user, similar to a conventional cigarette. 【0115】 During use, the user inserts the article 130 into the recess 121 of the device 120 and turns on the device 120 to activate the electric heater 122. The electric heater 122 heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the article 130 so that volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released and condensed to form an aerosol. The user sucks through the filter of the article 130 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. 【0116】 After use of the device, the item 130 may be removed from the device 120 for disposal, and the device 120 may be placed in case 101 for storage and charging of the device 120's battery. 【0117】 The housing 102 of case 101 generally forms an open rectangular box having side walls defining five sides of the box and an opening on a sixth side of the box. The opening forms the open end of a recess 105 and extends substantially to the length and width of one side of the housing 102. 【0118】 The holder 106 of case 101 includes an outer wall 107 and an inner wall 108. 【0119】 The outer wall 107 is elongated and has substantially the same length as the housing 102. The length of the outer wall 107 defines the length of the holder 106. The outer wall 107 has the shape and dimensions to cover the opening of the housing 102. Therefore, the outer wall 107 has the shape and dimensions of a sixth side wall of the housing 102. 【0120】 The inner wall 108 forms a substantially annular cylindrical tube and defines a generally annular cylindrical internal passage 109 extending the length of the inner wall 108. The passage 109 is open at one end and closed at the other end, opposite the open end. The passage 109 has a cross section along its length that is substantially identical to the cross section of the aerosol generator, and the diameter of the internal passage 109 is slightly larger than that of the aerosol generator so that the aerosol generator can be detachably held in the internal passage 109 of the holder 106. 【0121】 The tubular inner wall 108 of the holder 106 is formed integrally with the outer wall 107. Naturally, in some embodiments, the inner wall 108 does not have to be integral with the outer wall 107, and instead may be attached to the outer wall 108 by any suitable mounting means. The tubular inner wall 108 is positioned along its longitudinal axis which is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the outer wall 108. The closed end of the passage 109 is positioned at the first end of the outer wall 107, and the inner wall is positioned to extend along the outer wall 107 from the first end to the second end. The length of the inner wall 108 is shorter than the length of the outer wall 107. Therefore, the inner wall 108 does not extend along the entire length of the outer wall 107. The portion of the holder 106 at the second end does not include the inner wall 108. In other words, the inner wall 108 does not extend from the first end to the second end along the length of the holder 106. The length of the inner wall 108 is approximately 70% of the length of the outer wall 107. Therefore, a space or gap 110 is provided between the end of the inner wall 108 toward the second end of the holder 106 and the end of the outer wall 107 at the second end of the holder 106. 【0122】 The holder 106 is pivotably coupled 111 to the housing at a first end. In particular, the outer wall 107 is pivotally coupled to the housing 102 at one end of the opening of the recess 105. The pivot coupling 111 allows the holder 106 to pivot or rotate relative to the housing 102 between an open position in which the open end of the passage 109 toward the second end of the holder 106 is exposed, and a closed position in which the open end of the passage 109 is hidden by the housing 102 and the opening of the housing 102 is covered by the outer wall 107 of the holder 106. 【0123】 The inner wall 108 of the holder 106 is received in the recess 105 of the housing 102 when the holder 106 is rotated to the closed position. When the aerosol generator is received in the internal passage 109 of the holder 106 and the holder is rotated to the closed position, the aerosol generator is enclosed in the recess 105 as it is surrounded or sealed by the wall of the housing 102 and the outer wall 107 of the holder 106. In this position, the aerosol generator received in the holder can be substantially protected by the case when the holder is in the closed position. 【0124】 The electrical connector portion 113 is positioned at the closed end of the internal passage 109 for engagement with a complementary electrical connector portion at the distal end face of the aerosol generator 120 when the aerosol generator 120 is received into the internal passage 109. The electrical connector portion can be any suitable type of electrical connector portion. The electrical connector portion is electrically connected to the electrical circuit 104 in the housing 102 of the case 101 via a flexible printed circuit (not shown) that allows movement of the electrical connector portion and the holder without damaging the electrical connection. 【0125】 Figures 2 and 3 show schematic diagrams of the case 101, in which the holder 106 rotates around the pivot joint 111 relative to the housing 102 between the closed and open positions, respectively. 【0126】 The holder 106 is pivotable relative to the housing 102 between two predetermined positions, a closed position and an open position. The holder 106 is pivotable in a first direction, rotating the holder 106 from the open position to the closed position relative to the housing 102. In this embodiment, the outer wall 107 of the holder 106 overlaps with the housing 102 at a second end, so that the outer wall 107 contacts the housing 102 when the holder 106 is in the closed position, in order to prevent the holder 106 from rotating further in the first direction beyond the closed position. The holder 106 is also pivotable in a second direction opposite to the first direction, rotating the holder 106 from the closed position to the open position relative to the housing 102. The recess 105 of the housing 102 includes a stopper (not shown) that is positioned to contact the inner wall 108 of the holder 106 when the holder 106 is in the open position, thereby preventing the holder 106 from rotating in the second direction beyond the open position. 【0127】 Figure 3 shows the holder 106 in the open position. In this embodiment, in the open position, the opening 112 between the housing 102 and the first end of the outer wall 107 of the holder 106 has a width or diameter approximately twice the width or diameter of the aerosol generator. Naturally, in some embodiments, the holder may pivot at different angles relative to the housing, which provides openings of different widths between the housing and the first end of the outer wall of the holder. 【0128】 The wide opening 112 and the gap 110 between the second end of the inner wall 108 and the second end of the outer wall 107 allow the aerosol generator to be inserted into the holder 106 from a wide range of angles. In particular, the gap 110 allows the aerosol generator to come into contact with the outer wall 107 when it is inserted into the holder 106. This makes it possible to use a portion of the outer wall 107 that does not have an inner wall 108 at the second end of the holder 106 as a guide to align the aerosol generator with the passage 109 of the tubular inner wall 108. This makes it even easier to insert the aerosol generator 20 into the holder 106. 【0129】 Figures 4 and 5 show the aerosol generator 120 detachably held within the holder 106, which is in the closed and open positions, respectively. 【0130】 Figure 4 shows the aerosol generator 120 received in the holder 106, with the holder 106 in the open position. As shown in Figure 4, the gap 110 between the second end of the inner wall 108 and the second end of the outer wall 107 exposes a portion of the aerosol generator 120 at its proximal end. This exposed portion at the proximal end of the device 120 can be accessed and grasped by the user to remove the device 120 from the holder 106. Therefore, the holder 106 does not require a lifting mechanism to lift the device 120 from the holder 106. This can reduce costs and simplify the design of the holder 106 compared to a holder that includes a lifting mechanism for removing the device. 【0131】 Figure 5 shows the aerosol generator 120 held within the holder 106, which is in the closed position. The aerosol generator 120 is completely enclosed within the recess 105 of the housing 102 and surrounded by the outer wall 107 of the housing 102 and the holder 106. In this configuration, the aerosol generator 120 is substantially protected by the case 101. 【0132】 The electrical connector 113 is provided at the closed end of the passage 109 to electrically connect to the electrical connector 125 of the aerosol generator 120, thereby connecting the battery 103 of the case 101 to the battery 123 of the device 120, when the aerosol generator 120 is housed in the holder 106 and the holder 106 is in the closed position. Thus, the case 101 is configured to supply power to the aerosol generator 120 to charge the aerosol generator 120 when the aerosol generator is housed in the holder 106 and the holder 106 is in the closed position. 【0133】 Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a case according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 【0134】 Figure 6 shows case 201 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Case 201 is substantially similar to case 101 described above with reference to Figures 1-5. Case 201 includes a housing 202 and a holder 206. The housing 202 houses a recess 205 for receiving a battery 203, a circuit 204, and a holder 206. The holder 206 includes an outer wall 207 and an annular inner wall 208 defining a passage 209 having a closed end at a first end of the holder 206 and an open end at a second end of the holder 206. The holder 206 is pivotally coupled to the housing 202 at its first end so that the holder 206 can rotate between an open position, where the outer wall 207 at the second end of the holder 206 is separated from the housing 202 by a gap, and a closed position, where the outer wall 207 covers the opening of the recess 205 and the outer wall 207 is in contact with the housing 202 at its second end. 【0135】 The inner wall 208 is generally annular and cylindrical, and includes a generally annular and cylindrical internal passage 209. The inner wall 208 generally extends along the outer wall 207 from the first end toward the second end. The inner wall 208 extends to about 45% of the length of the outer wall 207 so that a gap is provided between the inner wall 208 and the outer wall 207 at the second end of the holder 206. The inner wall 208 is received in the recess 205 of the housing 202 when the holder 206 is in the closed position. The outer wall 207 is positioned to cover the opening of the recess 205 when the holder 206 is in the closed position, and to seal the aerosol generator received in the holder 206 within the outer wall 207 of the housing 205 and the holder 206. The outer wall 207 generally forms the side wall of the housing 202 when the holder 206 is in the closed position. 【0136】 The electrical connector portion 213 is located at the closed end of the passage 209. The electrical connector portion 213 is configured to electrically engage with a complementary electrical connector portion located at the distal end of the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is received in the holder 206. The holder 206 further includes a flexible circuit 214 configured to maintain an electrical connection between the circuit 204 and the electrical connector portion 213 regardless of the position of the holder 206 relative to the housing 202. 【0137】 Case 201 is further provided with magnetic retaining means for removably holding the holder in a closed position. The magnetic retaining means includes a first magnetic material 216 located at a second end of the holder and a second magnetic material 217 located on the housing adjacent to the second end of the holder when the holder is in the closed position. The first magnetic material 216 is a body of iron material, and the second magnetic material 217 is a permanent magnet. The first magnetic material 216 and the second magnetic material 217 are arranged to be magnetically attracted to each other so that the holder 206 is forced or biased to the closed position. The magnetic attraction between the first magnetic material 216 and the second magnetic material 217 requires the user to apply an additional force to the holder 206 to pivot the holder 206 from the closed position to the open position. 【0138】 Case 201 further includes a holder position detector according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the holder position detector includes a push-button switch 218 positioned on the inner wall 208 of the holder 206, adjacent to the open end of the internal passage 209. The push-button switch 218 is positioned on the outer surface of the inner wall 208 facing the housing 202 such that when the holder 206 is in the closed position, the push-button switch 218 presses the holder 206 between the inner wall 208 and the housing 202, or one or more components housed within the housing 202, such as a battery 203 and a circuit 204. Thus, the push-button switch 218 is pressed or actuated by the movement of the holder 206 from the open position to the closed position. Similarly, the push-button switch is released by the movement of the holder 206 from the closed position to the open position. As a result, the state of the push-button switch 218 provides an indication of the position of the holder 206 relative to the housing 202. 【0139】 The push-button switch 218 is electrically connected to the circuit 204 by a wired connection (not shown). The circuit 204 is configured to monitor the state of the switch 218 (pressed or released) and thereby monitor the position of the holder. If the circuit 204 detects that the push-button switch 218 is released, the circuit 204 is configured to determine that the holder 206 is in the open position, and if the circuit 204 detects that the push-button switch 218 is pressed, the circuit 204 is configured to determine that the holder 206 is in the closed position. 【0140】 Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of case 301 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Case 301 is substantially similar to cases 101 and 201 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6 above. Case 301 includes a housing 302 and a holder 306. The housing 302 houses a recess 305 for receiving a battery 303, a circuit 304, and a holder 306. The holder 306 includes an outer wall 307 and a tubular inner wall 308 defining a passage 309 having open ends at both the first and second ends of the holder 306. The holder 306 is pivotally coupled to the housing 302 at its first end so that the holder 306 can rotate between an open position, where the outer wall 307 at the second end of the holder 306 is separated from the housing 302 by a gap, and a closed position, where the outer wall 307 covers the opening of the recess 305 and the outer wall 307 is in contact with the housing 302 at its second end. 【0141】 The inner wall 308 is generally annular and cylindrical, and includes a generally annular and cylindrical internal passage 309. The inner wall 308 generally extends along the outer wall 307 from near the first end toward the second end. The inner wall 308 extends to about 60% of the length of the outer wall 307 so that a gap is provided between the inner wall 308 and the outer wall 307 at the first and second ends of the holder. The inner wall 308 is received in the recess 305 of the housing 302 when the holder 306 is in the closed position. The outer wall 307 is positioned to cover the opening of the recess 305 when the holder 306 is in the closed position, and to seal the aerosol generator received in the holder 306 within the outer wall 307 of the housing 305 and the holder 306. The outer wall 307 generally forms the side wall of the housing 302 when the holder 306 is in the closed position. 【0142】 The open end of the passage 309 at the first end of the holder 306 allows the aerosol generator received within the holder to extend through the passage 309 and contact the housing 302 at a position near the pivot coupling. 【0143】 Case 301 includes a connector portion 313 in a recess 305 of the housing 302, near the pivot joint between the housing 302 and the holder 306. The electrical connector portion 313 is positioned so that when the holder 306 is in the closed position, the distal end of the aerosol generator received within the holder 306 can contact the electrical connector portion 313. A complementary connector portion may be located on the distal end face of the aerosol generator, and the second electrical connector portion may electrically engage with the electrical connector portion 313 when the aerosol generator is received within the passage 309 of the holder 306 and the holder 306 is in the closed position. In this embodiment, the first electrical connector portion 313 is fixed to and electrically engaged with the electrical circuit 304. The electrical connector portion at the distal end of the aerosol generator is electrically disconnected from the first electrical connector portion 313 by pivoting the holder from the closed position to the open position, thereby moving the distal end face of the aerosol generator relative to the housing 302 and the electrical connector portion 313. 【0144】 Case 301 further includes a holder position detector according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the holder position detector includes an optical proximity sensor 318 disposed on the housing 302 in a recess 305 adjacent to the second end of the holder 306. The optical proximity sensor 318 is configured to detect the presence of a nearby object. 【0145】 In this embodiment, the optical proximity sensor 318 is configured to detect when the aerosol generator is received in the holder 306 and the holder 306 is in the closed position. In other words, the optical proximity sensor is configured so that only objects very close to the sensor, directly adjacent to the sensor, are detected by the sensor 318. By positioning the sensor 318 adjacent to or around the second end of the holder 306, the sensor 318 is exposed to a portion of the holder 306 that does not have an inner wall 308. When the aerosol generator is not received in the holder 306 and the holder 306 is in the closed position, the optical proximity sensor 318 does not detect the presence of a nearby object. When the aerosol generator is received in the holder 306 and the holder 306 is in the closed position, the optical proximity sensor 318 detects the presence of a nearby object. As a result, the optical proximity sensor 318 detects the presence of a nearby object only when the device is received in the holder 306 and the holder 306 is in the closed position. 【0146】 The optical proximity sensor 318 is connected to the circuit 304 by a wired connection (not shown), and the circuit 304 is configured to monitor the optical proximity sensor 318 and determine when the aerosol generator 120 is received in the holder 306 and when the holder 306 is in the closed position. 【0147】 Figures 8 and 9 show schematic diagrams of the distal portion of case 401 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Case 401 is substantially similar to cases 101, 201 and 301 described above with reference to Figures 1-7 above. Case 401 includes a housing 402 and a holder 406. The housing 402 houses a recess 405 for receiving a battery 403, a circuit 404 and a holder 406. The holder 406 includes an outer wall 407 and an annular inner wall 408 defining a passage 409 having a closed end at a first end of the holder 406 and an open end at a second end of the holder 406. The holder 406 is pivotally coupled to the housing 402 around its first end so that the holder 406 can rotate between an open position, where the outer wall 407 at the second end of the holder 406 is separated from the housing 402 by a gap, and a closed position, where the outer wall 407 covers the opening of the recess 405 and the outer wall 407 is in contact with the housing 402 at the second end. 【0148】 The inner wall 408 is generally annular and cylindrical, and includes a generally annular and cylindrical internal passage 409. The inner wall 408 generally extends along the outer wall 407 from the first end toward the second end. The inner wall 408 extends to about 45% of the length of the outer wall 407 so that a gap is provided between the inner wall 408 and the outer wall 407 at the second end of the holder 406. The inner wall 408 is received in the recess 405 of the housing 402 when the holder 406 is in the closed position. The outer wall 407 is positioned to cover the opening of the recess 405 when the holder 406 is in the closed position, and to seal the aerosol generator received in the holder 406 within the outer wall 407 of the housing 405 and the holder 406. The outer wall 407 generally forms the side wall of the housing 402 when the holder 406 is in the closed position. 【0149】 The electrical connector portion 413 is located at the closed end of the passage 409. The electrical connector portion 413 is configured to electrically engage with a complementary electrical connector portion 125 located at the distal end of the aerosol generator 120 when the aerosol generator 120 is received in the holder 406. The holder 406 further includes a flexible circuit 414 configured to maintain an electrical connection between the circuit 404 and the electrical connector portion 413 regardless of the position of the holder 406 relative to the housing 402. Figure 9 shows the aerosol generator 120 received in the holder 406, with the electrical connector 125 at the distal end of the device 120 in electrical contact with the electrical connector 413 of the case 401 at the second end of the holder 406. 【0150】 The housing 402 includes a device holder position detector in the form of a toggle switch 418. 【0151】 The holder 406 includes a switch engaging portion in the form of a wedge-shaped projection 419 that extends into a recess 405 at a second end of the holder 406. The switch engaging portion 419 of the holder 406 is positioned to contact and activate the switch 418 when the holder 406 moves from an open position to a closed position. 【0152】 The toggle switch 418 is biased to the open position so that the toggle returns to the open position when the holder 406 does not press the toggle to the closed position. 【0153】 Circuit 404 is configured to query the electrical connector portion 413 to determine when the aerosol generator is connected to the electrical connector portion 413. Circuit 404 is also configured to monitor the position of the toggle switch 418 to determine whether the toggle switch 418 is in the open or closed position. If it is determined that the toggle switch 418 is in the open position, this indicates that the holder 406 is in the open position. If it is determined that the toggle switch 418 is in the closed position, this indicates that the holder 406 is in the closed position. 【0154】 Circuit 404 is further configured to increment a counter each time the aerosol generator is received in the holder 406 and it is determined that the holder 406 is in the closed position. The counter indicates the number of times the aerosol generator 120 has been used. 【0155】 Circuit 404 is configured to compare a counter to a first threshold value stored in the memory of circuit 404. In this embodiment, the first threshold value is 15. When circuit 404 determines that the counter is equal to the first threshold value, it is configured to trigger a cleaning cycle in the aerosol generator 120. To trigger a cleaning cycle in the aerosol generator 120, circuit 404 is configured to send a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator 120 via the electrical connector 413. Circuit 404 is also configured to reset the counter to zero when the cleaning signal is sent to the aerosol generator 120 and the cleaning cycle is triggered. 【0156】 In this embodiment, the circuit 404 is configured to trigger a cleaning cycle in the aerosol generator 120 by sending a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator after the charging cycle of the aerosol generator is completed. 【0157】 When the aerosol generator 120 is received in the holder 406 and it is determined that the holder 406 is in the closed position, the circuit 404 is configured to start a charging cycle. The charging cycle includes supplying power to the aerosol generator 120 from the battery 403 of the case 400 to recharge the battery 123 of the aerosol generator 120. The circuit 404 is configured to continue supplying power to the battery 123 of the aerosol generator until the battery 123 of the aerosol generator is fully charged. The circuit 404 is configured to monitor the charge level of the battery 123 of the aerosol generator 120 by monitoring the current and voltage supplied to the electrical connector 413 in a known manner. When it is determined that the battery 123 of the aerosol generator is fully charged, the charging cycle may end and a cleaning cycle may begin. At the end of the charging cycle, if the conditions for sending a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator are met, the circuit 404 supplies a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator 120 to start the cleaning cycle. 【0158】 In this embodiment, the circuit 404 is configured to prevent the aerosol generator from receiving a cleaning signal when the toggle switch 418 is in the open position, regardless of the counter number. As a result, if the holder 406 is opened before a charging cycle is completed, or after a charging cycle has been completed but before a cleaning cycle has started, the aerosol generator will not start a cleaning cycle in the aerosol generator until the aerosol generator is then received into the holder 406, the holder 406 is in the closed position, and another charging cycle is completed. 【0159】 In this embodiment, the circuit 404 includes an additional electrical connector (not shown) for connecting the battery 403 to an external power source in order to recharge the battery 403. When the counter is determined to be equal to a first threshold, the electrical circuit 404 is also configured to prevent a cleaning signal from being sent to the aerosol generator 120 unless an external power source is connected to the battery 403. 【0160】 If the counter is not equal to the first threshold, the circuit 404 is further configured to compare the counter to a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. In this embodiment, the second threshold is 24. If it is determined that the counter is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, the circuit 404 is configured to trigger a cleaning cycle in the aerosol generator 120 at the end of the charging cycle, provided that an external power supply is connected to the battery 403 in the case 400 and the holder 406 is in the closed position. 【0161】 If the counter is determined to be greater than a second threshold, circuit 404 is configured to send a stop signal to the aerosol generator 120. In this embodiment, circuit 404 is configured to send a stop signal to the aerosol generator 120 before the charging cycle is initiated. When circuit 124 of the aerosol generator 120 receives a stop signal from circuit 404, circuit 124 of the aerosol generator 120 is configured to prevent power from being supplied to the heater 122 until the cleaning cycle is complete. This can prevent or deter the aerosol generator 120 from being used an excessive number of times without the heater 122 being cleaned. Once the stop signal has been issued and the subsequent charging cycle is complete, circuit 404 is configured to send a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator 120 to initiate the cleaning cycle. If the counter is greater than a second threshold, the control circuit 404 is configured to send a cleaning signal to the aerosol generator 120, regardless of whether an external power supply is connected to the battery 403, provided that the charge level of the battery 404 in the case 400 is greater than a predetermined minimum level and the holder 406 is in the closed position. When the cleaning signal is sent, the control circuit 404 resets the counter to zero. 【0162】 When circuit 124 of aerosol generator 120 receives a cleaning signal from circuit 404 via electrical connectors 413 and 125, circuit 123 of aerosol generator 123 initiates a cleaning cycle. In this embodiment, the cleaning cycle includes supplying power to heater 122 from battery 123 of device 120 to raise the heater temperature to a cleaning temperature for a predetermined time. The cleaning temperature is higher than the normal operating temperature of heater 122 and is selected to be the temperature at which aerosol-forming substrate residue undergoes thermal degradation in order to clean residue from heater 122. In this embodiment, the cleaning temperature at which heater 122 is heated is approximately 550 degrees Celsius, and the predetermined time is approximately 30 seconds. 【0163】 In other embodiments, the threshold may, of course, be different, and the conditions under which a signal is prevented from being transmitted to the aerosol generator may be different. Also, of course, in other embodiments, the cleaning cycle may be triggered at other times, such as before or during the charging cycle. Furthermore, of course, the cleaning temperature and the predetermined duration of the cleaning cycle may be different. 【0164】 Naturally, the embodiments described above are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Similarly, the features described above in relation to one embodiment of the present invention may also apply to other embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

[Claim 1] A case for an aerosol generator, wherein the case is Housing and A holder for receiving a portion of an aerosol generator, the holder being movably coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between an open position for receiving the aerosol generator and a closed position for storing the aerosol generator, A holder position detector adapted to detect the movement of the holder relative to the housing, the holder position detector includes a circuit adapted to determine whether the holder is in the open position or the closed position based on the result of the detection, wherein the case is Power supply and An electrical connector configured to electrically connect the power supply to the aerosol generator housed within the holder, A case further comprising a power source control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to an aerosol generator, which is received in the holder and connected to the electrical connector. [Claim 2] The case according to claim 1, wherein the holder position detector includes a sensor adapted to sense the position of the holder relative to the housing. [Claim 3] The case according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor. [Claim 4] The case according to claim 1, wherein the holder position detector includes a switch arranged to operate when the holder moves relative to the case between the open position and the closed position. [Claim 5] The case according to claim 4, wherein the switch is located on or inside the housing, and the holder includes a switch engaging portion adapted to activate the switch when the holder moves between the open position and the closed position. [Claim 6] The case according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the switch is a toggle switch. [Claim 7] The case according to claim 1, wherein the circuit of the holder position detector is adapted to count each movement of the holder from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position. [Claim 8] The case according to claim 7, wherein the circuit of the holder position detector is adapted to compare the count of each movement of the holder with a threshold. [Claim 9] The case according to claim 8, wherein the holder position detector circuit is configured to transmit a signal to an aerosol generator, which is received in the holder and connected to the electrical connector, when the holder position detector circuit determines that the holder is in the closed position and the count of each movement of the holder exceeds the threshold. [Claim 10] The case according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holder is rotatably coupled to the housing. [Claim 11] The case according to claim 10, wherein the holder includes a first end having an opening for receiving an aerosol generator within the holder and a second end opposite to the first end, and the holder is rotatably coupled to the housing around the second end. [Claim 12] An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generator and a case for the aerosol generator, The aerosol generator, A recess for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate, A heater is positioned to heat the aerosol-forming substrate received in the recess, Power supply and Includes a control circuit configured to control the power supply between the power source and the heater, An aerosol generating system in which the case is the case described in any one of claims 1 to 11. [Claim 13] The aforementioned case is, Power supply and An electrical connector configured to electrically connect the power supply to the aerosol generator housed within the holder, The system comprises a power supply source control circuit configured to control the power supply from the power source to an aerosol generator, which is housed in the holder and connected to the electrical connector, The holder position detector includes a holder position detector circuit adapted to count each movement of the holder from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position, and to compare the count of each movement of the holder to a threshold, The aerosol generating system according to claim 12, wherein the holder position detector circuit of the case is configured to supply a signal to the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is received in the holder and connected to the electrical connector, and when the holder position detector circuit determines that the holder is in the closed position and the count of each movement of the holder exceeds the threshold. [Claim 14] The aerosol generating system according to claim 13, wherein the control circuit of the aerosol generating device is configured to supply power to the heater during the cleaning cycle when the control circuit of the aerosol generating device receives a signal from the holder position detector circuit of the case.

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