An aerosol generating system

Abstract

An aerosol generating system (1) is described. The aerosol generating system (1) includes an aerosol generating article (e.g., a removable cartridge or pod (4)) and an aerosol generating device (2). The aerosol generating article (4) includes an insertable part with an aerosol generator adapted to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user, and a mouthpiece (14) that is adapted to guide the generated aerosol. The aerosol generating device (2) includes a removable energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery) adapted to supply power to the aerosol generator, and a two-part housing assembly (6) adapted to removably receive the aerosol generating article (2) and the energy storage device. A first housing part (8) includes a first opening sized and shaped to receive the insertable part of the aerosol generating article (4) so that the aerosol generating article (4) may be inserted into the first housing part (8), and removed from the first housing part (8), through the first opening, and a second opening. A second housing part (10) is removably connected to the first housing part (8). The housing assembly (6) also includes a locking assembly (62A) adapted to selectively lock the first and second housing parts (8, 10) together with the second housing part (10) closing the second opening. When the first and second housing parts (8, 10) are not locked together, they may be separated to allow access to the interior of the housing assembly (6). This allows the energy storage device to be removed when it is degraded.

Description

[0001] AN AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating system, and in particular an aerosol generating system that includes an aerosol generating device and a removable aerosol generating article (or cartridge). The aerosol generating device may be adapted to heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0004] The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable (hand-held) aerosol generating device.

[0005] Technical Background

[0006] Devices which heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating material to produce an aerosol for inhalation have become popular with consumers in recent years. A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is the heated material aerosol generating device, or so-called heat-not-burn device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating material to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 300°C. This temperature range is quite low compared to an ordinary cigarette. Heating the aerosol generating material to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material, generates a vapour which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.

[0007] The aerosol generating material may be a liquid. For example, the aerosol generating article may include a wick and a heater to produce vapour from aerosol generating liquid stored in a capsule or tank. When a user operates the aerosol generating device, liquid that has soaked into the wick is heated by the heater, producing a vapour which cools and condenses to form an aerosol which may then be inhaled. An aerosol generating article (sometimes called a pod or cartridge) may be received in the aerosol generating device and may include a liquid store, a liquid transfer element (e.g., a wick) and a heater. Electrical contacts may provide an electrical connection between the heater and an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. The energy storage device may be a rechargeable battery that may be charged from an external power source by a charging assembly of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] The energy storage device may often be non-replaceable - i.e., the aerosol generating device may be designed to have an integral energy storage device that cannot be replaced. This means that when the energy storage device has degraded, it is necessary to replace the aerosol generating device. There is therefore a need for an improved aerosol generating

[0009] P51876WO-6870device that allows the energy storage device to be removed when it has degraded, so that a new energy storage device may be installed.

[0010] Summary of the Disclosure

[0011] According to a first aspect of a present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising:

[0012] an aerosol generating article (or removable “cartridge” or “pod”) comprising:

[0013] an insertable part comprising an aerosol generator adapted to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user, and

[0014] a mouthpiece adapted to guide the generated aerosol, wherein a shoulder is formed at the junction between the insertable part and a base part of the mouthpiece having a larger cross section; and

[0015] an aerosol generating device comprising:

[0016] a removable energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery) adapted to supply power to the aerosol generator; and

[0017] a housing assembly adapted to removably receive the aerosol generating article and the energy storage device, the housing assembly comprising: a first housing part comprising:

[0018] a first opening sized and shaped to receive the insertable part of the aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article may be inserted into the first housing part, and removed from the first housing part, through the first opening, and

[0019] a second opening,

[0020] a second housing part removably connected to the first housing part, and

[0021] a locking assembly adapted to selectively lock the first and second housing parts together with the second housing part closing the second opening.

[0022] When the first and second housing parts are locked together, the energy storage device is fully enclosed by the housing assembly.

[0023] The aerosol generator may be of any suitable type and may be adapted to heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol generator may include a heater. The aerosol generating material may be a liquid which may be stored in the aerosol generating article. The liquid aerosol generating material may soak into a wick (e.g., a cotton wick) and is then heated by the heater to produce a vapour that cools and

[0024] P51876WO-6870condenses to form an aerosol that may then be inhaled. The wick may be omitted in some cases and the liquid aerosol generating material may be directly stored in a cavity of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may be formed as an integrated component that includes a liquid store, a liquid transfer element or wick, and a heater. The liquid store may be designed to store a predefined amount of liquid aerosol generating material.

[0025] In general terms, a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapour may be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. It should, however, be noted that the terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapour’ may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with regard to the form of the inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.

[0026] Substantially all of the insertable part of the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device. The base part of the mouthpiece is preferably larger than the first opening and the mouthpiece is therefore positioned outside the first housing part when the insertable part of the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device. Put another way, the first opening, which is sized and shaped to receive the insertable part of the aerosol generating device, has a cross section that is smaller than the cross section of the base part of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be grasped by a user and used to remove the aerosol generating article from the first opening when it needs to be replaced. Similarly, the mouthpiece of a new aerosol generating article may be grasped by the user when it is being inserted into the aerosol generating device. The shoulder at the junction between the insertable part and the base part of the mouthpiece may contact the first housing part or may be spaced apart from the first housing part when the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device. The first opening may be adapted to support the received aerosol generating article even after the second housing part has been separated and removed from the first housing part.

[0027] A top part of the mouthpiece, opposite the base part, may comprise at least one opening through which the generated aerosol may be inhaled by the user.

[0028] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a main printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) comprising a main printed circuit board (PCB) on which a main controller is mounted. The main controller may be used to control operation of the aerosol generating device. The main controller may be a microcontroller unit (MCU) or microprocessor unit (MPU), for

[0029] P51876WO-6870example. One or more additional electronic components may also be mounted on the main PCB.

[0030] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a separate charging PCBA comprising a charging PCB on which a charging controller is mounted. The charging controller may be used to control charging of the energy storage device, e.g., from an external power source. The charging controller may be a MCU or MPU, for example. One or more additional electronic components may also be mounted on the charging PCB.

[0031] The charging PCBA may be electrically connected to the main PCBA so that power may be supplied from the energy storage device to the main PCBA.

[0032] The main PCBA and the charging PCBA may be at least partially positioned in the second housing part. In one arrangement, the main PCBA may be partially positioned in, and supported by, the second housing part (i.e., where an upper part of the main PCBA may extend outside the second housing part) and the whole of the charging PCBA is positioned in, and supported by, the second housing part. This may provide a convenient way of positioning the main and charging PCBAs inside the housing assembly.

[0033] The energy storage device may comprise one or more first electrical contacts, e.g., on a lower end surface thereof. The charging PCBA may comprise one or more second electrical contacts. The second electrical contacts may be resilient or spring contacts, for example. The first and second electrical contacts may provide an electrical connection between the energy storage device and the charging PCBA when the energy storage device is received in the housing assembly. This may provide a safe and convenient way to provide an electrical connection between the charging PCBA and the energy storage device that allows the energy storage device to be replaced - i.e., where the energy storage device may be easily removed from the aerosol generating device when it is degraded so that a new energy storage device may be installed. To install a new energy storage device, it is only necessary to ensure that there is physical contact between the first and second electrical contacts. The energy storage device may be biased towards the second electrical contacts (i.e., towards the charging PCBA) to maintain physical and electrical contact between the first and second electrical contacts. The energy storage device may be biased by the first housing part when the first and second housing parts are locked together by the locking assembly.

[0034] The aerosol generating article may be supported by an internal support assembly when it is received in the aerosol generating device. The support assembly may be at least partially positioned in the second housing part and may comprise a support surface that faces an end

[0035] P51876WO-6870surface of the aerosol generating article (e.g., a lower end surface of the insertable part). The support surface of the support assembly may comprise one or more third electrical contacts. The third electrical contacts may be electrically connected to the main PCBA.

[0036] The aerosol generating article may comprise one or more fourth electrical contacts. The fourth electrical contacts may be provided on the insertable part of the aerosol generating article, e.g., on a lower end surface thereof. The third and fourth electrical contacts may provide an electrical connection between the aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generator) and the main PCBA when the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device. This may provide a safe and convenient way to provide an electrical connection between the aerosol generating article and the main PCBA that allows the aerosol generating article to be replaced - i.e., where the aerosol generating article may be easily removed from the aerosol generating device when it is depleted of aerosol generating material so that a new aerosol generating article may be installed. To install a new aerosol generating article, it is only necessary to ensure that there is physical contact between the third and fourth electrical contacts. Power may then be supplied from the energy storage device to the aerosol generating article (e.g., to the aerosol generator) through the first and second electrical contacts, the charging PCBA, the main PCBA, and the third and fourth electrical contacts.

[0037] The housing assembly may have a first end (e.g., an upper end, where terms such as “upper” and “lower” are defined by the normal use orientation of the aerosol generating device) defined by part of the first housing part, and a second end (e.g., a lower end), opposite the first end, defined by part of the second housing part. The mouthpiece of the aerosol generating article is provided at the first end of the housing assembly when the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generator (or the heater, for example) may be positioned between the main PCBA and the first end of the housing assembly along a longitudinal axis of the housing assembly. In other words, when the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generator (or heater) of the aerosol generating article is positioned above the main PCBA and is below the first end of the housing assembly. The main PCBA may be positioned directly below the internal support assembly that supports the aerosol generating article. The main PCB may have a surface on which the main controller is mounted. A normal to the surface of the main PCB may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing assembly. The charging PCB may have a surface on which the charging controller is mounted. A normal to the surface of the charging PCB may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing assembly. The second electrical contacts may be formed on the surface of the charging PCB (i.e., on the same surface as the mounted charging controller) or an opposite

[0038] P51876WO-6870surface of the charging PCB. In particular, the second electrical contacts may be on an upper surface of the charging PCB that faces towards the first end of the housing assembly and where the charging PCB is positioned directly below the energy storage device. Alternatively, a normal to the surface of the charging PCB may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The charging PCBA may be positioned at a lower part of the second housing part, e.g., adjacent the second end of the housing assembly. Such a structure may simplify the removal of the energy storage device from the second housing assembly.

[0039] A lower part of the energy storage device may be positioned in the second housing part beside the internal support assembly and the main PCBA, for example. The lower part of the energy storage device may be supported by the second housing part. An upper part of the energy storage device may be positioned beside the aerosol generating article when it is inserted into the aerosol generating device, or otherwise beside an internal space or chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article. The internal space or chamber extends from the first opening and is sized and shaped to receive the insertable part of the aerosol generating article. The internal space or chamber may be defined mainly by the first housing part.

[0040] The main PCBA and the charging PCBA may be electrically connected by an electrical connector (e.g., one or more wires). The electrical connector may extend from the main PCBA, in particular from a connecting location of the main PCB, towards the second end of the housing assembly. The charging PCBA may be positioned between the connecting location of the main PCB and the second end of the housing assembly along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the electrical connector may extend away from the aerosol generator (or heater), or more generally may extend away from the aerosol generating article that is positioned above the main PCBA, downwardly towards the charging PCBA. This may mean that the electrical connector is less affected by the heat from the heater, for example.

[0041] The energy storage device may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid outer housing. The outer housing of the energy storage device may have a substantially rectangular cuboid shape. The first electrical contacts may be provided on an outer surface of the outer housing, e.g., on a lower end surface of the energy storage device that faces towards the charging PCBA. The energy storage device may be a pouch battery having a substantially rectangular cuboid shape.

[0042] The first housing part may comprise an air inlet that may be fluidly connected to the aerosol generating article, or to the internal space or chamber that is sized and shaped to receive the insertable part of the aerosol generating article.

[0043] P51876WO-6870The housing assembly may comprise a first side, and a second side, opposite the first side. The first side may be curved or substantially flat, for example. The second side may be curved or substantially flat, for example. The air inlet may be formed in the first side or the second side. The housing assembly may further comprise a third side extending between the first and second sides. The third side may be curved or substantially flat, for example. The housing assembly may further comprise a fourth side extending between the first and second sides, opposite the third side. The fourth side may be curved or substantially flat, for example. In one particular arrangement, the first and second sides are curved and the third and fourth sides are substantially flat, for example. The width of the first and second sides may be (significantly) less than the width of the third and fourth sides - i.e., the first and second sides may be narrower.

[0044] An edge of the first opening may have a generally curved profile and may define a notch such as a u-shaped or v-shaped notch in the third side of the housing assembly - i.e., in one of the sides that defines a main face of the housing assembly. As explained above, the third side extends between the first and second sides that define side faces of the housing assembly. The notch may be provided only in the third side of the housing assembly and may not be provided in any other side of the housing assembly. Put another way, if the first housing part has a main face and a side face, the width of the side face being less than the width of the main face, the notch is arranged only in the main face out of the main and side faces. The notch may extend into the third side along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The base part of the mouthpiece may have a corresponding generally curved profile, e.g., a u-shaped or v-shaped protrusion, where the protrusion is received in the notch when the aerosol generating article is received in the aerosol generating device.

[0045] The locking assembly may be arranged on the first side.

[0046] The locking assembly may be further arranged on the second side.

[0047] Positioning the locking assembly on the first side, and optionally also on the second side, being narrower than the third and fourth sides, may reduce the risk of the first and second housing parts being unlocked accidentally.

[0048] The locking assembly may comprise a button on one of the first and second housing parts, and an opening in the other one of the first and second housing parts. The button is aligned with the opening and may be movable between a first position where it is received through the opening to selectively lock the first and second housing parts together, and a second position

[0049] P51876WO-6870where it is not received through the opening. The button may be biased towards the first position and is selectively movable to the second position by the user against the bias.

[0050] It will be understood that when the button is in the first position, where it is received through the aligned opening in the other housing part, this prevents the first and second housing parts from being separated - i.e. , they cannot be moved apart along a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. However, when the button is in the second position, the first and second housing parts are not locked together. In other words, the first and second housing parts may be separated to provide access to the interior of the housing assembly, and to the internal components of the aerosol generating device.

[0051] The locking assembly may comprise two buttons and two aligned openings. In particular, the locking assembly may comprise a first button on one of the first and second housing parts at the first side, and a first opening in the other one of the first and second housing parts at the first side. The first button is aligned with the first opening and may be movable between a first position where it is received through the first opening to selectively lock the first and second housing parts together, and a second position where it is not received through the first opening. The first button may be biased towards the first position and is adapted to be selectively movable to the second position by the user against the bias. The locking assembly may further comprise a second button on one of the first and second housing parts at the second side, and a second opening in the other one of the first and second housing parts at the second side. The second button is aligned with the second opening and may be movable between a first position where it is received through the second opening to selectively lock the first and second housing parts together, and a second position where it is not received through the second opening. The second button may be biased towards the first position and is adapted to be selectively movable to the second position by the user against the bias.

[0052] The user may need to bias both buttons to the second position to unlock the first and second housing parts so that they may be separated to provide access to the internal components of the aerosol generating device. This reduces the risk of the first and second housing parts being unlocked accidentally.

[0053] Each button may be biased by a suitable biasing member, e.g., a spring or resilient member, which in one arrangement may be a resilient connection between the button and the respective housing part. A gap may be provided behind each button to permit sufficient movement for the button to be removed from the respective opening in the other housing part to unlock the first and second housing parts.

[0054] P51876WO-6870In one arrangement, the second housing part may comprise a flange part that may be received in the second opening of the first housing part. Each button may be provided on the flange part of the second housing part. Each aligned opening may be provided in the first housing part - and more specifically in a skirt part of the first housing part that overlaps with the flange part when the first and second housing parts are locked together, and which skirt part defines the second opening of the first housing part.

[0055] The locking assembly may comprise a snap-fit or press-fit locking assembly.

[0056] The locking assembly may comprise a protrusion on one of the first and second housing parts, and a groove or channel on the other one of the first and second housing parts. The protrusion is aligned with the groove or channel. The protrusion is receivable in the groove or channel to selectively lock the first and second housing parts together.

[0057] If the housing assembly comprises a first side, and a second side, opposite the first side, the locking assembly may comprise a first protrusion on one of the first and second housing parts at the first side, and a first groove or channel on the other one of the first and second housing parts at the first side. The first protrusion is aligned with the first groove or channel. The first protrusion is receivable in the first groove or channel to selectively lock the first and second housing parts together. The locking assembly further comprises a second protrusion on one of the first and second housing parts at the second side, and a second groove or channel on the other one of the first and second housing parts at the second side. The second protrusion is aligned with the second groove or channel. The second protrusion is receivable in the second groove or channel to selectively lock the first and second housing parts together.

[0058] In one arrangement, the second housing part may comprise a flange part that may be received in the second opening of the first housing part. Each protrusion may be provided on the outer surface of the flange part of the second housing part. Each aligned groove or channel may be provided in the first housing part - and more specifically on the inner surface of a skirt part of the first housing part that overlaps with the flange part when the first and second housing parts are locked together, and which skirt part defines the second opening of the first housing part. Alternatively, each protrusion may be provided on the inner surface of the skirt part of the first housing part, and each aligned groove or channel may be provided in the outer surface of the flange part of the second housing part.

[0059] Once the first and second housing parts are unlocked - e.g., by pressing each button or disengaging each protrusion from the groove or channel - the first and second housing parts may be separated from each other to provide access to the internal components of the

[0060] P51876WO-6870aerosol generating device. In particular, the degraded energy storage device may be removed from the second housing part and a new energy storage device may be installed in its place. It also allows any other faulty or degraded components to be replaced if appropriate. The energy storage device may be removed from the second housing part along a removing direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The new energy storage device may be inserted into the second housing part along an inserting direction, opposite to the removing direction.

[0061] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0062] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, showing the front side of the aerosol generating device;

[0063] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating system of Figure 1 showing the rear side of the aerosol generating device’

[0064] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating system of Figure 1 showing the aerosol generating article separately from the aerosol generating device;

[0065] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating system of Figure 1 showing the first and second housing parts unlocked;

[0066] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing part of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 ; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing part of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 ; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view showing part of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 ; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of a rechargeable battery;

[0067] Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article showing the first and second housing parts unlocked;

[0068] Figure 10 is diagrammatic detail view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 9;

[0069] Figure 11 is a diagrammatic detail view of the interior of the first housing part of the aerosol generating device of Figure 9; and

[0070] Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, showing the front side of the aerosol generating device.

[0071] Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0072] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown diagrammatically an example of an aerosol generating system 1. The aerosol generating system 1 comprises an aerosol

[0074] P51876WO-6870generating device 2 and an aerosol generating article 4 for use with the aerosol generating device 2. The aerosol generating device 2 comprises a body or housing assembly 6 and is sized to be comfortably held by a user unaided, in a single hand.

[0075] The housing assembly 6 is a two-part housing with a first housing part 8 and a second housing part 10.

[0076] As shown more clearly in Figure 3, the aerosol generating article 4 includes an aerosol generator 12 adapted to heat aerosol generating material (not shown) to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol generator 12 may include a heater (not shown). The aerosol may be inhaled by a user through a mouthpiece 14 of the aerosol generating article 4. The aerosol generating article 4 also includes an insertable part 16, i.e., that part of the aerosol generating article 4 that is received in the aerosol generating device 2 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. A shoulder 18 is formed at the junction between the insertable part 16 and a base part 14a of the mouthpiece 14 having a larger cross section.

[0077] A top part 14b of the mouthpiece 14, opposite the base part 14a, includes at least one opening 20 through which the generated aerosol may be inhaled by the user.

[0078] The aerosol generating article 4 is received in a first opening 22 in the upper end 6a of the housing assembly 6 - i.e., at an upper end 8a of the first housing part 8. In particular, the first opening 22 is sized and shaped to receive the insertable part 16 of the aerosol generating article 4. The insertable part 16 of the aerosol generating article 4 is positioned in a space or chamber within the first housing part 8. A lower end 8b of the first housing part 8 defines a second opening 24.

[0079] The second housing part 10 has a lower end 10a that defines a lower end 6b of the housing assembly 6. A flange part 26 is provided at an upper end 10b of the second housing part 10. The lower end 8b of the first housing part 8 is formed as a skirt part 28 that overlaps with the flange part 26 when the first and second housing parts 8, 10 are locked together.

[0080] A support structure 30 is positioned in, and supported by, the second housing part 10 as shown in Figures 5 to 7. The support structure 30 includes an upper support surface 32 for supporting the lower end surface 16a of the insertable part 16 when the aerosol generating article 4 is received in the aerosol generating device 2. A pair of electrical contacts 34 (or pins) are provided at the support surface 32. A corresponding pair of electrical contacts 36 are provided on the lower end surface 16a of the insertable part 16. It will be understood that

[0081] P51876WO-6870any suitable number of electrical contacts may be provided on the support surface 32 and the insertable part 16 of the aerosol generating article 4.

[0082] A rechargeable battery 38 is positioned in, and supported by, the second housing part 10. The battery 38 includes a rigid or semi-rigid housing 40. Three electrical contacts 42 are provided on the lower end surface 40a of the housing 40 as shown in Figure 8. It will be understood that any suitable number of electrical contacts may be provided on the housing 40.

[0083] Referring to Figure 7, a main printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 44 includes a main printed circuit board (PCB) 46 on a surface of which a main controller (not shown) is mounted. The main PCBA 44 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts 34 at the support surface 32 of the support structure 30. The main PCBA 44 is positioned directly below the support structure 30. Most of the main PCBA 44 is positioned within the second housing part 10 - i.e. , is below the upper edge of the flange part 26, but an upper part of the main PCBA 44 extends about the flange part 26. A normal of the main PCB 46 is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 48 of the housing assembly 6.

[0084] A charging PCBA 50 includes a charging PCB 52 on a surface of which a charging controller (not shown) is mounted. The charging PCBA 52 is electrically connected to the main PCBA 44 by wires 54. In particular, the wires 54 are connected to the main PBCA 44 at a connecting location 56 and extend downwardly away from the support structure 30 towards the charging PCBA 50. The charging PCBA 50 is positioned at the base of the second housing part 10 directly underneath the battery 38. Three electrical contacts 58 are provided on an upper surface of the charging PCB 52. The electrical contacts 58 may be resilient or spring contacts, for example. It will be understood that any suitable number of electrical contacts may be provided on the charging PCB 52.

[0085] The electrical contacts 42, 58 provide an electrical connection between the battery 38 and the charging PCBA 50 when the battery 38 is received in the housing assembly 6. This may provide a safe and convenient way to provide an electrical connection between the charging PCBA 50 and the battery 38 that allows the battery 38 to be replaced - i.e., where the battery 38 may be easily removed from the aerosol generating device 2 when it is degraded so that a new battery may be installed. To install a new battery 38, it is only necessary to ensure that there is physical contact between the electrical contacts 42, 58. The battery 38 may be biased towards the charging PCBA 50 to maintain physical and electrical contact between the electrical contacts 42, 58.

[0086] P51876WO-6870The electrical contacts 34, 36 provide an electrical connection between the aerosol generating article 4 (e.g., the aerosol generator 12) and the main PCBA 44 when the aerosol generating article 4 is received in the aerosol generating device 2. This may provide a safe and convenient way to provide an electrical connection between the aerosol generating article 4 and the main PCBA 44 that allows the aerosol generating article 4 to be replaced - i.e., where the aerosol generating article 4 may be easily removed from the aerosol generating device 2 when it is depleted of aerosol generating material so that a new aerosol generating article may be installed. To install a new aerosol generating article 4, it is only necessary to ensure that there is physical contact between the electrical contacts 34, 36. Power may then be supplied from the battery 38 to the aerosol generating article 4 (e.g., to the aerosol generator 12) through the electrical contacts 42, 58, the charging PCBA 50, the main PCBA 44, and the electrical contacts 34, 36.

[0087] The housing assembly 6 is therefore adapted to removably receive the aerosol generating article 4 and the battery 38.

[0088] The first housing part 8 includes an air inlet 60 that is fluidly connected to the aerosol generating article 2, or the internal space or chamber that is sized and shaped to receive the insertable part 16 of the aerosol generating article 4 as described above.

[0089] A locking assembly 62A of the aerosol generating device 2 is adapted to selectively lock the first and second housing parts 8, 10 together with the second housing part 10 closing the second opening 24.

[0090] The housing assembly includes curved first and second sides 64, 66 and substantially flat third and fourth sides 68, 70.

[0091] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, the locking assembly 62A includes a first button 72 on the flange part 26 of the second housing part 10 at the first side 64, and a first opening 74 in the skirt part 28 of the first housing part 8 at the first side 64. The first button 72 is aligned with the first opening 74 and is movable between a first position where it is received through the first opening 74 to selectively lock the first and second housing parts 8, 10 together, and a second position where it is not received through the first opening 74. The first button 72 is biased towards the first position and is adapted to be selectively movable to the second position by the user against the bias. The locking assembly 62A also includes a second button 76 on the flange part 26 of the second housing part 10 at the second side 66, and a second opening 78 in the skirt part 28 of the first housing part 8 at the second side 66. The second button 76 is aligned with the second opening 78 and is movable between a first position where it is

[0092] P51876WO-6870received through the second opening 78 to selectively lock the first and second housing parts 8, 10 together, and a second position where it is not received through the second opening 78. The second button 76 is biased towards the first position and is adapted to be selectively movable to the second position by the user against the bias.

[0093] The user needs to bias both the first and second buttons 72, 76 to the second position to unlock the first and second housing parts 8, 10 so that they may be separated to provide access to the internal components of the aerosol generating device 2. This reduces the risk of the first and second housing parts 8, 10 being unlocked accidentally.

[0094] Each of the first and second buttons 72, 76 is biased by a suitable biasing member, e.g., a spring or resilient member, which in the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 7 is a resilient connection 80 (shown schematically in Figure 6) between the button and the flange part 26.

[0095] It will be readily understood that in an alternative arrangement, the first and second buttons may be provided on the first housing part 8 and the aligned openings may be provided in the second housing part 10. The second button and second opening may also be omitted in some arrangements.

[0096] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, the locking assembly 62B is a snap-fit or press-fit locking assembly. A pair of protrusions 82 are provided on the outer surface of the flange part 26 at the first and second sides 64, 66. (Although only one protrusion is shown in Figures 9 and 10, it will be readily understood that an identical protrusion is provided at the other side of the flange part 26.) A pair of aligned grooves or channels 84 are provided in the inner surface of the skirt part 28 of the first housing part 8 at the first and second sides 64, 66. It will be readily understood that in an alternative arrangement, the protrusions may be provided on the inner surface of the skirt part 28 and the grooves or channels may be provided in the outer surface of the flange part 26.

[0097] Once the first and second housing parts 8, 10 are unlocked - e.g., by pressing each button 72, 76 or disengaging each protrusion 82 from the groove or channel 84 - the first and second housing parts 8, 10 may be separated from each other to provide access to the internal components of the aerosol generating device 2. In particular, the first and second housing parts 8, 10 may be moved apart along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 48. If the battery 38 is degraded, it may be removed from the second housing part 10 and a new battery may be installed in its place. Any other faulty or degraded component may also be replaced if appropriate. The battery 38 may be removed from the second housing part 10 along a removing direction that is substantially parallel to the

[0098] P51876WO-6870longitudinal axis 48 of the aerosol generating device 2. The new battery may be inserted into the second housing part 10 along an inserting direction, opposite to the removing direction.

[0099] Referring to Figure 12 there is shown diagrammatically another example of an aerosol generating system 1. The aerosol generating system 1 comprises an aerosol generating device 2 and an aerosol generating article 4 for use with the aerosol generating device 2. An edge of the first opening 22 has a generally curved profile and defines a u-shaped notch 68a in the third side 68 of the housing assembly 6. The notch 68a does not extend to the adjacent second side 66. The base part 14a of the mouthpiece 14 has a corresponding generally curved profile, e.g., a u-shaped or v-shaped protrusion 14c. The protrusion 14c is received in the notch 68a when the aerosol generating article 4 is received in the aerosol generating device 2 as shown in Figure 12.

[0100] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0101] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0102] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0103] P51876WO-6870

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol generating system (1) comprising:an aerosol generating article (4) comprising:an insertable part (16) comprising an aerosol generator (12) adapted to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user, anda mouthpiece (14) adapted to guide the generated aerosol, wherein a shoulder (18) is formed at the junction between the insertable part (16) and a base part (14a) of the mouthpiece (14) having a larger cross section; and an aerosol generating device (2) comprising:a removable energy storage device (38) adapted to supply power to the aerosol generator (12); anda housing assembly (6) adapted to removably receive the aerosol generating article (4) and the energy storage device (38), the housing assembly (6) comprising:a first housing part (8) comprising:a first opening (22) sized and shaped to receive the insertable part (16) of the aerosol generating article (4) so that the aerosol generating article (4) may be inserted into the first housing part (8), and removed from the first housing part (8), through the first opening (22), anda second opening (24),a second housing part (10) removably connected to the first housing part (8), anda locking assembly (62A; 62B) adapted to selectively lock the first and second housing parts (8, 10) together with the second housing part (10) closing the second opening (24).

2. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising:a main printed circuit board assembly PCBA (44) comprising a main printed circuit board PCB (46) on which a main controller is mounted; anda charging PCBA (50) comprising a charging PCB (52) on which a charging controller is mounted;wherein the main PCBA (44) and the charging PCBA (50) are at least partially positioned in the second housing part (10).

3. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the energy storage device (38) comprises one or more first electrical contacts (42), and wherein the charging PCBA (50) comprises one or more second electrical contacts (58) electrically connectable toP51876WO-6870the first electrical contacts (42) of the energy storage device (38) when the energy storage device (38) is at least partially received in the second housing part (10).

4. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the housing assembly (6) has a first end (6a) defined by part of the first housing part (8), and a second end (6b), opposite the first end (6a), defined by part of the second housing part (10), wherein the aerosol generator (12) is positioned between the main PCBA (44) and the first end (6a) along a longitudinal axis (48) of the housing assembly (6).

5. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the main PCBA (44) and the charging PCBA (50) are electrically connected by an electrical connector (54) extending from the main PCBA (44) towards the second end (6b) of the housing assembly (6).

6. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the energy storage device (38) comprises a rigid or semi-rigid outer housing (40).

7. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing assembly (6) comprises a first side (64), and a second side (66), opposite the first side (64), and wherein the locking assembly (62A; 62B) is arranged on the first side (64), and optionally on the second side (66).

8. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the housing assembly (6) further comprises a third side (68) extending between the first side (64) and the second side (66), and wherein an edge of the first opening (22) has a generally curved profile and defines a notch (68a) in the third side (68).

9. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking assembly (62A) comprises a button (72) on one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10), and an opening (74) in the other one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10), wherein the button (72) is aligned with the opening (74) and is movable between a first position where it is received through the opening (74) to selectively lock the first and second housing parts (8, 10) together, and a second position where it is not received through the opening (74), wherein the button (72) is biased towards the first position and is selectively movable to the second position by the user against the bias.

10. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing assembly (6) comprises a first side (64), and a second side (66), opposite the firstP51876WO-6870- 18 -side (64), wherein the locking assembly (62A) comprises a first button (72) on one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10) at the first side (64), and a first opening (74) in the other one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10) at the first side (64), wherein the first button (72) is aligned with the first opening (74) and is movable between a first position where it is received through the first opening (74) to selectively lock the first and second housing parts (8, 10) together, and a second position where it is not received through the first opening (74), wherein the first button (72) is biased towards the first position and is adapted to be selectively movable to the second position by the user against the bias, wherein the locking assembly (62A) further comprises a second button (76) on one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10) at the second side (66), and a second opening (78) in the other one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10) at the second side (66), wherein the second button (76) is aligned with the second opening (78) and is movable between a first position where it is received through the second opening (78) to selectively lock the first and second housing parts (8, 10) together, and a second position where it is not received through the second opening (78), wherein the second button (76) is biased towards the first position and is adapted to be selectively movable to the second position by the user against the bias.

11. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking assembly (62B) comprises a snap-fit locking assembly.

12. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the locking assembly (62B) comprises a protrusion (82) on one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10), and a groove or channel (84) on the other one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10), wherein the protrusion (82) is aligned with the groove or channel (84), and wherein the protrusion (82) is receivable in the groove or channel (84) to selectively lock the first and second housing parts (8, 10) together.

13. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing assembly (6) comprises a first side (64), and a second side (66), opposite the first side (64), wherein the locking assembly (62A) comprises a first protrusion (82) on one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10) at the first side (64), and a first groove or channel (84) on the other one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10) at the first side (64), wherein the first protrusion (82) is aligned with the first groove or channel (84), and wherein the first protrusion (82) is receivable in the first groove or channel (84) to selectively lock the first and second housing parts (8, 10) together, wherein the locking assembly (62B) further comprises a second protrusion (82) on one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10) at the second side (66), and a second groove or channel (84) on the other one of the first and second housing parts (8, 10) at the second side (66), wherein the second protrusion (82) is alignedP51876WO-6870with the second groove or channel (84), and wherein the second protrusion (82) is receivable in the second groove or channel (84) to selectively lock the first and second housing parts (8, 10) together.P51876WO-6870

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