electrical system

专利摘要:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM The present invention relates to an electrical system comprising a primary device and a secondary device. The primary device comprises: a source of electrical energy; a cavity configured to receive the secondary device; at least one electrical contact within the cavity configured to make contact with a corresponding contact on the secondary device when the secondary device is in the cavity, the at least one electrical contact being electrically connected to the electrical power source; and at least one data contact configured to transfer data between the primary device and the secondary device; wherein, the secondary device is switched to the cavity of the primary device. The secondary device can be an aerosol generating device and the primary device can be a charging device for charging the aerosol generating device. The secondary device may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape.
公开号:BR112014016266B1
申请号:R112014016266-2
申请日:2012-12-28
公开日:2020-11-10
发明作者:Olivier Greim；Julien Plojoux；Dani Ruscio；Laurent Manca
申请人:Philip Morris Products S.A.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical systems in which a secondary device having a rechargeable electrical power source is recharged by a primary device. In particular, the invention relates to a system that comprises a portable aerosol generating device that is connectable to a primary power supply device.
[0002] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating device with a polygonal cross section and, in particular, an aerosol generating device with an external cross section defined by a shape having at least 5 sides. The invention further relates to an aerosol generating device that is adapted to resist rolling. The invention also relates more generally to shaped aerosol generating devices.
[0003] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating device having a stepped or tapered coupling portion for coupling to a loading device and a system comprising the aerosol generating device and a device charge to receive the aerosol generating device.
[0004] The invention also relates to a system comprising the aerosol generating device and a charging device for receiving the aerosol generating device.
[0005] An example of an electrical system that has a portable device and a primary charging device is an electrically operated smoking system. Electrically operated smoking systems significantly reduce sidestream smoke, compared to end-lit smoking devices, while allowing a consumer to selectively activate the smoking system during the smoking experience. Electrically operated smoking systems typically include an aerosol generating device that has a housing for receiving an aerosol generating article or a smoking article, heating elements for generating an aerosol, a power source and the necessary electronic circuit. The circuit can be, for example, the circuit for controlling the heating and charging of the aerosol generating device. Having a portable device and a primary charge device offers the advantage of a small aerosol generating device which is the portable device that is easy to hold and use, but also the ability to quickly and conveniently recharge the aerosol for repeated use.
[0006] It is an objective of the invention to provide the improved operation of this type of electrical system.
[0007] The goal of smoking articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned is to reduce the known harmful smoke constituents produced by the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes . Typically, in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol forming material or substrate, which can be located inside, around or downstream of the heat source. When smoking, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by transferring heat from the heat source and entrained in the aspirated air through the smoking article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.
[0008] Various prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming or smoking heated smoking articles. Such devices include, for example, heated smoking systems and electrically heated smoking systems and smoking articles containing an aerosol generating substrate based on tobacco consumed using such systems.
[0009] It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that is capable of dissipating excess heat generated by the device during use. It may also be desirable to provide such an aerosol generating device that is ergonomic to hold in use. It may also be desirable to provide such a device that remains stationary while not in use, for example, an aerosol generating device that resists rolling when deposited on a flat surface. A user may wish to place the device on a flat surface such as a table and, if the device rolls, it may fall to the floor and be damaged. In addition, any aerosol-generating articles in the process of being consumed can become dirty and need to be replaced.
[0010] It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and a secondary device for charging the aerosol generating device which reduces the possibility of incorrectly connecting the aerosol generating device to the secondary device. The provision of such a loading device allows the aerosol generating device to be smaller and lighter. The charging device may also provide a means for storing information regarding the use of the aerosol generating device that is downloaded from the aerosol generating device when coupled with the charging device. If the connections between the connections of an aerosol generating device are incorrectly coupled to the contacts of a secondary device, such as a charging device, damage to the electronics within one or both devices can be caused.
[0011] It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and a secondary device for charging the aerosol generating device which facilitates the act of connecting the aerosol generating device to the secondary device .
[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electrical system is provided that comprises a primary device and a secondary device. The primary device comprises: a source of electrical energy; a cavity configured to receive the secondary device; at least one electrical contact within the cavity configured to make contact with a corresponding contact on the secondary device when the secondary device is in the cavity, the at least one electrical contact being electrically connected to the electrical power source; and at least one data contact configured to transfer data between the primary device and the secondary device. The secondary device is switched to the cavity of the primary device.
[0013] Preferably, the switching comprises the cavity that has a non-regular cross-sectional shape and the secondary device that has a corresponding non-regular cross-sectional shape. The non-regular cross-sectional shape of the cavity may comprise a projection for the switching with the non-regular cross-sectional shape of the secondary device that has a slit. Alternatively, the non-regular cross-sectional shape of the cavity may comprise a keying slot with the non-regular cross-sectional shape of the secondary device having a protrusion.
[0014] Preferably, the secondary device comprises a coupling portion for coupling the secondary device to at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact, wherein the coupling portion is staggered or tapered. The staggered or tapered portion can extend between 5% and 20% of the length of the secondary device. The coupling portion may have a cross-section which is non-circular, for example, polygonal.
[0015] Preferably, the primary device additionally comprises a movable cover between a first position to retain the secondary device in contact with at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact and a second position in which the secondary device is free to move out of contact with at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact. The primary device can be configured to prevent power supply to the secondary device through at least one electrical contact when the cover is not in the first position. In the first position, the cover may incite the secondary device in contact with at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact. At least one of at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact preferably comprises a resistant element configured to incite the secondary device towards the lid when the secondary device is positioned in the cavity.
[0016] The lid may comprise at least one orifice that allows material to escape from the cavity when the secondary device is in the cavity and the lid is in the first position.
[0017] Preferably, the source of electrical energy in the primary device comprises a rechargeable battery.
[0018] Preferably, the secondary device is an electrically heated aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a rechargeable energy source. The primary device can be configured to supply power to the secondary device in a manner suitable for recharging the rechargeable battery in the secondary device when the secondary device is in contact with at least one electrical contact.
[0019] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, an electrical system is provided that comprises a primary device and a secondary device, wherein the primary device comprises: a source of electrical energy; a cavity configured to receive the secondary device; at least one electrical contact within the cavity configured to make contact with a corresponding contact on the secondary device when the secondary device is in the cavity, the at least one electrical contact being electrically connected to the electrical power source; and a movable cover between a first position to hold the secondary device in contact with at least one electrical contact and a second position in which the secondary device is free to move out of contact with the at least one electrical contact.
[0020] Such a system advantageously allows reliable and efficient charging of the secondary device through guaranteed electrical contact between the primary device and the secondary device.
[0021] The primary device is preferably configured to prevent power supply to the secondary device through at least one electrical contact when the cover is not in the first position. By preventing the supply of power to the secondary device when the cover is not in the first position, the use of the secondary device when power is being supplied to the secondary device can be prevented.
[0022] The primary device can be configured to prevent the supply of energy to the secondary device ensuring a very high resistance between at least one electrical contact and the secondary device when the cover is not in the first position. The primary device can be configured to prevent contact between at least one electrical contact and the secondary device when the cover is not in the first position. The primary device can be configured to prevent a complete electrical connection from being made between the primary device and the secondary device when the cover is not in the first position. By complete electrical connection it must be understood that electricity has the capacity to flow between the primary device and the secondary device.
[0023] In an alternative, the cover preferably comprises a means to prevent power supply to the secondary device when the cover is not in the first position. Preferably, the energy preventing means comprises a switch. The switch can be a physical contact switch adapted to be closed when the cover is in the first position. The switch is in electrical connection with the power supply and allows the supply of energy to the secondary device when in the closed position. The switch can be a blade switch, where the blade switch is provided in the primary device adjacent to the cavity opening, and the activation magnet is provided in the cover. The magnet is positioned on the cover so that when the cover is in the first position, the magnet activates the blade switch allowing the power supply to the secondary device. Alternatively, a Hall Effect transducer can be used. In this alternative, the Hall Effect transducer is positioned on the primary device adjacent to the cavity opening. A magnet is provided on the cover so that when the cover is in the first position, the magnet activates the Hall Effect transducer allowing the power supply to the secondary device.
[0024] Preferably, in the first position, the cover incites the secondary device in contact with at least one electrical contact. By inciting the secondary device in contact with at least one electrical contact, the electrical resistance between the contact and the secondary device can be significantly reduced and, consequently, allow energy supply to the secondary device.
[0025] As used in this document, the term "inciting" or "inciting" means that a force is applied by one component to another component.
[0026] As used in this document, the term "resistant element" refers to an element that can be deformed or deflected by an applied force, but that has the ability to return to its original position or state after the applied force is removed. When a resistant element is deformed or deflected by a force applied by a component that moves towards the resistant element, the resistant element generates a reaction force that incites the component to move away from the resistant element. Examples of resistant elements include coil springs and cantilever springs.
[0027] Preferably, the electrical system additionally comprises at least one resistant element configured to incite the secondary device towards the cover when the secondary device is positioned in the cavity. Preferably, the at least one resistant element is configured to incite the secondary device towards the lid when the lid is in the first position. Preferably, the at least one resistant element is not configured to incite the secondary device towards the lid when the lid is in the second position. The resistant element can be configured to at least partially urge the secondary device out of the cavity when the cap is in the second position. By inciting the secondary device at least partially out of the cavity, the secondary device can be removed more easily from the primary device. The at least one electrical contact is preferably the at least one resistant element.
[0028] Preferably, the cavity is an elongated cavity that extends from the top of the primary device. The length of the cavity from the open end to the closed end thereof is preferably at least as long as the secondary device.
[0029] Preferably, the electrical system additionally comprises a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to the source of electrical energy. The electrical system can comprise two electrical contacts, a first electrical contact is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply and a second electrical contact is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply.
[0030] In an additional alternative, the power supply is prevented by providing a resistant mobile electrical contact and a non-mobile electrical contact. The mobile electrical contact is configured to prevent the second non-mobile electrical contact from engaging the secondary device when a cover is not in the first position. This prevents the formation of a complete electrical connection until the cover is closed.
[0031] The electrical contacts are preferably made of metal. Preferably, the metal used to make the electrical contacts is beryllium copper. Preferably, at least a portion of the electrical contact is gold plated.
[0032] Preferably, the source of electrical energy comprises a rechargeable battery. Preferably, the primary device comprises means for receiving external electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable battery.
[0033] Preferably, the electrical power supply device is configured to supply power to the secondary device in a manner suitable for recharging a secondary battery in the secondary device.
[0034] The first position of the cover is preferably a closed position and the second position of the cover is preferably an open position. When the lid is in the closed position, access to the secondary device is preferentially and substantially prevented. In addition, when the lid is in the closed position, preferably, the secondary device cannot be removed from the primary device.
[0035] Preferably, the primary device additionally comprises a housing, in which the lid is attached to the housing in both the first and the second position.
[0036] The housing preferably comprises a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, a top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall.
[0037] The terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "top", "bottom", "left", "right" and other terms used to describe the relative positions of components of the primary device and the secondary device refer to the primary device in a vertical position with the cavity opening configured to receive the secondary device at the top end.
[0038] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction from the bottom to the top or vice versa. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0039] The primary device may be a substantially rectangular parallelepiped comprising two wider walls separated by two narrower side walls and top and bottom walls. The secondary device is preferably elongated.
[0040] The lid is preferably a hinged lid. Preferably, the hinge extends through the top of the housing from the front wall to the rear wall. The hinge can comprise a spring configured to retain the cover in the first position. The hinge may also comprise a damper configured to cushion the movement of the lid when the lid is moved from the second position to the first position. Alternatively, the hinge can comprise a spring configured to retain the cover in the second position. In this alternative, the lid is preferably provided with means for retaining the lid in the first position, the retaining means being configured to provide sufficient force to overcome the force applied to the lid by the spring.
[0041] The retaining means can comprise at least one magnet and at least one corresponding ferrous element. The at least one magnet is provided in the housing of the primary device and the ferrous element is provided in the cover. Alternatively, the retaining means may be a latch type arrangement.
[0042] The hinged cover can form the entire top of the housing. In this alternative, the hinge can be internal to the cover and adjacent to a side wall of the housing.
[0043] Preferably, the secondary device is an electrically heated aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device is designed to receive an aerosol generating article and to be held by a user during the smoking experience. A power supply is preferably provided in the secondary device and is adapted to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to the operating temperature before aerosol generation begins. The power supply in the secondary device is also adapted to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate during aerosol generation. The source of electrical power in the primary device is preferably used to charge the secondary power source during a charging mode when the secondary device is not in use.
[0044] The secondary device, in the form of an electrically heated aerosol generating device, is preferably of a similar or slightly larger size than a lit end cigarette. Consequently, the secondary unit can be held between the user's fingers in a manner similar to a lit end cigarette.
[0045] Preferably, the secondary device comprises an electric heating element and the primary device is configured to be able to supply energy to the secondary device when the lid is in the first position to heat the electric heating element to thermally release adhered organic materials or deposited on the heating element. In use, an aerosol generating article is provided in the secondary device, in the form of an aerosol generating substrate. When the aerosol generating article is removed from the secondary device, it can leave residue in the heater of the secondary device and by heating the electric heater to a temperature sufficient to release that organic residue the heater can be cleaned. This operation can be performed by the user who activates a switch on the primary device, or after a predetermined number of loads on the secondary device, or both.
[0046] The presence of residue or organic material in a heating element can hinder the user experience when consuming aerosol-generating articles such as smoking articles. Consequently, it may be preferable that the heater or heating elements of an aerosol generating device (i.e., a secondary device) are cleaned regularly. The primary device or the aerosol generating device may comprise an indicator that warns a user that the device must undergo a cleaning cycle. A controller located on the aerosol generating device or on the primary device can determine when the device has undergone a predetermined number of smoking cycles without undergoing a cleaning cycle and can activate the indicator. If the user does not activate a cleaning cycle within a predetermined number of smoking cycles after the indicator has been activated, the user may be prevented from consuming additional items before a cleaning cycle is carried out. Such a cleaning cycle may need to be activated manually or it may occur automatically when the aerosol generating device is loaded into the primary device after the cleaning need has been determined. By preventing the operation of the aerosol generating device when there is a need for cleaning, a more pleasant user experience can be delivered more consistently.
[0047] Preferably, the lid comprises at least one orifice that allows material to escape from the cavity when the secondary device is in the cavity and the lid is in the first position. The orifice is preferably configured to allow the release of the released organic material. The provision of at least one hole in the cover advantageously allows ventilation of the cavity within the primary device to reduce the accumulation of deposits.
[0048] Preferably, the secondary device is configured to operate in at least three modes. The at least three modes are preferably a charging mode, a cleaning mode and an operating mode. The charging mode and the cleaning mode are preferably only accessible when the secondary device is inside the primary device and the cover is in the first position. The mode of operation, that is, aerosol generation is preferably only available when the secondary device is not inside the primary device.
[0049] Preferably, the secondary device comprises a rechargeable battery and the primary device is configured to supply power to the secondary device in a manner suitable for recharging the rechargeable battery in the secondary device when the secondary device is in contact with at least one contact electric.
[0050] Preferably, the secondary power supply is chargeable by the primary power supply, during charge mode, so that the secondary power supply has sufficient charge to maintain the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate at substantially the operating temperature. during smoking. If an optimum temperature is not reached then the quantity and quality of an aerosol generated during the operation of the device can be decreased. For example, different proportions of volatile elements can be generated when the heating element heats an aerosol-forming substrate to a lower temperature compared to when the substrate is heated to an optimum temperature, and this can alter the flavor of the aerosol. In order to deliver a consistent and more optimal user experience, it may be preferable that the secondary device can be operated only when the secondary power supply is in a fully charged condition. In the fully charged condition, the secondary power supply must always be able to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to an optimum temperature. As every operation of the secondary device will consume power from the secondary power supply, it may be preferable that the secondary device needs to be recharged before each operation. For example, an aerosol generating device may be required to be recharged after every act before another smoking article can be consumed.
[0051] Insufficient charge can also result in an unsatisfactory user experience if the secondary device fails to have sufficient charge to heat the aerosol generating substrate for a period of time sufficient to spend or substantially deplete the substrate of any aerosol that may be formed. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the secondary device will prevent a user from starting operation of the device unless sufficient energy is available to complete an aerosol generation cycle. For example, if aerosol generation is a smoking article that includes a tobacco-based aerosol generation substrate, the secondary device may not allow a smoking experience unless sufficient energy is present to maintain an operating temperature for at least 6 minutes.
[0052] Preferably, the supply of electrical energy from the primary power source to the at least one heating element, during a preheating mode, is controlled by the secondary circuit in the secondary device. The supply of electrical power from the primary power source, during charging mode, to charge the secondary power supply, can be controlled by the secondary circuit on the secondary device.
[0053] The secondary device can be keyed to the cavity of the primary device so that only a secondary device compatible with the primary device can be inserted into the cavity. The effect of switching the secondary device to the cavity of the primary device, the cavity can be provided with a specific non-regular shape, and the secondary device can be provided with a corresponding non-regular shape. In addition, to ensure that the secondary device is inserted into the cavity in the correct orientation, the non-regular shape is preferably rotationally non-symmetrical. As such, the secondary device can only be inserted into the cavity in one orientation.
[0054] The primary device can additionally comprise at least one contact configured to transfer data between the primary device and the secondary device. Preferably, the primary device additionally comprises at least two contacts configured to transfer data between the primary device and the secondary device. The primary device is preferably configured only to transfer data to the secondary device, or to receive data from it, when the cover is in the first position.
[0055] The at least one data transfer contact is preferably a resistant element. Preferably, the at least one data transfer contact is configured to prevent power supply to the secondary device when a cover is not in the first position. The at least one sturdy data transfer contact is preferably movable from a first neutral position when the cover is in the second position, where the at least one electrical contact from the power supply is not engaged with the secondary device, to a second bypassed position. when the cover is in the first position, where the at least one electrical data contact and the at least one electrical power supply contact are each in electrical contact with the secondary device.
[0056] Data can be communicated both between the primary and secondary device, as well as from the primary device to a computer interface that is capable of being read by a computer or other electronic device that is capable of transferring data to a computer or to the internet. Preferably, the data connection operates under an interface standard. An interface standard is a standard that describes one or more functional characteristics, such as code conversion, line assignment, or protocol compliance or physical characteristics, such as electrical, mechanical or optical characteristics, necessary to allow the exchange of information between two or more systems or pieces of equipment. Examples of suitable interface standards for the communications link include, but are not limited to, the Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) family of standards; USB; Bluetooth; FireWire (a brand of Apple, Inc for its IEEE 1394 interface), IrDA (Infrared Data Association - a communications standard for short-range exchange of data for infrared light); Zigbee (a specification based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for wireless personal area networks) and other Wi-Fi standards.
[0057] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical system is provided that comprises a primary device and a secondary device, wherein the primary device comprises: a source of electrical energy; a cavity configured to receive the secondary device; at least one electrical contact within the cavity configured to make contact with a corresponding contact on the secondary device when the secondary device is in the cavity, the at least one electrical contact being electrically connected to the electrical power source; and a movable cap between a first position to hold the secondary device in the cavity and a second position where the secondary device is free to move out of the cavity, where the cap comprises at least one hole that allows material to escape from the cavity. cavity when the lid is in the first position.
[0058] The cover can be retained in the first position by mechanical means, such as a lock, or by magnetic locking means. The cover can be retained in the first position by means of a spring closing force. For example, the cover may have a hinge that incorporates a locking mechanism. It may be preferable for the cover to have a hinge that incorporates a cushioning mechanism to help prevent damage to the cover as the cover moves between the first position and the second position. The lid can therefore have a hinge that incorporates a rotary damper or a barrel damper mechanism.
[0059] Still in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided which comprises an aerosol forming substrate and an electrical system as described in the present document. The secondary device is an aerosol generating device that is configured to receive the aerosol-forming substrate. The cap is prevented from moving to the first position when the secondary device is in the cavity and the aerosol forming substrate is received in the secondary device.
[0060] According to a still further aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, which comprises a heating element for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol; a rechargeable battery attached to the heating element and configured to supply energy to the heating element; and a controller coupled to the rechargeable battery, the controller being configured to prevent activation of the heating element unless the rechargeable battery is charged above a predetermined threshold level. The elements comprised in the aerosol generating device are preferably retained within a housing that also defines a substrate receiving chamber for receiving and placing an aerosol-forming substrate in proximity or in contact with the heating element. It may be advantageous for the aerosol forming substrate to be a component element of an aerosol generating article configured to be received in the substrate receiving cavity.
[0061] In an aerosol generating device, the controller is configured to prevent the heating element from operating for a predetermined period after the heating element is activated. Alternatively or in addition, the controller can be configured to prevent the heating element from operating based on a charge level of the rechargeable battery or based on an amount of energy consumption that follows activation of the heating element. As discussed above, the quantity and quality of an aerosol generated during operation can be impaired if the charge levels of the rechargeable battery are not sufficient to apply a predetermined thermal cycle to the aerosol forming substrate.
[0062] The primary device may include a display (for example, a digital display) that indicates information to the user. For example, the display may indicate smoking article consumption, energy usage or other information. The display can additionally indicate when the secondary power supply is sufficiently charged to be used to consume a smoking article.
[0063] In accordance with an even further aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided which comprises: a heating element; a power source coupled to the heating element and configured to supply energy to the heating element; and a controller coupled to the heating element, the controller configured to control the power supply to the heating element in a first mode to perform an aerosol generation cycle and in a second mode to perform a cleaning cycle, the configured controller additionally to monitor the operation of the device and to prevent power supply in a first mode that follows the performance of a limit number of consecutive aerosol generation cycles without the performance of a cleaning cycle. The elements comprised in the aerosol generating device are preferably retained within a housing that also defines a substrate receiving chamber for receiving and placing an aerosol-forming substrate in proximity or in contact with the heating element. It may be advantageous for the aerosol forming substrate to be a component element of an aerosol generating article configured to be received in the substrate receiving cavity.
[0064] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. Preferably, the aerosol forming substrate further comprises an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol builders are glycerin and propylene glycol.
[0065] The aerosol forming substrate can be a solid substrate. The solid substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, scraps, spaghetti, strips or leaves that contain one or more of: grass leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco rib fragments, reconstituted tobacco , homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the solid substrate can contain additional non-tobacco or tobacco volatile flavor compounds, to be released upon heating the substrate. Optionally, the solid substrate can be supplied or incorporated into a thermally stable carrier. The carrier can take the form of powder, granules, pellets, scraps, spaghetti, strips or leaves. Alternatively, the carrier may be a tubular carrier that has a thin layer of the solid substrate deposited on the inner surface of the same, or on the outer surface of the same, or on both the inner and outer surfaces of the same. Such a tubular carrier may be formed, for example, of paper, or paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fiber blanket, a low-mass open-mesh wire mesh, or a perforated metal sheet or any other matrix of thermally stable polymer. The solid substrate can be deposited on the carrier surface in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or paste. The solid substrate can be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, can be deposited in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use. Alternatively, the carrier may be a non-woven fabric or bundle of fiber in which the tobacco components have been incorporated. The non-woven fabric or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers or cellulose derivative fibers.
[0066] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid substrate and the smoking article may comprise means for retaining the liquid substrate. The aerosol forming substrate can alternatively be any type of substrate, for example, a gas substrate, or any combination of the various types of substrate.
The primary unit may include storage means for at least one aerosol generating article, such as a smoking article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate. The storage means can include storage for used smoking articles, unused smoking articles or both. This is advantageous since the primary unit and the secondary unit together provide all the components required for smoking.
[0068] One aspect may provide an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device for the consumption of an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a power supply rechargeable to drive the heating element, and a charging device to couple with the aerosol generating device to recharge the power supply and clean the heating element, where the system is configured to prevent the consumption of a generation item aerosol dispenser when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the loading device. The aerosol generating device can be any aerosol generating device or any secondary device as described in this document. The loading device can be any loading device or primary device as described in this document. The aerosol generating article can be any aerosol generating article or smoking article as described in this document. The system may comprise a mechanical means to prevent consumption of an aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the loading device. For example, it may not be possible to operate the heating element when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the charging device unless the aerosol generating device is enclosed within the charging device by a lid. The lid is unable to close if the aerosol generating device is coupled to an aerosol generating article. The system may comprise software or electrical means to prevent consumption of an aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the charging device. For example, sensors can detect the presence of an aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the charging device and a controller can then prevent the heating element from acting.
[0069] One aspect may provide an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a power supply to drive the heating element, wherein the device is configured to prevent the heating element from acting unless the source power supply has more than a predetermined level of charge available to drive the heating element. It may be preferable for the heating element to operate only when the power supply is fully charged. The aerosol generating device can be any aerosol generating device or any secondary device as described in this document.
[0070] One aspect can provide a method of delivering a consistent user experience to a consumer of an aerosol generating article, the article being consumed by heating in an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a power supply to drive the heating element, the method comprising the steps of, determining the load level of the power supply, and actuating the heating element only if the available load exceeds a predetermined limit. The aerosol generating device can be any aerosol generating device or any secondary device as described in this document. The aerosol generating article can be any aerosol generating article or smoking article as described in this document.
[0071] One aspect may provide an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device for the consumption of an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a power supply rechargeable to activate the heating element, and a charging device to couple with the aerosol generating device to recharge the power supply and clean the heating element, in which the system is configured so that a user is prevented from consuming more than a predetermined number of aerosol generating articles without cleaning the heating element when the aerosol generating device is coupled to the loading device.
[0072] In an additional aspect an elongated aerosol generating device is provided that has a polygonal cross section. The polygon comprises at least 6 sides.
[0073] By providing an aerosol generating device with such a multifaceted cross-section, the surface area of the device is increased in comparison to a device having a circular cross-section. The use of a polygon with at least 6 sides advantageously provides a user with a more ergonomic feel, while increasing the surface area for heat dissipation.
[0074] In addition, the provision of a polygonal cross-section, with straight sides, advantageously increases the stability of the device when it is placed on a surface while it is not in use.
[0075] The polygon can comprise between 6 and 16 sides, preferably between 7 and 12 sides. In a preferred embodiment, the polygon comprises 10 sides.
[0076] The polygon can be a regular polygon. The term regular polygon refers to a polygon that is equiangular, all angles are equal, and equilateral, all sides are the same length. The aerosol generating device may have a regular polygonal cross section along its entire length. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may have a regular polygonal cross section that extends over only a portion of its length. Where the regular polygonal cross section does not extend over the entire length of the aerosol generating device, for example, the cross section of the aerosol generating device may change due to a button, such as a button incorporated in the generating device aerosol dispenser, such as a button adapted to activate the device in use.
[0077] As used in this document, the term "length" refers to the dimension in the longitudinal direction. The term "longitudinal" refers to the main geometric axis of the elongated aerosol generating device. As used in this document, the term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0078] At least one end of the aerosol generating device can be tapered. Alternatively, both ends of the aerosol generating device can be tapered. Preferably, the radius of each end face of the tapered end is at least 50% of the maximum radius of the aerosol generating device. The radius of a polygon is measured from the polygon's centroid to a vertex of it.
[0079] Where the at least one end of the aerosol generating device is tapered, preferably the or each end of the aerosol generating device is tapered over at least approximately 5% of the length of the device. More preferably, the at least one end of the aerosol generating device is tapered over at least approximately 7% of the device's length. Even more preferably, the at least one end of the aerosol generating device is tapered over at least approximately 7.5%.
[0080] As used in this document, the term "length" refers to the dimension in the longitudinal direction. The term "longitudinal" refers to the main geometric axis of the elongated aerosol generating device. As used in this document, the term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0081] Where the at least one end of the aerosol generating device is tapered, the taper can be linear or curved.
[0082] Preferably, the elongated aerosol generating device comprises an external housing that has a substrate receiving cavity adapted to receive an aerosol generating substrate, a heating element adapted to heat an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol and a power supply adapted to supply energy to the heating element. The device may also comprise a controller for controlling the energy supplied from the power supply to the heating element.
[0083] Where the aerosol generating device comprises a substrate receiving cavity, a retainer can be provided within the cavity. The retainer is adapted to retain an aerosol generating substrate adjacent to the end of the aerosol generating device that has the cavity. A plurality of air inlets for a plurality of air channels within the device can be formed by the retainer and the external housing portion. The air channels can diverge away from the air inlets inside the device as the outer housing diverges with the taper. Providing such air channels can improve air entrainment within the device. In addition, the entrained air can improve the insulation between the aerosol generating substrate and the external housing.
[0084] The substrate receiving cavity can be adapted to receive a smoking article comprising an aerosol generating substrate having a mouth end and a distal end, the aerosol generating substrate being at the distal end.
[0085] In use, a user applies their own lips to the mouth end of the smoking article and inhales at the same time as activating the device. The air and any aerosol generated inside the device are removed through the mouth end of the smoking article to be inhaled by the user. When the user inhales, air and aerosol move through the smoking article from the distal end to the mouth end. In some embodiments, air can be drawn into the device through the end of the device proximal to the smoking article. In some embodiments, air can be removed from the device through a side wall. In other embodiments, air can be removed from the device through a combination of the proximal end of the device and a side wall of the device.
[0086] The smoking article can be substantially cylindrical in shape. The smoking article can be substantially elongated. The smoking article may also have a length and circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The smoking article substrate may be received in the cavity of the aerosol generating device so that the length of the smoking article is substantially parallel to the direction of air flow in the aerosol generating device.
[0087] The external housing of the aerosol generating device can be manufactured from two, four or more portions. The portions are preferably joined along a cross section of the device, and can be adapted to join around a button on the device. Where the outer housing comprises four portions, the portions may be two tapered end portions and two substantially cylindrical central portions. The outer housing of the aerosol generation system can be manufactured from any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials that contain one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, for example, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene.
[0088] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generation system is also provided. The system comprises an elongated aerosol generating device as described above and a loading device comprising a cavity that has a polygonal cross section corresponding to the polygonal cross section of the aerosol generating device, the cavity being adapted to receive the elongated aerosol generating device.
[0089] Preferably, the receiving cavity of the aerosol generating device comprises means for switching the aerosol generating device to the loading device. The switching means may comprise at least one notch to receive at least one corresponding protrusion in the aerosol generating device. The at least one protrusion may be a button adapted to activate the aerosol generating device.
[0090] In an embodiment where the aerosol generating device comprises at least one tapered end, the tapered end allows the device to be inserted more easily into the cavity of the loading device.
[0091] In a still further aspect, an elongated aerosol generating device is provided in which at least a portion of the device has an external cross-section defined by a shape that has at least five sides. It is preferred that the aerosol generating device has a high aspect ratio and that a substantial proportion of the length has a defined cross-section. The entire length of the device can have a defined cross section.
[0092] The external cross section can be a polygonal cross section. The polygon comprises at least five sides. The polygon can comprise at least six sides.
[0093] The cross-sectional shape, for example, a polygon, can comprise between 6 and 16 sides, preferably between 7 and 12 sides. In a preferred embodiment, the shape is a polygon that comprises 10 sides.
[0094] The polygon can be a regular polygon. The term regular polygon refers to a polygon that is equiangular, all angles are equal, and equilateral, all sides are the same length. The sides can be straight or slightly curved. The angles can be formed by sharp corners or rounded corners. The aerosol generating device may have a regular polygonal cross section along its entire length. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may have a regular polygonal cross section that extends over only a portion of its length. For example, the cross section of the aerosol generating device may change due to the presence of a button. Such a button can be adapted to activate the device in use. The position of the button can be chosen to facilitate the presentation of the button on an upper surface regardless of the shape of the device.
[0095] The device can be greater than 60 mm in length. The device can be less than 150 mm in length. For example, the device can be between 80 mm and 120 mm in length. The device can be between 90 mm and 110 mm in length.
[0096] An outer circumference of the cross-sectional shape can have a diameter greater than 10 mm. An outer circumference of the cross-sectional shape may have a diameter of less than 20 mm. An outer circumference of the cross-sectional shape can have a diameter of between 12 mm and 16 mm. The cross section of a polygon can be defined by the line that passes from an edge of the polygon, through the center of the polygon, and to an opposite edge. The length of this line can be between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 12 mm and 15 mm. An even-sided polygon can have a cross-sectional line that passes from a flat face of the polygon to an opposite flat face of the polygon. This distance can be, for example, between 12 mm and 14 mm. An even-sided polygon can have a cross-sectional line that passes from one corner of the polygon to an opposite corner of the polygon. This distance can be, for example, between 12 mm and 14 mm. The cross-section from corner to corner will be slightly longer than the cross-section from face to face.
[0097] All sides of the cross-sectional shape can be of equal length. The sides of the cross-sectional shape can be of different lengths. Preferably, one or more sides have a length greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm or greater than 4 mm. It may be advantageous for one or more sides to have a length greater than 5 mm. The length of one side of the cross-sectional shape may be the same as the width of a facet of the three-dimensional device. For example, if the device is substantially cylindrical and has a cross-section which is an equilateral hexagon with 5 mm long sides, the device will have six longitudinal facets 5 mm wide.
[0098] The cross-sectional shape preferably has at least five corners joined by straight or curved lines to form the shape that has at least five sides. Where corners are joined by curves, it is preferable that the curves have a large radius compared to the length of the side so that the side deviates only slightly from the linear and gives the appearance of being almost flat.
[0099] The aerosol generating device can be substantially cylindrical. The term cylindrical as used herein describes a three-dimensional shape that has substantially parallel sides and a base defined by a two-dimensional shape. The two-dimensional shape is that defined for the cross section, that is, a shape that has at least five sides. The term cylinder as used in this document can be equivalent to the term prismatic. By substantially parallel it must be understood that the sides need not be precisely parallel. For example, the sides can be within about 5 degrees of the true parallel.
[00100] A portion of the aerosol generating device can be shaped like an elongated frusto-pyramid that has converging sides and a base defined by a two-dimensional shape. The two-dimensional shape is that defined for the cross section, that is, a shape that has at least 5 sides.
[00101] Preferably, each side of the 2-dimensional shape that define the cross section corresponds to an elongated face on an external surface of the device.
[00102] By providing an aerosol generating device with such a multifaceted cross-sectional shape, the surface area of the device is increased compared to a device that has a circular cross-section. For example, a device that is substantially cylindrical and has a cross-section in the shape of a polygon with at least 5 sides advantageously provides a user with a more ergonomic feel, while increasing the stability of the device when it is placed in a surface while it is not in use. It is anticipated that a user may wish to place the device on a flat surface, for example, a table. If the device rolled, the user could be disturbed. A device that comprises shape features that help to stabilize the device and resist rolling will be advantageous.
[00103] Where the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered, the taper can be linear or curved. The presence of a taper can be particularly advantageous where one end of the device is configured to be inserted into and coupled with another device. For example, one or more electrical contacts can be located at or near the first end of the device so that they can be placed in contact with electrical contacts located within a receiving cavity of another device. A tapered end of the device, together with a coupled receiving portion, allows the device to be attached quickly and easily by a user. The taper guides the device to a correct position within the receiving cavity. Due to the orientation effect provided by the taper, it is possible for a user to couple the device to another device, for example, a load unit, without looking at the device to align the contacts. This can be advantageous as the act of attaching the device to another device can be performed in the dark or while a user is involved in the conversation.
[00104] The user of an aerosol generating device may wish to rest the device on a surface when consuming an aerosol generating article. It may be undesirable to seat the device as a mouth end of the article can then enter in proximity to the surface, which can be unhygienic. It may be preferable to support the device so that the mouth end of the article is raised from the surface. Advantageously, the presence of a taper can facilitate the support of the device in contact with both the surface and a stationary object elevated above the surface. The taper, together with a shaped cross-section, causes a large surface area to be in contact with the surface when the device is supported at an appropriate angle. This can increase the stability of the device when it is supported at an angle. The optimum support angle may depend on the angle of the taper. An optimum support angle can be, for example, between 25 degrees and 60 degrees from the surface.
[00105] Preferably, the elongated aerosol generating device comprises an external housing that has a substrate receiving cavity adapted to receive an aerosol generating article that includes an aerosol generating substrate, a heating element adapted to heat a aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol and a power source adapted to supply energy to the heating element. The device may also comprise a controller for controlling the energy supplied from the power supply to the heating element.
[00106] Where the aerosol generating device comprises a substrate receiving cavity, a retainer can be provided within the cavity. The retainer is adapted to retain an aerosol forming substrate adjacent to the end of the aerosol generating device that has the cavity. The aerosol forming substrate itself is preferably a component part of an aerosol generating article that is receivable in the retainer.
[00107] The external format of the device can be defined by a housing. The housing may form a shell that retains component parts of the device. The housing may have an internal cross-section which is the same shape as the external cross-section thereof. The housing may have an internal cross-section which is circular. The housing may have an internal cross-section which is non-circular and of a different shape to the external cross-section.
[00108] Where the device comprises a retainer adapted to retain an aerosol generating article that includes an aerosol generating substrate, a plurality of air intakes leading to a plurality of air channels within the device can be formed by a space between the retainer and the outer housing portion. For example, the retainer may have an external circular cross-section and the housing may have a decagonal internal cross-section. If the retainer is fitted inside the housing so that an external portion of the retainer makes contact with each of the ten internal faces of the internal surface of the housing, ten gaps are defined by spaces between corners of the decagon and the retainer. These gaps can act as air intakes. The air intake area can be controlled by selecting the internal shape of the housing, or by selecting the internal shape of the housing in the housing portion that defines the substrate receiving cavity.
[00109] The air channels can diverge away from the air inlets inside the device as the external housing diverges with the taper. Providing such air channels can improve air entrainment within the device. In addition, entrained air can improve the insulation between the aerosol-forming substrate and the external housing.
[00110] The substrate receiving cavity can be adapted to receive an aerosol generating article that has a mouth end and a distal end, an aerosol forming substrate being located at the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol generating article is inserted into the substrate receiving cavity.
[00111] In use, a user inserts an aerosol generating article into the substrate receiving cavity of the device, activates the device, applies his own lips to the mouth end of the aerosol generating article and inhales. Air and any aerosol generated within the device are removed through the mouth end of the aerosol generating article to be inhaled by the user. When the user inhales, the air and aerosol move through the aerosol generating article from the distal end to the mouth end. In some embodiments, air can be drawn into the device through the end of the device proximal to the aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, air can be removed from the device through a side wall. In other embodiments, air can be drawn out of the device through a combination of the proximal end of the device and a side wall of the device.
[00112] The aerosol generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol generating article can be substantially elongated. The aerosol generating article may also have a length and circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol generating article can be received in the cavity of the aerosol generating device so that the length of the aerosol generating article is substantially parallel to the direction of air flow in the aerosol generating device.
[00113] Where the aerosol generating device has a housing, the housing may be an elongated shell having a length of between 60 mm and 150 mm. The housing can have a wall thickness of between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. If the housing is formed of a metallic material, the wall thickness is preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. If the housing is formed of a polymer, the wall thickness is preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, for example, between 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm, or approximately 0.75 mm.
[00114] The external housing of the aerosol generating device can be manufactured in two, four or more portions. The portions are preferably joined along a cross section of the device and can be adapted to join around one or more buttons protruding from the device. Where the outer housing comprises four portions, the portions can be two tapered end portions and two substantially cylindrical central portions. In some embodiments, a first housing portion can define the external shape of a first end of the device and a second housing portion can define the external shape of a second end of the device. Two adjacent housing portions can be found at a junction located approximately halfway along the length of the device. Two housing portions can meet at a junction that resides closer to one end of the device than the other. Preferably, the housing portions are separable, for example, a first housing portion may be able to be separated from a second housing portion by sliding the separate housing portions in a longitudinal direction. Access to an internal portion of the device can be obtained by removing one or more housing portions.
[00115] It may be preferred that the aerosol generating device comprises a housing portion that is attached to the internal components of the device, and cannot be removed from the device, and an additional housing portion that can be removed from the device. It may be preferred that one end of the device comprising the substrate receiving cavity can be removable from the device. Any retainer within the substrate receiving cavity can be removed with the housing portion. Removing a portion of the housing may be desirable in order to access the internal component parts of the device, for example, to clean the device. The movement of a housing portion or the removal of a housing portion may also be desirable in order to assist in the removal of aerosol generating articles after that of the device.
[00116] Where a housing portion is removable from the device it may be desirable that the housing portion should only be attachable to the device in a specific orientation. The removable housing portion can slide, for example, over a substantially cylindrical inner portion of the device. In such circumstances, an internal surface of the housing may define a notch or a notch that keyes with a corresponding notch or notch in the inner portion to ensure that the housing portion can only be coupled to the aerosol generating device in a specific orientation.
[00117] Where a housing portion is slidable in relation to the internal components of the device, it may be advantageous if the housing portion can be retained in one or more stable positions. For this purpose, the internal surface of the housing portion may comprise projections that engage with a defined projection on an internal portion of the device to act as grooves. For example, two longitudinally spaced protrusions on the inner surface can engage with a protrusion on the inner portion of the device to place the housing portion. Preferably, the projection on the inner portion is flexible so that it can be forced to pass the projections on the housing in the application of a force. It may be particularly advantageous that the internal surface of the housing has a non-circular cross-sectional shape, for example, a polygonal shape. By placing the projections in the corners of the internal surface of the housing, it is possible to control the properties of the inserts to optimize their function. A removable housing portion may have a set of fittings that retain the housing portion in a completely closed position adjacent to a second housing portion. There may be a second set of fittings that retain the housing portion in a second position which is slidably removed from the first position, but still attached to the device. The relative strength of different sets of fittings can be varied.
[00118] Where an external housing comprises two or more separate portions, the visual appearance of the device may be impaired if the two or more portions do not line up precisely. For example, if the device is in the form of a cylinder having a polygonal base, any incompatibility or misalignment between the adjacent housing portions will become immediately apparent when the housing portions are brought together. This may be a result of the light reflected at different angles of substantially flat longitudinal faces defined on the outer surface of the housing. If the longitudinal faces are not perfectly flat, however, the visual impairment may not be as noticeable. For example, if the device has a polygonal cross section, and the faces of the polygon are curved very slightly outward, the longitudinal faces of the device will have a slight transverse curvature. This slight curvature produces an optical effect that can disguise imperfect alignments between adjacent portions of the housing, which may not be as noticeable as if the faces were perfectly flat. While some curvature may be desirable, it is preferable that any convex curvature is not sufficient to facilitate the roll of the device. Consequently, it is preferred that any curve that delineates a face in the external cross-section of the device has a radius that is substantially greater than the distance across the face. In this way, the device can be aesthetically pleasing simultaneously, can have a pleasant ergonomic feel and can have an external shape that provides stability against rolling.
[00119] The external housing of the aerosol generation system can be manufactured from any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, metallic materials and metals, alloys, polymers and plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for pharmaceutical or food applications, for example, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone ( PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferred materials may include aluminum and aluminum alloys, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC). When a metal, metallic material, or composite material comprising a metal is used, the surface can be anodized or otherwise treated to enhance the appearance and provide a scratch resistant surface for the device housing. Similarly, when the material does not comprise a metal, metallic material or composite material, the materials can be selected to optimize the appearance and functionality, for example, scratch resistance, of the housing.
[00120] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generation system is also provided. The system comprises an elongated aerosol generating device as described above and a loading device comprising a cavity that has a suitable opening for receiving the aerosol generating device.
[00121] Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises a means for switching the aerosol generating device to the receiving cavity of the loading device. The switching means may comprise at least one notch to receive at least one corresponding protrusion in the aerosol generating device. The at least one protrusion may be a button adapted to activate the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the button on the device itself can act as the projection that facilitates switching. The receiving cavity of an aerosol generating device may have a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating device. The switching means can then result from a forced orientation relationship between the aerosol generating device and the receiving cavity.
[00122] In an embodiment where the aerosol generating device comprises at least one tapered end, the tapered end allows the device to be inserted more easily into the cavity of the loading device.
[00123] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided that comprises a heating element and an external housing, in which the external housing is elongated and is adapted to resist rolling.
[00124] The housing may comprise, for example, one or more projections or projections that collide on a surface if the device starts to roll. The projections or projections effectively stabilize the device against rolling.
[00125] The external shape of the housing can act to stabilize the device against rolling. For example, the housing can be elongated and comprises at least one longitudinal edge. An example of a shape that has a longitudinal edge and increases roll stability may be a cylinder that has a cross-section in the shape of a drop.
[00126] The external housing may have a cross section formed by a shape that has at least three corners connected by straight or curved lines. The presence of three corners advantageously stabilizes the device against rolling.
[00127] An aerosol generating device may have an external cross-section defined by a shape that has at least five sides. It is preferred that the aerosol generating device has a high aspect ratio and that a substantial proportion of the length has a defined cross-section. The entire length of the device can have a defined cross section.
[00128] The polygon can be a regular polygon. The term regular polygon refers to a polygon that is equiangular, all angles are equal, and equilateral, all sides are the same length. The sides can be straight or slightly curved. The angles can be formed by sharp corners or rounded corners. The aerosol generating device may have a regular polygonal cross section along its entire length. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may have a regular polygonal cross section that extends over only a portion of its length. For example, the cross section of the aerosol generating device may change due to the presence of a button. Such a button can be adapted to activate the device in use. The position of the button can be chosen to facilitate the presentation of the button on an upper surface regardless of the shape of the device.
[00129] As used in this document, the term "length" refers to the dimension in the longitudinal direction. The term "longitudinal" refers to the main geometric axis of the elongated aerosol generating device. As used in this document, the term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[00130] At least one end of the aerosol generating device can be tapered. Alternatively, both ends of the aerosol generating device can be tapered. Preferably, the radius of one or each end face of the tapered end is at least 50% of the maximum radius of the aerosol generating device. The radius of a polygon is measured from the polygon's centroid to a vertex of it.
[00131] Where the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered, preferably the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered over at least approximately 5% of the length of the device. More preferably, the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered over at least approximately 7% of the length of the device. Even more preferably, the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered over at least approximately 7.5%.
[00132] Where a housing portion is removable from the device, it may be desirable that the housing portion should only be attachable to the device in a specific orientation. The removable housing portion can slide, for example, over a substantially cylindrical inner portion of the device. In such circumstances, an internal surface of the housing may define a notch or a notch that keyes with a corresponding notch or notch in the inner portion to ensure that the housing portion can only be coupled to the aerosol generating device in a specific orientation.
[00133] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generation system is also provided. The system comprises an elongated aerosol generating device as described above and a loading device comprising a cavity that has a suitable opening for receiving the aerosol generating device. It may be advantageous that the aerosol generating device can only be inserted into the cavity in a predetermined orientation.
[00134] Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises a means for switching the aerosol generating device to the receiving cavity of the loading device. The switching means may comprise at least one notch to receive at least one corresponding protrusion in the aerosol generating device. The at least one protrusion may be a button adapted to activate the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the button on the device itself can act as the projection that facilitates switching. The receiving cavity of an aerosol generating device may have a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating device. The switching means can then result from a forced orientation relationship between the aerosol generating device and the receiving cavity.
[00135] In an embodiment where the aerosol generating device comprises at least one tapered end, the tapered end of which allows the device to be inserted more easily into the cavity of the loading device.
[00136] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generating system or device may be provided as defined in the following set of numbered clauses.1. An aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and an external housing, in which the external housing is elongated and comprises one or more projections extending transversely from the housing.2. An aerosol generating device according to clause 1, in which the housing is substantially cylindrical.3. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 2, in which the cylinder has a cross section selected from the group consisting of circular, oval, regular polygonal and irregular polygonal.4. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 2, in which the cylinder has a cross section that defines a shape that has three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or sixteen corners. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which at least one end of the aerosol generating device is tapered.6. An aerosol generating device, according to any previous clause, in which the housing is between 80 mm and 150 mm in length, preferably approximately 93 mm.7. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which one or more projections extend over a distance of more than 1.5 mm.8. An aerosol generating device, according to any previous clause, in which the one or more projections stabilize the device against rolling.9. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article so that an aerosol forming substrate comprised in the aerosol generating article is located in proximity to the heating element .10. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which the housing comprises two or more sections.11. A system comprising an aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, and a loading device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device, wherein the cavity comprises a keying notch with one or more projections in the housing to guide the aerosol generating device within the cavity.
[00137] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generating system or device may be provided as defined in the following set of numbered clauses.1. An aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and an external housing, in which the external housing is elongated and has a cross-section that forms a shape that has at least three corners connected by straight or curved lines.2. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1, in which the outer housing is substantially cylindrical.3. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 2, in which the cylinder has a cross section that defines a shape that has three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or sixteen corners. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which the corners are spaced between 2 mm and 10 mm and are connected by curves that have a radius of curvature between 100 mm and 10,000 mm, preferably between 200 mm and 2,000 mm. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which at least one end of the aerosol generating device is tapered.6. An aerosol generating device, according to any previous clause, in which the housing is between 80 mm and 150 mm in length, preferably approximately 93 mm.7. An aerosol generating device in accordance with any preceding clause, in which the cross-sectional shape stabilizes the device against rolling.8. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article so that an aerosol forming substrate comprised in the aerosol generating article is located in proximity to the heating element .9. An aerosol generating device, in accordance with any preceding clause, in which the housing comprises two or more sections.10. A system comprising an aerosol generating device, in accordance with any preceding clause, and a loading device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device, wherein the cavity is shaped to receive the aerosol generating device inside the cavity.
[00138] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generating system or device may be provided as defined in the following set of numbered clauses.1. An elongated aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and comprising at least one longitudinal edge.2. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1, which comprises 2 longitudinal edges.3. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1 or 2, comprising three or more edges, in which a cross section of at least one location along the aerosol generating device defines a shape that has corners connected by straight lines or curves. An aerosol generating article, according to clause 3, in which the corners are connected by curves, with the curves having a radius greater than a radius of a circumference of the shape.5. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which the housing comprises two or more sections.6. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one longitudinal edge stabilizes the device against rolling.7. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article so that an aerosol forming substrate comprised in the aerosol generating article is located in proximity to the heating element .8. A system comprising an aerosol generating device, in accordance with any preceding clause, and a loading device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device, wherein the cavity is shaped to receive the aerosol generating device inside the cavity.9. A system according to clause 8, wherein the cavity comprises a keying notch with at least one longitudinal edge in the housing to guide the aerosol generating device within the cavity.
[00139] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generating system or device may be provided as defined in the following set of numbered clauses.1. An aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and an elongated housing comprising a hand-operated button to actuate the heating element.2. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1, in which the button protrudes transversely from the housing by at least 1 mm.3. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1, in which the housing defines a raised ledge adjacent to the button.4. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1, in which the button is surrounded by a raised ledge or ridge that extends transversely from the housing.5. An aerosol generating device, in accordance with any preceding clause, in which the button comprises a recess for placing a user's finger or thumb.6. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which the button is formed of a transparent material and the device additionally comprises an indicator light within the housing that is visible through the button when the device is actuated.7. An aerosol generating device, according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, which comprises an indicator light inside the housing that lights up when the device is actuated, in which the button comprises a transparent portion that acts as a light guide of so that the indicator light is visible to a user.8. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which at least one end of the aerosol generating device is tapered.9. An aerosol generating device, according to any previous clause, in which the housing is between 80 mm and 150 mm in length, preferably approximately 93 mm.10. An aerosol generating device, according to any previous clause, in which the button or a projection of the housing immediately adjacent to the button, stabilizes the device against rolling.11. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article so that an aerosol forming substrate comprised in the aerosol generating article is located in proximity to the heating element .12. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which the housing comprises two or more sections.13. A system comprising an aerosol generating device, in accordance with any preceding clause, and a loading device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device, wherein the cavity comprises a notch for switching with the button or a protrusion of the housing adjacent to the button in the housing to guide the aerosol generating device within the cavity.
[00140] In one aspect, an aerosol generating system or device may be provided as defined in the following set of numbered clauses.1. An aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and an elongated housing having a first end face and a second end face and at least one longitudinal face, wherein a cavity is defined in the first end face for receiving an article of aerosol generation so that an aerosol forming substrate comprised in the aerosol generating article is located in proximity to the heating element, and at least one electrical contact is defined on the second end face.2. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1, in which at least two electrical contacts are defined on the second end face.3. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1 or 2, comprising 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 electrical contacts defined on the second end face.4. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, which comprises a battery to activate the heating element, in which at least one electrical contact is used to recharge the battery.5. An aerosol generating device, according to any preceding clause, in which at least one end of the aerosol generating device is tapered.6. An aerosol generating device according to any previous clause, in which the housing is between 80 mm and 150 mm in length, preferably approximately 93 mm.7. An aerosol generating device in accordance with any preceding clause, in which the housing comprises two or more sections.8. A system comprising an aerosol generating device, in accordance with any preceding clause, and a loading device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device, wherein the cavity terminates in at least one electrical contact to couple electrically to at least one electrical contact defined on the second end face.
[00141] In one aspect, an aerosol generating system or device may be provided as defined in the following set of numbered clauses.1. An aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and an elongated housing, the housing comprising two portions, a first portion of which is slidable and removable from the device, wherein the housing is formed of a metal that has a wall thickness between 0.2 and 0.75 mm.2. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1, in which the metal is aluminum or an aluminum alloy.3. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1 or 2, in which an internal surface of the first portion of the housing slides against a sliding surface of the device, at least one of the two sliding surfaces being hardened.
[00142] In one aspect, an aerosol generating system or device may be provided as defined in the following set of numbered clauses.1. An aerosol generating device comprising an elongated housing formed from a polymeric material that has a wall thickness between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.2. An aerosol generating device, according to clause 1, in which the wall thickness is between 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm, preferably approximately 0.75 mm.3. An aerosol generating device according to clause 1, in which the housing has a total length between 80 mm and 100 mm, preferably approximately 90 mm to 95 mm, for example, 93 mm.4. An aerosol generating device, according to any previous clause, in which the housing is formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate (PC) .5. An aerosol generating device, according to any previous clause, in which the housing is formed of two portions, the first portion of which is removable from the device.
[00143] The features revealed in different aspects of the invention disclosed above can be combined.
[00144] In a still further aspect, an elongated aerosol generating device is provided in which at least a portion of the device has an external cross-section defined by a shape having at least five sides. It is preferred that the aerosol generating device has a high aspect ratio and that a substantial proportion of the length has a defined cross-section. The entire length of the device can have a defined cross section.
[00145] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generation system is also provided. The system comprises an elongated aerosol generating device as described above and a loading device comprising a cavity that has a suitable opening for receiving the aerosol generating device.
[00146] Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises a means for switching the aerosol generating device to the receiving cavity of the loading device. The switching means may comprise at least one notch to receive at least one corresponding protrusion in the aerosol generating device. The at least one protrusion may be a button adapted to activate the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the button on the device itself can function as the boss that facilitates switching. The receiving cavity of the aerosol generating device may have a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating device. The switching means can then result from a forced orientation relationship between the aerosol generating device and the receiving cavity.
[00147] In an embodiment where the aerosol generating device comprises at least one tapered end, the tapered end allows the device to be inserted more easily into the cavity of the loading device.
[00148] In an even further aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided which comprises a heating element and a rechargeable energy source. The device comprises a coupling portion for coupling the aerosol generating device to a charging device for recharging the energy source. The coupling portion is staggered or tapered. The coupling portion refers to a portion of the device that is inserted into a receiving portion of a charging device.
[00149] As used herein, 'tapered' refers to a progressive reduction in the cross-sectional area of a portion of a device. For example, a device can be substantially cylindrical in shape, having the first and second ends. One end can be tapered at the end of it. This means that the cross section is progressively reduced as the cross section approaches the terminal end.
[00150] As used herein, 'staggered' refers to a stepwise reduction in the cross-sectional area of a portion of a device. For example, a device can be substantially cylindrical in shape, having the first and second ends. One end can be staggered at the terminal end of the same. This means that the cross-section is reduced in one or more discrete stages as the cross-section approaches the terminal end.
[00151] Preferably, at least one contact is located on or in the coupling portion. It may be advantageous for the coupling portion to comprise more contacts, for example, 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 contacts. The coupling portion can comprise more than 5 contacts. The contacts can be electrical contacts, for example, contacts for recharging the rechargeable power supply. Contacts can be contacts for data transfer. The coupling portion may comprise a combination of data and electrical contacts.
[00152] The aerosol generating device may be an elongated aerosol generating device having a first end and a second end. For example, the aerosol generating device may have an external shape defined by an elongated housing that has a first end and a second end. The coupling portion can be defined by a portion of the device or housing that extends towards and includes the first end or the second end.
[00153] The device can comprise two coupling portions. If so, a first coupling portion may comprise the first end of the device and a second coupling portion may comprise the second end of the device.
[00154] It may be important to correctly align the coupling portion for engagement with the loading device. The coupling portion can therefore comprise means for aligning with the loading device. The means for alignment may relate to a cross-sectional shape of the device. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the device may form a coupling coupled with a sheath or receiving channel defined in the loading device. The means for alignment may relate to a switching function, for example, the coupling portion may include one or more projections for engagement with an associated slot in a loading device to align the coupling portion with the loading device. . The coupling portion may comprise one or more slots for the engagement with associated projections on the load unit to align the coupling portion with the load unit.
[00155] An elongated aerosol generating device may have an external cross-section defined by a shape that has at least five sides. It is preferred that the aerosol generating device has a high aspect ratio and that a substantial proportion of the length has a defined cross-section. The entire length of the device can have a defined cross section.
[00156] The external cross section of the coupling portion can be a polygonal cross section. The external cross-section of the device can be a polygonal cross-section. The cross-section discussion below may refer to the cross-section of the device or the cross-section of the coupling portion. In preferred embodiments, the cross section of the device and the cross section of the coupling portion are the same. Polygonal cross sections can be defined by shapes that have three or more sides. The polygon can comprise at least five or six sides.
[00157] The device can be greater than 60 mm in length. The device can be less than 150 mm in length. For example, the device can be between 80 mm and 120 mm in length. The device can be between 90 mm and 110 mm in length.
[00158] At least one end of the aerosol generating device can be tapered or stepped, for example, one end of the device can form the coupling portion. Alternatively, both ends of the aerosol generating device can be tapered. Preferably, the radius of the one, or each, end face of the tapered end is at least 50% of the maximum radius of the aerosol generating device. The radius of a polygon is measured from the polygon's centroid to a vertex of the polygon.
[00159] Where the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered or staggered, preferably the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered or staggered over at least approximately 5% of the length of the device. More preferably, the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered or staggered over at least approximately 7% of the device's length. Even more preferably, the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered or staggered over at least approximately 7.5%. Each end of the device can be tapered or staggered up to 20% of the device's length.
[00160] The taper or stagger can be symmetrical around a central longitudinal geometric axis of the coupling portion or device. For example, a taper can have a symmetrical longitudinal cross section with the end point of the taper that resides along the central longitudinal axis of the coupling portion or device.
[00161] Where the, or each, end of the aerosol generating device is tapered, the taper can be linear or curved. The presence of a taper or stagger can be particularly advantageous where one end of the device is configured to be inserted into another device and to couple with it. For example, one or more contacts can be located at or near the first end of the device so that they can be placed in contact with the contacts located within a receiving cavity of another device. A tapered end of the device, together with a coupled receiving portion, allows the device to be attached quickly and easily by a user. The taper guides the device to a correct position within the receiving cavity. Due to the orientation effect provided by the taper, it is possible for a user to couple the device to another device, for example, a load unit, without looking at the device to align the contacts. This can be advantageous as the act of attaching the device to another device can be performed in the dark or while a user is involved in the conversation.
[00162] In an additional aspect, an aerosol generation system is also provided. The system comprises an aerosol generating device as described above, and a charging device comprising a receiving portion for receiving the coupling portion of the device. A first contact is located in the coupling portion of the device. A second contact is located in the receiving portion of the charging device. Preferably, the receiving portion comprises a cavity that has a suitable opening for receiving the coupling portion of the aerosol generating device.
[00163] The charging device itself may be a portable device and may comprise a rechargeable energy source for recharging the rechargeable energy source of the aerosol generating device.
[00164] The system can advantageously comprise more than one aerosol generating device. Consequently, it may be possible to charge one device while using another. It may be possible to have different devices specified for different aerosol generating articles. It may be possible to have spare aerosol generating devices to share with friends.
[00165] Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises a means for switching the aerosol generating device to the receiving cavity of the loading device. The switching means may comprise at least one notch to receive at least one corresponding protrusion in the aerosol generating device. The at least one protrusion may be a button adapted to activate the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the button on the device itself can act as the projection that facilitates switching. The receiving cavity of the aerosol generating device may have a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating device. The switching means can then result from a forced orientation relationship between the aerosol generating device and the receiving cavity.
[00166] In an embodiment where the aerosol generating device comprises at least one tapered end, the tapered end allows the device to be inserted more easily into the cavity of the loading device.
[00167] As used in this document, resources of means plus function can be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure.
[00168] Any resource referring to one aspect can be applied to other aspects, in any appropriate combination. In particular, aspects of the method can be applied to aspects of apparatus, and vice versa. In addition, any, part or all of the features in one aspect may be applied to any, part or all of the features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.
[00169] It should also be noted that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention can be deployed or supplied or used independently.
[00170] These and other aspects of the apparatus will become evident from the exemplary modalities below that are described with reference to the following Figures in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a modality of an aerosol generating device; Figure 2 shows a side view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 (a), 3 (b) and 3 (c) show end views of the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1 and 2 ; Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b) illustrate a schematic diagram of the air flow through the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1,2 and 3; Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1,2 and 3; Figures 6 (a) and 6 (b) illustrate a charging device adapted to receive and charge the aerosol generating device shown in Figures 1 to 5; Figures 7 (a) and 7 (b) show a primary device and a secondary device respectively of an electrical system; Figure 8 shows the secondary device of Figure 7 (b) housed within the primary device of Figure 7 (a); Figure 9 shows a detailed view of an electrical contact of the primary unit shown in Figures 7 (a), and 8; Figure 10 shows a top view of the primary device; Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b) are a schematic illustration showing a tapered aerosol generating device that is inserted into a cavity of a charging device for making an electrical connection between the contacts located on the aerosol generating device and the charging device respectively; Figures 12 (a) and 12 (b) are a schematic illustration showing a tapered aerosol generating device additional that is inserted into a cavity of a charging device to make an electrical connection between the contacts located on the aerosol generating device and the charging device respectively; Figures 13 (a) and 13 (b) are an illustration diagram showing an additional tapered aerosol generating device that is inserted into a cavity of a charging device to make an electrical connection between the contacts located on the aerosol generating device and the charging device respectively; Figures 14 (a) and 14 (b) are a schematic illustration showing an additional tapered aerosol generating device that is inserted into a cavity in a charging device to make an electrical connection between the contacts located on the aerosol generating device and the charging device. respectively; Figures 15A to 15F illustrate cross sections of an exemplary device that can provide anti-roll functionality; Figure 16 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of an aerosol generating device; Figure 17 illustrates the convex external decagonal cross section of the device. Figure 17; Figures 18A and 18B are schematic diagrams that illustrate the use of and grooves defined on an internal surface of a housing portion to retain the housing portion on the device; Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an internal surface of a housing portion showing the circumferential location of the grooves illustrated in Figures 18A and B.
[00171] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an aerosol generating device 100. The device 100 is elongated and comprises two opposite polygonal end faces 102 and 104, respectively. The device 100 also comprises a button 106 adapted to activate the aerosol generating device when pressed. The operation of the device is described in more detail below. As can be seen, the external housing of the device 100 comprises four portions joined in the coupling lines 108, 110 and 112, respectively. The outer housing is formed of an aluminum alloy that has a wall thickness of approximately 0.3 mm. The four portions are, respectively, a first tapered end portion 114 attached to a first central portion 116, a second tapered end portion 120 attached to a second central portion 118. The four portions fit around an inner housing (not shown) in a manner described below.
[00172] Device 100 has a regular polygonal cross section over most of its length. However, in the 106 button region, the cross section is no longer a regular polygon, but remains a simple polygon.
[00173] Figure 2 shows a side view of the aerosol generating device 100 shown in Figure 1. As can be seen, button 106 projects from the surface of the device so that the user can more easily press the button to activate the device in use.
[00174] Figures 3 (a), 3 (b) and 3 (c) show the polygonal end face 102 (Figure 3 (a)) and 104 (Figures 3 (b) and 3 (c)) of device 100 , respectively. As can be seen, the polygon in this modality has ten sides, and this results in a device that has ten faces that extend longitudinally. The button 106 has a triangular cross section and protrudes from one side of the housing. This means that there is a flat face on the opposite side of the device for the button and the device can therefore be rested with the top button 106. Note that if the device had a cross section defined by a polygon with an odd number of sides, it may be preferable that the button is defined between the faces so that it can be higher when the device is resting on a surface.
[00175] Figure 3 (a) shows the end face 102 of the coupling portion with five connectors or contacts 300. The connectors 300 can include one or more electrical connectors or one or more data connectors or a combination of electrical connectors and data connectors. The end face is part of an internal component of the device that is retained within the housing. The electrical connectors are adapted to connect with a secondary charging device which is described in more detail below. As can be seen, the provision of a polygonal cross section allows the five electrical connectors 300 to be positioned more easily on the end face 102 of the aerosol generating device 100.
[00176] Figures 3 (b) and 3 (c) are alternative schematic illustrations of the end face 104. The following description refers primarily to Figure 3 (c).
[00177] Figure 3 (c) shows end face 104. A retainer 402 defining a cavity 302 is provided to accept an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate (not shown). As can be seen, the polygon in this modality has ten sides, and this results in a device that has ten faces that extend longitudinally. The button 106 has a triangular cross section and protrudes from one side of the housing. This means that there is a flat face on the opposite side of the device for the button and the device can therefore be rested with the top button 106. Note that if the device had a cross section defined by a polygon with an odd number of sides, it may be preferable that the button is defined between the faces so that it can be higher when the device is resting on a surface.
[00178] Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b) show a schematic representation of the air flow through the device. Note that these Figures do not represent precisely the relative scale of elements of the device, for example, the input channels. As can be seen in this modality, when an aerosol generating article 516 is received inside the cavity 302 of the device 100 (Figure 4 (b)), the air removed in the device passes around the outside of an oil generation article retainer. aerosol 402 located within cavity 302. Retainer 402 has a circular cross-section. The removed air continues on the aerosol generating substrate at the distal end of the smoking article adjacent to a heating sleeve 404 of a blade-shaped heating element 406 provided in cavity 302. The removed air continues through the substrate, dragging the aerosol and then to the mouth end of the smoking article. The air intakes 408 formed between the outer housing and the retainer 402 allow air to be drawn in more efficiently and assist in the isolation of the aerosol-generated article from the outer housing. Air intakes 408 can be seen schematically in Figure 3 (c). Note that the entries may not be circular, but they are represented as circular in Figure 3 (c) for clarity.
[00179] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the aerosol generating device 100. The device comprises a first external housing portion 500 comprising the first tapered end portion 114 and the first central portion 116. The device further comprises a second outer housing portion 502 comprising the second tapered end portion 120 and the second central portion 118. The device also comprises an inner housing 504. The device also comprises a battery power source 506, a controller 508 adapted for control the energy supplied from battery 506 to a heating element (not shown) contained in an internal housing section 510. Button 106 is located in the central housing portion 504 and engages with controller 508 to enable the user to activate the device .
[00180] In use, a user inserts an aerosol generating article 516 comprising an aerosol generating substrate 512 into cavity 302 of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating substrate 512 engages with the heating element 406. When the user activates the device by pressing button 106, energy is supplied to heating element 406 from battery 506 through controller 508. Heating element 406 heats the aerosol generating substrate 512 to generate a aerosol and the aerosol is drawn into the air flow as the user removes at the mouth end 514 of the aerosol generating article 516.
[00181] Figure 6 (a) shows a perspective view of a loading device 600 adapted to receive and load the aerosol generating device 100. The loading device comprises a cavity 602 adapted to receive the aerosol generating device 100, a power supply in the form of battery 604 and a controller 606. When device 100 requires charging or data must be communicated between devices 100 and 600, device 100 is inserted into cavity 602 and connections 300 are coupled to the corresponding contacts 608 of contact plate 610 at the bottom of cavity 602. Figure 6 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating contact plate 610 of the loading device, which is located at the bottom of cavity 602. The contact plate it can be seen as having five contacts 608, which correspond to the five contacts 300 in the aerosol generating device.
[00182] The cavity 602 has a polygonal cross section corresponding to the cross section of the aerosol generating device 100. The cavity may alternatively have a substantially circular cross section of sufficient diameter to receive the device. In addition, the cavity is provided with a notch 612 that allows the button 106 of the device to be located inside the cavity 602. The button 106 on the device 100 allows the device to be switched to the loading device 600 so that the device 100 only can be inserted into the loading device 600 in one orientation. By providing such a switching means, the user is prevented from inserting device 100 incorrectly and, consequently, the correct connections 300 of device 100 and contacts 610 are made each time device 100 is inserted into device 600. In addition, the tapered end portion 114 of the aerosol generating device 100 allows the user to more easily insert the device into cavity 602.
[00183] Figure 7 (a) shows a primary device 700. Primary device 700 in this example is a cleaning and charging unit for an electrically heated smoking system. Figure 7 (b) shows a secondary device 702. Secondary device 702 in this example is an electrically heated aerosol generating device adapted to receive a smoking article 704 that comprises an aerosol forming substrate. The primary device 700 comprises a primary battery 706, control electronics 708 and electrical contacts 710 configured to supply electrical power to the secondary device, from battery 706, when the secondary device is connected to the electrical contacts 710. The primary device is configured to charge the secondary device using battery 706. Electrical contacts 710 are provided adjacent to the bottom of a cavity 712. The cavity is configured to receive the secondary device 702. A cover 714 is provided that is configured to secure the secondary device 702 inside the cavity 712 of the primary device 700. The components of the primary device 700 are housed within the housing 716. The cover 714 is coupled to the housing 716 by the hinge 718. The operation of the cover is described in more detail below.
[00184] In addition, primary device 700 is provided with a series of three indicators 720, 722 and 724. Indicator 720 is provided to indicate the level of charge remaining on primary battery 706. Indicator 720 is configured to indicate the percentage charge remaining on the primary battery. For example, 100% can indicate that the 706 battery is fully charged, and 50% can indicate that the 706 battery is half charged.
[00185] The second indicator 722 is provided to indicate that the secondary device 702 is fully charged, and ready to be used to generate an aerosol. Indicator 722 indicates only that state of readiness since the secondary device has the capacity to supply sufficient energy to provide the user with a complete smoking experience; for example, enough energy to aerosolize the entire substrate that forms aerosol 704, or enough energy to generate a predetermined number of puffs. In this specific embodiment, the secondary device 702 cannot be operated unless the rechargeable battery 726 is fully charged.
[00186] The third indicator 724 is provided to indicate that the secondary device is being cleaned. The cleaning operation is described in more detail below.
[00187] Secondary device 702 comprises a rechargeable battery 726, secondary control electronics 728 and electrical contacts 730. As described above, rechargeable battery 726 of secondary device 702 is configured to receive a power supply from primary battery 706 when electrical contacts 730 are in contact with electrical contacts 710 of primary device 700 and the cover is in the closed position. Secondary device 702 further comprises a cavity 732 configured to receive the aerosol generating article 704. A heater 734, in the form of, for example, a blade heater, is provided at the bottom of cavity 732. In use, the user activates secondary device 702, and power is supplied from battery 726 via control electronics 728 to heater 734. The heater is heated to a standard operating temperature that is sufficient to generate an aerosol from the article's aerosol forming substrate aerosol generation device 704. The components of the secondary device 702 are housed within housing 736.
[00188] The primary device is provided with four electrical contacts 710, two to supply power to the secondary device and two to communicate data between the primary device and the secondary device. The data connection is configured to download data from the secondary device such as usage statistics, operational status information and the like. In addition, the data connection is configured to upload data from the primary device to the secondary device such as operating protocols. Operating protocols may include power supply profiles to be used to supply power from the secondary power supply to the heater. The data can be communicated from the secondary device 702 to the primary device 700 and stored, for example, in the control electronics 708. Then the data can be communicated from the primary device 700 via the connecting port 738 which can be connected control electronics 708.
[00189] Figure 8 shows the secondary device 702 housed within the cavity of the primary device 700. The cover 714 is shown in the closed position. In that closed position, the cover is configured to act on the secondary device 702 so that a satisfactory electrical connection is made between the primary device and the secondary device. As can be seen, the electrical contacts 730 of the secondary device are engaged with the electrical contacts 710 of the primary device. The electrical contacts 710 of the primary device are configured so that they apply force to the secondary device when the cover is in the closed position. The electrical contacts 710 form resistant elements and, having no opposite force from the secondary device, are in a neutral position so that they are displaced from the bottom surface of the cavity 712; see Figure 7 (a).
[00190] The dimensions of the primary device are such that the lid will not close if a smoking article 704 is housed within the secondary device. Therefore, the secondary device cannot be loaded or cleaned when it is housing a smoking article, as the lid cannot be moved to the closed position which can allow energy to be supplied to the secondary device. This can prevent the user from using the secondary device to generate an aerosol when the secondary device is being loaded or cleaned.
[00191] The lid 714 is provided with means for retaining the lid in the closed position. The retaining means provides sufficient force so that the cap acts on the secondary device to deflect the electrical contacts from the position shown in Figure 7 (a) to the engaged position shown in Figure 8. The retaining means is a spring within the hinge 718. Alternatively, or in addition, the cover may be provided with ferrous elements adapted to engage with magnets provided in the housing of the primary device.
[00192] Figure 9 shows a detailed view of the electrical contact 710 of the primary unit. As can be seen, electrical contact 710 is in the form of a laminated spring that enables electrical contact 710 to be resistant in order to provide sufficient strength for the secondary device, when the cover is in the closed position, to ensure a satisfactory electrical connection. between the primary device and the secondary device. Electrical contact 710 is mounted to the primary device by support 900. Support 900 is configured so that the tail end 902 of the electrical contact remains substantially static as the secondary device is engaged with electrical contact 710 at contact end 904 and deviated from the neutral position shown in Figure 7 (a). The tail end 902 is connected to the control electronics by electrical wires and, consequently, ensuring that the tail end 902 remains substantially static during use reduces the possibility that the connection will fail due to fatigue. As described above, the primary device is provided with four such electrical contacts; two for electricity and two for data communication. The four electrical contacts are configured to provide approximately 5N combined power to the secondary device when the secondary device is in the cavity and the cover is in the closed position. The lid retaining means is therefore configured to provide approximately 7.5N of retaining force between the housing and the lid. Additional force is provided to reduce the possibility of the cover opening if the cover is accidentally dropped by the user while loading, or cleaning, the secondary device.
[00193] Although a specific modality of electrical contacts is provided in this document, it will be obvious to the skilled person that any suitable configuration of electrical contacts can be used.
[00194] As described above, the primary device is also configured to perform a cleaning operation on the secondary device. The cleaning operation involves supplying enough electrical power to the secondary device to enable the heater 734 to be heated above its standard operating temperature to a cleaning temperature. The cleaning temperature is sufficient to release any remaining aerosol-generating substrate that may remain attached to the blade heater after the smoking article 704 has been removed from the secondary device 702. As shown in Figure 10, the cap 714 comprises a ventilation 1000 which is configured to allow the released aerosol generating substrate to leave the cavity, for example, in the form of an aerosol such as smoke. During the cleaning operation, the third indicator 724 is illuminated to inform the user that the secondary device is being cleaned. During this cleaning operation, the user may be prevented from opening the cover to remove the secondary device.
[00195] Figure 11 (a) is a schematic illustration showing a coupling portion 1100 formed by one end of an aerosol generating device, the coupling portion 1100 having an exemplary contact 1110 located on an end face 1120. Figure 11 (b) shows a plan view of the end of the coupling portion 1100, illustrating the contact 1110, the end face 1120 and a tapered surface 1115.
[00196] Contact 1110 on coupling portion 1100 is coupled to a contact 1130 located on a terminal face 1140 of a device receiving cavity 1150 of a load device 1160. An inner wall 1170 of the receiving cavity of device 1150 is tapered to bring the tapered surface 1115 closer to the coupling portion 1100. As the aerosol generating device is inserted into cavity 1150, the tapered surfaces 1115, 1170 collide and guide the contact of the aerosol generating device 1110 and the load device contact 1130 in alignment. It will now be apparent to an individual of ordinary skill in the art that contact 1110 and contact 1130 can comprise one of the connectors 300, 608, 730 discussed in relation to Figures 3, 6 and 7 above and that such connectors and contacts can facilitate transfer electrical charge or data between the aerosol generating device and the charging device discussed in this document.
[00197] Figures 12 (a) and 12 (b) illustrate an alternative specific modality of an aerosol generation system. A coupling portion 1200 of an aerosol generating device has a substantially rectangular cross section (Figure 12 (b) is an end view of the coupling portion and shows the cross section). A strip-shaped contact 1210 is located on an end face 1220 of the coupling portion 1200. The coupling portion comprises a slice-shaped taper 1212 that has a tapered surface 1215. The tapered surface 1215 of the coupling portion 1200 is engages with a tapered surface 1270 within a cavity 1250 of a loading unit 1260 so that contact 1210 in the coupling portion can engage with a contact 1230 in the loading device to form a connection.
[00198] Figures 13 (a) and 13 (b) illustrate an alternative specific modality of an aerosol generation system. A coupling portion 1300 of an aerosol generating device has a substantially circular cross section (Figure 13 (b) is a plan view of the end of the coupling portion and shows the cross section). A contact 1310 is located on an end face 1320 of the coupling portion 1300. The coupling portion comprises a series of stepping 1311, 1312. The stepped surface 1311, 1312 of the stepping portion 1300 engages with a stepped surface 1371, 1372 within a cavity 1350 of a loading unit 1360 so that contact 1310 in the coupling portion can engage with a contact 1330 in the loading device to form a connection.
[00199] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate an alternative specific modality of an aerosol generation system. A coupling portion 1400 of an aerosol generating device has a substantially hexagonal cross section (Figure 14B is a plan view of the end of the coupling portion and shows the cross section). Two contacts 1410, 1411 are located on tapered facets 1420, 1421 of the coupling portion 1400. The tapered facets 1420, 1421 of the coupling portion 1400 engage with the tapered inner facets 1470, 1471 within a cavity of 1450 of a unit load 1460 so that contacts 1410, 1411 on the coupling portion can engage with contacts 1430, 1431 on the load device to form a connection.
[00200] Other details of the construction and use of these modalities are the same as described above in relation to the modality of Figure 1.
[00201] A preferred aerosol generating device can be substantially cylindrical. Figures 15A to 15F illustrate several exemplary cross sections that can provide anti-roll functionality for the device.
[00202] Figure 15A, for example, is a drop shape. If this shape forms the base of a cylinder, the cylinder will have an outer surface that defines a single longitudinal line. Although the device may be able to roll on the curved outer portion of the device, it can no longer roll to full rotation as the corner of the drop will collide on a surface.
[00203] Figure 16 shows a projection of an embodiment of an aerosol generating device 1600. The device comprises a first housing portion 1610 and a second housing portion 1620. Both housing portions are substantially elongated tubes that have a decagonal cross section. When assembled, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are at a junction 1605. Junction 1605 can be placed alternatively at other locations, such as the locations indicated by lines 1607 or 1609 shown in Figure 16. Providing junction 1605 at locations 1607 or 1609, additional flexibility in relation to the size of the first and second housing portions 1610 and 1620 is provided.
[00204] A 1630 button extends through the housing. The 1630 button is connected to the internal electronics and allows a user to actuate the device. Projections 1612, 1622 extend from each housing portion adjacent to the button. These projections accentuate the position of the 1630 button, thereby allowing a user to operate the device without looking to observe the position of the button. These projections 1612, 1622 also serve as a switching function when the device 1600 is coupled to a secondary unit. These projections 1612, 1622 also help to protect the button and prevent accidental activation of the device. These projections 1612, 1622 also contribute to the stability of the device by acting as barriers for the device to roll. As will now be evident to an individual of ordinary skill in the technique, the inclusion of projections 1612 and 1622 is optional as button 106 can provide equivalent functionality, as discussed in connection with Figures 1, 2, 3 (a), 3 (b) and 3 (c) above.
[00205] A terminal end of the first housing portion 1610 is tapered 1611. A terminal end of the second housing portion 1620 is tapered 1621. The housing portions are formed of injection molded polycarbonate (PC) which has a thickness of approximately 0.75 mm. Injection moldings were produced with injection points at one end of the mold and flow lines of the injected polymer that extend along the longitudinal geometric axis of each housing portion. The total length of the device is approximately 94 mm.
[00206] The external cross-section of each housing portion is decagonal. The faces of decagon 1700 are slightly curved so that the cross section is a convex decagon. This is illustrated schematically in Figure 17 where the dotted lines represent a perfect decagon and the continuous lines represent a convex decagon. Note that the curvature shown in Figure 17 has been greatly exaggerated for illustrative purposes.
[00207] When the device 1600 is mounted and the first housing portion 1610 abuts the second housing portion 1620 at junction 1605, the slightly curved decagon faces 1700 produce an optical effect that does not accentuate any incompatibility or misalignment in the two housing portions .
[00208] The first housing portion 1610 defines a substrate receiving cavity as described above in relation to the embodiment of Figure 1. That housing portion 1610 can be slidably separated from the second housing portion 1620 by sliding in one direction longitudinal. The first housing portion 1610 can be removed from the device 1600 completely.
[00209] An internal surface 1800 of the first housing portion 1610 may have a decagonal cross-section or, alternatively, may be substantially cylindrical in shape. This inner surface 1800 engages with an inner body portion 1900 of the device which is substantially cylindrical shaped. The first housing portion 1610 is retained in device 1600 by means of inserts 2000 (see the regions outlined in circles in Figure 18). Fittings 2000 comprise a combination of projections 2010 located on an internal surface of the housing portion with flexible projections 1910 or 1920 located on an external surface of an internal body. The inner surface 1800 of the first housing portion 1610 has four pairs of longitudinally spaced projections 2010 that are circumferentially spaced within the inner surface 1800. These pairs of projections 2010 engage with the flexible projections 1910, 1920 that protrude from the inner body 1900. When the first portion of housing 1610 abuts the second portion 1620, the pairs of projections 2010 engage with a first set of flexible projections 1910. The first portion of housing 1610 is thus retained against the second portion of accommodation 1620.
[00210] Applying a force in a longitudinal direction, the inserts 2000 are disengaged when the projections 2010 in the first housing portion 1610 disengage with the first set of flexible projections 1910 and the first housing portion 1610 can slide freely on an axis longitudinal geometric. To retain the first housing portion 1610 in a second position, spaced longitudinally from the first position, the projections 2010 can engage with a second flexible projection 1920 located on the inner body 1900 and the inserts 2000 are re-engaged with the combination of projections 2010 and 1920 The second flexible projections 1920 are spaced longitudinally from the first flexible projections 1910. The flexible projections 1910, 1920 can be flexible by cantilever springs.
[00211] Other details of the construction and use of this modality are the same as described above in relation to the modality of Figure 1.
[00212] Of course, it should be understood that the descriptive report is not intended to be restricted to details of the above modalities that are described only as an example.

权利要求:
Claims (13)
[0001]
1. Electrical system comprising a primary device (600, 700) and a secondary device (100, 702), in which the primary device comprises: a source of electrical energy (604, 706); a cavity (602, 712) configured to receive the secondary device (100, 702); at least one electrical contact (608, 710) within the cavity configured to make contact with a corresponding contact on the secondary device (300, 730) when the secondary device is in the cavity, the hair at least one electrical contact being electrically connected to the electrical power source, at least one data contact configured to transfer data between the primary device and the secondary device; and that the secondary device is keyed to the cavity of the primary device, characterized by a movable cover (714) between a first position to retain the secondary device in contact with at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact and a second position in that the secondary device is free to move out of contact with at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact where, in the first position, the cap incites the secondary device in contact with at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact.
[0002]
2. Electrical system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the switching comprises the cavity which has a non-regular cross-sectional shape and the secondary device which has a corresponding non-regular cross-sectional shape.
[0003]
3. Electrical system, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the non-regular cross-sectional shape of the cavity comprises a projection for switching with the non-regular cross-sectional shape of the secondary device that has a slit.
[0004]
4. Electrical system according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the non-regular cross-sectional shape of the cavity comprises a switching slot with the non-regular cross-sectional shape of the secondary device that has a protrusion.
[0005]
5. Electrical system, according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the secondary device comprises a coupling portion for coupling the secondary device to at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact , wherein the coupling portion is staggered or tapered.
[0006]
6. Electrical system, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the staggered or tapered portion extends between 5% and 20% of the length of the secondary device.
[0007]
7. Electrical system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that the coupling portion has a cross-section that is non-circular, for example, polygonal.
[0008]
Electrical system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the primary device is configured to prevent power supply to the secondary device through at least one electrical contact, when the cover is not in the first position.
[0009]
9. Electrical system, according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that at least one of at least one electrical contact and at least one data contact comprises a resistant element configured to incite the device secondary towards the cover when the secondary device is positioned in the cavity.
[0010]
10. Electrical system, according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the cover comprises at least one hole that allows material to escape from the cavity when the secondary device is in the cavity and the cover is in the first position.
[0011]
11. Electrical system, according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that the source of electrical energy in the primary device comprises a rechargeable battery.
[0012]
12. Electrical system, according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that the secondary device is an electrically heated aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a rechargeable energy source.
[0013]
13. Electrical system according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the primary device is configured to supply power to the secondary device in a manner suitable for recharging the rechargeable battery in the secondary device when the secondary device is in contact with o at least one electrical contact.

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RU2014132064A|2016-02-20|

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WO2022003946A1|2020-07-03|2022-01-06|日本たばこ産業株式会社|Heating device and heating system|

法律状态:
2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2020-05-26| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2020-11-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 28/12/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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EP12150114|2012-01-03|

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EP12150114.2|2012-01-03|

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EP12155252.5|2012-02-13|

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EP12155254|2012-02-13|

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EP12155241.8|2012-02-13|

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EP12155245|2012-02-13|

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EP12155252|2012-02-13|

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EP12155258|2012-02-13|

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EP12155241|2012-02-13|

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EP12155245.9|2012-02-13|

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EP12155254.1|2012-02-13|

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PCT/EP2012/077084|WO2013102611A2|2012-01-03|2012-12-28|Aerosol-generating device and system|

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