AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE OR CASE WITH MULTIPLE POWER SOURCES

Abstract

A charging case for an aerosol-generating device, the charging case including a case connector for receiving electrical power from an external source, a plurality of case cavities, a mounting section for connecting the aerosol-generating device to the charging case, and a case control unit. Each of the plurality of case cavities being configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources. The case control unit arranged to charge a first one of the plurality of power sources via the case connector using electrical power from the external power source and charge the aerosol-generating device connected to the mounting section via a second one of the plurality of power sources, or via the case connector using electrical power from the external power source.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A charging case for an aerosol-generating device, the charging case comprising: a case connector for receiving electrical power from an external source; a plurality of case cavities, each of the plurality of case cavities being configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources; a mounting section for connecting the aerosol-generating device to the charging case; and a case control unit arranged to: charge a first one of the plurality of power sources via the case connector using electrical power from the external power source; and charge the aerosol-generating device connected to the mounting section via a second one of the plurality of power sources; wherein each one of the power sources is removable and insertable into any one of the plurality of case cavities.

17. The charging case according to claim 16, wherein the case control unit is arranged to charge a plurality of the power sources via the case connector using electrical power from the external power source.

18. The charging case according to claim 16, wherein the mounting section comprises one or more couplers for coupling the aerosol-generating device to the charging case.

19. The charging case according to claim 18, wherein access to the case cavities is provided via the mounting section, wherein open ends of the case cavities are exposed upon removal of an aerosol-generating device from the mounting section.

20. The charging case according to claim 16, wherein the shape of an external face of the mounting section is shaped for receiving the aerosol-generating device.

21. An aerosol-generating device comprising: a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate; a device housing comprising a plurality of power source cavities, wherein each of the plurality of power source cavities is configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources, the device housing further comprising a power source portion comprising the plurality of power source cavities and a cover portion for covering and providing access to the power source cavities of the power source portion, wherein the power source portion and the cover portion are configured to rotate relative to each other; and a selector arranged to select a first power source from the plurality of power sources inserted into the plurality of power source cavities and arranged to provide power to the heater from the selected first power source; wherein each one of the plurality of power sources is removable from and insertable into a corresponding one of the plurality of power source cavities.

22. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 21 wherein the cover portion comprises a window portion, wherein the power source portion is rotatable relative to the cover portion to expose at least one of the plurality of power source cavities through the window portion.

23. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 21, wherein the device housing further comprises a charging port for charging a power source received in any of the plurality of power source cavities.

24. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 21, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to: control the power supplied to the heater from one or more of the plurality of power sources; and maintain the power provided to the heater using any one or more of the plurality of power sources remaining in the power source cavities.

25. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 21, wherein the device further comprises a mounting pin, and wherein the power source portion and the cover portion are rotatably coupled to the mounting pin.

26. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 21, wherein the cover portion comprises a window portion, wherein the power source portion is rotatable relative to the cover portion to expose at least one of the plurality of power source cavities through the window portion, and/or, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a body portion comprising a protrusion and the power source portion comprises at least one locking recess, and wherein the protrusion is configured to engage the at least one locking recess to maintain a rotatable position of the power source portion.

27. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 21, wherein each power source cavity comprises: a biasing element configured to be compressed, the biasing element operable to engage the at least one of the plurality of power sources; and an electrical contact configured to electrically couple to the at least one of the plurality of power sources when the biasing element is compressed by the at least one of the plurality of power sources.

28. A kit comprising, an aerosol-generating device comprising, a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate; a device housing comprising a plurality of power source cavities, wherein each of the plurality of power source cavities is configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources, the device housing further comprising a power source portion comprising the plurality of power source cavities and a cover portion for covering and providing access to the power source cavities of the power source portion, wherein the power source portion and the cover portion are configured to rotate relative to each other; and a selector arranged to select a first power source from the plurality of power sources inserted into the plurality of power source cavities and arranged to provide power to the heater from the selected first power source; wherein each one of the plurality of power sources is removable from and insertable into a corresponding one of the plurality of power source cavities, and a charging case comprising: a case connector for receiving electrical power from an external source; a plurality of case cavities, each of the plurality of case cavities being configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources; a mounting section for connecting the aerosol-generating device to the charging case; and a case control unit arranged to: charge a first one of the plurality of power sources via the case connector using electrical power from the external power source; and charge the aerosol-generating device connected to the mounting section via a second one of the plurality of power sources; wherein each one of the power sources is removable and insertable into any one of the plurality of case cavities.

29. The kit according to claim 28, wherein the case control unit is arranged to charge a plurality of the power sources via the case connector using electrical power from the external power source.

30. The kit according to claim 28, wherein the mounting section comprises one or more couplers for coupling the aerosol-generating device to the charging case.

31. The kit according to claim 28, wherein access to the case cavities is provided via the mounting section, wherein open ends of the case cavities are exposed upon removal of an aerosol-generating device from the mounting section.

32. The kit according to claim 28, wherein the shape of an external face of the mounting section is shaped for receiving the aerosol-generating device.

33. The kit according to claim 28, wherein the cover portion comprises a window portion, wherein the power source portion is rotatable relative to the cover portion to expose at least one of the plurality of power source cavities through the window portion.

34. The kit according to claim 28, wherein the device housing further comprises a charging port for charging a power source received in any of the plurality of power source cavities.

35. The kit according to claim 28, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to: control the power supplied to the heater from one or more of the plurality of power sources; and maintain the power provided to the heater using any one or more of the plurality of power sources remaining in the power source cavities.

Description

[0100] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating device.

[0101] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a charging case.

[0102] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a charging case and an aerosol-generating device.

[0103] FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic diagram views of an aerosol-generating device.

[0104] FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic diagram views of a power source portion of the aerosol-generating device.

[0105] FIGS. 5A-5D are schematic diagram of positions of the power source portion relative to a cover portion for covering and providing access to power source cavities of the power source portion.

[0106] FIG. 6A-6C are schematic diagram views of a removable power source.

[0107] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an interaction of the cover portion and a removable power source.

[0108] FIGS. 8A-8D are schematic diagram views of a charging case with a plurality of case cavities.

[0109] The aerosol-generating devices and systems depicted in FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one or more embodiments of aerosol-generating devices, charging cases, and aerosol-generating systems described above. The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The drawings depict one or more aspects described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0110] The aerosol-generating device depicted in FIG. 1A illustrates an aerosol-generating device 10 that includes a device housing 11 and a heater 12 for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The device housing 11 includes a plurality of power source cavities 18. Each of the plurality of power source cavities 18 is configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources.

[0111] Each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable from and insertable into the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable from aerosol-generating device 10 without requiring the use of a tool so that the power sources can be removed using a user's hand alone. Alternatively, the plurality of power sources may be permanently fixed in the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, use of a tool (such as a screwdriver) may be required in order to remove each one of the plurality of power sources from the aerosol-generating device 10 so that the power sources cannot be removed using a user's hand alone.

[0112] The aerosol-generating device 10 includes a selector arranged to select a power source from the plurality of power sources inserted into the plurality of power source cavities 18 and to provide power to the heater 12 from the selected removable power source. The selector may include any suitable circuitry or electronics such as circuitry 14 to select a removable power source and provide power to the heater 12 from such removable power source. The selector may include any suitable apparatus including a switch or a rotatable battery chamber to select a power source. The selector may include a rotatable power source portion such as the power source portions shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A-4C, and 5A-5D.

[0113] The aerosol-generating device 10 includes circuitry 14. The circuitry 14 may include any suitable electronics or devices for controlling power provided to the heater 12. For example, the circuitry 14 may operably couple each of the power source cavities 18 or received removable power sources in parallel to the heater 12. Such a configuration would allow the aerosol-generating device to provide power at a voltage equal to or lower than the maximum voltage of a removable power source. In another example, the circuitry 14 may include a controller to control the power provided to the heater 12. The controller may include one or more processors, memory, logic units, or other electronics to provide power control.

[0114] The aerosol-generating device 10 includes circuitry 16 and a charging port 17. The circuitry 16 may include any suitable electronics or devices for controlling power received from the charging port 17. The charging port 17 may be coupled to an external power source such as a charging case or coupled to an electrical outlet using an adapter. The circuitry 16 may operably couple each of the power source cavities 18 or received power sources in parallel to an external power source and control charging of the received power sources. In an example, the circuitry 16 may include a controller to control the power provided to the received power sources. The controller may include one or more processors, memory, logic units, or other electronics to provide power control. In another example, the circuitry 14 and the circuitry 16 are a single controller configured to control charging of the power sources and providing power to the heater 12.

[0115] FIG. 1B illustrates a charging case 20 that includes a case housing 21, a case connector 28, a plurality of case cavities 22, a mounting section 24, and a case control unit 26. The case connector 28 is arranged to receive power from an external source. Each of the plurality of case cavities 22 is configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources. The mounting section 24 can be connected to an aerosol-generating device such as the aerosol-generating device 10 of FIG. 1A.

[0116] The case control unit 26 is arranged to control charging of the plurality of power sources in the plurality of case cavities 22 and the aerosol-generating device received in the mounting section 24. The case control unit 26 receives power via the case connector 28 and provides power to the plurality of power sources and the aerosol-generating device. The case control unit 26 may also receive power from one or more of the plurality of power sources and provide such power to the aerosol-generating device. The case control unit 26 may provide power based on a charge of the plurality of power sources and the aerosol-generating device. In one example, the case control unit 26 is arranged to charge a first one of the plurality of power sources via the case connector 28 using electrical power from the external power source; and charge the aerosol-generating device connected to the mounting section 24 via a second one of the plurality of power sources, or via the case connector using electrical power from the external power source. The case control unit 26 may include one or more processors, memory, logic units, or other electronics to provide power control.

[0117] The case control unit 26 may provide power to at least one of the power sources in a case cavity 22 directly from the external power source (i.e. not via or through another power source). The case control unit 26 may provide power to the aerosol-generating device 10 directly from at least one of the power sources in a case cavity 22 (i.e. not via or through another power source).

[0118] The aerosol-generating system depicted in FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol-generating system 30 that includes a charging case 32, an aerosol-generating device 34, and an aerosol-generating article 36. The charging case 32 may include case power source and a case housing. The case housing may include a plurality of case cavities. Each of the plurality of case cavities may be configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources.

[0119] Each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable from and insertable into the charging case 32. For example, each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable from charging case 32 without requiring the use of a tool so that the power sources can be removed using a user's hand alone. Alternatively, the plurality of power sources may be permanently fixed in the charging case 32. For example, use of a tool (such as a screwdriver) may be required in order to remove each one of the plurality of power sources from the charging case 32 so that the power sources cannot be removed using a user's hand alone.

[0120] The case power source may be configured to charge each of the plurality of removable power sources inserted in the plurality of case cavities. The charging case 32 may receive the aerosol-generating device 34 within a mounting section 38. The charging case 32 may include one or more couplers configured to releasably retain the aerosol-generating device 34 to the mounting section 38.

[0121] The aerosol-generating 34 device may include a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate and a device housing that may include a plurality of power source cavities. Each of the plurality of power source cavities may be configured to receive at least one of a plurality of removable power sources. The aerosol-generating device 34 may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article such as article 36. The aerosol-generating device 34 may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article 36.

[0122] The aerosol-generating device depicted in FIGS. 3A-3D illustrates an aerosol-generating device 40 that includes a housing 41. FIG. 3A depicts a distal end view of the aerosol-generating device 40. FIG. 3B depicts a side view of the aerosol-generating device 40. FIG. 3C depicts a proximal end view of the aerosol-generating device 40. FIG. 3D depicts a cross-sectional side view of the aerosol-generating device 40. The housing 41 may include a heating portion 42, a cover portion 44, and a power source portion 46. The heating portion 42 may include a heater cavity 48 at a distal end of the aerosol-generating device 40 as depicted in FIG. 3A. The heater cavity 48 may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article. The heater cavity 48 may include a heater 56 for heating aerosol-generating articles received in the heater cavity.

[0123] The power source portion 46 may include power source cavities 50. Openings to the power source cavities may be at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating device 40 as depicted in FIG. 3C. The power source cavities 50 may each be configured to receive at least one removable power source. The cover portion 44 may be configured to cover and provide access to the power source cavities 50. The power source portion 46 and the cover portion 44 may be configured to rotate relative to each other. The cover portion may include a window portion 52. The power source portion 46 may be rotatable relative to the cover portion 44 to expose at least one of the power source cavities 50 through the window portion 52. In other words, the cover portion 44 may be configured to cover the power source cavities 50 unless the power source portion 46 is rotated to expose one of the power source cavities. The aerosol-generating device 40 may further include a mounting pin 54. The power source portion 46 and the cover portion 44 may be rotatably coupled to the mounting pin 54. One of the power source portions 46 or the cover portion 44 may be rotatable relative to the other about the mounting pin 54.

[0124] The power source cavities 50 may include electrical contacts 58. The electrical contacts 58 may be located proximal a closed end of the power source cavities 50. The electrical contacts 58 may be operably coupled to heater 56 by circuitry 60. The aerosol-generating device 40 may be configured control power supplied to the heater 56 from one or more of a plurality of removable power sources received in power source cavities 50. The aerosol-generating device may further be configured to maintain the power provided to the heater 56 using any one or more of the plurality of removable power sources remaining in the power source cavities 50. The circuitry 60 may include any suitable electronics or devices for controlling power provided to the heater 56. For example, the circuitry 60 may operably couple each of the power source cavities 50 or received removable power sources in parallel to the heater 56. Such a configuration would allow the aerosol-generating device to provide power at a voltage equal to or lower than the maximum voltage of a removable power source. In another example, the circuitry 60 may include a controller to control the power provided to the heater 56. The controller may include one or more processors, memory, logic units, or other electronics to provide power control.

[0125] The power source portion depicted in FIGS. 4A-4C illustrates a power source portion 70 that includes a mounting pin 72, power source cavities 74, cavity openings 75, a charger port 76, and locking recess 78. FIG. 4A depicts a proximal end view of the power source portion 70. FIG. 4B depicts a cross-section side view of the power source portion 70. FIG. 4C depicts a distal end view of the power source portion 70.

[0126] The power source portion 70 may have a cylindrical shape. The mounting pin 72 may define a protrusion from the centre of the power source portion 70. The mounting pin 72 may be used to rotatably couple the power source portion 70 to a cover portion and enable the power source portion to rotate. The power source portion 70 may have locking recess 78 at a distal end as depicted in FIG. 4A. The locking recess 78 may allow a position of the power source portion 70 to be maintained. The locking recess 78 may be configured to engage with an elastic protrusion of a case portion. In other words, an elastic protrusion of a cover portion (not shown) may interact with the locking recess 78 and lock the power source portion 70 in a designated position until a user applies force to rotate the power source portion.

[0127] The power source portion 70 may include cavity openings 75 to power source cavities 74 at a proximal end as depicted in FIG. 4C. The power source cavities 74 may have cavity openings and a cross-sectional area slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of the removable power sources that the power sources are configured to receive. The power source cavities 74 may have a hexagonally shaped cross-sectional area. Each of the power source cavities 74 may have a biasing element 80 configured to be compressed. The biasing elements 80 may be located at a closed end of the power source cavities 74. The biasing elements 80 may be operable to engage removable power sources received in the power source cavities. The biasing elements 80 may include an elastic protrusion, a spring, or other biasing device. The biasing elements 80 may allow for easy removal of removable power sources when such removable power sources are not secured in the power source cavities 74 The power source cavities 74 may further include electrical contacts 82. The electrical contacts 82 may be configured to electrically couple to power sources received in the power source cavities 74 when the biasing element 80 is compressed by the power sources. The electrical contacts 82 may electrically couple power sources to a controller, a heating element, or the charger port 76.

[0128] The power source portion 70 may include a charger port 76. The charger port 76 may be located at a proximal end of the power source portion as depicted in FIG. 4C. The charger port 76 may be located adjacent to or proximal the cavity openings 75 of the power source cavities 74. The charger port 76 may be configured to couple to a charging cable. The charger port 76 may be electrically coupled to the electrical contacts 82 to provide power for charging removable power sources. The charger port 76 may be operably coupled to a controller of the aerosol-generating device.

[0129] Each of the power source cavities 74 may include a retention element at the cavity openings 75. Retention elements may include elastic protrusions, releasable tabs, or other devices to hold removable power sources in the power source cavities 74. Retention elements may be used when an aerosol-generating device does not have a cover portion. When the retention elements are released or removed the biasing elements 80 may push the heads of the removable power sources out of the power source cavities 74 to enable easy removal of the removable power sources.

[0130] The aerosol-generating device depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D illustrates an aerosol-generating device 100 with a power source portion 102 in various positions relative to a cover portion 104. The cover portion may include a window portion 106 configured to expose a portion of a proximal end of the power source portion 102 as depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D. The power source portion 102 and the cover portion 104 may be rotatably coupled by a mounting pin 108. The power source portion 102 may be rotatable about the mounting pin 108. Alternatively, the cover portion 104 may be rotatable about the mounting pin 108.

[0131] Rotation of either the power source portion 102 or the cover portion 104 to various locking positions may expose one of a charger port 110 and one of a plurality of power source cavities 112A-112C that may or may not have a removable power source 114 received therein. FIGS. 5A-5D depict four different locking positions. In one locking position, a charger port 110 may be exposed by the window portion 106 as depicted in FIG. 5A. In this locking position the power source cavities 112A-112C are covered, thereby securing any removable power sources received therein. In other locking positions, one of the power source cavities 112A-112C are exposed allowing a removable power source 114 to be received in or removed from the exposed power source cavity.

[0132] The power source device depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C illustrates a removable power source 120 for an aerosol-generating device such as depicted in FIGS. 1-5. The removable power source 120 may include a body 122, electrical contacts 124, and a head 126.

[0133] The removable power source 120 may be an energy storage device. Energy storage devices may include, for example, batteries, lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, or other forms of energy storage. The body 122 may be configured to store energy. The stored energy may be electrical energy, chemical energy, or other form of energy storage. In one embodiment, the removable power source is, for example, a Trustfire 10440, 600 mAh 3.7V Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. The removable power source 120 may have an energy capacity in a range of about 250 mAh to about 600 mAh. The electrical contacts 124 may be configured to electrically couple with electrical contacts of an aerosol-generating device or a charger case.

[0134] The removable power source 120 may have a hexagonal shaped cross-sectional area. The head 126 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the body 122. The head 126 having a larger cross-sectional area than the body 122 may provide easier handling for a user. The body 122 may extend along a length or axis between the head 126 and the electrical contacts 124. In other words, the head 126 may be located at a distal end of the removable power source and the electrical contacts may be located at a proximal end of the removable power source. The electrical contacts 124 may electrically couple the energy stored in the removable power source 120 to an aerosol-generating device, a charging case, a power source, or an energy source. The electrical contacts 124 may include any suitable electrically conductive material.

[0135] The aerosol-generating device depicted in FIG. 7 illustrates an interaction between a cover portion 152 of an aerosol-generating device 150 and a removable power source 154. The aerosol-generating device may also include a power source cavity 156 and a power source portion 158. The cover portion 152 may include a window portion. The removable power source 154 may be received or inserted in the power source cavity 156 through the window portion. When the power source portion 158 is rotated the cover portion 152 may engage the removable power source 154 to push the removable power source further into the power source cavity 156 and against a biasing element. The cover portion 152 may include an angled edge 164 to enable the cover portion to smoothly push the removable power source 154 into the power source cavity 156 and to be moved over the power source cavity. Pushing the removable power source 154 against the biasing element may electrically couple electrical contacts of the removable power source 154 and electrical contacts of the aerosol-generating device 150.

[0136] The charging case depicted in FIGS. 8A-8D illustrates a charging case 170 that may include a case power source 172 and a case housing 174. The case housing 174 may include a plurality of case cavities 176. Each of the case cavities 176 may be configured to receive at least one of a plurality of removable power sources 178. FIG. 8A is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of the charging case 170. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the case cavities 176 side of the charging case 170. FIG. 8C is an overhead view of a mounting section 188 side of the charging case 170. FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the case power source 172 side of the charging case 170

[0137] The charging case 170 may be configured to charge one or more of the plurality of removable power sources 178 when received in the plurality of case cavities 176. Each of the case cavities 176 may include a biasing element 180 at the closed end of the cavities to engage a removable power source 178 received therein. Each of the case cavities 176 may include one or more electrical contacts 182 to electrically couple the received power sources 178 to the charging case 170. The electrical contacts 182 may be located the closed end of the case cavities 176. The electrical contacts 182 may include any suitable electrically conductive material.

[0138] The charging case 170 may further include electronics 184 configured to charge one or more of the plurality of removable power sources 176 based upon a current supply capability of the case power source 172. The electronics 184 may further be configured to charge the plurality of removable power sources 176 based on a voltage of each of the plurality of removable power sources 176. The electronics 184 may include one or more processors, controllers, memory, logic units, or other circuitry to control charging of power sources.

[0139] The charging case may further include a charger port 186 to charge the case power source 172, one or more of the plurality of removable power sources 172, or both the case power source and the one or more of the plurality of removable power sources. The charger port 186 may be operably coupled to the electronics 184, the case power source 172, or the electrical contacts 182. The charger port 186 may include any suitable input or interface to couple to a charging cable.

[0140] The charging case 170 may further include a mounting section 188 configured to receive an aerosol-generating device. The mounting section may include one or more couplers 190 to releasably retain the aerosol-generating device to the mounting section. The one or more couplers 190 may include one or more magnets or magnetic material. Access to the case cavities 174 may be provided via the mounting section 188 The shape of an external face of the mounting section 188 may be shaped to receive an aerosol-generating device. The mounting section 188 may include a wireless charging device to charge the aerosol-generating device.

[0141] The charging case 170 may include a storage portion 192. The storage portion 192 may be configured to receive aerosol-generating articles or aerosol-generating device accessories.

[0142] The exemplary embodiments described above are not limiting. Other embodiments consistent with the exemplary embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art.