SMOKING DEVICE WITH MAIN UNIT HAVING A RESILIENT LATCHING MEMBER

Abstract

A holder for an aerosol-generating device is provided, the holder including: a docking arrangement to engage with the device and including a docking space defined between a first end and an opposing second end spaced from and fixed relative to the first end, the docking space accommodating a longitudinal dimension of the device; and a retainer to engage with an end of the device to releasably retain the device in the docking space, the retainer having a first surface fixed relative to the first end, and a second surface projecting away from the first end into the docking space, the second surface being deflectable relative to the first end on engagement with the end of the device, the second surface includes a resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material, which includes a nitrile, and resilient deformation of the material allows the second surface to be deflectable relative to the first end.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A holder for an aerosol-generating device, the holder comprising: a docking arrangement configured to engage with the aerosol-generating device, the docking arrangement comprising a docking space defined between a first end and an opposing second end spaced from and fixed relative to the first end, the docking space being configured to accommodate a longitudinal dimension of the aerosol-generating device; and a retainer configured to engage with an end of the aerosol-generating device to releasably retain the aerosol-generating device in the docking space, the retainer having a first surface fixed relative to the first end, and a second surface projecting away from the first end into the docking space, the second surface being deflectable relative to the first end on engagement with the end of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the second surface of the retainer comprises, or is formed from, a resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material, and wherein the resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material comprises, or is, a nitrile, and resilient deformation of the resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material allows the second surface of the retainer to be deflectable relative to the first end.

17. The holder according to claim 16, wherein the retainer is formed from the resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material, and the first surface of the retainer is a first surface of the resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material.

18. The holder according to claim 16, wherein the retainer comprises, or is formed from, a nitrile rubber.

19. The holder according to claim 16, wherein the retainer is configured to apply a force to the aerosol-generating device retained in the docking space, the force acting to urge the aerosol-generating device away from the first end and towards the second end.

20. The holder according to claim 16, wherein the retainer is configured to engage with an opening or recess defined at the end of the aerosol-generating device.

21. The holder according to claim 20, wherein the opening or recess is bounded by a rim or lip, and the retainer engages with the rim or lip.

22. The holder according to claim 21, wherein the rim or lip is a continuous rim or lip bounding the opening or recess and, when the aerosol-generating device is retained in the docking space, a seal is formed by interaction between the second surface of the retainer and the rim or lip, thereby sealing the opening or recess.

23. The holder according to claim 16, wherein the second surface of the retainer is substantially hemispherical in shape.

24. The holder according to claim 16, wherein the aerosol-generating device is an elongate aerosol-generating device defining a longitudinal dimension, and the docking space is configured to accommodate the longitudinal dimension of the elongate aerosol-generating device.

25. The holder according to claim 16, wherein retention of the aerosol-generating device in the docking space is effected by relative movement of the aerosol-generating device and the docking space in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the aerosol-generating device.

26. The holder according to claim 25, wherein the retention of the aerosol-generating device in the docking space causes elastic deformation of the retainer.

27. The holder according to claim 26, wherein the retainer is in a first state when the aerosol-generating device is not retained in the docking space, and the retainer is in a deformed second state when the aerosol-generating device is retained in the docking space.

28. The holder according to claim 16, further comprising a power source, wherein the second end of the holder comprises an electrical contact electrically connected to the power source, the electrical contact configured to engage with a corresponding electrical contact of the aerosol-generating device to supply power from the power source to the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is retained in the docking space.

29. The holder according to claim 28, wherein, when the aerosol-generating device is retained in the docking space, the retainer urges the aerosol-generating device towards the electrical contact.

30. The holder according to claim 16, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein, when the aerosol-generating device is accommodated in the docking space, a first side portion of the body faces the holder and a second side portion of the body faces away from the holder and is exposed.

Description

[0075] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0076] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating article, and a holder;

[0077] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration the aerosol-generating device and the holder of FIG. 1; and

[0078] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration the aerosol-generating device and the holder of FIG. 2.

[0079] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration an aerosol-generating device 220, an aerosol-generating article 230, and a holder 201.

[0080] The holder 201 has a docking arrangement configured to engage with the aerosol-generating device 220. The docking arrangement comprises a docking space 205 defined between a first end 206 and an opposing second end 207 spaced from and fixed relative to the first end 206. The docking space 205 is suitable for accommodating a longitudinal dimension of the aerosol-generating device 220. The holder comprises a retainer 280 for engagement with an end of the aerosol-generating device 220 to releasably retain the aerosol-generating device 220 in the docking space 205. The retainer has a first surface 282 fixed relative to the first end 206, and a second surface 284 projecting away from the first end 206 into the docking space 205, the second surface 284 being deflectable relative to the first end 206 on engagement with the end of the aerosol-generating device 220.

[0081] The holder 201 comprises a housing 202 that is approximately the same size and shape as a conventional packet of cigarettes. The housing 202 locates and retains a Li-ion battery 203. This battery 203 may be termed a primary power source or primary battery of the system. The primary battery 203 is electrically connected to a charging port 213 to allow the primary battery 203 to be recharged from an external power supply such as mains power.

[0082] The docking space is further defined by a rear wall 208 and first and second side walls to form an elongate docking space 205 having a longitudinal axis extending between the first end 206 and the second end 207. The first end 206, second end 207, rear wall 208 and first and second side walls are portions of the housing 202. The docking space 205 is not closed by a cover or lid and forms an open groove in the housing 202 of the holder 201. First and second electrical contacts 217, 218 are located by the second end 207 and face into the docking space 205. The first and second electrical contacts are electrically connected to the primary battery 203. The holder 201 further comprises electric circuitry such as at least one microprocessor to control the charging and the discharge of the primary battery 203.

[0083] The aerosol-generating device has an elongated housing 222 that is substantially cylindrical having a proximal end 223, a distal end 224, and a body 225 extending between the proximal end 223 and the distal end 224.

[0084] The length of the device 220 is substantially the same as the length of the longitudinal dimension of the docking space 205. First and second device contacts 227, 228 are located by the distal end 224 and face away from the distal end. The first and second device contacts are electrically connected to a device battery 226 to allow for recharging of the device battery 226. The device battery 226, which may be termed a secondary power source or secondary battery, may be any suitable battery, for example a Li-ion battery or a lithium iron phosphate battery.

[0085] A substrate-receiving cavity 221 is defined in a proximal portion of the device 220 for receiving an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 221 is substantially cylindrical and has an opening 272 defined in the proximal end of the device. The opening 272 is bounded by a rim 270. Heating elements positioned around internal walls 229 of the substrate receiving cavity 221 are electrically connected to the device battery 226 and act to heat the cavity. In alternate examples the heating elements may be defined on a heating member such as a pin or a blade that is located within the cavity for insertion into an aerosol-generating article. In other examples, induction coils may be located around the walls 229 of the cavity 221 to inductively heat a susceptor within the cavity 221 or within an aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity.

[0086] Electronics, including a microprocessor, are included in the aerosol-generating device for controlling charging of the device battery 226 and operation of the heating means.

[0087] The aerosol-generating article 230 is a cylindrical article comprising a plurality of components, including an aerosol-forming substrate 231 and a mouthpiece filter 232, assembled within a cigarette paper 233. The article 230 has a distal end 234 and a proximal end 235 or mouth end located downstream of the distal end 234. The aerosol-forming substrate 231 is optionally in the form of a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material and is located at or near to the distal end 234 of the article 230. Further components such as aerosol-cooling elements, flavouring elements and spacing elements may be positioned between the aerosol-forming substrate 231 and the mouthpiece filter 232 within the article 230.

[0088] The aerosol-generating device 220 has a longitudinal dimension that is approximately the same length as the longitudinal dimension of the docking space 205. The aerosol-generating device 220 may be engaged with the holder 210 by aligning the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device 220 with the longitudinal axis of the docking space 205, with the proximal end 223 of the aerosol-generating device 220 adjacent the first end 206 of the docking arrangement and the distal end 224 of the aerosol-generating device 220 adjacent the second end 207 of the docking arrangement. The aerosol-generating device may then be moved into engagement by a translational movement, that is a movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device 220, into the docking space 205. The proximal end 223 of the aerosol-generating device 220 engages with the first end 206 and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device 224 engages with the second end 207. The first and second contacts 217, 218 align with, and make electrical contact with, the first and second device contacts 227, 228. The aerosol-generating device may be held in engagement by an interference, or frictional, engagement. Alternatively, mechanical latching means may be automatically or manually operated to retain the aerosol-generating device in engagement with the holder. In other examples, magnetic latching means may be used to retain the aerosol-generating device in engagement with the holder.

[0089] When engaged with the holder 210, a portion of the body 225 of the aerosol-generating device 220 remains exposed to the external environment. In some examples the docking space is not enclosed and the majority of the body 225 of the aerosol-generating device 220 is exposed when the aerosol-generating device 220 is engaged with the holder 201.

[0090] Charging of the device battery may be effected automatically on engagement between the aerosol-generating device 220 and the holder 201. Alternatively, charging may require manual actuation, for example by operating a button.

[0091] The aerosol-generating device 220 may be removed from engagement with the holder 201 by holding an exposed portion of the aerosol-generating device and moving the aerosol-generating device out of the docking space with a transverse movement. In some examples a mechanical latch may need to be released. In some examples, an extraction tool or extraction means may engage with the aerosol-generating device to push the aerosol-generating device out of the docking space. An extraction tool may simply be a member that pushes the aerosol-generating device 220 transversely out of the docking space 205.

[0092] Once the device battery 226 has been charged, the aerosol-generating device may be used for consumption of a consumable aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device is removed from engagement with the holder and the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the substrate receiving cavity 221. The heater of the device 220 is actuated and the aerosol-forming substrate 231 if the article 230 is heated to a temperature sufficient to generating an inhalable aerosol. By drawing on the proximal end 235 of the article 230, a user is able to inhale the aerosol into their mouth and lungs. Once the article has been consumed, it can be removed from the device 220, and the aerosol-generating device 220 can be returned to engagement with the holder 201 for recharging of the device battery 226.

[0093] In some examples, data may be transferred between the aerosol-generating device and the holder. The data may be transferred using the same contacts that are used for charging 217, 218, 227, 228. Alternatively, separate data contacts may be provided. Data transfer between the holder 201 and the aerosol-generating device 220 may be achieved wirelessly, for example by Bluetooth connection.

[0094] In some examples, the first and second charging contacts 217, 218 may be in the form of concentric rings. The device charging contacts 227, 228 may be corresponding concentric rings, or may be point contacts configured to align with the respective concentric rings. The advantage of this configuration is that the aerosol-generating device may be engaged with the holder in any radial orientation.

[0095] The retainer 280 is formed from a resiliently deformable elastomeric material. Specifically, the retainer 280 in this example is formed of a resiliently deformable synthetic rubber such as a nitrile. The retainer may be formed from any suitable resilient material, for example natural rubber. In FIG. 1, the retainer 280 is shown in an undeformed, or undeflected, state. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the retainer 280, in its undeformed, or undeflected, state, is substantially hemispherical in shape.

[0096] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration the aerosol-generating device and the holder of FIG. 1.

[0097] Retention of the aerosol-generating device 220 in the docking space 205 is effected by relative movement of the device 220 and the docking space 205 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the device 220.

[0098] In FIG. 2, the aerosol-generating device 220 is partially accommodated in the docking space 205 of the holder 201. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the proximal end 223 of the device 220 is in contact with the retainer 280. This contact is causing the second surface 284 of the retainer 280 to deflect relative to the first end 206.

[0099] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration the aerosol-generating device and the holder of FIG. 2.

[0100] In FIG. 3, the aerosol-generating device 220 is accommodated in the docking space 205 of the holder 201. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the proximal end 223 of the device 220 is in engagement with the retainer 280. In this position, the retainer 280 is acting to releasably retain the device 220 in the docking space 205.

[0101] In the position shown in FIG. 3, a seal is formed by the interaction between the second surface 284 of the retainer 280 and the rim 270 of the device 220. This seals the opening 272 at the proximal end 223 of the device 220. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second surface 284 of the retainer 280 forms a continuous, circumferential ring of contact with the continuous rim 270 bounding the opening 272 at the proximal end 223 of the device.

[0102] When the device 220 is accommodated in the docking space 205, as shown in FIG. 3, the retainer 280 is in a deformed or deflected state. In the position shown in FIG. 3, the second surface 284 has deflected relative to the first end 206. This is because a portion of the retainer 280 has been received in the opening 272 of the device 220. Another portion of the retainer 280 is not received in the opening 272 but is located above the opening 272. The retainer 280 is effectively squashed, or deformed, when the device 220 is accommodated in the docking space 205. Due to the resilience of the retainer 280, the retainer 280 applies a force to the device 220 accommodated in the docking space 205. This force urges the device 220 away from the first end 206 and towards the second end 207. In this way, the retainer 280 acts to releasably retain the device 220 in the docking space 205 and also to urge the device charging contacts 227, 228 towards the first and second charging contacts 217, 218 of the holder. This ensures a good electrical connection between device charging contact 227 and the first charging contact 217, and between device charging contact 228 and the second charging contact 218.