Patent Description:
In some systems, an aerosol-generating device is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate, such as a gathered, crimped sheet of tobacco. In these systems, the device typically comprises an atomiser, which is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is received in the device. The aerosol-generating article may also comprise a filter, which is wrapped together with the aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a rod, similar to a conventional cigarette. In other systems, the device is configured to receive a cartridge comprising an atomiser and a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Such cartridges are often referred to as cartomisers. Common types of atomiser used in cartomisers comprise a coil of heater wire wound around an elongate wick soaked in liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Heating the aerosol-forming substrate may be an energy-intensive process. Large energy storage units may be needed that increase the size and weight of the aerosol-generating devices and may negatively affect handling of such devices.

Some systems utilize an aerosol-generating device with sufficient energy storage for a single use in conjunction with a charging station or case with higher capacity energy storage. The aerosol-generating device may be removed from the charging station or case before use and reinserted into the charging station after use. The charging station or case may recharge the aerosol-generating device between each use. Other systems include a charging station or case with an additional aerosol-generating device. However, including a second aerosol-generating device may also double the need for cleaning such devices.

<CIT> discloses a docking station for an electronic vaporizing device. <CIT> discloses an acoustic control electronic cigarette case and an electronic cigarette device. <CIT> discloses an aerosol delivery system. <CIT> discloses a hybrid electronic communication vapor device.

It would be desirable to provide a solution for allowing the uninterrupted use of an aerosol-generating device.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging case for an aerosol-generating device, the charging case comprising a case connector, a plurality of case cavities, a mounting section, and a case control unit. The case connector is for receiving electrical power from an external source. Each of the plurality of case cavities is configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources. The mounting section is for connecting the aerosol-generating device to the charging case. The case control unit is 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.

Advantageously, incorporating a plurality of case cavities configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources may provide power source redundancy and ensure continued operability if one of the plurality of power sources fails. Additionally, incorporating a case control unit arranged to charge an aerosol-generating device via one of the plurality of power sources or via the case connector may diminish the load exerted on the plurality of power sources thereby extending their lifespan. For example, the plurality of power sources may not be simultaneously charged and discharged and the charging case can charge the aerosol-generating device directly from external power. Furthermore, the mounting section can provide power to and charge an aerosol-generating device while the device is being used.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided 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; 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.

Advantageously, incorporating a plurality of power source cavities configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources may provide power source redundancy and ensure continued operability if one of the plurality of power sources fails. This also allows one of the plurality of power sources to be used to power the heater, while another different power source is being charged for later use.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising the aerosol-generating device and the charging case.

The case control unit may be arranged to charge a plurality of the power sources via the case connector using electrical power from the external power source. Each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable and insertable into any one of the plurality of case cavities. Access to the case cavities may be provided via the mounting section.

Advantageously, providing a charging case with a plurality of device cavities for charging removable power sources allows depleted removable power sources to be recharged while the aerosol-generating device is in use. Defective power sources may also be removed and replaced without having to replace the entire charging case.

The shape of an external face of the mounting section may be shaped for receiving the aerosol-generating device. The mounting section may comprise one or more couplers for coupling the aerosol-generating device to the charging case. Each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable from and insertable into a corresponding one of the plurality of power source cavities.

The device housing may further comprise a charging port for charging a power source received in any of the plurality of power source cavities. The aerosol-generating device may be 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.

Advantageously, providing an aerosol-generating device with a charging port allows charging of the power sources without removing them from the device. Additionally, providing an aerosol-generating device that can selectively provide power from any one of the power sources allows for continuous use even if one of the batteries fails, becomes depleted, or is removed from the aerosol-generating device.

The device housing may comprise a power source portion and a cover portion. The power source portion may comprise the plurality of power source cavities. The cover portion may be for covering and providing access to the power source cavities of the power source portion. The power source portion and the cover portion may be configured to rotate relative to each other. The device housing may further comprise a mounting pin. The power source portion and the cover portion may be rotatably coupled to the mounting pin. The cover portion may comprise a window portion. The power source portion may be rotatable relative to the cover portion to expose at least one of the plurality of power source cavities through the window portion.

Advantageously, providing a device housing comprising a power source portion and a cover portion as described herein allows the removably power sources to be removed and replaced without during use.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a body portion comprising a protrusion. The power source portion may comprise at least one locking recess. The protrusion may be configured to engage the at least one locking recess to maintain a rotatable position of the power source portion.

Advantageously, providing an aerosol-generating device with a protrusion and locking recess allows for easily rotatably selecting one of the power sources or charging port while preventing the power source portion from rotating freely.

Each power source cavity may comprise a biasing element and an electrical contact. The biasing element may be configured to be compressed. The biasing element may be operable to engage the at least one of the plurality of power sources. The electrical contact may be 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.

Advantageously, providing biasing elements and contacts as described herein allows batteries to be secured in the aerosol-generating device and ensuring proper coupling of the electrical contacts.

According to this disclosure, there is further provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate and a device housing. The device housing comprises a plurality of power source cavities. Each of the plurality of power source cavities is configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources.

According to this disclosure, there is further provided an aerosol-generating system comprising a charging case and an aerosol-generating device. The charging case comprises a case power source and a case housing comprising a plurality of case cavities. Each of the plurality of case cavities is configured to receive at least one of a plurality of removable power sources. The case power source is configured to charge each of the plurality of removable power sources inserted in the plurality of case cavities. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate and a device housing. The device housing comprises a power source cavity configured to receive at least one of a plurality of removable power sources.

Providing a plurality of power source cavities as described provides improved functionality of the aerosol-generating device since each the plurality of power source cavities can accommodate a removable power source. For example, each of the plurality of power source cavities can accommodate a removable power source thereby allowing the aerosol-generating device to accommodate at least two removable power sources. This may enable the aerosol-generating device to continue to provide power to the heater while a depleted removable power source is exchanged for a charged removable power source. Additionally, the aerosol-generating device may switch power consumption from a low or depleted removable power source to a charged removable power source. Such functionality may provide aerosol-generating devices that are suitable for continuous use by multiple users or a single user who desires to use the device for longer than a single use. Additionally, the removable power sources may be replaced when they have worn out or no longer hold a suitable charge.

Preferably, the device housing further comprises a charging port to charge a removable power source received in any of the plurality of power source cavities.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is configured to control the power supplied to the heater from one or more of the plurality of removable power sources and maintain the power provided to the heater using any one or more of the plurality of removable power sources remaining in the power source cavities.

Preferably, the device housing comprises 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. The power source portion and the cover portion may be configured to rotate relative to each other. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a mounting pin. The power source portion and the cover portion may be rotatably coupled to the mounting pin. Preferably, the cover portion comprises a window portion. The power source portion may be rotatable relative to the cover portion to expose at least one of the plurality of power source cavities through the window portion. The cover portion may be rotatable to expose at least one of the plurality of power source cavities through the window portion.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a body portion comprising a protrusion and the power source portion comprises at least one locking recess. The protrusion may be configured to engage the at least one locking recess to maintain a rotatable position of the power source portion.

Preferably, the device cavity comprises a biasing element and an electrical contact. The biasing element may be configured to be compressed. The biasing element may be operable to engage the at least one of the plurality of removable power sources. The electrical contact may be configured to electrically couple to the at least one of the plurality of removable power sources when the biasing element is compressed by the at least one of the plurality of removable power sources.

Preferably, the plurality of power source cavities each comprise a hexagonally shaped cross section.

Preferably, the charging case further comprises electronics configured to charge one or more of the plurality of power sources based upon a current supply capability of the case power source.

Preferably, the charging case further comprises a charger port to charge the case power source, one or more of the plurality of power sources, or both the case power source and the one or more of the plurality of power sources.

Preferably, the charging case further comprises a mounting section configured to receive the aerosol-generating device. The mounting section may comprise one or more couplers to couple to the aerosol-generating device. Access to the case cavities may be provided via the mounting section. The shape of an external face of the mounting section may be shaped to receive the aerosol-generating device.

Preferably, the one or more couplers comprise one or more magnets.

Advantageously, aerosol-generating devices that include a plurality of power source cavities as described herein may provide a simple way to extend continuous use time without needing to significantly increase the size and weight of the device. As a result, a single aerosol-generating device may be used for as long as charged power sources are available. Furthermore, removable power sources are replaceable as the removable power sources wear out or no longer hold enough charge to power the aerosol-generating device. Still further, providing a charging case with a plurality of device cavities for charging removable power sources allows depleted removable power sources to be recharged while the aerosol-generating device is in use.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used herein to denote an article wherein an aerosol-generating substrate is heated to produce and deliver inhalable aerosol to a consumer. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" denotes a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device comprising a heater element that interacts with the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "charging case" refers to a case capable of receiving at least one power source in each of a plurality of case cavities and charging received power sources. The charging case may include a housing and a mounting section. The housing may generally form the shape of the charging case. The mounting section may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating device. The charging case may be configured to charge power sources of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating device is received in the mounting section. The charging case may include a case power source configured to charge received power sources. The charging case may include electronics configured to charge one or more power sources based on a current supply capability of the case power source.

As used herein, the term "cavities" refers to a volumetric space defined in an object or housing that may extend between an open end and a closed end. The sides of the cavity that extend between the ends may be enclosed by the object or housing.

As used herein, the term "power source" refers to 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. Removable power sources may include a body, a head, and electrical contacts. The body may be configured to store energy. The stored energy may be electrical energy, chemical energy, or other form of energy storage. The power source may have an energy capacity in a range of about 250mAh to about <NUM> mAh. The electrical contacts may be configured to electrically couple with electrical contacts of an aerosol-generating device or a charger case.

The removable power source may have a hexagonal shaped cross-sectional area. Alternatively, the power source may have a square or circular cross-sectional area, or any other suitable cross-sectional area. The head may have a larger cross-sectional area than the body. Providing a head with a larger cross-sectional area than the body may provide easier handling for a user. The body may extend along a length or axis between the head and the electrical contacts. In other words, the head 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 may electrically couple the energy stored in the removable power source to an aerosol-generating device, a charging case, a power source, or an energy source. The electrical contacts may include any suitable electrically conductive material.

An aerosol-generating system may include a charging case and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may include a heater and a device housing. The device housing may include a heater portion, a cover portion, a power source portion, and power source cavities. The device housing may have a length that extends along an axis between a distal end and a proximal end. The device housing may have a length in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably, the device housing may have a length of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The device housing may have a length of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The device housing may have a length of about <NUM>. The device housing may have a diameter or width in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably the device housing has a diameter or width of about <NUM>.

The heater portion may have a length that extends along an axis from the distal end of the aerosol-generating device. The heater portion may include or define a heater cavity. The heater may be located in the heater cavity. The heater cavity may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article. The heater cavity may have a diameter in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably, the heater cavity may have a diameter of about <NUM>. The heater may be configured to pierce aerosol-generating articles that are received in the heater cavity. Additionally, the heater may be configured to heat the received aerosol-generating articles.

The power source portion may abut the heater portion. The power source portion may rotatably attached or coupled to the heater portion. For example, the power source portion may include a mounting pin that is rotatably coupled to the heater portion. The power source portion may be rotatable about the axis that extends along the length of the aerosol-generating device and device housing. In other words, the power source portion may be rotatable relative to the heater portion or cover portion. The power source portion may include one or more locking recesses. As used herein, the term "recess" refers to an indentation, dimple, or notch. The one or more locking recesses may be configured to interact with one or more protrusions to maintain a rotational position of the power source portion or cover portion. The power source portion or cover portion may include a number of rotational positions or locking positions. The heater portion or cover portion may include the one or more protrusions configured to engage the one or more locking recesses.

The power source portion may have a diameter in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably, the power source portion may have a diameter of about <NUM>. The power source portion may have a length that extends along the axis from the heater portion towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device.

The cover portion may cover at least a portion of the power source portion. The cover portion may have a length that extends along the axis from the heater portion to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. The cover portion may include a gap along the length of the cover portion that exposes a surface of the power source portion along the length of the power source portion. The gap in the cover portion may have a length in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably the gap in the cover portion has a length of about <NUM>. The gap in the cover portion may allow the power source portion to be rotated relative to the heater portion or the cover portion. In other words, a user may be able to rotate the power source portion by gripping the heater portion or cover portion and spinning or turning the power source portion by applying pressure on the power source portion exposed by the gap in the cover portion. The cover portion may be fixed relative to the heater portion. Alternatively, the cover portion may be rotatable relative to the heater portion and the power source portion may be fixed relative to the heater portion.

The power source portion may include or define a plurality of power source cavities. The power source cavities may have an open end towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device and a closed end toward the heater portion. Each of the power source cavities may have a biasing element configured to be compressed. The biasing elements may be located at the closed end of the power source cavities. The biasing elements may be operable to engage removable power sources received in the power source cavities. The biasing elements may include an elastic protrusion, a spring, or other suitable device for engaging the removable power sources. The biasing elements may allow for easy removal of removable power sources when such removable power sources are not secured in the power source cavities. The removable power sources may not be secured in the power cavities when the cover portion exposes the removable power sources.

The power source cavities may include electrical contacts. The electrical contacts may be located proximal the closed end of the power source cavities. The electrical contacts may be operably coupled to heater by circuitry. The aerosol-generating device may be configured control power supplied to the heater from one or more of a plurality of removable power sources received in power source cavities. The aerosol-generating device may further be configured to maintain the power provided to the heater using any one or more of the plurality of removable power sources remaining in the power source cavities. The circuitry may include any suitable electronics or devices for controlling power provided to the heater. For example, the circuitry may operably couple each of the power source cavities or received removable power sources in parallel to the heater. 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 may include a controller to control the power provided to the heater. The controller may include one or more processors, memory, logic units, or other electronics to provide power control of the aerosol-generating device.

Dynamically providing power from one or more power sources as described herein allows power to be provided to the heater while depleted power sources are removed and replaced with charged power sources. This allows for sustained and uninterrupted use of the aerosol-generating device even when one of the power sources has been depleted. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating device as described herein may be used for multiple sessions or multiple people without the need to wait for batteries to recharge in between single uses or after use by a single user.

The power source portion may include a charger port. The charger port may be located at a proximal end of the power source portion. The charger port may be located adjacent to or proximal the open end of the power source cavities. The charger port may be configured to couple to a charging cable. The charger port may be electrically coupled to the electrical contacts to provide power for charging removable power sources. The charger port may be operably coupled to circuitry of the aerosol-generating device. The circuitry of the aerosol-generating device may include a controller. The controller may be configured to control charging of removably power sources through the charging port.

The cover portion may include a window portion. The window portion may be located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. The window portion may be configured to expose the charging port or one of the plurality of power source cavities. The window portion may be configured to expose one of such features at each rotational position provided by the one or more locking recesses.

The cover portion may hold the removable power sources within the power source cavities. The cover portion may press the removable power sources against the biasing elements such that the biasing elements are compressed when the cover portion covers the removable power sources. The cover portion may include an angled edge along an edge of the window portion to allow the cover portion to smoothly press the removable power sources into the power source cavities during rotation of the power source portion or cover portion. When the removable power sources are exposed by the window portion the biasing elements may push the heads of the removable power sources out of the power source cavities to enable easy removal of the removable power sources.

Alternatively, each of the power source cavities may include a retention element at the cavity openings. Retention elements may include elastic protrusions, releasable tabs, or other devices to hold removable power sources in the power source cavities. 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 may push the heads of the removable power sources out of the power source cavities to enable easy removal of the removable power sources.

The charging case may include a case power source and a case housing. Preferably, the length of an aerosol-generating device configured to be used with the charging case and the length of the charging case are substantially the same. The length of an aerosol-generating device configured to be used with the charging case and the length of the charging case may be different to each other. In one example, the charging case may include a plurality of power sources.

The case housing may have a length in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The case housing may have a length in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably, the case housing may have a length in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably the case housing has a length of about <NUM>. The case housing may have a width in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably, the case housing has a width of about <NUM>. The case housing may have a height in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably, the case housing has a height of about <NUM>.

The charging case may include a mounting section configured to receive an aerosol-generating device. The mounting section may extend along the length of a side of the charging case. The mounting section may be shaped to receive an aerosol-generating device. For example, the mounting section may include a semi-circular depression or trench extending along the length of the side of the charging case. The mounting section may include one or more couplers to releasably retain the aerosol-generating device to the mounting section. The one or more couplers may include one or more magnets or magnetic material.

In another example, the mounting section may include a device cavity extending into a surface of the charging case. The device cavity may be shaped to receive at least a portion of an end of an aerosol-generating device. The device cavity may include a mounting section charger port configured to operably couple to a charger port of the aerosol-generating device. The device cavity may include one or more couplers to releasably retain the aerosol-generating device to the mounting section. The one or more couplers may include one or more magnets or magnetic material.

The case housing may include a plurality of case cavities. Each of the case cavities may be configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources. The charging case may be configured to charge one or more of the plurality of power sources when received in the plurality of case cavities. Each of the case cavities may include a biasing element at the closed end of the case cavities to engage a power source received therein. The biasing elements may be configured to be compressed. Each of the case cavities may include one or more electrical contacts to electrically couple any received power sources to the charging case. The electrical contacts may be located proximal to the closed end of the case cavities. The electrical contacts may include any suitable electrically conductive material. Access to the case cavities may be located in the mounting section. In other words, the open end of the case cavities may be located in the mounting section. The open ends of the case cavities may be exposed upon removal of an aerosol-generating device from the mounting section. Upon such removal of an aerosol-generating device from the mounting section, the power sources located within the case cavities may be pushed out of the case cavities by the biasing elements. The presence of an aerosol-generating element in the mounting section may be configured to retain the power sources within the case cavities.

The charging case may include electronics configured to charge one or more power sources received in the charging case based upon a current supply capability of the case power source. The electronics may further be configured to charge the plurality of power sources based on a voltage of each of the plurality of power sources. The electronics may include one or more processors, controllers, memory, logic units, or other circuitry to control charging of power sources.

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

In another embodiment, the charger port is operably coupled to a case control unit. The case control unit may be operably coupled to a mounting section charger port and each of the plurality of power sources. The case control unit may be arranged to charge one or more of the plurality of power sources via external power from the charger port. The case control unit may be further configured to charge an aerosol-generating device using external power from the charger port or using electrical power from one or more of the plurality of power sources. The control unit may be configured to detect when an aerosol-generating device is received in the mounting section. The control unit may be configured to determine a charge level of the plurality of power sources or the aerosol-generating device. The control unit may be configured to charge the plurality of power sources or the aerosol-generating devices based on the detected charge level.

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

As used herein, "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising" or the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean "including, but not limited to". It will be understood that "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", and the like are subsumed in "comprising," and the like.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful.

The aerosol-generating devices and systems depicted in <FIG> 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.

The aerosol-generating device depicted in <FIG> illustrates an aerosol-generating device <NUM> that includes a device housing <NUM> and a heater <NUM> for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The device housing <NUM> includes a plurality of power source cavities <NUM>. Each of the plurality of power source cavities <NUM> is configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources.

Each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable from and insertable into the aerosol-generating device <NUM>. For example, each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable from aerosol-generating device <NUM> 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 <NUM>. 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 <NUM> so that the power sources cannot be removed using a user's hand alone.

The aerosol-generating device <NUM> includes a selector arranged to select a power source from the plurality of power sources inserted into the plurality of power source cavities <NUM> and to provide power to the heater <NUM> from the selected removable power source. The selector may include any suitable circuitry or electronics such as circuitry <NUM> to select a removable power source and provide power to the heater <NUM> 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 <FIG>3D, 4A-4C, and 5A-5D.

The aerosol-generating device <NUM> includes circuitry <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> may include any suitable electronics or devices for controlling power provided to the heater <NUM>. For example, the circuitry <NUM> may operably couple each of the power source cavities <NUM> or received removable power sources in parallel to the heater <NUM>. 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 <NUM> may include a controller to control the power provided to the heater <NUM>. The controller may include one or more processors, memory, logic units, or other electronics to provide power control.

The aerosol-generating device <NUM> includes circuitry <NUM> and a charging port <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> may include any suitable electronics or devices for controlling power received from the charging port <NUM>. The charging port <NUM> may be coupled to an external power source such as a charging case or coupled to an electrical outlet using an adapter. The circuitry <NUM> may operably couple each of the power source cavities <NUM> or received power sources in parallel to an external power source and control charging of the received power sources. In an example, the circuitry <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the circuitry <NUM> are a single controller configured to control charging of the power sources and providing power to the heater <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a charging case <NUM> that includes a case housing <NUM>, a case connector <NUM>, a plurality of case cavities <NUM>, a mounting section <NUM>, and a case control unit <NUM>. The case connector <NUM> is arranged to receive power from an external source. Each of the plurality of case cavities <NUM> is configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources. The mounting section <NUM> can be connected to an aerosol-generating device such as the aerosol-generating device <NUM> of <FIG>.

The case control unit <NUM> is arranged to control charging of the plurality of power sources in the plurality of case cavities <NUM> and the aerosol-generating device received in the mounting section <NUM>. The case control unit <NUM> receives power via the case connector <NUM> and provides power to the plurality of power sources and the aerosol-generating device. The case control unit <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> is arranged to charge a first one of the plurality of power sources via the case connector <NUM> using electrical power from the external power source; and charge the aerosol-generating device connected to the mounting section <NUM> 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 <NUM> may include one or more processors, memory, logic units, or other electronics to provide power control.

The case control unit <NUM> may provide power to at least one of the power sources in a case cavity <NUM> directly from the external power source (i.e. not via or through another power source). The case control unit <NUM> may provide power to the aerosol-generating device <NUM> directly from at least one of the power sources in a case cavity <NUM> (i.e. not via or through another power source).

The aerosol-generating system depicted in <FIG> illustrates an aerosol-generating system <NUM> that includes a charging case <NUM>, an aerosol-generating device <NUM>, and an aerosol-generating article <NUM>. The charging case <NUM> 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.

Each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable from and insertable into the charging case <NUM>. For example, each one of the plurality of power sources may be removable from charging case <NUM> 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 <NUM>. 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 <NUM> so that the power sources cannot be removed using a user's hand alone.

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 <NUM> may receive the aerosol-generating device <NUM> within a mounting section <NUM>. The charging case <NUM> may include one or more couplers configured to releasably retain the aerosol-generating device <NUM> to the mounting section <NUM>.

The aerosol-generating <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article such as article <NUM>. The aerosol-generating device <NUM> may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article <NUM>.

The aerosol-generating device depicted in <FIG> illustrates an aerosol-generating device <NUM> that includes a housing <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a distal end view of the aerosol-generating device <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a side view of the aerosol-generating device <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a proximal end view of the aerosol-generating device <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a cross-sectional side view of the aerosol-generating device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a heating portion <NUM>, a cover portion <NUM>, and a power source portion <NUM>. The heating portion <NUM> may include a heater cavity <NUM> at a distal end of the aerosol-generating device <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. The heater cavity <NUM> may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article. The heater cavity <NUM> may include a heater <NUM> for heating aerosol-generating articles received in the heater cavity.

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

The power source cavities <NUM> may include electrical contacts <NUM>. The electrical contacts <NUM> may be located proximal a closed end of the power source cavities <NUM>. The electrical contacts <NUM> may be operably coupled to heater <NUM> by circuitry <NUM>. The aerosol-generating device <NUM> may be configured control power supplied to the heater <NUM> from one or more of a plurality of removable power sources received in power source cavities <NUM>. The aerosol-generating device may further be configured to maintain the power provided to the heater <NUM> using any one or more of the plurality of removable power sources remaining in the power source cavities <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> may include any suitable electronics or devices for controlling power provided to the heater <NUM>. For example, the circuitry <NUM> may operably couple each of the power source cavities <NUM> or received removable power sources in parallel to the heater <NUM>. 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 <NUM> may include a controller to control the power provided to the heater <NUM>. The controller may include one or more processors, memory, logic units, or other electronics to provide power control.

The power source portion depicted in <FIG> illustrates a power source portion <NUM> that includes a mounting pin <NUM>, power source cavities <NUM>, cavity openings <NUM>, a charger port <NUM>, and locking recess <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a proximal end view of the power source portion <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a cross-section side view of the power source portion <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a distal end view of the power source portion <NUM>.

The power source portion <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape. The mounting pin <NUM> may define a protrusion from the centre of the power source portion <NUM>. The mounting pin <NUM> may be used to rotatably couple the power source portion <NUM> to a cover portion and enable the power source portion to rotate. The power source portion <NUM> may have locking recess <NUM> at a distal end as depicted in <FIG>. The locking recess <NUM> may allow a position of the power source portion <NUM> to be maintained. The locking recess <NUM> 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 <NUM> and lock the power source portion <NUM> in a designated position until a user applies force to rotate the power source portion.

The power source portion <NUM> may include cavity openings <NUM> to power source cavities <NUM> at a proximal end as depicted in <FIG>. The power source cavities <NUM> 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 <NUM> may have a hexagonally shaped cross-sectional area. Each of the power source cavities <NUM> may have a biasing element <NUM> configured to be compressed. The biasing elements <NUM> may be located at a closed end of the power source cavities <NUM>. The biasing elements <NUM> may be operable to engage removable power sources received in the power source cavities. The biasing elements <NUM> may include an elastic protrusion, a spring, or other biasing device. The biasing elements <NUM> may allow for easy removal of removable power sources when such removable power sources are not secured in the power source cavities <NUM> The power source cavities <NUM> may further include electrical contacts <NUM>. The electrical contacts <NUM> may be configured to electrically couple to power sources received in the power source cavities <NUM> when the biasing element <NUM> is compressed by the power sources. The electrical contacts <NUM> may electrically couple power sources to a controller, a heating element, or the charger port <NUM>.

The power source portion <NUM> may include a charger port <NUM>. The charger port <NUM> may be located at a proximal end of the power source portion as depicted in <FIG>. The charger port <NUM> may be located adjacent to or proximal the cavity openings <NUM> of the power source cavities <NUM>. The charger port <NUM> may be configured to couple to a charging cable. The charger port <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the electrical contacts <NUM> to provide power for charging removable power sources. The charger port <NUM> may be operably coupled to a controller of the aerosol-generating device.

Each of the power source cavities <NUM> may include a retention element at the cavity openings <NUM>. Retention elements may include elastic protrusions, releasable tabs, or other devices to hold removable power sources in the power source cavities <NUM>. 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 <NUM> may push the heads of the removable power sources out of the power source cavities <NUM> to enable easy removal of the removable power sources.

The aerosol-generating device depicted in <FIG> illustrates an aerosol-generating device <NUM> with a power source portion <NUM> in various positions relative to a cover portion <NUM>. The cover portion may include a window portion <NUM> configured to expose a portion of a proximal end of the power source portion <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. The power source portion <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM> may be rotatably coupled by a mounting pin <NUM>. The power source portion <NUM> may be rotatable about the mounting pin <NUM>. Alternatively, the cover portion <NUM> may be rotatable about the mounting pin <NUM>.

Rotation of either the power source portion <NUM> or the cover portion <NUM> to various locking positions may expose one of a charger port <NUM> and one of a plurality of power source cavities 112A-112C that may or may not have a removable power source <NUM> received therein. <FIG> depict four different locking positions. In one locking position, a charger port <NUM> may be exposed by the window portion <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. 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 <NUM> to be received in or removed from the exposed power source cavity.

The power source device depicted in <FIG> illustrates a removable power source <NUM> for an aerosol-generating device such as depicted in <FIG>. The removable power source <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, electrical contacts <NUM>, and a head <NUM>.

The removable power source <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>, <NUM> mAh <NUM>. 7V Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. The removable power source <NUM> may have an energy capacity in a range of about <NUM> mAh to about <NUM> mAh. The electrical contacts <NUM> may be configured to electrically couple with electrical contacts of an aerosol-generating device or a charger case.

The removable power source <NUM> may have a hexagonal shaped cross-sectional area. The head <NUM> may have a larger cross-sectional area than the body <NUM>. The head <NUM> having a larger cross-sectional area than the body <NUM> may provide easier handling for a user. The body <NUM> may extend along a length or axis between the head <NUM> and the electrical contacts <NUM>. In other words, the head <NUM> 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 <NUM> may electrically couple the energy stored in the removable power source <NUM> to an aerosol-generating device, a charging case, a power source, or an energy source. The electrical contacts <NUM> may include any suitable electrically conductive material.

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

The charging case depicted in <FIG> illustrates a charging case <NUM> that may include a case power source <NUM> and a case housing <NUM>. The case housing <NUM> may include a plurality of case cavities <NUM>. Each of the case cavities <NUM> may be configured to receive at least one of a plurality of removable power sources <NUM>. <FIG> is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of the charging case <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the case cavities <NUM> side of the charging case <NUM>. <FIG> is an overhead view of a mounting section <NUM> side of the charging case <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the case power source <NUM> side of the charging case <NUM>.

The charging case <NUM> may be configured to charge one or more of the plurality of removable power sources <NUM> when received in the plurality of case cavities <NUM>. Each of the case cavities <NUM> may include a biasing element <NUM> at the closed end of the cavities to engage a removable power source <NUM> received therein. Each of the case cavities <NUM> may include one or more electrical contacts <NUM> to electrically couple the received power sources <NUM> to the charging case <NUM>. The electrical contacts <NUM> may be located the closed end of the case cavities <NUM>. The electrical contacts <NUM> may include any suitable electrically conductive material.

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

The charging case may further include a charger port <NUM> to charge the case power source <NUM>, one or more of the plurality of removable power sources <NUM>, or both the case power source and the one or more of the plurality of removable power sources. The charger port <NUM> may be operably coupled to the electronics <NUM>, the case power source <NUM>, or the electrical contacts <NUM>. The charger port <NUM> may include any suitable input or interface to couple to a charging cable.

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

The charging case <NUM> may include a storage portion <NUM>. The storage portion <NUM> may be configured to receive aerosol-generating articles or aerosol-generating device accessories.

Claim 1:
A charging case (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for an aerosol-generating device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the charging case comprising:
a case connector (<NUM>) for receiving electrical power from an external source;
a plurality of case cavities (<NUM>, <NUM>), each of the plurality of case cavities being configured to receive at least one of a plurality of power sources;
a mounting section (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for connecting the aerosol-generating device to the charging case; and
a case control unit (<NUM>) 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.