WO2025223948A1

WO2025223948A1 - Aerosol-generating system, and an electronic device for an aerosol-generating system

Info

Publication number: WO2025223948A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/060450
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adriaan Marijn DOMMISSE; Benedict Patrick Andrew SWEENEY
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2024-04-25
Filing date: 2025-04-15
Publication date: 2025-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-25

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device for an aerosol-generating system, particularly an electronic device for accommodating a battery. The electronic device includes: a first housing portion (110), where the first housing portion (110) is configured to removably engage an aerosol-generating article (102) includes a substrate to be heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol, and to operably connect a battery (150) in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element; and a second housing portion (130) configured to engage with the first housing portion (110) in a locking position where, in the locking position, at least one of the first housing portion (110) or the second housing portion (130) accommodate the battery (150) in the use position. An inlet (114) is provided either on the first housing portion (110) or on the second housing portion (130), where the inlet (114) is configured to receive a projecting tool (190) of a user. The electronic device also includes an actuating means configured to abut against the projecting tool (190) urged into the inlet (114) by the user and, in response, to release the second housing portion (130) from the locking position. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system (100) including an aerosol-generating article (102) and an electronic device having a chamber for a battery.

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM, AND AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR AN AEROSOLGENERATING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable and hand-held electronic device for an aerosolgenerating system, particularly an electronic device with a chamber for removably holding a battery. The invention also relates to a portable and hand-held aerosol-generating system including an aerosol-generating article and an electronic device having a chamber for removably holding a battery.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco- or nicotine- containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted, are known in the art. Typically in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source of an electronic device to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate or material, which may be located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosolforming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate may include both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] An aerosol-generating system is formed of an electronic device including a heat source or a heater, typically a heating element, arranged to apply heat to the substrate in the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is mounted to the electronic device. In known electronic devices a battery is required as a power source to provide power to the heating element. The housings of electronic devices are generally secured together to ensure the enclosed electrical components are withheld from the user.

[0004] When the capacity of the battery is depleted, the electronic device no longer works without a replacement battery. Removing the depleted battery is difficult because it is inaccessible within the electronic device housing, causing frustration or meaning the user discards the electronic device. Moreover, due to different types of present and future regulations, and also for repairing the electronic device or to facilitate recycling of different components and specifically the battery, it is desirable to provide for a mechanism that allows to easily replace the battery of the electronic device, as batteries tend to age after multiple uses, and may become inoperative after using the device.

[0005] It is an aim of certain examples or embodiments of the present invention to solve, mitigate or obviate, at least partly, at least one of the problems and/or disadvantages associated with the prior art. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] The invention is set out in the appended claims.

[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic device for generating an aerosol from a substrate in an aerosol-generating article, the electronic device including: a first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion is configured to removably engage an aerosol-generating article including a substrate to be heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol, and to operably connect a battery in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element; a second housing portion configured to engage with the first housing portion in a locking position wherein, in the locking position, at least one of the first housing portion or the second housing portion accommodates the battery in the use position; an inlet provided either on the first housing portion or on the second housing portion, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a projecting tool of a user; and an actuating means configured to abut against the projecting tool urged into the inlet by the user and, in response, to release the second housing portion from the locking position.

[0008] Accordingly, the herein described electronic devices of aerosol-forming aerosol-generating systems provide for easy access to one or more batteries, so they can be removed and replaced conveniently when they are depleted, inoperative, or broken. In contrast to know electronic devices, the user is able to easily remove a housing portion of the device by using a standardized and simple projection tool, the housing portion otherwise secures the battery during use. Removing the housing portion provides clearance and access to the chamber holding the battery to simply disconnect, remove, and replace the battery.

[0009] The electronic device, with its battery loaded for use, encloses all electrical components to ensure they are withheld from the user but, when the battery is depleted, inoperative, or broken, it can be easily removed and replaced without risk of damage to other electrical components.

[0010] The battery is removed and replaced by using common tool or tools available to the user, for example a projection tool. Preferably, the projection tool can be a subscriber identity module (SIM) card removal tool or pin known to be used for removing or ejecting the SIM card or the SIM card tray from smartphones, also referred to as a bobby tool. Preferably, the projecting pin of the projection tool has a diameter of less than 1mm, more preferably in a range between 0.6mm to 0.9mm. Preferably, the inlet is dimension to be able to removably receive the projecting pin for engagement with the actuating means. Preferably, a diameter of the opening of the inlet is less than 1.5mm, more preferably less than 1.2mm. By allowing the user to easily and readily access the chamber holding the battery for replacement or removal, the user thereby has extended use of the electronic device with any number of batteries.

[0011] The electronic device may include an aerosol-generating device housing assembly. [0012] The first housing portion may be configured to receivingly and removably engage the aerosolgenerating article.

[0013] The first housing portion may include a biasing member.

[0014] The actuating means may be operably coupled to the biasing member.

[0015] The first housing portion may include a peripheral wall and a mouth at an end of the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall may be configured to surround the battery to accommodate the battery in the first housing portion in the use position. Optionally, the battery may be mounted to a frame and the peripheral wall surrounds both the battery and the frame to which the battery is mounted.

[0016] The second housing portion may be configured as a cap of the mouth of the first housing portion. The second housing portion may be mounted to the mouth using mutually compatible means provided on the second housing portion and the mouth. In an example, the second housing portion includes a flange portion configured fit within the mouth, such as by forming an interference fit with the inner wall of the mouth.

[0017] The second housing portion may include a peripheral wall and a mouth at an end of the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall may be configured to surround the battery to accommodate the battery in the second housing portion in the use position. Optionally, the battery may be mounted to a frame and the peripheral wall surrounds both the battery and the frame to which the battery is mounted.

[0018] The first housing portion may be configured as a cap of the mouth of the second housing portion. The first housing portion may be mounted to the mouth using mutually compatible means provided on the first housing portion and the mouth. In an example, the first housing portion includes a flange portion configured fit within the mouth, such as by forming an interference fit with the inner wall of the mouth.

[0019] The first housing portion and the second housing portion may together enclose a chamber in which the battery is accommodated in the use position.

[0020] The second housing portion may be an outer casing or shell of the battery.

[0021] In these ways, electronic device may be configurable in a number of ways, to accommodate a range of batteries so that, when loaded for use, the device encloses all electrical components to ensure they are withheld from the user but, when the battery is depleted, inoperative, or broken, it can be easily removed and replaced without risk of damage to other electrical components.

[0022] The biasing member may be configured, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, to urge either the second housing portion, or the battery, apart from the first housing portion.

[0023] In this way, the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be reliably separated from each other such that the user can perform an unhindered or unobstructed pulling or sliding of the two housing portions apart from each other to allow for removal or replacement of the one or more batteries.

[0024] The biasing member may be configured, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, to release a locking mechanism that mechanically locks the first and second housing portion together. [0025] In this way, the mechanism unlocks the first housing portion and the second housing portion from one another so that they can be at least mechanically unlocked from each other such that the user can perform an unhindered or unobstructed pulling or sliding of the two housing portions apart from each other to allow for removal or replacement of the one or more batteries.

[0026] In an example, the biasing member may be configured, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, to both: release a locking mechanism that mechanically locks the first and second housing portion together, and urge either the second housing portion, or the battery, apart from the first housing portion.

[0027] In this way, in a variant, not only are the first housing portion and the second housing portion released from one another, but the housing portions are also somewhat displaced from the locking position. The release and displacement may be facilitated by a single user action of urging the projecting tool into the inlet.

[0028] The first housing portion may include a distal end portion configured to receivingly and removably engage an aerosol-generating article. The first housing portion may include a proximal end portion at an opposing end of the first housing portion to the distal end portion. .

[0029] In the locking position, the chamber may be defined within a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall may be fixedly mounted to either first housing portion or to the second housing portion.

[0030] The peripheral wall may be delimited, at a first end, by a base of the second housing portion.

[0031] The peripheral wall may be delimited at a second end, by the first housing portion, for example by an internal wall of a distal end portion, or by an internal wall of a proximal end portion.

[0032] In the use position the battery may be releasably coupled to the first housing portion. The battery may remain coupled to the first housing portion as the second housing portion is released from the locking position.

[0033] In this way, the second housing portion may be released from the locking position and then held close to the aerosol-generating system. The second housing portion, and the battery, are each prevented from falling away from the first housing portion.

[0034] The first housing portion may include at least one device terminal. Each of the at least one device terminals may be configured to mate with a corresponding battery terminal on the battery to couple the battery to the first housing portion.

[0035] In this way, the battery may be secured to the first housing portion so that a reliable electrical connection is formed.

[0036] In response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, the battery is decoupled from the first housing portion. [0037] In this way, the reliable electrical connection is disconnected without the user applying excessive force.

[0038] The first housing portion may further include a first retaining element. The first retaining element may be configured to engage a complementary second retaining element on the battery to mount the battery to the first housing portion in the use position. Further, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, the actuating means may disengage the first retaining element from the second retaining element.

[0039] In this way, the battery may remain physically coupled to the first housing portion once it is released from the locking position until such time as the user chooses to decouple the battery.

[0040] The second housing portion may be configured so that, as the actuating means disengages the first retaining element of the first housing portion from the second retaining element of the battery, the second housing portion is released from the locking position. The second housing portion may be fixedly mounted to the end of the battery, for example by an adhesive portion. The second housing portion may provide an interference fit in a mouth at proximal end portion of first housing portion.

[0041] In these ways, disassembly of the electronic device to remove or replace the battery is simplified because the battery and the second housing portion are released from the first housing portion in a single user action.

[0042] The first housing portion may include a third retaining element. The third retaining element may be complementary to, and configured to engage, the second retaining element on the battery to hold the battery within the first housing portion in a partially dismounted position.

[0043] The first housing portion may include a second inlet configured to receive the projecting tool of a user. The second inlet may be configured so that as the projecting tool is urged into the second inlet by the user then, in response, the battery is released from the partially dismounted position. The second inlet can have the same or different dimensions than the inlet, for receiving the same projection tool.

[0044] The first housing portion may include a carriage member slidably mounted to the first housing portion. The carriage member may be configured to slide or otherwise displace relative to the first housing portion in a longitudinal direction. The third retaining element may be provided on the carriage member.

[0045] In these ways, the battery is released from the locking position but retained within the first housing portion until the user performs a second action. The carriage member enables the user to control ejection of the battery from the aerosol-generating device.

[0046] In the use position, the battery may be releasably mounted to the second housing portion.

[0047] Each of the first housing portion or the second housing portion may include a frame member. The frame member may be configured so that the battery locatingly mounts to the frame member. The frame member may include a peripheral portion circumscribing a support surface, for example a recessed surface. The batery may locate onto the support surface. The battery may be locatingly mounted to the frame member with an interference fit.

[0048] In these ways, the frame member may provide easier loading and unloading of the battery by the user. The batery is more easily manipulated into and out of the electronic device by the user when mounted to a frame member.

[0049] The frame member may include an aperture through the peripheral portion. The aperture may be configured so that, in the use position, at least one battery terminal, or a batery terminal plug of the batery, may be electrically connected to the heating element through the aperture.

[0050] In these ways an electrical connection between the batery and the first housing portion, and thereby the heating element, is simplified. The aperture ensures accurate alignment and mating between the batery terminals and the device terminals, or between the battery terminal plug and the device socket.

[0051] The electronic device may further include at least one adhesive portion arranged to adhere the battery to the frame member.

[0052] The frame member may include a magnetised portion. The magnetised portion may be configured to magnetically engage a complementary portion on the batery so as to guide the batery into a located position in the frame member.

[0053] The frame member may include a first connector, configured to electrically connect to the terminals of the batery when the battery is located in the frame member, and a second connector electrically connected to the first connector.

[0054] The second connector may be configured to couple to a socket in the first housing portion when the second housing portion and batery are in the locking position thereby to electrically connect the batery to the heating element.

[0055] In these ways the batery is more firmly secured to the frame member. Consequently, a more reliable electrical connection from the batery to the heating element is provided.

[0056] The second connector may be configured to electrically connect with a charging means to charge the batery electrically connected to the first connector when the second housing portion is dismounted from the first housing portion.

[0057] In this way, the electronic device may be provide a convenient adaptor to recharge a batery.

[0058] The chamber includes a thermal sensor configured to the measure a temperature within the chamber. The thermal sensor may be operably connected to a controller configured to generate an alarm signal when the measured temperature exceeds a threshold temperature. The thermal sensor may be mounted to the frame member and positioned to contact an outer surface of the batery when the batery is located in the frame member. The thermal sensor may be formed within a protective film. [0059] In these ways, the electronic device may include improved monitoring of the battery in use. The safety of the electronic device is improved.

[0060] The inlet may be provided in the first housing portion.

[0061] The inlet may be provided in the second housing portion.

[0062] The actuating means may be mounted to the first housing portion or to the second housing portion.

[0063] The inlet is positioned on the second housing portion so that, in the locking position, the inlet extends through the second housing portion to the actuating means mounted within the first housing portion.

[0064] The electronic device may also include a second inlet. The second inlet may be configured to receive a projecting tool to enable the user to release the battery from a partially dismounted position.

[0065] The inlet or the second inlet may include a removable cover.

[0066] The inlet, the second inlet, or both the inlet and the second inlet may also simultaneously form an air inlet opening to provide air from the outside of the electronic device towards the distal end portion, where the aerosol-forming substrate of the removably -received aerosol-forming article can be received. Preferably, the inlet, the second inlet, or both the inlet and the second inlet may form one or more air inlets for an air channel that leads to the distal end portion.

[0067] In these ways, the electronic device may be configured to optimise use of space within the electronic device. The inlet may be oriented to limit or restrict ingress of unwanted material.

[0068] The actuating means may include a fulcrum. The fulcrum may be pivotably mounted either to the first housing portion or to the second housing portion.

[0069] The actuating means may include a first engaging portion. The first engaging means may be configured so that, with the fulcrum mounted to the first housing portion or to the second housing portion, the first engaging portion is aligned with the inlet to abut the projecting tool as the projecting tool is urged into the inlet.

[0070] In these ways, the actuating means may be easily mounted to the first housing portion or to the second housing portion so as to provide movement of the actuating means. The actuating means may be configured to be reliably responsive in response to urging by a projecting tool.

[0071] The electronic device heating element may be mounted within the first housing portion. Alternatively, the heating element may be mounted within an aerosol-generating article including a substrate, that is mounted to the first housing portion for use.

[0072] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a battery configured to be enclosed within a chamber of an electronic device as described herein.

[0073] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic device for generating an aerosol from a substrate in an aerosol-generating article, the device including: a first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion is configured to removably engage an aerosol-generating article including a substrate to be heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol, and to operably connect a battery in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element; a second housing portion configured to engage with the first housing portion in a locking position wherein, in the locking position, the first housing portion and the second housing portion together enclose a chamber for holding the battery in the use position; a battery arranged to be enclosed within the chamber in the use position; an inlet provided either on the first housing portion or on the second housing portion, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a projecting tool of a user; and an actuating means configured to abut against the projecting tool urged into the inlet by the user and, in response, to release the second housing portion from the locking position.

[0074] The electronic device may be an aerosol-generating device housing assembly.

[0075] The battery may include a second retaining element, complementary to a first retaining element provided in the electronic device. The first retaining element and the second retaining element together couple the battery to the first housing portion or to the second housing portion.

[0076] In this way, the battery may be secured to the first housing portion so that a reliable electrical connection is formed.

[0077] The battery may include an identification label. The identification label may, for example, a QR code label. The identification label may be provided on at least one surface of the battery.

[0078] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system including an electronic device as described herein, and an aerosol-generating article mountable to the first housing portion of the electronic device for heating by the heating element.

[0079] According to a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system including: an electronic device; and an aerosol-generating article including a substrate to be heated to form an aerosol, wherein the aerosol-generating article is removably mountable to the electronic device for heating the substrate by a heating element; wherein the electronic device includes: a first housing portion configured to removably engage the aerosol-generating article, and to operably connect a battery in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element; a second housing portion configured to engage with the first housing portion in a locking position wherein, in the locking position, the first housing portion and the second housing portion together enclose a chamber for holding the battery in the use position; an inlet provided either on the first housing portion or on the second housing portion, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a projecting tool of a user; and an actuating means configured to abut against the projecting tool urged into the inlet by the user and, in response, to release the second housing portion from the locking position.

[0080] The aerosol-generating system may include a battery arranged to be enclosed within the chamber in the use position.

[0081] The heating element may be mounted within the aerosol-generating article.

[0082] The aerosol-generating article may include a passage through a portion of the aerosol-generating article for receiving a projecting tool. The passage may align with the inlet of the electronic device when the aerosol-generating article is mounted to the cavity.

[0083] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic device for generating an aerosol from a substrate in an aerosol-generating article, the electronic device including: a first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion is configured to removably engage an aerosol -generating article including a substrate to be heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol, and to operably connect a battery in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element, wherein the first housing portion includes a first retaining element configured to engage a complementary, second retaining element provided on the battery so that the first retaining element holds the battery in the use position; an inlet provided on the first housing portion, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a projecting tool of a user; and an actuating means configured to abut against the projecting tool urged into the inlet by the user and, in response, to release the battery from use position.

[0084] As used herein, a peripheral wall includes a peripheral wall fixedly mounted to a first housing portion or to a second housing portion. The peripheral wall forms a tube or tube-like enclosure suitable for surrounding, or partially surrounding, a battery when loaded onto the electronic device. The peripheral wall extends longitudinally with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape may be any suitable shape to accommodate a battery, for example a rectangular shape, a rounded-rectangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or an irregular cross-sectional shape.

[0085] As used herein, a projecting tool may be any suitable tool with a finger, or finger-like projection to insert into an inlet of limited size to urge an actuating means on an aerosol-generating device.

[0086] EXAMPLES: [0087] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0088] Example Exl : An electronic device for generating an aerosol from a substrate in an aerosolgenerating article, the electronic device including: a first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion is configured to removably engage an aerosol-generating article including a substrate to be heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol, and to operably connect a battery in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element; a second housing portion configured to engage with the first housing portion in a locking position wherein, in the locking position, , at least one of the first housing portion or the second housing portion accommodates the battery in the use position; an inlet provided either on the first housing portion or on the second housing portion, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a projecting tool of a user; and an actuating means configured to abut against the projecting tool urged into the inlet by the user and, in response, to release the second housing portion from the locking position.

[0089] Example Ex2: The electronic device of Exl, wherein the first housing portion includes a biasing member, wherein the biasing member is configured, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, to urge either the second housing portion, or the battery, apart from the first housing portion.

[0090] Example Ex3: The electronic device of Exl or Ex2, wherein, in the use position, the battery is releasably coupled to the first housing portion and remains coupled to the first housing portion as the second housing portion is released from the locking position.

[0091] Example Ex4: The electronic device of Ex3, wherein the first housing portion includes at least one device terminal, and wherein each of the at least one device terminals is configured to mate with a corresponding battery terminal on the battery to couple the battery to the first housing portion.

[0092] Example Ex5: The electronic device of Ex3, wherein, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, the battery is decoupled from the first housing portion.

[0093] Example Ex6: The electronic device of Ex3, wherein the first housing portion further includes a first retaining element configured to engage a complementary second retaining element on the battery to mount the battery to the first housing portion in the use position, and wherein, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, the actuating means disengages the first retaining element from the second retaining element.

[0094] Example Ex7 : The electronic device of Ex6, wherein the second housing portion is configured so that, as the actuating means disengages the first retaining element of the first housing portion from the second retaining element of the battery, the second housing portion is released from the locking position. [0095] Example Ex8: The electronic device of Ex6, wherein first housing portion includes a complementary third retaining element configured to engage the second retaining element on the battery to hold the battery within the first housing portion in a partially dismounted position.

[0096] Example Ex9: The electronic device of Ex8, wherein the first housing portion includes a second inlet configured to receive the projecting tool of a user; wherein the second inlet is configured so that as the projecting tool is urged into the second inlet by the user then, in response, the battery is released from the partially dismounted position.

[0097] Example ExlO: The electronic device of Ex9, wherein the first housing portion includes a carriage member slidably mounted to the first housing portion to slide relative to the first housing portion in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the third retaining element is provided on the carriage member.

[0098] Example Exl 1: The electronic device of Exl or Ex2, wherein, in the use position, the battery is releasably mounted to the second housing portion.

[0099] Example Exl 2: The electronic device of any one of examples Exl to Exl 1, wherein the first housing portion or the second housing portion includes a frame member configured so that the battery locatingly mounts to the frame member.

[0100] Example Exl 3: The electronic device of Exl2, wherein the frame member includes a peripheral portion circumscribing a support surface, for example a recessed surface, and wherein the battery locates onto the support surface.

[0101] Example Exl4: The electronic device of Exl3, wherein the frame member includes an aperture through the peripheral portion, wherein the aperture is configured so that, in the use position, at least one battery terminal or a battery terminal plug, of the battery is electrically connected to the heating element through the aperture.

[0102] Example Exl 5: The electronic device of any one of examples Ex 12 to Ex 14, further including at least one adhesive portion arranged to adhere the battery to the frame member.

[0103] Example Exl6: The electronic device of any one of examples Exl2 to Exl5, wherein the frame member includes a magnetised portion configured to magnetically engage a complementary portion on the battery so as to guide the battery into a located position in the frame member.

[0104] Example Exl7: The electronic device of any one of examples Exl2 to Exl6, wherein the frame member includes a first connector, configured to electrically connect to the terminals of the battery when the battery is located in the frame member, and a second connector electrically connected to the first connector.

[0105] Example Exl 8: The electronic device of Exl7, wherein the second connector is configured to couple to a socket in the first housing portion when the second housing portion and battery are in the locking position thereby to electrically connect the battery to the heating element. [0106] Example Exl9: The electronic device of Exl7, wherein the second connector is configured to electrically connect with a charging means to charge the battery electrically connected to the first connector when the second housing portion is dismounted from the first housing portion.

[0107] Example Ex20: The electronic device of any one of examples Exl to Exl9, wherein the chamber includes a thermal sensor configured to the measure a temperature within the chamber.

[0108] Example Ex21: The electronic device of Ex20, wherein the thermal sensor is operably connected to a controller configured to generate an alarm signal when the measured temperature exceeds a threshold temperature.

[0109] Example Ex22: The electronic device of Ex20 or Ex21 when dependent upon any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the thermal sensor is mounted to the frame member and positioned to contact an outer surface of the battery when the battery is located in the frame member.

[0110] Example Ex23: The electronic device of any one of examples Ex20 to Ex22, wherein the thermal sensor is formed within a protective film.

[0111] Example Ex24: The electronic device of any one of examples Exl to Ex23, wherein the inlet is provided in the first housing portion.

[0112] Example Ex25: The electronic device of any one of examples Exl to Ex23, wherein the inlet is provided in the second housing portion.

[0113] Example Ex26: The electronic device of Ex24 or Ex25, wherein the actuating means is mounted to the first housing portion or to the second housing portion.

[0114] Example Ex27: The electronic device of Ex24, wherein the inlet is positioned on the second housing portion so that, in the locking position, the inlet extends through the second housing portion to the actuating means mounted within the first housing portion.

[0115] Example Ex28: The electronic device of Ex26, wherein the actuating means includes a fulcrum and the fulcrum is pivotably mounted either to the first housing portion or to the second housing portion.

[0116] Example Ex29: The electronic device of Ex28, wherein the actuating means includes a first engaging portion configured so that, with the fulcrum mounted to the first housing portion or to the second housing portion, the first engaging portion is aligned with the inlet to abut the projecting tool as the projecting tool is urged into the inlet.

[0117] Example Ex30: The electronic device of any one of examples Exl to Ex28, wherein the heating element is mounted within the first housing portion.

[0118] Example Ex31: The electronic device of any one of examples Exl to Ex30, further including a battery enclosed within the chamber in the use position.

[0119] Example Ex32: The electronic device of Ex31, wherein the battery includes a second retaining element, complementary to a first retaining element provided in the electronic device, and wherein the first retaining element and the second retaining element together couple the battery to the first housing portion or to the second housing portion.

[0120] Example Ex33: The electronic device of Ex31 or Ex32, wherein the battery includes an identification label, for example a QR code label, provided on at least one surface of the battery.

[0121] Example Ex34: An aerosol-generating system including an electronic device of any one of examples Exl to Ex33 and an aerosol-generating article mountable to the first housing portion of the electronic device for heating by the heating element.

[0122] Example Ex35: The aerosol -generating system including an electronic device of Ex34, wherein the heating element is mounted within the aerosol-generating article.

[0123] Example Ex36: The aerosol-generating system of Ex34 or Ex35, wherein the aerosol-generating article includes a passage through a portion of the aerosol-generating article for receiving a projecting tool, and wherein the passage aligns with the inlet of the electronic device when the aerosol-generating article is mounted to the cavity.

[0124] Example Ex37: An electronic device for generating an aerosol from a substrate in an aerosolgenerating article, the electronic device including: a first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion is configured to removably engage an aerosol -generating article including a substrate to be heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol, and to operably connect a battery in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element, wherein the first housing portion includes a first retaining element configured to engage a complementary, second retaining element provided on the battery so that the first retaining element holds the battery in the use position; an inlet provided on the first housing portion, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a projecting tool of a user; and an actuating means configured to abut against the projecting tool urged into the inlet by the user and, in response, to release the battery from use position.

[0125] Example Ex38: The aerosol-generating system of any of examples Exl to Ex37, wherein first housing portion may include a peripheral wall and a mouth at an end of the peripheral wall, and wherein the peripheral wall is configured to surround the battery to accommodate the battery in the first housing portion in the use position.

[0126] Example Ex39: The aerosol -generating system of Ex38, wherein the battery is mounted to a frame and the peripheral wall surrounds both the battery and the frame to which the battery is mounted.

[0127] Example Ex40: The aerosol-generating system of Ex38 or Ex39, wherein the second housing portion is configured as a cap of the mouth of the first housing portion. [0128] Example Ex41: The aerosol -generating system of Ex40, wherein the second housing portion is mounted to the mouth of the first housing portion using mutually compatible means provided on the second housing portion and the mouth.

[0129] Example Ex42: The aerosol -generating system of Ex41, wherein the mutually compatible means includes a flange portion provided on the second housing portion and configured form an interference fit with the inner wall of the mouth.

[0130] Example Ex43: The aerosol-generating system of examples Exl to Ex37, wherein the second housing portion includes a peripheral wall and a mouth at an end of the peripheral wall, and wherein the peripheral wall is configured to surround the battery to accommodate the battery in the second housing portion in the use position.

[0131] Example Ex44: The aerosol-generating system of example Ex43, wherein the battery is mounted to a frame and the peripheral wall surrounds both the battery and the frame to which the battery is mounted.

[0132] Example Ex45: The aerosol -generating system of Ex 43 or Ex 44, wherein the first housing portion is configured as a cap of the mouth of the second housing portion.

[0133] Example Ex46: The aerosol-generating system of Ex 45, wherein the first housing portion is mounted to the mouth of the second housing portion using mutually compatible means provided on the first housing portion and the mouth.

[0134] Example Ex47: The aerosol -generating system of Ex46, wherein the mutually compatible means includes a flange portion provided on the first housing portion and configured form an interference fit with the inner wall of the mouth.

[0135] Example Ex48: The aerosol-generating system of any of examples Exl to Ex47, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion together enclose a chamber in which the battery is accommodated in the use position.

[0136] Example Ex49: The aerosol-generating system of any of examples Exl to Ex47, wherein the second housing portion is an outer casing or shell of the battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0137] Examples will now be described further with reference to the figures in which:

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an example aerosol -generating system in an assembled configuration;

FIG. IB shows a front view of the example aero sol -generating system of FIG. 1A with the aerosol-generating article dismounted from the aero sol -generating device;

FIG. 1C shows a side view of the example aerosol-generating system of FIG. IB, and a projecting tool; FIG. 2A shows a front view of the aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C in a configuration with the second housing portion partially dismounted from the first housing portion;

FIG. 2B shows a front view of aerosol-generating device of FIG. 2A with the second housing portion dismounted from the first housing portion;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the first housing portion of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B with the battery dismounted from the first housing portion;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of another example first housing portion including a frame member fixedly mounted to the first housing portion

FIG. 5 A shows a side view of the first housing portion of FIG. 4 with a second housing portion mounted to the first housing portion in the locking position;

FIG. 5B shows a side view of the first housing portion of FIG. 4 with a second housing portion dismounted from the first housing portion;

FIG. 5C shows a side view of the first housing portion of FIG. 4 with the battery dismounted from the first housing portion;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of another example first housing portion with a dismounted battery;

FIG. 7 shows a front view an example projecting tool;

FIG. 8 A shows a side view of a further example aerosol-generating device with a projecting tool;

FIG. 8B shows a front view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C shows a front view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 8A with the second housing portion and battery dismounted from the first housing portion;

FIG. 8D shows a front view of the second housing portion of FIG. 8C with the battery dismounted;

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of yet another example aerosol-generating device with the first housing portion, the second housing portion, and the battery dismounted from one another;

FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of the second housing portion, along with an inset view of the battery of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of one more example aerosol -generating device with the first housing portion, the second housing portion, and the battery dismounted from one another;

FIG. 10B shows the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 10A with the battery and second housing portion partially dismounted from the first housing portion;

FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B with the second housing portion engaged with the first housing portion in the locking position;

FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B with the battery and second housing portion partially dismounted from the first housing portion; FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B with a battery mounted in a frame member that is engaged with the first housing portion in the locking position;

FIG. 12B shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 12A with the frame member and second housing portion partially dismounted from the first housing portion;

FIG. 13A shows a cross-sectional view of another aerosol-generating device with the battery and second housing portion engaged with the first housing portion in the locking position;

FIG. 13B shows a cross-section view of the example of FIG. 13A with the projecting tool releasing the second housing portion from the first housing portion;

FIG. 13C shows a cross-section view of the example of FIG. 13A with the second retaining element engaged with a third retaining element of a carriage member of the first housing portion;

FIG. 13D shows a cross-section view of the example of FIG. 13C with the locking element of the carriage member released from the retainer of the first housing portion;

FIG. 13E shows a cross-section view of the example of FIG. 13D with the battery spaced apart from the biasing member of the first housing portion; and

FIG. 13F shows a cross-section view of the example of FIG. 13E with the carriage member at a lower travel limit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0138] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words ‘lower’, ‘upper’, ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘upward’, ‘down’ and ‘downward’ designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words ‘inner’, ‘inwardly¹ and ‘outer’, ‘outwardly’ refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

[0139] Further, as used herein, the terms ‘connected¹, ‘coupled’, ‘mounted’ are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, as well as, indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0140] Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’ etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. [0141] Referring now to FIG. 1A to FIG. 3, there is shown an example aerosol-generating system 100 including an electronic device. In FIG. 1A, an aerosol-generating article 102 is shown removably mounted to the electronic device, in this case an aerosol-generating device including a first housing portion 110 and a second housing portion 130. In FIG. IB and FIG. 1C, the aerosol-generating article 102 is shown dismounted from the aerosol-generating device.

[0142] The first housing portion 110 is configured to removably engage an aerosol-generating article 102 including a substrate to be heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol, and to operably connect a battery 150 in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element. The second housing portion 130 is configured to engage with the first housing portion 110 in a locking position wherein, in the locking position, the first housing portion 110 and the second housing portion 130 together enclose a chamber for holding the battery 150 in the use position. In the use position, the battery 150 is accommodated substantially within the second housing portion 130. An inlet 114 is provided the first housing portion 110 and is configured to receive a projecting tool 190 of a user. An actuating means within the first housing portion 110 is configured to abut against the projecting tool 190 as it is urged into the inlet 114 by the user and, in response, to release the second housing portion 130 from the locking position. This can be a release of a mechanical lock, or an urging apart housing portions 110, 130, or both.

[0143] The first housing portion 110 can be configured to removably engage the aerosol-generating article 102. For example, the aerosol-generating article 102 is mounted to the aerosol-generating device by locating a mounting portion 104 of the aerosol-generating article 102 within a cavity 112 at an end portion of the aerosol-generating device. A suitable interference fit, fastener, or other attachment means is employed to retain the mounting portion 104 within the cavity 112 while the aerosol-generating system 100 is in use. In certain examples, the fastener or attachment means may lock the aerosol-generating article 102 to the aerosolgenerating device during use. When the substrate in the aerosol-generating article 102 has been consumed and a replacement substrate is required, the aerosol-generating article 102 is selectively released by the user, for example by unlocking the fastener, and dismounted from the aerosol-generating device.

[0144] The aerosol -generating system 100 can further include a heating element for heating a substrate of the aerosol-generating article for aerosolizing one or more substances of the substrate. The heating element may be arranged in the aerosol-generating article 102, at the cavity 112 of the first housing portion 110, or may be distributed between the aerosol-generating article 102 and the first housing portion 110, for example in the non-limiting case of inductive heating a susceptor within the aerosol-forming aerosol-generating article 102, and an induction coil disposed at the cavity 112.

[0145] The first housing portion 110 is also configured to operably connect a battery 150 in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element. As shown particularly in FIG. 2A to FIG. 3, the battery 150 includes a first battery terminal 151 and a second battery terminal 152. The second housing portion 130 includes a first device terminal 131 and a second device terminal 132 arranged at a proximal end portion 115 of the second housing portion 130. With the battery 150 operably connected to the first housing portion 110, the first battery terminal 151 mates with the first device terminal 131, and the second battery terminal 152 mates with the second device terminal 132. In this way, the battery 150 is releasably coupled to the first housing portion 110 and remains coupled to the first housing portion 110 as the second housing portion 130 is released from the locking position.

[0146] In example, the heating element is provided within aerosol-generating article 102, for example but not limited to a coil and wick element conventionally used for heating a liquid substrate. The heating element is thereby electrically connected to the battery 150 held in the chamber when the aerosol-generating article 102 is mounted to the aerosol-generating device. The electrical connection may be provided by suitable cooperating electrical connections that contact one another as the mounting portion 104 is received within the cavity 112.

[0147] In alternative examples, the heating element may be provided within the first housing portion of the aerosol-generating device, for example a resistive heating element or a dielectric heating element. The heating element is arranged to apply heat to the substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosolgenerating article is mounted to the aerosol-generating device. In this way, the aerosol-generating article is not required to contain any electrical components, reducing the cost of manufacturing the aerosol-generating article. As of another example the heating element can be arranged at both the aerosol-generating article and the first housing portion, for example in the non-limiting case of inductive heating having a susceptor within the aerosol-forming aerosol-generating article, and an induction coil disposed at the cavity.

[0148] The inlet 114 is provided on the first housing portion 110 of the aerosol-generating device. The inlet 114 is formed as an opening on an outer surface of the first housing portion 110. The inlet 114 extends through the outer surface to an actuating means mounted within the first housing portion 110. The inlet 114 is a suitable size to receive only a projecting tool 190 of limited size, such as with dimensions of the example projecting tool 190 described with reference to FIG. 7. For example, the inlet 114 may have an opening with a diameter of 1 millimetre. In other examples, the diameter of the opening of the inlet is less than 1.5mm or, preferably is less than 1.2mm. In this way, the inlet is small enough to generally prevent unwanted ingress of material but readily accessible should a user want to release the second housing portion 130 from the first housing portion 110.

[0149] The actuating means (not shown) is located at an inner end of the inlet 114. The actuating means is operably connected to the retaining elements securing the first housing portion 110 and second housing portion 130 in the locking position. The retaining elements may be complementary male and female parts that can be operably disengaged from one another, for example by being urged apart, by the actuating means. For example, the male part may be a flange, prong, hook or rib. For example, the female part may be a corresponding or complementary recess, bore, groove or slot. Each one of complementary pair of parts may be provided on any one of: a first housing portion, a second housing portion, a battery mounted to the first housing portion, or a battery mounted to the second housing portion.

[0150] The second housing portion 130 includes a peripheral wall 136 extending longitudinally between a mouth 134 and a base 138. The mouth 134 defines an opening sized to fit over the battery 150 when the second housing portion 130 is mounted to the first housing portion 110. The peripheral wall 136 has a length slightly longer than a length of the battery 150 that fits within the aerosol-generating device. In the example, the peripheral wall 136 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. The rectangular cross-sectional shape is a suitable size to surround the battery 150 in the use position.

[0151] The second housing portion 130 engages with the first housing portion 110 in a locking position so that the first housing portion 110 and the second housing portion 130 together enclose the chamber holding the battery 150. In the locking position, the chamber is defined within the peripheral wall 136 of the second housing portion 130 and delimited, at a first end, by the base 138 of the second housing portion 130 and, at a second end, by the proximal end portion 115 of the first housing portion 110. Stated differently, the proximal end portion 115 of the first housing portion 110 plugs the mouth 134 of the second housing portion 130 to form the chamber.

[0152] The second housing portion 130 includes one of the complementary retaining element, such as one of the male or female parts, described above. For example, a groove may be provided at, or near to, the mouth 134 configured to engage a complementary projecting rib at the proximal end portion 115.

[0153] In use, when the user wishes to replace the battery, the projecting tool 190 is inserted into the inlet 114 of the first housing portion 110. The actuating means thereby abuts against the projecting tool 190 as it is urged into the inlet 114 by the user. By urging the projecting tool 190 into the inlet 114, the user generates an urging force on the actuating means. In response to the urging force the actuating means releases the second housing portion from the first housing portion. For example, the urging force may temporarily deform at least one part of a retaining element, or may displace or retract the retaining elements from one another, so as to release the second housing portion from the locking position. For example, the actuating means may be operable to refract a projecting rib on the first housing portion from a groove on the second housing portion to release the second housing portion from the first housing portion.

[0154] With the second housing portion 130 released from the first housing portion 110, the second housing portion 130 is withdrawn from the battery 150 retained on the first housing portion 110. The user has access to the battery 150 to swap it for a replacement.

[0155] To install the replacement battery 150, the user mates the battery terminals with the corresponding device terminals to couple the replacement battery 150 to the first housing portion 110. The replacement battery 150 is thereby operably connected to the heating element of the aerosol -generating system 100. The second housing portion 130 is then slid over and along the battery 150 until the mouth 134 reaches the proximal end portion 115. A final push to urge the first housing portion 110 and second housing portion 130 towards each other re-engages the complementary retaining elements of each housing portion so that the reassembled aerosol-generating device is ready for use.

[0156] Referring now to FIG. 4 to FIG. 5C, there is shown another example electronic device in the form of an aerosol-generating device of an aerosol-generating system 200. The aerosol-generating system 200 is shown without an aerosol-generating article mounted to the electronic device. Where the features are the same described with reference to FIG. 1 A to FIG. 3, the reference numbers are also the same, but with a “2” as the initial digit.

[0157] The aerosol -generating device includes a first housing portion 210 includes a distal end portion 216 and a proximal end portion 215. The distal end portion 216 is configured to removably engage an aerosolgenerating article in a cavity 212 as described with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C.

[0158] The first housing portion 210 includes a frame member 240. The frame member 240 is fixedly mounted to the proximal end portion 215 of the first housing portion 210. The frame member 240 includes a planar support surface 242 circumscribed by a peripheral portion 244. The peripheral portion 244 forms a raised edge to the support surface 242 and is sized so that a battery 250 locates on the support surface 242 with the first battery terminal 251 mated with the first device terminal 231 and the second battery terminal 252 mated with the second device terminal 232.

[0159] The second housing portion 230 includes a peripheral wall 236 extending longitudinally between a mouth 234 and a base 238. The mouth 234 defines an opening sized to fit over both the battery 250 and the frame member 240 when the second housing portion 230 is mounted to the first housing portion 210. The peripheral wall 236 has a length slightly longer than a length of the battery 250 that fits within the aerosolgenerating device. In the example, the peripheral wall 236 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape of size to surround the battery 250 and frame member 240 when the battery 250 is in the use position.

[0160] The second housing portion 230 engages with the first housing portion 210 in a locking position so that the first housing portion 210 and the second housing portion 230 together enclose the chamber holding the battery 250 as well as the frame member 240. In the locking position, the chamber is defined within the peripheral wall 236 of the second housing portion 230 and delimited, at a first end, by the base 238 of the second housing portion 230 and, at a second end, by the proximal end portion 215 of the first housing portion 210. Stated differently, the proximal end portion 215 of the first housing portion 210 plugs the mouth 234 of the second housing portion 230 to form the chamber. In the use position, the battery frame 240 and the battery 250 are accommodated substantially within the second housing portion 230.

[0161] The first housing portion 210 and second housing portion 230 each include a complementary retaining element, such as those described herein.

[0162] The inlet 214 is provided on the second housing portion 230 of the aerosol-generating device. The inlet 214 is formed as an opening through the peripheral wall 236 of the second housing portion 230. The inlet 214 is positioned on the second housing portion 230 so that, in the locking position, the inlet 214 extends through the peripheral wall 236 to an actuating means mounted within the first housing portion 210. Stated differently, with the second housing portion 230 mounted to the first housing portion 210 in the locking position, the actuating means is accessible to a projecting tool 190 through the inlet 214.

[0163] In use, when the user wishes to replace the battery, the projecting tool 190 is inserted into the inlet 214 of the second housing portion 230 until it reaches through the inlet 214 to the actuating means of the first housing portion 210. The actuating means thereby abuts against the projecting tool 190 as it is urged into the inlet 214 by the user. By urging the projecting tool 190 into the inlet 214, the user generates an urging force on the actuating means in substantially the same manner as described for the example of FIG. 1A to FIG. 3.

[0164] With the second housing portion 230 released from the first housing portion 210, the second housing portion 230 is withdrawn from the battery 250 located on the frame member 240 of the first housing portion 210. The user has access to the battery 250 to swap it for a replacement. A replacement battery 250 is installed by loading it onto the frame member 240, to mate the respective battery terminals with the corresponding device terminals, and urges the first housing portion 210 and second housing portion 230 towards each other to re-engage the complementary retaining elements of each housing portion.

[0165] As will be appreciated, the aerosol-generating system 200 may be adapted so that the frame member 240 is releasably mounted to the first housing portion 210. In this way, the frame member may be configured so that, the actuating means of the first housing portion releases the frame member. That is, by urging the projecting tool into the inlet, the user generates an urging force that releases both the second housing portion and the frame member from the first housing portion. The frame member and battery are decoupled with one another so as to allow the user to swap the battery and load a replacement into the existing frame member more easily, or so as to allow the user to swap the battery and frame member subassembly for a replacement.

[0166] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a first housing portion 310 of a further example electronic device in the form of an aerosol-generating device of an aerosol-generating system. Where the features are the same as the example described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 5C, the reference numbers are also the same, but with a “3” as the initial digit.

[0167] The first housing portion 310 is shown without an aerosol-generating article mounted to the electronic device. The first housing portion 310 is also shown without a second housing portion which would be substantially the same as the second housing portion 230 described above with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 5C.

[0168] The frame member 340 includes a thermal sensor 320. The thermal sensor 320 is arranged on the support surface 342 of the frame member 340 and connected to a controller within the housing of the first housing portion 310 via a connector 321. The thermal sensor 320 is formed as a plate-like shape within a protective film. [0169] The thermal sensor 320 is configured to measure a temperature within the chamber during use. In particular, the thermal sensor 320 is positioned to contact an outer surface of the battery 350 located in the frame member 340 to monitor the temperature of the battery 350. The temperature measured by the thermal sensor 320 is reported to the controller during use so that the controller generates an alarm signal when the measured temperature exceeds a threshold temperature. In response to the alarm signal the user may be alerted and / or the electrical connection between the battery 350 and the heating element may be disconnected.

[0170] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an example projecting tool 190. The projecting tool 190 includes a finger 194 and a handle 192 connected to the finger 194 to enable a user to hold the projecting tool 190. The projecting tool 190 is formed of a metal, for example steel or aluminium.

[0171] In the example, the finger 194 is a rod-like shape with a diameter of 0.7 millimetres and a length of 8 millimetres. The handle 192 is ring with a length of 25 millimetres and a width of 8 millimetres. The projecting tool is thereby easy to manipulate to insert the finger 194 into an inlet and apply an urging force to an actuating means in order to release the second housing portion

[0172] Referring now to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D, there is shown a further example aerosol-generating system 700 including an electronic device in the form of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating system 700 is shown without an aerosol-generating article mounted to the electronic device. Where the features are the same as the example described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 5C, the reference numbers are also the same, but with a “7” as the initial digit.

[0173] The aerosol -generating device includes a first housing portion 710 and a second housing portion 730 like the first housing portion 310 and second housing portion 330 shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 other than second housing portion 730 encloses the first housing portion 710 in the locking position.

[0174] In the use position, the frame 740 and the battery 750 are accommodated substantially within the second housing portion 730.

[0175] The first housing portion 710 includes a frame member 740 fixedly mounted to the proximal end portion 715 of the first housing portion 710. A battery 750 is located within the peripheral portion 744 of the frame member 740 so that the first battery terminal 751 and second battery terminal 752 each mate to the corresponding first device terminal 731 and second device terminal 732.

[0176] The second housing portion 730 includes a peripheral wall 736 extending longitudinally between a mouth 734 and a base 738. The mouth 734 defines an opening sized to fit over both the frame member 740 and the battery 750, as well as the first housing portion 710 when the second housing portion 730 is mounted to the first housing portion 710. The peripheral wall 736 has a length corresponding to the length of the first housing portion 710. In the example, the peripheral wall 736 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape of size to surround and enclose the battery 750 and first housing portion 710 when the battery 750 is in the use position.

[0177] The second housing portion 730 engages with the first housing portion 710 in a locking position so that the first housing portion 710 and the second housing portion 730 together enclose the chamber holding the battery 750 as well as the frame member 740. In the locking position, the chamber is defined within the peripheral wall 736 of the second housing portion 730 and delimited, at a first end, by the base 738 of the second housing portion 730 and, at a second end, by the proximal end portion 715 of the first housing portion 210. The proximal end portion 715 of the first housing portion 710 plugs the peripheral wall 736 inward of the mouth 734 of the second housing portion 730 to form the chamber.

[0178] The first housing portion 710 and second housing portion 730 each include a complementary retaining element, such as those described herein. For example, the retaining element of the first housing portion 710 may be provided on an inner surface of its mouth 734. The retaining element of the second housing portion 730 may be provided on its distal end portion 716.

[0179] The inlet 714 is provided on the second housing portion 730 of the aerosol-generating device. The inlet 714 is formed as an opening through the peripheral wall 736 of the second housing portion 730. The inlet 714 is positioned on the second housing portion 730 so that, in the locking position, the inlet 714 extends through the peripheral wall 736 to an actuating means of the first housing portion 710. Stated differently, with the second housing portion 730 mounted to the first housing portion 710 in the locking position, the actuating means is accessible to a projecting tool 190 through the inlet 714.

[0180] In use, when the user wishes to replace the battery, the projecting tool 190 is inserted into the inlet 714 of the second housing portion 730 until it reaches through the inlet 714 to the actuating means of the first housing portion 710. The actuating means thereby abuts against the projecting tool 190 as it is urged into the inlet 714 by the user. By urging the projecting tool 190 into the inlet 714, the user generates an urging force on the actuating means in substantially the same manner as described for the example of FIG. 1A to FIG. 3.

[0181] With the second housing portion 730 released from the first housing portion 710, the first housing portion 710 is removed from the mouth 718 of the first housing portion 710. The user has access to the battery 750 to swap it for a replacement. A replacement battery 750 is installed by loading it onto the frame member 740, to mate the respective battery terminals with the corresponding device terminals. The first housing portion 710 is inserted into the second housing portion 730 and urged into the peripheral wall 736 to re-engage the complementary retaining elements of each housing portion.

[0182] Referring now to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, there is shown a further example aerosol-generating system 400 including an electronic device in the form of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating system 400 is shown without an aerosol-generating article mounted to the electronic device. Where the features are the same as the example described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 5C, the reference numbers are also the same, but with a “4” as the initial digit. [0183] The aerosol -generating device includes a first housing portion 410 includes a distal end portion 416 and a proximal end portion 415. The distal end portion 416 is configured to removably engage an aerosolgenerating article in a cavity 412 as described with reference to other examples.

[0184] The second housing portion 430 includes a frame member 440. The frame member 440 is fixedly mounted to a base 438 of the first housing portion 410. The frame member 440 includes a planar support surface 442 circumscribed by a peripheral portion 444. The peripheral portion 444 forms a raised edge to the support surface 442 and is sized so that a battery 450 locates on the support surface 442.

[0185] The peripheral portion 444 includes an aperture 446 at a first end of the frame member 440. The first end of the frame corresponds to the inner end of the frame member 440 when the second housing portion 430 is engaged with the first housing portion 410 in the locking position. In the example, the aperture 446 is an elongate slot extending across the first end of the frame member 440. The battery 450 includes a battery terminal plug 451 at one end. The aperture 446 of the frame member 440 is sized so the battery terminal plug 451 locates within the aperture 446 so that the battery terminal plug 451 is accessible from an outer face of frame member 440.

[0186] The first housing portion 410 includes a peripheral wall 417 extending longitudinally into the first housing portion 410 from a mouth 418. The mouth 418 defines an opening sized to fit over both the battery 450 and the frame member 440 when a second housing portion 430 is mounted to the first housing portion 410. The peripheral wall 417 has a length substantially the same as a length of the battery 450 that fits within the aerosol-generating device. In the example, the peripheral wall 417 has a rounded rectangular cross- sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape is a suitable size to surround the battery 450 and frame member 440 when the battery 450 is mounted in the use position.

[0187] The second housing portion 430 engages with the first housing portion 410 in a locking position so that the first housing portion 410 and the second housing portion 430 together enclose the chamber holding the battery 450. In the locking position, the chamber is defined within the peripheral wall 417 of the first housing portion 410 and delimited, at one end, by the base 438 of the second housing portion 430 and, at an opposing second end, by an internal wall of the first housing portion 410. Stated differently, the base 438 of the second housing portion 430 plugs the mouth 418 of the first housing portion 410 to form the chamber.

[0188] In the use position, the frame 440 and the battery 450 are accommodated substantially within the first housing portion 410.

[0189] The first housing portion 410 and the second housing portion 430 each include one of the complementary retaining elements, such as one of the male or female parts, described above. For example, a groove may be provided at, or near to, the mouth 418 of the first housing portion 410 and configured to engage a complementary projecting rib on the base 438. [0190] The internal wall of the first housing portion 410 includes a device terminal socket. The battery terminal socket is arranged so that, when the second housing portion 430 is engaged with the first housing portion 410 in the locking position, the battery terminal plug 451 connects to the device terminal socket. In particular, in the locking position, the battery 450 is electrically connected to the first housing portion 410 through the aperture 446 of the frame member 440.

[0191] The second housing portion 430 includes an inlet 437. The inlet 437 is formed as an opening through the base 438 of the second housing portion 430. The inlet 437 is positioned on the base 438 so that, in the locking position, the inlet 437 extends through the base 438 to an actuating means mounted at the proximal end portion 415 of the first housing portion 410. Stated differently, with the second housing portion 430 mounted to the first housing portion 410 in the locking position, the actuating means is accessible to a projecting tool 190 through the inlet 437.

[0192] In use, when the user wishes to replace the battery, the projecting tool 190 is inserted into the inlet 437 of the second housing portion 430 until it reaches the actuating means of the first housing portion 410. The actuating means thereby abuts against the projecting tool 190 as it is urged into the inlet 437 by the user. By urging the projecting tool 190 into the inlet 437, the user generates an urging force on the actuating means in substantially the same manner as described for other examples.

[0193] With the second housing portion 430 released from the first housing portion 410, the second housing portion 430, frame member 440 and the battery 450 are withdrawn from the first housing portion 410. The user has access to the battery 450 to swap it for a replacement. A replacement battery 450 is installed by loading it onto the frame member 440, so that the battery terminal plug 451 is arranged within the aperture 446 ready to mate with the device terminal socket. Urging the first housing portion 410 and second housing portion 430 towards each other re-engages the complementary retaining elements of each housing portion and mates the battery terminal plug 451 with the device terminal socket.

[0194] Referring now to FIG. 10A to FIG. 1 IB, there is shown a further example aerosol-generating system 500 including an electronic device in the form of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating system 500 is shown without an aerosol-generating article mounted to the electronic device. Where the features are the same as the example described with reference to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the reference numbers are also the same, but with a “5” as the initial digit.

[0195] The aerosol -generating device includes a first housing portion 510 like the first housing portion 410 of FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, other than it is has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape and an inlet 514. In this way, the peripheral wall 517 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape and extends between a mouth 518 and an internal wall of the first housing portion 510. The mouth 518 is located at a proximal end portion 515 of the first housing portion 510.

[0196] A distal end portion 516 of the first housing portion 510 is configured to removably engage an aerosol -generating article in a cavity 512 as described with reference to other examples. [0197] The inlet 514 is located on an outer surface of the first housing portion 510 near to the internal wall that delimits the peripheral wall 517.

[0198] The peripheral wall 517 is sized to accept a battery 550 of corresponding shape. In the example, the battery 550 is a cylindrical battery 550 extending longitudinally from a upper end to a lower end, for example but not limited to a 18650-type battery. A second retaining element 554 is provided at the upper end of the battery 550. In the example, the second retaining element 554 is formed as circumferential groove around the upper end of the battery 550.

[0199] In the example shown, the battery 550 includes a core and an outer layer. The core includes a battery cell formed as a rectangular rod. The outer layer can be an over-moulded polymer layer. In this way, the outer layer can be easily configured to ensure the battery 550 fits snugly within the chamber of the electronic device. Furthermore, moulding the outer layer from polymer provides increased range of options for forming a first retaining element on the battery 550.

[0200] The second housing portion 530 includes a base without a frame member. The second housing portion 530 is a configured as a cap of the mouth 518 of the first housing portion 510. In particular, the second housing portion 530 includes a cylindrical portion configured to form an interference fit with the inner surface of the mouth 518.

[0201] The second housing portion 530 engages with the first housing portion 510 in a locking position using the interference fit at the inner surface of the mouth 518. In this way, the first housing portion 510 and the second housing portion 530 together enclose the chamber holding the battery 550. In the locking position, the chamber is defined within the peripheral wall 517 of the first housing portion 510 and delimited, at one end, by the second housing portion 530 and, at an opposing second end, by an internal wall 519 of the first housing portion 510. Stated differently, the second housing portion 530 plugs the mouth 518 of the first housing portion 510 to form the chamber.

[0202] The first housing portion 510 includes an actuating means 525. The actuating means 525 includes an arm and a biasing member 528. In the example, the biasing member 528 is a compressible spring mounted in the internal wall 519 and aligned longitudinally with peripheral wall 517. The biasing member 528 is compressed by the upper end of the battery 550 as it is inserted within the peripheral wall 517.

[0203] The arm of the actuating means 525 includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion is aligned with the inner end of the inlet to abut against a projecting tool inserted into the inlet 514. The second arm portion includes a first retaining element 527. The first retaining element 527 is complementary to the second retaining element 554 of the battery 550. That is, the first retaining element 527 is shaped and oriented to locate within the circumferential groove of the battery 550 to secure the battery 550 in the use position. The second housing portion 530 thereby fits into the mouth 518 in the locking position. [0204] The arm of the actuating means 525 also includes a fulcrum 526. The fulcrum 526 is mounted to the first housing portion 510 so that the arm is pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In this way each of the first arm portion and the second arm portion pivot about the fulcrum 526. Optionally, the arm is biased towards the engaged position, for example by using a secondary biasing member such as a spring.

[0205] In the engaged position, as shown in FIG. 11A, the first arm portion rests against the inner end of the inlet 514 and the first retaining element 527 is positioned to engage with the second retaining element 554 of a battery 550 loaded into the first housing portion 510. The battery 550 is secured in the use position. The biasing member 528 is compressed against the upper end of the battery 550. In the use position, the battery 550 is accommodated substantially within the first housing portion 510.

[0206] In the disengaged position, as shown in FIG. 1 IB, the first arm portion is spaced apart from the inner end of the inlet 514 and, correspondingly, the first retaining element 527 is spaced apart from the second retaining element 554. The battery 550 is released from the use position.

[0207] In use, when the user wishes to replace the battery, the projecting tool 190 is inserted into the inlet 514 of the first housing portion 510 until it abuts the first arm portion of the actuating means 525. By urging the projecting tool 190 into the inlet 514, the user urges the actuating means 525 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, releasing the battery from the use position. Once released, the biasing member 528 is free to expand, providing an urging force on upper end of battery 550 towards the proximal end portion 515 of the first housing portion 510. The urging force urges the battery 550 against the second housing portion 530 with sufficient force to overcome the interference fit of the second housing portion 530 in the mouth 518. The second housing portion 530 is released from the mouth 518.

[0208] With the second housing portion 530 released from the first housing portion 510, the second housing portion 530 and the battery 550 are ejected from the first housing portion 510. The user has access to the battery 550 to swap it for a replacement.

[0209] A replacement battery 550 is installed by loading it through the mouth 518 of first housing portion 510. The user urges the battery 550 along the peripheral wall 517 until the second retaining element 554 engages first retaining element 527 on the second arm portion. The battery 550 is secured in the use position allowing the user to insert the second housing portion 530 into the mouth 518 of the first housing portion 510, enclosing the battery 550 in the chamber 524.

[0210] Optionally, the second housing portion may be fixedly mounted to, or integrally formed with, the lower end of the battery. In this way, the chamber is formed in a single step of inserting the battery. Similarly, the second housing portion is released from the first housing portion as soon as the actuating means is urged into the disengaged position by the projecting tool. In this arrangement, each replacement battery includes a replacement second housing portion, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the battery replacement process. [0211] Referring now to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, there is shown an aerosol-generating system substantially the same as the aerosol-generating system 500 of FIG. 10A to FIG. 1 IB other than the battery 550' is mounted to a receptacle, in this example a frame member 540, in the use position.

[0212] The frame member 540 includes a second retaining element 554'. The second retaining element 554' is provided as a notch on the frame member 540.

[0213] In the engaged position, as shown in FIG. 12A, the second retaining element 554' is arranged to removably engage the first retaining element 527 of the first housing portion 510 when the frame member 540 is loaded into the first housing portion 510. The battery 550' is secured in the use position within the loaded frame member 540. The biasing member 528 is compressed against the upper end of the frame member 540. In the use position, the frame 540 and the battery 550’ are accommodated substantially within the first housing portion 510.

[0214] In the disengaged position, as shown in FIG. 12B, the first arm portion is spaced apart from the inner end of the inlet 514 and, correspondingly, the first retaining element 527 is spaced apart from the second retaining element 554'. The frame member 540 is unlocked from the actuating means 525 so that the frame member 540 is released from the first housing portion 510.

[0215] In use, when the user wishes to replace the battery, the projecting tool 190 is inserted into the inlet 514 of the first housing portion 510 until it abuts the first arm portion of the actuating means 525. By urging the projecting tool 190 into the inlet 514, the user urges the actuating means 525 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, releasing the frame member 540. Once released, the biasing member 528 is free to expand, providing an urging force on upper end of frame member 540 towards the proximal end portion 515 of the first housing portion 510. The urging force urges the frame member 540 against the second housing portion 530 with sufficient force to overcome the interference fit of the second housing portion 530 in the mouth 518. The second housing portion 530 is released from the mouth 518.

[0216] In the example shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 1 IB, the mechanically locking of the battery relative to first housing portion 510 relies on the engagement of first retaining element 527 of actuating means 525 with a second retaining element 554 that is provided in the outer casing of the battery 550. In this respect, the second housing portion 530 can be considered an outer casing or shell of the battery 550 itself, as a nonlimiting example, and it can also be considered that the battery 550 includes one or more battery cells, and that the second housing portion 530 can be a cylindrically-shaped outer shell, having a second retaining element 554 in the form of a groove or indentation for receiving a portion of the actuating means 525.

[0217] However, in other examples as shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, it is also possible that the second retaining element 554 is not arranged on or at the battery 550 itself, but on an element that is removably holding the battery 550. [0218] Also, in the embodiment shown of FIG. 11A and FIG. 1 IB, the actuating means 525 is operatively attached for pivoting relative to the first housing portion 510 but, depending on the embodiment, it is possible that the actuating means 525 is operatively attached to the second housing portion, such as the second housing portions 130, 730 described in examples above.

[0219] As non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, the second retaining element may be arranged at an inner wall of the second housing portion, such as the second housing portion 130 described above, or the second retaining element may be arranged at a frame member configured to removably hold a battery, such as the frame member frame members 240, 740 that removably hold the battery batteries 250, 750. It is also possible that a standard battery that does not have a second retaining element 554 is equipped with an outer shell.

[0220] Referring now to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13F, there is shown a further example aerosol -generating system 600 including an electronic device in the form of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating system 600 is shown without an aerosol-generating article mounted to the electronic device. Where the features are the same as the example described with reference to FIG. 10A to FIG. 1 IB, the reference numbers are also the same, but with a “6” as the initial digit.

[0221] The aerosol -generating device includes a first housing portion 610, second housing portion 630 and battery 650 like the first housing portion 510, second housing portion 530 and battery 550 of FIG. 10A to FIG. 1 IB, with the further addition of a carriage member 670. The carriage member 670 is slidably mounted to the peripheral wall 617 of the first housing portion 610.

[0222] Thus, the first housing portion 610 includes a peripheral wall 617, in the variant shown having a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, and extending between a mouth 618 and an internal wall 619. The mouth

618 is located at a proximal end portion 615 of the first housing portion 610.

[0223] A distal end portion 616 of the first housing portion 610 is configured to removably engage an aerosol -generating article in a cavity 612 as described with reference to other examples.

[0224] An inlet 614 is located on an outer surface of the first housing portion 610 near to the internal wall

619 that delimits the peripheral wall 617.

[0225] An actuating means 625 includes an arm and a biasing member 628. In the example, the biasing member 628 is a compressible spring mounted at or in the internal wall 619. The biasing member 628 is compressed by the upper end of the battery 650 as it is inserted within the peripheral wall 617. The actuating means 625 is moved about its fulcrum 626 by a projecting tool 190 urged into the inlet 614 by the user in the same manner as the example described with reference to FIG. 11A and FIG. 1 IB, releasing the battery 650 from the use position. [0226] In the example shown, the battery 650 is the same as the battery 550 described above, including a second retaining element 654 at an upper end, as well as an outer layer surrounding a battery cell within a core.

[0227] The carriage member 670 is mounted to the peripheral wall 617 to slide relative to the peripheral wall 617. The carriage member 670 is configured to slide in a longitudinal direction relative to the peripheral wall 617. The carriage member 670 includes an inner face, oriented towards the outside of the peripheral wall 617, and an opposing outer face. The outer face of the carriage member 670 is contoured to enable a user to grip the carriage member 670 and provide a force to slide the carriage member 670 towards or away from the mouth 618 of the first housing portion 610.

[0228] The inner face includes a stud and a carriage arm mounted to the stud to be spaced apart from the inner face. The carriage arm includes an upper arm element and a lower arm element. Each arm element is deflectable about the stud. Each arm element is resiliently deformable, for example by virtue of being formed of a plastic material.

[0229] The upper arm element extends from the stud towards the distal end portion 616 of the first housing portion 610. A third retaining element 674 is provided on the upper arm element. The upper arm element is deflectable from an inner position to an outer position. In its inner position, the third retaining element 674 of the upper arm element projects inward of the peripheral wall 617. In its outer position, the third retaining element 674 is deflected to be flush with the peripheral wall 617. The upper arm element is biased towards the inner position.

[0230] The lower arm element extends from the stud towards the proximal end portion 615. A locking element 676 is provided on the lower arm element. The lower arm element is deflectable from an outer position to an inner position. In the inner position, the locking element 676 engages a retainer 678 on an inside surface of the peripheral wall 617 so as to limit vertical movement of the carriage member 670 relative to the first housing portion 610. In the outer position, the locking element 676 is released from the retainer 678. The lower arm element is biased towards the outer position.

[0231] The first housing portion 610 includes a second inlet 672. The second inlet 672 is configured to receive a projecting tool of a user, for example the projecting tool 190 for insertion into the inlet 614 to release the battery 650 from the first housing portion 610. The second inlet 672 is configured so that the projecting tool 190 inserted into the second inlet 672 abuts against the lower arm element.

[0232] In the example, the second inlet 672 is formed through the carriage member 670 of the first housing portion 610. Optionally, the second inlet 672 may be configured to be formed through the peripheral wall 617 of the first housing portion 610, or through both the peripheral wall 617 and carriage member 670.

[0233] In this way, as the user urges the projecting tool 190 into the second inlet 672, the projecting tool 190 deflects the lower arm element from its outer position to its inner position. Urging the projecting tool 190 into the second inlet 672 enables the locking element 676 of the lower arm element to be released from the retainer 678.

[0234] The carriage member 670 enables the battery 650 to be held in a partially dismounted position after the actuating means 625 is used to release the second housing portion 630 from the locking position. By holding the battery 650 in a partially dismounted position the battery 650 is released from the locking position but retained within the first housing portion 610 until the user performs a second action. The battery holding means enables the user to control ejection of the battery 650 from the aerosol-generating device, as described with reference to the sequence of FIG. 13A to FIG. 13F.

[0235] Referring now to FIG. 13 A, there is shown the aerosol-generating system 600 with the battery 650 mounted to the first housing portion 610 in the use position. The actuating means 625 is in the engaged position so that the first retaining element 627 engages with the second retaining element 654 on the battery 650. The battery 650 is secured to the first housing portion 610 in the use position. The biasing member 628 is compressed between the internal wall 619 and the upper end of the battery 650. In the use position, the battery 650 is accommodated substantially within the first housing portion 610.

[0236] Referring now to FIG. 13B to FIG. 13F, when the user wishes to replace the battery 650 they perform a first release from the use position and a second release from the partially dismounted position. To initiate the first release, the projecting tool 190 is inserted into the inlet 614 of the first housing portion 610. The projecting tool 190 is inserted until it abuts the first arm portion of the actuating means 625. By urging the projecting tool 190 into the inlet 614, the user urges the actuating means 625 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, releasing the battery 650 from the use position.

[0237] Once released, the biasing member 628 is free to expand, providing an urging force on upper end of battery 650 towards the proximal end portion 615 of the first housing portion 610. The urging force urges the battery 650 against the second housing portion 630 with sufficient force to overcome the interference fit of the second housing portion 630 in the mouth 618. The second housing portion 630 is released from the mouth 618.

[0238] The urging force moves the battery 650 until the second retaining element 654 aligns with the third retaining element 674. When the second retaining element 654 and third retaining element 674 are aligned, the upper arm element deflects back to its inner position so that the second retaining element 654 engages with the third retaining element 674. The battery 650 is thereby secured in a partially dismounted position. That is, the battery 650 is secured to the carriage member 670 which is prevented from moving longitudinally because the locking element 676 is braced against the retainer 678.

[0239] Referring particularly to FIG. 13C and FIG. 13D, to release the battery 650 from the partially dismounted position, the user inserts the projecting tool 190 into the second inlet 672. The projecting tool 190 abuts the lower arm element. Urging the projecting tool 190 into the second inlet 672 deflects the lower arm element to its inner position. The locking element 676 is released from the retainer 678. [0240] Once released, the urging force from the biasing member 628 is free to urge the battery 650 further towards the proximal end portion 615 of the first housing portion 610 (FIG. 13D). The locking element 676 moves beyond the retainer 678 and free to slide longitudinally within the first housing portion 610.

[0241] The third retaining element 674 remains secured to the second retaining element 654 of the battery such that the urging force provided by the biasing member 628 moves the carriage member 670 with the battery 650 (FIG. 13E). Due to the fact that the battery 650 is engaged with the carriage member 670, the user controls further ejection of the battery 650 by controlling the movement of the carriage member 670.

[0242] To complete ejection of the battery 650, the user moves the battery 650 further towards the proximal end portion 615 of the first housing portion 610 until the carriage member 670 reaches a travel limit (FIG. 13F). At the carriage member 670 travel limit, the battery 650 projects from the mouth 618. The user can then pull the lower end of the battery 650 causing the second retaining element 654 to ride over the third retaining element 674. The battery 650 is then free to be withdrawn from the first housing portion 610.

[0243] A replacement battery 650 is installed by loading it through the mouth 618 of first housing portion 610 and re-engaging the carriage member 670 and actuating means 625 in a reverse of the sequence of described with reference to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13F.

[0244] The user urges the battery 650 along the peripheral wall 617 until the second retaining element 654 engages third retaining element 674 on the carriage member 670. The carriage member 670, together with the battery 650, is urged towards the distal end portion 616 of the first housing portion 610 until the locking element 676 is beyond the retainer 678 and the second retaining element 654 is secured to the first retaining element 627 of the actuating means 625.

[0245] Optionally, the second housing portion may be fixedly mounted to, or integrally formed with, the lower end of the battery. In this way, the chamber is formed in a single step of inserting the battery. Similarly, the second housing portion is released from the first housing portion as soon as the actuating means is urged into the partially dismounted position by the biasing member. In this arrangement, each replacement battery includes a replacement second housing portion, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the battery replacement process.

[0246] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0247] Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0248] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An electronic device for generating an aerosol from a substrate in an aerosol-generating article, the electronic device comprising: a first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion is configured to removably engage an aerosol-generating article comprising a substrate to be heated by a heating element to generate an aerosol, and to operably connect a battery in a use position to provide electrical power to the heating element; a second housing portion configured to engage with the first housing portion in a locking position wherein, in the locking position, the at least one of the first housing portion or the second housing portion accommodates the battery in the use position; an inlet provided either on the first housing portion or on the second housing portion, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a projecting tool of a user; and an actuating means configured to abut against the projecting tool urged into the inlet by the user and, in response, to release the second housing portion from the locking position; wherein, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, the battery is decoupled from the first housing portion.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first housing portion comprises a biasing member, wherein the biasing member is configured, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, to urge either the second housing portion, or the battery, apart from the first housing portion.

3. The electronic device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the use position, the battery is releasably coupled to the first housing portion and remains coupled to the first housing portion as the second housing portion is released from the locking position.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first housing portion further comprises a first retaining element configured to engage a complementary second retaining element on the battery to mount the battery to the first housing portion in the use position, and wherein, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, the actuating means disengages the first retaining element from the second retaining element.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the second housing portion is configured so that, as the actuating means disengages the first retaining element of the first housing portion from the second retaining element of the battery, the second housing portion is released from the locking position.

6. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein first housing portion includes a complementary third retaining element configured to engage the second retaining element on the battery to hold the battery within the first housing portion in a partially dismounted position.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the first housing portion includes a second inlet configured to receive the projecting tool of a user; wherein the second inlet is configured so that as the projecting tool is urged into the second inlet by the user then, in response, the battery is released from the partially dismounted position.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the first housing portion includes a carriage member slidably mounted to the first housing portion to slide relative to the first housing portion in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the third retaining element is provided on the carriage member.

9. The electronic device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the use position, the battery is releasably mounted to the second housing portion.

10. The electronic device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first housing portion or the second housing portion includes a frame member configured so that the battery locatingly mounts to the frame member.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the frame member is releasably mounted to the first housing portion, and wherein the frame member is configured, in response to the user urging the projecting tool into the inlet, to decouple from the first housing portion with the battery.

12. The electronic device of claim 10 or 11, wherein the frame member includes a peripheral portion circumscribing a support surface, for example a recessed surface, and wherein the battery locates onto the support surface.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the frame member includes an aperture through the peripheral portion, wherein the aperture is configured so that, in the use position, at least one battery terminal or a battery terminal plug, of the battery is electrically connected to the heating element through the aperture.

14. The electronic device of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising at least one adhesive portion arranged to adhere the battery to the frame member.

15. The electronic device of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the frame member includes a magnetised portion configured to magnetically engage a complementary portion on the battery so as to guide the battery into a located position in the frame member.