Extractor element of aerosol supply device

Abstract

An extractor element (6) of an aerosol supply device (2) is disclosed. The extractor element is configured such that, in a first mode of operation, the extractor element can be partially withdrawn from a housing (4) of the aerosol supply device, and wherein complete removal of the extractor element from the housing is limited by the retaining element (28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an extractor element of an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generating system and a method of generating vapour. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco during use to generate tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by generating release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating a material but not burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above devices or products are known. Common systems use a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. It is usually necessary to replace or change the medium used to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium. The induction heating system generally includes a magnetic field generating device for generating a changing magnetic field and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by penetrating the changing magnetic field to heat the suitable medium.

[0004] Known aerosol supply devices comprise a cylindrical heating chamber into which a stick-shaped aerosol-generating article is inserted. Conventional aerosol supply devices are typically powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries ("LiBs"). Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect, an extractor element of an aerosol supply device is provided, wherein the extractor element is configured so that in a first operating mode, the extractor element is configured to be partially withdrawn from a housing of the aerosol supply device; and wherein complete removal of the extractor element from the housing is restricted by a retaining element of the aerosol supply device; and in a second operating mode, the extractor element is capable of being completely removed from the housing of the aerosol supply device.

[0006] Optionally, the extractor element comprises a restriction that restricts movement from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation.

[0007] Alternatively, the retaining element may be detent to prevent complete removal of the extractor element from the housing of the aerosol supply device.

[0008] Optionally, a retaining element of the housing of the aerosol device may be detent to prevent the extractor element from being completely removed from the housing of the aerosol device by user interaction with the extractor element.

[0009] Optionally, the user interaction with the extractor element is application of a predetermined force in a direction at least partially away from the housing of the aerosol device.

[0010] Optionally, the extractor element is in the second mode of operation while the extractor element is partially withdrawn from the housing of the aerosol device and the retaining element does not prevent the extractor element from being removed from the housing of the aerosol device.

[0011] Optionally, the extractor element is further configured such that in the third mode of operation the extractor element is fully inserted in the housing of the aerosol supply device.

[0012] Optionally, the extractor element comprises an article aperture into which the aerosol-generating article may be inserted in use.

[0013] Optionally, the extractor element is configured to secure the aerosol-generating article within the article orifice, such that in the first mode of operation, the aerosol-generating article is retained within the article orifice.

[0014] Optionally, the extractor element comprises a retaining slot configured to engage with a retaining element of the aerosol supply device to restrict complete removal of the extractor element from the housing.

[0015] Optionally, the retaining slot comprises a retaining channel.

[0016] Optionally, the retaining slot comprises a stop configured to limit movement of the extractor element relative to the retaining element.

[0017] Optionally, the extractor element is configured to secure the aerosol-generating article within the aperture, such that in the third mode of operation the aerosol-generating article is retained within the aperture.

[0018] Optionally, the extractor element is configured to secure the aerosol-generating article within an orifice of a user such that in the first and third modes of operation the aerosol-generating article is retained within the orifice.

[0019] Optionally, the extractor element is configured such that a user can withdraw the aerosol-generating article from the extractor element once the extractor element has been removed from the housing of the aerosol supply device.

[0020] Optionally, the extractor element has a first end facing away from the housing of the aerosol supply device when the extractor element is in the first operating mode and a second end being retained in the aerosol supply device when the extractor element is in the first operating mode.

[0021] Optionally, the extractor element comprises one or more retention apertures configured to engage with the retention element.In such an embodiment, the portion of the extractor element defining each retention aperture is such that a predetermined action or force is required to disengage the retention element from the retention aperture.

[0022] Optionally, the retaining aperture is an aperture or hole in a surface of the extractor element such that the retaining element can engage the aperture and prevent complete removal of the extractor element from the housing by the retaining element.

[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one retaining aperture extends through the body of the extractor element. In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is a mouth recessed into the material of the extractor element.

[0024] Optionally, the one or more retaining apertures configured to engage with the retaining element are in the form of retaining slots.

[0025] Optionally, the retaining slot is configured such that a retaining element engaged with the retaining slot can travel along the retaining slot.

[0026] Optionally, the extractor element comprises a pair of retaining slots, and the pair of retaining slots are coaxial or substantially coaxial with each other and are separated in the longitudinal direction by the island portion of the extractor element.

[0027] Optionally, the common axis of the pair of retaining slots is parallel or substantially parallel to axis A.

[0028] Optionally, the island is configured so that it can prevent a retaining element engaged with one of a pair of retaining slots from traveling from one of the pair of retaining slots to the other of the pair of retaining slots unless a predetermined action or force is exerted on the extractor element. When the predetermined action or force is exerted or applied on the extractor element, the retaining element can pass through the island.

[0029] Optionally, a first retaining slot of a pair of retaining slots is positioned in a portion of the extractor element that can be partially withdrawn from the housing of the aerosol supply device when the extractor element is in a first operating mode, and a second retaining slot of the pair of retaining slots is positioned in a portion of the extractor element that cannot be withdrawn from the housing of the aerosol supply device when the extractor element is in the first operating mode.

[0030] Optionally, an end of the second of the pair of retaining slots that is furthest from the first of the pair of retaining slots is a mouth end and is open or opened by a portion of the second end of the extractor element.

[0031] Optionally, the mouth end of the second of the pair of holding slots comprises one or more converging slot walls, and the one or more slot walls converge in a direction from the second end of the holding slot to the first end. Such converging walls can help introduce the holding element into the second holding slot of the pair of holding slots when the extractor element moves from the second operating mode toward the first operating mode.

[0032] Optionally, the extractor element comprises a magnetic field source adapted to interact with a magnetic material or a second magnetic field source in the aerosol supply device and bias the extractor element towards the third mode of operation.

[0033] Optionally, the extractor element comprises a magnetic field source adapted to interact with a magnetic material or a second magnetic field source in the aerosol supply device and bias the extractor element towards the third mode of operation.

[0034] Optionally, the magnetic field source is one of a ferromagnet (eg, magnetized iron, cobalt or nickel or alloys thereof) and a rare earth magnet (eg, a neodymium or samarium magnet).

[0035] Optionally, the extractor element comprises a magnetic material adapted to interact with a source of magnetic field in the aerosol supply device and bias the extractor element towards the third mode of operation.

[0036] Optionally, the magnetic material is one of iron, cobalt, nickel, neodymium and samarium, or an alloy thereof.

[0037] According to another aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising: a shell defining a heating chamber; and an extractor element configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol generating material in the heating chamber; wherein the extractor element is configured so that in a first operating mode, the extractor element is movable within the shell of the aerosol supply device; and the aerosol supply device comprises a retaining arrangement configured to limit movement of the extractor element to a second operating mode, in which the extractor element is spaced apart from the shell.

[0038] Optionally, the retaining arrangement comprises a retaining device and a retaining slot, wherein the retaining device is configured to be received in the retaining slot in the first operating mode.

[0039] Optionally, the retaining slot comprises a retaining channel.

[0040] Optionally, the retaining slot comprises a retaining aperture.

[0041] Optionally, the retaining slot comprises a stop configured to limit movement of the extractor element relative to the retaining element between the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0042] Optionally, the stop is a ridge.

[0043] Optionally, the aerosol supply device comprises an auxiliary slot configured to receive the retaining device, wherein the stop is between the retaining slot and the auxiliary slot.

[0044] Optionally, the aerosol supply device comprises a housing in which the extractor element is retained in use.

[0045] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises retaining means for retaining the extractor element within the housing of the aerosol supply device in the first mode of operation.

[0046] Optionally, the holding arrangement comprises a holding device.

[0047] Optionally, the retaining means comprises one or more spring loaded plunger means.

[0048] Optionally, the retaining means comprises one or more resilient elements.

[0049] Optionally, the retaining means is on the housing and the extractor element comprises a retaining slot.

[0050] Optionally, the retaining means is provided on the extractor element and the housing comprises one or more retaining apertures configured to engage with the retaining means.

[0051] A retaining aperture in the housing is an aperture or hole in the surface of the housing such that a retaining element may engage the aperture and prevent complete removal of the extractor element from the housing by the retaining element.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least one retaining aperture extends through the housing. In some embodiments, at least one aperture is a mouth recessed into the material of the housing.

[0053] Optionally, the retaining means and the at least one retaining aperture configured to engage with the retaining means are positioned such that the retaining means engages with the at least one retaining aperture when the extractor element is in the first operating mode.

[0054] Optionally, the retaining means does not engage with the extractor element when the extractor element is in the second mode of operation.

[0055] Optionally, when the extractor element is in the third mode of operation, the retaining element engages with at least one retaining aperture configured to engage with the retaining element.

[0056] Optionally, when the extractor element is in the first operating mode, the retaining device engages with one or more first retaining apertures, and when the extractor element is in the third operating mode, the retaining device engages with one or more second retaining apertures, and all of the first retaining apertures and the second retaining apertures are configured to engage with the retaining device.

[0057] Optionally, the extractor element comprises one or more retention apertures configured to engage with the retention means.In such an embodiment, the portion of the extractor element defining each retention aperture is such that a predetermined action or force is required to disengage the retention means from the retention aperture.

[0058] Optionally, the one or more retaining apertures configured to engage with the retaining means are in the form of retaining slots.

[0059] Optionally, the retaining slot is configured such that a retaining device engaged with the retaining slot can travel along the retaining slot.

[0060] Optionally, the extractor element comprises two retaining slots, and the two retaining slots are coaxial or substantially coaxial.

[0061] Optionally, the two retaining slots are separated by a portion of the extractor element.

[0062] Optionally, the portion of the extractor element located between the two retaining slots is configured so that it can prevent a retaining device engaged with one of the retaining slots from traveling to the other retaining slot unless a predetermined action or force is applied to the extractor element. When a predetermined action or force is applied or exerted on the extractor element, the retaining device can travel from one retaining slot to the other retaining slot.

[0063] Optionally, the extractor element comprises: an end; and a mouth end retaining the slot, open or opening through a portion of the end of the extractor element.

[0064] Optionally, the mouth end of the holding slot comprises one or more converging slot walls, and the slot walls converge in a direction away from the mouth end along the holding slot.Such converging walls may help introduce the holding device into the holding slot when the extractor element moves from the second operating mode towards the first operating mode.

[0065] Optionally, the one or more retaining slots extend in the same direction as the direction in which the extractor element moves between the first and third modes of operation.

[0066] Optionally, the one or more retaining slots are positioned such that the retaining means engages with the one or more retaining slots when the extractor element is in the first and third modes of operation.

[0067] Optionally, the one or more retaining slots extend in a direction different from the direction in which the extractor element moves between the first and third modes of operation.

[0068] Optionally, the one or more retaining slots extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the extractor element moves between the first mode of operation and the third mode of operation.

[0069] Optionally, the extractor element comprises a magnetic field source adapted to interact with a magnetic material or a second magnetic field source in the aerosol supply device and bias the extractor element towards the third mode of operation.

[0070] Optionally, the aerosol supply device includes a first magnetic field source and the extractor element includes a second magnetic field source, and the first magnetic field source and the second magnetic field source are positioned so that the magnetic field of the first magnetic field source and the magnetic field of the second magnetic field source interact and bias the extractor element toward a third operating mode.

[0071] Optionally, one of the aerosol supply device and the extractor element includes a magnetic field source, and the other of the aerosol supply device and the extractor element includes a magnetic material suitable for interacting with the magnetic field source, and the magnetic field source and the magnetic material are positioned such that the interaction of the magnetic field with the magnetic material biases the extractor element toward a third operating mode.

[0072] Optionally, at least one magnetic field source is one of a ferromagnet (eg, magnetized iron, cobalt or nickel or alloys thereof) and a rare earth magnet (eg, a neodymium or samarium magnet).

[0073] Optionally, the magnetic material is one of iron, cobalt, nickel, neodymium and samarium, or an alloy thereof.

[0074] According to one aspect, an extractor element of an aerosol supply device is provided, wherein the extractor element is configured so that in a first operating mode, the extractor element is configured to be partially withdrawn from a housing of the aerosol supply device; and wherein complete removal of the extractor element from the housing is restricted by a retaining element of the aerosol supply device; and in a second operating mode, the extractor element can be completely removed from the housing of the aerosol supply device.

[0075] According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol supply device as described above; and an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating material.

[0076] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol, the method comprising: providing an aerosol supply device as described above; inserting an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating material; and operating the aerosol supply device.

[0077] Devices of various aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more or all of the above-described features, including, as appropriate, combinations of features not specifically described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0079] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol supply device according to the present disclosure when in a first operating mode, the aerosol supply device comprising an embodiment of an extractor element according to the present disclosure;

[0080] Figure 1A Shows Figure 1 an enlarged detail of part B of the aerosol supply device;

[0081] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an aerosol supply device when in a second operating mode;

[0082] Figure 2A Shows Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of an extractor element of an aerosol supply device of , with the aerosol generating article removed from the extractor element;

[0083] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device when in a second operating mode;

[0084] Figure 3A Shows Figure 1 a second schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device of when in a second operating mode;

[0085] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an extractor element of an aerosol supply device;

[0086] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a holding element of an aerosol supply device;

[0087] Figure 6 a schematic perspective view showing a second embodiment of an extractor element of the present disclosure; and

[0088] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 6 The section line C-C' is taken Figure 6 Schematic cross-sectional view of an extractor element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed or described in detail. Therefore, it should be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to conventional techniques for implementing these aspects and features.

[0090] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) do not ignite or burn to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0091] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as an electrically powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0092] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporizing device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required.

[0093] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0094] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0095] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0096] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that contain an aerosol-generating material and are configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0097] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system (such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device thereof) may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix that can be powered to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material near the exothermic power source.

[0098] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0099] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a shell, a packaging, a filter, a mouthpiece and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0100] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating an aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavoring.

[0101] The aerosol generating material can include a binder and an aerosol forming agent. Optionally, an activating agent and / or a filler can also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material can be dissolved in the solvent or can be insoluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0102] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavouring agents, one or more aerosol former materials and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0103] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0104] A consumable is an article containing or consisting of an aerosol generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a packaging, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator (such as a heater), which emits heat during use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material. The heater may, for example, include a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a receptor.

[0105] The non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol supply device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may, for example, include an electrical power source, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol generating article may partially or entirely include an aerosol generating component.

[0106] For the sake of completeness, aerosol supply devices comprising an induction element are known.The aerosol supply device may comprise a susceptor and one or more inductors, the susceptor being arranged to be heated by the one or more inductors.

[0107] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration of the conductive material with a changing magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the heating material with a changing magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor may be heated by two heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0108] According to various arrangements, an aerosol supply device or a vapor supply device arranged to be charged by a charging unit may be provided. In particular, an aerosol supply device in combination with a charging unit is described below. However, it is not necessary to provide a charging unit, and therefore the interaction of the aerosol supply device with the charging unit as described below is for illustrative purposes.

[0109] Furthermore, while an aerosol supply device is described and described in further detail below, it should also be understood that a vapor supply device including a hybrid ion capacitor as a power source may also be provided according to various embodiments.

[0110] In some THP devices, the aerosol supply device includes an extractor into which the consumable product is inserted and supplied. Figure 1 .

[0111] The extractor can be disassembled for removing consumables and cleaning the device. After the user is done with the suction, they pull the extractor out with the used consumables, pull the consumables out of the extractor, and then put the extractor back into the device. This is a bit hectic for the user and the user experience is not good.

[0112] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A , Figure 2 , Figure 2A , Figure 3 , Figure 3A , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The aerosol supply device 2 comprises a housing 4 and an extractor element 6 (also referred to as an extractor). The housing 4 defines the body of the device 2. The extractor element 6 may be integrally formed. In an embodiment, the extractor element is formed by an assembly of components. The extractor element 6 is received by the body of the device 2.

[0113] The extractor element 6 comprises a rim 8 and an extractor body 10. The extractor body 10 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 12 (e.g., Figure 3 1 ). The aerosol-generating article 12 comprises an aerosol-generating material (not shown) which can be caused to aerosolize by a suitable heating element. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element is a heating pin 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating pin 16 is a resistive heating pin, and power is supplied to the pin 16 via a lead 22. In some other embodiments, the heating pin 16 is heated by induction heating. The heating element in the embodiment has a different configuration, such as a blade or a tubular member.

[0114] The extractor body 10 defines a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the article 12. The edge 8 is located at the proximal end of the extractor element 6. The proximal end is also called the mouth end because it is the end closest to the user's mouth during use. The other end of the extractor element 6 is the distal end. The extractor body 10 includes an end 11 away from the edge 8. The end 11 is located at the distal end. The edge 8 serves as a shoulder. The receiving portion defines a product receiving space.

[0115] The heating pin 16 is held in the housing 4 on a base 20 and projects into the heating chamber 18 defined by the inner sleeve 24. The heating element stands upright in the body of the device 2.

[0116] The heating chamber 18 is configured such that the extractor body 10 may be removably inserted into the heating chamber 18 with the extractor body in sliding contact with the inner sleeve 24 .

[0117] The heating chamber 18, the extractor body 10 and the inner sleeve 24 all have Figure 3A The longitudinal inlets A shown in FIG. coincide with or are parallel to the longitudinal extension.

[0118] The extractor body 10 includes an aperture 26, also referred to as a heating element aperture, which is positioned to allow the heating element 16 to extend through the aperture 26 when the extractor body 10 is inserted into the heating chamber 18. This allows the heating element 16 to penetrate the aerosol generating article 12 and generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article 12 when in use. The aperture 26 is located in the end 11 of the extractor body 10. The end 11 defines the base of the extractor body 10. The heating element 16 extends through the aperture 26 to protrude into the extractor element 6. The heating element 16 extends in the article receiving space.

[0119] The extractor element 6 of the aerosol supply device 2 is configured such that in a first operating mode (eg Figure 1 and Figure 1A 2 ), the extractor element 6 can be partially withdrawn from the housing 4. The extractor element 6 is prevented from being completely removed from the housing 4 by a retaining element 28. The retaining device 28a comprises a retaining element 28. The retaining element 28 forms part of the extractor retaining arrangement. The retaining element 28 is on the body of the device 2.

[0120] The extractor element 6 is further configured such that in the second operating mode (eg Figure 2 and Figure 2A ), the extractor element 6 can be completely removed from the housing 4 / the extractor element is completely removed from the housing. This allows easy cleaning of the extractor element 6. In this operating mode, the extractor element 6 is spaced apart from the body of the device 2.

[0121] The extractor element 6 is further configured such that in a third operating mode (eg Figure 3 and Figure 3A ), the extractor element 6 is fully inserted into the housing 4 of the aerosol supply device 2. In this mode of operation, the extractor element 6 is received in the body of the device 2 and is in an operable position. Further insertion of the extractor element 6 into the body of the device 2 is limited. The edge 8 of the extractor element 8 abuts the body of the device 2 to limit the insertion of the extractor element 6 into the body of the device.

[0122] The extractor element 6 comprises an article receiving aperture 14 through which the aerosol-generating article 12 can be inserted in use. The article receiving aperture 14 is at the proximal end. The article receiving aperture 14 is defined by the rim 8.

[0123] The extractor elements 6 are provided by a non-zero number (eight in the embodiment shown) Figure 3A The fins 32, four of which are shown in FIG. 1 , secure the aerosol-generating article 12 within the orifice 14. The fins 32 extend along the length of the extractor body 10 and protrude into a void defined by the extractor body 10.

[0124] The extractor body is configured such that the extractor body 10 interacts with the inner sleeve 24, and the inner sleeve 24 pushes the fins 32 into the void defined by the extractor body 10. The fins 32 contact the aerosol generating article 12, and a friction clamp is formed between the aerosol generating article 12 and the fins 32. As a result, in the first operating mode, the aerosol generating article 12 is retained within the orifice 14. In an embodiment, the fins 32 do not deflect. In an embodiment, the fins are rigid. In an embodiment, the fins define ribs.

[0125] Once the extractor element 6 has been removed from the housing 4 of the aerosol supply device 2 , the fins 32 stop pushing against the aerosol-generating article 12 , and the user can withdraw the aerosol-generating article 12 from the extractor element 6 .

[0126] The extractor element 6 comprises an aperture 30 configured to engage with the retaining device 28. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the extractor element 6 comprises two or more apertures 30.

[0127] The aperture 30 is configured to engage with the retaining device 28 and is configured as a longitudinally extending slot 31. The slot is in contact with the extractor element 6 in the first operating mode (eg Figure 1 ) and the third operation mode (as shown Figure 3 The slots extend in a direction that is the same as or parallel to the direction of movement between the two axes (as shown). In other words, the slots extend in a direction parallel to the axis A.

[0128] The longitudinally extending slot 31 forms part of the extractor holding arrangement. The longitudinally extending slot in the embodiment is a through slot such as Figure 4 The aperture 30 shown, or a blind slot such as Figure 6 The passage 130 is shown. The retaining element 28 is configured to be positioned in the longitudinally extending slot 31.

[0129] The aerosol supply device 2 comprises a housing 4 including an inner sleeve 24 in which the extractor element 6 is retained in use.

[0130] The aerosol supply device 2 comprises a retaining element 28 for retaining the extractor element 6 within the housing 4 of the aerosol supply device in the first operating mode.

[0131] like Figure 5As shown, the retaining device 28a includes a spring-loaded plunger device, which includes a housing 34, within which is a biasing device 42 in the form of a coil spring. The biasing device 42 has a first end acting on the housing 34 and a second end acting on the support plate 40. The main ball 36 is retained in the mouth 44 of the housing 34, and two or more intermediate balls 38 are positioned between the support plate 40 and the main ball 36. The biasing device 42 is configured to allow the biasing device 42 to be compressed and the main ball 36 can therefore be pushed toward the interior of the housing 34 when a predetermined force (related to the spring force of the biasing device 42) is applied to the main ball 36. The main ball 36 serves as a retaining element 28, however it should be understood that alternative constructions are possible, such as an elastic member.

[0132] In other non-illustrated embodiments, the device 2 and extractor element 6 include two or more retaining devices 28 and a suitable number of apertures 30 acting as corresponding slots.

[0133] In other non-illustrated embodiments, the or each retaining means is a resilient element. The resilient element may be any system that functions in a similar manner to the spring-loaded plunger device described above.

[0134] In the illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining device 28 a is disposed on or as part of the housing 4 , and the extractor element 6 includes one or more apertures 30 acting as retaining slots configured to engage with the retaining device 28 .

[0135] In an alternative, non-illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining device 28 is provided on or as part of the extractor element 6 , and the housing 4 includes one or more apertures configured to engage with the retaining device 28 .

[0136] As shown, the retaining means 28 and the retaining aperture 30 are positioned so that in the first operating mode the retaining means 28a engages with the aperture 30. In the first operating mode, the retaining element 28 can slide in the retaining aperture 30. The retaining arrangement is used to provide guidance for the movement of the extractor element 6. The retaining arrangement is used to limit the movement of the extractor in the first mode. The retaining aperture 30 used as a retaining slot defines a stop 29. The stop is formed by a lip 33, which is defined at the longitudinal end of the aperture 30 used as a retaining slot.

[0137] The stop 29 acts as a limiter to limit the movement of the extractor element 6 relative to the body of the device. When the user moves the extractor element 6 away from the body (e.g., by pulling the extractor element 6 relative to the body of the device), the stop 29 biases the retaining element out of the retaining aperture 30 that acts as a retaining slot. This provides user feedback. Further removal force causes the extractor element 6 to move out of the body of the device and enter the second operating mode.

[0138] In the third mode of operation, the retaining device 28 is spaced apart from the stop 29. In some non-illustrated embodiments, when in the third mode of operation, the retaining device 28 is not engaged with any aperture 30 configured to engage with the retaining device.

[0139] In some non-illustrated embodiments, the retaining device 28 engages with one or more first apertures when in the first operating mode, and engages with one or more second apertures when in the third operating mode, and all of the first and second apertures are configured to engage with the retaining device.

[0140] In some non-illustrated embodiments, the one or more apertures adapted to engage with the retaining means are slots, and the slots are positioned and oriented such that the retaining device engages with the one or more slots when in the first and third modes of operation.

[0141] In some non-illustrated embodiments, the one or more apertures adapted to engage with the retaining means are slots, and the slots extend in a direction different from the direction of movement of the extractor element between the first and third operating modes. Said another way, the centre line of the or each slot is not parallel to the axis A.

[0142] In some non-illustrated embodiments, one or more slots extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the extractor element between the first and third operating modes. Said another way, the centreline of the or each slot is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A.

[0143] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , another embodiment of the device 2 is provided. This embodiment of the device is generally the same as the device 2 described above, so a detailed description is omitted. Each of the features of the above-mentioned device and the features of the following device are applicable to each other. As described above, the extractor element 6 includes an edge 8 and an extractor body 10.

[0144] The extractor body 10 includes a holding channel 130. The holding channel 130 serves as a holding slot 130A. The holding channel 130 serving as a holding slot defines a stopper 129. The stopper 129 is formed by a lip 133 defined at a longitudinal end of the channel 130 serving as a holding slot.

[0145] The stop 129 acts as a limiter to limit the movement of the extractor element 6 relative to the body of the device. When the user moves the extractor element 6 away from the body (e.g., by pulling the extractor element 6 relative to the body of the device), the stop 29 biases the retaining element out of the retaining channel 130 that acts as a retaining slot. This provides user feedback. Further removal force causes the extractor element 6 to move out of the body of the device and enter the second operating mode.

[0146] In the third operating mode, the retaining means 28 is spaced apart from the stop 129. The auxiliary channel 130B extends from the stop 129. The retaining channel 130A and the auxiliary channel 130B are coaxial or substantially coaxial with each other and are separated in the longitudinal direction by a ridge 131. The ridge 131 forms the stop 129. The ridge 131 defines an island 131 formed by a portion of the extractor body 10. The retaining channel 130A and the auxiliary channel 130B have the form of a depression or groove extending in the extractor body 10.

[0147] The common axis of the retaining channel 130A and the auxiliary channel 130B is parallel to the axis A. The auxiliary channel 130B is open at the distal end.

[0148] The island 131 has side slopes 131A, 131B extending into the holding channel 130A and the auxiliary channel 130B. Applying a predetermined force on the extractor element will cause the holding element to move upward along the corresponding side slope 131A or 131B from one of the holding slots 130A or 130B, over the island 131, and into the other of the holding channel 130A and the auxiliary channel 130B.

[0149] When the extractor element 6 is in the first operating mode, the primary ball 36 of the retaining element 28 is engaged in the second retaining aperture 130B and abuts the side slope 131B.

[0150] When the extractor element 6 is moved by the user from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the user pulls the extractor element 6 away from the base 20 of the aerosol supply device 2. The retaining element 28 is pulled toward and along the side ramp 131A, compressing the compression element 42 until the primary ball 36 can travel through the stop 129. The primary ball 36 then enters the secondary channel 130B and travels along the secondary channel 1 until the extractor element 6 is in the third operating mode.

[0151] The mouth end 130M of the auxiliary channel 130B is the end of the slot farthest from the second retaining slot 130B. The mouth end 130M is opened or opened through a portion of the end 11 of the extractor body 10.

[0152] The mouth end 130M includes converging slot walls 130W, the convergence of which extends from the end 11 toward the auxiliary channel 130B. The converging slot walls 130W can help introduce the retaining element 28 into the first retaining slot 130A.

[0153] The various embodiments described herein are only used to help understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments can be used and can be modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, the various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., be composed of these appropriate combinations, or be substantially composed of these appropriate combinations. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An extractor element of an aerosol supply device, wherein: The extractor element is configured such that in a first operating mode, the extractor element is configured to be partially withdrawn from the housing of the aerosol supply device; and wherein the extractor element is restricted from being completely removed from the housing by a retaining element of the aerosol supply device; and in a second operating mode, the extractor element can be completely removed from the housing of the aerosol supply device.

2. The extractor element according to claim 1, wherein The extractor element includes a restriction for restricting movement from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

3. An extractor element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The extractor element is further configured such that in a third mode of operation, the extractor element is fully inserted into the housing of the aerosol supply device.

4. The extractor element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The extractor element comprises an article orifice into which an aerosol-generating article can be inserted in use.

5. An extractor element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a retaining slot configured to engage with a retaining element of the aerosol supply device to restrict complete removal of the extractor element from the housing.

6. The extractor element of claim 5, wherein: The retaining slot includes a retaining channel.

7. An extractor element according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein The retaining slot includes a stop configured to limit movement of the extractor element relative to the retaining element.

8. An aerosol supply device, comprising: a housing defining a heating chamber; as well as an extractor element configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material in the heating chamber; wherein the extractor element is configured such that in a first operating mode, the extractor element is movable within a housing of the aerosol supply device; and The aerosol supply device comprises a retaining arrangement configured to restrict movement of the extractor element to a second operating mode in which the extractor element is spaced apart from the housing.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein: The retaining arrangement comprises a retaining device and a retaining slot, wherein the retaining device is configured to be received in the retaining slot in the first operating mode.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein: The retaining slot includes a retaining channel.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein: The retaining slot includes a retaining aperture.

12. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The retaining slot includes a stop configured to limit movement of the extractor element relative to the retaining element between the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein: The stop is a ridge.

14. An aerosol supply device according to claim 12 or 13, comprising an auxiliary slot configured to receive the retaining device, wherein: The stopper is between the retaining slot and the auxiliary slot.

15. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The retaining means comprises one or more elastic elements.

16. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein: The retaining means is on the housing and the extractor element comprises the retaining slot.

17. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein: The retaining device is not engaged with the extractor element when the extractor element is in the second operating mode.

18. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 8 to 17; as well as An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

19. A method of generating an aerosol, comprising: Providing an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 8 to 17; inserting an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating material; as well as The aerosol supply device is operated.

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