Aerosol supply system and method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses an aerosol supply system and method, the system comprises a consumable containing part with a containing cavity, and the containing cavity is provided with an insertion opening for insertion of consumables; the supporting piece is configured to support consumables and drive the consumables to move towards the insertion opening along the containing cavity; and the clamping piece is configured to be capable of keeping the supporting piece at a fixed position in a releasable manner, and when the supporting piece is released by the clamping piece, the consumable is driven to move towards the insertion opening to a pop-up position. According to the embodiment of the invention, the technical problem of how to conveniently take out consumables is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of aerosol supply, and in particular, to an aerosol supply system and method. Background Art

[0002] In the e-cigarette industry, an aerosol supply system is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate (such as a tobacco-containing or tobacco leaf substrate) for a user to inhale. The aerosol supply system usually has a chamber for receiving a consumable (such as an aerosol-generating article), but after the consumable is used up, it usually needs to be taken out by hand, which is neither convenient nor hygienic. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. For this purpose, the present invention provides an aerosol supply system and method to solve the technical problem of how to conveniently take out a consumable.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol supply system, comprising:

[0005] A consumable accommodating part having an accommodating chamber, the accommodating chamber having an insertion opening for inserting a consumable;

[0006] A support member configured to support the consumable and drive the consumable to move along the accommodating chamber towards the insertion opening; and

[0007] A clamping member configured to releasably hold the support member in a fixed position, wherein when the support member is released by the clamping member, the support member drives the consumable towards the insertion opening to a pop-up position.

[0008] In one technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0009] The clamping member is configured in at least a first state and a second state;

[0010] In the first state, the clamping member clamps on the support member to keep the support member in a fixed position;

[0011] In the second state, the clamping member releases the support member to enable the support member to move towards the insertion opening to a pop-up position.

[0012] In the present invention, by the same clamping member, two states of clamping and releasing the support member are achieved. When using the consumable, the support member is kept in a fixed position. When it is desired to take out the consumable, the support member is released so that the support member drives the consumable to pop out towards the insertion opening, which is convenient for taking out.

[0013] Specifically, the clamping member has a locking portion and a releasing portion; the clamping member is movable relative to the support member such that the support member is clamped in the locking portion or disengages from the locking portion and enters the releasing portion. The clamping member changes the portion acting on the support member by moving. When the locking portion clamps the support member, the support member is held in a fixed position; when the releasing portion is at the position of the support member, the support member pops out of the clamping member so that the consumable pops out.

[0014] The locking portion includes at least two elastic members extending along the moving direction of the clamping member. A part of the elastic member along the moving direction is configured to be able to respectively abut against both sides of the support member to form a locking portion, and another part is configured to be able to release the support member to form a releasing portion. Utilizing the deformation characteristics of the elastic member, when inserting the consumable, the consumable reaches the support member and causes it to move towards the fixed position. When moving towards the fixed position, the elastic members on both sides of the support member deform; after the support member reaches the fixed position, the elastic members return to their original state and are clamped on the support member to keep the support member in the fixed position. The clamping member moves to move the elastic member away from the support member, so that the releasing portion reaches the position of the support member, thereby releasing the support member. Further, the at least two elastic members are symmetrically arranged about the center line of the cross-section of the support member, keeping the clamping forces on both sides relatively average and locking the support member more firmly. The elastic member forms a hole surrounding the support member at the position of the releasing portion, and the cross-sectional area of the hole is not less than the maximum cross-sectional area of the support member to allow the support member to pass through the releasing portion so that the consumable pops out.

[0015] In order for the clamping member to be able to conveniently switch the locking portion and the releasing portion to move relative to the support member, the clamping member further includes a first return spring. When the first return spring is compressed, the support member can disengage from the locking portion and enter the releasing portion. When the first return spring returns to its original state, the clamping member remains at the support member.

[0016] Further, the clamping member further includes a push-pull member, and the push-pull member drives the locking portion and the releasing portion to move to switch between the first state and the second state. The setting of the push-pull member facilitates the operation of the clamping member and improves the user experience.

[0017] In one technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0018] The system further includes a substrate, and the clamping member is slidably arranged on the substrate, which is convenient for user operation. The sliding manner can facilitate the clamping member to switch the support member from being held in a fixed position to a released state.

[0019] In one technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0020] The clamping member is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the receiving cavity, that is, perpendicular to the support member, so as to clamp and release the support member in the longitudinal movement direction of the support member.

[0021] In a technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0022] A second return spring is disposed below the support member. When the support member is held in the fixed position, the second return spring is compressed and stores an ejection force along the ejection direction of the support member. The second return spring can assist the support member to drive the consumable to eject toward the insertion port when the support member is released by the clamping member.

[0023] Specifically, the support member is provided with a receiving groove having an opening facing the insertion port, and the receiving groove is configured to support the consumable. The second return spring is disposed outside the receiving groove and abuts against the bottom wall of the receiving groove. One end of the support member supports the consumable, and the other end increases the ejection force through the second return spring when the support member is released, which helps the ejection of the consumable. To prevent the second return spring from shifting and ensure the correct direction of the ejection force, the support member includes a base, and the receiving groove is disposed on the base; the base has a cavity for receiving the second return spring, and the second return spring is disposed in the cavity, and the second return spring moves along the cavity, ensuring that the consumable ejects toward the insertion port. Further, the aerosol supply system further includes a bottom case, and the bottom case has a receiving cavity for receiving the second return spring. Separately providing the receiving cavity can install the support member without affecting the normal use of the receiving cavity, facilitating the operation of the support member to facilitate the removal of the consumable after use.

[0024] In a technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0025] The support member and the receiving cavity are coaxially arranged, ensuring that the consumable is aligned with the support member position when inserted, and when the support member is released by the clamping member, it stably drives the consumable to move toward the insertion port.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for using an aerosol supply system, based on the aerosol supply system according to any one of the first aspect, the method includes:

[0027] Insert the consumable into the receiving cavity for use by the aerosol supply system, wherein the clamping member holds the support member in a fixed position;

[0028] When the consumable is taken out, release the support member through the clamping member, and the support member drives the consumable to move toward the insertion port.

[0029] One or more of the above technical solutions of the present invention have at least one or more of the following beneficial effects:

[0030] In implementing the technical solution of the present invention, the consumable is supported by the support member so that the consumable can be driven to move. At the same time, when used in cooperation with the clamping member, when the consumable is inserted into the accommodation cavity, the clamping member holds the support member in a fixed position. When the consumable needs to be taken out, the support member is released by the clamping member so that the support member drives the consumable to pop out, facilitating the user to take out the consumable and improving the user experience.

[0031] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, become apparent in part from the following description, or be learned through the practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure of the present invention will become more understandable. It is easily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, similar numbers in the drawings are used to represent similar components, where:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention (support member in a fixed position);

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention (consumable popped out);

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic structure diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 is an exploded structure diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic structure diagram of a clamping member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic structure diagram of the clamping state of a clamping member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic structure diagram of the released state of a clamping member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic bottom perspective structure diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9Schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention (schematic structure of a support member);

[0042] In the figure, the markings are: 100, consumable accommodation part; 101, accommodation cavity; 1011, insertion opening; 200, support member; 201, receiving groove; 202, base; 203, second return spring; 204, cavity; 205, clamping groove; 300, clamping member; 301, locking part; 3011, elastic member; 302, release part; 3021, hole; 303, first return spring; 304, push-pull member; 3041, button; 400, consumable; 500, fixed position; 600, substrate; 601, bottom case; 602, sliding groove; 603, limiting groove. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principle of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0044] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to cover a system that delivers at least one substance to a user during use and includes:

[0045] Combustible aerosol supply systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for self-rolling or self-making cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokable materials);

[0046] Non-combustible aerosol supply systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems, to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and

[0047] Non-aerosol delivery systems that deliver at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gums, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or moist snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0048] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) burns or ignites during use to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0049] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

[0050] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a component for a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a filter tip, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, an overflow, an aerosol modifier release component (such as a capsule, a wire, or a bead), or a paper (such as a forming paper, a tipping paper, or a cigarette paper).

[0051] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) does not burn or ignite and delivers at least one substance to the user.

[0052] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0053] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not necessary.

[0054] In some embodiments, the non-combustible 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.

[0055] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate an aerosol, where one or more of the aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, a liquid, or a gel, and can contain or can 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.

[0056] Generally, a non-combustible aerosol supply system can include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0057] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material and is configured to be used with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in the present disclosure.

[0058] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as its non-combustible aerosol supply device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, a power supply or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon matrix that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat source.

[0059] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system can 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.

[0060] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device can include an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0061] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-aerosol delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or in another manner without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gums, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or moist snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0062] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can be an aerosol-forming material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, either material can include one or more active components, one or more flavorants, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0063] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance. As used herein, an active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to effect or enhance a physiological response. Active substances can be selected, for example, from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theobromine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin or its components, derivatives, or combinations. Active substances can include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or other plants.

[0064] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0065] As described herein, active substances can include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, hulls, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material can include active compounds naturally present in plants, which are obtained synthetically. The material can be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, fines, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc.

[0066] Examples of plants are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp plants, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, red leaf tea plants, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green tea or black tea), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, anise (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, peppermint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, holly, perilla plants, turmeric, turmeric powder, sandalwood, coriander leaves, bergamot, neroli, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, bell pepper, mace, damarane, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, kanna, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, Mentha c.v., Egyptian mint, peppermint, Mentha spicata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v., spearmint, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, pineapple mint, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v., and apple mint.

[0067] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, and cocoa.

[0068] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is selected from red leaf tea plants and fennel.

[0069] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes flavorants. As used herein, the terms "flavorant" and "spice" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used to create the taste, aroma, or other somatic sensations desired by adult consumers in a product. It can include naturally occurring flavorant materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (such as tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, pitaya, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whisky, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, mint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, quassia bark, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, sorghum, betel leaf, coriander, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, coriander, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, mustard, green pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, adzuki bean, flax, ginkgo leaf, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (such as green tea or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, costmary, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, Spanish pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, scallions, parsley, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (such as sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners. It can be a mimic, synthetic, or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. It can be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0070] In some embodiments, the flavorant includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavorant includes flavorant components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberries. In some embodiments, the flavorant includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavorant includes flavorant components extracted from tobacco.

[0072] In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of aromatic or gustatory nerves, flavorants can include sensates, which are intended to achieve somatosensory sensations typically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) by chemicals, and these can include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effects. Suitable heat-effect agents can be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable coolants can be, but are not limited to, cineole, WS-3.

[0073] An aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or electrified in any other way, for example. The aerosol-generating material can be in solid, liquid, or gel form, for example, and can contain or can be free of active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can include an "amorphous solid", which can alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0074] The aerosol-generating material can include one or more active substances and / or flavorants, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0075] The aerosol-forming agent material can include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material can include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, glycerol diacetate mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0076] The one or more other functional materials can include one or more of a pH regulator, a colorant, a preservative, an adhesive, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0077] The material can be present on or in a carrier to form a substrate. The carrier can be or include, for example, paper, card, cardboard, hardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a receptor. In some embodiments, the receptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the receptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0078] A consumable is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol - forming material, with part or all of the aerosol - forming material intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable can include one or more other components, such as an aerosol - forming material storage area, an aerosol - forming material delivery component, an aerosol - forming area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable can also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol - forming material to generate an aerosol. The heater can, for example, include a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0079] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field (such as an alternating magnetic field). The susceptor can be a conductive material such that its penetration by the varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the material. The heating material can be a magnetic material such that its penetration by the varying magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the material. The susceptor can be both conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this document, a device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic - field generator.

[0080] An aerosol modifier is a substance that is typically located downstream of the aerosol - forming area and is configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier can be provided in an aerosol - modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. For example, the aerosol modifier can be an additive or an adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier can include one or more of a flavorant, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier can be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier can be in the form of a powder, a wire, or a granule. The aerosol modifier can be free of filter material.

[0081] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol - forming material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater that is configured to subject the aerosol - forming material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol - forming material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol - forming material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol - forming material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0082] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems), such as atomizers or electronic cigarettes. In the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" or "e-cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Additionally, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms such as "evaporation", "atomization", and "aerosolization" are generally used interchangeably.

[0083] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) typically (although not always) include modular components, which include a reusable device portion and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge component. Generally, the replaceable cartridge component will include aerosol-generating material and an evaporator (which may be collectively referred to as an "atomizer"), and the reusable device portion will include a power source (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be understood that these different portions may include additional elements depending on the function. For example, the reusable device portion will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operational status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device portion includes a temperature sensor for assisting in controlling temperature in some cases. The cartridge is electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example, using threads, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge is depleted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol-generating material, the cartridge can be removed from the reusable component, and a replacement cartridge can be attached in its place. Systems and devices that conform to this type of two-piece modular configuration are generally referred to as two-piece systems / devices.

[0084] Electronic cigarettes typically have a generally elongated shape. To provide a specific example, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be considered to include such a generally elongated two-piece system with a disposable cartridge. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein can equally apply to different configurations, such as single-piece systems or modular systems including more than two components, refillable devices and single-use disposables, and other overall shapes, such as those based on the so-called pod-mode high-performance devices that typically have a box-like shape. More generally, it will be understood that certain embodiments of the present disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems that are operationally configured to provide functions in accordance with the principles described herein, and the construction aspects of systems configured to provide the functions of certain embodiments of the present disclosure are not of primary importance.

[0085] As described in the background art, when a user replaces a consumable in an aerosol supply system, it is difficult to remove the used consumable. Further, the consumable is usually used in cooperation with a sensor element in the receiving cavity. The sensor element is in close contact with the consumable to achieve effective heat transfer and ensure sufficient air management. This close contact means that the consumable may become stuck inside the aerosol supply system when it naturally becomes moist during consumption. Therefore, it is also difficult to remove the consumable from the cavity. Based on this, the present invention proposes an aerosol supply system that can facilitate the removal of the consumable.

[0086] Refer to the attached Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an example of an aerosol supply system. The aerosol supply system includes a consumable receiving portion 100 having a receiving cavity 101, a support member 200, and a clamping member 300. The receiving cavity 101 has an insertion opening 1011 for inserting the consumable 400. The support member 200 supports the consumable 400 and drives the consumable 400 to move along the receiving cavity 101 towards the insertion opening 1011. The clamping member 300 releasably holds the support member 200 in a fixed position 500. Wherein, as Figure 2 shown, when the support member 200 is released by the clamping member 300, it drives the consumable 400 to pop out towards the insertion opening 1011. The purpose of the present invention is to cooperate the support member 200 and the clamping member 300 so that when replacing the consumable 400, the consumable 400 can pop out towards the insertion opening 1011, facilitating the removal of the consumable 400.

[0087] It should be noted that for the purpose of illustrating the technical solution, Figure 1 and Figure 2 only show a partial structural schematic diagram of the aerosol supply system, and do not intend to convey the specific positions and fixed structural patterns of various components. For example, the consumable receiving portion 100 can be any structure having a receiving cavity 101, not limited to the shape shown in the figure. The fixed position 500 can also be a part of the receiving cavity 101 or another structure detachably fixed to the consumable receiving portion 100, not limited to the structure shown in the figure. It should also be understood that the aerosol supply system can include Figure 1 and Figure 2 other components not shown, such as a sensor element, a power source, and a control element, etc.

[0088] The technical solution of the present invention will be described below through specific examples. For the convenience of understanding, as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the present invention provides an aerosol supply system, including a consumable accommodating part 100, a support member 200, and a clamping member 300. The consumable accommodating part 100 has an insertion port 1011; the system also includes auxiliary structures: a substrate 600, a bottom case 601, a first return spring 303, and a second return spring 203. During use, the consumable 400 is inserted into the accommodating cavity 101 of the consumable accommodating part 100 from the insertion port 1011. The support member 200 is at a fixed position 500, that is, inside the bottom case 601, and the state is as shown in Figure 1 ; when it is necessary to take out the consumable 400, the support member 200 is released to eject the consumable 400 towards the insertion port 1011, and the state is as shown in Figure 2 . It should be understood that the substrate 600, the bottom case 601, the first return spring 303, and the second return spring 203 are only exemplary structures and are not the defined structures of the aerosol supply system of the present invention. For example, the fixed position 500 can also be other than the bottom case 601, which can be an integral structure belonging to the consumable accommodating part 100. The substrate 600 can also be a part of the consumable accommodating part 100, and the return spring can be other structural members with elastic recovery ability. In this example, the support member 200 and the accommodating cavity 101 are coaxially arranged, and the clamping member 300 is arranged perpendicular to the support member 200.

[0089] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 , the clamping member 300 has a locking portion 301 and a releasing portion 302. The locking portion 301 includes at least two elastic members 3011. A hole 3021 is formed at the position of the releasing portion 302, and the cross-sectional area of the hole 3021 is not less than the maximum cross-sectional area of the support member 200 to allow the support member 200 to pass through; therefore, two states can be realized through the same clamping member 300. In the first state, as shown in Figure 6 , the elastic members 3011 are clamped on the support member 200 to keep the support member at the fixed position 500, such as in the bottom case 601; in the second state, as shown in Figure 7 , the hole 3021 is located at the support member 200 to release the support member 200, and the hole 3021 can allow the support member 200 to pass through, thereby prompting the consumable 400 to move out. Since on the same clamping member 300, the locking portion 301 and the releasing portion 302 can act on the support member 200 in a moving manner to realize the switching between the two states. In this example, the two elastic members 3011 are symmetrically arranged about the center line of the cross-section of the support member 200, which is convenient for clamping and releasing the support member 200. The elastic members 3011 are arranged in an inclined plane and towards the direction of the insertion port 1011, which is convenient for the consumable 400 to pass through the elastic members 3011 smoothly when inserted. By making full use of the deformation characteristics of the elastic members 3011 themselves, when the support member 200 reaches the fixed position 500, the elastic members 3011 can be deformed and restored to press and lock the support member 200 at the fixed position 500.

[0090] In one embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, the clamping member 300 further includes a first return spring 303. When the first return spring 303 is compressed, the support member 200 disengages from the locking portion 301 and enters the release portion 302. When the first return spring 303 returns to its original state, the clamping member 300 remains at the support member 200. The first return spring 303 enables the clamping member 300 to automatically switch between the locking portion 301 and the release portion 302. In this example, the first return spring 303 is on the center line of the clamping member 300, so that when it is pressed, the force is evenly distributed. Both ends of the first return spring 303 are respectively sleeved on the positioning posts of the clamping member 300 and the substrate 600.

[0091] In one embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, the clamping member 300 further includes a push-pull member 304. The push-pull member 304 drives the locking portion 301 and the release portion 302 to move to switch between the first state and the second state. In this example, a button 3041 is provided on the push-pull member 304. When the user wants to eject the consumable 400, the user presses the button 3041 to make the release portion 302 correspond to the support member 200, thereby releasing the support member 200 to eject the consumable 400; when the user releases the hand, due to the action of the first return spring 303, the button 3041 automatically returns, even if the clamping member 300 returns to the first state.

[0092] Furthermore, in this example, the clamping member 300 is slidably arranged on the substrate 600 for the convenience of user operation. A chute 602 matching the push-pull member 304 is provided on the substrate 600, so that the push-pull member 304 can move within a preset position of the substrate 600 to prevent deviation and is convenient for operation. A limit groove 603 is provided on the substrate 600. The limit groove 603 has a limiting position for the movement range of the button 3041. When the button 3041 is in place, the clamping member 300 is in the first state, that is, the locking portion 301 is on the support member 200; when the button 3041 is pressed, the clamping member 300 switches to the second state, and the release portion 302 releases the support member 200 to eject the consumable 400. It should be noted that the clamping member 300 is arranged on the substrate 600. In order to be able to act on the support member 200 in the bottom case 601, a gap is left between the bottom case 601 and the substrate 600 to allow the clamping member 300 to enter the inside of the bottom case 601.

[0093] In one embodiment, as Figure 9As shown, the support member 200 is provided with a receiving groove 201 facing the insertion port 1011, for supporting the consumable 400. The support member 200 includes a base 202, and the receiving groove 201 is provided on the base 202. A second return spring 203 is provided below the support member 200. The base 202 has a cavity 204 for accommodating the second return spring 203, and the second return spring 203 is arranged in the cavity 204. When the support member 200 is held in the fixed position 500, the second return spring 203 is compressed and stores an ejection force along the ejection direction of the support member 200. The second return spring 203 can assist the support member 200 to drive the consumable 400 to eject towards the insertion port 1011 when the support member 200 is released by the clamping member 300. Further, a clamping groove 205 is provided on the outer wall of the support member 200, and the clamping member 300 is snap-fitted in the clamping groove 205, which improves the holding stability when the support member 200 is held in the fixed position 500. In this example, the inside of the bottom case 601 is used as the fixed position 500, and the second return spring 203 is sleeved on the spring positioning post at the bottom of the bottom case 601, which ensures the movement direction of the spring and improves the ejection accuracy.

[0094] Based on the above example, in the present invention, through the combined use of the clamping member 300 and the support member 200, when inserting the consumable 400, the support member 200 is held in the fixed position 500. When the consumable 400 needs to be replaced, simply pressing the clamping member 300 can release the support member 200, causing the consumable 400 to eject, without the need to take it out by hand from the cavity, which improves the convenience of use of the aerosol supply system.

[0095] Further, the present invention provides a method for using an aerosol supply system. Based on the aerosol supply system as described above, the method includes:

[0096] Inserting the consumable 400 into the accommodating cavity 101 for use by the aerosol supply system, wherein the clamping member 300 holds the support member 200 in the fixed position 500;

[0097] When removing the consumable 400, the support member 200 is released by the clamping member 300, and the support member 200 drives the consumable 400 to move towards the insertion port 1011.

[0098] The aerosol supply system replaces and uses the consumable 400 through the above method. For the specific description of the principle and functional effects of each part of the aerosol supply system in replacing the consumable 400, reference can be made to the content in the above example, and the repeated parts will not be elaborated.

[0099] It should be noted that although the above embodiments describe the various steps in a specific order, those skilled in the art can understand that, in order to achieve the effects of the present invention, it is not necessary for different steps to be executed in such an order. They can be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in other orders, and these variations are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0100] Those skilled in the art can understand that the various modules in the system can be adaptively split or combined. Such splitting or combining of specific modules will not cause the technical solution to deviate from the principle of the present invention. Therefore, the technical solutions after splitting or combining will all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0101] In the description of this specification, the descriptions with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0102] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "a plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0103] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as "mounted", "connected", "connected to", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly limited. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0104] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply system, characterized in that, Comprising: A consumable accommodating part having an accommodating cavity, the accommodating cavity having an insertion opening for inserting a consumable; A support member configured to support the consumable and drive the consumable to move along the accommodating cavity towards the insertion opening; And A clamping member configured to releasably hold the support member in a fixed position, wherein when the support member is released by the clamping member, it drives the consumable towards the insertion opening to a pop-up position.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping member is configured in at least a first state and a second state; In the first state, the clamping member clamps on the support member to keep the support member in a fixed position; In the second state, the clamping member releases the support member to enable the support member to move towards the insertion opening to a pop-up position.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 2, wherein The clamping member has a locking portion and a releasing portion; the clamping member can move relative to the support member such that the support member is clamped in the locking portion or disengages from the locking portion and enters the releasing portion.

4. The aerosol supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking portion includes at least two elastic members extending along the moving direction of the clamping member, a part of the elastic members along the moving direction being configured to respectively abut against both sides of the support member to form a locking portion, and another part being configured to release the support member to form a releasing portion.

5. The aerosol supply system according to claim 4, wherein The at least two elastic members are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the cross-section of the support member.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic members are formed into holes surrounding the support member at the position of the releasing portion, and the cross-sectional area of the holes is not less than the maximum cross-sectional area of the support member to allow the support member to pass through the releasing portion.

7. The aerosol supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping member further includes a first return spring, and when the first return spring is compressed, the support member can disengage from the locking portion and enter the releasing portion.

8. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 3-7, characterized in that, The clamping member further includes a push-pull member, and the push-pull member drives the locking portion and the releasing portion to move to switch between the first state and the second state.

9. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The system further includes a substrate, and the clamping member is slidably arranged on the substrate.

10. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein The clamping member is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the accommodating cavity.

11. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second return spring is arranged below the support member, and when the support member is held in the fixed position, the second return spring is compressed and stores a pop-up force along the pop-up direction of the support member.

12. The aerosol supply system according to claim 11, wherein The support member is provided with a receiving groove having an opening facing the insertion opening, and the receiving groove is configured to support the consumable.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second return spring is arranged outside the receiving groove and abuts against the bottom wall of the receiving groove.

14. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The support member includes a base, and the receiving groove is arranged on the base; the base has a cavity for accommodating the second return spring, and the second return spring is arranged in the cavity.

15. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The aerosol supply system further includes a bottom case, and the bottom case has a receiving cavity for accommodating the second return spring.

16. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member and the accommodating cavity are coaxially arranged.

17. A method of using an aerosol supply system, characterized in that, Based on the aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1-16, the method includes: Inserting a consumable into the accommodating cavity for use by the aerosol supply system, wherein the clamping member holds the support member in a fixed position; When the consumable is taken out, the support member is released by the clamping member, and the support member drives the consumable to move toward the insertion port.

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