Aerosol supply system

Abstract

There is disclosed an aerosol supply system (2) comprising an aerosol supply device (4) and a charging unit (6) for charging or powering the aerosol supply device. The aerosol supply device and the charging unit are configured to be reversibly connected by an attachment mechanism (30). The attachment mechanism includes a first engagement member (32) and a second engagement member (34). The aerosol supply device includes one of a first engagement member and a second engagement member, and the charging unit includes the other of the first engagement member and the second engagement member. One of the first and second engagement members includes an annular magnet (36), and the other of the first and second engagement members includes an engagement element (42). There is a magnetic attraction between the annular magnet and the engagement element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of supplying aerosols. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system. This disclosure also relates to an aerosol supply system and a method for generating aerosols. Background Technology

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars traditionally burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Efforts are currently underway to create alternatives to such articles. In this regard, in particular, it is conceivable to heat, but not burn, suitable materials to release certain compounds, especially in inhalable aerosols. Suitable materials may or may not contain tobacco, and may or may not contain nicotine. Such materials can be provided, for example, in cylindrical units, or more generally, in articles comprising aerosol-generating materials. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising an aerosol supply device and a charging unit for charging or supplying power to the aerosol supply device. The aerosol supply device and the charging unit are configured to be reversibly connected via an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism including a first engaging member and a second engaging member. The aerosol supply device includes one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member, and the charging unit includes the other of the first engaging member and the second engaging member. One of the first engaging member and the second engaging member includes a ring magnet, and the other of the first engaging member and the second engaging member includes an engaging element, and a magnetic attraction exists between the ring magnet and the engaging element.

[0004] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol supply device is provided for use in a system according to the first aspect.

[0005] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a charging unit is provided for use in a system according to the first aspect.

[0006] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method for generating an aerosol is provided, the method comprising providing an aerosol generating system according to a first aspect, inserting an aerosol generating article into the aerosol supply device, and energizing the aerosol generating article. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Various implementations will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the system according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0009] Figure 2It shows Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of the first embodiment of the attachment mechanism of the system;

[0010] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the first part of the attachment mechanism;

[0011] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the second part of the attachment mechanism;

[0012] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the third part of the attachment mechanism;

[0013] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the implementation of the fourth part of the attachment mechanism;

[0014] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the implementation of the fifth part of the attachment mechanism;

[0015] Figure 8 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the sixth part of the attachment mechanism;

[0016] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of a second embodiment of the attachment mechanism of the system;

[0017] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 Schematic details of a first embodiment of the attachment mechanism;

[0018] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 Schematic details of a second embodiment of the attachment mechanism; and

[0019] Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of the third embodiment of the attachment mechanism of the system. Detailed Implementation

[0020] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising an aerosol supply device and a charging unit for charging or supplying power to the aerosol supply device. The aerosol supply device and the charging unit are configured to be reversibly connected via an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism including a first engaging member and a second engaging member. The aerosol supply device includes one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member, and the charging unit includes the other of the first engaging member and the second engaging member. One of the first engaging member and the second engaging member includes a ring magnet, and the other of the first engaging member and the second engaging member includes an engaging element, and there is a magnetic attraction between the ring magnet and the engaging element.

[0021] In the above embodiments, the ring magnet is formed by a non-zero number of arc-shaped magnetic portions, which combine to form a ring.

[0022] In the above embodiment, the ring magnet is formed by a non-zero number of magnets arranged such that they collectively generate a magnetic field and effectively form a ring.

[0023] In any of the above embodiments, the ring magnet has a ring-shaped form.

[0024] In any of the above embodiments, the toroidal magnet has a closed shape in at least one plane, the closed shape surrounding a volume not occupied by the magnet. In some embodiments, the toroidal magnet has a polygonal shape, such as a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, or heptagon.

[0025] In any of the above embodiments, each portion of the annular magnet has a rectangular cross-section.

[0026] In any of the above embodiments, when the toroidal magnet is a circular toroidal magnet, the circular ring extends about a central axis and the cross-section in a plane extending radially from the central axis is either circular or rectangular.

[0027] In any of the above embodiments, the other of the first and second joining members includes at least one joining element, and there is a magnetic attraction between the annular magnet and each joining element.

[0028] In any of the above embodiments, the connecting element has a ring-shaped form, or the connecting elements cumulatively have a ring-shaped form.

[0029] In any of the above embodiments, the engagement element ring has the same shape as the ring magnet.

[0030] In any of the above embodiments, the engagement element ring has the same or substantially the same dimensions as the ring magnet.

[0031] In any of the above embodiments, the coupling element or each coupling element includes a magnet.

[0032] In any of the above embodiments, the bonding element or each bonding element is a second magnet.

[0033] In any of the above embodiments, the annular magnet includes a first surface.

[0034] In any of the above embodiments, the other of the first and second joining members includes a second surface.

[0035] In any of the above embodiments, when the aerosol supply device and the charging unit are connected by the attachment mechanism, the annular magnet and the other of the first and second coupling members are oriented such that the first face of the annular magnet and the second face of the other of the first and second coupling members are the closest portions of the annular magnet and the other of the first and second coupling members to each other.

[0036] In any of the above embodiments, when the aerosol supply device and the charging unit are connected by the attachment mechanism, the first surface of the annular magnet and the second surface of the other of the first and second connecting members are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0037] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol supply device includes a device engagement support configured to receive one of the first engagement member and the second engagement member, and the charging unit includes a unit engagement support configured to receive the other of the first engagement member and the second engagement member.

[0038] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol supply device includes one or more device electrical connectors, and the charging unit includes one or more unit electrical connectors. The one or more device electrical connectors and the one or more unit electrical connectors are configured to reversibly connect to each other or make electrical contact with each other when the aerosol supply device and the charging unit are connected via an attachment mechanism.

[0039] In any of the above embodiments, one or more device electrical connectors and one or more unit electrical connectors occupy at least a portion of the volume defined by the annular magnet.

[0040] The volume defined by the toroidal magnet should be understood as the volume extending between the radial inner surfaces of the toroidal magnet.

[0041] In any of the above embodiments, there are an equal number of device electrical connectors and unit electrical connectors.

[0042] In any of the above embodiments, one or more device electrical connectors and another of one or more unit electrical connectors at least partially occupy a volume defined by the other of the first and second engagement members (engagement elements) when the engagement member has an annular form. The volume defined by the engagement member should be understood as a volume extending between the radially inner surfaces of the engagement element.

[0043] In any of the above embodiments, one of the device electrical connectors and the at least one unit electrical connector is a spring pin.

[0044] In any of the above embodiments, the other of at least one device electrical connector and at least one unit electrical connector is a plate or receiving portion configured to make electrical contact with the spring pin.

[0045] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol supply device includes a device connector block and the charging unit includes a unit connector block, the device connector block holding a device electrical connector and the unit connector block holding a unit electrical connector, and one of the device connector block and the unit connector block at least partially occupies the volume defined by the annular magnet. Holding the electrical connector by the device connector block and / or the unit connector block maintains the position of the electrical connector in at least one dimension at a desired position relative to the attachment mechanism.

[0046] In any of the above embodiments, when the other of the first and second joining members (joining element) has an annular form, the other of the device connector block and the unit connector block at least partially occupies the volume defined by the other of the first and second joining members (joining element).

[0047] In any of the above embodiments, the device engagement support and the device connector block are integrally formed.

[0048] In any of the above embodiments, the unit engagement support and the unit connector block are integrally formed.

[0049] In any of the above embodiments, the device engagement support and the device connector block are integrally formed, and the unit engagement support and the unit connector block are integrally formed.

[0050] In one embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the joining member including the annular magnet further includes a first cap element that covers at least a portion of the annular magnet and is located between the first joining member and the second joining member when the aerosol supply device and the charging unit are connected by the attachment mechanism.

[0051] In any of the above embodiments, the first cap element is configured not to cover at least a portion of the volume defined by the annular magnet.

[0052] In any of the above embodiments, the joining member including the joining element further includes a second cap element, which covers at least a portion of the joining element and is located between the first joining member and the second joining member when the aerosol supply device and the charging unit are connected by the attachment mechanism.

[0053] In any of the above embodiments, the second cap element is configured not to cover at least a portion of the volume defined by the joining member when the joining member is in an annular form.

[0054] In any of the above embodiments, the first cap element is configured to contact at least a portion of the portion of the annular magnet covered by the first cap element.

[0055] In any of the above embodiments, the first cap element is configured to be spaced apart from at least a portion of the portion of the annular magnet covered by the first cap element. In some embodiments, the spacing is less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.0 mm, or less than 0.8 mm.

[0056] In any of the above embodiments, the second cap element is configured to contact at least a portion of the portion of the engaging element covered by the second cap element.

[0057] In any of the above embodiments, the second cap element is configured to be spaced apart from at least a portion of the portion of the engaging element covered by the second cap element. In some embodiments, the spacing is less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.0 mm, or less than 0.8 mm.

[0058] In any of the above embodiments, one or both of the first cap element and the second cap element are made of a non-ferromagnetic material.

[0059] In any of the above embodiments, at least one of the first cap element and the second cap element is made of metal or a metal alloy.

[0060] In any of the above embodiments, at least one of the first cap element and the second cap element is made of stainless steel.

[0061] In any of the above embodiments, at least one of the first cap element and the second cap element is configured such that at least a portion of the portion of the first cap element covering the annular magnet or at least a portion of the portion of the second cap element covering the coupling element is a sheet material with an average thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0062] In any of the above embodiments, at least one of the first cap element and the second cap element is made of sheet material.

[0063] In any of the above embodiments, the average thickness of the sheet material is from 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0064] In any of the above embodiments, the system further includes an aerosol-generating article.

[0065] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol supply device is provided for use in a system according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0066] In an embodiment of the above-described embodiments, the aerosol supply device includes a first connecting member. In this embodiment, the first connecting member has the features described in any of the above-described embodiments disclosed with respect to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment of the above-described embodiments, the aerosol supply device includes a second connecting member. In this embodiment, the second connecting member has the features described in any of the above-described embodiments disclosed with respect to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0068] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a charging unit is provided for use in a system according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0069] In an embodiment of the above-described embodiments, the charging unit includes a first engaging member. In this embodiment, the first engaging member has the features described in any of the above-described embodiments disclosed with respect to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment of the above-described embodiments, the charging unit includes a second engagement member. In this embodiment, the second engagement member has the features described in any of the above-described embodiments disclosed with respect to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0071] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method for generating aerosols is provided, comprising:

[0072] Provides an aerosol generation system as configured in the first aspect of this disclosure; inserts an aerosol generation article into an aerosol supply device; and

[0073] Electricity is applied to the aerosol-generated products.

[0074] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or stimulated in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as "inhalable materials."

[0075] Aerosol-generating materials may include binders and aerosol-forming agents. Optionally, active substances and / or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may be soluble in the solvent or insoluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0076] Aerosol-generating materials may include or may be "amorphous solids". Amorphous solids may be "monolithic solids". In some embodiments, amorphous solids may be dried gels. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (such as liquid) within them. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may, for example, include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0077] Aerosol-generating materials may include aerosol-generating membranes. Aerosol-generating membranes may include sheets or sheets that may optionally be pulverized to form pulverized sheets. Aerosol-generating sheets or pulverized sheets may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0078] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material does not burn or ignite and can help deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0079] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0080] In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as an electronic cigarette device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END); however, it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not necessary.

[0081] In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heated but non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0082] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may, for example, be in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0083] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables used in conjunction with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0084] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in this disclosure.

[0085] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system (such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device) may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix that can be excited to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0086] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, nozzles, filters, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0087] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material delivery component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging paper, filter, nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0088] Aerosol generating apparatus can receive articles comprising aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component that includes or contains aerosol generating material when in use, and is heated to atomize the aerosol generating material and optionally other components. A user can insert the article into the aerosol generating apparatus, and the article is subsequently heated to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or specific size, configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the apparatus sized to receive the article.

[0089] The foregoing description is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. In light of this review of the disclosure, other modifications falling within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0090] In the following discussion of the accompanying drawings, when the same element exists in more than one embodiment, the same reference numeral is always used for that element, and when similar elements exist, similar reference numerals (the same number plus a multiple of 1000) are used.

[0091] refer to Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 2 includes an aerosol supply device 4 and a charging unit 6 for charging or supplying power to the aerosol supply device 4. The aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 are configured to be releasably attached to each other via an attachment mechanism 30.

[0092] The aerosol supply device 4 includes a housing 8 and an energized chamber (e.g., a heating chamber 10). The energized chamber is adapted to energize / heat the aerosol generation article 12 to generate an aerosol (not shown).

[0093] The generated aerosol (not shown) can be inhaled by a user (not shown) via mouthpiece 14.

[0094] The power supply to the energized chamber is controlled by controller 16 and powered by power supply 18. In the illustrated embodiment, power supply 18 is a rechargeable battery; however, it should be understood that alternative power sources may also be used.

[0095] The aerosol supply device 4 also includes a second engaging member 34. The second engaging member 34 forms part of the attachment mechanism 30.

[0096] The charging unit 6 includes a housing 20, within which are a power storage device 22 (e.g., a rechargeable battery) and a power input device 24 (e.g., a USB port), which is connected to the power storage device 22 and can transfer power from an external source (e.g., mains power) to the power storage device 22. In other embodiments of this disclosure, the power storage device 22 and the power input device 24 may be other known devices or power input devices.

[0097] The charging unit 6 also includes a first engaging member 32. The first engaging member 32 forms part of the attachment mechanism 30.

[0098] refer to Figure 2 The attachment mechanism 30 includes a first engagement member 32 and a second engagement member 34 as described above.

[0099] The first joining member 32 includes an annular magnet 36, a unit joining support 38, and a unit base 40.

[0100] The second joining member 34 includes a joining element 42, a device joining support 44, and a device base 46.

[0101] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The annular magnet 36 is a circular magnet extending about axis A1 and has a first surface 48, a radially inner surface 50, and a radially outer surface 52. A volume portion 54 is defined in the radial direction by the radially inner surface 50. In the axial direction, the volume portion 54 extends between a plane defined by a first edge 50A of the radially inner surface 50 and a plane defined by a second edge 50B of the radially inner surface 50.

[0102] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The unit engagement support 38 includes a unit engagement support bed 56 and a unit connector block 58. The unit engagement support bed 56 and the unit connector block 58 are at least substantially configured to be symmetrical with respect to axis A2.

[0103] The unit engagement support bed 56 includes a support surface 60 and a pair of positioning ridges 62. The support surface 60 and the pair of positioning ridges 62 are configured such that when the annular magnet 36 is supported on the support surface 60, the surface 64 of the positioning ridges facing the annular magnet 36 contacts the radial outer surface 52 of the annular magnet 36.

[0104] The annular magnet 36 is secured to the engagement support 38 by a suitable means (not shown). Suitable means may be, but are not limited to, mechanical fastening or adhesive fastening.

[0105] The unit connector block 58 has an axial end face 66 and a radial outer surface 68. The unit connector block 58 is configured to extend through the volume portion 54 of the annular magnet 36, wherein the radial outer surface 68 contacts or is very close to the radial inner surface 50 of the annular magnet 36.

[0106] about Figures 2 to 5 The unit base 40 includes a base plate 72 and four unit electrical connectors 70. The unit electrical connectors 70 are attached to the base plate 72.

[0107] In the illustrated example, each of the unit electrical connectors 70 is a spring-loaded pin electrical connector. Each unit electrical connector 70 is sized, oriented, and positioned to extend on the base plate 72 through a unit connector aperture 74 in the unit connecting block 58, with a portion of the unit connector 70 protruding from the axial end face 66. Each unit connector aperture 74 extends through the unit connecting block 58 in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to axis A2. Therefore, each unit connector 70 also extends through the volume portion 54 of the annular magnet 36.

[0108] The base plate 72 partially includes an electrical path (not shown) that extends directly or via one or more other electrical connections (not shown) between the electrical connection of the unit electrical connector 70 and the power supply 18.

[0109] The base plate 72 is secured to the engagement support 38 by a suitable means (not shown). Suitable means may be, but are not limited to, mechanical fastening or adhesive fastening.

[0110] When the charging unit 6 is in use or ready to be used, axis A1 and axis A2 are coaxial with each other.

[0111] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 The coupling element 42 is a ring-shaped magnet extending around axis A3. The coupling element 42 has a facing direction F (e.g., ...). Figure 6 The first surface 76 (shown) and the second surface 78 facing the direction opposite to the direction F.

[0112] The engaging element 42 also includes a radially inner surface 80 and a radially outer surface 82. A volume portion 84 is defined by the radially inner surface 80 in the radial direction. In the axial direction, the volume portion 84 extends between a plane defined by a first edge 80A of the radially inner surface 80 and a plane defined by a second edge 80B of the radially inner surface 80.

[0113] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The device engagement support 44 includes a device engagement support bed 86 and a device aperture 88. The device engagement support bed 86 and the device aperture 88 are at least substantially configured to be symmetrical with respect to axis A4.

[0114] The device engagement support bed 86 includes a support surface 90 and a positioning collar 92. The support surface 90 and the positioning collar 92 are configured such that when the engagement element 42 is supported on the support surface 90, the surface 94 of the collar 92 facing the engagement element 42 is in loose contact with the radial outer surface 82 of the engagement element 42.

[0115] The coupling element 42 is secured to the support surface 90 by a suitable means (not shown). Suitable means may be, but are not limited to, mechanical fastening or adhesive fastening.

[0116] The device orifice 88 extends through the device engagement support bed 86.

[0117] about Figure 2 as well as Figures 6 to 8 The device base 46 includes a device base plate 98 and a device connector block 100.

[0118] The device connector block 100 has an axial end face 102 and a radial outer surface 104. The device connector block 100 is configured to extend through a volume portion 84 of the engagement element 42, wherein the radial outer surface 104 contacts or is very close to the radial inner surface 80 of the engagement element 42.

[0119] The device connector block 100 is configured to support four device electrical connectors 96 (not all device electrical connectors 96 are marked for clarity) that extend through the device connector block 100 in the axial direction (relative to axes A3 and A4).

[0120] The device connector block 100 is configured such that when the aerosol generating device 4 is ready for use, the device connector block 100 extends at least partially through the volume portion 84 of the engaging element 42, and the axial surface 102 of the device connector block 100 is located in the device orifice 88 or the volume portion 84.

[0121] Each device electrical connector 96 is connected to one or the other of the controller 16 or the device power supply 18 via an electrical path such as a wire (not shown).

[0122] Each device electrical connector 96 is configured to engage with a portion of the unit electrical connector 70 extending from the axial end face 66 of the unit connector block 58 when the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 are attached to each other via the attachment mechanism 30. Engagement is the physical contact between the unit electrical connector 70 and the device electrical connector 96. This contact between the unit electrical connector 70 and the device electrical connector 96 establishes an electrical connection between them.

[0123] The size and orientation of each device electrical connector 96 are configured in the device connector block 100 such that when the device 6 is configured for use, at least a portion of the device connector block 100 and at least a portion of each device electrical connector 96 occupy at least partially the volume portion 84 of the engagement element 42.

[0124] The device engagement support 44 also includes a pair of calibrating posts 106 extending axially (relative to axis A4) from the locating collar 92. The device base 46 includes a pair of orifices 108 in the device base plate 98.

[0125] The device engagement support 44 is connected to the device base 46 by engaging the device base 46 with the orifice 108 of the device engagement support 44 via the calibration post 106 of the device engagement support 44. The device engagement support 44 and the device base 46 surround the engagement element 42 and hold the engagement element 42 in place.

[0126] The device engagement support 44, the device connector block 100, and the device electrical connector 96 of the second device engagement member 34 are configured such that the surfaces of these elements facing the first engagement member 32 form a device attachment surface profile.

[0127] The ring magnet 36 and the unit connector block 58 of the first device engagement member 32 are configured such that the surfaces of these elements facing the second engagement member 34 form a unit attachment surface profile.

[0128] The device attachment surface profile and the unit attachment surface profile are designed such that they are in approximately continuous contact with each other when the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 are attached to each other.

[0129] The first engagement member 32 and the second engagement member 34 are configured such that each unit electrical connector 70 is in contact with the device electrical connector 96 when the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 are attached to each other.

[0130] The unit electrical connector 70 of the first device engagement member 32 is a spring pin, and when such spring pins are compressed along their length (in the axial direction A2), their length decreases, and the spring inside the spring pin is compressed or further compressed. Therefore, when the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 are attached to each other, the spring pin is compressed, and the spring in the spring pin causes the spring pin to bias against the device electrical connector 96 of the second device engagement member 34. This ensures a good electrical connection between the unit electrical connector 70 and the device electrical connector 96.

[0131] The ring magnet 36 is configured such that the first surface 48 has a north magnetic polarity or a south magnetic polarity, and the second surface 49 has the other one of a north magnetic polarity or a south magnetic polarity. The coupling element 42, which is in the form of a ring magnet, is configured such that the first surface 76 has a north magnetic polarity or a south magnetic polarity, and the second surface 78 has the other one of a north magnetic polarity or a south magnetic polarity.

[0132] The annular magnet 36 and the bonding element 42 are oriented relative to each other such that when the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 are attached to each other, the surfaces of the annular magnet 36 and the bonding element 42 that are closest to each other have different magnetic polarities. Therefore, the annular magnet 36 and the bonding element 42 are magnetically attracted to each other.

[0133] The maximum and most uniform attraction occurs between the annular magnet 36 and the coupling element 42 when: (i) the first surface 48 or the second surface 49 of the annular magnet 36 closest to the coupling element 42 has a planar surface; (ii) the first surface 76 or the second surface 78 of the coupling element 42 closest to the annular magnet 36 has a planar surface; and (iii) when the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 are connected by the attachment mechanism 30, the planar surfaces of the annular magnet 36 and the planar surfaces of the coupling element 42 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0134] The magnetic field strength of one or both of the ring magnet 36 and the coupling element 42 is such that when they are attached, the magnetic attraction between the ring magnet 36 and the coupling element 42 maintains the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 attached to each other. However, if needed, the user can overcome the magnetic attraction and separate the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6, for example, to use the aerosol supply device.

[0135] In order to maximize the attraction between the ring magnet 36 and the engagement element 42 toward each other, the device engagement support 44 is configured to minimize the distance between the ring magnet 36 and the engagement element 42 when the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 are attached to each other.

[0136] In some non-illustrative examples of the present invention, the bonding element 42 is an element of the charging unit 6, and the annular magnet 36 is an element of the aerosol supply device 4.

[0137] In some non-illustrative examples of the invention, the bonding element 42 is formed of an iron material, and the magnetic field strength of the annular magnet 36 is such that when they are attached, the magnetic attraction between the annular magnet 36 and the iron bonding element 42 maintains the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6 attached to each other, but if needed, the user can overcome the magnetic attraction and separate the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging unit 6.

[0138] In some non-illustrated examples of the present invention, the device engagement support 44 and the device connector block 100 are integrally formed.

[0139] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9 Details of a second example of the attachment mechanism 1030 of the aerosol supply system 1002 according to this disclosure are shown. The attachment mechanism 1030 has details regarding... Figures 1 to 8 The attachment mechanism 30 described has the same features, but with the following exceptions:

[0140] The device electrical connector 1096 associated with the device connector block 100 has the form of a metal plate and is electrically connected via electrical wires 1110 to one or the other of the controller 16 and the power supply 18 in the aerosol supply device 4.

[0141] The unit electrical connector 70 is electrically connected to the power storage device 22 in the charging device 6 via electrical wire 1112.

[0142] When the aerosol supply device 4 and the charging device 6 are attached to each other, the cap 1114 is supported on the surface 1116 of the positioning ridge 62 facing the aerosol supply device 4.

[0143] The cap 1114 is configured to tightly cover the surface 48 of the annular magnet 36.

[0144] like Figure 10 As shown, the cap 1114 includes a flange 1118, a sidewall 1120, and an annular surface 1122. The flange 1118 covers the surface 1116 of the positioning ridge 62 and is held abutting the surface 1116 by a retaining ring 1126. The annular surface 1122 is configured and sized to cover the entire surface 48 of the annular magnet 36. The radially inner edge of the annular surface 1122 defines an aperture 1124.

[0145] The orifice 1124 is sized to allow a portion of the unit connector block 58 to extend through the orifice 1124 or the axial surface 66 of the unit connector block 58 to be approached through the orifice 1124.

[0146] In some other non-illustrated examples, the orifice 1124 is sized such that at least a majority of the axial end face 66 of the unit connector block 58 is not covered by the annular surface 1122, and a portion of the axial end face 66 adjacent to the radial outer surface 68 of the connector block 58 is covered by the annular surface 1122.

[0147] refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 An alternative example of the cap shown is cap 2114. Cap 2114 includes a flange 1118, a sidewall 1120, and an annular surface 2122. The flange 1118 is configured to cover the surface 1116 of the positioning ridge 62 and is held abutting the surface 1116 by a retaining ring 1126. The annular surface 2122 is configured and sized to cover the entire surface 48 of the annular magnet 36 and a large portion of the axial end face 66 of the unit connector block 58.

[0148] The annular surface 2122 defines four apertures 2128. The size and position of each aperture 2128 are configured to allow a portion of the unit electrical connector 70 to extend through the aperture 2128.

[0149] refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 Details of a third example of an attachment mechanism 2030 of an aerosol supply system 2002 according to this disclosure are shown. The attachment mechanism 2030 has details regarding... Figures 1 to 11 The attachment mechanism 1030 described has the same features, but with the following exceptions:

[0150] The second joining member 2034 includes a device joining support 2044, a joining element 44, and a second cap 2148.

[0151] The device engagement support 2044 includes a base 2132, a connector block 2134, and a positioning ridge 2136.

[0152] Connector block 2134 includes a side surface 2140 and an axial end face 2142. Supported in the axial end face 2142 are four device electrical connectors 1096. The device electrical connectors 1096 supported on device connector block 100 are in the form of metal plates, which are electrically connected to one or the other of controller 16 and power supply 18 in aerosol supply device 4 via electrical wires 1110.

[0153] The positioning ridge 2136 includes: a side surface 2144 facing the side surface 2140 of the connector block 2134; and a surface 2146 facing the first engagement member 32.

[0154] The base 2132 includes a surface 2138 that extends between the intersection of the base 2132 and the side surface 2140 of the connector block 2134 and the intersection of the base 2132 and the side surface 2144 of the positioning ridge 2136.

[0155] The positioning ridge 2136, the surface 2138 of the base 2132, and the connector block 2134 are configured such that the engagement element 42 can be received at least partially in a volume defined by the surface 2138 of the base 2132, the side surface 2140 of the connector block 2134, and the side surface 2144 of the positioning ridge 2136.

[0156] The joining element 42 is as described above with respect to the second joining member 34.

[0157] The second cap 2148 has the same characteristics as mentioned above. Figure 11 The second cap 2114 has the same configuration and features as the cap 2114 described. The second cap 2148 covers the surface 76 of the engaging element 42 and the axial end face 2142 of the connector block 2134. The orifice 2128 is positioned and sized such that the unit electrical connector 70 can extend through the orifice 2128 and contact the device electrical connector 1096.

[0158] The second cap 2148 is held in place by the retaining ring 2150.

[0159] Caps 1114 and 2148 are positioned such that they are both positioned between the first engaging member 32 and the second engaging member 34. Caps 1114 and 2148 are advantageous because they protect the toroidal magnet 36 and the engaging element 42 from impact damage. In particular, such impact damage can occur if the toroidal magnet 36 and the engaging element 42 are rare-earth magnets, as such magnets can be brittle and easily break upon impact.

[0160] One or both of the caps 1114 and 2148 may be configured to physically contact at least a portion of the surfaces 48 and 76 of the annular magnet 36 and the engagement element 42, respectively. Alternatively, one or both of the caps 1114 and 2148 may be spaced apart from the surfaces 48 and 76 of the annular magnet 36 and the engagement element 42, respectively. This spacing may be less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.0 mm, or less than 0.8 mm.

[0161] One or both of the caps 1114 and 2148 are made of non-ferromagnetic or low-ferromagnetic materials.

[0162] One or both of the caps 1114 and 2148 are made of metal or metal alloy.

[0163] One or both of the caps 1114 and 2148 are made of stainless steel.

[0164] One or both of the caps 1114 and 2148 are made of a material with an average thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0165] One or both of the caps 1114 and 2148 are formed of sheet material.

[0166] The various aspects of the aerosol supply apparatus and system disclosed in the multiple embodiments can be used individually, in combination, or in various arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described above. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited in application to the details and arrangements of the components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment can be combined in any way with aspects described in other embodiments. Although specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made in its broader aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The scope of the following claims should not be limited to the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the entire specification.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device and a charging unit for charging or powering the aerosol provision device; the aerosol provision device and the charging unit are configured to be reversibly connected by an attachment mechanism; the attachment mechanism comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member; wherein the aerosol provision device comprises one of the first engagement member and the second engagement member and the charging unit comprises the other of the first engagement member and the second engagement member; wherein one of the first engagement member and the second engagement member comprises a ring magnet; the other of the first engagement member and the second engagement member comprises an engagement element; and there is a magnetic attractive force between the ring magnet and the engagement element.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, the engagement element has a ring form.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the engagement element comprises a second magnet.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the ring magnet comprises a first face, the engagement element comprises a second face, and the ring magnet and the engagement element are oriented such that, when the aerosol provision device and the charging unit are connected by the attachment mechanism, the first face of the ring magnet and the second face of the engagement element are the parts of the ring magnet and the engagement element that are closest to each other, and optionally, when the aerosol provision device and the charging unit are connected by the attachment mechanism, the first face of the ring magnet and the second face of the engagement element are parallel or approximately parallel to each other.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the aerosol provision device comprises a device engagement support configured to receive one of the first engagement member and the second engagement member, and the charging unit comprises a unit engagement support configured to receive the other of the first engagement member and the second engagement member.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the aerosol provision device comprises one or more device electrical connectors and the charging unit comprises one or more unit electrical connectors, wherein the one or more device electrical connectors and the one or more unit electrical connectors are configured to be reversibly connected to each other when the aerosol provision device and the charging unit are connected by the attachment mechanism, and one of the one or more device electrical connectors and the one or more unit electrical connectors at least partially occupies a volume defined by the ring magnet.

7. The system of claim 6, when dependent on claim 2 or on claim 3 or 4 dependent on claim 2, wherein, the other of the one or more device electrical connectors and the one or more unit electrical connectors at least partially occupies a volume defined by the engagement element.

8. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein, the aerosol provision device comprises a device connector block and the charging unit comprises a unit connector block, the device connector block holds the device electrical connectors and the unit connector block holds the unit electrical connectors, and one of the device connector block and the unit connector block at least partially occupies a volume defined by the ring magnet.

9. The system of claim 8, when dependent on claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 7 dependent on claim 2, wherein, the other of the device connector block and the unit connector block at least partially occupies a volume defined by the engagement element.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, one or both of the following are met: The engagement member comprising the ring magnet further comprises a first cap element and, when the aerosol provision device and the charging unit are connected by the attachment mechanism, the first cap element covers at least a portion of the ring magnet and is located between the first engagement member and the second engagement member; and The engagement member comprising the engagement element further comprises a second cap element and, when the aerosol provision device and the charging unit are connected by the attachment mechanism, the second cap element covers at least a portion of the engagement element and is located between the first engagement member and the second engagement member.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein, The first cap element is configured to be spaced apart from at least a portion of the portion of the ring magnet covered by the first cap element by a spacing of less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.0 mm or less than 0.8 mm, and / or the second cap element is configured to be spaced apart from at least a portion of the portion of the engagement element covered by the second cap element by a spacing of less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.0 mm or less than 0.8 mm.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein, At least one of the first cap element and the second cap element is made of a non-ferromagnetic or low-ferromagnetic material.

13. The system of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The first cap element is configured such that at least the portion of the first cap element covering the respective portion of the ring magnet is a sheet material having an average thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm, and / or the second cap element is configured such that at least the portion of the second cap element covering the respective portion of the engagement element is a sheet material having an average thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm.

14. An aerosol provision device for use in a system according to any of claims 1 to 13.

15. A charging unit for use in a system according to any of claims 1 to 13.

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