Aerosol provision device

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (100) is provided. The device comprises a main body (101) having an opening (103) and a chamber (105) in the main body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article (300) comprising aerosol generating material inserted through the opening. The device comprises a cover assembly (400) comprising a cover mechanism (410). The cover mechanism is arranged to selectively at least partially cover the opening. An actuating mechanism (420) is arranged move a cover member (412) between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material. The present invention also relates to an aerosol provision system.

[0004] Background

[0005] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

[0006] Summary

[0007] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: a body defining an opening; a heating zone arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material inserted through the opening; and a cover mechanism comprising: a cover member comprising a non-planar face arranged to selectively at least partially cover the first opening; and an actuating member arranged to move relative to the body to actuate the cover member, wherein movement of the actuating member relative to the body causes the cover member to rotate between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article is able to pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from being able to pass through the opening.

[0008] In an embodiment of any of the above, the non-planar face is curved.

[0009] In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover member comprises a cover portion and at least one arm spacing the cover portion from an axis of rotation of the cover member.

[0010] In an embodiment of any of the above, the axis of rotation of the cover member is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the heating zone.

[0011] In an embodiment of any of the above, the axis of rotation of the cover member is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the heating zone. In an embodiment of any of the above, the axis of rotation of the cover member is transverse to an axis of rotation of the actuating member.

[0012] In an embodiment of any of the above, the axis of rotation of the cover member is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the actuating member.

[0013] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member is arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

[0014] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member is arranged to rotate relative to the body to cause the cover member to rotate between the relatively open and relatively closed position.

[0015] In an embodiment of any of the above, the opening defines a plane and the axis of rotation of the cover member is at least substantially parallel to the plane.

[0016] In an embodiment of any of the above, the axis of rotation of the cover member is spaced from the plane.

[0017] In an embodiment of any of the above, the axis of rotation of the cover member is spaced from the plane along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device.

[0018] In an embodiment of any of the above, the body comprises a tubular wall which defines the heating zone and the tubular wall at least partially defines the opening, wherein the cover member is configured to co-operate with the tubular wall to at least partially close the opening.

[0019] In an embodiment of any of the above, the tubular wall comprises a chamfer edge or fillet edge for co-operating with the cover member.

[0020] In an embodiment of any of the above, the tubular wall is cylindrical.

[0021] In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover member is pivotably attached to the body.

[0022] In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover member comprises a part-spherical portion.

[0023] In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover member is arranged to co-operate with the body to at least partially close the opening.

[0024] In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover member comprises a part-spherical inner surface. In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover member is arranged to contact the body to at least partially close the opening.

[0025] In an embodiment of any of the above, a clearance is defined between the cover member and the body.

[0026] In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover member is arranged to slide over the body to move between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

[0027] In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover member is arranged to co-operate with the actuating member to at least partially close the actuating member opening.

[0028] In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover member comprises an arcuate outer surface arranged to co-operate with a corresponding rim defined by the actuating member.

[0029] The arcuate outer surface may define the non-planar surface.

[0030] In an embodiment of any of the above, the arcuate outer surface is part spherical.

[0031] In an embodiment of any of the above, the rim is part spherical.

[0032] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member is arranged to translate relative to the body to cause the cover member to rotate between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

[0033] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member is arranged to translate substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device.

[0034] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member is configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material inserted into the heating zone.

[0035] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member defines an actuating member opening for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material inserted into the heating zone.

[0036] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member opening overlies the opening.

[0037] In an embodiment of any of the above, the opening overlies the heating zone.

[0038] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member defines a sheath arranged to at least partly accommodate the cover member. In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member and the body cooperate to enclose the cover member when the cover member is in the relatively open position.

[0039] In an embodiment of any of the above, a clearance is defined between the actuating member and the body, through which the cover member is arranged to move between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

[0040] In an embodiment of any of the above, the cover mechanism comprises an actuating mechanism acting between the cover member and the actuating member.

[0041] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating mechanism comprises a gear mechanism between the cover member and the actuating member.

[0042] In an embodiment of any of the above, the gear mechanism comprises a gear arrangement adjacent the opening.

[0043] In an embodiment of any of the above, the gear mechanism comprises a bevel gear arrangement on a first side of the opening and a shaft on a second, opposite, side of the opening.

[0044] In an embodiment of any of the above, the gear arrangement comprises bevel gears.

[0045] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member comprises a gear track for driving the gear arrangement.

[0046] In an embodiment of any of the above, the gear track is bevelled.

[0047] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating mechanism comprises a cam mechanism.

[0048] In an embodiment of any of the above, the body and the actuating member together define at least part of a housing of the device.

[0049] In an embodiment of any of the above, the actuating member is rotatably mounted to the body.

[0050] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of any of the preceding and an article comprising aerosol generating material. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of an aerosol provision device;

[0053] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 with a cover assembly;

[0054] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side perspective view of part of the cover assembly for the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 in an open position;

[0055] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side perspective view of part of the cover assembly for the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 in a closed position;

[0056] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of part of a cover mechanism of the cover assembly for the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 ;

[0057] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of part of the cover assembly for the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 in the closed position;

[0058] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of part of the cover assembly for the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 in the open position; and

[0059] Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the cover assembly for the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 with some components shown transparently to show hidden features.

[0060] Detailed Description

[0061] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.

[0062] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0063] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0064] The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.

[0065] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0066] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0067] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0068] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0069] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0070] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0071] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0072] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0073] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosolmodifying agent.

[0074] An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.

[0075] Figure 1 shows an aerosol provision device 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In broad outline, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 300 comprising the aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100. The article 300 and the device 100 together form an aerosol provision system 10. The device 100 comprises a main body 101. The main body 101 comprises a chamber 105, as shown in Figure 2. A housing 102 surrounds and houses various components of the main body 101. An opening 103 is formed at one end of the main body 101 , communicating with the chamber 105. The article 300 may be at least partially inserted through the opening 103 into the chamber 105 for heating by an aerosol generator 150 (refer to Figure 2). In use, the article 300 may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 150.

[0076] The device 100 also includes a button assembly 200, which operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the button assembly 200. The button assembly 200 may be assembled as part of the other assemblies of the aerosol provision device 100.

[0077] The aerosol generator 150 defines a longitudinal axis X.

[0078] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the device 100. The device 100 comprises an electrical component, such as a connector / port 160, which can receive a cable to charge the device 100. For example, the connector 160 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples the connector 160 may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between the device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

[0079] The device 100 comprises a power source 170, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the aerosol generator 150 to supply electrical power when required and under control of a controller to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0080] The device 100 comprises an electronics module 112. The electronics module 112 may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB may also comprise one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect together various electronic components of the device 100. For example, the battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100.

[0081] The main body 101 defines ends of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the opening 103 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 104 of the device 100 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article 300 into the opening 103, operates the aerosol generator 150 to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

[0082] The other end of the device furthest away from the aperture 103 may be known as the distal end 106 of the device 100 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device 100, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis X.

[0083] As used herein, the term one-piece component refers to a component of the device 100 which is not separable into two or more components following assembly of the device 100. Integrally formed relates to two or more features that are formed into a one-piece component during a manufacturing stage of the component.

[0084] An air flow passage 180 extends through the main body 101. The airflow passage 180 extends to an air inlet 190. Other airflow arrangements are envisaged. For example, airflow may be provided between a receptacle 107 defining the chamber 105 and the article 300.

[0085] In one example, the aerosol generator 150 comprises an induction-type heating system, including a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises an inductor coil assembly. The aerosol generator 150 comprises a heating element. The heating element is also known as a susceptor.

[0086] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0087] The aerosol generator 150 is an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 300 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

[0088] The inductor coil assembly includes an inductor coil. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils differs. In embodiments, a two or more inductor coils are used. The inductor coil assembly also comprises a coil support. The coil support is tubular.

[0089] The aerosol generator 150 may include other types of heating systems in addition or in alternative. In embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a resistive heater-type heating system.

[0090] The heating element is part of a heating assembly. The heating element of this example is hollow and therefore defines at least part of the receptacle 107 within which aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article 300 can be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular, with a circular cross section. The heating element has a generally constant diameter along its axial length.

[0091] In embodiments, the heating assembly defines the receptacle 107 and the heating element upstands in the receptacle 107. The heating element may comprise a pin or blade arranged to penetrate the consumable. In embodiments, the consumable comprises the heating element and the aerosol provision device comprises an inductor coil arranged to inductively heat the heating element in the consumable.

[0092] The heating element is formed from an electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor in the present example is formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

[0093] In other embodiments, the feature acting as the heating element may not be limited to being inductively heated. The feature, acting as a heating element, may therefore be heatable by electrical resistance. The aerosol generator 150 may therefore comprise electrical contacts for electrical connection with the apparatus for electrically activating the heating element by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

[0094] The receptacle 107 and article 300 are dimensioned so that the article 300 is received by the heating element. This helps ensure efficient heating. The article 300 of this example comprises aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material is positioned within the receptacle 107. The article 300 may also comprise other components such as at least one of a filter, wrapping materials and a cooling structure.

[0095] The air flow passage 180 extends from the receptacle 107. The air flow passage 180 is at the distal end. The air flow passage 180 extending from the receptacle 107 is defined by a flow path member 182. The heating element 220 and the flow path member 182 forms part of an airflow path arrangement 181.

[0096] The flow path member 182 extends between the heating element and the opening 190. The flow path member 182 is tubular. The flow path member 182 defines a bore. The flow path member 182 extends in an axial direction along its length.

[0097] A cover assembly 400 is disposed to selectively cover the opening 103 and will be described in more detail below.

[0098] Figure 3 shows a cutaway cross-sectional view of part of the cover assembly 400 in an open position. Figure 4 shows a cutaway cross-sectional view of part of the cover assembly 400 in a closed position. The cover assembly 400 may be used with the aerosol provision device 100 of Figures 1 and 2 and will be described by reference to that device. Some components of the device 100 are omitted for clarity. In some embodiments, the cover assembly 400 is used with other device arrangements.

[0099] The cover assembly 400 comprises a cover mechanism 410. The cover assembly 400 is at the proximal end 104 of the device 100. The cover mechanism 410 comprises a body 402, defining the opening 103 of the device 100. A cover member 412 is arranged to selectively cover the opening 103.

[0100] An actuating mechanism 420 (refer to Figure 5) is arranged to move the cover member 412 between a relatively open position in which the at least a portion of an article is able to pass through the opening 103 and a relatively closed position in which the at least a portion of an article is prevented from being able to pass through the opening 103. An actuating member 422 is operable to actuate the cover mechanism 410.

[0101] The actuating member 422 overlaps the cover member 412, forming an exterior of the cover mechanism 410. The actuating member 422 is exposed to the exterior of the device 100 and is arranged to be manually actuated by a user. The body 402 in embodiments is at least a portion of the main body 101 of the aerosol provision device 100. The body 402 comprises a tubular wall 403 with the opening 103 defined at the proximal end in some embodiments. The opening 103 communicates with a heating zone 405. The heating zone 405 is arranged to receive at least part of an article comprising aerosol generating material, for example article 300, inserted through the opening 103. The longitudinal axis X is defined by the central axis of the heating zone 405.

[0102] The cover member 412 comprises a non-planar face 413. The non-planar face 413 is arcuate. That is, the non-planar face 413 is curved in profile, although other non-planar shapes are anticipated. As shown, the non-planar face 413 is formed by a part-spherical component.

[0103] The cover member 412 comprises a cover portion 414 and two arm portions 416, 417, acting as support features, as seen for example in Figure 6. The arm portions 416, 417 comprise flanges in the present arrangement, although other configurations are anticipated. The arm portions 416, 417 extend from opposing sides of the cover portion 414. In embodiments, the arm portions 416, 417 are continuations of the cover portion 414. In embodiments, a single support feature is used. The cover portion 414 comprises the non- planar face 413. At least a portion of the non-planar face 413 is exposed to external to the device 100 in the closed position, as shown in Figure 4.

[0104] The non-planar face 413 is part-spherical. The non-planar face 413 is formed by an outer face of the cover member 412. The cover portion 414 is non-planar in shape. The cover member 412 comprises a part-spherical portion.

[0105] As shown in particular in Figures 6 and 7, the cover member 412 is pivotably mounted with the body 402. A pivot mechanism 415 extends between the cover member 412 and the body 402. The pivot mechanism 415 comprises a shaft 418. The shaft 418 defines an axis of rotation of the cover member 412. The shaft 418 comprises opposing pivot pins 418a, 418b extending from the cover member 412. The cover member 412 comprises the two arms 416, 417 that extend from opposing sides of the cover portion 414. Each arm 416, 417 comprises a corresponding one of the pivot pins 418a, 418b. The pivot pins 418a, 418b engage with corresponding pivot seats 419a, 419b on the body 402. The arrangement of the pivot pins 418a, 418b and pivot seats 419a, 419b may be reversed. The pivot mechanism 415 in embodiments has another configuration. The pivot mechanism 415 allows the cover member 412 to rotate about an axis of rotation between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position. The axis of rotation of the cover member 412 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. In embodiments, the axis of rotation may be substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X. The opening 103 defines a plane and the axis of rotation of the cover member 412 is at least substantially parallel to the plane. The axis of rotation of the cover member 412 is spaced from the plane. In embodiments, the axis of rotation of the cover member 2 is spaced from the plane along the longitudinal axis X. In some embodiments, an inner surface of cover member 412 is configured to be rotatably attached to an outer surface of the tubular wall 403 such that the cover member 412 is rotatable about the axis of rotation . The arms 416, 417 space the cover portion 414 from the axis of rotation of the cover member 412.

[0106] The cover member 412 is rotatably attached to the body 402 such that it can be rotated between an open position, as seen for example in Figure 3, in which at least a portion of an article, for example article 300, is able to pass through the opening 103 and a closed position, as seen for example in Figure 4, in which at least a portion of an article, for example article 300, is prevented from being able to pass through the opening 103. The cover member 412 is arranged to slide over the body 402 to move between the open position and the closed position. In the closed position, the cover member 412 fully closes the opening 103. That is the cover member 412 overlaps a rim of the opening 103 along its peripheral extent. In embodiments, when in a relatively closed position, the cover member 412 at least partially closes the opening 103.

[0107] In the open position, the cover member 412 fully opens the opening 103. That is the cover member 412 does not overlap the rim of the opening 103. In embodiments, when in a relatively open position, the cover member 412 overlaps part of the rim of the opening 103, though is open to enable an article to pass.

[0108] The actuating member 422 is arranged to move relative to the body 402. The actuating member 422 and the body 402 together define at least part of a housing of the device 100. The actuating member 422 is configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material, for example article 300, inserted into the heating zone 108. The actuating member 422 defines an actuating member opening 424 for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material, for example article 300, inserted into the heating zone 108. The actuating member 422 is arranged such that the actuating member opening 424 is parallel with the opening 103 and the actuating member opening 424 is spaced from the opening 103. The actuating member 422 is also arranged such that the centreline of the actuating member opening 424 is coincident with the centreline of the opening 103. The actuating member opening 424 overlies the opening 103 such that when at least a part of an article, for example article 300, is inserted into the actuating member opening 424, it passes through the opening 103 and into the heating zone 108 defined by the tubular wall 403. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cover member 412 interacts with the actuating member 422 to selectively open and close the actuating member opening 424.

[0109] In embodiments, the cover member 412 is arranged to contact the body 402 to at least partially close the opening 103. In some embodiments, the cover member 412 may contact an upper edge of the tubular wall 403 to seal the opening 103. In some embodiments, a clearance is defined between the cover member 412 and the body 430.

[0110] The actuating member 422 is attached to the body 402. The actuating member 422 is attached to the body 402 in any suitable fashion to permit the movement of the actuating member 422 in relation to the body 402. Movement of the actuating member 422 may include, but is not limited to, rotation and translation. In the present embodiment, the actuating member 422 is rotatably mounted to the body 402. The actuating member 422 provides a simple mechanical mechanism to the user for moving the cover member 412 between the relatively open and the relatively closed positions.

[0111] The movement of the actuating member 422 relative to the body 402 causes the cover member 412 to move between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position. A clearance 426 is defined between the actuating member 422 and the body 402, through which the cover member 412 is arranged to move between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position. The axis of rotation is coincident with the longitudinal axis X such that the actuating member 422 rotates about the longitudinal axis X. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of the actuating member 422 is offset from, and optionally parallel with, the longitudinal axis X. The axis of rotation of the cover member 412 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the actuating member 422. In embodiments the axis of rotation of the cover member 412 is transverse to the axis of rotation of the actuating member 422. In embodiments, the axis of rotation of the cover member 412 is parallel to, and optionally one of coincident or offset from, the axis of rotation of the actuating member 422. Rotation of the actuating member 422 relative to the body 402 causes the cover member 412 to rotate between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

[0112] The cover member 412 is arranged to co-operate with the actuating member 422 to at least partially close the opening 103.

[0113] The term relatively open position will be understood to mean any position in which at least a portion of the article 300 is able to pass through the opening 103, i.e. including a fully open position and intermediate positions which leave enough space for the portion of the article 300 to be inserted. The term relatively closed position will be understood to mean any position in which the portion of the article 300 is prevented from being able to pass through the opening 103, i.e. including a fully closed position and intermediate positions in which there is not enough space for the article 300 to pass through the opening. In this embodiment, rotation of the actuating member 422 relative to the body 402 causes the cover member 412 to move to or from a fully closed position. The term fully closed position will be understood to mean that the cover member 412 covers the extent of the opening 103. The terms open and closed as applied to features of the cover mechanism 410 are herein described in relation to one another. When the cover member 412 is in the closed position, ingress of unwanted substances such as liquids and particulates into the heating chamber is restricted. This improves the longevity of the device and the overall user experience.

[0114] In some embodiments, the actuating member 422 in arranged to translate relative to the body 402 to cause the cover member 412 to rotate between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position. In some embodiments the actuating member 422 is arranged to translate substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0115] The actuating member 422 extends over the proximal end of the body 430 and accommodates the cover member member 412. The actuating member 422 define a sheath 438. The sheath 438 is disposed around the tubular wall 403.

[0116] A rim 428 defines the actuating member opening 424. A clearance 426 is defined between the actuating member 422 and the body 402. The clearance 426 extends between an inner side 427 of the actuating member 422 and a proximal end of the tubular wall 403. In embodiments at least one of the inner surface of the rim 428 and the proximal end of the tubular wall 403 comprise filleted or chamfered edges to be in cooperating alignment with a path of the cover member 412. In embodiments the chamfered or filleted edge of the proximal end of the tubular wall 403 co-operates with the cover member 412. In embodiments the chamfered or filleted edge of the cover member 412 co-operates with the cover member 412. The clearance 426 has a width greater than the thickness of the cover portion 412 such that the cover portion 412 may pass in the clearance 426. The cover member 412 and a surface of the body 402 may correspond to accommodate movement of the non-planar shape of the cover portion 412 as it moves between the relatively open and the relatively closed positions. When in the closed position, the cover member 412 is arranged between the opening 103 and the actuating member opening 424. With such an arrangement any object passing through the actuating member opening 424 is prevented from passing through the opening 103 and into the heating zone 108.

[0117] In some embodiments, the cover member 412 comprises an arcuate outer surface arranged to co-operate with the rim 428. The arcuate outer surface may be part-spherical.

[0118] In some embodiments at least one of the rim 428 and the proximal end of the tubular wall 403 define or are formed by sealing elements that form a seal with the cover member 412 when the cover member 412 is in the relatively closed position. The seal helps prevent ingress of liquids and other contaminants into and from the heating zone 108. In some embodiments the seal forms a hermetic seal.

[0119] The actuating mechanism 420 comprises a gear mechanism 440. Alternative actuating mechanisms are envisaged, for example in embodiments the actuating mechanism 420 comprises a cam mechanism.

[0120] Referring in particular to Figures 5 to 8, the gear mechanism 440 comprises a gear arrangement 442. In Figure 5 a portion of the actuating member 422 is omitted. In Figure 6, the cover member 412 is shown in the closed position and in Figure 7 the cover member 412 is shown in the open position. In Figure 8, the cover member 412 is shown partially transparently to provide a view of the components below. The gear arrangement 442 is enclosed by the actuating member 422. In embodiments, the gear arrangement 442 is at least partially enclosed by another part of the housing of the device 100. In some embodiments the gear arrangement 442 comprises a gear 444 that rotates about the axis of rotation of the cover member 2. The gear 444 is on the shaft 418. The gear 444 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 444. In embodiments, the gear 444 is integrally formed with the cover member 412. The axis of rotation of the gear 444 is coincident with the axis of rotation of the cover member 412. Rotation of the gear 444 about the axis of rotation of the cover member 412 causes the cover member 412 to rotate.

[0121] Gear 444 contains gear teeth 446 that co-operate with the actuating member 422. In some embodiments, the entire circumference of the gear 444 comprises gear teeth 446. Alternatively, only part of the circumference of the gear 444 comprises gear teeth. The gear 444 comprises a bevel gear. Other gear arrangements are possible.

[0122] The actuating member 422 comprises a gear track 448 for driving the gear arrangement 422. The gear track 448 is arranged to co-operate with the gear 444. The gear track 448 extends at least partly around the rim 428. The gear track 448 is arcuate. As the actuating member 422 is rotated the gear track 448 co-operates with the gear 444 throughout the range of motions. The gear track 448 has a constant radius.

[0123] In embodiments the gear track 448 extends substantially perpendicularly from the rim 428. In such embodiments the gear track 448 extends towards a distal end of the body 402 parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The gear track 448 drives the gear 444 as the actuating member 422 translates away from the body 402 in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In embodiments the gear track 448 comprises stops 449 at each end which prevent further cooperation with the cog 444 and prevents further movement of the actuation member 422. The stops 449 are positioned such that additional movement of the actuation member 422 is prevented when the cover member 412 reaches either of the relatively open or the relatively closed positions. In some embodiments the gear track 448 is bevelled.

[0124] In some embodiments a second gear arrangement (not shown) is disposed on a second node 418 opposing the node 418 on which the cog 444 is disposed. In such embodiments, the gear track 448 extends in two opposing sections on the rim 428 with each section of gear track 448 being the same length. The second gear arrangement includes a transfer gear, a switchback gear and a drive gear. The second gear arrangement provides supplementary drive to the first gear arrangement. The drive gear is on the shaft 418. The transfer gear is arranged parallel to the drive gear and comprises teeth that are configured to co-operate with the actuation member 422. The transfer gear is not arranged on the second node 418. The switchback gear is attached to the body and is arranged into co-operation with both of the transfer gear and the drive gear. Movement of the actuation member 422 causes rotation of the transfer gear which causes rotation of the switchback gear which causes rotation of the drive gear. This provides supplementary drive to move the cover member 412 between the relatively open and the relatively closed positions. The second gear arrangement thereby drives the cover member 412 in a direction that is the reverse of the rotation of the transfer gear and is the same as the direction of the gear 444.

[0125] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: a body defining an opening; a heating zone arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material inserted through the opening; and a cover mechanism comprising: a cover member comprising a non-planar face arranged to selectively at least partially cover the opening; an actuating member arranged to move relative to the body to actuate the cover member wherein movement of the actuating member relative to the body causes the cover member to rotate between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article is able to pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from being able to pass through the opening.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the non-planar face is curved.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover member comprises a cover portion and at least one arm spacing the cover portion from an axis of rotation of the cover member.

4. The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the axis of rotation of the cover member is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the heating zone.

5. The aerosol provision device of claims 2 or 3, wherein the axis of rotation of the cover member is transverse to an axis of rotation of the actuating member.

6. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the actuating member is arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

7. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuating member is arranged to rotate relative to the body to cause the cover member to rotate between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

8. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the body comprises a tubular wall which defines the heating zone and the tubular wall at least partially defines the opening, wherein the cover member is configured to co-operate with the tubular wall to at least partially close the opening.

9. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover member is pivotably attached to the body.

10. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuating member defines actuating member opening for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material inserted into the heating zone.

11. The aerosol provision device of claim 10, wherein the actuating member opening overlies the opening of the body.

12. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the actuating member defines a sheath arranged to at least partly accommodate the cover member.

13. The aerosol provision device of claim 12, wherein the actuating member and the body co-operate to enclose the cover member when the cover member is in the relatively open position.

14. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein a clearance is defined between the actuating member and the body, through which the cover member is arranged to move between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

15. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cover mechanism comprises an actuating mechanism acting between the cover member and the actuating member.

16. The aerosol provision device of claim 15, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a gear mechanism between the cover member and the actuating member.

17. The aerosol provision device of claim 16, wherein the gear mechanism comprises a bevel gear arrangement on a first side of the opening and a shaft on a second, opposite, side of the opening.

18. The aerosol provision device of claim 17, wherein the gear arrangement comprises a bevel gear.

19. The aerosol provision device of claim 17 or 18, wherein the actuating member comprises a gear track for driving the gear arrangement.

20. An aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 19 and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

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