Aerosol base material consumables loading mechanism

Abstract

In one example, an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism (100) for loading an aerosol substrate consumable (106) into an aerosol generating device (108) is provided, the loading mechanism (100) comprising an actuator (102) configured to, in use, further load a partially inserted aerosol substrate consumable (106) into the aerosol generating device (108) and an insertion sensor (104) configured to detect an actuation input, such that, upon detection of the actuation input, the actuator (102) is configured to further load the aerosol substrate consumable (106) into the aerosol generating device (108).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism, a loading and heating system for an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device, and a method of inserting a consumable into an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices and systems are available that heat the aerosol substrate to release the aerosol / vapor for inhalation, rather than relying on burning the aerosol substrate. For example, e-cigarettes vaporize e-liquid from a consumable into an inhalable vapor. However, e-cigarettes have the advantage of a fast vaporization time, while being vulnerable to e-liquid leakage. Alternative devices with solid consumables are available. However, such devices require a heater as part of the device, and therefore the device requires appropriate insulation to prevent the user from being exposed to the high temperature of the heater, which increases the complexity and cost of the device.

[0003] In both electronic cigarettes and alternative devices for heating solid consumables, users may experience difficulties loading and unloading the consumable. For example, users may be exposed to high temperatures from heaters within the device. Furthermore, improper loading of the consumable may lead to damage to the consumable, poor performance of the device, or a negative user experience.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to avoid or overcome at least some of the above mentioned problems, or to provide an alternative solution. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism for loading an aerosol substrate consumable into an aerosol generating device, comprising the features set out in the claims.

[0006] In one example, an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism for loading an aerosol substrate consumable into an aerosol generating device is provided, the loading mechanism comprising an actuator configured to, in use, further load a partially inserted aerosol substrate consumable into the aerosol generating device, and an insertion sensor configured to detect an actuation input, wherein the actuator is configured to further load the aerosol substrate consumable into the aerosol generating device upon detecting the actuation input.

[0007] The provision of a loading mechanism means that the aerosol substrate consumable is inserted into the aerosol generating device at the correct position. This means that potential errors or difficulties associated with the loading step of the consumable are avoided. Furthermore, it significantly increases the ease of use of the aerosol generating device. The user only needs to partially load the consumable into the device, and then the loading mechanism automatically loads the consumable into the correct position. It also reduces the risk of injury to the user due to contact with the heater, since the user only needs to partially insert the consumable into the device so that the distance to the heater can be maintained when the consumable is inserted into the device.

[0008] The actuator may comprise a roller, which is a non-invasive method of inserting and expelling the aerosol substrate consumable into the aerosol generating device.

[0009] In one example, the actuator comprises a roller and a guide that define an area therebetween for receiving the consumable, the roller and guide acting to position the consumable in a precise location during insertion.

[0010] In one example, the insertion sensor comprises one or more optical sensors and the actuation input includes detection by the one or more optical sensors of a consumable being partially inserted into the aerosol generating device, the optical sensors being capable of projecting light into the aerosol generating device such that the position of the aerosol substrate consumable within the aerosol generating device during use can be accurately detected.

[0011] In another example, the insertion sensor comprises an insertion switch configured to be depressed and the actuation input comprises depressing the insertion switch by the consumable during partial insertion into the aerosol generating device. Providing a switch is a relatively cheap and efficient way of detecting insertion.

[0012] In one example, the insertion sensor comprises a magnetic sensor (or a Hall effect sensor) and the actuation input comprises detection by the magnetic sensor of movement of a roller due to insertion of the consumable into the aerosol generating device. The use of a magnetic sensor means that only a simple motor can be used as part of the actuator. Furthermore, because the orientation of the roller can be detected using the magnetic sensor, the insertion mechanism can have greater control over the relative positioning of the aerosol substrate consumable during insertion.

[0013] In one example, the insertion sensor comprises a button or touchpad and the actuation input comprises a user input on the button or touchpad, making it relatively easy for a user to operate the insertion mechanism.

[0014] In one example, a stop sensor is provided that is configured to detect a stop input, and the actuator is configured to deactivate and stop further insertion of the consumable when the stop sensor detects the stop input. The stop sensor is used to switch off the actuator at a desired time, thus preventing unnecessary energy usage.

[0015] The stop sensor may comprise one or more of an optical sensor and a stop switch configured to be depressed by the consumable when the consumable reaches a predetermined threshold. The optical sensor or sensors may be used to accurately determine the position of the aerosol substrate consumable within the aerosol generating device. The stop switch is an inexpensive way to switch off the actuator at a desired time.

[0016] In examples where the actuator comprises a roller, the roller is configured to stop rotating after a predetermined number of insertion revolutions.

[0017] In one example, the actuator is configured to stop operation when the load required to drive the actuator increases beyond a predetermined load threshold, in this example no additional "stop sensor" is required to stop operation of the actuator.

[0018] In one example, the loading mechanism includes an ejection sensor configured to detect an ejection input, and an actuator configured to eject the consumable from the aerosol generating device upon detecting the ejection input at the ejection sensor. In this way, the aerosol substrate can be automatically ejected from the device when needed. Automatic ejection reduces the possibility of a user being burned, as there is no need to reach close to the heater to remove the consumable. It also greatly increases user ease of use. Ejection of the consumable may be performed automatically by the device, avoiding the need for the user to manually remove the consumable.

[0019] In one example, a loading and heating system for an aerosol generating device is provided, the loading and heating system comprising the loading mechanism as described above and a heating chamber into which, in use, an actuator is configured to load a consumable. The loading and heating mechanism is capable of receiving the consumable and heating it to a desired temperature. In one example, the heater is configured to be activated once the aerosol substrate consumable is inserted into the loading and heating system.

[0020] In one example, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising the above-described loaded heating system, an outer housing substantially enclosing a heating chamber, the outer housing including an opening for receiving a consumable within the heating chamber, and a power source for supplying power to the loaded heating system.

[0021] The aerosol generating device may include a movable lid configured to move between an open configuration in which the consumable is insertable into the aerosol generating device and a closed configuration in which the lid prevents the consumable from accessing the aerosol generating device, the insertion sensor configured to detect when the lid is in the open configuration, and the actuator configured to further load the partially inserted consumable into the aerosol generating device upon detecting that the lid has moved to the open configuration.

[0022] In one example, a method for loading an aerosol substrate consumable into an aerosol generating device is provided, the method including detecting an actuation input at an insertion sensor and operating an actuator in response to the detected actuation input to move a partially inserted consumable further into the aerosol generating device.

[0023] Various combinations of the above features are envisioned.

[0024] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism with the aerosol substrate consumable in a first position. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism with the aerosol substrate consumable in a second position. FIG. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism in an aerosol generating device with the lid in a closed position. [Figure 2B]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism in an aerosol generating device with the lid in an open position. [Figure 3A] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism in an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3B] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism in an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an insertion sensor and rollers in a first orientation. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an insertion sensor and roller in a second orientation. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow chart of steps for a method of inserting an aerosol substrate consumable into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 6] 13 is a flow chart of further steps of a method of inserting an aerosol substrate consumable into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol substrate consumable comprising one or more indicators. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] As used herein, the term aerosol substrate is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapor when heated. It may be synonymous with smokable material and aerosol-generating medium. Aerosol substrates include liquid or solid materials that provide volatile components when heated, typically in the form of a vapor or aerosol. Aerosol substrates may be non-tobacco-containing or tobacco-containing materials. Aerosol substrates may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol substrates may also include other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. Aerosol substrates may include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0027] Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-section of an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism 100. The mechanism 100 includes an actuator 102 and an insertion sensor 104. In Figure 1A, an aerosol substrate consumable 106 is partially inserted into a corresponding consumable cavity, chamber, or seat 116 of an aerosol heating device 108.

[0028] The actuator 102 is configured to load the partially inserted aerosol substrate consumable 106 into the aerosol heating device 108. In other words, the actuator 102 is configured to move the aerosol substrate consumable 106 from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is partially received in the aerosol generating device 108, for example as shown in FIG. 1A, and in the second position, the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is further inserted into the aerosol generating device 108. FIG. 1B shows a schematic cross-section of the aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism 100 with the aerosol substrate consumable 106 further inserted into the aerosol generating device 108 (e.g., the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is in the second position).

[0029] In some examples, in the second position, the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is fully inserted into the aerosol generation device 108. In the first position, a sufficient amount of the aerosol substrate consumable 106 must be inserted into the aerosol generation device 108 such that the actuator 102 can exert a force on the aerosol substrate consumable 106 to guide the aerosol substrate consumable 106 further into the device 108. The actuator 102 itself can move within the aerosol generation device 108 during use. That is, the actuator 102 can move from an actuated position configured to move the aerosol substrate consumable 106, and a non-actuated position in which the aerosol substrate consumable 106 can be withdrawn.

[0030] In some examples, the actuator 102 comprises a roller that is configured to contact or abut the aerosol substrate consumable 106, rotate about its axis of rotation in use, and impart a moving force to the aerosol substrate consumable 106 to move the aerosol substrate consumable 106 from a partially inserted position (a first position) to a further inserted position (a second position) within the aerosol generating device 108.

[0031] The insertion sensor 104 is configured to detect an actuation input. The actuation input may take the form of an active mechanical input (e.g., a button press by a user) or a passive mechanical input. A passive mechanical input may occur automatically during use of the aerosol generating device 108 (e.g., the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 108). Actuation inputs are described in more detail below.

[0032] Figure 2A shows a schematic cross-section of an aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism 100 within an aerosol generating device 108. In Figure 2A, the lid 110 of the aerosol generating device 108 is shown in a closed position.

[0033] In some examples, the actuator 102 includes a guide 112 configured to operate in combination with the roller to guide the aerosol substrate consumable 106 in use. The guide 112 may take the form of a guide arm or a passive roller configured to abut the aerosol substrate consumable 106 during insertion. The guide arm may be resiliently deformable such that it deforms as the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is being inserted into the aerosol generating device 108. The passive roller may be a non-driven component that moves due to movement of the aerosol substrate consumable 106.

[0034] The roller and guide 112 may be arranged to face each other in use and define a gap therebetween for receiving the aerosol substrate consumable 106. The thickness of the aerosol substrate consumable 106 may substantially match the distance of the gap between the roller and guide 112.

[0035] In some examples, the actuator 102 comprises one or more motors 114 configured to drive rollers, in use. For example, the motors 114 may include one or more of a stepper motor, a motor and encoder, and / or a simple motor.

[0036] In other examples, the actuator 102 includes a linear actuator configured to grip and move the aerosol substrate consumable 106 during use.

[0037] In one example, the aerosol generating device 108 includes a heating chamber 116 configured to receive and heat the aerosol substrate consumable 106. That is, the actuator 102 may be configured to further insert the aerosol substrate consumable 106 into the heating chamber 116 from a partially inserted position. As described above, the actuator 102 is configured to move the aerosol substrate consumable 106 from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the aerosol substrate consumable 106 may be partially received in the heating chamber 116, and in the second position, the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is further inserted into the heating chamber 116. In one example, in the second position, the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is fully inserted into the heating chamber 116 during use.

[0038] The heating chamber 116 may be shaped to receive a correspondingly shaped aerosol substrate consumable 106 in use. In one example, the heating chamber 116 includes one or more heaters arranged to increase the temperature of the heating chamber 116. In one example, the one or more heaters are configured to begin heating when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is in the second position. In another example, the one or more heaters are configured to begin heating when an activation input is triggered. For example, the one or more heaters may begin heating when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is in the first, partially inserted position. Activating the one or more heaters at this time will reduce the time it takes for a user to generate enough aerosol to perform an initial inhalation act.

[0039] In the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 1A, a small gap exists between the aerosol substrate consumable 106 and the heating chamber 116, but in practice the aerosol substrate consumable 106 may be sized to match the size of the heating chamber 116.

[0040] The heating chamber 116 and the loading mechanism 100 together are considered to be a loading heating system.

[0041] In one example, the aerosol generating device 108 includes an outer housing 124 that substantially encloses the heating chamber 116. The outer housing 124 includes an opening for receiving the consumable 106 within the heating chamber 116. The aerosol generating device 108 may also include a power source (not shown), such as a battery, for providing power to the aerosol generating device 108. The aerosol generating device 108 may also include a controller (not shown) for receiving signals from the insertion sensor 104 and controlling the actuator 102, during use.

[0042] The aerosol generating device 108 may also include a lid 110. The lid 110 may be movable between an open position in which the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is insertable into the aerosol generating device 108 and a closed position in which the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is not insertable into the aerosol generating device 108. In FIG. 2A, the lid 110 is shown in the closed position. In FIG. 2B, the lid 110 has been moved to the open position and the aerosol substrate consumable 106 has been partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 108. The insertion sensor 104 may be configured to detect that the lid 110 has been moved to the open configuration, and the actuator 102 may be configured to further load the partially inserted aerosol substrate consumable 106 into the aerosol generating device 108 upon detecting that the lid 110 has been moved to the open configuration.

[0043] In one example, the lid 110 is configured to cover the heating chamber 116 when in the closed position. For the avoidance of doubt, the lid 110 may be pivotally or slidably disposed relative to the aerosol generating device 108, for example, relative to a hinge or rail on or near an outer wall of the aerosol generating device 108. Of course, it may also be removably disposed relative to the aerosol generating device 108. In such a case, the lid 110 and the aerosol generating device 108 may be attached to corresponding complementary fastening means (not shown in the drawings).

[0044] In one example, the lid 110 is in the form of a mouthpiece, i.e., a channel (not shown) may be formed in the lid such that the aerosol generated from the aerosol substrate consumable 106 can flow through the lid to the user in the form of a mouthpiece.

[0045] In one example, the insertion sensor 104 is an insertion switch in the form of a mechanical switch or button (or lid switch). The insertion switch may be configured to be operated by the lid 110. In this example, the actuation input may include opening the lid 110 from a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2A, where the lid is in contact with the insertion sensor 104, to an open position, as shown in FIG. 2B, where the lid 110 is not in contact with the insertion sensor 104.

[0046] In another example, the insertion sensor 104 comprises a magnetic sensor (also referred to as a Hall effect sensor). The lid 110 may comprise a magnet. The Hall effect sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field emitted by a magnet 118 disposed on the lid 110. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the closed position, the magnet 118 may be disposed in proximity to the Hall effect sensor so that the Hall effect sensor can detect a first magnetic field level. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the lid 110 is opened, the magnet 118 moves away from the Hall effect sensor so that the magnetic field level detected by the Hall effect sensor is reduced to a second magnetic field level. The actuation input may include a decrease in the magnetic field level detected by the Hall effect sensor below a magnetic threshold level.

[0047] In any of these examples, when the lid 110 is opened, the actuator 102 begins to operate, so that once the aerosol-generating substrate 106 is partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device 108, the actuator 102 will insert the aerosol-generating substrate 106 further into the device 108.

[0048] 3A, the insertion sensor 104 is in the form of an insertion switch configured to be activated or depressed during the act of partially inserting the aerosol substrate consumable 106 into the aerosol generating device 108. That is, the aerosol substrate consumable 106 itself can contact and activate (or depress) the insertion switch. In this example, the actuation input is contact between the aerosol substrate consumable 106 and the insertion switch. In some examples, the guide 112 functions as the insertion switch. That is, the actuation input can include contact between the aerosol substrate consumable 106 and the guide 112.

[0049] Alternatively, the insertion sensor 104 may be integrated with the roller (or may be the roller itself). In this case, the roller may be configured to rotate due to contact with the aerosol substrate consumable 106 when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 108. The insertion sensor 104 may comprise a rotational or orientation sensor configured to sense whether the roller is rotating. In this case, the actuation input is the rotation of the roller due to contact with the aerosol substrate consumable 106 when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 108. In one example, the actuation input includes a rotation of the roller due to insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106 between 60 degrees and 84 degrees. This range of rotation provides an indication that the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 108. More preferably, the actuation input includes a rotation of the roller due to insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106.

[0050] In this example, the actuator 102 may include a motor and an encoder (or a motor encoder) designed such that the rotational position and / or number of rotations of the roller may be detected.

[0051] 3B illustrates an alternative arrangement in which the insertion sensor 104 comprises one or more optical sensors configured to detect the presence of an aerosol substrate consumable. The optical sensors may be positioned toward the opening of the aerosol generating device 108 to detect whether the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is inserted into the opening. In this case, the actuation input may be considered to be the insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106 into the aerosol generating device 108 such that the insertion sensor 104 can detect it.

[0052] In some examples, the optical sensor is configured to detect an indicator (such as a barcode / QR code) on the aerosol substrate consumable 106. This information may be used to determine whether the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is authentic. The actuation input in this case may be considered as confirmation that the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is authentic. In one example, the aerosol generating device 108 is configured to eject the aerosol substrate consumable 106 if it is determined that the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is not authentic or has already been used.

[0053] The light sensor may include a light sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. The infrared sensor may be configured to transmit infrared light and detect the amount of infrared light that is deflected back towards the sensor.

[0054] In one example, the insertion sensor 104 comprises a button or pad configured to detect a user input, such as a button press, swipe, or tap. In this case, the actuation input may be considered to be a user input. The actuator 102 is configured to further insert the aerosol substrate consumable 106 into the aerosol generating device 108 upon detecting the user input.

[0055] In one example, the roller comprises a magnet and the insertion sensor 104 comprises a Hall effect sensor adjacent to the roller configured to detect rotation of a magnetic field when the roller is rotated due to contact with the aerosol substrate consumable 106 when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 108. A schematic example of this arrangement is shown in Figures 4A and 4B. In Figure 4A, the magnet is arranged on the roller such that the north and south poles are positioned in a first orientation. In Figure 4B, the roller is rotated by inserting the tobacco substrate consumable 106 into the aerosol generating device 108 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 4B. In this way, the north and south poles of the magnet arranged on the roller are also rotated, so that they are in a second orientation different from the first orientation. The insertion sensor 104 in the form of a Hall effect sensor is configured to be arranged adjacent to the roller such that a change in the magnetic field due to rotation of the roller can be detected. In this case, the actuation input can be considered as the rotation of the roller due to insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106. In one example, the actuation input comprises a 60-84 degree rotation of the roller resulting from insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106. This range of rotation provides an indication that the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 108. More preferably, the actuation input comprises a 72 degree rotation of the roller resulting from insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106.

[0056] In some examples, the loading mechanism 100 comprises a stop sensor 120 configured to detect a stop input. The actuator 102 is configured to deactivate and stop further insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106 when the stop sensor detects the stop input. In other words, following detection of the stop input by the stop sensor 120, the actuator 102 is configured to switch off. In other words, during operation, upon detection of an insertion input, the actuator 102 will operate to further insert the aerosol substrate consumable 106 into the aerosol generating device 108 until a stop input is detected at which point the actuator will stop operating.

[0057] In some examples, the stop sensor 120 may be configured to detect when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 has been inserted into the aerosol generating device 108 to a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be that the aerosol substrate consumable 106 has been inserted sufficiently into the aerosol generating device 108 such that the aerosol substrate consumable 106 generates a desired amount of aerosol upon heating. In some examples, the predetermined threshold may mean that the aerosol substrate consumable 106 has been inserted to a desired position within the aerosol generating device 108.

[0058] 3A, the stop sensor 120 comprises a stop switch configured to be activated (or depressed) when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 reaches a desired point (or a predetermined threshold) within the aerosol substrate consumable 106. The stop switch may comprise a mechanical switch configured to be contacted by the aerosol substrate consumable 106 itself, or the like. In one example, the stop switch is located at a distal end of the heating chamber 116 such that it is activated when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is fully inserted into the aerosol generating device 108.

[0059] In this case, the stop input is the actuation (or depression) of a stop switch by the aerosol substrate consumable 106. That is, the actuator 102 may be configured to be deactivated to stop further insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106 once the aerosol substrate consumable reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0060] In one example, the stop sensor 120 comprises one or more optical sensors. Figure 3B shows an example of this arrangement. The stop sensor 120 in the form of one or more optical sensors may be disposed in the aerosol generation device 108 at a predefined threshold in the aerosol generation device 108. In this case, the stop input is the detection of the aerosol substrate consumable 106 by the stop sensor 120 in the form of one or more optical sensors.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3B, the stop sensor 120 can be positioned toward the distal end of the heating chamber 116 (i.e., the end of the heating chamber 116 furthest within the aerosol generating device 108) so that a stop input is detected when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is fully inserted into the heating chamber 116.

[0062] The one or more optical sensors forming the stop sensor 120 may be of substantially the same configuration as the one or more optical sensors forming the insertion sensor 104, and therefore relevant features are not repeated here.

[0063] Furthermore, the one or more optical sensors forming the stop sensor 120 may be the same as those forming the insertion sensor 104. In such a configuration, the one or more optical sensors 104, 120 and the aerosol generating device controller 126 are configured to detect at least a first marker 128 and a second marker 130 provided on the inserted aerosol substrate consumable 106 at a distance L from each other corresponding to an optimal insertion distance of the consumable 106 into the heating chamber 116, as shown in Fig. 7. In practice, detection of the first marker 128 on the aerosol substrate consumable by the one or more optical sensors 104, 120 triggers the insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106 as previously explained. Detection of the second marker 130 by the same one or more optical sensors 104, 120 then prompts the stopping of the insertion. In this example, detection of a first marker 128 by one or more optical sensors 104, 120 is an activate input, and detection of a second marker 130 by the same one or more optical sensors 104, 120 is a deactivate input. The first marker 128 and second marker 130 may be the same or different, for example, the first marker 128 may be a single band around the consumable 106 and the second marker 130 may be two bands around the consumable. Other markers, such as QR codes, shaped lines, etc., are also envisioned.

[0064] In examples where the actuator 102 comprises a roller, the roller may be configured to stop rotating after a predetermined number of insertion rotations. The number of insertion rotations need not be a full rotation, but may include only a portion of a rotation. For example, following detection of an actuation input by the insertion sensor 104, the roller may be configured to start rotating and stop rotating after a predetermined number of insertion rotations (full and / or partial rotations). The number of rotations may be sufficient to further insert the aerosol substrate consumable 106 from a partially inserted position to a desired position within the aerosol generating device 108.

[0065] In this example, the actuator 102 may include a motor and an encoder (or a motor encoder) designed such that the rotational position and / or number of rotations of the roller can be detected. Alternatively, the insertion sensor 104 may include a Hall effect sensor with orientation detection (as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B ) so that the orientation of the roller can be detected. Thus, the actuator 102 may be configured to stop operation after the motor and encoder (or the Hall effect sensor) detects that the roller has been rotated a predetermined number of insertion rotations (full and / or partial rotations).

[0066] In these examples, the orientation of the roller may be determined. Thus, the stop input may include detection by a stop sensor 120 in the form of a motor and encoder, or a Hall effect sensor, that the roller is no longer rotating. That is, when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is fully inserted, resistance to the rotation of the roller will be increased and further rotation of the roller may be prevented. Detection of this increased resistance may be taken as a stop signal to switch off the actuator 102.

[0067] In one example, the actuator 102 is configured to stop operating when the load required to drive the actuator 102 increases beyond a predetermined load threshold. The actuator 102 may draw power (or current) from a power source, and the power required to drive the actuator 102 may increase as the actuator 102 encounters resistance. In this example, the actuator will require a first load to insert the aerosol substrate consumable 106 during a first stage of operation (i.e., the first load is required as the actuator 102 moves the aerosol substrate consumable 106 from a first position to a second position). When the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is fully inserted to abut an inner wall / barrier (such as the distal end of the heating chamber 116) within the aerosol generating device 108, the resistance will increase and the load required to drive the actuator 102 will increase. If the load (or power / current) increases beyond a threshold load level, the actuator 102 is configured to stop further insertion of the aerosol substrate consumable 106 into the aerosol generating device 108.

[0068] In each of the above examples, the aerosol generation device 108 may be configured to begin heating the aerosol substrate consumable 106 upon detecting a stop input. That is, the aerosol generation device 108 will begin heating once the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is inserted to a desired position (the second position) within the aerosol generation device 108. As noted above, in other examples, the aerosol generation device 108 may be configured to begin heating the aerosol substrate consumable 106 upon detecting an activation input.

[0069] In one example, the loading mechanism 100 is configured to detect an ejection input, and the actuator 102 is configured to eject the aerosol substrate consumable 106 upon detecting the ejection input. In some examples, the loading mechanism includes an ejection sensor 122 configured to detect the ejection input, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In some examples, the ejection sensor 122 is the same as the insertion sensor 104, i.e., one sensor may perform the functions of both the insertion sensor 104 and the ejection sensor 122. In other examples, the insertion sensor 104 and the ejection sensor 122 are separate components.

[0070] Upon detecting an ejection input, the actuator 102 can operate in a direction opposite to the direction of movement to insert the aerosol substrate consumable 106. For example, if the actuator 102 is a roller, the roller can rotate in a first direction to insert the aerosol substrate consumable 106 and rotate in a second direction to eject the aerosol substrate consumable 106.

[0071] In one example, the ejection input may include the opening of the lid 110 at the end of an inhalation session. As described above in connection with the insertion sensor 104, the ejection sensor 122 may comprise a switch configured to be operated due to the movement of the lid 110 such that when the lid 110 is opened, the switch is no longer depressed and the actuator 102 begins ejecting the aerosol substrate consumable 106.

[0072] In other examples, the ejection sensor 122 may include a Hall Effect sensor and the lid 110 includes a magnet 118. As described above in connection with insertion, the Hall Effect sensor can detect when the magnetic field level is reduced below a magnetic threshold level to indicate that the lid 110 has been opened. In any of these examples, the ejection input includes the opening of the lid 110.

[0073] In some examples, the ejection sensor 122 may comprise a button or pad configured to detect a user input, such as a button press, a swipe, or a tap. In this case, the ejection input may be considered to be a user input. The actuator 102 is configured to eject the aerosol substrate consumable 106 from the aerosol generating device 108 upon detecting the user input.

[0074] In one example, the exhaust input may include detection that an inhalation session has stopped. For example, a user may enter an input on a button or pad to indicate that the session has ended. Alternatively, the device 108 may detect that the level of aerosol being generated has been reduced below an aerosol generation threshold, for example, by use of an infrared sensor. In this example, there may be one or more infrared sensors located in or adjacent to the mouthpiece to detect the level of generated aerosol flowing through the mouthpiece.

[0075] In one example, the loading mechanism 100 will eject the aerosol substrate consumable 106 only if the detected temperature of the aerosol substrate consumable is sufficiently low.

[0076] In some examples, the actuator 102 is configured to stop the expelling action once the aerosol substrate consumable 106 has been expelled from the aerosol generating device 108 .

[0077] For example, the actuator 102 in the form of a roller may be configured to stop operation after a predetermined number of ejection revolutions (full or partial), which may coincide with a predetermined number of insertion revolutions.

[0078] 3A, where the insertion sensor 104 comprises a switch configured to be depressed by the aerosol substrate consumable 106 when the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is inserted into the device 108. During the ejection phase, the actuator 104 may be configured to operate to eject the aerosol substrate consumable 106 until the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is no longer in contact with the insertion switch 104 (e.g., until the insertion switch 104 is no longer depressed by the consumable).

[0079] Referring to the example shown in FIG. 3B, where the insertion sensor 104 comprises an optical sensor (or optical sensors), the actuator 102 may be configured to operate to eject the aerosol substrate consumable 106 until the aerosol substrate consumable 106 is no longer detected by one or more optical sensors of the insertion sensor.

[0080] In one example, the loading mechanism 100 can be retrofitted to an existing aerosol generating device 108.

[0081] 5 shows a flow chart of method steps for inserting an aerosol substrate consumable 106 into an aerosol generating device 108. In step 202, the method includes detecting an actuation input at the insertion sensor 104. In step 204, the method includes operating the actuator 102 in response to the detected actuation input to move the partially inserted consumable 106 further into the aerosol generating device 108.

[0082] 6 shows a flow chart of possible further steps of the method, which follow step 204 shown in FIG.

[0083] The method may also include step 206 of detecting a stop input at the stop sensor 120 and then step 208 of deactivating (or ceasing operation of) the actuator 102 to stop further insertion of the consumable 106 into the aerosol generating device 108.

[0084] The method may also include detecting 210 an exhaust input at an exhaust sensor 122 and expelling 212 the aerosol substrate consumable 106 from the aerosol generating device 108 upon detecting the exhaust input.

[0085] It is important to note that the various features described above may be used in various combinations. For example, the insertion sensor 104 may comprise an optical sensor, but the stop sensor 120 may not be another optical sensor, but rather a mechanical switch configured to be depressed by the aerosol substrate consumable 106, or there may not be a stop sensor at all, but rather an actuator in the form of a roller configured to stop rotating after a predetermined number of rotations. This is merely an example, but in fact any type of insertion sensor 102 described above may be used with any type of stop sensor 120 and / or ejection sensor 122.

[0086] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and described above.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism (100) for loading an aerosol substrate consumable (106) into an aerosol generating device (108), comprising: an actuator (102) configured, in use, to further load a partially inserted aerosol substrate consumable (106) into said aerosol generating device (108); an insertion sensor (104) configured to detect an actuation input; Equipped with the actuator (102) is configured to further load the aerosol substrate consumable (106) into the aerosol generating device (108) upon detecting the actuation input; An aerosol substrate consumable loading mechanism (100).

2. The actuator (102) comprises a roller and a guide (112); the roller and the guide (112) defining an area therebetween for receiving the consumable (106); The loading mechanism (100) of claim 1.

3. the insertion sensor (104) comprises one or more optical sensors; the actuation input includes the detection by the one or more optical sensors that the consumable (106) is partially inserted into the aerosol generation device (108); A loading mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the insertion sensor (104) comprises an insertion switch configured to be depressed; the actuation input includes the depression of the insertion switch by the consumable (106) during the partial insertion into the aerosol generating device (108). A loading mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the insertion sensor (104) comprises a magnetic sensor; the actuation input includes the detection by the magnetic sensor of movement of the roller resulting from the insertion of the consumable into the aerosol generating device; The loading mechanism (100) of claim 2.

6. the insertion sensor (104) comprises a button or a touchpad; the actuation input comprises a user input on the button or touchpad; A loading mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. a stop sensor (120) configured to detect a stop input; the actuator (102) is configured to stop further insertion of the consumable (106) when the stop sensor detects the stop input. A loading mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The stop sensor (120) one or more light sensors; a stop switch configured to be depressed by the consumable (106) when the consumable (106) reaches a predetermined threshold; comprising one or more of: The loading mechanism (100) of claim 7.

9. the actuator (102) comprises a roller; the roller is configured to stop rotating after a predetermined number of insertion revolutions; A loading mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The actuator (102) is configured to cease operation when the load required to drive the actuator (102) increases beyond a predetermined load threshold. A loading mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

11. a discharge sensor (122); the exhaust sensor (122) is configured to detect an exhaust input; the actuator (102) is configured to expel the consumable (106) from the aerosol generating device (108) when the expulsion sensor (122) detects the expulsion input. A loading mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A charge heating system for an aerosol generating device (108), comprising: A loading mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2; a heating chamber (116) into which, in use, said actuator (102) is configured to load said consumable (106); A load heating system comprising:

13. An aerosol generating device (108), comprising: The load heating system of claim 12; an outer housing (124) substantially enclosing the heating chamber, the outer housing (124) including an opening for receiving the consumable (106) within the heating chamber; a power supply for powering the load heating system; An aerosol generating device (108) comprising:

14. an open configuration in which the consumable (106) is insertable into the aerosol generating device (108); a closure configuration in which a lid (110) prevents access of the consumable (106) to the aerosol generating device (108); a movable lid (110) configured to move between the insertion sensor (104) is configured to detect when the lid (110) is in an open configuration; the actuator (102) is configured to further load the partially inserted consumable (106) into the aerosol generating device (108) when the actuator (102) detects that the lid (110) has moved to the open configuration.

14. The aerosol generating device (108) of claim 13.

15. A method for loading an aerosol substrate consumable (106) into an aerosol generating device (108), comprising: Detecting an actuation input at an insertion sensor (104); operating an actuator (102) in response to the detected actuation input to move a partially inserted consumable item (106) further into the aerosol generation device (108); A method comprising:

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