Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device comprising a main housing, the main housing comprising a heating element protruding into the main housing. The device further comprises a receptacle (120) arranged around the heating element and arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article, the receptacle (120) having one or more outer protrusions (122). The device also comprises a rotatable tube (124) having one or more helical tracks (126, 128), one or more protrusions (122) on the receptacle (120) engaging with the one or more helical tracks (126, 128), and in use, the rotatable tube (124) can be rotated to translate the receptacle (120) relative to the heating element so as to effect removal or at least partial removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device and an aerosol supply system.

Background Art

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

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above-described devices and products are known. A common system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In many cases, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used to supply different aerosols for inhalation.

[0004] It is known to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium using a resistive heater.

[0005] Conventional aerosol supply devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0006] One problem with known aerosol supply devices is that the aerosol-generating article can adhere to the heating element.

[0007] There is a desire to provide an improved aerosol supply device.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect, A main housing comprising a heating element, the heating element protruding into the main housing, the main housing, and A receptacle disposed around the heating element and arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article, the receptacle having one or more outer protrusions, the receptacle, and A rotatable tube having one or more spiral tracks, wherein one or more protrusions on the receptacle engage with one or more spiral tracks, and in use, the rotatable tube can be rotated to translate the receptacle relative to the heating element so as to remove or at least partially remove the aerosol-generating article from the heating element. An aerosol supply device is provided.

[0009] Known aerosol supply devices with a heater element have the problem that the aerosol-generating article may adhere to the heater element during use. The aerosol supply device according to various embodiments is particularly beneficial in that the receptacle seats around the aerosol-generating article and can be translated relative to the heating element by rotation of the rotatable tube. This facilitates the removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heating element.

[0010] Optionally, the receptacle is translatable between a first position in which the receptacle is fully advanced into the main housing and a second position in which the receptacle is at least partially advanced so as to exit the main housing.

[0011] Optionally, the receptacle comprises a base with an aperture through which the heating element passes, and when moving from the first position to the second position, the base of the receptacle moves towards the free end of the heating element.

[0012] Optionally, in the second position, the base of the receptacle extends beyond the free end of the heating element.

[0013] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a tubular cover arranged to cover the rotatable tube, and the tubular cover is arranged to engage the rotatable tube such that rotation of the tubular cover drives rotation of the rotatable tube during use.

[0014] Optionally, the receptacle is translatable between a first position in which the receptacle is fully enclosed within the tubular cover and a second position in which the receptacle protrudes from the open end of the tubular cover.

[0015] Optionally, the receptacle is translatable in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol supply device.

[0016] Optionally, the tubular cover is configured to be sleeved onto the rotatable tube.

[0017] Optionally, the tubular cover may have a frustoconical cross-sectional profile comprising a first arcuate section having a curved outer surface and a second linear section having a flat outer surface.

[0018] Optionally, the outer dimensions of the receptacle may substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the rotatable tube.

[0019] Optionally, the one or more protrusions may comprise a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the one or more spiral tracks may comprise a first spiral track and a second spiral track, the first protrusion being arranged to engage the first spiral track, and the second protrusion being arranged to engage the second spiral track.

[0020] Optionally, the second protrusion is positioned on the side of the receptacle opposite the first protrusion.

[0021] Optionally, each of the one or more protrusions comprises a circular cross-sectional profile.

[0022] Optionally, the receptacle is cylindrical and the rotatable tube is cylindrical.

[0023] Optionally, the rotatable tube comprises one or more retaining elements arranged to engage a tubular cover arranged to cover the rotatable tube.

[0024] Optionally, each of the one or more retaining elements is elastically biased to engage the tubular cover.

[0025] Optionally, each of the one or more retaining elements comprises a chamfer configured to allow the tubular cover to pass over the retaining element during assembly of the aerosol supply device.

[0026] Optionally, the receptacle comprises a first alignment feature and the main housing comprises a second alignment feature, and the first alignment feature is arranged to engage the second alignment feature.

[0027] Optionally, the first alignment feature is arranged to engage the second alignment feature when the receptacle is fully advanced into the main housing.

[0028] Optionally, one of the first alignment feature or the second alignment feature comprises an alignment protrusion and the other of the first alignment feature or the second alignment feature comprises a notch shaped to receive the alignment protrusion. According to another aspect, the aerosol supply device described above, an aerosol generating article for insertion into the aerosol supply device, and an aerosol supply system is provided.

[0029] Next, various embodiments will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Certain examples and aspects and features of embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed in detail or described herein. Accordingly, it will be understood that among the aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail, those aspects and features may be implemented according to the prior art for implementing such aspects and features.

[0032] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustion” aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating material (or its components) of the aerosol supply system is neither burned nor ignited in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0033] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol supply system.

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials that can be heated, one or more of which. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, 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 include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0037] Typically, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustion aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol supply device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that comprise an aerosol-generating material and are configured to be used with a non-combustion aerosol supply device. These consumables may sometimes be referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

[0039] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol supply system, such as its non-combustion aerosol supply device, etc., may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon base material that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the heat generating power source.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a suction port, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0041] In some embodiments, the consumables for use with a non-combustion aerosol supply device may include an 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 packaging material, a filter, a suction port, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0042] The aerosol generating material is, for example, a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized by any other method. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), with or without containing, for example, an active substance and / or a flavoring agent.

[0043] The aerosol generating material may include a binder and an aerosol forming agent. Optionally, an activator and / or a 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 does not substantially include plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating material does not substantially include tobacco.

[0044] The aerosol - generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavors, one or more aerosol - forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0045] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol - generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol - generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol - generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol - generating material.

[0046] A consumable is an article that comprises or consists of an aerosol - generating material, and part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may comprise one or more other components such as an aerosol - generating material storage area, an aerosol - generating material transfer component, an aerosol - generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator such as a heater that generates heat during use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0047] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol supply device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may comprise a power supply such as, for example, a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol generating article may partially or wholly comprise the aerosol generating component.

[0048] To complete, aerosol supply devices comprising an induction element are known. The aerosol supply device may comprise one or more inductors and a susceptor configured to be heated by the one or more inductors.

[0049] The susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that its penetration by the varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that its penetration by the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0050] Next, various embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0051] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply device 100 positioned within an elongated cavity of a charging unit 101, according to one illustrated embodiment. The charging unit 101 may comprise a power source (not shown). The power source may include, for example, a hermetically sealed battery, a pouch cell battery, or some combination thereof, such as a battery (disposable or rechargeable), a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable all-solid-state battery (SSB), or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB). Although the aerosol supply device 100 is shown in combination with the charging unit 101, it will be understood that the aerosol supply device 100 may be powered by any other means. For example, a power source provided in the aerosol supply device 100 may be charged by plugging a power supply into the aerosol supply device 100, or the power source may be replaceable, for example, in the form of a replaceable battery.

[0052] The aerosol supply device 100 may be left within the charging unit 101 for a predetermined time to enable sufficient charging of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the charging unit 101 may be configured to charge the aerosol supply device 100 to full charge in a time of <10 minutes, 10 - 20 minutes, 20 - 30 minutes, 30 - 40 minutes, 40 - 50 minutes, 50 - 60 minutes, or >60 minutes.

[0053] The charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol supply device 100 may optionally have an indicator for providing the user with a visual or other representation of the charge level of the aerosol supply device 100. Additionally, there may be a separate indicator providing a visual representation of the charge level of the charging unit 101. The current charge level of the aerosol supply device 100 and / or the charging unit 101 may be determined by control means disposed within the aerosol supply device 100 and / or the charging unit 101.

[0054] The visual indicator may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, other embodiments are contemplated where the visual indicator can be replaced with an auditory indicator (e.g., a speaker) or a tactile indicator.

[0055] The aerosol supply device 100 may comprise an outer housing that can have a tubular and / or cylindrical shape. However, other embodiments are envisioned where the aerosol supply device 100 can take other desired forms, for example, the aerosol supply device 100 can be box-shaped. According to one embodiment, the outer housing of the aerosol supply device 100 may comprise an electrical insulator and may be formed, for example, of polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100 may comprise one or more orientation mechanisms and / or one or more magnets for fixing the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100 to the base of the charging unit 101.

[0057] The aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into the cavity of the charging unit 101 to recharge the aerosol supply device 100 by receiving power from the charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may comprise an internal battery for supplying power to the aerosol supply device 100. The charging unit 101 may also be connected to an external power source.

[0058] The charging unit 101 may comprise a lid or cover 102 that can be slid by the user between an open position and a closed position. The lid or cover 102 is provided at the entrance of a cavity provided within the charging unit 101 and configured to receive the aerosol supply device 100.

[0059] The aerosol supply device 100 includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. According to one embodiment, the aerosol supply device 100 comprises a resistive heater for heating an aerosol-generating article.

[0060] When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position, the opening to the cavity is exposed, whereby the user can either remove the aerosol supply device 100 from the charging unit 101 (for using the aerosol supply device 100) or alternatively insert the aerosol supply device 100 into the charging unit 101 (for charging the aerosol supply device 100).

[0061] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100 positioned or docked within the charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 105, and a resistive heating element 104 projects within the main housing 105. The aerosol supply device 100 further comprises a removable cap 106 that can be magnetically held to the main housing 105.

[0062] The removable cap 106 includes a receptacle 120 for receiving a consumable. In use, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the receptacle 120. The receptacle 120 includes a tubular housing having a base 121. The base 121 of the receptacle 120 has an aperture 119, and the resistive heating element 104 is arranged to project through the aperture 119. The aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 by inserting the aerosol-generating article through an opening within the removable cap 106 and then inserting the aerosol-generating article within the receptacle 120 and onto the heating element 104. The heating element 104 has a blade-like profile, and in use, the aerosol-generating article can be pressed onto the heating element 104, whereby the blade-like profile of the heating element 104 is inserted within the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The heating element 104 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating article internally.

[0063] The heating element 104 comprises a free end 107 that freely projects into a cavity 109 defined within the aerosol supply device 100.

[0064] At the end of the session, when the aerosol-generating article is consumed, the receptacle 120 can then be translated relative to the heating element 104 enclosed within the main housing 105. It will be understood that the process of translating the receptacle 120 will have the effect that the base 121 of the receptacle 120 will come into contact with the bottom surface of the aerosol-generating article. When the receptacle 120 is translated relative to the heating element 104, the base 121 of the receptacle 120 contacts the distal end of the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article will be separated from the heating element 104 or otherwise removed. The translation of the receptacle 120 relative to the heating element 104 and the mechanism for driving this translation are discussed in more detail below.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol supply device 100 further comprises a rotatable tube 124 configured to be rotatable relative to the main housing 105 and to translate the receptacle 120 relative to the heater element 104. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the receptacle 120 assembled with the rotatable tube 124.

[0066] The rotatable tube 124 may have a partial circumferential groove 300 that can engage a corresponding protrusion (not shown) provided on the tubular main housing 105 of the aerosol supply device 100. The partial circumferential groove 300 may extend, for example, 90° around the circumference at the bottom of the rotatable tube 124. It will be understood that the partial circumferential groove 300 may extend at different proportions around the circumference.

[0067] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the tubular main housing 105 may comprise the partial circumferential groove 300 and the rotatable tube 124 may comprise a protrusion that engages the partial circumferential groove 300.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the rotatable tube 124 can rotate, for example, 90° relative to the main housing 105. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the rotatable tube 124 is rotated 90°, the protrusions 122, 123 rise along the spiral tracks 126, 128, and as a result, the receptacle 120 will move linearly upward and away from the heating element 104.

[0069] The receptacle 120 is disposed around a heating element 104 (see FIG. 2) that protrudes into the main housing 105. The receptacle 120 can receive an aerosol-generating article (not shown) in use, and the aerosol-generating article can be pressed onto the heating element 104, which may include a blade heating element. In one embodiment, the receptacle 120 comprises a first protrusion 122 and a second protrusion 123 (this is not shown in FIG. 3 but can be seen in FIG. 6). The first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123 are outer protrusions that extend away from the outer surface 121 of the receptacle 120. The first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123 can extend radially, and thus, each can extend radially outward.

[0070] The rotatable tube 124 may comprise a first spiral track 126 and a second spiral track 128. The first protrusion 122 engages the first spiral track 126, and the second protrusion 123 engages the second spiral track 128. The illustrated embodiment comprises two protrusions 122, 123 and two spiral tracks 126, 128, but any number of protrusions and spiral tracks may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second protrusions 122, 123 are disposed on both sides of the receptacle 120, and the spiral tracks 126, 128 are positioned on both sides of the rotatable tube 124. However, the protrusions 122, 123 and the corresponding spiral tracks 126, 128 may be disposed in any suitable position such that the interaction between the protrusions 122, 123 and the corresponding spiral tracks 126, 128 drives the translation of the receptacle 120 when the rotatable tube 124 is rotated.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first and second protrusions 122, 123 may have a circular cross-sectional profile. By having a circular cross-sectional profile, it can be ensured that the first and second protrusions 122, 123 move smoothly within the corresponding spiral tracks 126, 128. However, the first and second protrusions 122, 123 may have any cross-sectional profile that allows the protrusions 122, 123 to move within the spiral tracks 126, 128. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, the receptacle 120 is cylindrical and the rotatable tube 124 is also cylindrical. This may enable rotation of the rotatable tube 124 relative to the receptacle 120.

[0072] In some embodiments, the rotatable tube 124 may further include one or more retaining elements 130. Although only one retaining element 130 can be seen in FIG. 3, the rotatable tube 124 may include a second retaining element 130 disposed on the opposite side of the rotatable tube 124. Any number of retaining elements 130 may be provided on the rotatable tube 124. One or more retaining elements 130 may be used to fix the rotatable tube to the cover.

[0073] The receptacle 120 may further include one or more first alignment features 132. The first alignment features 132 do not extend radially outward enough to prevent or impede the receptacle 120 from moving linearly upward inside the rotatable tube 124. The first alignment features 132 will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0074] When the rotatable tube 124 is rotated, the respective engagement of the first and second protrusions 122, 123 with the first and second spiral tracks 126, 128 causes the receptacle 120 to translate relative to the rotatable tube 124. The spiral tracks 126, 128 act to convert the rotation of the rotatable tube 124 into a linear translation of the receptacle 120.

[0075] The rotatable tube 124 is maintained in a fixed vertical position within the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the rotatable tube 124 may be attached to the main housing 105 and may rotate approximately 90° relative to the main housing 105.

[0076] As a result, rotation of the rotatable tube 124 will cause translation of the receptacle 120 relative to the heating element 104. When an aerosol generating article is disposed within the receptacle 120, this translation may act to remove, e.g., separate, the aerosol generating article from the heating element 104. This simple act of rotating the rotatable tube 124 to remove the aerosol generating article from the aerosol supply device 100 may improve the ease of use of the aerosol supply device 100 for the user.

[0077] In some embodiments, the receptacle 120 may be translatable between a first position where the receptacle 120 is fully advanced within the main housing 105 (i.e., the position of the receptacle 120 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second position where the receptacle 120 is at least partially advanced out of the main housing 105.

[0078] Thus, it will be appreciated that the position of the receptacle 120 shown in FIG. 3 is such that the receptacle 120 is positioned fully downward within the aerosol supply device 100, allowing the aerosol generating article to be fully inserted onto the heating element 104. Then, when the rotatable tube 124 is rotated, the receptacle 120 will move upward relative to the main housing 105, and as a result, the base 121 of the receptacle 120 will pull the aerosol generating article away from the heating element 104. In some embodiments, the receptacle 120 may be translated longitudinally relative to the aerosol supply device 100.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the receptacle is in the first position (the position where the receptacle 120 is fully advanced within the main housing 105), a portion of the receptacle 120 may still protrude from the main housing 105. Thereafter, when the receptacle 120 is moved to the second position, the receptacle 120 is advanced so as to exit the main housing 105, and the receptacle 120 will protrude from the main housing 105 by the amount it is raised.

[0080] As described above, the receptacle 120 may comprise a base 121 having an aperture 119 through which the heating element 104 projects. In some embodiments, when the receptacle 120 is moved from the first position to the second position, the base 121 of the receptacle may move towards the free end 107 of the heating element 104 (see FIG. 2). By moving towards the free end 107 of the heating element 104, the aerosol-generating article may be beneficially released from the heating element 104, thereby making it easier for the user to remove the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol supply device 100.

[0081] In some embodiments, when the receptacle 120 is in the second position, the base 121 of the receptacle 120 may pass beyond the free end 107 of the heating element 104. Thus, any aerosol-generating article within the receptacle 120 may become completely detached from the heating element 104. This may further facilitate the removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol supply device 100.

[0082] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the rotatable tube 124 alone. The rotatable tube 124 includes a hollow core 134 that extends through the receptacle 120 in use. The first and second helical tracks 126, 128 follow a helical profile but do not necessarily form a complete helix. As shown, each helical track 126, 128 extends only around a portion of the circumference of the rotatable tube 124. The extent and configuration of the helical tracks 126, 128 or each helical track 126, 128 may depend on the amount of translation required for the receptacle 120, the amount of force that a user can apply to the rotatable tube 124, and / or the amount that a user can rotate the rotatable tube 124 operably.

[0083] FIG. 5 shows a view focused on the retaining element 130 of the rotatable tube 124 described above. In some embodiments, the retaining element 130 includes a chamfer 136. The retaining element 130 can be used to secure the tubular cover.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a view showing the assembly of the rotatable tube 124 and the receptacle 120. As shown, the receptacle 120 may first be inserted into the hollow core 134 of the rotatable tube 124. The width of the receptacle 120 at its widest point, i.e., where the first and second protrusions 122, 123 are located, may be wider than the hollow core 134 of the tube 124. Thus, at least one of the rotatable tube 124 or the receptacle 120 may be formed of an elastically deformable material to allow the receptacle 120 to be inserted into the rotatable tube 124. As shown at the far right of FIG. 6, when the receptacle 120 is fully inserted into the rotatable tube 124, the first and second protrusions 122, 123 will engage the respective first and second helical tracks 126, 128.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol supply device 100 may further include a cap or tubular cover 106a. The cap or tubular cover 106a may be attached to a rotatable tube 124 with a receptacle 120 disposed therein. The rotatable tube 124 and the receptacle 120 may be inserted into the hollow core of the cap or tubular cover 106a. In some embodiments, as shown, the cap or tubular cover 106a may be attached to the rotatable tube 124 in a sleeve-like manner. The cap or tubular cover 106a may engage the rotatable tube 124 such that rotation of the cap or tubular cover 106a drives rotation of the rotatable tube 124, which causes translation of the receptacle 120. The cap or tubular cover 106a may be fixed to retaining element(s) 130 provided on the rotatable tube 124.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the cap or tubular cover 106a is arranged to engage the rotatable tube 124 such that rotation of the cap or tubular cover 106a drives rotation of the rotatable tube 124 during use. The receptacle 120 may be translatable between a first position in which the receptacle 120 is completely enclosed within the cap or tubular cover 106a and a second position in which the receptacle 120 protrudes from the open end of the cap or tubular cover 106a.

[0087] In some embodiments, the receptacle 120 may be translatable between a first position shown in FIG. 7, in which the receptacle 120 is completely enclosed within the cap or tubular cover 106a, and a second position in which the receptacle 120 protrudes from the open end 146 of the cap or tubular cover 106a. Thus, it may be possible to remove the aerosol-generating article enclosed within the receptacle 120 without removing the cap or tubular cover 106a. Thereby, the usability of the aerosol supply device 100 may be further improved.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the cap or tubular cover 106a may comprise a frustoconical cross-sectional profile having a first arcuate section with a curved outer surface 140 and a second linear section with a flat outer surface 142. The flat outer surface 142 may enable a user to achieve improved gripping on the cap or tubular cover 106a, thereby enabling the user to more easily rotate the cap or tubular cover 106a. In some embodiments, the cap or tubular cover 106a may comprise alternative gripping means to facilitate improved gripping by the user.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the receptacle 120 comprises at least one first alignment feature 132. In some embodiments, the first alignment feature 132 may be in the form of an alignment protrusion extending outside the receptacle 120. The first alignment feature 132 may extend radially outward from the receptacle 120. The first alignment feature 132 may be arranged to engage with a second alignment feature 148 disposed on the main housing 105. In some embodiments, the second alignment feature 148 may be in the form of a notch within the main housing 105 shaped to receive the first alignment feature 132. Any suitable first alignment feature 132 and second alignment feature 148 may be utilized. The first alignment feature 132 is shown in the form of a protrusion and the second alignment feature 148 is shown in the form of a notch, but this configuration may be reversed or indeed any other suitable configuration may be used.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first alignment feature 132 can engage the second alignment feature 148 when the receptacle 120 is fully advanced within the main housing 105. However, it is contemplated that the first alignment feature 132 and the second alignment feature 148 may be disposed in any other suitable positions such that the first alignment feature 132 and the second alignment feature 148 engage in any other suitable position of the receptacle 120 relative to the main housing 105. Engagement of the first alignment feature 132 with the second alignment feature 148 can help ensure that the components of the aerosol supply device 100 are aligned and assembled in the correct orientation. The first alignment feature 132 can be disengaged from the second alignment feature 148 when the receptacle 120 is translated away from the fully advanced position shown in FIG. 8. When the receptacle 120 is returned to the fully advanced position shown in FIG. 8, the first alignment feature can re-engage the second alignment feature 148. The first and second alignment features 132, 148 need not necessarily contact each other when engaged. Instead, the first alignment feature 132 may seat within the second alignment feature 148 without contacting it.

[0091] In the above-described embodiments, one or more protrusions are disposed on the receptacle and one or more helical tracks are disposed on the rotatable tube, but it will be understood that this arrangement may be reversed such that one or more protrusions are disposed on the rotatable tube and one or more helical tracks are disposed on the receptacle.

[0092] According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device 100 having a rotatable tube 124 is disclosed. The rotatable tube 124 can be rotated relative to the main housing 105, and the rotational movement of the rotatable tube 124 can be converted into a linear movement of the receptacle 120. The receptacle 120 includes a base 121 having an aperture 119, and the heating element 104 projects through the aperture 119. The aerosol generating article may be fixed on the heating element 104. When the receptacle 120 is moved upward by the rotation of the rotatable tube 124, the aerosol generating article can be separated from the heating element 104 by the receptacle 120.

[0093] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

**Claim 1** A main housing comprising a heating element, wherein the heating element protrudes into the main housing, the main housing, and A receptacle disposed around the heating element and arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article, the receptacle having one or more outward protrusions, the receptacle, and A rotatable tube having one or more helical tracks, wherein the one or more protrusions on the receptacle engage with the one or more helical tracks, and in use, the rotatable tube is rotated to translate the receptacle relative to the heating element so as to remove or at least partially remove the aerosol-generating article from the heating element. An aerosol supply device. **Claim 2** The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is translatable between a first position in which the receptacle is fully advanced into the main housing and a second position in which the receptacle is at least partially advanced so as to exit the main housing. **Claim 3** The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the receptacle comprises a base having an aperture through which the heating element passes, and when moving from the first position to the second position, the base of the receptacle moves towards the free end of the heating element. **Claim 4** The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein at the second position, the base of the receptacle extends beyond the free end of the heating element. **Claim 5** The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a tubular cover arranged to cover the rotatable tube, the tubular cover being arranged to engage with the rotatable tube such that rotation of the tubular cover drives rotation of the rotatable tube in use. **Claim 6** The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the receptacle is translatable between a first position in which the receptacle is fully enclosed within the tubular cover and a second position in which the receptacle protrudes from the open end of the tubular cover. **Claim 7** The aerosol supply device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the tubular cover is configured to be sleeved onto the rotatable tube. **Claim 8** The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, 6, or 7, wherein the tubular cover has a frustoconical cross-sectional profile including a first arcuate section having a curved outer surface and a second straight section having a flat outer surface.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the receptacle is translatable in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol supply device.

10. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer dimensions of the receptacle substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the rotatable tube.

11. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the one or more protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the one or more spiral tracks include a first spiral track and a second spiral track, the first protrusion is arranged to engage with the first spiral track, and the second protrusion is arranged to engage with the second spiral track.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 11, wherein the second protrusion is positioned on the side of the receptacle opposite to the first protrusion.

13. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the one or more protrusions has a circular cross-sectional profile.

14. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the receptacle is cylindrical and the rotatable tube is cylindrical.

15. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the rotatable tube comprises one or more retaining elements arranged to engage with a tubular cover arranged to cover the rotatable tube.

16. The aerosol supply device according to claim 15, wherein each of the one or more retaining elements is elastically biased to engage with the tubular cover.

17. The aerosol supply device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein each of the one or more retaining elements comprises a chamfered portion configured to allow the tubular cover to pass over the retaining element during assembly of the aerosol supply device.

18. The receptacle comprises a first alignment feature, the main housing comprises a second alignment feature, and the first alignment feature is arranged to engage with the second alignment feature. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18, wherein the first alignment feature is arranged to engage with the second alignment feature when the receptacle is fully advanced into the main housing.

20. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein one of the first alignment feature or the second alignment feature comprises an alignment protrusion, and the other of the first alignment feature or the second alignment feature comprises a notch shaped to receive the alignment protrusion.

21. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, an aerosol generating article for insertion into the aerosol supply device, and an aerosol supply system comprising the same.

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