Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device (300) comprising a chamber having an opening (305) arranged to receive an aerosol product. The device (300) further comprises a cover (303) arranged to move between a first position in which the opening (305) of the chamber is at least partially closed by the cover (303) and a second position in which the opening (305) is substantially not closed by the cover (303). The cover (303) is configured to be actuated by a user such that at least one actuation of the cover (303) results in at least one corresponding actuation of the aerosol supply device (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Technical Field) The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, and a method for generating an aerosol.

Background Art

[0002] (Background Art) 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 that may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] An aerosol supply system covering the above-described devices or products is known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In many cases, in order to supply different aerosols for inhalation, it is necessary to exchange or change the medium used. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater for generating an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a fluctuating magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by penetration by the fluctuating magnetic field to heat a suitable medium.

[0004] Conventional aerosol supply devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] (Summary of the Invention) According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device, A chamber having an opening arranged to receive aerosol products, The chamber comprises a cover positioned to move between a first position in which the opening is at least partially closed by the cover and a second position in which the opening is substantially not closed by the cover, An aerosol supply device is provided, the cover being configured to be operated by a user such that at least one operation of the cover results in at least one corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device.

[0006] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device arranged to receive aerosol products, A charging unit for charging an aerosol supply device, comprising a charging unit having a cavity having an opening arranged to receive an aerosol supply device, The device comprises a cover positioned to move between a first position in which the opening of the cavity is at least partially closed by the cover and a second position in which the opening is substantially not closed by the cover, An aerosol supply system is provided, in which the cover is configured to be operated by the user such that at least one operation of the cover results in at least one corresponding operation of the supply device and / or charging unit.

[0007] Optionally, at least one action involves the physical movement of the cover.

[0008] Optionally, at least one action involves the user pressing down on the cover.

[0009] Optionally, at least one operation includes multiple different operations, each operation resulting in a different corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device.

[0010] Optionally, at least one operation includes moving the cover from a first position to a second position, and the corresponding operation includes the operation of the aerosol supply device and / or charging unit. For example, the operation of the aerosol supply device may include the operation of the aerosol generator, if included.

[0011] Optionally, at least one operation includes moving the cover to a first position (e.g., from a second position), and the corresponding operation includes shutting down the aerosol supply device and / or charging unit. For example, shutting down may include shutting down the aerosol generator, if included.

[0012] Optionally, the cover is positioned to slide between a first position and a second position.

[0013] Optionally, the cover is configured to slide linearly between a first position and a second position.

[0014] Optionally, the cover is positioned to move to a third position that is not on the path between the first and second positions.

[0015] Optionally, at least one action includes moving the cover to a third position.

[0016] Optionally, the cover is positioned to move (i) from the first position to the third position without passing through the second position, or (ii) from the second position to the third position without passing through the first position.

[0017] Optionally, the movement of the cover to the third position is in a different direction than the direction of movement of the cover when it moves between the first and second positions.

[0018] Optionally, the cover is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, and at least one action includes rotating the cover about the axis.

[0019] Optionally, the axis of rotation is substantially aligned with or perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cover when the axis of rotation is moved between the first and second positions.

[0020] Optionally, the aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system is elongated and has a longitudinal axis, and the axis of rotation is not aligned with the longitudinal axis.

[0021] Optionally, the cover includes at least one button, and at least one actuation includes the user pressing the at least one button.

[0022] Optionally, the at least one button includes a plurality of buttons, and each button corresponds to a different actuation.

[0023] Optionally, the at least one button includes at least one capacitive button.

[0024] Optionally, the at least one button includes at least one mechanical button.

[0025] Optionally, the corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device includes at least one actuation and <COUNTER=27> (i) the position where the cover is initially when the cover is actuated, and (ii) depends on at least one of the state of the aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system.

[0026] Optionally, the aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system further comprises a communication device configured to communicate information for reception by the user.

[0027] [[ID=COUNTER=38]

[0028] Optionally, the communication device includes wireless connection means for connecting to an external device, or wired means for connecting to an external device.

[0029] Optionally, the corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device includes the operation of a communication device for transmitting information for reception by the user.

[0030] Optionally, the information transmitted by the communication device includes at least one operation and (i) The initial position of the cover when it is activated, (ii) The state of the aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system, and at least one of the above.

[0031] Optionally, the communication device may be configured to output information only when an aerosol supply device or charging unit is in use, for a predetermined period after the operation of the aerosol supply device or charging unit, and / or when a separate user interface is activated.

[0032] Optionally, the information that the user receives may include information regarding the status of the aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system.

[0033] Optionally, information regarding the status of an aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system is provided. (i) Battery level and, (ii) The amount of aerosol-generating material available, (iii) The types of aerosol-generating materials available, including one or more of the following:

[0034] Optionally, in the first position, the opening is completely sealed by the cover.

[0035] Optionally, in the second position, the opening is not concealed by the cover.

[0036] Optionally, the aerosol supply device includes an aerosol generator for generating aerosols from aerosol products received internally during use.

[0037] Optionally, the aerosol generator includes a heating element configured to heat an article containing an aerosol-generating material in order to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.

[0038] Optionally, the aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system further comprises a controller configured to cause a corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device or charging unit, wherein at least one operation causes the controller to transmit or detect at least one corresponding control signal.

[0039] Optionally, at least one corresponding operation includes at least one of the following: activating or deactivating an aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system; operating an aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system in a specific operating mode; activating or deactivating an aerosol generator (if provided); and causing a communication device to output or stop outputting information for the user to receive.

[0040] Optionally, the cover is at least partially transparent.

[0041] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply device, A chamber having an opening arranged to receive aerosol products, The chamber comprises a cover positioned to move between a first position in which the opening is at least partially closed by the cover and a second position in which the opening is substantially open, An aerosol supply device is provided, in which at least a portion of the cover is at least partially transparent.

[0042] In another embodiment, an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device arranged to receive aerosol products, A charging unit for charging an aerosol supply device, comprising a cavity having an opening arranged to receive the aerosol supply device, The device comprises a cover positioned to move between a first position in which the opening of the cavity is at least partially closed by the cover and a second position in which the opening is substantially open, An aerosol supply system is provided in which at least a portion of the cover is at least partially transparent.

[0043] Optionally, the cover has an average light transmittance over a wavelength range of 380–700 nm with at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95%.

[0044] Optionally, the aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system further comprises a communication device equipped with a visual indicator device for providing visual indication to the user.

[0045] Optionally, the visual indicator device is positioned so that it is substantially visible to the user when the cover is moved to any position, including between the first and second positions and between the first and second positions.

[0046] Optionally, the visual indicator is positioned such that it is substantially visible to the user when the cover is in the first and second positions.

[0047] Optionally, the visual indicator is positioned such that it is substantially visible to the user when the cover is in a first position, and substantially invisible to the user when the cover is in a second position.

[0048] Optionally, the visual indicator is positioned such that it is substantially invisible to the user when the cover is in a first position, and substantially visible to the user when the cover is in a second position.

[0049] Optionally, the visual indicator means is positioned such that it is at least partially covered by the cover when the cover is in a second position.

[0050] Optionally, the visual indicator means is positioned such that, when the cover is in a second position, the visual marking is at least partially visible to the user through a portion of the cover that is at least partially transparent.

[0051] Optionally, the visual indicator means includes a light source.

[0052] Optionally, the light source includes at least one LED.

[0053] The light source may optionally include multiple LEDs.

[0054] Optionally, the plurality of LEDs comprises at least one LED of a first color and at least one LED of a second color different from the first color.

[0055] The light source is optionally equipped with a screen.

[0056] Embodiments in which the cover may include a photonic coating are also conceivable. For example, the UV source may be positioned to emit electromagnetic radiation, and the photonic coating may be positioned to emit fluorescence. Embodiments in which the cover emits light are also conceivable.

[0057] According to one embodiment, a movable cover for an aerosol supply device is provided, the cover being positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths less than 380 nm and to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum between 380 and 700 nm.

[0058] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device, A chamber having an opening arranged to receive aerosol products, The chamber comprises a cover positioned to move between a first position in which the opening is at least partially closed by the cover and a second position in which the opening is substantially not closed by the cover, The cover provides an aerosol supply device configured to be operated by the user to send control signals to the controller.

[0059] The cover may be actuated mechanically or physically, for example by being pressed by a user, or alternatively, via capacitive sensing.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a movable cover for an aerosol supply device is provided, which can be operated by a user to transmit control signals to a controller.

[0061] According to another embodiment, The aerosol supply device described above, Aerosol products containing aerosol-generating materials, An aerosol supply system is provided that includes the following features.

[0062] According to one embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol, To provide the above-mentioned aerosol supply device, Inserting an aerosol product containing an aerosol generating material into an aerosol supply device at least partially, Activating the aerosol supply device, A method is provided that includes this.

[0063] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0064] (Brief explanation of the drawing) [Figure 1] This describes an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device located within a charging unit, according to one embodiment in which the charging unit has an operable cover. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device into which the aerosol product is inserted. [Figure 4] The image shows a top perspective view of an aerosol supply system according to one embodiment, with the cover on the charging unit in a second (e.g., open) position. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 6] Figure 4 shows a top perspective view of the aerosol supply system, with the cover on the charging unit in a first (e.g., closed) position. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 8] A perspective view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, equipped with an operable cover, is shown. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the aerosol supply device with the cover in a first (e.g., closed) position. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows a top view of the aerosol supply device when the cover is in the first position. [Figure 11] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the aerosol supply device with the cover in a second (e.g., open) position. [Figure 12] Figure 11 shows an overhead view of the aerosol supply device with the cover in the second position. [Figure 13] A perspective view of another aerosol supply device according to a different embodiment is shown. [Figure 14] A perspective view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, which includes a cover positioned to rotate around an axis, is shown. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device shown, with the cover rotated in the first direction. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device shown in Figure 14, with the cover in a non-rotating position. [Figure 17] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device shown, with the cover rotated in a second direction. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, which includes a cover that can be operated by pressing the cover. [Figure 19] This is a top view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, which includes a cover configured to move to a third position. [Figure 20] This is a view from above of the aerosol supply device shown in Figure 19, indicating the third position. [Figure 21] This is a top view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, which includes a cover configured to move to a third position, different from the third position shown in the embodiment of Figure 20. [Figure 22] This is a view from above of the aerosol supply device shown in Figure 21, indicating the third position. [Figure 23] A perspective view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, which includes a communication device and has a cover that is at least partially transparent, is shown. [Figure 24] Figure 23 shows an overhead view of the aerosol supply device with the cover in the first position. [Figure 25] Figure 23 shows an overhead view of the aerosol supply device with the cover in the second position. [Figure 26] The image shows a top view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, which includes a cover having transparent and opaque portions, with the cover in a first position. [Figure 27] Figure 26 shows an overhead view of the aerosol supply device with the cover in the second position. [Figure 28]The image shows a top view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, which includes a cover having a transparent portion and an opaque portion, with the cover in a first position such that the opaque portion blocks the communication device. [Figure 29] Figure 28 shows a view from above of the aerosol supply device, where the cover is in a second position, with the transparent portion above the communication device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0065] (Modes for carrying out the invention) According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or their components) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

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

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

[0068] 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 cigarette heating system.

[0069] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more 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 include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0070] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0071] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0072] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied in the form of heat to distribute power to an aerosol-generating material or heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0073] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0074] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a trumpet, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0075] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when heated, irradiated, or given energy by any other means. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0076] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an activator and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0077] The aerosol-generating material may include or may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with one or more other components, such as a solvent (such as water), an aerosol-forming agent, and an active substance, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as an arrangement of individual parts of the film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0078] The aerosol-generating film may include, or may contain, a sheet that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets.

[0079] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0080] 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 supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material so as 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 an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply one or more of the aerosol-generating material to vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0081] Consumables are articles comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by the user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a trumpet, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a flammable material, a material that can be heated by electrical conductivity, or a susceptor.

[0082] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0083] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and replaceable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a power supply and a controller (or control circuit). The power supply may comprise a power source such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0084] Induction heating is the process by which a conductive object called a susceptor is heated by allowing a fluctuating magnetic field to penetrate it. This process is described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a variable current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are positioned appropriately relative to each other so that the resulting fluctuating magnetic field created by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated within the object, the flow of current against the object's electrical resistance heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

[0085] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates it. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align due to the magnetic field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes along with the applied fluctuating magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation generates heat within the magnetic material.

[0086] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, introducing a fluctuating magnetic field into it can induce both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, the magnetic field can be strengthened by using magnetic materials, thereby intensifying the Joule heating.

[0087] Next, we will describe in more detail aerosol supply systems according to various embodiments.

[0088] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device 100, which is shown to be located within the cavity of a charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 is positioned to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 when in use.

[0089] The aerosol supply device 100 has an elongated structure extending along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 has a proximal end closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when used by the user, and a distal end furthest from the user when used, for inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply device 100. The proximal end may also be called the mouthpiece end. Thus, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a proximal direction that is oriented toward the user when used, i.e., from the distal end to the proximal end. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a distal direction that is oriented away from the user when used, i.e., from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0090] The aerosol supply device 100 can be removably inserted into a charging unit 101 for charging. The charging unit 101 includes a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 may be inserted into the cavity through an opening 111. The cavity is not visible in Figure 1 because it is occupied by the aerosol supply device 100. However, the cavity has substantially the same shape as the aerosol supply device 100. The cavity may also include a longitudinal opening. A portion of the aerosol supply device 100 may have a first side. One or more user-operable control elements or user interfaces, such as a button 106 that can be used to operate the aerosol supply device 100, may be provided on the first side of the aerosol supply device 100. The first side of the aerosol supply device 100 may be received within a longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 101.

[0091] As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 and 3, and as will be described below, the aerosol supply device may include a heating element 202 (see Figure 2). Referring back to Figure 1, the user interface 106 provided on the aerosol supply device 100 may include two buttons. A first button may be provided to operate the aerosol supply device 100 in a standard or base operating mode in which a predetermined heating profile can be set on the heating element 202. A second button may be provided to operate the aerosol supply device 100 in an enhanced operating mode or boost operating mode in which the heating profile set on the heating element 202 can be changed. For example, in the enhanced operating mode or boost operating mode, the set temperature or desired temperature of the heating element 202 may be raised for a certain period of time.

[0092] The usage session may be determined in relation to the period during which the user can inhale multiple aerosols generated from the aerosol-generating material without replacing or replenishing the material.

[0093] The aerosol supply device 100 may be capable of operating in at least a first (e.g., base) operating mode and a second (e.g., boost) operating mode. The operating mode may be selectable by the user by selecting one of two buttons 106 provided as part of the user interface, or by any other suitable means.

[0094] The heating element 202 may be configured such that, in the first mode, the aerosol supply device 100 is ready for use in a first period after the start of the usage session, and in the second mode, the aerosol supply device 100 is ready for use in a second period after the start of the session. The first period may be different from the second period. The aerosol supply device 100 may be ready for use at time t1 after the start of the usage session in the first (base) operating mode, and may be ready for use at time t2 after the start of the usage session in the second (boost) operating mode, and t2 <t1である。

[0095] By providing an aerosol supply device 100, such as a tobacco heating product, having a heating assembly capable of operating in multiple modes (e.g., base mode and boost mode), consumers are given more choices, especially when each mode is associated with a different maximum heater temperature. Furthermore, such an aerosol supply device 100 may be able to provide different aerosols with different properties because the volatile components in the aerosol-generating material volatilize at different rates and concentrations at different heater temperatures. This allows the user to select a specific mode based on desired properties of the inhalable aerosol, such as the degree of tobacco flavoring, nicotine concentration, and aerosol temperature. For example, a mode that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be ready for use more quickly (e.g., a second mode or "boost" mode) may provide a quicker initial puff, or a higher nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff. Conversely, modes in which the aerosol delivery device 100 can be ready for use at a later point in the usage session (e.g., a first mode or base mode) may provide a longer overall usage session, a lower nicotine content per puff, and a more sustained flavor delivery.

[0096] The user interface 106 may include one or more lights or LEDs to indicate the status of the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the user interface 106 may indicate the charging status of the aerosol supply device 100. One or more lights or LEDs may be considered in the form of a communication device configured to output information to the user. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the user interface 106 may include two LEDs. If the LEDs are not displayed or are otherwise not lit, the user may be indicated to be in a low-charge state of the aerosol supply device 100. If one LED is displayed or is otherwise lit, the user may be indicated to be in an intermediate-charge state of the aerosol supply device 100. If both LEDs are displayed or are otherwise lit, the user may be indicated to be in a fully or nearly fully charged state of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0097] The cavity of the charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 101 in only one orientation. The outer profile of the aerosol supply device 100 may include curved and straight sections. The cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided to the charging unit 101 may also include similar curved and straight sections. The straight section of the cavity's cross-sectional profile may correspond to a longitudinal opening.

[0098] The aerosol supply device 100 has an opening leading to a chamber in which the aerosol product is heated. Therefore, the chamber can be considered a heating chamber. A rod-shaped aerosol product containing an aerosol-generating material may be inserted through the opening and held within the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol product may be heated, for example, by an aerosol generator including a heating element, so that an aerosol or other inhalable medium can be generated that can be inhaled by a user of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0099] The charging unit 101 may include a cover 103, which may be positioned to slide and cover an opening 111 for receiving the aerosol generating device 100. The cover 103 may be configured such that at least one actuation of the cover 103 results in a corresponding actuation of the charging unit 101 or the aerosol supply device 100 located therein. This will be described in more detail below. The cover 103 may be considered an actuated cover 103. In Figure 1, the opening 111 of the cavity is beneath the cover 103, shown in a first, for example, closed position. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 for recharging, the cover 103 may be moved to the first position to cover the opening 111 to the aerosol supply device 100. Thus, the cover 103 may function to hold the aerosol supply device 100 within the charging unit 101.

[0100] The charging unit 101 may include a communication device, for example, in the form of a user display 108. As shown in Figure 1, the user display 108 may be located on top of the charging unit 101 and may be visible to the user regardless of the position of the cover 103. However, other arrangements are possible in which the user display 108 may be hidden by the cover 103 when the cover is moved to a second (e.g., open) position. The user display 108 may then be revealed to the user when the cover 103 is moved to a first (e.g., closed) position. In the first position, as shown in Figure 1, the opening 111 is substantially closed by the cover 103. When the cover 103 is in the second position, the opening 111 is not substantially closed by the cover 103. Thus, the aerosol supply device 100 may be separated from the charging unit 101 through the opening 111 and similarly inserted into the charging unit 101 through the opening 111.

[0101] The cover 103 is movable between a first (e.g., closed) position (shown in Figure 1) and a second (e.g., open) position (not shown) in which the opening 111 is not substantially blocked by the cover 103. As described above, the cover 103 is configured to be operated by a user such that the operation of the cover 103 results in a corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device 100 or the charging unit 101. The operation of the cover 103 may include moving the cover 103 from the first position to the second position. This operation may have any suitable corresponding operation. For example, this operation of the cover 103 may cause the aerosol supply device 101 to operate during the preheating phase, thereby causing the aerosol generator located within the aerosol supply device 101 to begin preheating. Similarly, the corresponding operation may cause a communication means, for example, a user display 108 located on the charging unit 101, to output an indication of the current charge or expected amount of smoke available from the aerosol supply device 100. This can inform the user whether the aerosol supply device 100 has sufficient charge for its intended use. Similarly, at least one operation of the cover 103 may include moving the cover 103 to a first position, for example, from a second position. Such movement may trigger any appropriate corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device 100 or the charging unit 101. For example, this may include an operation of the user display 108. For example, the user display 108 may indicate the expected time until the aerosol supply device is charged. In other embodiments, the operation may include stopping the aerosol supply device 100.

[0102] A cover 103 that can be actuated to trigger a corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device 100 or the charging unit 101 can provide convenient interaction between the user and the system. For example, it can minimize the amount of physical operation the user must perform when using the system. Thus, the movement of the cover 103 to trigger a specific operation can make the system easier to use. Furthermore, the cover 103 effectively acts as an input means to control, at least partially, the operation of the aerosol supply device 100 or the charging unit 101. Thus, by providing such a cover 103, the need for further input means on the charging unit 101 can be eliminated. Triggering an operation when the cover 103 is moved can also increase the speed at which a specific operation occurs compared to when the user has to operate a separate input means. This could mean, for example, that the user can obtain information about the charging unit 101 or the aerosol supply device 100, or that the operation of the charging unit 101 or the aerosol supply device 100 can be initiated more quickly.

[0103] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100 for illustrative purposes. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 200 that forms a chamber 201. Heating of the aerosol product takes place in the chamber 201, and therefore the chamber 201 can be considered a heating chamber 201. The main housing 200 is a tubular wall 200a, which may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100, and may comprise a wall 200a surrounding the heating chamber 201. The wall 200a may define the heating chamber 201 of the aerosol supply device 100 as a volume enclosed within the tubular wall 200a, at least partially. The wall 200a may have a shape other than tubular, and may be any shape that encloses (e.g., surrounds) and defines the heating chamber 201 internally. The aerosol supply device 100 may also comprise an aerosol generator for generating aerosols from aerosol products received within the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol generator may take any suitable form capable of generating an aerosol from an aerosol product. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a heating element 202 which may be provided in part of the main housing 200, and the heating element 202 may extend into or protrude into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may have a base portion 202a which may be located in a recess provided in part of the main housing 200.

[0104] The heating element 202 may include a resistance heating element. The heating element 202 may also include a pin that can be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product received in the heating chamber 201 to heat the aerosol product internally during use.

[0105] Alternatively, the heating element 202 may comprise a resistive blade heating element having a planar portion and a pointed portion. The pointed portion of the resistive blade heating element may be positioned to be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product during use in order to heat the aerosol product internally.

[0106] In an alternative configuration, the heating element 202 may comprise an induction heating element that can be positioned to heat the aerosol product internally. The induction heating element may similarly comprise a pin or blade that acts as a susceptor. In such an embodiment, a magnetic field generating device, such as an inductor coil, may at least partially, or even completely, surround the heating chamber 201. It is also conceivable that the heating element is not a component of the aerosol supply device 100 but forms part of the aerosol product. Thus, the aerosol product may include a susceptor positioned therein. Therefore, the aerosol generator may comprise an induction heating configuration.

[0107] The aerosol supply device 100 may further include a removal mechanism 204 that can be detachably held in the main housing 200 of the aerosol supply device 100. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in the main housing 200 such that at least a portion of the removal mechanism 204 extends into the heating chamber 201. The removal mechanism 204 may include a longitudinal portion such as a tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b. The base portion 207b may have an aperture 206 from which a heating element 202 can protrude. In order to hold the removal mechanism 204 in the main housing 200, the removal mechanism 204 may be pushed distally, i.e., toward the distal end of the main housing 200, to engage with the main housing 200 until the removal mechanism 204 can no longer move distally. In the following description, when the removal mechanism 204 is held by the main housing 200, it means that the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200 and cannot move any further distally.

[0108] The tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b together may define and enclose an article chamber for receiving an aerosol product. The article chamber includes an inner surface which may be configured to contact the aerosol product. The inner surface may include a longitudinally extending portion provided by the tubular portion 207a and an end portion provided by the base portion 207b. When the aerosol product is received into the heating chamber, the aerosol product may contact both the longitudinally extending portion and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e., the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product, which is in the form of a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod, such that the longitudinal axis of the aerosol product is parallel to (and optionally aligned in a line with) the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 when received into the article chamber.

[0109] The article chamber may also be called the receiving portion. When the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 may be positioned at least partially within the heating chamber 201 during use. The heating element 202 may be positioned to protrude into the article chamber through an aperture 206 provided in the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204. Thus, the removal mechanism 204 is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product during use.

[0110] The removal mechanism 204 may include a first magnet or magnetizable material 208. The main housing 200 may include a second magnet or magnetizable material 209. During use, the removal mechanism 204 can be magnetically held to the main housing 200 by the interaction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209.

[0111] The removal mechanism 204 is completely separable from the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in place by the attractive magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. The removal mechanism 204 may be separated from the main housing 200 by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. Alternatively, the removal mechanism 204 may be removably held in place by the main housing 200 by other means. For example, the removal mechanism 204 may be configured to be removably held in place by an interlocking fit with the main housing.

[0112] Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100, showing a main housing 200 having a heating element 202 extending into a heating chamber 201, with a removal mechanism 204 detachably held in the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 surrounds the heating element 202. The aerosol product 300 is shown located at least partially within the article chamber and therefore also within the heating chamber 201, resulting in the aerosol product 300 being positioned on the heating element 202.

[0113] The outer cap portion 210, when held in the main housing 200, forms part of the outer housing of the aerosol supply device 100. The outer cap portion 210 may radially surround an internal element (e.g., a tubular element 207a) with a gap provided between the internal element and the outer cap 210, the gap extending along part of the length of the removal mechanism 204 and configured to receive part of the main housing 200, e.g., a wall 200a. The removal mechanism 204 may define an opening 203 to an article chamber, through which the aerosol product 300 may be inserted in a first direction for insertion into the article chamber. This first direction is distal and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100. In embodiments, the opening 203 may be configured to contact the aerosol product 300.

[0114] The first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may be positioned in the removal mechanism 204 and the main housing 200, respectively, so as to be close enough to each other to generate an attractive force between them so that the removal mechanism 204 is magnetically held in the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200. For example, the first magnet or magnetizable material may be positioned at the proximal end of a portion of the main housing 200, for example, at the proximal end of a wall 200a that is inserted into a gap in the removal mechanism 204 (i.e., between the outer cap 210 and the inner elements 207a, 207b) when the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200 with the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 positioned in the corresponding location within the removal mechanism 204. Therefore, when the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200, the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 is positioned close enough to the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 so that the removal mechanism 204 remains held in place by the attractive force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209.

[0115] During use, the user may insert or partially insert the aerosol product 300 into the aerosol supply device 100 through the opening 203. The aerosol product 300 is received into the tubular portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204, and thus the aerosol product 300 is received into the article chamber defined by the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b, and further into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be positioned to pierce the distal end of the aerosol product 300, so that the heating element 202 is located inside the aerosol product 300 and is positioned to heat the aerosol product 300 via internal heating.

[0116] Once the aerosol product 300 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 100, the user may perform a usage session. During the usage session, the aerosol product 300 may be heated by the heating element 202. It will be understood that the usage session may last for several minutes. For example, according to various embodiments, the usage session may last for 2-3 minutes, 3-4 minutes, or 4-5 minutes.

[0117] At the end of a usage session, the user may wish to remove the used aerosol product 300 from the aerosol supply device 100 and optionally replace the used aerosol product 300 with a new aerosol product 300. According to one embodiment, in order to remove the used aerosol product 300 after a usage session, the user can separate the removal mechanism 204 from the main housing 200 by applying force to the removal mechanism 204 to overcome the magnetic attraction between a first magnet 208 provided on the removal mechanism 204 and a second magnet provided on the main housing 200.

[0118] Figure 4 shows a top-down perspective view of an aerosol supply system according to various embodiments, and Figure 5 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 4.

[0119] According to various embodiments, the charging unit 101 includes a cover 103 configured to be operated by a user. The cover 103 is movable between a first position and a second position. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cover 103 is shown in a second position, which corresponds to an open position in which the opening 111 to the cavity that receives the aerosol supply device 100 is not substantially blocked by the cover 103, i.e., the aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into or removed from the charging unit 101.

[0120] The cover 103 may be moved to a first position as shown in Figures 6 and 7, thereby at least partially, for example, completely closing the opening 111 by the cover 103. This can be considered a closed position. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0121] In the second position, the cover 103 may be positioned so that the opening 111 of the charging unit is accessible, allowing the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into and removed from the cavity 112 within the charging unit 101. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the aerosol supply device 100 is shown inside the cavity 112. The charging unit 101 may include a housing 113 that accommodates the components of the charging unit 101.

[0122] The aerosol supply device 100 may include a communication device in the form of a user display and / or user interface 106a. Movement of the cover 103 may activate and / or deactivate the user display and / or user interface 106a provided on the aerosol supply device 100.

[0123] An embodiment like the one shown in Figure 1 is conceivable in which the user display 108 may be provided on the charging unit 101 and may be separate from the user interface 106 which may be provided on the aerosol supply device 100 (as shown in Figure 1). However, as shown in Figure 4, another embodiment is conceivable in which the user interface and / or user display 106a may be provided only on the aerosol supply device 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the user interface and / or user display 106a is provided on the side panel of the aerosol supply device 100, which is visible to the user when the aerosol supply device 100 is docked inside the charging unit 101. Another embodiment is conceivable in which the user interface and / or user display may be provided on the charging unit 101. For example, as shown in the figure, the user display may be provided on the charging unit 101 under the cover 103, such that the user display is hidden when the cover is in a second position, for example, in an open position as shown in Figures 4 and 5, but appears or is visible to the user when the cover 103 is in a first position, for example, in a closed position as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0124] According to the embodiment, user interfaces 106, 106a may be provided, for example, on the aerosol supply device 100. The cover 103 can be actuated by moving the cover 103 to a second position and / or moving the cover 103 to a first position. The actuated by moving to the second position may have a corresponding action including the actuated by the user interfaces 106, 106a. Similarly, the actuated by moving to the first position may have a corresponding action including the deactivated by the user interfaces 106, 106a. For example, when the cover 103 is moved to a first, for example, closed position, the aerosol supply system may be configured to deactivate the user interfaces 106, 106a provided on the aerosol supply device 100. This can prevent accidental activation of the aerosol supply device 100 while it is docked in the aerosol charging unit 101.

[0125] The cover 103 may be moved by the user from a first position, for example, closed, to a second position, for example, open, and when the cover 103 is returned to the first position, the user interfaces 106, 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be activated to allow the user to control various operations of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0126] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the user display 108 may be located on the charging unit 101, as shown in Figure 1. However, in another embodiment, at least a portion of the user display 106a may be located on the aerosol supply device 100, as shown in Figure 4. According to one embodiment, the user display 106a may be provided only on the aerosol supply device 100.

[0127] In operating mode, a user display 108 (see Figure 1) provided on the charging unit 101 or a user display 106a (see Figure 4) provided on the aerosol supply device 100 may be arranged to indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. For example, referring to Figure 1, the user display 108 provided on the charging unit 101 may have a series of concentric circles, and the number of lit concentric circles indicates the charging state of the charging unit 101. Alternatively, the user display 108 may have circles divided into four quadrants, and the number of lit quadrants may indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 108 may indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charge state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charge state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0128] Referring to Figure 4, an additional or alternative user display 106a may be provided on the aerosol supply device 100. According to one embodiment, the user display 106a may comprise two, three, four, or five or more series or number of lights or LEDs. For example, according to one embodiment, two lights or LEDs may be provided, and the lights or LEDs may be illuminated in stages to indicate the charging state. No illuminated lights or LEDs may indicate a low charging state (or a charging state of less than 33%), one illuminated light or LED may indicate an intermediate charging state (or a charging state of 33-66%), and two lights or LEDs may indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state (or a charging state of more than 66%). Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 106a may indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charging state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charging state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0129] In operating mode, the user display 108 on the charging unit 101 or the user displays 106, 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be arranged to indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, referring to Figure 1, the user display 108 may have a series of concentric circles, and the number of lit concentric circles indicates the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. Alternatively, the user display 108 may have circles divided into four quadrants, and the number of lit quadrants indicates the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 108 may indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charging state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charging state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0130] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the user display is not provided on the aerosol supply device 100. For example, according to one embodiment, the user display may be provided only on the charging unit 101. According to another embodiment, the user display may not be provided at all, that is, neither the aerosol supply device 100 nor the charging unit 101 has a user display.

[0131] In operation mode, the user display 108 on the charging unit 101 and / or the user display 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to indicate an error or failure status of the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol supply device 100. In operation mode, the user display 108 on the charging unit 101 and / or the user display 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to indicate the remaining time of the usage session.

[0132] According to various embodiments, the second position includes an open position in which the aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into and removed from the cavity of the charging unit 101. According to various embodiments, the first position includes a closed position in which the top of the cavity of the charging unit 101 is closed by the cover 103.

[0133] The cover 103 may be configured to move (e.g., slide or pivot) between a first position and a second position. The charging unit 101 may have a housing having one or more rails or grooves, and the cover 103 may have one or more tabs or projections arranged to engage with one or more rails or grooves. Alternatively, the charging unit 101 may have a housing having one or more tabs or projections, and the cover 103 may have one or more rails or grooves, with one or more tabs or projections engaging with one or more rails or grooves.

[0134] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cover 103 may be configured to slide between a first position and a second position. The sliding of the cover 103 may be achieved by any suitable configuration. The charging unit 101 may include a groove 114. The groove 114 may be located on the inner edge of the housing 113, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The cover 103 may include a tab 116 that engages with the groove 114. The engagement of the tab 116 with the groove 114 may restrain the cover 103 so that it can slide against the main housing 113.

[0135] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the charging unit 101 has rails instead of grooves 114. Similarly, the cover 103 may have projections having forms other than tabs 116 that can engage with grooves 114 or rails. The grooves 114 or rails may be located on the cover 103 instead of the housing 113, and the tabs 116 or projections may be located on the housing 113 or other suitable part of the charging unit 101 instead of the cover 103. The grooves 114 and / or rails, together with the tabs 116 and / or projections, act to restrain the movement of the cover 103 regardless of their position. Any number of grooves 114, rails, tabs 116 or projections may be provided.

[0136] Figure 6 shows a top-down perspective view of the aerosol supply system with the cover 103 in a first position. In some embodiments, the first position of the cover 103 includes a closed position in which the top opening 111 of the cavity 112 is closed by the cover 103. This can prevent the user from removing the aerosol supply device 100 from the cavity 112 of the charging unit 101.

[0137] Figure 7 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system with the cover 103 in a first position. The groove 114 of the housing 113 of the charging unit 101 and the tab 116 of the cover 103 are visible. As the cover 103 moves from a second (e.g., open) position shown in Figures 4 and 5 to a first (e.g., closed) position shown in Figures 6 and 7, the tab 116 slides within the groove 114, thereby guiding the sliding movement of the cover 103.

[0138] Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the cover 103 moves between the first and second positions by any other suitable means, such as rotation and / or pivoting motion.

[0139] As discussed above, in the embodiments described above, the cover 103 of the charging unit 100 is configured to be actuated. The actuation of the cover 103 may include moving the cover 103, for example, from a first position to a second position, or for example, from a second position to a first position. The cover 103 may be moved to each of the first and second positions from an intermediate position located between each of the first and second positions. The corresponding action for each actuation may be any suitable action depending on the specific configuration of the aerosol supply system. An actuation involving movement to a second position may include a corresponding action in which the user display 108 and / or user interface 106, 106a are actuated. Similarly, an actuation involving movement to a first position may include stopping the user display 108 and / or user interface 106, 106a. Thus, the actuation of the cover 103 of the charging unit may trigger a corresponding action of the charging unit 101 or the aerosol supply device 100 received within the charging unit 101. Although the operation of the cover 103 in a manner that moves it between a first position and a second position has been described above, it will be understood that the cover 103 may be operated in any other suitable manner.

[0140] In the embodiments described above, the aerosol supply device 100 is shown together with the charging unit 101. However, this is not mandatory, and the aerosol supply device may include a standalone aerosol supply device. Hereinafter, an aerosol supply device having a cover configured to be actuated by at least one actuation to bring about the corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device will be described in more detail. Unless otherwise specified, it will be understood that the features of the aerosol supply device, in particular its cover, may apply to the aerosol supply system described above. Similarly, the features of the aerosol supply system may apply to the aerosol supply device described below. Any of the features of the aerosol supply device described below may also be combined in any suitable manner unless otherwise specified.

[0141] Figure 8 shows perspective views of the aerosol supply device 300 according to various embodiments. The aerosol supply device 300 may be charged by the charging unit 101 as described above, or by any other suitable means. The aerosol supply device 300 may include features corresponding to the aerosol supply device 100 described above. For example, the aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generator configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol product received into the aerosol supply device 300.

[0142] The housing 328 of the aerosol supply device 300 may be larger than that of the aerosol supply device 100, as described above, and therefore may accommodate a larger capacity battery. Thus, the aerosol supply device 300 may have a longer service life compared to the aerosol supply device 100 described above. Therefore, the aerosol supply device 300 may not need to be charged as frequently as the aerosol supply device 100 described above. The aerosol supply device 300, like the aerosol supply device 100 described above, has an opening 305 leading to a chamber (not visible in this figure). The aerosol supply device 300 may also have an aerosol generator with a heating arrangement similar to that of the aerosol supply device 100 described above.

[0143] The aerosol supply device 300 may include a cover 303 positioned to move between a first position in which the opening 305 is at least partially closed (see Figure 9) and a second position in which the opening is not substantially closed by the cover, as shown in Figure 8. Thus, the cover 303 may be used to selectively provide access to the opening 305, thereby allowing the user to insert and / or remove an aerosol product into the opening 305 when the cover 303 is in the second position.

[0144] The cover 303 is configured to be operated by a user. At least one operation of the cover 303 may result in a corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device 300, which will be discussed in more detail below. The cover 303 may be configured to slide, as indicated by arrow 330. However, the cover 303 may move between a first position and a second position in any suitable manner. For example, the cover 303 may instead pivot between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the cover 303 may be provided with a button 332. The button 332 may be located at any suitable position on the cover 303, for example, on its front portion.

[0145] In the first position, the cover 303 may completely cover the opening 305. This prevents any foreign matter that might otherwise interfere with the proper functioning of the aerosol supply device 300 from entering the opening 305. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the second position may be a position in which the opening 305 is not obscured by the cover 303. Thus, the second position may correspond to a position in which the cover 303 is positioned so that the opening 305 is open and can receive aerosol products.

[0146] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an aerosol supply device 300 having a cover 303 in a first position where the opening 305 (not visible in this figure) is at least partially closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 305 is completely closed.

[0147] Figure 10 shows a view from above of the aerosol supply device 300 with the cover 303 in the first position.

[0148] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the aerosol supply device 300 with the cover 303 in a second position, where the opening 305 is not substantially blocked.

[0149] Figure 12 shows a view of the aerosol supply device (deice) 300 from above. This corresponds to the position of the cover shown in Figure 8.

[0150] Next, the operation of the aerosol supply device 300 will be described. When a user wants to use the aerosol supply device 300 for the first time, the user must first insert the aerosol product into the aerosol supply device 300. To do this, the user may move the cover 303 from the first position shown in Figures 9 and 10 to the second position shown in Figures 11 and 12 so as to expose the opening 305 leading to the chamber (not visible in these figures) for receiving the aerosol product.

[0151] The cover 303 is configured to be actuated such that at least one actuation of the cover 303 results in a corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device 303. In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 12, the cover 303 may be configured to be actuated by the physical movement of the cover 303. For example, moving the cover 303 from a first position to a second position may constitute an actuation of the cover 303. The corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device 300 may depend on how the device is configured to operate. For example, in some embodiments, an actuation involving moving the cover 303 from a first position to a second position may have a corresponding operation which is an operation of the aerosol supply device 300. Such an actuation may have any suitable form. For example, the actuation of the aerosol supply device 300 may initiate a preheating process, for example, by acting the aerosol generator of the aerosol supply device 300. In other embodiments, the actuation may include acting a communication device configured to output information to the user. The communication device may output information about the current state of the aerosol supply device 300, for example, the charge state.

[0152] The movable cover 303, by its operation, can trigger a corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device 300, providing a convenient means for the user to interact with the control operations of the aerosol supply device 300. This may eliminate the need, for example, to provide a separate user interface for the aerosol supply device 300. This may simplify the aerosol supply device 300 by reducing the total number of parts. The operation triggered by the movement of the cover 303 may reduce the total number of inputs that the user must provide when using the aerosol supply device 300, and thus may make the aerosol supply device 300 easier to use. The operation may include preheating the aerosol supply device 300. This may mean that the aerosol supply device 300 can generate aerosols more quickly than a device in which the user must separately operate a user interface, such as a power button, after opening the cover.

[0153] When a user has finished using the aerosol supply device 300, the user may remove the aerosol product from the aerosol supply device 300 and move the cover 303 from the second position shown in Figures 11 and 12 to the first position shown in Figures 9 and 10. In this position, the cover 303 can at least partially, for example, completely close the opening 305, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the chamber below the opening 305. For example, moving the cover 303 from the second position to the first position may be another action that results in another corresponding action of the aerosol supply device 300. The corresponding action of the aerosol supply device 300 may include, for example, stopping the aerosol generator within the aerosol supply device 300 and / or stopping communication means, for example, the user display. Stopping the aerosol supply device 300 in this way may provide a convenient means of stopping the aerosol supply device 300. This may mean that the aerosol supply device 300 does not continue to consume power unnecessarily when the user is no longer using the aerosol supply device 300. By incorporating this stop into the movement of cover 303, a convenient means of causing a stop can be provided.

[0154] The cover 303 may move between the first and second positions in any suitable manner. In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 12, the cover 303 is arranged to slide between the first and second positions. The sliding cover 303 may be particularly easy for the user to operate while holding the aerosol supply device 300. In some embodiments, the cover 303 is arranged to slide linearly between the first and second positions. Again, sliding the cover 303 linearly may be easy for the user to operate. However, it will be understood that the cover 303 may follow any other suitable path, such as a curved path.

[0155] As described above, the operation of the cover 303 may include several different operations. For example, the movement of the cover from a first position to a second position may be a first operation by a first corresponding operation (e.g., operation of the aerosol supply device), and the movement of the cover 303 from the second position to the first position may be a second operation by a second corresponding operation (e.g., deactivation of the aerosol supply device). However, it is conceivable that any number of operations and corresponding operations of the aerosol supply device 300 may be implemented. In the above embodiment, the operation of the cover 303 includes the physical movement of the cover 303. However, it will be understood that the operation of the cover 303 may be achieved by other means, such as pressing the cover 303.

[0156] Referring back to Figure 8, the cover 303 may be equipped with a button 332. Pressing this button 332 by the user may trigger another action by another corresponding operation. The corresponding operation may include, for example, initiating a boost operation mode for the aerosol supply device 303.

[0157] In the embodiments described above, the operation does not necessarily have to involve moving the cover 303 from a first position to a second position. Instead, the operation may simply involve moving the cover 303 to the first or second position, regardless of the starting position. For example, the operation may involve moving the cover 303 from the first position and returning it to the first position without the cover reaching the second position. The same may apply to the second position.

[0158] Figure 13 shows a further embodiment of the aerosol supply device 400 which is substantially the same as the aerosol supply device 300 described above in that it comprises an opening 405 and a cover 403 which is positioned to slide and has a button 432 at its front end. The illustrated housing 428 may have a different shape.

[0159] Herein, we describe a modified aerosol supply device comprising a cover configured to operate. In each embodiment described, the aerosol supply device is substantially the same as the aerosol supply device described above, except in the way in which the cover operates. Thus, any of the aerosol supply devices may include any of the features of the aerosol supply devices described above.

[0160] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the aerosol supply device 500 according to another embodiment. The aerosol supply device 500 includes a cover 503 arranged to move between a first position and a second position, similar to the covers 303 and 403 described above. The movement of the cover 503 between the first and second positions may correspond to the operation of the aerosol supply device 500 by a corresponding operation, similar to the cover 303 described above. In other embodiments, the movement of the cover 503 between the first and second positions may not correspond to operation, and therefore, the movement of the cover 503 between the first and second positions may not change the operating state of the aerosol supply device 500.

[0161] The cover 503 may be positioned to rotate around a rotation axis 534. The cover 503 can be rotated when the cover 503 is in a second position where the opening 505 is not substantially closed by the cover 503 (as shown in Figure 14), and / or when the cover 503 is in a first position where the opening 505 is substantially closed (not shown). Rotating the cover 503 may correspond to an action of the cover 503, which may result in a corresponding action of the aerosol supply device 500. The action of the cover 503 by rotating the cover 503 can provide a further amount of travel, which can increase the number of different actions possible using the cover 503. For example, sliding the cover 503 to a second position may be one form of action of the cover 503, and rotation of the cover 503 may be a second form of action. Rotation of the cover 503 also requires a significantly different form of manual input from the user compared to sliding the cover 503. Therefore, it may be easier for the user to input different forms of operation through cover 503 and thus initiate the desired operation.

[0162] In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the cover 503 is positioned to slide along the same axis 534 on which the cover 503 is positioned to rotate. Thus, the axis of rotation may be considered substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the cover 503 as it moves between the first and second positions. In other embodiments, the cover 503 may be positioned to rotate around an axis 535 perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cover 503 as it moves between the first and second positions. As can be understood, the aerosol supply device 500 may generally be elongated with a longitudinal axis, and the axes 534, 535 on which the cover 503 rotates do not necessarily have to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 500.

[0163] Figures 15 to 17 show cross-sectional views of the aerosol supply device 500 shown in Figure 14, viewed through line AA from the front end of the aerosol supply device 500. Figure 16 shows the cover 503 in a non-rotating position, i.e., not rotated with respect to the axis 534. Figure 15 shows the cover 503 when it has been rotated in a first direction around the axis 534, and Figure 17 shows the cover 503 when it has been rotated in a second direction around the axis 534. Each rotation in a different direction may correspond to a different operation of the aerosol supply device 503. For example, rotation to the left, as shown in Figure 15, may initiate the standard operating mode, and rotation to the right, as shown in Figure 17, may initiate the boost operating mode. In some embodiments, it may only be possible to rotate the cover 503 to one side, for example, it may only be possible to rotate the cover 503 in a first direction as shown in Figure 15 and then return it to the central position as shown in Figure 16. In such embodiments, rotation in the first direction may correspond to operation by a corresponding motion. The cover 503 may be elastically biased to return to the non-rotating position shown in Figure 16. Thus, the user may apply a force to rotate the cover 503 and then release the force to allow the cover 503 to return to the non-rotating position.

[0164] In some embodiments, the operation and corresponding actions may depend not only on the direction in which the cover 503 rotates, but also on the duration for which the cover 503 is held in a particular rotational position. For example, if the cover 503 is held in a first rotational position for 2 seconds as shown in Figure 15, this may be a first corresponding action, such as a first operation by a base operation mode; if the cover is held in the first rotational position for 5 seconds, this may be a second corresponding action, such as a second operation by a boost operation mode. The same may apply to any type of operation. For example, movement to a second position during a first period may result in a first operation mode, while movement to a second position during a second period may result in a second operation mode. The same may also apply to embodiments in which the cover has at least one button, which will be described in more detail below.

[0165] Figure 18 shows an example of an aerosol supply device 600 according to another embodiment. The aerosol supply device 600 includes a movable cover 603 that moves, similar to the various embodiments described above. The cover 603 further includes a first button 636 at its front end. The cover 603 may also include a second button 638 located at its rear end. In such embodiments, operation of the cover 603 may include the user pressing the cover 603, for example, by pressing one or both of the first and second buttons 636, 638. Although two buttons 636, 638 are shown, it will be understood that the cover 603 may have any number of buttons, and the number of buttons may depend on the types of operations possible with the device. The first and second buttons 636, 638 may each correspond to different operations, and therefore different operations of the aerosol generating device 600. For example, the first button 636 may correspond to a standard operating mode, and the second button 638 may correspond to a boost operating mode. Alternatively, different operating modes may be achieved by pressing a single button multiple times, or by pressing a button for different durations of time.

[0166] The first and second buttons 636, 638 may include capacitive or mechanical buttons. The operation of the first and second buttons by pressing may also depend on the position of the cover 603 at the time of pressing. For example, as shown in Figure 18, if the cover 603 is in the second position, when either the first or second button 636, 638 is pressed, i.e., activated, the aerosol supply device 600 may operate to begin heating the aerosol product inserted therein. In contrast, if the cover 603 is in the first position when either of the buttons 636, 638 is pressed, i.e., activated, this may result in different operation, for example, causing a communication device, such as a screen, to provide an indication of the battery status or the remaining number of uses of the aerosol supply device 600. Thus, the operation of the aerosol supply device 600 may depend on activation, as well as the position of the cover 603 at the time of activation. In some embodiments, the operation may also depend on the state of the aerosol supply device 600 at the time of activation. For example, as shown in the figure, if the cover 603 is in the second position and the aerosol supply device 600 is already operating to heat the aerosol product inserted therein, further pressing of either the first or second button 636, 638 may trigger a different operating mode, e.g., heating at reduced power or for a different duration. The movement of the cover 603 between the first and second positions may also correspond to the operation of the cover 603. By considering the position of the cover 603 and / or the state of the aerosol supply device 600, the number of different operations that can be induced using the cover 603 can be increased without increasing the number of different operations required.

[0167] In the embodiments described above, the cover moves between a first position and a second position, and the movement of the cover between these positions may correspond to the operation of the cover. Figures 19 and 20 show further embodiments in which the cover is movable to a third position. Figure 19 shows an overhead view of an aerosol supply device 700 with a cover 703 in the first position. Figure 20 shows a diagram of the aerosol supply device 700 showing how the cover 703 can be moved to a second position indicated by a dashed line 741 and a third position indicated by a dashed line 740. The third position 740 may be achieved by moving the cover 703 directly from the first position to the third position without passing through the second position. Thus, in some embodiments, the third position is not on the path between the first and second positions of the cover 703. The movement of the cover 703 to the third position may be a form of operation of the cover 703. As can be understood, the movement to the third position, as shown in Figure 20, is in a different direction from the movement to the second position. As can be understood, due to different directions of movement, the user may be able to more easily provide different operations with the cover 703.

[0168] In this embodiment, when moving from the first position to the third position without passing through the second position, the cover 703 may continue to substantially close the opening (not shown in this figure) that would otherwise receive the aerosol product. Thus, the operation that moves the cover 703 to the third position may trigger, for example, the operation of the aerosol supply device 700, in which information is depicted to the user via a communication device.

[0169] Figure 21 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the aerosol supply device 800 in which the cover 803 is movable to a third position different from the third position described above with respect to Figures 19 and 20. In Figure 21, the cover 803 is shown in the first position. Figure 22 shows the aerosol supply device 800 with the cover 803 in the second position, and the third position is also indicated by a dashed line 842. As can be understood, in order to move the cover 803 to the third position, the cover 803 must first be moved to the second position. As shown, when the cover 803 is moved to the third position, the opening 805 is substantially open. This may be preferable as it allows the user to first move the cover 803 to the second position, thereby allowing the user to place the aerosol product into the opening 805. The user may actuate the cover 803 by moving it to the third position indicated by the dashed line 842. This actuatement may have a corresponding action, for example, causing the aerosol supply device 800 to begin heating the aerosol product. Therefore, the heating of the aerosol supply device 800 can be initiated using the cover 803, thereby potentially eliminating the need for further user interfaces. This may simplify the configuration of the aerosol supply device 800.

[0170] Figure 23 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the aerosol supply device 900. The aerosol supply device 900 may function in the same manner as any of the embodiments described above. The aerosol supply device 900 includes a communication device 943 configured to transmit information for the user to receive. The information may relate, for example, to the current state of the aerosol supply device 900. The communication device 943 may include a light source to provide, for example, a visual indicator means. In some embodiments, the communication device 943 may include a tactile component configured to provide information to the user by vibrating, for example, at the start of a particular operating mode. In some embodiments, the communication device 943 may include a speaker configured to output audible information for reception by the user. In other embodiments, the communication device 943 may include a wireless connection for connecting to an external device, for example, a wireless transmitter. The external device may include, for example, a mobile phone. In such embodiments, the communication device 943 may transmit information to an external device which may then output information for reception by the user. For example, the information may be displayed on the mobile phone. In other embodiments, the communication device 943 may include wired means for connecting to an external device.

[0171] In embodiments comprising a communication device 943, the operation of the cover 903, for example by moving the cover between a first position and a second position, may have a corresponding operation that includes the operation of the communication device 943 to transmit information for the user to receive. For example, the operation that includes moving the cover 903 to the second position may have a corresponding operation that causes the communication device 943 to output information for the user to receive. For example, when the cover 903 moves to the second position, the communication device 943 may display the current battery level of the aerosol supply device 900. Any other appropriate information may also be output. For example, the operation of the cover 903 may cause the communication device to output information regarding the amount of aerosol-generating material available and / or the types of aerosol-generating material available.

[0172] The information transmitted by the communication device 943 may depend on the operation. For example, the sliding of the cover 903 may cause the communication device 943 to output a specific type of information, and the operation of the cover 903 by pressing may cause the communication device 943 to output a different type of information. In some embodiments, the information output by the communication device 943 may depend not only on a specific operation but also on the position of the cover 903 at the time of operation and / or the state of the aerosol supply device 900. For example, if the cover 903 is in a first position when it is operated, for example by pressing the cover 903, the communication device 943 may output information about the battery state. In contrast, if the cover 903 is in a second position when it is operated, the communication device 943 may output information about the current operating mode of the aerosol supply device 900.

[0173] In some embodiments, the communication device 943 may be configured to output information only when the aerosol supply device 900 is in use. In some embodiments, the communication device 943 may output information only for a predetermined period after the aerosol supply device 900 has been used. In other embodiments, the communication device 943 outputs information only when a user interface separate from the cover 903 is activated, for example, when a separate button is pressed.

[0174] As shown in the figure, the communication device 943 may include a screen 944 and one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 946A, 946B. Each of the LEDs 946A, 946B may be a different color. Thus, specific information may be conveyed to the user using the illumination of each of the LEDs 946A, 946B. For example, illuminating the first color LED may indicate that the aerosol supply device is beginning to warm up, and illuminating the second color LED may indicate that the device is ready for use.

[0175] In some embodiments, the cover 903 is at least partially, for example, completely transparent. In such embodiments, a communication device 943, for example, in the form of a visual indicator device, may be placed under the cover 903 so as to be visible through the cover 903. The cover 903 may have an average light transmittance over a wavelength range of 380-700 nm of at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% so as to be visible through the cover 903.

[0176] In the embodiment shown in Figure 23, the screen 944 and LEDs 946A, 946B are substantially visible to the user when the cover 903 is moved to any position between the first position shown in Figures 23 and 24 and the second position shown in Figure 25. In this embodiment, the entire cover 903 is transparent. Therefore, the screen 944 and LEDs 946A, 946B, i.e., the visual indicators, are substantially visible to the user when the cover 903 is in the first position and also in the second position.

[0177] In embodiments where the cover 903 is positioned over the communication device 943, the cover 903 may function to cover the opening 905 of the chamber positioned to receive the aerosol product, and at the same time may function to protect the communication device 943, for example, the screen 944 and LEDs 946A, 946B. The screen 944 and / or LEDs 946A, 946B can provide the user with visual indications regarding the status of the aerosol supply device 900.

[0178] Figure 24 shows a top view of the aerosol supply device 900 when the cover 903 is in a first position. As shown in the figure, when in the first position, the entire cover 903 is transparent, so the communication device 943, specifically the screen 944 and LEDs 946A and 946B, are visible to the user. When in this first position, the screen 944 may display first information, for example, the current battery status of the aerosol supply device 900. In this first position, the opening 905 is also visible. This allows the user to inspect the opening 905 and the chamber located beneath it without having to open the cover 903.

[0179] Figure 25 shows a view from above of the aerosol supply device 900 when the cover 903 is in a second position. In this second position, the opening 905 is substantially not blocked so that a user can insert an aerosol product into it. As shown in the figure, the visual indicator device 943 may remain visible when in this second position. Specifically, the screen 944 and LEDs 946A, 946B may remain visible. Nevertheless, the information output by the screen 944 and LEDs 946A, 946B may change. For example, the screen 944 may change to reflect the ON state of the aerosol supply device 900. It will be apparent that the visual indicator means 943 may be used to output any other appropriate information. This different information may take the form of an action corresponding to an action that moves the cover 903 to the second position.

[0180] Figure 26 shows a top view of another embodiment of the aerosol supply device 1000. The cover 1003 of the aerosol supply device includes a transparent portion 1048 and an opaque portion 1050. When the cover 1003 is in the first position, the transparent portion 1048 is positioned above the screen 1044, as shown in Figure 26. Thus, when the cover 1003 is in the first position, the screen 1044 is visible. Although the screen 1044 is shown, it will be understood that any other form of visual indicator device may be provided, such as at least one LED.

[0181] Figure 27 shows the cover 1003 in a second position with the opening 1005 for receiving the aerosol product substantially open. As shown when in the second position, the opaque portion 1050 of the cover 1003 overlaps the screen 1044 so that the screen 1044 is not visible.

[0182] Figure 28 shows a top view of another embodiment of the aerosol supply device 1100, in which the cover 1103 includes a transparent portion 1148 and an opaque portion 1150. In this embodiment, the transparent portion 1148 and the opaque portion 1150 are inverted compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 26 and 27. As a result, when the cover 1103 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 28, the opening 1105 can be seen through the transparent portion 1148 of the cover, but the screen 1144 is blocked by the opaque portion 1150 of the cover 1103. When moved to the second position shown in Figure 29, the opaque portion 1150 moves and the transparent portion 1148 moves above the screen 1144, allowing the screen 1144 to be seen. This allows the screen 1144 or any other suitable visual indicator device to be seen while the aerosol supply device 1100 is in use.

[0183] The at least partially transparent cover of any of the embodiments described above may be made from any suitable at least partially transparent material. For example, at least a portion of the cover may be made from transparent acrylic or transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Although the at least partially transparent cover has been described in the context of an aerosol supply device, it will be understood that an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device and a charging unit may similarly include an at least partially transparent cover.

[0184] In any of the embodiments described above, the aerosol supply device and / or aerosol supply system may include a controller or appropriate control circuit. The controller or control circuit may be configured to trigger the corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device or charging unit. For example, the controller or control circuit may be connected to a communication device to cause the communication device to output information, or to an aerosol generator to cause the aerosol generator to start heating the aerosol product, or similarly to cause the aerosol generator to stop heating the aerosol product. The operation of at least one cover in any of the embodiments described above may cause a control signal to be sent to or detected by the controller or control circuit. This control signal may be generated in any suitable manner.

[0185] Actuation of the cover in any embodiment, such as movement or pressing of the cover, may be detected by any suitable means. For example, at least one switch may be arranged to detect the actuation, such as movement or pressing of the cover. For example, at least one switch may be arranged to make contact when the cover moves to a second position. The switch may provide a control signal to a controller or control circuit. Similarly, the switch may be arranged to detect movement of the cover to a first position and output a control signal to a controller in the control circuit. Any other suitable device may be provided to detect the actuation of the cover. In embodiments in which the actuation includes pressing of the cover, at least one switch or capacitive switch may be provided to detect the pressing of the cover.

[0186] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of 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 limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may preferably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. Aerosol supply device, A chamber having an opening arranged to receive aerosol products, A cover is provided, which is arranged to move between a first position in which the opening of the chamber is at least partially closed by the cover and a second position in which the opening is substantially not closed by the cover. An aerosol supply device in which the cover is configured to be operated by a user such that at least one operation of the cover results in at least one corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device.

2. an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device arranged to receive aerosol products, A charging unit for charging the aerosol supply device, comprising a cavity having an opening arranged to receive the aerosol supply device, A cover is provided, which is arranged to move between a first position in which the opening of the cavity is at least partially closed by the cover and a second position in which the opening is substantially not closed by the cover. An aerosol supply system in which the cover is configured to be operated by a user such that at least one operation of the cover results in at least one corresponding operation of the supply device and / or the charging unit.

3. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one operation includes the physical movement of the cover.

4. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein the at least one operation includes a user pressing the cover.

5. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one operation includes a plurality of different operations, each operation resulting in a different corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device.

6. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one operation includes moving the cover from the first position to the second position, and the corresponding operation includes operating the aerosol supply device and / or charging unit.

7. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one operation includes moving the cover to the first position, and the corresponding operation includes stopping the aerosol supply device and / or charging unit.

8. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover is arranged to slide between the first position and the second position.

9. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover is arranged to move to a third position not on a path between the first position and the second position, and the at least one operation includes moving the cover to the third position.

10. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to claim 9, wherein the movement of the cover to the third position is in a different direction from the direction in which the cover moves when it is moved between the first position and the second position.

11. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cover is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, and the at least one operation includes rotating the cover about the axis.

12. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to claim 11, wherein the axis of rotation is substantially aligned with or perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cover as it moves between the first position and the second position.

13. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cover comprises at least one button, and the operation of the at least one includes a user pressing the at least one button.

14. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to claim 13, wherein the at least one button includes at least one capacitive button and / or at least one mechanical button.

15. The corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device is the at least one operation, (i) The initial position of the cover when it is operated, (ii) The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which depends on at least one of the state of the aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system.

16. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a communication device configured to transmit information for reception by the user.

17. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to claim 16, wherein the corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device includes the operation of the communication device for transmitting information for reception by the user.

18. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a controller configured to cause the corresponding operation of the aerosol supply device or charging unit, wherein the at least one operation causes the controller to transmit or detect the corresponding at least one control signal.

19. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the cover is at least partially transparent.

20. Aerosol supply device, A chamber having an opening arranged to receive aerosol products, A cover is provided, which is arranged to move between a first position in which the opening of the chamber is at least partially closed by the cover and a second position in which the opening is substantially open. An aerosol supply device in which at least a portion of the cover is at least partially transparent.

21. an aerosol supply system, an aerosol supply device arranged to receive aerosol products, A charging unit for charging the aerosol supply device, comprising a cavity having an opening arranged to receive the aerosol supply device, A cover, the cover being arranged to move between a first position in which the opening of the cavity is at least partially closed by the cover and a second position in which the opening is substantially open, An aerosol supply system in which at least a portion of the cover is at least partially transparent.

22. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 19, 20, or 21, further comprising a communication device equipped with a visual indicator device for providing a visual indication to the user.

23. The aerosol supply device or aerosol supply system according to claim 22, wherein the visual indicator device is positioned so as to be substantially visible to the user when the cover is moved to any position between the first position and the second position, and including the first position and the second position.

24. an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 22, or 23, Aerosol products containing aerosol-generating materials, An aerosol supply system equipped with the following features.

25. A method for generating an aerosol, A step of providing an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 22, or 23, The steps include: inserting an aerosol product containing an aerosol generating material into the aerosol supply device, The steps include: activating the aerosol supply device, Methods that include...

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