Aerosol supply system

Abstract

The aerosol supply system (10) comprises an aerosol supply device (100) and a charging unit (20) for charging or powering the aerosol supply device. The device (100) and the charging unit (20) are connectable by a mounting mechanism (11) comprising a first engaging member (150) including at least one wire spring and a second engaging member (40). The device (100) comprises one of the first and second engaging members (150, 40), and the charging unit (20) comprises the other of the first and second engaging members (150, 40). Movement of the first engaging member (150) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device (100) allows the first engaging member (150) to snap-engage with the second engaging member (40) when the device is inserted into the cavity (21) of the charging unit (20), and to disengage when the device is pulled out of the cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply system and a method for generating an aerosol.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these smoking products by manufacturing products that release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a so-called "non-combustion heating type" product or a tobacco heating device or product that releases compounds by heating rather than by burning a material. This material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, may contain nicotine, or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the aforementioned devices or products are known. Common systems use a heater to produce an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. Often, the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide different aerosols for inhalation. It is known to use a resistive heating system as a heater for producing an aerosol from a suitable medium. Separately, it is known that an induction heating system is used as a heater.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first engaging member may be provided on the charging unit, and the second engaging member may be provided on the aerosol supply device.

[0006] The first engaging member may be provided on the aerosol supply device, and the second engaging member may be provided on the charging unit.

[0007] The second engaging member may have one or more grooves or recesses.

[0008] The first engaging member may comprise a single wire spring. The second engaging member may comprise two or more grooves or recesses. A single wire spring may be configured to engage with two or more grooves or recesses.

[0009] The first engaging member may comprise two or more wire springs. The two or more springs may be configured to engage with a single groove or recess. The two or more springs may be configured to engage with a single groove or recess provided in a single lug. The second engaging member may comprise corresponding grooves or recesses, and each of the two or more springs may be configured to engage with the corresponding groove or recess.

[0010] Wire springs may be made from any suitable material that has the property of bending when a force is applied and returning to its original shape. Wire springs may be made from metallic materials such as stainless steel, high-carbon steel, nickel-based alloys, and chromium-based alloys, but are not limited to these. Wire springs may be made from plastic materials such as fiber-reinforced plastics, engineering thermoplastics, e.g., polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, ABS, polystyrene, acetal, PEEK material (polyetheretherketone), and nylon, but are not limited to these. Wire springs may comprise sleeves, the sleeves extending along it or at least part of each spring.

[0011] The charging unit may have one or more lugs at the distal end of the cavity. The aerosol supply device may have one or more corresponding receiving recesses for receiving one or more lugs once the aerosol supply device is received into the cavity.

[0012] The second engaging member may be provided on one or more lugs.

[0013] The second engaging member may be provided on the inner surface of the charging unit cavity. The second engaging member may comprise one or more grooves or recesses provided on the inner surface of the charging unit cavity.

[0014] The first engaging member may be configured to snap into engagement with the second engaging member by moving toward the central axis of the cavity.

[0015] The first engaging member may be configured to snap into engagement with the second engaging member by moving away from the central axis of the cavity.

[0016] The first engaging member may be configured to snap into engagement with the second engaging member by moving in a direction parallel to the central axis of the cavity.

[0017] The charging unit may have one or more first electrical connectors for connecting to an aerosol supply device. The aerosol supply device may further have one or more corresponding second connectors for connecting to the charging unit. The charging unit may have two, three, or four first electrical connectors. The aerosol supply device may have two, three, or four second electrical connectors.

[0018] One or more first electrical connectors are provided at the distal end of the cavity of the charging unit. One or more second electrical connectors may be provided at the distal end of the aerosol supply device.

[0019] The first and second connectors (or more) may be pogo pin connectors and corresponding mating receptacles or contact plates. The first and second connectors (or more) may be male and female USB connectors.

[0020] The cavity of the charging unit may have a cross-sectional contour corresponding to the contour of the aerosol supply device. The cavity of the charging unit may have a cross-sectional contour configured to allow the aerosol supply device to be inserted into the charging unit in a single orientation. The outer contour of the aerosol supply device may comprise a curved portion and a straight portion. The cross-sectional contour of the cavity provided in the charging unit may also comprise a similar curved portion and a straight portion. The cavity of the charging unit may have a length substantially equal to or slightly greater than the length of the aerosol supply device, so that the substantially overall length of the aerosol supply device is received by the cavity of the charging unit.

[0021] The cavity may further comprise a longitudinally extending opening. The first side of the aerosol supply device may be received into a longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit.

[0022] The aerosol supply system may further comprise an aerosol generating article.

[0023] The aerosol generating article may contain an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi - solid (such as a gel). The aerosol generating material may contain an active substance and / or a flavorant.

[0024] The aerosol generating article may be in the form of a stick. The aerosol generating article may be a rod - shaped article. The aerosol generating article may have a non - circular cross - section such as an oval shape, rectangular shape, trapezoidal shape, etc., although not limited thereto. The aerosol generating article may be substantially flat.

[0025] The aerosol supply device may comprise a heating chamber, and a heating element is provided in the heating chamber. The heating element may comprise at least one heater coil. The heating element may comprise a single coil. The coil may have a regular pitch. The coil may have a variable pitch, and the central portion of the coil has fewer turns per unit length than the two end portions. The heating element may comprise two or more coils. The coil(s) may be a helical coil.

[0026] The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The heater may be a resistive heater. The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The heating element may be a resistive heating coil.

[0027] The heating element may be an inductive heating element.

[0028] The heater may be an inductive heating heater. The heating element may be an inductive heating element. The coil may be an induction coil.

[0029] The aerosol supply device may include a power source, a controller, and a heating chamber into which an aerosol generating article can be removably received. The power source may be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The power source may be aligned along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

[0030] The charging unit may be configured for wireless charging. The charging unit may include a charging port such as a USB port, and the charging port is used to couple an electrical power supply device provided in the charging unit to an external power source for recharging.

[0031] The charging unit may include a control unit configured to control the transfer of power from the charging unit to the aerosol supply device when a device electrical connector is electrically engaged with a charging unit electrical connector. The control unit may be configured to control the transfer of data from the charging unit to the aerosol supply device and / or from the aerosol supply device to the charging unit.

[0032] The charging unit may have a transverse cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the charging unit may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombus, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal transverse cross-section.

[0033] According to another aspect, a method of generating an aerosol is provided, including the steps of providing the aerosol supply system described above, inserting an aerosol generating article into the aerosol supply device, and energizing the aerosol generating article.

[0034] Next, various embodiments will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of an aerosol supply system, including an aerosol supply device located within a charging unit. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device and the aerosol products of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a heater that may be used in the aerosol supply system. [Figure 5a] This figure shows an embodiment of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 5b] This figure shows an embodiment of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 5c] This figure shows an embodiment of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 5d] This is a diagram of an embodiment of the corresponding charging unit. [Figure 5e] This is a diagram showing an embodiment of the components of a charging unit. [Figure 5f] This is a diagram showing an embodiment of the components of a charging unit. [Figure 6a] Figures 5a to 5e show the aerosol supply system. [Figure 6b] Figures 5a to 5e show the aerosol supply system. [Figure 7a] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the mounting mechanism. [Figure 7b] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the mounting mechanism. [Figure 8a] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the mounting mechanism. [Figure 8b] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the mounting mechanism. [Figure 9a] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the mounting mechanism. [Figure 9b] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the mounting mechanism. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] According to this disclosure, a “non-flammable” aerosol supply system is one in which the aerosol-generating material (or its components) that make up the aerosol supply system is not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0037] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as an electrically operated non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0038] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply 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 necessary condition.

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-combustible 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.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-flammable 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.

[0041] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may comprise a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may comprise an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0043] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable 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, packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0044] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” refers to a material capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or electrically energized by any other means. The aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0045] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0046] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming body. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a filler may 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.

[0047] The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film, or may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may contain a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming body. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may not contain substantially any plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating film is substantially tobacco-free.

[0048] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm to approximately 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of approximately 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to approximately 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0049] Aerosol-generating films can be continuous. For example, a film may include or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of packaging material and may be assembled to form a bundled sheet or may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.

[0050] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more separate parts or regions of the aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, which may be supported by a support. In such embodiments, the support may or may not be planar.

[0051] An aerosol supply device may accept an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” means a component that contains or is contained with an aerosol-generating material during use and is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally, other components during use. The user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol supply device before the article is heated to produce an aerosol, and subsequently the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specified size, for example, configured to be placed in or on a heater of a device of a size that accepts the article.

[0052] 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 expose the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy, thereby releasing one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0053] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating materials, which are intended to be consumed by the user, in whole or in part, during use. Consumables may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to produce an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, a material that can be heated by electrical conductivity, or a susceptor.

[0054] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply system 10 comprising an aerosol supply device 100 and a charging unit 20. The device 100 is shown positioned within a cavity 21 of the charging unit 20. The cavity 21 has an open end 22 (also referred to as an opening). The embodiment of the charging unit in Figure 1 also includes a longitudinal opening 23.

[0055] The aerosol supply device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product (not shown) that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 when in use. In embodiments, the article forms part of the aerosol supply system 10.

[0056] The aerosol supply device 100 has an elongated structure that extends along its longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply device 100 has a proximal end 100a that is closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when used by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply device 100, and a distal end 100b that is furthest from the user when used. The proximal end is also referred to as the “mouth end.” Accordingly, the aerosol supply device 100 further has a proximal direction, which is the direction toward the user when used. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 also has a distal direction, which is the direction toward the user when used. When applied to the features of the device 100, the terms proximal and distal will be explained by referring to the relative positions of such features toward each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply device 100 has an opening at the proximal end 100a, which leads into a heating chamber (described below with reference to Figure 2).

[0057] The aerosol supply device 100 can be removably inserted into the charging unit 20 for charging. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the distal end 100b of the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the cavity 21 through the opening 22.

[0058] A portion of the aerosol supply device 100 may include a first side portion 101. One or more user-operable control elements 106, such as buttons, which can be used to operate the aerosol supply device 100, may be provided on the first side portion 101 of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cavity of the charging unit 20 may have a cross-sectional contour that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 20 in only one orientation.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the outer contour of the aerosol supply device 100 comprises a first portion and a second portion (see Figure 5a). The cross-sectional contour of the cavity 21 provided in the charging unit 20 comprises similar first and second portions. The second portion of the cross-sectional contour of the cavity 21 corresponds to the longitudinal opening 23, and the first side portion 101 of the device 100 aligns with the longitudinal opening 23 and is received therein. The first side portion 101 has a width W corresponding to the width of the longitudinal opening 23. This ensures the accurate alignment of the device 100 in the charging unit 20. Furthermore, when the device 100 is in the charging unit 20, the user accesses the user controller 106.

[0061] In other embodiments, the aerosol supply device may have alternative shapes and sizes and may be accommodated in a cavity having a shape and dimensions corresponding to that of the charging unit.

[0062] In other embodiments, the charging unit may include a single opening through which the device is inserted into the cavity.

[0063] The charging unit 20 includes a sliding lid 25. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 20 for recharging, the sliding lid 25 can be closed to cover the opening into the aerosol supply device 100.

[0064] In other embodiments, the charging unit 20 may have an alternative lid configuration, such as a hinged or pivoted lid, or it may not have a lid at all.

[0065] The cavity 21 of the charging unit has a length substantially equal to or slightly greater than the length of the aerosol supply device 100, so that the aerosol supply device 100 is substantially contained within the cavity of the charging unit. This means that the device 100 is entirely enclosed and protected within the cavity 21.

[0066] The charging unit 20 may include a user interface such as a display 28, and the user interface may be provided in any convenient location, such as the location shown in Figure 1.

[0067] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 200. The main housing 200 defines the device body of the device 100. The device 100 defines a heating chamber 201. The container 205 defines the heating chamber 201. An opening 203 is provided to provide access to the heating chamber 201. The container 205 comprises a wall structure including a container side wall portion 205a and a container base portion 205b. The base portion 205b is located at the distal end of the container 205. For heating, a heating zone 201a is configured in at least a portion of the article.

[0068] A heating element 300 is provided on a portion of the main housing 200. In the shown embodiment, the heating element 300 is a heater 301 that extends into or protrudes into the heating chamber 201. The heater 301 may include a base portion 301a that can be located in a recess provided on a portion of the body of the device 100. The heater 301 rises into the heating chamber 201. The heater 301 rises from its distal end.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the heater 301 comprises an elongated heating element in the form of a pin. In other embodiments, the heater 301 comprises other elongated components, such as a blade.

[0070] The heater 301 can be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product 50 (see Figure 3) received in the heating chamber 201 to internally heat the aerosol product during use.

[0071] The housing comprises a housing wall 200a. The housing wall 200a extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 and surrounds the heating chamber 201. Since the volume portion of the receiving chamber of the aerosol supply device 100 is surrounded within the housing wall 200a, the housing wall 200a can define, at least partially, the receiving chamber of the aerosol supply device 100. The housing base 200b is located at the distal end of the housing wall 200a. In the shown embodiment, the heater 301 rises from the housing base 200b. The heater 301 protrudes through the container base 205b. An opening 206 is formed in the container base 205b, and the heater 301 protrudes through the opening 206. In the embodiment, the heater 301 is mounted on the container base 205b. The heater 301 rises from the container base 205b.

[0072] The aerosol supply device 100 further comprises a removal mechanism 204 which can be detachably attached to the main housing 200 of the aerosol supply device 100. In the shown embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 defines a heating chamber 201. The removal mechanism 204 forms a container 205.

[0073] In other embodiments, the removal mechanism 204 is omitted, and other features of the device 100, such as the housing side wall portion 200a and the housing base portion 200b, define the heating chamber 201.

[0074] When the aerosol product 50 is received into the heating chamber 201, the aerosol product 50 may come into contact with both the longitudinally extending portion of the inner surface and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e., the peripheral portion 207a and the base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product 50 in the form of a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod, and when received into the article chamber, the longitudinal axis of the article becomes parallel (and optionally aligned) with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0075] When the removal mechanism 204 is secured to the main housing 200 during use, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 is positioned at least partially within the heating chamber 201. Thus, the removal mechanism 204 is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product during use. In embodiments, 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.

[0076] The removal mechanism 204 may comprise an internal element (having a tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b) and an outer cap portion 210. When attached to the main housing 200, the outer cap portion 210 encapsulates (for example, covers) at least a portion of the main housing 200, such as the wall portion 200a of the main housing.

[0077] The heater 301 comprises an elongated heater 301 in the form of a pin. In other embodiments, the heater 301 may comprise other elongated configurations such as blades, and it will be understood that the heater 301 may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes.

[0078] The heater 301 is provided in the heating chamber 201. The heater 301 in Figure 4 and the heater 301 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 may each be subject to the details described herein. The heater 301 extends into or protrudes within the heating chamber 201.

[0079] The heater 301 can be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product 50 received in the heating chamber 201 to internally heat the aerosol product 50 during use.

[0080] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the resistance heater 301 for use in the aerosol supply device described above. In such a configuration, the heating assembly comprises a resistance heating generator which includes components for heating a heating element by a resistance heating process. In this case, a current is applied directly to the resistance heating element, and the resulting current flow in the heating element acting as a heating component heats the heating element by Joule heating. The resistance heating element includes a resistance material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through the resistance heating element, and the heating configuration includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistance material. In the embodiment, the heating element forms at least a portion of the resistance heating element itself.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the heater 301 comprises an elongated housing 302 and a heating element 350. The elongated housing 302 is an elongated member that defines a longitudinal axis. The housing 302 is formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum. Other suitable materials such as stainless steel may be used. The elongated housing 302 may have a covering on its outer surface. The elongated housing 302 is configured to transfer heat from the heating element 350 to the heating zone 201a in the aerosol supply device.

[0082] The elongated housing 302 has a base end 303 and a free end 304. The base end 303 is attached to the device body. The mounting portion 305 of the base end 303 is attached to the heater 301.

[0083] The elongated housing 302 comprises a housing body portion 306. The housing body portion 306 is tubular. In other embodiments, the housing body portion 306 may have various cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to, circular, elliptical, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and octagonal shapes. The housing body portion 306 comprises a hole 307 that defines an inner void (i.e., cavity) 308 of the heater 301. The inner void 308 extends in the longitudinal direction. The inner surface 309 is defined on the inside of the elongated housing 302. An open end 310 to the inner void 308 is provided at the base end 303.

[0084] The free end 304 of the elongated housing 302 extends toward the proximal end of the heating chamber. The free end 304 of the heater 301 is closed, in other words, the inner gap 308 does not extend through the free end 304. A tip 311 is provided on the free end 304. The tip 311 extends to the apex 312. Other shapes and configurations of the tip 311 may be provided; for example, the tip 311 may have a flat surface.

[0085] The heating element 350 is located within the elongated housing 302 of the heater 301. The heating element 350 extends longitudinally within the elongated housing 302 and has a base end 350a and a free end 350b. In Figure 4, the heating element 350 extends between the base end 303 and the free end 304. In some embodiments, the heating element extends partially along the length of the inner void 308. In some embodiments, the heating element 350 extends to or beyond the open end 310.

[0086] In this embodiment, the heating coil 351 is a resistance heating coil. The heating coil 351 is a helical coil. The heating coil may have any suitable cross-sectional profile, such as a rectangular, circular, or oval cross-sectional profile. The heating component 300 includes electrical connection paths 352 and 353. The electrical connection paths extend from each end of the heating element 350.

[0087] In other embodiments, the heating component 300 may include two or more heating coils.

[0088] Figures 5a to 5d show embodiments of a mounting mechanism 11 for connecting an aerosol supply device 100 within a charging unit 20. The mounting mechanism 11 comprises a first engaging member 150 and a second engaging member 40.

[0089] Figure 5a shows a view of the aerosol supply device 100 described above, viewed from the distal end 100b. It can be seen that the outer contour of the aerosol supply device 100 includes the first portion 111A and the second portion 111B.

[0090] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a base plate 120 at its distal end 100b. Two openings 122 are provided in the base plate 120. The openings 122 connect to recesses or voids 124 that extend within the distal portion 102 of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first engaging member 150 is in the form of a wire spring 150. Two sections 155 of the wire spring 150 extend across the radially outer edge of the opening 122.

[0092] Four electrical connectors 130 are provided to connect the aerosol supply device 100 to the charging unit 20. At least a portion of the device electrical connector 130 may form an electrical contact for contacting at least a portion of the corresponding electrical connector (see Figure 5c) of one or more charging unit electrical connectors 30 of the charging unit 20.

[0093] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of the distal end 100b of the aerosol supply device 100, in which the base plate 120 is semi-transparent so that the wire spring 150 can be seen. The spring 150 is held within the device 100 in a resting position. In the embodiment of Figure 5b, the end 151 of the wire spring is fixed within the base plate 120. Two sections 155 of the wire spring can be seen extending across the opening 122, and when a force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the device, each section 155 deforms from the resting position in this direction, as indicated by arrow D. The geometric shape of the rest of the wire spring 150 is determined by the other components of the distal end 100b of the device.

[0094] Figure 5c shows the wire spring from Figure 5b. The wire spring 150 comprises two elongated covers 156 that cover section 155. The covers 156 may provide an aesthetic function. In other embodiments, the covers are not provided.

[0095] Figure 5d shows a diagram of the lower portion 21 of the charging unit 20 for use with the aerosol supply device 100 shown in Figures 5a and 5b.

[0096] In this embodiment, the second engaging member 40 comprises two lugs 40 extending from the distal end 21b of the charging unit cavity 21. Each of the lugs 40 has a groove 42 on its radially outer surface 40a. The lugs 40 are sized to fit into the opening 122 and are positioned within the recess 124 when the device 100 is fully inserted into the charging unit.

[0097] Four electrical connectors 30 are provided at the distal end 21b for connection to the aerosol supply device 100.

[0098] The charging unit 20 includes a battery pack (not shown) which can be used to charge the aerosol supply device 100 through a connection formed between electrical connectors 30 and 130.

[0099] The charging unit 20 includes a control unit (not shown) configured to control the transfer of power from the charging unit to the aerosol supply device. The control unit may also be configured to control the transfer of data from the charging unit to the aerosol supply device and / or from the aerosol supply device to the charging unit.

[0100] In this embodiment, there are two kidney-shaped (or bean-shaped) openings 122 having radially outer surfaces 40a that follow the circumferential path. The two lugs 40 have corresponding contours and are slightly smaller than the openings so that the lugs fit snugly into the gap 124.

[0101] Figures 5e and 5f show embodiments of a cavity distal end plate 24 that may be used in a charging unit such as the one described above. The end plate 24 forms the distal end 21b of the cavity 21. Two lugs 40 extend from the end plate 24. In other embodiments, no separate end plates are provided, and the lugs are provided as an integral part of the cavity end wall.

[0102] In other embodiments, different numbers of openings and lugs may be provided, and the openings and lugs may be provided with any suitable shape, which will be understood to vary depending on the cross-sectional shape of the device and the configuration of the internal components within the device.

[0103] The embodiments shown in Figures 5a to 5d include four electrical connectors 30 and 130. However, it will be understood that the aerosol supply device 100 and charging unit may have any appropriate number of electrical connectors 30 and 130.

[0104] At least a portion of one or more device electrical connectors 130 may form electrical contacts for contacting at least a portion of the corresponding electrical connectors 30 of one or more charging unit electrical connectors 30 of the charging unit 20. Together, the sets of electrical connectors 30, 130 facilitate power and / or data connections between the aerosol supply device 100 and the charging unit 20 when the aerosol supply device 100 is attached to the charging unit 20.

[0105] According to one embodiment, a first electrical connector may be used to transfer power from the charging unit 20 to the aerosol supply device 100, a second electrical connector may be used for grounding purposes, and the remaining electrical connector(s) may be used for data transfer. For example, there may be a single electrical contact for data transfer, or there may be two or more electrical contacts for data transfer.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the charging unit electrical connector 30 is a pogo pin connector. As will be understood, a pogo pin connector is an electrical connector that has an integrated spring within the pin configured to apply a constant normal force behind the mating receptacle or contact plate, which counteracts any undesirable movement that otherwise could result in intermittent connection.

[0107] In other embodiments, the device electrical connector 130 may include a female USB-C connector, and the charging unit 20 may include an electrical connector with a corresponding male USB-C connector. Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the aerosol supply device 100 may include a male USB-C connector and the charging unit 20 may include a female USB-C connector.

[0108] Figure 6a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an aerosol supply device 100 partially inserted into a cavity 21 of a charging unit 20 according to one embodiment. The device 100 is inserted through an opening 22 and pushed in direction A.

[0109] The device 100 is aligned with the cavity 21 such that the first side portion 101 is located within the longitudinal opening 23. The lug 40 within the cavity 21 is positioned to align with the opening 122 of the device bottom plate 120.

[0110] As the device 100 is pushed toward the distal end 21b of the cavity 21, it will be understood that the lug 40 passes through the opening 122 with its outer surface 40a facing the wire spring 150. As the device 100 moves further, the wire spring section 155 passes through the lug 40, deforms, and moves away from the contact surface 40a (or outer surface) of the lug 40 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In other words, the wire spring section 155 moves in a direction P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and away from axis A. When the device 100 has moved to a fully inserted position, the sections 155 move back to their original positions, and the device 100 is firmly held within the cavity 21.

[0111] Figure 6b shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply system 10 with the device 100 fully inserted into the charging unit 20. The wire spring section 155 is engaged with the groove 42 of the lug 40.

[0112] When the user pulls the device 100 in the opposite direction to remove it, the spring section 155 is biased in direction P by the outer surface 40a of the lug 40 as it passes through the lug.

[0113] The figure on page 7 shows a further embodiment of the mounting mechanism for the aerosol supply system.

[0114] Figure 7a shows an embodiment of the mounting mechanism 11, which includes a first engaging member 150 in the form of a wire spring 150 provided in the outer groove of the distal end 100b of the device 100. The second engaging member 40 includes two protrusions 40 formed on the inner surface 21c of the cavity 21 of the charging unit 20. The lug is spaced apart from the distal end 21b of the cavity, thereby forming two recesses 42.

[0115] Two electrical connectors 130 are provided on the device 100, and two electrical connectors 30 are provided in the cavity 21. In this embodiment, when the device 100 is pushed into the fully inserted position, the wire spring 150 is biased in a direction R away from the contact surface 40b of the protrusion, i.e., in a direction R perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and toward axis A.

[0116] Figure 7b shows the device 100 fully inserted and secured within the charging unit 20. The wire spring 150 is positioned in the recess 42.

[0117] Figure 8a shows an embodiment of the mounting mechanism 11 comprising a first engaging member 150 in the form of a wire spring 150 provided at the distal end 100b of the device 100. There are two openings 122 leading to a void 124, and the wire spring 150 extends across the inner edges of the openings 122. The distal end 21b of the void comprises a second engaging member 40 in the form of two lugs 40, each lug having a groove 42 on its inner surface 40b. In this embodiment, when the device 100 is pushed into the fully inserted position, the wire spring 150 is biased in a direction R away from the contact surfaces 40b of the lugs, i.e., in a direction R perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and toward axis A. Figure 8b shows the device 100 fully inserted and fixed within the charging unit 20. The wire spring 150 is positioned in the recess 42.

[0118] Figure 9a shows an embodiment of the mounting mechanism 11, which includes a first engaging member 150 in the form of a wire spring 150 provided at the distal end 21b of the charging unit cavity 21. A second engaging member 40 is provided on the device 10. Two lugs 40 are provided on the outer periphery of the distal end 100b of the device. The lugs include inwardly facing recesses 42.

[0119] In this embodiment, a single electrical connector 130 is provided on the device 100, and a single electrical connector 30 is provided within the cavity 21. This can represent a USB electrical connection.

[0120] When the device 100 is pushed into its fully inserted position, the wire spring 150 is biased in a direction R away from the contact surface 40b of the lug, i.e., in a direction R perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and toward axis A. Figure 9b shows the device 100 fully inserted and secured within the charging unit 20. The wire spring 150 is positioned in the recess 42.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the second engaging member comprises two lugs. In other embodiments, the second engaging member may comprise one or more lugs. The second engaging member may comprise a single lug, which may have one or more grooves or recesses. The second engaging member may comprise one, three, or four lugs.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the first engaging member comprises a single wire spring. In a further embodiment, the first engaging member may comprise two or more wire springs.

[0123] In another embodiment (not shown), the device comprises one or more lugs.

[0124] The first and second engaging members 40 and 150 may work to ensure alignment between the charging unit electrical connector 30 and the device electrical connector 130 when the device is inserted into the charging unit.

[0125] Figure 9a shows an embodiment of the mounting mechanism 11, which includes a first engaging member 150 in the form of a wire spring 150 provided at the distal end 21b of the charging unit cavity 21.

[0126] In the embodiment, to further ensure that automatic induction occurs, the cavity 21 of the charging unit 20 and the aerosol supply device 100 may be provided with corresponding grooves, for example, grooves on the inner surface of the cavity and grooves on the outer surface 107 of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0127] The mounting mechanism according to the above-described embodiment has been shown to ensure that the aerosol supply device is secured within the cavity of the charging unit in a relatively safe and low-cost manner.

[0128] The mounting mechanism according to the embodiment is compact and occupies a relatively small volume within the aerosol supply device.

[0129] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, when a user inserts an aerosol supply device into the charging unit cavity, the user receives an indicator of engagement that gives the user confidence that the aerosol supply device is securely held within the cavity.

[0130] In the embodiments described above, the heating element is a resistance heating element. In the embodiments, other types of heating elements, such as induction heating elements, are used. The overall configuration of the device is as described above, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0131] An induction heating system comprises various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of an article by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating system may comprise an induction element, for example, one or more induction coils, and a device for passing a changing current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The changing current in the induction element generates a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the induction element. In induction heating, compared to heating by conduction, for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, enabling rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction element and the susceptor, allowing for increased freedom in structure and application.

[0132] In induction heating, heat is generated in the susceptor (heating element), whereas in resistance heating, heat is generated in the coil (heating element).

[0133] In the embodiment, the heating element of the aerosol supply system is not part of the aerosol supply device, but rather part of the aerosol product. The heating element may be, for example, a resistive heating element in the form of a resistive coil as described above, and the resistive heating element is provided as part of the aerosol product. An electrical connection may allow current to flow through the resistive heating element.

[0134] 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 as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or to equivalents thereof, 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 suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist 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 and A charging unit for charging or supplying power to the aerosol supply device, wherein the charging unit has a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device, Equipped with, The aerosol supply device and the charging unit are connectable by a mounting mechanism. The aforementioned mounting mechanism A first engaging member comprising at least one wire spring, A second engaging member, Includes, The aerosol supply device includes one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member, and the charging unit includes the other of the first engaging member and the second engaging member. An aerosol supply system in which the first engaging member is configured such that, by moving the first engaging member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device, it snaps into engagement with the second engaging member when the aerosol supply device is inserted into the cavity, and can be separated from the second engaging member when the aerosol supply device is pulled out of the cavity.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging member is provided on the charging unit and the second engaging member is provided on the aerosol supply device.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging member is provided on the aerosol supply device and the second engaging member is provided on the charging unit.

4. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second engaging member comprises one or more grooves or recesses.

5. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first engaging member comprises a single wire spring, and the second engaging member comprises two or more grooves or recesses.

6. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first engaging member comprises two or more wire springs, and the second engaging member comprises a corresponding groove or recess.

7. The charging unit comprises one or more lugs at the distal end of the cavity, The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises one or more corresponding receiving recesses for receiving the one or more lugs when the aerosol supply device is received in the cavity.

8. The aerosol supply system according to claim 7, wherein the second engaging member is provided on one or more lugs.

9. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first engaging member is configured to snap-engage with the second engaging member by moving toward the central axis of the cavity.

10. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first engaging member is configured to snap-engage with the second engaging member by moving in a direction away from the central axis of the cavity.

11. The aerosol supply device further comprises one or more first electrical connectors for connecting to the charging unit, The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the charging unit comprises one or more second electrical connectors.

12. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the one or more first electrical connectors are provided at the distal end of the aerosol supply device.

13. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cavity of the charging unit has a cross-sectional contour corresponding to the contour of the aerosol supply device.

14. An aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an aerosol product.

15. A method for generating an aerosol, A step of preparing an aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The steps include inserting the aerosol product into the aerosol supply device, The step of applying current to the aerosol product, Methods that include...

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