Aerosol supply device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect, A main housing equipped with a heating element, wherein the heating element protrudes into the main housing, and the main housing A receptacle arranged around a heating element and configured to receive aerosol products, wherein the receptacle has one or more outward protrusions, A rotatable tube having one or more helical tracks, wherein one or more projections on the receptacle engage with one or more helical tracks, and during use, the rotatable tube can be rotated to translate the receptacle relative to the heating element so as to remove or at least partially remove aerosol products from the heating element. An aerosol supply device is provided.

[0009] Known aerosol supply devices with a heater element have the problem that aerosol products may adhere to the heater element during use. Aerosol supply devices in various embodiments are particularly beneficial in that the receptacle is seated around the aerosol product and can be translated relative to the heating element by the rotation of a rotatable tube. This facilitates the removal of the aerosol product from the heating element.

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

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

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

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

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

[0015] Optionally, the receptacle can be translated along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol supply device.

[0016] Optionally, the tubular cover is configured to be attached in a sleeve-like manner to a rotatable tube.

[0017] Optionally, the tubular cover may have a truncated circular cross-sectional profile comprising a first arc-shaped section having a curved outer surface and a second straight section having a flat outer surface.

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

[0019] Optionally, one or more projections may comprise a first projection and a second projection, and one or more helical tracks may comprise a first helical track and a second helical track, wherein the first projection is arranged to engage with the first helical track, and the second projection is arranged to engage with the second helical track.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] This shows an aerosol supply device positioned within a charging unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device located within the charging unit. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the receptacle and rotatable tube of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] The rotatable tube shown in Figure 3 is shown separately. [Figure 5] Figures 3 and 4 show diagrams focusing on the holding elements of the rotatable tube. [Figure 6] This shows the assembly of a rotatable tube onto the receptacle. [Figure 7] This shows the assembly of the tubular cover onto the assembled receptacle and rotatable tube. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of one embodiment focusing on the engagement of the first and second alignment features. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Specific examples and embodiments of aspects and features are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of the specific examples and embodiments may be carried out conventionally and will not be discussed or described in detail for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, it will be understood that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be carried out according to the prior art for carrying out such aspects and features.

[0032] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or their components) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

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

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic 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.

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

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of one or more aerosol-generating materials that can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.

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

[0041] 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, packaging material, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material so that it releases one or more volatile substances from the 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 following to the aerosol-generating material: vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0046] Consumables are articles comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. 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 cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0047] 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 comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source 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.

[0048] For completeness, an aerosol supply device equipped with an inductive element is known. The aerosol supply device may comprise one or more inductors and a susceptor configured to be heated by one or more inductors.

[0049] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, its penetration due to the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, its penetration due to 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0060] When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position, the opening to the cavity is exposed, thereby allowing the user to either remove the aerosol supply device 100 from the charging unit 101 (to use the aerosol supply device 100) or insert the aerosol supply device 100 into the charging unit 101 (to charge the aerosol supply device 100).

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

[0062] The removable cap 106 includes a receptacle 120 for receiving consumables. During use, the aerosol product is inserted into the receptacle 120. The receptacle 120 includes a tubular housing having a base 121. The base 121 of the receptacle 120 has an aperture 119, and the resistance heating element 104 is positioned to protrude through the aperture 119. The aerosol product can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 by inserting the aerosol product through the opening in the removable cap 106, and then inserting the aerosol product into the receptacle 120 and onto the heating element 104. The heating element 104 has a blade-shaped profile, and during use, the aerosol product can be pressed onto the heating element 104, thereby inserting the blade-shaped profile of the heating element 104 into the distal end of the aerosol product. The heating element 104 is configured to heat the aerosol product internally.

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

[0064] At the end of a usage session, when the aerosol product has been consumed, the receptacle 120 may then be translated relative to the heating element 104 contained within the main housing 105. It will be understood that the process of translating the receptacle 120 has the effect of bringing the base 121 of the receptacle 120 into contact with the bottom surface of the aerosol product. When the receptacle 120 is translated relative to the heating element 104, the base 121 of the receptacle 120 comes into contact with the distal end of the aerosol product, causing the aerosol product to be pulled away from the heating element 104 or otherwise removed. The translation of the receptacle 120 relative to the heating element 104, and the mechanism for driving this translation, will be discussed in more detail below.

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

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

[0067] An embodiment is also conceivable in which the tubular main housing 105 may be provided with a partial circumferential groove 300, and the rotatable tube 124 may be provided with a projection that engages with the partial circumferential groove 300.

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

[0069] The receptacle 120 is positioned around a heating element 104 (see Figure 2) that protrudes into the main housing 105. The receptacle 120 may receive aerosol products (not shown) during use, which may be pressed onto the heating element 104, which may include a blade heating element. In one embodiment, the receptacle 120 comprises a first projection 122 and a second projection 123 (which are not shown in Figure 3 but can be seen in Figure 6). The first projection 122 and the second projection 123 are outward projections that extend away from the outer surface 121 of the receptacle 120. The first projection 122 and the second projection 123 may extend radially and, therefore, each may extend radially outward.

[0070] The rotatable tube 124 may include a first helical track 126 and a second helical track 128. The first projection 122 engages with the first helical track 126, and the second projection 123 engages with the second helical track 128. The illustrated embodiment includes two projections 122, 123 and two helical tracks 126, 128, but any number of projections and helical tracks may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second projections 122, 123 are located on both sides of the receptacle 120, and the helical tracks 126, 128 are located on both sides of the rotatable tube 124. However, the projections 122, 123 and the corresponding helical tracks 126, 128 may be positioned in any preferred location such that the interaction between the projections 122, 123 and the corresponding helical tracks 126, 128 drives the translation of the receptacle 120 when the rotatable tube 124 is rotated.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first and second projections 122, 123 may have a circular cross-sectional profile. Having a circular cross-sectional profile can ensure that the first and second projections 122, 123 move smoothly within the corresponding helical tracks 126, 128. However, the first and second projections 122, 123 may have any cross-sectional profile that allows the projections 122, 123 to move within the helical tracks 126, 128. In some embodiments, as shown, the receptacle 120 is cylindrical and the rotatable tube 124 is also cylindrical. This can allow the rotatable tube 124 to rotate relative to the receptacle 120.

[0072] In some embodiments, the rotatable tube 124 may further comprise one or more retaining elements 130. Although only one retaining element 130 is visible in Figure 3, the rotatable tube 124 may also comprise a second retaining element 130 located on the opposite side of the rotatable tube 124. Any number of retaining elements 130 may be provided on the rotatable tube 124. One or more retaining elements 130 may be used to secure the rotatable tube to the cover.

[0073] The receptacle 120 may further comprise one or more first alignment features 132. The first alignment features 132 do not extend radially outward to such an extent that they obstruct or prevent the receptacle 120 from moving linearly upward inside the rotatable tube 124. The first alignment features 132 will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figure 8.

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

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

[0076] As a result, the rotation of the rotatable tube 124 causes translation of the receptacle 120 relative to the heating element 104. When the aerosol product is placed inside the receptacle 120, this translation may act to remove, for example, the aerosol product from the heating element 104. This simple action of rotating the rotatable tube 124 to remove the aerosol product from the aerosol supply device 100 may improve the ease of use of the aerosol supply device 100 for the user.

[0077] In some embodiments, the receptacle 120 may be translationally movable between a first position in which the receptacle 120 is fully advanced into the main housing 105 (i.e., the position of the receptacle 120 shown in Figures 2 and 3) and a second position in which the receptacle 120 is at least partially advanced so as to exit the main housing 105.

[0078] Therefore, the position of the receptacle 120 shown in Figure 3 will be understood to be such that the receptacle 120 is positioned completely downward within the aerosol supply device 100, allowing the aerosol product to be fully inserted onto the heating element 104. Then, when the rotatable tube 124 is rotated, the receptacle 120 moves upward relative to the main housing 105, and as a result, the base 121 of the receptacle 120 pulls the aerosol product away from the heating element 104. In some embodiments, the receptacle 120 may be translated longitudinally relative to the aerosol supply device 100.

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

[0080] As described above, the receptacle 120 may have a base 121 with an aperture 119 through which the heating element 104 passes and protrudes. In some embodiments, when the receptacle 120 is moved from a first position to a second position, the base 121 of the receptacle may move toward the free end 107 of the heating element 104 (see Figure 2). By moving toward the free end 107 of the heating element 104, the aerosol product may be beneficially released from the heating element 104, thereby making it easier for the user to remove the aerosol product from the aerosol supply device 100.

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

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

[0083] Figure 5 shows a diagram focusing on the retaining element 130 of the rotatable tube 124 described above. In some embodiments, the retaining element 130 includes a chamfered portion 136. The retaining element 130 may be used to secure a tubular cover.

[0084] Figure 6 shows the assembly of the rotatable tube 124 and the receptacle 120. As shown, the receptacle 120 may first be inserted into the hollow core 134 of the rotatable tube 124. The width of the receptacle at its widest point, i.e., where the first and second projections 122, 123 are located, may be wider than the hollow core 134 of the tube 124. Thus, at least one of the rotatable tube 124 or the receptacle 120 may be formed from an elastically deformable material to allow the receptacle 120 to be inserted into the rotatable tube 124. When the receptacle 120 is fully inserted into the rotatable tube 124, as shown on the far right of Figure 6, the first and second projections 122, 123 will engage with the first and second helical tracks 126, 128, respectively.

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

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

[0087] In some embodiments, the receptacle 120 may be translatable between a first position, as shown in Figure 7, in which the receptacle 120 is completely enclosed within the cap or tubular cover 106a, and a second position, in which the receptacle 120 protrudes from the open end 146 of the cap or tubular cover 106a. Thus, it may be possible to remove the aerosol product contained within the receptacle 120 without removing the cap or tubular cover 106a. This may further improve the ease of use of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0088] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the cap or tubular cover 106a may have a truncated circular cross-sectional profile comprising a first arc-shaped section having a curved outer surface 140 and a second straight section having a flat outer surface 142. The flat outer surface 142 may allow the user to achieve an improved grip on the cap or tubular cover 106a, thereby allowing the user to rotate the cap or tubular cover 106a more easily. In some embodiments, the cap or tubular cover 106a may be provided with alternative gripping means to facilitate an improved grip by the user.

[0089] Referring to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the receptacle 120 comprises at least one first alignment feature portion 132. In some embodiments, the first alignment feature portion 132 may be in the form of an alignment projection extending outward from the receptacle 120. The first alignment feature portion 132 may extend radially outward from the receptacle 120. The first alignment feature portion 132 may be positioned to engage with a second alignment feature portion 148 located on the main housing 105. In some embodiments, the second alignment feature portion 148 may be in the form of a notch in the main housing 105 molded to receive the first alignment feature portion 132. Any preferred first alignment feature portion 132 and second alignment feature portion 148 may be utilized. Although the first alignment feature portion 132 is shown in the form of a projection and the second alignment feature portion 148 is shown in the form of a notch, this configuration may be reversed, or any other preferred configuration may actually be used.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first alignment feature 132 may engage with the second alignment feature 148 when the receptacle 120 is fully advanced into the main housing 105. However, it is conceivable that the first and second alignment feature 132 and the second alignment feature 148 may be positioned in any other suitable position so that they engage with the receptacle 120 in any other suitable position relative to the main housing 105. The engagement of the first and second alignment feature 132 and the second alignment feature 148 may help ensure that the components of the aerosol supply device 100 are aligned and assembled in the correct orientation. The first alignment feature 132 may be released from the second alignment feature 148 when the receptacle 120 is translated away from the fully advanced position shown in Figure 8. When the receptacle 120 is returned to the fully advanced position shown in Figure 8, the first alignment feature can re-engage with the second alignment feature 148. The first and second alignment features 132 and 148 do not necessarily have to be in contact with each other when engaged. Alternatively, the first alignment feature 132 may be seated within the second alignment feature 148 without contact.

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

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

[0093] 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 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 suitably 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. A main housing comprising a heating element, wherein the heating element protrudes into the main housing, and the main housing A receptacle disposed around the heating element and configured to receive aerosol products, wherein the receptacle has one or more outward projections or one or more helical tracks, A rotatable tube having one or more helical tracks or one or more external projections, wherein the one or more projections on the receptacle or on the rotatable tube engage with the one or more helical tracks on the rotatable tube or on the receptacle, and during use, the rotatable tube can be rotated to translate the receptacle relative to the heating element to remove or at least partially remove aerosol products from the heating element. The rotatable tube comprises one or more retaining elements arranged to engage with a tubular cover that is positioned to cover the rotatable tube. Aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is translationally translatable between a first position in which the receptacle is fully advanced into the main housing and a second position in which the receptacle is at least partially advanced so as to be out of the main housing.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the receptacle comprises a base having an aperture through which the heating element passes, and when it moves from the first position to the second position, the base of the receptacle moves toward the free end of the heating element.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein, at the second position, the base of the receptacle extends beyond the free end of the heating element.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a tubular cover disposed to cover the rotatable tube, wherein the tubular cover is disposed to engage with the rotatable tube such that, during use, the rotation of the tubular cover drives the rotation of the rotatable tube.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the receptacle is translationally movable between a first position in which the receptacle is completely enclosed within the tubular cover and a second position in which the receptacle protrudes from the open end of the tubular cover.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the tubular cover is configured to be attached to the rotatable tube in a sleeve-like manner.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the tubular cover has a truncated circular cross-sectional profile comprising a first arc-shaped section having a curved outer surface and a second straight section having a flat outer surface.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is translatable in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol supply device.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the external dimensions of the receptacle substantially correspond to the internal dimensions of the rotatable tube.

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

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

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

14. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is cylindrical and the rotatable tube is cylindrical.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more retaining elements is elastically biased to engage with the tubular cover.

16. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more retaining elements is provided with a chamfered portion configured to allow the tubular cover to pass through the retaining element during assembly of the aerosol supply device.

17. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a first alignment feature portion, the main housing comprises a second alignment feature portion, and the first alignment feature portion is arranged to engage with the second alignment feature portion.

18. The aerosol supply device according to claim 17, wherein the first alignment feature is arranged to engage with the second alignment feature when the receptacle is fully advanced into the main housing.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 17, wherein one of the first alignment feature portion or the second alignment feature portion is provided with an alignment projection, and the other of the first alignment feature portion or the second alignment feature portion is provided with a notch formed to receive the alignment projection.

20. an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, Aerosol product for insertion into the aerosol supply device, An aerosol supply system equipped with the following features.

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