Aerosol supply system

Abstract

An aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device (100) and a charging unit (101) for charging the aerosol delivery device (100). The charging unit (101) has a cavity for receiving the aerosol delivery device (100) and a lid (103) movable between a first position and a second position. The charging unit (101) further comprises a lid positioning device operative between the lid (103) and a body of the charging unit, the lid positioning device comprising (i) a first positioning element (118) and a second positioning element (120), and (ii) an engagement element (122) arranged to engage with the first positioning element (118) to hold the lid (103) in the first position when the lid (103) is in the first position, and arranged to engage with the second positioning element (120) to hold the lid (103) in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

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

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 "heat-not-burn" 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. In a typical system, a heater is used to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. In many cases, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used in order to provide different aerosols for inhalation. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater for generating an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a fluctuating magnetic field and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by penetrating the fluctuating magnetic field to heat a suitable medium.

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

[0005] It is known to provide an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device and a charging unit.

[0006] There is a desire to provide an improved aerosol supply system.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect, Aerosol supply device and A charging unit for charging an aerosol supply device, comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device and a lid movable between a first position and a second position. The charging unit is equipped with A lid positioning device that operates between the lid and the body of the charging unit, (i) A first positioning element and a second positioning element, (ii) an engaging element disposed to engage with a first positioning element to hold the lid in a first position when the lid is in a first position, and disposed to engage with a second positioning element to hold the lid in a second position when the lid is in a second position A lid positioning device equipped with An aerosol supply system further equipped with these features is provided.

[0008] According to various embodiments, the lid positioning device, specifically a first positioning element, a second positioning element, and their engaging elements, may, beneficially, hold the lid in both the first and second positions. Holding the lid in these positions can improve the usability of the aerosol supply system, for example, by allowing the user to pull the aerosol supply device out of the device cavity without having to hold the lid in place. Furthermore, the engagement of the engaging elements with the first or second positioning element as the lid moves to the first and second positions, respectively, may provide the user with tactile feedback that gives the user confidence that the lid has moved to the correct position. The tactile feedback may be transmitted, for example, to the user's thumb which may be on the lid, or to the user's hand which may be grasping the charging unit via the body of the charging unit.

[0009] Optionally, the first and second positioning elements are placed on the lid, and the engaging element is placed on the body of the charging unit.

[0010] Alternatively, the first and second positioning elements are located on the body of the charging unit, and the engaging element is located on the lid.

[0011] Optionally, the first position includes an open position that allows the aerosol supply device to be inserted into and removed from the cavity.

[0012] Optionally, the second position includes a closed position in which the top of the cavity is closed by the lid.

[0013] Optionally, the lid positioning device further comprises a third positioning element, the engaging element being arranged to engage with the third positioning element to hold the lid in the third position when the lid is in the third position.

[0014] The third position is arbitrarily located between the first and second positions.

[0015] Optionally, the aerosol supply device is equipped with a chamber for receiving aerosol products, and when the lid is in a third position, the lid is positioned such that the chamber of the aerosol supply device is accessible to the user, but the lid prevents the aerosol supply device from being removed from the cavity of the charging unit.

[0016] Optionally, the engaging element is configured to contact the respective first, second, and / or third positioning element when the lid is in the first, second, or third position.

[0017] Optionally, the engaging element includes a protruding element, and the first, second, and / or third positioning element includes a recess into which the protruding element engages.

[0018] Optionally, the engaging element includes an engaging surface that engages with a recess, and the recess has a shape substantially consistent with the shape of the engaging surface.

[0019] Optionally, the engaging element is elastically biased to engage with the first, second, and / or third positioning elements.

[0020] Optionally, the elastic bias is provided by an elastic member.

[0021] Optionally, the engaging element comprises a rounded contact surface arranged to engage with the first, second, and / or third positioning elements.

[0022] Optionally, the engaging element comprises a ball, ball detent, detent, or catch.

[0023] Optionally, the first, second, and / or third positioning elements comprise a magnet or magnetizable element, and the engaging element comprises a magnet or magnetizable element.

[0024] Optionally, the first positioning element and / or the second positioning element and / or the third positioning element are arranged on a lower surface of the lid or a part of the charging unit adjacent to the lower surface of the lid, and the engaging element is arranged on the other part of the lower surface of the lid or a part of the charging unit adjacent to the lower surface of the lid.

[0025] Optionally, the first positioning element and / or the second positioning element and / or the third positioning element are arranged on a side edge portion of the lid or an inner edge portion of the charging unit, and the engaging element is arranged on the other side edge portion of the lid or an inner edge portion of the charging unit.

[0026] Optionally, the lid is configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

[0027] Optionally, the charging unit comprises a housing having one or more rails or grooves, and the lid comprises one or more tabs or protrusions arranged to engage with the one or more rails or grooves.

[0028] Alternatively, the charging unit comprises a housing having one or more tabs or protrusions, the lid having one or more rails or grooves, and one or more tabs or protrusions engaging with one or more rails or grooves.

[0029] Optionally, the aerosol supply system further comprises aerosol products.

[0030] According to another embodiment, The steps include providing the aerosol supply system described above, A step of providing energy to the aerosol product and A method for generating an aerosol, including [a specific component], is provided.

[0031] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This figure shows an aerosol supply device located within a charging unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a partial cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device into which an aerosol product according to one embodiment has been inserted. [Figure 4] This is a top perspective view of an aerosol supply system according to one embodiment, with the lid of the charging unit in the first position. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a top view of the aerosol supply system shown. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 4, passing through the top. [Figure 7] This is a top perspective view of an aerosol supply system according to one embodiment, with the lid of the charging unit in the second position. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a top view of the aerosol supply system shown. [Figure 9]This is a cross-sectional view taken through the top of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] This is a top view of an aerosol supply system according to one embodiment, in which the lid can be held in a third position. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a top view of the aerosol supply system, with the lid held in the third position. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system according to one embodiment, passing through the top, where the positioning element and engaging element are equipped with magnets or magnetic elements, and the lid is held in a first position. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply system, with the lid held in the second position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] 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.

[0034] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes 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.

[0038] Generally, 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.

[0039] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0040] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a suction port, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0042] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging material, filter, suction nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0043] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when energy is applied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. 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.

[0044] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active substance 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.

[0045] The aerosol-generating material may include or may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with one or more other components, such as a solvent (such as water), an aerosol-forming agent, and an active substance, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as a structure of individual parts of a film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0046] The aerosol-generating film may include, or may be, sheets that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets.

[0047] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0048] 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 aerosol-generating material to vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0049] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also 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 to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol when in use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0050] A susceptor is a 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, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0051] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and interchangeable aerosol products. In some embodiments, 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 embodiments, 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.

[0052] Induction heating is the process by which a conductive object called a susceptor is heated by allowing a fluctuating magnetic field to penetrate it. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are properly positioned relative to each other, and as a result the resulting fluctuating magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. Objects have resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated within an object, the flow of current against the object's electrical resistance heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

[0053] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates it. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes along with the applied fluctuating magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes the generation of heat within the magnetic material.

[0054] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field into it can induce both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can strengthen the magnetic field, which can enhance Joule heating.

[0055] Next, various embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0056] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment, comprising an aerosol supply device 100 located within the cavity of a charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 is arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 when in use.

[0057] The aerosol supply device 100 is an elongated structure extending along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device has a proximal end closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when used by the user, from which the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply device 100 is inhaled, and a distal end furthest from the user when used. The proximal end may also be called the "mouthpiece end". Thus, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a proximal direction that is oriented toward the user when used, i.e., from the distal end to the proximal end. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a distal direction that is oriented away from the user when used, i.e., from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0058] The aerosol supply device 100 may be removably inserted into the charging unit 101 for charging. The charging unit 101 includes a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 may be inserted into the cavity through an opening. The cavity may also include a longitudinal opening. A portion of the aerosol supply device 100 may have a first side. One or more user-operable control elements, such as a button 106, which can be used to operate the aerosol supply device 100, may be provided on the first side of the aerosol supply device 100. The first side of the aerosol supply device 100 may be received by a longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 101.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the cavity of the charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 101 in only one orientation. According to one embodiment, the outer profile of the aerosol supply device 100 may include a curved portion and a straight portion. The cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided in the charging unit 101 may also include a similar curved portion and a straight portion. The straight portion of the cross-sectional profile of the cavity may correspond to a longitudinal opening.

[0060] The aerosol supply device 100 has an opening leading to a heating chamber. A rod-shaped aerosol product containing an aerosol-generating material may be inserted through the opening or held in the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol product may be heated by a heating element, which may result in the generation of an aerosol or other inhalable medium that may then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0061] The charging unit 101 may include a sliding lid 103. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 for recharging, the sliding lid 103 may be closed to cover the opening to the aerosol supply device 100. The charging unit 101 may include a user interface such as a display 108.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device 100 according to one embodiment. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 200 that forms a heating chamber 201. The main housing 200 may have a wall 200a, which is a tubular wall 200a that may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 and surround the heating chamber 201. The wall 200a may define the heating chamber 201 of the aerosol supply device 100 as a volume enclosed within the tubular wall 200a, at least partially. The wall 200a may have a shape other than tubular and may be any shape that encloses (for example, surrounds) and defines the heating chamber 201 internally. A heating element 202 may be provided in part of the main housing 200, and the heating element 202 may extend into or protrude into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may include a base portion 202a that can be located in a recess provided in a part of the main housing 200.

[0063] The heating element 202 may include a resistive heating element. According to one embodiment, the heating element 202 includes a pin that can be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product received in the heating chamber 201 to heat the aerosol product internally during use.

[0064] Other embodiments are envisioned in which the heating element 202 may comprise a resistive blade heating element having a flat portion and a pointed portion. The pointed portion of the resistive blade heating element may be positioned to be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product during use in order to heat the aerosol product internally.

[0065] Further embodiments are envisioned in which the heating element 202 may include an induction heating element that can be positioned to heat the aerosol product internally. The induction heating element may similarly include pins or blades. In further embodiments, the heating element of the aerosol supply system may be part of the aerosol product rather than part of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0066] The aerosol supply device 100 further comprises a removal mechanism 204 which can be detachably held in the main housing 200 of the aerosol supply device 100. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in the main housing 200 so that at least a portion of the removal mechanism 204 extends into the heating chamber 201. The removal mechanism 204 may comprise a longitudinal portion such as a tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b. The base portion 207b may have an aperture 206 from which a heating element 202 can protrude. In order to hold the removal mechanism 204 in the main housing 200, the removal mechanism 204 is pushed distally, i.e., toward the distal end of the main housing 200, to engage with the main housing 200 until the removal mechanism 204 can no longer move distally. In the following description, when the removal mechanism 204 is "held in place of" the main housing 200, it means that the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200 and cannot move any further distally.

[0067] The tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b together may define and enclose an article chamber for receiving an aerosol product. The article chamber has an inner surface configured to contact the aerosol product, the inner surface comprising a longitudinally extending portion provided by the tubular portion 207a and an end portion provided by the base portion 207b. When the aerosol product 300 is received into the heating chamber, the aerosol product 300 may contact both the longitudinally extending portion and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e., the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol product in the form of a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod such that the longitudinal axis of the article is parallel to (optionally aligned in a line with) the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 when received into the article chamber.

[0068] The article chamber may also be called the receiving portion. When the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200, during use, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 is positioned at least partially within the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be positioned to protrude into the article chamber through an aperture 206 provided in the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204. Thus, the removal mechanism 204 is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product during use.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 may include a first magnet or magnetizable material 208. The main housing 200 may include a second magnet or magnetizable material 209. During use, the removal mechanism 204 may be magnetically held to the main housing 200 by the interaction of the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the removal mechanism 204 is completely separable from the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in place by the magnetic attraction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. The removal mechanism 204 may be separated from the main housing 200 by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. Alternatively, the removal mechanism 204 may be removably held in place by the main housing 200 by other means. For example, the removal mechanism 204 may be configured to be removably held in place by an interlocking fit with the main housing.

[0071] The first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and / or the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may include neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic, or ferrite magnets.

[0072] Other embodiments are envisioned in which the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and / or the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may include magnetizable components or temporary magnets composed of iron, iron alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, gadolinium, gadolinium alloys, dysprosium, or dysprosium alloys.

[0073] Further embodiments are conceived in which the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and / or the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may include an electromagnet.

[0074] The removal mechanism 204 may comprise an internal element ( comprising a tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b) and an outer cap portion 210, where, when held in the main housing 200, the outer cap portion 210 encloses (e.g., covers) at least a portion of the main housing, such as the wall 200a of the main housing 200. The tubular portion 207a, the base portion 207b, and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise a single (e.g., one) component (e.g., formed by molding). Alternatively, the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b may comprise a first component, and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise a second separate component. The first and second components may then be fixed to each other.

[0075] Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device 100 according to one embodiment, showing a main housing 200 having a heating element 202 extending into a heating chamber 201, and a removal mechanism 204 being removably held in the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 surrounds the heating element 202. An aerosol product 300 is shown, at least partially located within the article chamber and therefore also located together with the heating chamber 201, so that the aerosol product 300 is positioned in relation to the heating element 202.

[0076] The outer cap portion 210, when held in the main housing 200, forms part of the outer housing of the aerosol supply device 100. The outer cap portion 210 may radially surround the tubular element 207a, providing a gap between the internal element (e.g., the tubular element 207a) and the outer cap 210, the gap extending along part of the length of the removal mechanism 204 and configured to receive part of the main housing 200, e.g., the wall 200a. The removal mechanism 204 may define an opening 203 to an article chamber, and the aerosol product 300 must be inserted through this opening in a first direction for insertion into the article chamber. This first direction is distal and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100. In embodiments, the opening 203 is configured to contact the aerosol product 300 so as to substantially prevent air from passing through the opening 203 when the aerosol product 300 is inserted into the article chamber through the opening 203.

[0077] The first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may be positioned in the removal mechanism 204 and the main housing 200, respectively, so as to be close enough to each other to generate an attractive force such that the removal mechanism 204 is magnetically held in the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200. For example, the first magnet or magnetizable material may be located at the proximal end of a portion of the main housing 200, for example, at the proximal end of a wall 200a, which is inserted into a gap within the removal mechanism 204 (i.e., between the outer cap 210 and the inner element) when the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200, and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 is located at a corresponding position in the removal mechanism 204, for example, so that when the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200, the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 is positioned sufficiently close to the first magnet or magnetizable material 208, and the attractive force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 keeps the removal mechanism 204 held in the main housing 200.

[0078] During use, the user can insert or partially insert the aerosol product 300 into the aerosol supply device 100 through the opening 203. The aerosol product 300 is received into the tubular portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204, and thus the aerosol product 300 is received into the article chamber defined by the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b, and further into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be positioned to pierce the distal end of the aerosol product 300, so that the heating element 202 is located inside the aerosol product 300 and is positioned to heat the aerosol product 300 via internal heating.

[0079] Once the aerosol product 300 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 100, the user may perform a session. During the session, the aerosol product 300 may be heated by the heating element 202. It will be understood that the session may last for several minutes. For example, according to various embodiments, the session may last for 2-3 minutes, 3-4 minutes, or 4-5 minutes.

[0080] At the end of a usage session, the user may wish to remove the used aerosol product 300 from the aerosol supply device 100 and optionally replace the used aerosol product 300 with a fresh aerosol product 300. According to one embodiment, in order to remove the used aerosol product 300 after a usage session, the user may separate the removal mechanism 204 from the main housing 200 by applying force to the removal mechanism 204 in such a way that it overcomes the magnetic attraction between the first magnet 208 provided on the removal mechanism 204 and the second magnet provided on the main housing 200.

[0081] Figure 4 shows a top-down perspective view of an aerosol supply system according to one embodiment, and Figure 5 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 4. In Figures 4 and 5, the lid 103 is in a first position, which in some embodiments may correspond to an open position. The lid 103 may be moved to a second position, as shown in Figures 7 to 9 and described in detail below. In the first position, the lid 103 may be positioned so that the opening 111 of the charging unit 101 is accessible and the aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into and removed from a cavity 112 within the charging unit 101. In Figures 4 and 5, the aerosol supply device 100 is shown inside the cavity 112. The charging unit 101 may include a housing 113 that accommodates the components of the charging unit 101.

[0082] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the lid 103 may be configured to slide between a first position and a second position. A sliding lid 103 is easier for the user to operate and may also occupy relatively little space on the charging unit 101 itself. A sliding device may also be less prone to damage than a pivot lid, which is at least more likely to break and detach from the charging unit 101. In embodiments in which the lid 103 is movable to a further position, for example, a third position (as described in more detail below), the lid 103 may also be configured to slide to the further position.

[0083] The sliding of the lid 103 may be achieved by any suitable method. In one embodiment, the charging unit 101 may be provided with a groove 114. The groove 114 may be located on the inner edge of the housing 113, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The lid 103 may be provided with a tab 116 that engages with the groove 114. The engagement of the tab 116 with the groove 114 may restrain the lid 103 so that it can slide against the housing 113. Such an arrangement of the groove 114 and tab 116 may be relatively robust and easy to manufacture.

[0084] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the charging unit 101 has rails instead of grooves 114. Similarly, the lid 103 may have projections having forms other than tabs 116 that can engage with grooves 114 or rails. It is also conceivable that the grooves 114 or rails may be located on the lid 103 instead of the housing 113, and that the tabs 116 or projections may be located on the housing 113 or other suitable part of the charging unit 101 instead of the lid 103. The grooves 114 and / or rails, together with the tabs 116 and / or projections, act to restrain the movement of the lid 103 regardless of their position. Any number of grooves 114, rails, tabs 116 or projections may be provided.

[0085] Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the lid 103 moves between the first and second positions in any other suitable manner, for example, by rotation and / or pivoting motion.

[0086] Figure 6 shows a top cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system according to one embodiment, with the lid 103 in a first position, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. According to various embodiments, the charging unit 101 includes a lid positioning device comprising a first positioning element 118, a second positioning element 120, and an engaging element 122. The lid positioning device acts between the lid 103 and the body 124 of the charging unit 101 to hold the lid 103 in at least the first and second positions. The engaging element 122 is positioned to engage with the first positioning element 118 when the lid is in the first position, as shown in Figure 6. In some embodiments, as in Figure 6, the engaging element 122 may be positioned to contact, i.e., physically engage, the first and second positioning elements 118, 120.

[0087] The engagement of the engaging element 122 with the first positioning element 118 may hold the lid 103 in a first position. The engaging element 122 may also engage with the second positioning element 120 when the lid 103 is in a second position, thereby holding the lid 103 in a second position. This is shown in Figures 7 to 9 and will be described in more detail below. Holding the lid 103 in first and second positions can improve the ease of use of the aerosol supply system for the user. For example, a lid positioning device that holds the lid 103 in a first position as shown in Figures 4 to 6 may mean that the user does not need to hold the lid 103 in an open position. This may make it easier for the user to remove the aerosol supply device 100 from the charging unit 101. Furthermore, holding the lid 103 in a second position may also ensure that the aerosol supply device 101 is securely housed within the charging unit 101 and therefore cannot fall out.

[0088] When the lid 103 moves to the first and second positions and the engaging element 122 engages with the corresponding first or second positioning elements 118, 120, the engagement may be felt through the device. For example, when the engaging element 122 extends into the first positioning element 118, vibrations may be transmitted through the lid 103 and / or housing 113 of the charging unit 101. This may be considered haptic feedback to the user. This haptic feedback may, beneficially, indicate to the user that the lid 103 has reached the desired position, after which the user may cease applying force to the lid 103.

[0089] In one embodiment, the first positioning element 118 and the second positioning element 120 are located on the lid 103, and the engaging element is located on the body 124 of the charging unit 101. This configuration may be particularly preferred because the lid 103 may be relatively thin, and incorporating the engaging element 122 within the lid 103 may be more complex. However, other embodiments are conceivable in which the first and second positioning elements 118, 120 are located on the body 124 of the charging unit 101, and the engaging element 122 is located on the lid 101.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 124 of the charging unit 101 is an internal structure within the charging unit 101, but the body 124 may comprise any suitable component of the charging unit 101 that can support the engaging element 122 or the first and second positioning elements 118, 120.

[0091] The first and second positioning elements 118, 120 and the engaging element 122 may each have any suitable elements that engage with one another to hold the lid 103 in the first and second positions. In some embodiments, as shown, the engaging element 122 has a protruding element, and the first and second positioning elements 118, 120 each have a recess into which the engaging element 122 engages. The protruding element may be any element that can physically engage with the recess of each of the first and second positioning elements 118, 120, i.e., that can extend into the recess. The recess may have any suitable form. In some embodiments, each recess may have a concave hemispherical shape.

[0092] The engaging element 122, for example, a protruding element, may comprise any element suitable for engagement with the first and second positioning elements 118, 120. The specific form of the engaging element 122, for example, its shape, may depend on the shape of the first and second positioning elements 118, 120. In one embodiment, the engaging element 122 comprises an engaging surface, for example, a rounded surface 123, which engages with a recess, and the recess has a shape substantially consistent with the shape of the engaging surface. The rounded surface 123 may, beneficially, allow the engaging element 122 to move easily in and out of the first and second positioning mechanisms 118, 120, thereby reducing the force required to move the lid 103 between the first and second positions. As shown in the figures, in some embodiments, the engaging element 122 may comprise a ball or a hemisphere such that the engaging surface 123 of the engaging element is substantially dome-shaped. In such embodiments, as shown in the figures, the first and second positioning elements 118, 120 may comprise a concave hemispherical recess. However, in other embodiments, the engaging element 122 may have an alternative shape. For example, the engaging element may have a conical or pyramidal shape, and the first and second positioning elements 118, 120, for example, their recesses, may be shaped accordingly.

[0093] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the first and second positioning elements 118 and 120 each have protrusions, and the engaging element 122 has a recess into which the protrusions engage.

[0094] As described above, in some embodiments, the engaging element 122 may include a ball. The ball may rotate freely relative to the lid 103 and body 124 of the charging unit 101. For example, the ball may be configured to rotate freely around an axis while remaining in a substantially fixed position relative to the lid 103 and body 124. Thus, the engaging element 122 may be configured to rotate or roll in contact with the lower surface 125 of the lid 103 as the lid 103 moves relative to the body 124. By enabling the rotation of the engaging element 122, the engaging element 122 can more easily transition between engagement and disengagement of the first and second positioning mechanisms 118, 120, thereby making it easier to move the lid 103 between the first and second positions. The engaging element 122 in the form of a ball may be considered a ball retainer. Embodiments in which the engaging element 122 may include a retainer or catch are contemplated.

[0095] In one embodiment, the engaging element 122 is elastically biased to engage with the first engaging element 118 and the second engaging element 120. In embodiments comprising a third positioning element, the elastic bias may also bias the engaging element 118 to engage with the third positioning element. The elastic bias may be provided by any suitable means. For example, the engaging element 122 may be integrally formed with the body 124 of the charging unit 101, which is formed from an elastically deformable material. In such embodiments, deformation of the body 124 of the charging unit 101 may generate an elastic bias that biases the engaging element to contact the first or second positioning element. In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the elastic bias may be provided by an elastic member 126, i.e., a dedicated elastic member 126. The elastic member 126 may comprise any suitable member that can bias the elastic element 122 to engage with the first or second positioning elements 118, 120. The elastic member 126 may include, for example, a deformable rubber element or a spring element, such as a helical spring.

[0096] As the lid 103 moves between the first position shown in Figures 4-6 and the second position shown in Figures 7-9, the lower surface 125 of the lid 103 pushes down the engaging element 122, causing deformation, such as compression, of the elastic member 126. This causes elastic energy to accumulate within the elastic member 126. When the engaging element 122 is aligned with either the first or second positioning element, the elastic member expands to release at least a portion of the accumulated elastic potential energy, thereby engaging a portion of the engaging element 122 with the first or second positioning elements 118, 120.

[0097] By elastically biasing the engaging element 122 to engage with the first and second positioning elements 118 and 120, it is possible to ensure that the engaging element 122 reliably engages with the first and second positioning elements 118 and 120 when it is in the first and second positions, respectively. By elastically biasing the engaging element 122 to engage with the first and second positioning elements 118 and 120, the amount of tactile feedback felt by the user can be increased. Furthermore, this mechanical device, which includes elastic biasing and the physical engaging element 122, can form a mechanically robust and inexpensive lid positioning device.

[0098] The first and second positioning elements 118, 120, and the third positioning element (if provided), as well as the engaging element 122, may be positioned in any suitable location to properly hold the lid 103 in the first and second (and optionally third) positions. In some embodiments, the first positioning element 118 and the second positioning element 120 are positioned on the lower surface 125 of the lid 103 (as shown), and the engaging element 122 is positioned on a portion 127 of the body 124 adjacent to the lower surface 125 of the lid 103. Alternatively, the first positioning element 118 and the second positioning element 120 may be positioned on a portion 127 of the lid 103, and the engaging element 122 may be positioned on the lid 103.

[0099] It is also understood that the first and second positioning elements 118, 120 and the engaging element 122 may be located in other suitable locations. For example, in one embodiment, the first positioning element 118 and / or the second positioning element 120 may be located on the side edge portion of the lid 103 or on the inner edge portion of the charging unit 101, and the engaging element 122 may be located on the other side edge portion of the lid 103 or on the inner edge portion of the charging unit 101. For example, the first and second positioning elements 118, 120 may be located in a groove 114 provided in the housing 113, and the engaging element 122 may be located on the side edge portion of the lid 103, for example, on a tab 116. In such an embodiment, the first positioning element may have a first recess in the groove 114, and the second positioning element may have a second recess in the groove. The tab 116 itself may engage with the recess in the groove 114, and thus the tab 116 may also form the engaging element 122. Similarly, the tab 116 may be shaped to include a projection that is specifically molded to engage with a recess in the groove. Engagement and disengagement of the tab 116 (and its projections, if provided) with the first and second positioning elements 118, 120 may be achieved by elastic deformation of the tab 116 or at least one of the housing 113 defining the groove 114.

[0100] In other embodiments, the above arrangement may be reversed, such that the engaging element 122 is positioned on the inner edge of the charging unit 101 and the positioning elements 118 and 120 are positioned on the lid 103.

[0101] Figure 7 shows a top-down perspective view of the aerosol supply system described above with reference to Figures 4-6, with the lid 103 in a second position. In some embodiments, the second position of the lid 103 includes a closed position in which the top of the cavity 112 is closed by the lid 103. This may prevent the user from removing the aerosol supply device 100 from the cavity 112 of the charging unit 101.

[0102] Figure 8 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system with the lid 103 in the second position. The groove 114 of the housing 113 of the charging unit 101 and the tab 116 of the lid 103 can be seen in Figure 8. As the lid 103 moves from the first position shown in Figures 4-6 to the second position shown in Figures 7-9, the tab 116 slides within the groove 114, thereby guiding the sliding movement of the lid 103.

[0103] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the top of the aerosol supply system, with the lid 103 in the second position shown in Figures 7 and 8. As shown, when the lid 103 is in the second position, the engaging element 122 engages with the second positioning element 120. As a result, the lid 103 may be held in the second position. The engaging element 122 may be elastically biased by the elastic element 126 to engage with the second positioning element 120. As shown, when in the second position, the lid 103 may close the top of the cavity 112 so that the aerosol supply device 100 cannot be removed from the cavity 112.

[0104] In the embodiments described above, when the lid 103 is held in a first or second position by the engagement of the engaging element 122 with the first or second positioning elements 118, 120, the engaging element 122 may hold the lid 103 in each position until a threshold force is applied to the lid 103 that tends to move the lid 103 from the first or second position. The threshold force, i.e., the force required to overcome the engagement between the engaging element 122 and each of the first or second positioning elements 118, 120, may depend on several factors. In some embodiments, in order to move the lid 103 from the first or second position, the engaging element 122 may need to be pushed down against the elastic bias of the elastic element 126 before it can be disengaged from the first or second positioning elements 118, 120. Thus, in some embodiments, when the lid 103 is held in a first or second position by the engaging element 122, the threshold force required to move the lid from there may depend heavily on the force applied by the elastic element 126. For example, if the elastic element 126 is a spring, the threshold force may depend largely on the spring constant of the spring. In addition, or alternatively, the threshold force may depend on the frictional force acting between the engaging element 122 and the first or second positioning elements 118, 120.

[0105] The threshold force may be relatively low so that the lid 103 is held in a first or second position but can be easily moved by the user. This can be achieved, for example, by using an elastic element 126 that provides a relatively small elastic bias. For example, a spring with a low spring constant may be used. The threshold force required to move the lid 103 from the first position may be the same as the threshold force required to move the lid 103 from the second position. However, the threshold force required to move the lid 103 from the first position may be different from the threshold force required to move the lid 103 from the second position, and may be, for example, higher or lower. The above discussion regarding the application of threshold forces to move the lid 103 to the first and second positions and from the first and second positions also applies to embodiments for moving the lid from a third position, as described below. The threshold force required to move the lid from the third position may be the same as and / or different from the threshold forces required to move the lid from the first and second positions.

[0106] In the embodiments described above, the lid 103 is held in the first and second positions, but other embodiments are conceivable in which the lid 103 can be held in other positions. Figure 10 shows a top view of an aerosol generating system according to another embodiment. This aerosol generating system is substantially the same as the aerosol generating system described above, except that in this embodiment the lid positioning device further comprises a third positioning element 328 (shown by a small dashed circle). The third positioning element 328 may be located on the lid 303 or at any other suitable location within the aerosol supply system. As in the embodiments described above, the third positioning element 328 may have a recess provided on the underside of the lid 303. In embodiments in which the positioning element is located on the body of the charging unit 301, the third positioning element 328 may instead be located on the body of the charging unit 301. The dashed line 330 indicates the position of the lid 303. In the position shown in Figure 10, the engaging element 322 engages with the first positioning element 318 so that the lid is held in the first position, for example, the open position. The third positioning element 328 may be positioned in any suitable way according to the various embodiments described above, and may have any suitable form.

[0107] When the lid 303 moves to the third position as shown in Figure 11, the engaging element 322 may engage with the third positioning element 328 to hold the lid 303 in the third position. In some embodiments, the third position of the lid 303 is between the first and second positions of the lid 303. In such embodiments, the third positioning element 328 may be positioned between the first positioning element 318 and the second positioning element 320, for example, on the lid 303. The third position of the lid 303 is indicated by the dashed line 330 in Figure 11. In one embodiment, when in this third position, as shown, it is possible to prevent the aerosol supply device 100 from being removed from the cavity 312 in the charging unit 301. This may be achieved in any suitable way. For example, in one embodiment, when the lid 103 is in the third position, the lid 103 partially overlaps the aerosol supply device 101. For example, the lid 103 may overlap the outer cap portion 210 of the aerosol supply device 101. If the user applies a force to the aerosol supply device 100 that tends to pull it away from the charging unit 101, the outer cap portion 210 may come into contact with the underside of the lid 303. This can prevent the aerosol supply device 10 from becoming detachable from the cavity 312.

[0108] Furthermore, by partially overlapping the aerosol supply device 100, the chamber of the aerosol supply device 101, such as the heating chamber 201, may remain accessible. As a result, the user may remove the used aerosol product from the heating chamber 201 while the aerosol supply device 100 remains in place within the charging unit 101, without the risk of the aerosol supply device 100 being pulled out of the charging unit 101.

[0109] As described above, the engaging element 122, which physically contacts the positioning elements 118 and 120, can provide a mechanically robust and inexpensive means of securing the lid in its respective position. However, it is recognized that other forms of positioning elements and engaging mechanisms that do not necessarily require contact may also be suitable. For example, engagement between the engaging element and the positioning element may be achieved by magnetic engagement. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view through the top of an aerosol supply system according to such an embodiment. This embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment described above, except that the first positioning element 418 and the second positioning element 420 each comprise a magnet or a magnetizable element, and the engaging element 422 comprises a magnet or a magnetizable element.

[0110] The magnets or magnetizable elements of the first and second positioning elements 418, 420 and / or engaging element 422 may include neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic, or ferrite magnets. Other embodiments are conceivable in which the magnets or magnetizable elements of the first or second positioning elements 418, 420 and / or engaging element 422 may include magnetizable components or temporary magnets composed of iron, iron alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, gadolinium, gadolinium alloys, dysprosium, or dysprosium alloys. Further embodiments are conceivable in which the magnets or magnetizable elements of any of the first and second positioning elements 418, 420 and / or engaging element 422 may be equipped with electromagnets.

[0111] As shown in Figure 12, when in the first position, the engaging element 422 may magnetically engage with the first positioning element 418, thereby holding the lid 403 in the first position as shown. The magnetic attractive force acting between the first positioning element 418 and the engaging element 422 may be sufficient to keep the lid 403 in the first position unless a holding force is applied by the user. However, if the user applies a threshold force to the lid 403 that is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attractive force, the lid 403 may move from the first position.

[0112] The lid 403 may be moved to a second position as shown in Figure 13. In some embodiments, when in this second position, the magnetic attraction acting between the engaging element 122 and the second positioning element 420 may hold the lid 403 in the second position. Similar to the engagement between the engaging element 420 and the first positioning element 418, to move the lid 403 from the second position, the user may need to apply a force greater than a threshold force to overcome the magnetic attraction. When in the second position, the lid 403 may cover the aerosol supply device 100 so that it cannot be removed from the charging unit 401. The threshold force required to move the lid 403 from the first and second positions may be relatively low so that the user can easily move the lid 403 between the first and second positions. The threshold force may be the force applied to the lid such that the magnetic force generated by the magnet or magnetizable element can no longer hold the lid 403 in each position. The threshold force required to move the lid 403 from the first position may be the same as the threshold force required to move the lid 403 from the second position. However, the threshold force required to move the lid 403 from the first position may be different from the threshold force required to move the lid from the second position; for example, it may be higher or lower.

[0113] Similar to the embodiments described above, the first and second positioning elements 418, 420 and the engaging element 422 may be positioned at any suitable location on the lid 403 and the charging unit 401. Further positioning elements, such as a third positioning element, may also be included so that the system can hold the lid 403 in a third position.

[0114] The use of first and second positioning elements 418, 420 and engaging element 422 made of magnetic or magnetizable material may, beneficially, mean that the engaging element 422 does not necessarily need to be in contact with the first and second positioning elements 418, 420. This may allow for greater design flexibility in the placement of the first and second positioning elements 418, 420 and / or engaging element 422. Furthermore, the magnetic field generated by the magnet or magnetizable element may, beneficially, pull the lid 403 into the first and second positions when it is sufficiently close to each position. This action of pulling the lid 403 into each position may provide the user with tactile indication that the lid 403 has reached its intended position.

[0115] 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 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 appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, 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 the aerosol supply device, comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device and a lid movable between a first position and a second position, and The charging unit is equipped with, A lid positioning device that operates between the lid and the body of the charging unit, (i) A first positioning element and a second positioning element, (ii) an engaging element disposed to engage with the first positioning element to hold the lid in the first position when the lid is in the first position, and disposed to engage with the second positioning element to hold the lid in the second position when the lid is in the second position; A lid positioning device equipped with An aerosol supply system that further incorporates the following features.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second positioning elements are arranged on the lid, and the engaging element is arranged on the body of the charging unit.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second positioning elements are arranged on the body of the charging unit, and the engaging element is arranged on the lid.

4. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first position includes an open position from which the aerosol supply device can be inserted into and removed from the cavity.

5. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the second position includes a closed position in which the upper part of the cavity is closed by the lid.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the lid positioning device further comprises a third positioning element, and the engaging element is arranged to engage with the third positioning element to hold the lid in the third position when the lid is in the third position.

7. The aerosol supply system according to claim 6, wherein the third position is located between the first position and the second position.

8. The aerosol supply system according to claim 6, wherein the aerosol supply device comprises a chamber for receiving aerosol products, and when the lid is in the third position, the lid is positioned such that the chamber of the aerosol supply device is accessible to a user, but the lid prevents the aerosol supply device from being removed from the cavity of the charging unit.

9. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engaging element is configured to contact the first, second and / or third positioning element when the lid is in the first, second or third position.

10. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engaging element comprises a protruding element, and the first, second, and / or third positioning element comprises a recess into which the protruding element engages.

11. The aerosol supply system according to claim 10, wherein the engaging element has an engaging surface that engages with the recess, and the recess has a shape substantially consistent with the shape of the engaging surface.

12. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engaging element is elastically biased to engage with the first, second and / or third positioning element.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 12, wherein the engaging element is elastically biased by an elastic member.

14. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engaging element comprises a rounded contact surface arranged to engage with the first, second, and / or third positioning element.

15. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engaging element comprises a ball, a ball stopper, a stopper, or a catch.

16. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first, second and / or third positioning elements are magnets or magnetizable elements, and the engaging element is a magnet or magnetizable element.

17. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first positioning element and / or the second positioning element and / or the third positioning element are disposed on the lower surface of the lid or on a part of the charging unit adjacent to the lower surface of the lid, and the engaging element is disposed on the other of the lower surface of the lid or on the part of the charging unit adjacent to the lower surface of the lid.

18. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first positioning element and / or the second positioning element and / or the third positioning element are arranged on the side edge portion of the lid or the inner edge portion of the charging unit, and the engaging element is arranged on the other of the side edge portion of the lid or the inner edge portion of the charging unit.

19. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lid is configured to slide between the first position and the second position.

20. The aerosol supply system according to claim 19, wherein the charging unit comprises a housing having one or more rails or grooves, and the lid comprises one or more tabs or projections arranged to engage with the one or more rails or grooves.

21. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the charging unit comprises a housing having one or more tabs or protrusions, the lid comprises one or more rails or grooves, and the one or more tabs or protrusions engage with the one or more rails or grooves.

22. An aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an aerosol product.

23. The steps of providing the aerosol supply system according to claim 22, The steps of supplying energy to the aerosol product and A method for generating an aerosol containing [a specific substance].

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