Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device comprises: a main body including an air inlet, an aerosol generating unit, and an airflow sensor—the airflow sensor is configured to detect airflow along a flow path fluidly connected to the air inlet so that the aerosol generating unit can be activated in response to the detected airflow—and a blocking element movable with respect to the main body between a blocking configuration and an usage configuration—in the blocking configuration, the air inlet is blocked to prevent airflow to the airflow sensor, thereby rendering the aerosol generating unit inoperable; and in the usage configuration, the air inlet is at least partially unlocked to allow airflow to the airflow sensor, thereby enabling the aerosol generating unit to operate. The aerosol generating device further comprises: a locking element configured to selectively lock the blocking element having the blocking configuration; and an elastic element interposed between the blocking element and the main body, wherein the elastic element comprises a biasing portion configured to press the locking element to adopt the locking configuration in which the blocking element is locked to the blocking configuration; and a sealing portion configured to form a sealing portion between the blocking element and the main body around the air inlet in the blocking configuration. A method for locking the aerosol generating device is also provided.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for locking the aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] A typical aerosol generating device may include a power supply, such as a battery, for example; an aerosol generating unit driven by the power supply; an aerosol precursor that is aerosolized by the aerosol generating unit upon use to generate an aerosol; and a delivery system including a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to a user.

[0003] A known disadvantage of aerosol generating devices is that they can be used by anyone regardless of age. This can be particularly problematic when the aerosol generating unit is automatically activated by an airflow sensor, meaning that a child could unintentionally activate the device simply by inhaling through the mouthpiece. Therefore, there is a need for aerosol generating devices that can be configured to prevent accidental activation. means of solving the problem

[0004] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device

[0005] A main body comprising an air inlet, an aerosol generating unit, and an airflow sensor—the airflow sensor is configured to detect airflow along a flow path fluidly connected to the air inlet so that the aerosol generating unit is activated in response to the detected airflow—; and

[0006] As a blocking element movable between a blocking configuration and a usage configuration for the main body:

[0007] The blocking configuration blocks the air inlet to prevent airflow to the airflow sensor so that the aerosol generating unit cannot operate;

[0008] The usage configuration includes a blocking element that allows airflow to the airflow sensor by at least partially unlocking the air inlet so that the aerosol generating unit can operate;

[0009] The aerosol generating device

[0010] A locking element configured to selectively lock the blocking element into a blocking configuration; and

[0011] It further includes an elastic element interposed between the blocking element and the main body, and the elastic element

[0012] A biasing portion configured to urge a locking element to adopt a locking configuration in which the blocking element is locked into a blocking configuration; and

[0013] In the blocking configuration, it includes a sealing portion configured to form a sealing portion between the blocking element around the air inlet and the main body.

[0014] In this way, the aerosol generating unit can be disabled by moving the blocking element to the blocking configuration and locking it, thereby preventing accidental activation of the aerosol generating unit. When the user wishes to use the device, the blocking element is simply unlocked and moved to the usage configuration to allow airflow to reach the airflow sensor, thereby enabling the aerosol generating unit to be activated by the airflow sensor. By providing an elastic element that not only biases the locking element to the locking configuration but also seals only the area around the air inlet in the blocking configuration, it is ensured that no air leaks into the flow path in the blocking configuration and that the inoperability of the aerosol generating unit is not compromised.

[0015] The following optional features may be provided in any combination in any embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] The body may be elongated to have a longitudinal axis (e.g., defining the length dimension of the body). Accordingly, the body may have width and depth dimensions that are perpendicular to the length dimension and also perpendicular to each other.

[0017] The blocking element may be located on the outer surface of the main body. Thus, the blocking element may be user-accessible, allowing the user to manually move the blocking element between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration. In this way, the blocking element is manually movable by the user, thereby facilitating ease of use, simplicity, and robustness.

[0018] The blocking element may slide relative to the body (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body) between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration. Thus, the blocking element may slide along the width or depth dimension of the body.

[0019] The main body may include a guide channel for guiding a blocking element (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration. Thus, the guide channel may be elongated and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e., within the width or depth dimension of the main body). The guide channel may extend through the main body from an outer surface to an inner surface. The guide channel may be positioned adjacent to an air inlet so that the blocking element can slide within the guide channel to selectively block the air inlet.

[0020] The blocking element may be elongated to have a longitudinal axis (for example, the blocking element may slide in a direction aligned with its longitudinal axis). The blocking element may be oriented relative to the body such that the longitudinal axis of the blocking element is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body (for example, the elongated blocking element is aligned with the width or depth dimension of the body).

[0021] The blocking element may include an operating surface that is outwardly oriented (e.g., facing away from the outer surface of the main body). The operating surface may be accessible and combinable to the user so that the user can manually move the blocking element between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration (i.e., outwardly oriented away from the main body).

[0022] A blocking element (e.g., an operating surface) may include one or more tactile elements (e.g., to assist in the movement of the blocking element). In this way, movement of the blocking element between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration by the user may be facilitated (e.g., due to increased friction). One or more tactile elements may include at least one ridge or projection. The ridge(s) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blocking element (e.g., the ridge may extend across the operating surface in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). Thus, the ridge(s) may extend to the width or depth dimension of the body.

[0023] The blocking element may be recessed at least partially (e.g., completely) into the body. Thus, the body may include a body recess (e.g., within the outer surface of the body). The body recess may be located in the base portion of the body (e.g., the portion axially opposite to the mouthpiece portion of the body). The blocking element may be located at least partially (e.g., completely) within the body recess. In this way, device ergonomics may be improved. An air inlet may extend through the body within the recess so that the blocking element can slide within the recess between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration.

[0024] The body recess may be sized and shaped to accommodate a blocking element, for example, to allow the blocking element to move between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration. If the blocking element is sliding (for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the width or depth dimension), the body recess may have a length greater than that of the blocking element in the sliding direction to allow the blocking element to slide between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration.

[0025] In some examples, the main body recess is elongated and includes a first end distal to a second end. The first end of the main body recess may be a first stop where the first end of the blocking element contacts in a usage configuration. The second end of the main body recess may be a second stop where the second end of the blocking element contacts in a blocking configuration. The size and shape of the first and second ends of the main body recess may be determined to correspond to the respective first and second ends of the blocking element. Accordingly, the stability of the blocking element may be improved when the blocking element is moved by a user.

[0026] The size and shape of the body recess can be determined so that the recess guides the sliding movement of the blocking element between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration. For example, the recess may have a width (perpendicular to the length) that substantially matches the width of the blocking element. Thus, the blocking element can be maintained in a fixed orientation relative to the body by the body recess. Consequently, motion stability between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration can be improved.

[0027] The blocking element can be completely recessed into the body recess (for example, the blocking element (including any tactile element on the operating surface) may not protrude beyond the opening of the body recess). In this way, the user experience may be improved, for example, because the possibility of a user accidentally transferring the blocking element between configurations may be reduced (for example, since the blocking element is completely recessed into the body recess).

[0028] The base of the main body may be removable. The blocking element may be located on the removable base or recessed therein. Thus, the air inlet may be located through the removable base. The recess of the main body may be located within the removable base of the main body. In this way, the assembly of the aerosol generating device may be facilitated.

[0029] The airflow sensor may be located in the flow path between the air inlet and the aerosol generating unit. Thus, in terms of airflow through the device, the airflow sensor may be located downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the aerosol generating unit during use. For completeness, the mouthpiece portion of the main body is located downstream of the aerosol generating unit. Therefore, when the mouthpiece is inhaled, air is drawn in through the air inlet, passes through the airflow sensor, and exits the mouthpiece through the aerosol generating unit. The airflow sensor may include a pressure sensor, such as a microphone, (for example, to detect pressure changes caused by changes in airflow through the device).

[0030] The blocking element may include a recess facing the main body. The blocking element may include a wall standing upright from the base on an inward surface facing the base and the operating surface. The wall may extend around the perimeter of the base. Thus, the wall and the base may form a recess within the blocking element.

[0031] The aerosol generating device includes a locking element configured to selectively lock a blocking element (e.g., by a user) at least in a blocking configuration, and preferably also in a usage configuration. Accordingly, in each of the blocking configuration and the usage configuration, the locking element may be movable, for example, axially between the locking configuration and the unlocking configuration. Thus, the combined movement of the locking element and the blocking element may result in four configurations of the device: a locked blocking configuration, an unlocked blocking configuration, an unlocked usage configuration, and a locked usage configuration. The locking element must be in the unlocking configuration at least to move the blocking element from the blocking configuration to the usage configuration.

[0032] The locking element may be attached to or held by the blocking element (e.g., the locking element may move together with the blocking element). The locking element may include a stem for mounting the locking element to the blocking element. The stem may be elongated (e.g., substantially cylindrical). A threaded portion may be formed on the stem to facilitate engagement with the blocking element. The locking element may include an enlarged head. The head may be located at one end of the stem.

[0033] The locking element may include a mounting portion for receiving a locking element (stem of the locking element). The mounting portion may include a bore, for example, a screw bore for receiving the locking element (stem of the locking element). The locking element (for example, head of the locking element) may be disengaged from the body to lock the locking element into a locking configuration (i.e., in the locking configuration of the locking element, the locking element may be disengaged from the body).

[0034] The locking element is biased to adopt the locking configuration at least in the blocking configuration (for example, in the absence of user input, the locking element can naturally adopt that locking configuration). Thus, in the above example, the locking element can be biased to combine with the body, and therefore, user input is required to uncombine the locking element from the body (i.e., to transition the locking element to that unlocking configuration).

[0035] The locking element may be movable axially between the locking configuration and the unlocking configuration (e.g., in the length dimension of the main body), that is, the locking element (e.g., the head of the locking element) may be moved to be disengaged from the connection with the main body by axial movement. The locking element may be disengaged by axial movement into a chamber formed within the main body.

[0036] The main body may include a first locking recess. In a locked blocking configuration, a locking element (e.g., the head of the locking element) may be seated in the first locking recess (e.g., preventing the blocking element from sliding into the usage configuration). The main body may also include a second locking recess. In a locked usage configuration, a locking element (e.g., the head of the locking element) may be seated in the second locking recess (e.g., preventing the blocking element from sliding into the blocking configuration). Accordingly, to move the blocking element between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration, the user must first disengage the locking element from each recess (e.g., by axial movement of the locking element) and thereby transfer the locking element from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration.

[0037] The locking recess can be located at any end of the guide channel. Thus, the stem of the locking element can move laterally within the guide channel (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the width or depth dimension) as the blocking element moves between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration.

[0038] The locking recess may be located on the inner surface of the main body (i.e., inside the main body, for example, within a chamber formed by the main body). Thus, a locking element (e.g., a stem) may extend into a chamber within the main body. The locking element may extend through an opening (e.g., a guide channel) of the main body so that a locking element (e.g., a head) can move between them and engage with the main body (e.g., the locking recess).

[0039] The aerosol generating device includes an elastic element interposed between a blocking element and a main body. Accordingly, the elastic element can lock the blocking element in at least the blocking configuration by applying an expansive force between the main body and the blocking element to press the locking element (e.g., a head) into a coupled state with the main body. In other words, the elastic element can bias the blocking element away from the main body.

[0040] The elastic element may be attached to or maintained by the blocking element (for example, the elastic element may be movable together with the blocking element).

[0041] The elastic element can be positioned within the recess of the blocking element (for example, the elastic element can be maintained between the outer surface of the main body and the base of the blocking element). In this way, the elastic element can be better secured within the blocking element when moved between the blocking configuration and the usage configuration.

[0042] The elastic element can be formed from at least partially elastically deformable materials (e.g., rubber, silicone).

[0043] The elastic element includes a biasing portion configured to press the locking element to adopt the locking configuration when the blocking element is locked into the blocking configuration.

[0044] The biasing portion of the elastic element may surround the mounting portion of the blocking element (and, therefore, the stem of the locking element). The biasing portion may include an annular portion configured to be coupled with the mounting portion of the blocking element and a support portion supporting the annular portion.

[0045] The support portion of the biasing portion may be in contact with the blocking element (on the inward surface of the blocking element), for example, may be in contact with the base of the blocking element. The support portion may be extended away from the blocking element / base to support the annular portion, for example, may be extended outside the recess so that the annular portion extends over the wall of the blocking element. The support portion may be a dome, for example, a hollow dome, and its base may be in contact with the blocking element.

[0046] The elastic element further includes a sealing portion configured to form a seal between the blocking element around the air inlet and the body in the blocking configuration. In the blocking configuration, the sealing portion abuts the body around the air inlet to seal the air inlet. Thus, the sealing portion can be compressed between the blocking element (e.g., the inward surface of the blocking element) and the body (i.e., the outer surface of the body) in the blocking configuration. The outer surface of the body around the air inlet may be flat. In this way, it can be easily obtained to obtain an airtight seal to prevent airflow through the air inlet.

[0047] The sealing portion may include a flat portion configured to be coupled with the main body in the blocking configuration and positioned over the air inlet. The flat portion may be circular (e.g., having a diameter larger than the diameter of the air inlet).

[0048] The sealing portion may include a support member that supports the flat portion. The support member may abut the blocking element (on the inward surface of the blocking element), for example, abut the base of the blocking element. The support member may extend in a direction away from the blocking element / base, for example, to support the flat portion from the outside of the recess so that the flat portion extends over the wall of the blocking element. The support member may be dome-shaped, for example, the support member may include a hollow dome. The base of the dome-shaped support member (for example, a hollow dome-shaped support member) may abut the blocking element.

[0049] The bases of the support portions of the biasing portion and the sealing portion may be connected. For example, the elastic element may further include a connecting portion that connects the biasing portion and the sealing portion. The connecting portion may be substantially flat and may abut a blocking element (e.g., the base of the blocking element). The biasing portion and the sealing portion (and, if present, the connecting portion) may be formed integrally.

[0050] The elastic element may further include a balancing portion. A biasing portion may be interposed between the balancing portion and the sealing portion. The balancing portion may have an upper portion (which may be flat) that abuts the main body. It may have a support, and such support may have any one or more of the features described for the support of the sealing portion / biasing portion. Thus, the support of the balancing portion may be dome-shaped.

[0051] The bases of the support portions of the biasing portion and the balancing portion may be connected. For example, the elastic element may further include a second connecting portion connecting the biasing portion and the balancing portion. The second connecting portion may be substantially flat and may abut the base of the blocking element. The biasing portion and the balancing portion (and, if present, the second connecting portion) may be formed integrally.

[0052] The sealing part, biasing part, and balancing part can be formed as a single unit.

[0053] The sealing and balancing portions of the elastic element can be substantially identical and can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the biasing portion of the elastic element. In this way, the expansion force exerted by the elastic element can be better distributed over the blocking element, thereby improving stability and user experience.

[0054] In a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for locking an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment, and

[0055] The method involves blocking elements

[0056] From a usage configuration in which the air inlet is at least partially unlocked to allow airflow to the airflow sensor so that the aerosol generating unit can operate;

[0057] It includes moving to a blocking configuration in which the air inlet is blocked by a sealing part of an elastic element to prevent airflow to the airflow sensor, thereby rendering the aerosol generating unit inoperable.

[0058] The blocking element may be able to slide relative to the main body. Accordingly, the method may include sliding the blocking element from a usage configuration to a blocking configuration. The main body may be elongated and may include a longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the blocking element may be able to slide in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0059] The method may include the step of locking a blocking element into a blocking configuration using a locking element while the biasing portion of the elastic element is pressing the locking element into a locking configuration.

[0060] The locking element may be configured to optionally engage with the main body to lock the blocking element into a blocking configuration. Accordingly, the method may include moving the locking element (e.g., from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration) to engage with the main body to lock the blocking element into a blocking configuration.

[0061] The locking element may be movable in the axial direction of the main body. The axial direction may be parallel to the longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the method may include moving the locking element axially to engage the locking element with the main body in order to lock the blocking element into a blocking configuration.

[0062] The locking element may be attached to the blocking element. Accordingly, the blocking element may also be movable axially with respect to the body to engage the locking element with the body. Accordingly, the method may include moving the blocking element axially to engage the locking element with the body in order to lock the blocking element into a blocking configuration.

[0063] Accordingly, the method may include a first step of moving a blocking element (in a first direction) from a locking configuration to an unlocking configuration (axially) in a usage configuration (e.g., to uncouple from the main body). Accordingly, the method may include a second step of moving the blocking element from a usage configuration to a blocking configuration (laterally). Accordingly, the method may include a third step of moving the blocking element (in a second direction) from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration (axially) in a blocking configuration (e.g., to couple with the main body).

[0064] The main body may include a first locking recess. Accordingly, the method may include moving a locking element to engage with the first locking recess in order to lock the blocking element into a blocking configuration. The main body may include a second locking recess.

[0065] In a third embodiment, an elastic element for an aerosol generating device is provided, and the elastic element

[0066] A hollow dome-shaped biasing portion for elastically biasing a blocking member in a direction away from the main body of an aerosol generating device; and

[0067] It includes a hollow dome-shaped sealing part for sealing an air inlet on the main body of an aerosol generating device, and

[0068] The biasing part and the sealing part are formed as a single unit.

[0069] The elastic element may further include a hollow dome-shaped balancing portion formed integrally with the biasing portion and the sealing portion, and the biasing portion is interposed between the sealing portion and the balancing portion.

[0070] The elastic element of the third embodiment may have one or more of the features described in relation to the elastic element included in the first embodiment.

[0071] The foregoing summary is provided for the purpose of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of the aspects of the subject matter described in this application. Accordingly, the foregoing features should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the subject matter described in this application in any way. Furthermore, the above and / or prior examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide additional examples, except where such combination is expressly not permitted or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described in this application will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0072] The aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements. FIG. 1 is a block system drawing showing an exemplary aerosol generating device. FIG. 2 is a block system drawing showing an exemplary implementation of the device of FIG. 1, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from a liquid precursor. FIGS. 3A and FIGS. 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary implementation of the device of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block system drawing showing an exemplary implementation of the device of FIG. 1, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from a solid precursor. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of the device of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device (100) according to a first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the cap assembly (140) of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cap assembly (140) of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cap (112) of the cap assembly (140) of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the blocking element (120) of the cap assembly (140) of FIG. 8. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0073] Before describing various examples of implementing the present disclosure, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration details or process steps set forth in the following description and the accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art who have the advantage of the present disclosure that the systems, devices, and / or methods described in this application may be implemented differently and / or carried out or performed in various alternative ways.

[0074] Unless otherwise defined in this application, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed in accordance with conventional methods as described in various general and more specific references well known in the art and which may be cited and described herein.

[0075] Any patent, published patent application, and non-patent publication mentioned in the specification is incorporated by reference in its entirety in this application.

[0076] All embodiments embodying the present disclosure may be manufactured and practiced without excessive experimentation in light of the present disclosure. Although specific examples have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, devices, and / or methods and steps or sequences of steps described in this application without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.

[0077] The use of singular expressions (“a” or “an”) in the claims and / or specification may mean “one,” as well as “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” As such, singular expressions (“a,” “an,” and “the”), as well as all singular terms, include plural objects unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, plural terms must include the singular unless the context otherwise requires.

[0078] In this disclosure (including the claims), the use of the term “or” is used to mean an inclusive “and / or,” unless expressly indicated to refer only to an alternative, or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); or both A and B are true (or exist).

[0079] As used in this specification and claims(s), the words “comprising, including,” “having,” or “containing” (and any of their forms, e.g., “comprise, comprises, includes, and include”), “have, and has”), or “contains, and contain”) are comprehensive or open and do not exclude additional, uncited elements or method steps.

[0080] Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or unless the physics or other matters of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such combination, the features of the examples and claims disclosed in this application may be incorporated into one another in any suitable arrangement, particularly where doing so has a beneficial effect. Such integration is not limited to any specific advantage, but may instead arise from "ex post facto" advantage. This means that the combination of features is not limited by the form in which they are described, particularly by the form of dependency of the example(s), embodiment(s), or claim(s) (e.g., numbering). Furthermore, this applies to phrases such as "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," etc., which are merely stylistic forms and should not be interpreted as limiting the following features to separate embodiments for all other instances of the same or similar expression. References to 'an', 'one', or 'some' embodiments may mean references to any one or more and / or all of the disclosed embodiments or combinations thereof. Similarly, references to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Furthermore, all references to one or more embodiments or examples should be interpreted as not limiting the claims.

[0081] The present disclosure may be better understood in light of the following description, where terms separated by "or" may be used interchangeably:

[0082] As used in this application, an "aerosol generating device" (or "electronic(e)-cigarette") may be a device configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. If the device is intended to be used in place of a conventional combustible smoking article, it may additionally / alternatively be referred to as a "smoking substitute device." As used in this application, a combustible "smoking article" may mean a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other article that generates smoke (an aerosol containing solid particulates and gases) through heating above the pyrolysis temperature (typically by combustion and / or pyrolysis). The aerosol generated by the device may comprise an aerosol having a particle size of 0.2 to 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by controlling one or more of the following: the heater temperature; the cooling rate at which the vapor condenses into the aerosol; and flow characteristics including turbulence and velocity. The generation of the aerosol by the aerosol generating device may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be activated by a user and may include, for example, an actuator (e.g., an operating button) and / or an airflow sensor, or take the form thereof.

[0083] Each occurrence in which the aerosol generating device produces aerosols for a certain period (which may be variable) is the aerosol generating device's " activate It may be referred to as ". The aerosol generating device may be arranged so that the amount of aerosol delivered to the user per activation can be varied (as opposed to delivering a fixed amount of aerosol) by activating the aerosol generating unit of the device for a variable amount of time, for example, based on the intensity / duration of the user's inhalation through the flow path of the device (to replicate the effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).

[0084] The aerosol generating device may be portable. As used in this application, the term "portable" may mean a device that a user can hold in their hand and use.

[0085] As used in this application, the “aerosol generating system” may be a system comprising an aerosol generating device and optionally other circuits / components associated with the function of the device, e.g., one or more external devices and / or one or more external components (wherein “external” is intended to mean external to the aerosol generating device).

[0086] When used in the present application, "external device" and "external component" may include one or more of a charging device, a mobile device (e.g., which can be connected to an aerosol generating device via a wireless or wired connection); a network-based computer (e.g., a remote server); a cloud-based computer; and any other server system.

[0087] An exemplary aerosol generation system may be a system for managing an aerosol generating device. Such a system may include, for example, a mobile device and a network server as well as an aerosol generating device.

[0088] As used in this application, "aerosol" may comprise a suspension of a precursor, including one or more of solid particles; liquid droplets; and gases. The suspension may be present in a gas, including air. In this application, aerosol generally refers to or may include vapor. An aerosol may comprise one or more components of a precursor.

[0089] As used in this application, the “precursor” may comprise one or more of a liquid; a solid; a gel; loose leaf material; or other materials. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol generating unit of an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. The precursor may comprise one or more of an active ingredient; a carrier; and a flavoring agent. The active ingredient may comprise one or more of nicotine; caffeine; cannabidiol oil; or non-pharmaceutical preparations, for example, preparations not intended for the treatment of diseases or physiological dysfunctions of the human body. The active ingredient may be supported by a carrier, which may be a liquid comprising propylene glycol and / or glycerin. The term “flavoring agent” may mean an ingredient that provides a taste and / or smell to the user. The flavoring agent may comprise one or more of ethyl vanillin (vanilla); menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or others. The precursor may include a substrate for carrying one or more of an active ingredient, a carrier, and a flavoring agent, for example, reconstituted tobacco.

[0090] As used in this application, the "storage portion" may be a part of a device configured to store a precursor. Depending on the implementation of the precursor as defined above, it may be implemented as a fluid holding reservoir or a carrier for a solid material.

[0091] As used in this application, "flow path" may refer to a path or enclosed passage through an aerosol generating device for delivering aerosols to a user, for example. The flow path may be arranged to receive aerosols from an aerosol generating unit. When referring to the flow path, upstream and downstream may be defined in relation to the direction of flow in the flow path, for example, the outlet is downstream of the inlet.

[0092] As used in this application, the "delivery system" may be a system operable to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.

[0093] As used in this application, "flow" may refer to flow in a flow path. The flow may include an aerosol generated from a precursor. The flow may include air, and the air may be guided into the flow path through a user's puff.

[0094] When used in this application, by the user " puff (puff) (or "inhale" or "draw") may refer to the expansion of the user's lungs and / or oral cavity to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.

[0095] As used in this application, "aerosol generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol generating unit may include a unit that generates vapor directly from the precursor (e.g., a heating system or other system) or a unit that generates an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g., an atomizer including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system or other system capable of operating to encapsulate droplets of the precursor in a flow without using electrical energy). Multiple aerosol generating units for generating multiple aerosols (e.g., from multiple different aerosol precursors) may be present in the aerosol generating device.

[0096] As used in this application, the “heating system” may refer to an arrangement comprising at least one heating element operable to aerosolize a precursor when heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to generate heat from the flow of current passing through it. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to generate heat when an alternating magnetic field penetrates it. The heating system may be configured to heat the precursor to less than 300 or 350 degrees Celsius, including without combustion.

[0097] As used in this application, "consumable" may refer to a unit containing a precursor. The consumable may include an aerosol generating unit and may be arranged, for example, as a cartomizer. The consumable may include a mouthpiece. The consumable may include an information carrying medium. In the case of a liquid or gel precursor implementation, for example, an electronic liquid, the consumable may be referred to as a "capsule," a "pod," or an "electronic liquid consumable." The capsule / pod may include a storage portion for storing the precursor, for example, a reservoir or a tank. In the case of a solid material precursor implementation, for example, tobacco or a reconstituted tobacco formulation, the consumable may be referred to as a "stick," a "package," or a "heat-not-burn consumable." In the case of a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to contain the precursor. Consumables may be implemented in doses of the substance or pre-divided amounts, including individual products.

[0098] As used in this application, the “information carrying medium” may comprise one or more arrangements for storing information on any suitable medium. Examples include a computer-readable medium; a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder; and a code that encodes information, such as an optical code (e.g., a barcode or QR code) or a mechanically readable code (e.g., a configuration of the absence or presence of a pin or a cutout for encoding a bit into which a reader can be inserted).

[0099] As used in this application, "heated type" (or "HNB" or "heated precursor") may mean heating a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion or without substantial combustion (i.e., localized combustion of a limited portion of the precursor, including less than 5% of the total volume, may be experienced).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary aerosol generating device (1) includes a power supply unit (2) for supplying electrical energy. The device (1) includes an aerosol generating unit (4) driven by the power supply unit (2). The power supply unit (2) may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and / or an electrical connection to an external power source. The device (1) includes a precursor (6), which is aerosolized by the aerosol generating unit (4) to generate an aerosol upon use. The device (2) includes a delivery system (8) for delivering the aerosol to a user.

[0101] An electrical circuit (not shown in FIG. 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply unit (4) and the aerosol generating unit (6).

[0102] In an unillustrated variant example, for instance, an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomizer having a flow expansion section may not require a power supply, so the power supply (2) may be omitted.

[0103] FIG. 2 shows an implementation of the device (1) of FIG. 1, wherein the aerosol generating device (1) is configured to generate an aerosol from a liquid precursor.

[0104] In this example, the device (1) includes a device body (10) and a consumable (30).

[0105] In this example, the main body (10) includes a power supply unit (4). The main body may additionally include one or more of an electrical circuit unit (12), a memory (14), a wireless interface (16), and one or more other components (18).

[0106] The electrical circuit section (12) may include processing resources for controlling one or more operations of the main body (10) and consumables (30) based on instructions stored in memory (14), for example.

[0107] The wireless interface (16) can be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g., mobile) device via Bluetooth, for example.

[0108] Other component(s) (18) may include, for example, one or more user interface devices and / or charging ports configured to convey information to a user (see, for example, FIG. 3).

[0109] The consumable (30) includes a storage unit, implemented herein as a tank (32), that stores a liquid precursor (6) (e.g., e-liquid). The consumable (30) also includes a heating system (34), one or more air inlets (36), and a mouthpiece (38). The consumable (30) may include one or more other components (40).

[0110] The main body (10) and the consumable (30) may each include an electrical interface (not shown) to provide an electrical connection between one or more components of the main body (10) and one or more components of the consumable (30). In this way, power can be supplied to a component of the consumable (30) (e.g., a heating system (34)) without the consumable (30) needing to have its own power supply.

[0111] When in use, the user can activate the aerosol generating device (1) when inhaling through the mouthpiece (38), that is, when performing a puff. The puff performed by the user can initiate flow through a flow path within the consumable (30) extending from the air inlet(s) (34) through a zone adjacent to the heating system (34) to the mouthpiece (38).

[0112] The activation of the aerosol generating device (1) may be initiated by an airflow sensor within the main body (10) that detects the airflow within the aerosol generating device (1), for example, caused by the user inhaling through the mouthpiece, or by the operation of an actuator included in the main body (10). Upon activation, the electrical circuit section (12) (for example, under the control of a processing resource) may supply electrical energy from the power supply unit (2) to the heating system (34), which may cause the heating system (32) to heat the liquid precursor (6) drawn from the tank to generate an aerosol that is carried in the flow out of the mouthpiece (38).

[0113] In some examples, the heating system (34) may include a heating filament and a wick, a first portion of the wick extending into the tank (32) to draw a liquid precursor (6) from the tank (32), and the heating filament wrapping around a second portion of the wick located outside the tank (32). The heating filament may be configured to heat the liquid precursor (6) drawn out of the tank (32) by the wick to generate an aerosol.

[0114] In this example, the aerosol generating unit (4) is provided by the aforementioned heating system (34), and the delivery system (8) is provided by the aforementioned flow path and mouthpiece (38).

[0115] In a modified embodiment (not illustrated), one or more of the precursor (6), heating system (34), air inlet(s) (36), and mouthpiece (38) may be included in the main body (10). For example, the mouthpiece (36) may be included in the main body (10) in a state where the precursor (6) and heating system (32) are arranged as a detachable cartomizer.

[0116] FIGS. 3A and FIGS. 3B illustrate exemplary implementations of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 2. In this example, the consumable (30) is implemented as a capsule / pod, which is shown physically coupled to the main body (10) in FIG. 3A and separated from the main body (10) in FIG. 3B.

[0117] In this example, the main body (10) and the consumable (30) are configured to be physically joined to each other by pushing the consumable (30) into the aperture at the upper end (11) of the main body (10), and the consumable (30) is held in the aperture through a press fit.

[0118] In other examples (not shown), the main body (10) and the consumable (30) may be physically joined to each other in other ways, for example by screwing one to the other, through a bayonet fitting, or through a snap-joining mechanism.

[0119] The main body (10) also includes a charging port (not shown) at the bottom end (13) of the main body (10).

[0120] The main body (10) also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a light (15), which may be configured to be illuminated, for example, when the device (1) is activated. For example, other user interface devices for conveying information to a user tactilely or audibly are possible.

[0121] In this example, the consumable (30) has an opaque cap (31), a translucent tank (32), and a translucent window (33). When the consumable (30) is physically attached to the main body (10) as shown in FIG. 3a, only the cap (31) and the window (33) may be visible, and the tank (32) is hidden from view by the main body (10). The main body (10) includes a slot (15) for receiving the window (33). The window (33) is configured to allow visual evaluation of the amount of liquid precursor (6) in the tank (32) even when the consumable (30) is physically attached to the main body (10).

[0122] FIG. 4 shows an implementation of the device (1) of FIG. 1, wherein the aerosol generating device (1) is configured to generate an aerosol by a heat-not-burn process.

[0123] In this example, the device (1) includes a device body (50) and a consumable (70).

[0124] In this example, the main body (50) includes a power supply unit (4) and a heating system (52). The heating system (54) includes at least one heating element (54). The main body may additionally include one or more of an electrical circuit unit (56), a memory (58), a wireless interface (60), and one or more other components (62).

[0125] The electrical circuit section (56) may include processing resources for controlling one or more operations of the main body (50) based on instructions stored in memory (58), for example.

[0126] The wireless interface (60) can be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g., mobile) device via Bluetooth, for example.

[0127] Other component(s) (62) may include, for example, an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user, and / or a charging port (see, for example, FIG. 5).

[0128] The main body (50) is configured to be coupled with the consumable (70) such that at least one heating element (54) of the heating system (52) penetrates into the solid precursor (6) of the consumable. When in use, the user can activate the aerosol generating device (1) so that the heating system (52) of the main body (50) causes at least one heating element (54) to heat the solid precursor (6) of the consumable (without burning) by conductive heat transfer, thereby generating an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0129] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 4.

[0130] As depicted in FIG. 5, the consumable (70) is implemented as a stick, which is coupled to the main body (50) by inserting the stick into an aperture at the upper end (53) of the main body (50), which causes at least one heating element (54) of the heating system (52) to penetrate into the solid precursor (6).

[0131] The consumable (70) includes a solid precursor (6) located proximal to the main body (50) and a filter located distal to the main body (50). The filter serves as the mouthpiece for the consumable (70) and thus the entire device (1). The solid precursor (6) may be a reconstituted tobacco preparation.

[0132] In this example, at least one heating element (54) is a rod-shaped element having a circular transverse profile. Other heating element shapes are possible, for example, at least one heating element may be a blade shape (having a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube shape (for example, having a hollow transverse profile).

[0133] In this example, the main body (50) includes a cap (51). When in use, the cap (51) is attached to the upper end (53) of the main body (50). Although not evident from FIG. 5, the cap (51) is movable relative to the main body (50). In particular, the cap (51) is slidable and can slide along the longitudinal axis of the main body (50).

[0134] The main body (50) also includes an actuator (55) on the outer surface of the main body (50). In this example, the actuator (55) has the form of a button.

[0135] The main body (50) also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to the user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights (57), which may be configured to be illuminated, for example, when the device (1) is activated and / or to indicate the charge status of the power supply (4). For example, other user interface devices for conveying information to the user tactilely or audibly are possible.

[0136] The main body may also include an airflow sensor that detects airflow within the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., caused by the user inhaling through the consumable (70)). This can be used, for example, to count the number of puffs.

[0137] In this example, the consumable (70) includes a flow path that delivers an aerosol generated by at least one heating element (54) to the mouthpiece of the consumable.

[0138] In this example, the aerosol generating unit (4) is provided by the aforementioned heating system (52), and the delivery system (8) is provided by the aforementioned flow path and the mouthpiece of the consumable (70).

[0139] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (100) comprises a main body (110) and a blocking element (120). The main body (110) is elongated and has a longitudinal axis (101) that also defines the length dimension of the main body (110). The main body (110) includes a mouthpiece (105) deviated from the longitudinal axis (101) at the top end (106) and a removable cover (112) at the base end (107). The blocking element (120) is completely recessed into a main body recess (114) located on the outer surface of the removable cover (112) of the main body (110). Thus, the blocking element (120) does not protrude beyond the opening in the main body recess (114). The main body (110) has an approximate cross-section that is substantially elliptical in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (101).

[0140] Referring to FIG. 7, the width dimension (102) of the main body (110) is perpendicular to the depth dimension (103) of the main body (110). Both the width dimension (102) and the depth dimension (103) are perpendicular to the length dimension defined by the longitudinal axis (101) in FIG. 6. The blocking element (120) has an outwardly oriented operating surface (125) comprising an elongated ridge (122) parallel to the depth dimension (103). The operating surface (125) is substantially parallel to both the width dimension (102) and the depth dimension (103), and the elongated ridge (122) is located at the midpoint of the operating surface (125) at the width dimension (102).

[0141] The main body recess (114) is formed by the base recess surface and the side recess surface. The base recess surface and the side recess surface are part of the outer surface of the main body (110). The main body (110) includes an air inlet (116) through the base recess surface, and the air inlet is fluidly connected to the inlet of an aerosol generating unit housed within the main body (110). The outlet of the aerosol generating unit is fluidly connected to a mouthpiece (105) so that the user of the device can inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating unit. An airflow sensor is positioned on the flow path between the air inlet (116) and the aerosol generating unit so that the airflow sensor can activate the aerosol generating unit when it detects airflow from the user's inhalation.

[0142] To prevent accidental activation of the aerosol generating unit, the blocking element (120) is capable of sliding within the body recess (114) between a blocking configuration in which the air inlet (116) is blocked and a use configuration in which the air inlet (116) is at least partially unlocked. Thus, in the blocking configuration, air cannot pass through the air inlet (116), which means there is no airflow to be detected by the airflow sensor to render the aerosol generating unit inoperable. Conversely, in the use configuration, air can pass through the air inlet (116), which means there is no airflow to be detected by the airflow sensor to render the aerosol generating unit operable by a user inhaling the mouthpiece.

[0143] The blocking element (120) is elongated in width dimension (102) and stadium-shaped in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (101). The main body recess (114) is also elongated in width dimension (102) and stadium-shaped in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (101) to accommodate the blocking element (120). To allow the blocking element (120) to slide, the main body recess (114) has a larger dimension in width dimension (102) than the blocking element (120). To maintain the blocking element (120) in a fixed orientation when the blocking element slides against the main body (110), the main body recess (114) and the blocking element (120) have substantially the same dimension in depth dimension (103). Thus, the side surface of the main body recess abuts against the side surface (128) of the blocking element (120).

[0144] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view through a blocking element (120). An outward-oriented operating surface (125) together with a body-oriented inward-oriented surface (126) collectively forms the base (121) of the blocking element (120). Thus, the operating surface (125) and the inward-oriented surface (126) face each other on both sides of the base (121). The blocking element (120) includes a wall (124) erected from the perimeter of the base (121) on the body-oriented side. Thus, the wall (124) surrounds the inward-oriented surface (126) of the blocking element (120). The blocking element (120) includes a cylindrical pillar (123) erected from the base (121) and having a cylindrical bore. The inner side surface (127) of the wall (124) and the inward surface (126) of the base (121) collectively form a recess within the blocking element (120).

[0145] Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device (100) also includes a locking element (130) and an elastic element in the form of an elastic element (140). The locking element (130) is a screw having a threaded stem (132) and an enlarged head (134) at one end of the stem (132). The threaded stem (132) is coupled to a cylindrical bore of the blocking element (120) so that the locking element (130) is attached to the blocking element (120). The head (134) includes a screwdriver coupling portion so that the stem (132) can be coupled within the cylindrical bore using a screwdriver.

[0146] The elastic element (140) is made of silicone and is located within a recess of the blocking element (120) formed by the base (121) and the wall (124). The elastic element (140) comprises three geometrically similar hollow domes arranged in a row and standing upright from the base (121) of the blocking element (120). The sealing part dome (142), the biasing part dome (144), and the balancing part dome (146) each comprise a circular upper flat portion for engaging with the outer surface (111) of the main body (110). The sealing part dome (142) and the balancing part dome (146) stabilize the blocking element (120). The biasing part dome (144) includes a hole through its flat portion (i.e., becomes an annular portion) to accommodate a cylindrical filler (123). Accordingly, the stem (132) of the locking element (130) and the circular upper portion of the biasing part dome (144) are concentric. The dome extends over the wall (124) of the blocking element (120) so that the deformation of the dome allows linear movement of the blocking element (120) in the length dimension of the main body (110). The head (134) of the locking element (130) holds the elastic element (140) within the concave portion of the blocking element (120).

[0147] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective cross-section through a removable cover (112) of the main body (110). The removable cover (112) includes a flat outer surface (111) facing a flat inner surface (113). An air inlet (116) is positioned through the removable cover (112) to connect the outer surface (111) to the inner surface (113). The removable cover (112) includes a guide channel (115) extending in the width dimension (102) of the main body (110). The guide channel (115) is stadium-shaped and also connects the outer surface (111) to the inner surface (113). In the depth dimension (103), the dimension of the guide channel (115) is substantially the same as the diameter of the cylindrical filler (123).

[0148] The inner surface (113) of the removable cover (112) also includes a first locking recess (118) and a second locking recess (119) located at opposite ends of the guide channel (115), respectively, so that the guide channel (115) intersects the locking recess. The locking recess extends only partially into the main body (110) in a lengthwise dimension from the inner surface (113) so that the head (134) of the locking element (130) can be seated and held within each locking recess. Accordingly, each locking recess has a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (101) of the main body (110) to accommodate the cylindrical head (134) of the locking element (130).

[0149] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view through a removable cap (112), a blocking element (120), a locking element (130), and an elastic element (140). The locking element (130) extends into the main body (110) through a guide channel (115). The elastic element (140) is positioned between the inward surface (126) of the blocking element (120) and the outer surface (111) of the removable cover (112). Thus, the elastic element (140) applies an expansive force between the main body (110) and the blocking element (120) to press the head (134) of the locking element (130) into the locking recess. Accordingly, the assembly including the blocking element (120), the locking element (130), and the elastic element (140) is movable between four configurations: a locked usage configuration (shown in FIG. 11), an unlocked usage configuration, an unlocked blocking configuration, and a locked blocking configuration.

[0150] In the locked usage configuration (shown in FIG. 11), the air inlet (116) is unlocked so that the aerosol generating unit is unlocked, and thus, air can flow through the air inlet (116) to the airflow sensor so that it can be operated by a user inhaling the mouthpiece. The head (134) of the locking element (130) is positioned within the first locking recess (118) so as to prevent the blocking element (120) from sliding in the width dimension into the locking configuration. The user can transfer the blocking element (120) to the unlocked usage configuration by applying force to the operating surface (125) of the blocking element (120) such that the dome of the elastic element (140) is deformed, resulting in the blocking element (120) moving in the length dimension toward the main body (110). This causes the head (134) of the locking element (130) to detach from the first locking recess (118) so that the blocking element (120) can slide freely in the width dimension (102).

[0151] With the head (134) disengaged from the first locking recess (118), the blocking element (120) (and consequently, the locking element (130) and the elastic element (140)) can be moved in width dimensions via a sliding motion to adopt an unlocked blocking configuration. The user can impart a sliding motion through the elongated ridge (122) on the operating surface (125) of the blocking element (120). Due to the sliding movement of the blocking element (120), the upper flat portion of the sealing dome (142) of the elastic element (140) comes into contact with the outer surface (111) surrounding the air inlet (116), thereby blocking the air inlet (116) and rendering the aerosol generating unit inoperable. The user can transition to a locked locking configuration by removing force from the operating surface (125) of the locking element (120), thereby expanding the elastic element (140) to press the head (134) of the locking element (130) into the second locking recess (119), preventing the locking element (120) from sliding back into the usage configuration in the width dimension (102).

Claims

Claim 1 As an aerosol generating device, a main body comprising an air inlet, an aerosol generating unit, and an airflow sensor—the airflow sensor is configured to detect airflow along a flow path fluidly connected to the air inlet so that the aerosol generating unit can be activated in response to the detected airflow—; and as a blocking element movable between a blocking configuration and a usage configuration with respect to the main body, The above blocking configuration blocks the air inlet to prevent airflow to the airflow sensor so that the aerosol generating unit cannot operate; The above usage configuration includes a blocking element such that the air inlet is at least partially unlocked to allow airflow to the airflow sensor so that the aerosol generating unit can operate; the aerosol generating device further includes a locking element configured to selectively lock the blocking element to the blocking configuration; and an elastic element interposed between the blocking element and the main body, wherein the elastic element A biasing portion configured to press the locking element so that the blocking element adopts a locking configuration in which the blocking element is locked into the blocking configuration; and A device comprising a sealing portion configured to form a sealing portion between the blocking element around the air inlet and the main body in the above blocking configuration. Claim 2 A device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element is at least partially formed of an elastically deformable plastic material. Claim 3 A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing portion comprises an annular portion circumscribed with the locking element and a support portion supporting the annular portion. Claim 4 A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing portion comprises a flat portion configured to form the sealing portion around the air inlet and a support portion supporting the flat portion. Claim 5 A device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the support portion of the biasing portion and / or the support portion of the sealing portion is a hollow dome-shaped support having a base mounted on the blocking element. Claim 6 A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing portion and the biasing portion of the elastic element are integrally formed. Claim 7 An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic element further comprises a balancing portion, and the biasing portion is interposed between the sealing portion and the balancing portion. Claim 8 A device according to claim 7, wherein the balancing portion is identical to the sealing portion, and the sealing portion and the balancing portion are arranged symmetrically with respect to the biasing portion. Claim 9 A device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the balancing element is integrally formed with the biasing portion and the sealing portion. Claim 10 A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the elastic element biases the blocking element in a direction away from the main body. Claim 11 A device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the blocking element is inserted into a removable base of the main body. Claim 12 A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the blocking element comprises a concave portion formed by the base and upright wall of the blocking element, and the elastic element abuts the base of the blocking element. Claim 13 A method for locking an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the step of moving the blocking element from a usage configuration in which the air inlet is at least partially unlocked to allow airflow to the airflow sensor so that the aerosol generating unit can operate, to a blocking configuration in which the air inlet is blocked by the sealing portion of the elastic element to prevent airflow to the airflow sensor so that the aerosol generating unit cannot operate. Claim 14 An elastic element for an aerosol generating device, wherein the elastic element comprises: a hollow dome-shaped biasing portion for elastically biasing a blocking member in a direction away from the main body of the aerosol generating device; and a hollow dome-shaped sealing portion for sealing an air inlet on the main body of the aerosol generating device, wherein the biasing portion and the sealing portion are integrally formed. Claim 15 In claim 14, the elastic element further comprises a hollow dome-shaped balancing portion formed integrally with the biasing portion and the sealing portion, wherein the biasing portion is interposed between the sealing portion and the balancing portion.

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