Aerosol provision system with article ejection system and method

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision system and method. The system includes a consumable containment part with a containment chamber, the containment chamber having an insertion port for the insertion of consumables; a support member, configured to support consumables and drive the consumables to move towards the insertion port along the containment chamber; and a clamping member, configured to releasably hold the support member in a fixed position, when the support member is released by the clamping member, the support member drives the consumables to move towards the insertion port to a pop-up position.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of aerosol provision technology, particularly to an aerosol provision system and method.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the electronic cigarette industry, aerosol provision systems are configured to generate aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate (such as tobacco or leaf-based substrates) for users to inhale. Typically, the system includes a chamber for receiving consumables (such as aerosol-generating articles). However, once the consumables are used up, they usually need to be manually removed, which is both inconvenient and unhygienic.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system, the aerosol provision system comprising: a consumable containment part with a containment chamber, the containment chamber having an insertion port for the insertion of consumables; a support member, configured to support consumables and drive the consumables to move towards the insertion port along the containment chamber; and a clamping member, configured to releasably hold the support member in a fixed position, when the support member is released by the clamping member, the support member drives the consumables to move towards the insertion port to a pop-up position.

[0008] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision systems, the clamping member may be configured to have at least one of two states: a first state and a second state; in the first state, the clamping member may clamp onto the support member, keeping the support member in a fixed position; in the second state, the clamping member may release the support member, allowing the support member to move towards the insertion port to a pop-up position.

[0009] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision systems, two states of clamping and releasing the support member may be realized by the same clamping member. When using consumables, the support member may be kept in a fixed position. When it is desired to take out the consumables, the support member may be released so that the support member drives the consumables to pop out towards the insertion port, which is convenient for taking out.

[0010] Specifically, the clamping member may have a locking part and a releasing part; the clamping member is capable of moving relative to the support member, so that the support member may be clamped in the locking part, or disengaged from the locking part to enter the releasing part. The clamping member may change the part acting on the support member by moving. When the locking part clamps the support member, the support member is kept in a fixed position. When the releasing part is at the position of the support member, the support member may be disengaged from the clamping member and pops out, so that the consumable pops out.

[0011] The locking part may comprise at least two elastic elements extending in the direction of movement of the clamping member, a portion of the elastic elements along the movement direction is configured to abut against both sides of the support member to form the locking part, and another portion is configured to release the support member to form the releasing part. By utilizing the deformation characteristics of the elastic element, when inserting a consumable, the consumable reaches the support member and causes it to move to a fixed position. When moving to the fixed position, the elastic elements on both sides of the support member are deformed. After the support member reaches the fixed position, the elastic element returns to its original shape and is clamped on the support member to keep the support member in a fixed position. The clamping member moves to remove the elastic element from the support member so that the releasing part reaches the position of the support member, thereby releasing the support member, releasing the support member. Further, the at least two elastic elements are symmetrically arranged about the center line of the crosssection of the support member to keep the clamping forces on both sides relatively average and lock the support member more firmly. The elastic elements form a hole that surrounds the support member at the position of the releasing part, and the cross-sectional area of the hole is not smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the support member, allowing the support member to pass through the releasing part so that the consumable pops out.

[0012] For the clamping member to conveniently switch the movement of the locking part and the releasing part relative to the support member, the clamping member also comprises a first reset spring, the first reset spring is configured, when compressed, the support member can disengage from the locking part and enter the releasing part.

[0013] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision systems, the clamping member may comprise a push-pull component, the push-pull component drives the locking part and the releasing part to move, switching between the first state and the second state. In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision systems,, the system may comprise a base plate, the clamping member may be positioned in a sliding manner on the base plate to facilitate user operation and use. The sliding method can facilitate the clamping member to switch the support member from being kept in a fixed position to a released state.

[0014] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision systems,, the clamping member may be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the containment chamber, that is, perpendicular to the support member, so as to clamp and release it in the longitudinal movement direction of the support member.

[0015] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision systems,, a second reset spring may be positioned below the support member, when the support member is kept in the fixed position, the second reset spring is compressed and accumulates a pop-out force in the direction of the support member's ejection. The second reset spring may assist the support member in driving the consumable to pop out towards the insertion port when the support member is released by the clamping member.

[0016] Specifically, in embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision systems, the support member may be provided with a receiving groove facing towards the insertion port, the receiving groove is configured to support the consumables. The second reset spring is arranged outside the receiving groove and abuts against the bottom wall of the receiving groove. One end of the support member supports the consumable. When the support member is released, the other end increases the ejecting force through the second reset spring, which helps the ejection of the consumable. In order to prevent the second reset spring from shifting and ensure the correct direction of the ejection force, the support member may comprise a base, the receiving groove is arranged on the base; the base has a cavity for accommodating the second reset spring, the second reset spring is arranged inside the cavity. The second reset spring moves along the cavity, ensuring that the consumable pops out in the direction of the insertion port. Further, the aerosol provision system may comprise a bottom shell, the bottom shell has a containment chamber for accommodating the second reset spring. Setting a separate containment chamber can install the support member without affecting the normal use of the containment chamber, which is convenient for operating the support member so that the consumable can be conveniently taken out after being used up.

[0017] In embodiments of any of the aforementioned aerosol provision systems,, the support member and the containment chamber may be coaxially arranged, which ensures that the consumable is aligned with the position of the support member when being inserted. And when the support member is released by the clamping member, it stably drives the consumable to pop out towards the insertion port.

[0018] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of using an aerosol provision system, based on the aerosol provision system as described in embodiments of any one of the aforementioned aerosol provision systems, the method comprising: inserting a consumable into the containment chamber for use by the aerosol provision system, wherein the clamping member keeps the support member in a fixed position; when the consumable is removed, by releasing the support member through the clamping member, the support member drives the consumable to move towards the insertion port.

[0019] The consumable may be supported by the support member so that it can drive the consumable to move. At the same time, it is used in conjunction with the clamping member. When the consumable is inserted into the containment chamber, the clamping member keeps the support member in a fixed position. When it is necessary to take out the consumable, the support member is released by the clamping member so that the support member drives the consumable to pop out, which is convenient for users to take out the consumable and improves the user experience.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages will be partially described in the following description, some will become apparent from the following description.

[0021] DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content of the present application will become more understandable. It is easily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Moreover, similar numbers in the figures are used to represent similar components, among which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in an embodiment (the support member is in a fixed position);

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in an embodiment (the consumable pops out); Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol provision system in an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of an aerosol provision system in an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a clamping member in an embodiment ;

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a clamping member in a clamping state in an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a clamping member in a releasing state in an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of the bottom perspective of an aerosol provision system in an embodiment; and

[0030] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an aerosol provision system in an embodiment (schematic structural diagram of the support member).

[0031] In the Figures, the markings are: 100: consumable containment part; 101 : containment chamber; 1011 : insertion port; 200: support member; 201 :receiving groove; 202: base; 203: second reset spring; 204: cavity; 205: clamping groove; 300: clamping member; 301 : locking part; 3011 : elastic element; 302, releasing part; 3021 , hole; 303, first reset spring; 304, push- pull component; 3041 , button; 400, consumable; 500, fixed position; 600, base plate; 601 , bottom shell; 602, sliding groove; 603, limiting groove.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following describes some embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0035] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0036] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0037] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0038] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0039] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0043] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0044] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0047] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosolmodifying agent.

[0048] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0049] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosolformer materials, and / or one or more other functional materials. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0050] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0051] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0052] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0053] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0054] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0055] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0056] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0057] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0058] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0059] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a“monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0060] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0061] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0062] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0063] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0064] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0065] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0066] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0067] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a “cartom izer”) and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0068] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance. As described in the background, when users replace consumables in an aerosol provision system, it is very difficult to take out the used consumables. Further, consumables in the containment chamber are usually used in conjunction with a sensor element. The sensor element is in close contact with the consumables, thereby achieving effective heat transfer and ensuring sufficient air management. This close contact means that the consumable may become stuck in the aerosol provision system when it naturally becomes damp during consumption. Therefore, it is also very difficult to take out the consumable from the chamber. Based on this, an aerosol provision system is proposed that can conveniently take out consumables.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an example of an aerosol provision system, the aerosol provision system comprises a consumable containment part 100 with a containment chamber 101 , a support member 200 and a clamping member 300. The containment chamber 101 has an insertion port 1011 for the insertion of consumables 400. The support member 200 supports consumables 400 and drive the consumables 400 to move towards the insertion port 1011 along the containment chamber 101. The clamping member 300 releasably holds the support member 200 in a fixed position 500. Wherein, as shown in Figure 2, when the support member 200 is released by the clamping member 300, the support member 200 drives the consumables 400 to move towards the insertion port 1011 to pop put. The present teaching aims at cooperating with the support member 200 and the clamping member 300 so that when replacing the consumables 400, the consumables 400 can pop out towards the insertion port 1011 , facilitating the removal of the consumables 400.

[0070] The aerosol provision system comprises an aerosol provision device. The consumable 400 is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol generating device is for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, in particular from an article comprising aerosol generating material..

[0071] The consumable containment part 100 is a receptacle. The containment chamber 101 is also referred to as a chamber. The receptacle comprises the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material.

[0072] In embodiments, the insertion port 1011 defines an opening. The opening is configured to allow insertion of at least a portion of the article into the chamber. The consumable containment part may define the opening.

[0073] The support member 200 is configured to support at least a portion of the article. The support member is configured to drive the article in a direction out of the chamber into a popup position upon release of the support member by the retention member. The clamping member is a retention member. The retention member is configured to retain the support member in a static position. A position may be referred to as “fixed” and as “static” interchangeably.

[0074] Figure 1 and Figure 2 only show partial schematic diagrams of the aerosol provision system and are not intended to convey the specific positions and fixed structural patterns of various components. For example, the consumable containment part 100 can be any structure with an containment chamber 101 and is not limited to the shape shown in the figure. The fixed position 500 can also be a part of the containment chamber 101 or another structure that can be detachably fixed on the consumable containment part 100 and is not limited to the illustrated structure. It should also be understood that the aerosol provision system may include other components not shown in Figures 1 and 2, such as sensor elements, power supplies, and control elements.

[0075] The following is an explanation of the technical solution through specific examples. For ease of understanding, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the present application provides an aerosol provision system, the aerosol provision system comprises a consumable containment part 100, a support member 200 and a clamping member 300, and the consumable containment part 100 has an insertion port 1011 ; the aerosol provision system further comprises an auxiliary structure: a base plate 600, a bottom shell 601 , a first reset spring 303 and a second reset spring 203. When in use, the consumable 400 is inserted into the containment chamber 101 of the consumable containment part 100 from the insertion port 1011 , and the support member 200 is also in the fixed position 500, that is, in the bottom shell 601. The state is as shown in Figure 1 . When it is necessary to take out the consumable 400, the support member 200 is released to make the consumable 400 pop out towards the insertion port 1011. The state is as shown in Figure 2. It should be understood that the base plate 600, the bottom shell 601 , the first reset spring 303 and the second reset spring 203 are only exemplary structures and not the limiting structures of the aerosol provision system. For example, the fixed position 500 may also not be the bottom shell 601. It can be an integral structure belonging to the consumable containment part 100. The base plate 600 can also be a part of the consumable containment part 100. The reset spring can be other structural parts with elastic recovery ability. In this example, the support member 200 and the containment chamber 101 are coaxially arranged, and the clamping member 300 is arranged perpendicular to the support member 200.

[0076] In one implementation, as shown in Figure 5, the clamping member 300 has a locking part 301 and a releasing part 302. The locking part 301 comprises at least two elastic elements 3011 . The position of the releasing part 302 forms a hole 3021 , and the cross-sectional area of the hole 3021 is not less than the maximum cross-sectional area of the support member 200 to allow the support member 200 to pass through. Therefore, two states can be realized through the same clamping member 300. In the first state, as shown in Figure 6, the elastic element 3011 is clamped on the support member 200 to keep the support member 200 in a fixed position 500, such as in the bottom shell 601. In the second state, as shown in Figure 7, the hole 3021 is located at the support member 200 and releases the support member 200. The hole 3021 can allow the support member 200 to pass through, thereby promoting the removal of the consumable 400. Since on the same clamping member 300, the locking part 301 and the releasing part 302 can act on the support member 200 by moving to realize the switching of the two states. In this example, the two elastic elements 3011 are symmetrically arranged about the center line of the cross section of the support member 200, which is convenient for clamping and releasing the support member 200. The elastic element 3011 is arranged in an inclined plane and faces the direction of the insertion port 1011, which is convenient for the consumable 400 to smoothly pass through the elastic element 3011 when being inserted. By fully utilizing the deformation characteristics of the elastic element 3011 itself, when the support member 200 reaches the fixed position 500, the elastic element 3011 can be deformed and restored to press and lock the support member 200 at the fixed position 500.

[0077] In embodiments, the retention member is configured to have the first state and the second state. The first state may be a engaged state. The first state may be a disengaged state. In the first state, the retention member is engaged with the support member to maintain the support member in the static position. In the second state, the retention member is disengaged from the support member to allow the support member to move into the pop-up position. In embodiments, the support member in the first state is prevented from moving by the retention member. The support member in the second state is free to move relative to the retention member. The support member is biased to move in an ejection direction upon cessation of the first state of the retention member.

[0078] In embodiments, the retention member has a locking part and a releasing part. The locking part is configured to prevent movement of the support member in the first state. The releasing part is configured to allow movement of the support member in the second state. The retention member is configured to be moveable. The support member transitions from being engaged with the locking part to being disengaged from the locking part by movement of the retention member. The retention member is configured such that when the support member is disengaged from the locking part it is configured to enter the releasing part. In embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the clamping member 300 also comprises a first reset spring 303. When the first reset spring 303 is compressed, the support member 200 is disengaged from the locking part 301 and enters the releasing part 302. When the first reset spring 303 returns to its original state, the clamping member 300 remains at the support member 200. The first reset spring 303 can enable the clamping member 300 to automatically switch between the locking part 301 and the releasing part 302. In this implementation, the first reset spring 303 is on the center line of the clamping member 300, so that when it is pressed, the force is evenly distributed. The two ends of the first reset spring 303 are respectively sleeved on the positioning posts of the clamping member 300 and the base plate 600.

[0079] In one implementation, as shown in Figure 8, the clamping member 300 also comprises a push-pull component 304. The push-pull component 304 drives the locking part 301 and the releasing part 302 to move to switch between the first state and the second state. In this implementation, a button 3041 is provided on the push-pull component 304. When the user wants to eject the consumable 400, they can press the button 3041 to make the releasing part 302 correspond to the support member 200, thereby releasing the support member 200 to eject the consumable 400. When the user releases his hand, due to the action of the first reset spring 303, the button 3041 automatically returns, even if the clamping member 300 returns to the first state.

[0080] In embodiments, the retention member comprises the push-pull component. The push- pull component is configured to drive the locking part and the releasing part to move between the first state and the second state.

[0081] Further, in such implementations, the clamping member 300 is slidably arranged on the base plate 600 for the convenience of user operation. The base plate 600 is provided with a sliding groove 602 matching the push-pull component 304, so that the push-pull component 304 can move within the preset position of the base plate 600 to prevent offset and facilitate operation and use. The base plate 600 is provided with a limiting groove 603. The limiting groove 603 has a limit position for the movement range of the button 3041 . When the button 3041 is in its original position, the clamping member 300 is in the first state, that is, the locking part 301 is on the support member 200. When the button 3041 is pressed, the clamping member 300 switches to the second state, and the releasing part 302 releases the support member 200 to eject the consumable 400. It should be noted that the clamping member 300 is arranged on the base plate 600. In order to act on the support member 200 inside the bottom shell 601 , there is a gap between the bottom shell 601 and the base plate 600 to allow the clamping member 300 to enter the interior of the bottom shell 601. In embodiments,, as shown in Figure 9, the support member 200 is provided with a receiving groove 201. The receiving groove has an aperture facing the insertion port 1011 for supporting the consumable 400. The support member 200 comprises a base 202. The receiving groove 201 is arranged on the base 202. A second reset spring 203 is arranged below the support member 200. The base 202 has a cavity 204 for accommodating the second reset spring 203. The second reset spring 203 is arranged in the cavity 204. When the support member 200 is kept in the fixed position 500, the second reset spring 203 is compressed and accumulates ejection force in the ejection direction along the support member 200. The second reset spring 203 can help the support member 200 to drive the consumable 400 to pop out in the direction of the insertion port 1011 when the support member 200 is released by the clamping member 300. Further, a card slot 205 is provided on the outer wall of the support member 200, and the clamping member 300 is clamped on the clamping groove 205 to improve the stability of retention when the support member 200 is kept in the fixed position 500. In such implementations, the inside of the bottom shell 601 is used as the fixed position 500. The second reset spring 203 is sleeved on the spring positioning post at the bottom of the bottom shell 601 to ensure the spring movement direction and improve the ejection accuracy.

[0082] In embodiments, the receiving groove is a receiving portion. The receiving portion comprises a bottom wall. The second reset spring abuts against an opposing side of the bottom wall. The opposing side being the side of the bottom wall opposite access to the receiving portion.

[0083] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, the clamping member 300 is used in cooperation with the support member 200, when the consumable 400 is inserted, the support member 200 is kept at a fixed position 500. When it is necessary to replace the consumable 400, only by pressing the clamping member 300 can the support member 200 be released, making the consumable 400 pop out. There is no need to take it out from the chamber by hand, which improves the convenience of using the aerosol provision system.

[0084] Further, the present application provides a method for using an aerosol provision system. Based on the aerosol provision system as described above, the method comprises: inserting a consumable 400 into the containment chamber 101 for use by the aerosol provision system, wherein the clamping member 300 keeps the support member 200 in a fixed position 500; when the consumable 400 is removed, by releasing the support member 200 through the clamping member 300, the support member 200 drives the consumable 400 to move towards the insertion port 1011. The method is also referred to as a method of using an aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device previously described. The support member 200 moves in a direction towards the insertion port 1011 to drive the consumable 400 in that direction.

[0085] The aerosol provision system replaces and uses the consumable 400 through the above method. For the description of the principle and functional effect of each part of the specific aerosol provision system for replacing the consumable 400, please refer to the content in the above example. The repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0086] It should be pointed out that although the above embodiments describe each step in a specific sequence, those skilled in the art can understand that in order to achieve the effect of the present application, different steps do not necessarily have to be executed in this sequence. They can be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in other sequences. These changes are all within the protection scope of the present application.

[0087] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various modules in the system can be adaptively split or combined. Such splitting or combining of specific modules will not deviate from the principles of the teaching, and thus the technical solutions after such splitting or combining will fall within the scope of protection.

[0088] In the description of this specification, the referential terminology "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example. In this specification, the indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0089] Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0090] In the present application, unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the present application based on the circumstances.

[0091] Although the embodiments have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. Those skilled in the art within the scope of the application can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above-described embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material, comprising: a receptacle comprising a chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material, and an opening configured to allow insertion of at least a portion of the article into the chamber; a support member configured to support at least a portion of the article; and a retention member configured to releasably retain the support member in a static position, wherein the support member is configured to drive the article in a direction out of the chamber into a pop-up position upon release of the support member by the retention member.

2. The aerosol provision device according to claim 1 , wherein the retention member is configured to have a first state and a second state, wherein, in the first state, the retention member is engaged with the support member to maintain the support member in the static position, and wherein, in the second state, the retention member is disengaged from the support member to allow the support member to move into the pop-up position.

3. The aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein the retention member has a locking part and a releasing part; and wherein the retention member is configured to move relative to the support member between the support member being engaged with the locking part, and the support member being disengaged from the locking part and configured to enter the releasing part.

4. The aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein the locking part comprises at least two elastic elements extending in a direction of movement of the retention member, wherein a portion of each of the at least two elastic elements along the direction of movement is configured to abut against sides of the support member to form the locking part, and wherein a different portion of each of the at least two elastic elements is configured to release the support member to form the releasing part.

5. The aerosol provision device according to claim 4, wherein the at least two elastic elements are symmetrically arranged about a centerline of a cross-section of the support member.

6. The aerosol provision device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least two elastic elements together form a hole that surrounds the support member at the position of the releasing part, and wherein the cross-sectional area of the hole is greater than the maximum cross- sectional area of the support member such that the releasing part is configured to allow the support member to pass through the releasing part.

7. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the retention member comprises a push-pull component, the push-pull component being configured to drive the locking part and the releasing part to move between the first state and the second state.

8. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the retention member comprises a reset spring, and wherein the reset spring is configured such that the support member disengages from the locking part and enters the releasing part when the reset spring is compressed.

9. The aerosol provision device according to claim 8, wherein the reset spring is a first reset spring, and comprising a second reset spring arranged proximal the support member, wherein the second reset spring is compressed and accumulates a pop-out force in an ejection direction of the support member when the support member is in the static position.

10. The aerosol provision device according to claim 9, wherein the support member comprises a receiving portion configured to support at least a portion of the article.

11. The aerosol provision device according to claim 10, wherein the receiving portion comprises a bottom wall and the second reset spring abuts against an opposing side of the bottom wall.

12. The aerosol provision device according to claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the support member comprises a base, wherein the receiving portion is on the base, and wherein the base comprises a cavity, the second reset spring being in the cavity.

13. The aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising a bottom shell, wherein the bottom shell comprises a containment chamber for accommodating the second reset spring.

14. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 13, comprising a base plate, wherein the retention member is slidable on the base plate.

15. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retention member is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the chamber.

16. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the support member and the chamber are coaxially arranged.

17. An aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 16, and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

18. A method of using an aerosol provision system, comprising the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising: inserting at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material in the chamber, the support member being retained by the retention member in the static position; and actuating the retention member to release the support member to drive the article in a direction out of the chamber into a pop-up position.

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