An aerosol generating system

Abstract

An aerosol generating system (1) is described. The system includes a device housing (50), wherein the device housing (50) is elongate along a housing longitudinal axis. An airflow path is located between an airflow inlet (6) and an airflow outlet. An airflow lock (60) is located along the airflow path. The airflow lock (60) includes a button (70) to selectively open the airflow path in a unlocked configuration and close the airflow path in a locked configuration. The button (70) is rotationally connected to the housing (50) to be rotatable about the housing longitudinal axis. The button (70) is rotationally biased about the housing longitudinal axis. A secure method of locking and unlocking the system is thereby provided.

Description

[0001] P01735

[0002] 1

[0003] AN AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM

[0004] This application claims priority from EP25156337.5 filed 06 February 2025, the contents and elements of which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0005] FIELD

[0006] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system with an airflow lock.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] An electronic vapour product (EVP), also known as a vaping apparatus or a vape, is a type of aerosolgenerating system in which an aerosol precursor (e.g. a liquid or gel) is aerosolised by an aerosolgenerating unit, such as a heating element or ultrasonic element.

[0009] A heat-not-burn (HNB) device, also known as a heated tobacco device, is a type of aerosol-generating system in which an aerosol precursor (e.g., a solid precursor such as tobacco) is heated by a heating system to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0010] Examples of both categories of aerosol generating system have an airflow path through the system. One way to prevent use of the system is to block the airflow path. Mechanisms for blocking and unblocking the airflow path should be secure, and inadvertent changes of state of the blocking / unblocking mechanism should be avoided.

[0011] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] The present disclosure provides according to a first aspect, an aerosol generating system including: a device housing, wherein the device housing is elongate along a housing longitudinal axis; and an airflow path between an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet.

[0014] Optionally an airflow lock is located along the airflow path. Optionally the airflow lock is located between the airflow inlet and the airflow outlet. Optionally the outlet is in a mouthpiece of the system. In some embodiments the outlet / mouthpiece is permanently connected to a device body (for example in a “disposable” type EVP system). In other embodiments the outlet is formed in an aerosol generating unit, for example a consumable or pod. The aerosol generating unit is engageable with the device body by a user. The aerosol generating unit may be replaceable.

[0015] Optionally the airflow lock includes a button to selectively open the airflow path in an unlocked configuration and close the airflow path in a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the airflow lock substantially prevents airflow along the airflow path. In the unlocked configuration, the airflow lock substantially permits airflow along the airflow path. As such, by using the button, the user

[0016] 008896623P01735

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[0018] is able to control whether airflow can pass through the airflow path. As such, the user can control, with the airflow lock, whether the system is operable to deliver aerosol or not. In some embodiments, the button is a mechanical button.

[0019] Optionally the button is rotationally connected to the housing to be rotatable about the housing longitudinal axis. As such, system unlocking / locking is made more secure. In the pocket of a user for example, a rotation is less likely to occur inadvertently.

[0020] Optionally the button is rotationally biased about the housing longitudinal axis. As such, system unlocking / locking is made more secure. In the pocket of a user for example, a rotation against a bias is less likely to occur inadvertently.

[0021] Optionally the button is longitudinally biased along the device longitudinal axis in a direction away from the housing. Optionally, the button in a relaxed state is flush with the surrounding housing.

[0022] Optionally the button is recessed relative to the surrounding housing. Either option mitigates the risk of inadvertent button pressing.

[0023] Optionally the button is rotationally fastened when the airflow lock is in the unlocked configuration. Optionally the button is rotationally fastened when the airflow lock is in the locked configuration. As such, in either or both cases, an inadvertent rotation of the button is avoided, since the user must take some action to move out of the rotationally fastened state. This action is unlikely to be taken inadvertently.

[0024] Optionally the button is released from rotational fastening by overcoming the longitudinal bias. As such, two categories of action are required to change state - a longitudinal action and a rotational action. This increases the complexity of motion required. This mitigates the risk of inadvertent change of state, or a change of state from a child.

[0025] Optionally the button is rotationally biased towards the locked configuration. As such, the button / system is biased towards the non-aerosol generating state. This increases safety insofar as it forms a default state for the airflow lock. Optionally the airflow lock defaults to the locked state.

[0026] Optionally the longitudinal and rotational biasing are provided by a biasing member. Optionally, the longitudinal and rotational biasing are provided by a single biasing member. Optionally the biasing member is a spring. Optionally the biasing member is a combined torsion and compression spring. As such, the system is simple to assemble and manufacture. The number of parts is reduced.

[0027] Optionally the button includes a button anchor, wherein the biasing member is rotationally anchored to the button anchor. As such, the biasing member and the button do not move rotationally relative to each other. Slippage between button and biasing member is avoided.

[0028] Optionally the biasing member has a button arm connected to the button anchor. As such, the biasing member and the button do not move rotationally relative to each other. The location of attachment of

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[0031] button anchor and biasing member can be radially outward from the centre of rotation by virtue of the button arm. Torque acting on the biasing member from button rotation can be increased.

[0032] Optionally the housing includes a device anchor, wherein the biasing member is rotationally anchored to the device anchor. As such, the biasing member and the device do not move rotationally relative to each other. Slippage between button and device is avoided.

[0033] Optionally the biasing member has a device arm connected to the device anchor. As such, the biasing member and the device do not move rotationally relative to each other. The location of attachment of device anchor and biasing member can be radially outward from the centre of rotation by virtue of the device arm. Torque acting on the biasing member from the device (cause by relative rotation of button and device) can be increased.

[0034] Optionally wherein the device arm is rotationally offset from the button arm when the biasing member is in a relaxed state. As such, the anchor points of the arms can be rotationally offset from one another, permitting efficient use of space while avoiding collision of anchor points.

[0035] Optionally the button includes a boss upstanding along the device longitudinal axis, wherein optionally at least a portion of the biasing member is arranged around the boss. As such, the location of the biasing member is fixed relative to the button. The boss provides a simple locating feature for the biasing member, which improves manufacturability.

[0036] Optionally the airflow lock includes a chassis rigidly connected to the housing, wherein the button is rotationally connected to the housing via the chassis. As such, the chassis can be formed separately to the housing.

[0037] Optionally the chassis includes a pair of rotational stops, wherein the rotational stops limit the rotational travel of the button between the stops. As such, the user can know when the airflow lock has been placed into the locked or unlocked configuration with a form of tactile feedback. Optionally the rotational travel between locked an unlocked configurations is less than 180 degrees, for example the rotational travel between locked an unlocked configurations substantially 90 degrees. Optionally the button is configured to move rotationally back and forth between open and closed configurations. Optionally the aerosol-generating system is an electronic vapour product configured to produce an aerosol from a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material.

[0038] Optionally the aerosol-generating system is aerosol-generating system in which an aerosol precursor (e.g., a solid precursor such as tobacco) is heated by a heating system to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0039] Optionally the system includes an inhalation sensor located to detect airflow along the airflow path, wherein optionally the inhalation sensor is located between the airflow lock and the airflow outlet. In some embodiments the inhalation sensor is a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the inhalation

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[0042] sensor is configured to detect a reduction in air pressure within the airflow channel caused by a user inhaling on the device. When in the locked configuration, the inhalation sensor is prevented from activating. In some embodiments, aerosol is generated (for example by activating an aerosol generator) in response to detecting an inhalation.

[0043] Optionally the button includes a lug that moves between the stops during rotation limiting the rotational travel of the button.

[0044] Optionally wherein the chassis includes a rail located between the pair of rotational stops, wherein the lug slides along the rail during rotation between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

[0045] Optionally the airflow lock includes an airflow blocking member, the sealing member located to selectively block at least one airflow aperture along the air passageway.

[0046] The present disclosure provides according to a second aspect a method of locking and unlocking an aerosol generating system. The method includes:

[0047] • Pressing a biased button 70 longitudinally along a system axis to overcome the longitudinal bias.

[0048] • Rotating the biased button 70 about the system axis in a first rotational sense to unlock the device.

[0049] • Releasing the longitudinal press of the button 70 to permit the button to relax longitudinally.

[0050] • Pressing the longitudinally biased button 70 longitudinally along a system axis to overcome the longitudinal bias.

[0051] • Rotating the button 70 about the system axis in a second rotational sense to lock the device, wherein the second rotational sense is opposite to the first rotational sense.

[0052] • Releasing the longitudinal press of the button to permit the button to relax longitudinally.

[0053] The present disclosure provides according to a third aspect, an aerosol generating system including: a device housing, wherein the device housing is elongate along a housing longitudinal axis; and an airflow path between an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet.

[0054] Optionally an airflow lock is located along the airflow path. Optionally the airflow lock is located between the airflow inlet and the airflow outlet. Optionally the outlet is in a mouthpiece of the system. In some embodiments the outlet / mouthpiece is permanently connected to a device body (for example in a “disposable” type EVP system). In other embodiments the outlet is formed in an aerosol generating unit, for example a consumable or pod. The aerosol generating unit is engageable with the device body by a user. The aerosol generating unit may be replaceable.

[0055] 008896623P01735

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[0057] Optionally the airflow lock includes a button to selectively open the airflow path in an unlocked configuration and close the airflow path in a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the airflow lock substantially prevents airflow along the airflow path. In the unlocked configuration, the airflow lock substantially permits airflow along the airflow path. As such, by using the button, the user is able to control whether airflow can pass through the airflow path. As such, the user can control, with the airflow lock, whether the system is operable to deliver aerosol or not. In some embodiments, the button is a mechanical button.

[0058] Optionally the button is rotationally connected to the housing to be rotatable about the housing longitudinal axis. As such, system unlocking / locking is made more secure. In the pocket of a user for example, a rotation is less likely to occur inadvertently.

[0059] Optionally the airflow lock includes a chassis rigidly connected to the housing, wherein the button is rotationally connected to the housing via the chassis. As such, the chassis can be formed separately to the housing.

[0060] Optionally the chassis includes a pair of rotational stops, wherein the rotational stops limit the rotational travel of the button between the stops. As such, the user can know when the airflow lock has been placed into the locked or unlocked configuration with a form of tactile feedback. Optionally the rotational travel between locked an unlocked configurations is less than 180 degrees, for example the rotational travel between locked an unlocked configurations substantially 90 degrees. Optionally the button is configured to move rotationally back and forth between open and closed configurations. Optionally the button includes a lug that moves between the stops during rotation limiting the rotational travel of the button.

[0061] Optionally wherein the chassis includes a rail located between the pair of rotational stops, wherein the lug slides along the rail during rotation between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

[0062] Optional features outlined for the first aspect may incorporated into the second and third aspects. The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or following examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying figures.

[0063] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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[0065] 6

[0066] Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended figures in which like numerals denote like elements.

[0067] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment;

[0068] Figure 2 shows a cross section of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment;

[0069] Figure 3 shows a cross section of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment;

[0070] Figure 4 shows a cross section of a portion of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment;

[0071] Figure 5 shows an airflow lock according to an embodiment;

[0072] Figure 6 shows an airflow lock according to an embodiment;

[0073] Figure 7 shows a portion of an airflow lock according to an embodiment;

[0074] Figure 8 shows a portion of an airflow lock according to an embodiment, and;

[0075] Figure 9 shows a portion of an airflow lock according to an embodiment and an unlock / lock methodology.

[0076] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0077] It is to be understood that the present disclosure, which includes the specification and claim(s), is not limited by specific construction details or process steps. Rather, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be embodied and practiced in various alternative ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0078] Unless defined otherwise, scientific and technical terms used herein have their meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art and that known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods.

[0079] In the present disclosure, the terms “a” and “an” may mean “one”, “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.

[0080] In the present disclosure, the term “or” means an inclusive “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive.

[0081] In the present disclosure, the terms “comprising, “having,” “including,” or “containing” (and any forms thereof, such as “comprise” and “comprises,” “have” and “has,” “includes” and “include,” or “contains” and “contain,” respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0082] 008896623P01735

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[0084] Unless stated otherwise, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement such that combinations of features are not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). This also applies to the phrase “in one example”, “according to an example” and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording not to be construed as limiting the features to a separate embodiment. This is to say, a reference to ‘an,’ ‘one,’ or ‘some’ examples(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and / or all examples, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, reference to “the” example may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims. The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by “or” may be used interchangeably.

[0085] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system 1. In this example, the aerosolgenerating system 1 is an electronic vapour product (EVP) configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material 10 (e.g. a liquid or gel precursor), although it will be appreciated that the invention may be similarly applicable to a heat-not-burn product (HNB) configured to produce an aerosol from heating an aerosol-forming material (e.g. a solid precursor such as tobacco) to a temperature below its combustion temperature.

[0086] The term “aerosol-forming material” refers to a substrate or formulation capable of releasing volatile components that can form an aerosol, e.g. by releasing volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming material. An “aerosol” is a dispersion of solid particles and / or liquid droplets dispersed in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible.

[0087] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the internal components of the aerosol-generating system 1. The aerosol-generating system 1 comprises an aerosol-generating unit 2 configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material 10 held in a storage portion 3 of the aerosolgenerating system 1 (implemented here as a “tank”). In this example, the aerosol-generating unit 2 is a heating system including a heating element 2a although it will be appreciated that an aerosolgenerating unit comprising an ultrasonic element, atomiser or similar component may be provided. The aerosol-forming material 10 may be referred to as “e-liquid”. Typically, the aerosol-forming material 10 includes a base liquid and optionally nicotine and / or flavourings such that the resulting aerosol contains nicotine and / or flavourings.

[0088] The aerosol-generating system 1 includes a power source 4. In this example, the power source 4 includes a battery 4a configured to supply electrical energy to operate the aerosol-generating unit 2 and other components. The aerosol-generating system 1 may be powered, alternatively or in addition to the battery 4a, by an external power source. In an alternative example, the power source 4 may be

[0089] 0088966238

[0090] omitted, e.g. an aerosol aerosol-generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.

[0091] The aerosol-generating system 1 includes an aerosol-delivery system 5 for delivery of the aerosol to a user. In this example, the aerosol-delivery system 5 comprises an air inlet 6, a mouthpiece 8, and an air passageway 7 extending therebetween via a region in proximity to the aerosol-generating unit 2. The aerosol-generating unit 2 includes a wick 2b having at least one end that extends into the storage portion 3 and is configured to draw aerosol-forming material 10 out from the storage portion 3. In this example, the heating element 2a is in the form of a heating filament wrapped around a portion of the wick 2b. In this manner, the heating element 2a can heat up the aerosol-forming material 10 drawn out of the storage portion 3 by the wick 2b to produce the aerosol, which is then drawn through the air passageway 7 to the mouthpiece 8. In other examples, the heating element 2a may be a mesh heater, ceramic heater, or other means of generating heat. The heating element 2a may be part of an induction heater having a susceptor configured to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field.

[0092] The aerosol-generating system 1 may be a two-part construction comprising a device body 20 and an article 30 (alternatively referred to as a “pod” or “cartomizer”) configured to be releasably connected / disconnected by an end user. The device body 20 and article 30 are each configured to house respective components of the aerosol-generating system 1. In some examples, the aerosolgenerating system may be a of a single-part construction, in which components are not intended to be separated or replaced by the end user.

[0093] In some examples, the article 30 may be configured to be disposed of upon depletion of aerosolforming material 10 from the storage portion, in which case the article 30 may referred to as a “consumable”. Alternatively, the article 30 may be configured for reuse, such that it is configured to be refillable upon depletion of the aerosol-forming material 10 from the storage portion.

[0094] In this example, the device body 20 comprises the power source 4, and the article 30 comprises the aerosol-generating unit 2 and storage portion 3, although it will be appreciated that the device body 20 and article 30 may house any respective set of components. The device body 20 and article 30 are configured to physically interlock to secure the article 30 relative to the device body 20.

[0095] Upon connection, electrical connectors 40 of the device body 20 and article 30 may establish an electrical connection between the device body 20 and the article 30. In this way, electrical power can be supplied from the power source 4 to the aerosol-generating unit 2 (or other components of the article 30) without the article 30 needing to have its own power supply.

[0096] The device body 20 may include any one or more of electrical circuitry, a memory, a wireless interface, and one or more other components. The device body 20 may include a printed circuit board

[0097] 0088966239

[0098] (PCB) 25 on which components of the electrical circuitry, memory, wireless interface, and other components may be mounted.

[0099] The aerosol-generating system 1 may comprise one or more input and / or output elements. In this example, the aerosol-generating system 1 includes an input element in the form of a pressure sensor 15 arranged to detect a “puff’ of the user, and particularly the resultant change in air pressure, i.e. a vacuum pressure generated by the user. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol-generating system 1 may include other means of detecting airflow, such as a flowmeter or microphone. The user can thereby activate the aerosol-generating unit 2 when inhaling through the mouthpiece 8. The aerosolgenerating unit 2 creates an aerosol which is carried by the flow through the air passageway 7 and out of the mouthpiece 8.

[0100] The input and / or output elements may form part of a user interface (Ul) of the aerosol-generating system 1. For instance, figure 2 shows an output element in the form of a light (e.g. an LED) 17. The light 17 is configured to convey information to the user regarding the state of the system 1. It will be appreciated that the input element(s) may be provided in various forms, such as touch screens, switches, and sensors, and the output element(s) may be provided in various forms, such as display screens, speakers, or a haptic output generated by a vibration generator.

[0101] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of an aerosol generating system 1 according to the present invention. The embodiment of system 1 shown in Fig 3 is a single part construction, for example a so-called “disposable” system. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating system 1 may be a two-part construction comprising a device body 20 and an article 30 (alternatively referred to as a “pod” or “cartomizer”) configured to be releasably connected / disconnected by an end user. The device body 20 and article 30 are each configured to house respective components of the aerosol-generating system 1.

[0102] The system 1 is generally elongate along a longitudinal axis (up the page, in Fig. 3). The system 1 includes an airflow inlet 6. In the embodiment of Fig 3, the airflow inlet 6 is located at lower end of the system 1. The system 1 includes a mouthpiece 8. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the mouthpiece is located at an upper end of the system 1. The mouthpiece 8 and the airflow inlet 6 are located at opposite ends of the system 1. The mouthpiece 8 includes an outlet for aerosol for user inhalation. The system 1 includes an airflow path between airflow inlet 6 and the outlet in the mouthpiece 8. Along the airflow path, there is an aerosol-generating unit 2 (not visible in Fig. 3). The aerosolgenerating unit 2 creates vapour / aerosol, which is introduced to the airflow path. The action of user inhalation draws the vapour / aerosol to the outlet in the mouthpiece 8. In the embodiment of Fig.3, the aerosol-generating unit 2 is powered by a battery 4a.

[0103] The system includes a pressure sensor 15 located along the airflow path. The pressure sensor 15 is not shown in Fig. 3. The pressure sensor 15 is used to detect a reduced air pressure within the airflow

[0104] 00889662310

[0105] path. The reduced air pressure is caused by user inhalation. The aerosol-generating unit 2 is controlled in response to the detection of an inhalation using the pressure sensor 15.

[0106] At the lower, inlet 6, end of the system 1 is an airflow lock 60. The airflow lock 60 is configured to open and to close the airflow path. When the airflow path is closed, a user inhalation is not possible because the path is closed. As such, the pressure sensor 15 does not detect a reduced pressure, and consequently the aerosol generating unit 2 is not activated. This is the closed configuration of the airflow lock 60. Conversely, when the airflow path is open, a user inhalation is possible because the path is open. As such, the pressure sensor 15 does detect a reduced pressure, and consequently the aerosol generating unit 2 can be activated in response. This is the open configuration of the airflow lock 60. Opening and closing the airflow path using the airflow lock 60 provides a means to lock the device from being activated (in the form of allowing or preventing the activation of the aerosol generating unit 2). In other embodiments, the pressure sensor 15 may be omitted, and the locking of the system 1 is achieved by preventing airflow through the system 1 by the airflow lock 60.

[0107] In the embodiment, the system 1 includes a housing 50. The airflow lock 60 is connected to the housing 50 at the inlet 6 end of the system 1. The airflow lock 60 during manufacture is partially received in an otherwise open end of the housing 50. The airflow lock 60 is retained with a friction fit in the housing 50. Other means of attachment are possible. In some other embodiments, the airflow lock 60 and the housing 50 may be integrally formed.

[0108] Figure 4 shows the airflow lock 60. The airflow lock 60 includes a frame 60a and a cap 60b. The frame 60a directly engages with the housing 50 in the manner described above. The cap 60b is engaged with the frame 60a. The cap 60b is user-removable from the frame 60a. Removal of the cap 60a makes battery 4a removal possible, for recycling purposes. The cap 60b is connected to the frame 60a with a bayonet fitting. Otger attachment mechanisms are possible. In other embodiments, the cap 60b may not be removable from the frame 60a. In some embodiments the frame 60a and the cap 60b may be a single unit.

[0109] Figure 5 shows the cap 60b in isolation. The cap 60b includes a chassis 65 and a button 70. The airflow inlet 6 is formed between the chassis 65 and the button 70. In the embodiments, the inlet 6 is generally ring shaped. The chassis 65 is, in use as an aerosol generating system, rigidly connected to the housing 50 via the frame 60a. The button 70 is mounted to the chassis 65. The button 70 is rotationally mounted to the chassis 65.

[0110] The button 70 is used to move the airflow lock 60 between the open and closed configurations. The movement of the button 70 is performed by the user of the system 1. The button 70 includes tactile features 75 to aid user engagement with the button 70. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the tactile features 75 are radial, raised spokes. The rotational position of the button 70 relative to the chassis 65 defines whether the airflow path is open or closed and thus whether the airflow lock 60 is in the open or closed configuration. The button 70 includes a lock symbol and an unlock symbol. The chassis 65

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[0113] includes an arrow. Alignment of the lock / unlock symbol with the arrow permits the user to identify whether the system 1 is in the open (aerosol generating) configuration or the closed (non-aerosol generating) configuration.

[0114] Figure 6 shows the cap 60b of the airflow lock 60 in an exploded view. The chassis 65 includes a pair of airflow holes 66. Only one of the airflow holes is visible in Fig. 6. The airflow holes 66 are formed through an end wall 67 of the chassis 65. The airflow lock 60 includes a blocking plate 68. The blocking plate 68 includes a pair of blocking bosses 69. The blocking bosses 69 are located to intrude into the airflow holes 66 when the airflow lock 60 is in the closed configuration. The blocking plate 68 has a dumbbell shape. The blocking plate 68, when in the open position, leaves the airflow holes 66 uncovered thus permitting airflow therethrough. The blocking plate 68 is formed from a flexible material, for example silicone.

[0115] The blocking plate 68 is rigidly connected to the button 70 via a screw 71. The end wall 67 of the chassis 65 is sandwiched between the blocking plate 68 and the button 70. Rotation of the button 70 causes corresponding rotation of the blocking plate 68. The blocking plate 68 has a non-circular central aperture through which the screw 71 extends. The button 70 has an upwardly protruding boss 76, A portion of the boss 76 engages with the non-circular aperture in the blocking plate 68. The boss 76 on the button 70 has a corresponding shape to the non-circular aperture on the blocking plate 68. As such, undesirable relative rotation between blocking plate 68 and button 70 is prevented.

[0116] A spring 72 is located between the button 70 and the chassis 65. The spring 72 is an example of a biasing member. The spring 72 is a compression spring and a torsion spring. That is the spring 72 provides both torsional bias and compression bias. The spring 72 defines a central channel. The boss on the button 70 is received within the central channel of the spring 72. The diameter of the central channel of the spring 72 may be between 1mm and 5mm.

[0117] The spring 72 longitudinally biases the button 70 away from the chassis 65 (to the right, in Fig. 6). Overcoming the longitudinal bias by the user pressing the button (to the left in Fig. 6) allows the button 70 and blocking element 68 to be rotated. The spring 72 provides the longitudinal bias via resistance to compression.

[0118] The spring 72 rotationally biases the button 70. The spring 72 is rotationally anchored to the button 70. The spring 72 is rotationally anchored to the chassis 65. The spring 72 has a device arm 72a and a button arm 72b. The device arm 72a and button arm 72b are extensions of the spring protruding tangentially from the central channel of the spring 72. The device arm 72a of the spring 72 is anchored to the chassis 65 (and thus anchored to the device body / housing). The button arm 72b of the spring 72 is anchored to the button 70. The button arm 72b is thereby prevented from moving with respect to the button 70.

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[0121] The spring 72 is anchored to the button 70 and anchored to the chassis 65. The locations and dimensions of the button anchor and the chassis anchor are such that they do not collide with one another during movement of the button 70 relative to the chassis 65.

[0122] The spring 72 provides the rotational bias of the button 70 via resistance to a torsion force. When the spring 72 is relaxed (not under torsion) the button arm 72b and the device arm 72a are mutually offset from one another by 90 degrees. When the button 70 is in the unlocked position the spring 72 is under an unlocked rotational tension. When the button 70 is in the locked position the spring 72 is under a locked rotational tension (which may be zero tension). As the button 70 is moved from locked to unlocked position, the rotational tension in the spring 72 increases. The unlocked rotational tension is greater than the locked rotational tension. Thus, the button 70 is rotationally biased towards the locked position. This increases safety since the button 70 defaults to the locked position. Positive action is required by the user to move the button 70 to the unlocked position.

[0123] Figure 7 shows a view of the device side of the button 70 with the spring 72 located. The button arm 72b of the spring 72 is anchored to the button 70 by a button anchor 73. The button anchor 73 is formed by a pair of button anchor protrusions 73a, b forming a button anchor channel 73c therebetween. The button arm 72b of the spring 72 is located in the button anchor channel 73c. The button anchor protrusions 73a, b constrain rotational movement of the button arm 72b. Thus, the button arm 72b is rotationally anchored to the button 70. The button anchor channel 73c is an open channel. This makes assembly simpler.

[0124] Figure 8 shows a view of the outer side of the chassis 65. The device arm 72a of the spring 72 is anchored to the chassis 65 (and thus anchored to the device body / housing) by a device anchor 74. The device anchor 74 is formed by a pair of device anchor protrusions 74a, b forming a device anchor channel 74c therebetween. The device arm 72a of the spring 72 is located in the device anchor channel 74c. The device anchor protrusions 74a, b constrain rotational movement of the device arm 72a. Thus, the device arm 72a is rotationally anchored to the chassis 65 (and thus to the rest of the device and housing). The device anchor channel 74c is an open channel. This makes assembly simpler.

[0125] Referring to Fig. 7, the button 70 includes a pair of lugs 80a, b. The lugs 80a, b are formed on / protrude from an outer circumferential surface of the button 70. Referring to Fig, 8, the chassis 65 includes a pair of lug engaging arrangements. One of the pair of lug engaging arrangements is visible in Fig. 8. Each lug engaging arrangement engages one of the lugs 80a, b on the button 70, when the button 70 is connected to the chassis 65. The two lugs 80a, b are located diametrically across the button 70 from one another. The corresponding lug engaging arrangements are located diametrically across the chassis 65 from one another.

[0126] Each lug engaging arrangement includes a closed stop 100a and an open stop 100b. A lug rail is 101 is provided between the closed stop 100a and the open stop 100b. The lug 80a, b can move between

[0127] 008896623P01735

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[0129] the closed stop 100a and open stop 100b. The closed stop 100a and open stop 100b limit the rotational travel of the lug 80a, b and thus limit the rotational travel of the button 70 relative to the chassis 65. The rotational travel may be between 180 and 30 degrees. The rotational travel may be less than 90 degrees. The rotational travel may be between 90 and 30 degrees. The rotational travel may be substantially 90 degrees. The button 70 therefore is configured to move back and forth rotationally but is prevented from full rotation or rotation beyond the extent of rotational travel.

[0130] When the lug 80a, b is abutting the closed stop 100a, because of the longitudinal bias from the spring 72, the lug 80a is biased into a position between the closed stop 100a and a rail closed end 101a. The airflow lock 60 is the closed configuration. When the lug 80a, b is abutting the open stop 100b, because of the longitudinal bias from the spring 72, the lug 80a is biased into a position between the open stop 100b and a rail open end 101 b. The airflow lock 60 is the open configuration.

[0131] As such, when the longitudinal bias of the spring 72 is not being overcome by user action, the lugs 80a, b are rotationally fastened in either the open or closed position. Accordingly, accidental rotation of the button 70 is mitigated. Between the open and closed positions, when the spring 72 is under longitudinal tension and the longitudinal bias is overcome, the lug 80a, b can rotationally slide along the rail 101. In such an intermediate / transitional position, the lug 80a, b is free to slide between open and closed positions and is not rotationally fastened. The bias of the spring 72 acts in a direction that corresponds to the closed position. This improves safety, as the airflow lock 60 defaults to the closed / locked configuration.

[0132] To move between the open configuration and closed configurations the user executes a press and rotate action on the button: press the button 70 to overcome the longitudinal bias of the spring 72, and rotate the button 70 to overcome or follow the rotational bias. From closed (locked) to open (unlocked) configuration, the rotation is an anti-clockwise rotation which acts against the rotational bias. From open (unlocked) to closed (locked) configuration, the rotation is a clockwise rotation which follows the rotational bias.

[0133] Figure 9 illustrates the flow of the movement of the button 70, and user actions between the open and closed configurations.

[0134] A method of locking and unlocking an aerosol generating system 1 is described. Reference is made to the embodiments described above.

[0135] In Figure 9, the inner chassis 65 is shown. The position of one of the lugs 80a, b - numbered 1 to 4 -are shown along the lug engagement arrangement. An illustration of the method 100 of locking and unlocking is shown in Fig. 9.

[0136] Position 1 : when the lug is in position 1 , the airflow lock 60 is in the locked configuration. Rotation of the button 70 is not possible.

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[0139] Position 2: the button 70 has been pressed longitudinally, overcoming the longitudinal bias of the spring 72.

[0140] Position 3: the button 70 has been rotated. The lug 80a, b has moved to position 3. In position 3, the longitudinal bias has been overcome.

[0141] Position 4: the button 70 has been released. The spring 72 longitudinally relaxes, moving the lug 80a, b into position 4.

[0142] The method 150 of locking and unlocking the airflow lock 60 includes:

[0143] • Pressing a longitudinally biased button 70 longitudinally along a system axis to overcome the longitudinal bias. The pressing is from position 1 to 2 or from position 4 to 3.

[0144] • Rotating the button 70 about the system axis. A clockwise rotation moves the airflow lock from the unlocked configuration (position 3 / 4) to the locked configuration (position 1 / 2). The clockwise rotation acts with the rotational bias of the spring 72. In other words, during the anticlockwise rotation the spring 72 relaxes.

[0145] • An anti-clockwise rotation moves the airflow lock from the locked (position 1 / 2) to unlocked configuration (position 3 / 4). The anti-clockwise rotation acts against the rotational bias of the spring 72.

[0146] • Releasing the button 70 so that the button relaxes longitudinally. The relaxation is from position 3 to 4 or position 2 to 1.

[0147] • Because of the rail between position 1 , 2 and position 3, 4 logintudinal relaxation is only possible at those positions. Between those positions, the rail retains the lug 80a, b, maitaining the button in the longitudinally pressed position.

[0148] 008896623

Claims

P0173515CLAIMS1. An aerosol generating system (1) including:a device housing (50), wherein the device housing (50) is elongate along a housing longitudinal axis;an airflow path between an airflow inlet (6) and an airflow outlet, an airflow lock (60) located along the airflow path,wherein the airflow lock (60) includes a button (70) to selectively open the airflow path in a unlocked configuration and close the airflow path in a locked configuration,wherein the button (70) is rotationally connected to the housing (50) to be rotatable about the housing longitudinal axis,and wherein the button (70) is rotationally biased about the housing longitudinal axis.

2. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the button (70) is longitudinally biased along the device longitudinal axis in a direction away from the housing (50).

3. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the button (70) is rotationally fastened when the airflow lock (60) is in the unlocked configuration and the button (70) is rotationally fastened when the airflow lock (60) is in the locked configuration.

4. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the button (70) is released from rotational fastening by overcoming the longitudinal bias.

5. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the button (70) is rotationally biased towards the locked configuration.

6. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the longitudinal and rotational biasing are provided by a biasing member (72).

7. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the button (70) includes a boss (76) upstanding along the device longitudinal axis, wherein optionally at least a portion of the biasing member (72) is arranged around the boss (76).008896623P01735168. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the button (70) includes a button anchor (73), wherein the biasing member (72) is rotationally anchored to the button anchor (73).

9. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the biasing member (72) has a button arm (72b) connected to the button anchor (73).

10. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the housing (50) includes a device anchor, wherein the biasing member (72) is rotationally anchored to the device anchor (74).

11. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the biasing member (72) has a device arm (72a) connected to the device anchor (74).

12. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim when dependent on claims 9 and 11 , wherein the device arm (72a) is rotationally offset from the button arm (72b) when the biasing member (72) is in a relaxed state.

13. An aerosol generating system (1) body according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow lock (60) includes a chassis (65), wherein the chassis (65) includes a pair of rotational stops, wherein the rotational stops limit the rotational travel of the button (70) between the rotational stops.

14. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating system (1) is an electronic vapour product (EVP) configured to produce an aerosol from a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material (10).

15. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, including an inhalation sensor located to detect airflow along the airflow path, wherein optionally the inhalation sensor is located between the airflow lock and the airflow outlet. .008896623

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