WO2024084080A1 - Aerosol-provision device - Google Patents

Aerosol-provision device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024084080A1
WO2024084080A1 PCT/EP2023/079363 EP2023079363W WO2024084080A1 WO 2024084080 A1 WO2024084080 A1 WO 2024084080A1 EP 2023079363 W EP2023079363 W EP 2023079363W WO 2024084080 A1 WO2024084080 A1 WO 2024084080A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
generating article
heater
temperature
provision device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/079363
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Richardson
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Limited filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Limited
Publication of WO2024084080A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024084080A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an aerosol-provision device for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article.
  • the present invention also relates to an aerosol-provision system comprising an aerosol-provision device and an aerosol-generating-article.
  • Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material.
  • the material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.
  • an aerosol-provision device for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article, the device comprising: a heater configured to be received within an aerosol-generating article and heat the aerosol-generating article; and a locking feature configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
  • the locking feature may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosolgenerating article from the heater in a locked condition and configured to allow removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater in an unlocked condition.
  • the locking feature may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosolgenerating article from the heater when a determined temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and the aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature.
  • the determined temperature may be a surface temperature of the heater.
  • the heater may form at least part of the locking feature.
  • the determined temperature may be a surface temperature of the aerosolgenerating article.
  • the aerosol-provision device comprising a sensor configured to determine a temperature of the feature of at least one of the device and the aerosol-generating article.
  • the locking feature is configured to enable removal of the aerosol-generating article when the determined temperature is below the predetermined temperature.
  • the locking feature is configured to enable removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater when the determined temperature is below the predetermined temperature.
  • the locking feature may be configured to grip the aerosol-generating article when the determined temperature is above the predetermined temperature.
  • the locking feature may comprise at least one rib provided on the heater.
  • the locking feature is configured to interlock with a corresponding feature on the aerosol-generating article in the locked condition.
  • the at least one rib may be configured to deform a surface of the aerosolgenerating article in the locked condition.
  • the heater is configured to expand according to a temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and the aerosol-generating article such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article in the locked condition, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
  • the heater is configured to expand according to a temperature of the heater such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article when the surface temperature of the heater is above the predetermined temperature, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
  • the aerosol-generating article is configured to expand when heated such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article when the temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol- generating article is above a predetermined temperature, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
  • the aerosol-generating article is configured to expand when heated such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article when the surface temperature of the heater is above a predetermined temperature, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
  • the heater is configured to deform according to a temperature of the heater such that a deformed shape of the heater prevents removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
  • the device comprises a locking mechanism configured to engage and disengage the aerosol-generating article, and wherein the device is configured to prevent disengagement of the locking mechanism from the aerosol-generating article when a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature.
  • the device may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article for a predetermined time period after the heater is deactivated.
  • the predetermined time period is selected to allow the heater to cool from an operating temperature to a predetermined temperature under ambient room temperature conditions.
  • the predetermined time period is selected to allow a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article to cool from an operating temperature to a predetermined temperature.
  • the device may further comprise a temperature indicator configured to visually indicate a temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article, and optionally wherein the feature is the heater.
  • the device may further comprise a safety indicator configured to visually indicate when the temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article is above or below the predetermined temperature.
  • a safety indicator configured to visually indicate when the temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article is above or below the predetermined temperature.
  • the feature is the heater.
  • the heater may be an exposed heater.
  • the device may comprise a device housing, and the exposed heater may extend from the device housing.
  • the locking feature may be configured to release the aerosol-generating article when a force of at least 0.25 N is applied to the aerosol-generating article in a direction away from the heater.
  • an aerosol-provision system for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article, the system comprising: an aerosol-generating article; an aerosol-provision device configured to receive the aerosol-generating article; and a locking feature configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-provision device.
  • the locking feature may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-provision device when a determined temperature of a feature of at least one of the aerosol-provision device and the aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature.
  • the locking feature may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosolgenerating article from the aerosol-provision device in a locked condition and configured to enable removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosolprovision device in an unlocked condition
  • the aerosol provision system may comprise a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating article.
  • the device may comprise the heating element.
  • the heating element may be configured to be received within an aerosolgenerating article and heat the aerosol-generating article.
  • the aerosol-generating article may comprise the heating element.
  • the locking feature may be configured to be received within the aerosolgenerating article.
  • the heating element may form at least part of the locking feature.
  • the heating element may be configured to deform between the locked condition and the unlocked condition.
  • an aerosol-provision system comprising the aerosol-provision device as described above and an aerosolgenerating article.
  • use of the aerosolprovision device as described above to generate an aerosol from an aerosolgenerating article is provided.
  • the apparatus of these aspects can include one or more, or all, of the features described above, as appropriate.
  • Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an aerosol-provision system with an aerosol-provision device inserted into an aerosol-generating article
  • Figure 2 shows the aerosol-provision system of Figure 1 with the aerosolgenerating article removed from the aerosol-provision device
  • Figure 3 shows another aerosol-provision device
  • Figure 4 shows another aerosol-provision device
  • Figure 5 shows a further aerosol-provision device
  • Figure 6 shows a further aerosol-provision device.
  • 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.
  • Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine.
  • Aerosolgenerating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former.
  • an active and/or filler may also be present.
  • a solvent such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosolgenerating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent.
  • the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”.
  • the amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”.
  • 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.
  • the aerosolgenerating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film.
  • the aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet.
  • the aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.
  • 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.
  • the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • 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 aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement.
  • END electronic nicotine delivery system
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.
  • An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating 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 aerosol-modifying agent.
  • An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating.
  • An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use.
  • a user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales.
  • the article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within or over a heater of the device which is sized to receive the article.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show an example of an aerosol-provision system 100.
  • the system 100 includes an aerosol-provision device 101 for generating aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article 110, and the removable aerosol-generating article 110, which includes an aerosol-generating material.
  • the device 101 can be used to heat the article 110, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material which can be inhaled by a user of the device 101.
  • the device 101 includes a housing 103 which surrounds and houses various components of the device 101.
  • the housing 103 is elongate.
  • a heater 107 extends from the housing 103 and is configured to be received within the aerosol-generating article 110.
  • the heater 107 is sized and shaped to be received within an elongate core 112 of the aerosol-generating article 110.
  • the heater 107 may be an exposed heater.
  • the heater 107 may be a protruding heater extending from the housing 103.
  • the heater comprises a heater member 111.
  • the heater member 111 is an elongate member.
  • the heater member comprises a body. In embodiments the body forms the heater. In embodiments the body forms a support member and the heater is on the support member.
  • the heater comprises a heating element.
  • the heater member may form the heating element.
  • the article comprises the heater. In such embodiments, the support member may be omitted.
  • the device 101 defines a longitudinal axis 102, along which the aerosol- generating-article 110 may extend when positioned over the heater 107.
  • the heater 107 is aligned on the longitudinal axis 102.
  • the heater 107 may include various components to heat the aerosolgenerating material of the aerosol-generating article 110 via an inductive heating process or a resistive heating process, for example.
  • Resistive heating utilises the Joule heating effect arising from the electrical resistance of a material in response to application of a current directly therethrough.
  • Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction.
  • An induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element.
  • the varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field.
  • the varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor.
  • the susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating.
  • the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt
  • heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field.
  • inductive heating as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.
  • the susceptor may be included in the heater 107, for example positioned on an outer surface of the support member, or forming the support member.
  • the susceptor acts as a heating element.
  • the susceptor forms the locking feature as will be described below.
  • the susceptor may be included in the aerosol-generating article 110, for example on an inner surface of the elongate core 112.
  • the device 101 may include a user-operable control element, such as a button or switch 106, which operates the device 101 when operated, e.g. pressed. For example, a user may activate the device 101 by pressing the switch 106.
  • a user-operable control element such as a button or switch 106
  • the end of the heater 107 distal from the device housing 103 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 109 of the device 101 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user.
  • a user places an aerosol-generating article 110 over the heater 107, operates the user control to begin heating the aerosolgenerating material in the aerosol-generating article 110 and draws on the aerosol generated in the aerosol-generating article 110. This causes the aerosol to flow through the aerosol-generating article 110 along one or more flow paths 120 towards the proximal end 109 of the device 101.
  • the end of the device housing 103 distal from the heater 107 may be known as the distal end 108 of the device 101 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user.
  • the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 101.
  • proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 101 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the axis 102.
  • the device 101 may further include a controller (control circuit), and a power source housed within the device housing 103.
  • the heater 107 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating article 110 when positioned over the heater 107, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosolgenerating material.
  • the power source supplies electrical power to the heater 107, and the heater 107 converts the supplied electrical energy into heat energy for heating the aerosol-generating material.
  • the power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery.
  • a battery such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery.
  • suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery.
  • the power source may be electrically coupled to the heater 107 to supply electrical power when required and, under control of the controller, to heat the aerosol- generating material of the aerosol-generating article 110.
  • the control circuit may be configured to activate and deactivate the heater 107 based on a user operating the control element. For example, the controller may activate the heater 107 in response to a user operating the switch 106.
  • the article 110 is generally cylindrical with a generally cylindrical elongate core 112, and the heater 107 is correspondingly generally cylindrical in shape.
  • the heater 107 is correspondingly generally cylindrical in shape.
  • other shapes may also be suitable.
  • the aerosol-generating article 110 may comprise one or more conduits that form part of the flow path 120.
  • the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 110 may be positioned in proximity or engagement with a base (or distal end) of the heater 107. Air may pass through the one or more conduits forming part of the flow path 120, into the aerosol-generating article 110, and flow through the article 110 towards the proximal end of the device 101.
  • the heater 107 of the device 101 is exposed to the user when the article 110 is removed from the device 101. If a user removes the article 110 from the device 101 before the heater 107 is cool, there may be a risk that the user contacts a hot surface of the heater, which may be undesirable.
  • the article itself is exposed to the user when the article 110 is removed from the device 101. If a user removes the article 110 from the device 101 before a feature of the article is cool, there may be a risk that the user contacts a hot surface of the article, which may be undesirable. It will be understood that in induction systems, the susceptor cools relatively quickly, however other features of the device and article, such as the substrate or card, may retain heat for a longer period of time after operation of the heater has ended.
  • the device 101 of the present disclosure further includes a locking feature 150 that is configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107.
  • the locking feature 150 may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107 under predetermined conditions, for example when a surface temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is above a predetermined temperature.
  • a predetermined temperature of a feature of the device or article may be determined by a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, or by a characteristic or value stored by the controller, such as a time period.
  • the locking feature may be configured to allow removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107. As such, the risk of a user contacting a hot surface of the heater 107 is reduced.
  • the predetermined temperature may be selected to reduce risk of burning or discomfort to a user if they contact the surface of the heater with their skin.
  • the predetermined temperature may be from 40 to 60 degrees Celsius, for example 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, for example 40 to 45 degrees Celsius.
  • the locking feature 150 may be configured to grip the aerosolgenerating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is above the predetermined temperature.
  • the locking feature may be configured to expand when heated to thereby form a friction fit with the elongate core 112 of the aerosol-generating article 110.
  • the heater 107 may include the locking feature 150 and may be configured to expand according to a temperature of the heater 107 such that the heater 107 forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater 107 is above the predetermined temperature.
  • the heater 107 may be formed from or may include a coating formed from material that expands when heated to grip the aerosol-generating article 110 and contracts when cooled to release the aerosol-generating article 110.
  • the coating may be formed from a suitable metal, such as aluminium, from a bimetallic member, or another suitable material.
  • the heater 107 or the coating thus forms the locking feature.
  • the heater is in the article and the heater, acting as the locking feature, is configured to form a friction fit with a feature of the device, such as the support member or a wall of the device 101.
  • the aerosol-provision device 101 may include further features to help indicate whether it is safe to remove the aerosol-generating article 110.
  • the device may include a temperature indicator 130 configured to visually indicate the current determined temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article.
  • the temperature indicator 130 may include an LED display configured to display the current determined operating temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article.
  • the current temperature may be read from a temperature sensor 132 located on or near the heater 107, which may be transmitted to the temperature indicator 130, or may be determined based on another parameter, such as an elapsed time period, by the controller.
  • the device 101 may include a safety indicator 134 in addition to, or instead of the temperature indicator 130.
  • the safety indicator 134 may be configured to provide a visual indication that it is safe to remove the aerosol-generating article 110 from the device 101.
  • the safety indicator 134 may include an LED configured to emit a first colour when the temperature of the heater is above the predetermined temperature, and a second colour when the temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is below the predetermined temperature.
  • the first and second colours may be red and green, for example, but other colours may also be suitable.
  • the locking feature 150 may include at least one rib 310 as shown in Figure 3.
  • the rib 310 may be provided on the outer surface of the heater 107 such that it contacts the elongate core 112 of the aerosol-generating article 110 when positioned over the heater 107.
  • the rib 310 may be formed from material that expands when heated such that a friction fit with the aerosolgenerating article 110 is formed when the heater 107 is above the predetermined temperature.
  • Suitable materials for the ribs 310 may include a suitable metal, such as aluminium, from a bi-metallic member, or another suitable material.. As the heater 107 cools, the ribs 310 may contract, enabling the aerosol-generating article 110 to be more easily removed from the device 101 when the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is below the predetermined temperature.
  • the locking feature 150 includes a plurality of ribs 310 spaced apart and extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the heater 107.
  • the locking feature may include one or more ribs 410 extending circumferentially around the heater 107.
  • Each of the circumferentially extending ribs 410 may be spaced apart from adjacent ribs and may be configured to expand and contract in the same way as the ribs 310 of Figure 3.
  • the locking feature may include a plurality of ribs distributed evenly or unevenly over the surface of the heater 107.
  • the ribs may be of any suitable shape and size for providing a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is above the predetermined temperature.
  • One or more of the ribs 310, 410 may be configured to deform a surface of the aerosol-generating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater 107 is above the predetermined temperature.
  • the ribs 310, 410 may be formed of a denser or harder material than the surface of the elongate core of 112 of the aerosol-generating article 110, such that the rib 310, 410 deforms the surface of the elongate core 112 as it expands. This can help to further improve the friction fit of the heater 107 with the aerosol-generating article 110 when above the predetermined temperature.
  • the locking feature 150 comprises a locking member arranged to selectively protrude to engage the aerosol-generating article 110 such as the rib 310 described above, a pin, a tab, a prong, and a hook.
  • a schematic view of a device with another locking feature 150 is shown in Figure 6.
  • the locking feature 150 comprises locking members 601. Description of the locking feature 150 of Figure 6 is applicable to other locking features 150 described above and below.
  • the locking feature 150 may comprise a plurality of the locking members or a single locking member.
  • the locking member may comprise a proximally facing inclined surface 602 to allow the aerosol-generating article 110 to be inserted onto the heater 107 over the locking member when the locking member protrudes, with the locking member restricting removal in the protruding state. Such a feature may be omitted.
  • the locking feature may be configured to interlock with a corresponding feature on the aerosol-generating article 110.
  • the locking feature may include a plurality of circumferentially extending ribs 410 as shown in Figure 4.
  • the aerosol-generating article 110 may include a plurality of corresponding recesses on a surface of the elongate core 112.
  • the plurality of recesses may be configured to align with the plurality of ribs 410 when the aerosolgenerating article 110 is positioned over the heater 107. As such, when the temperature of the heater is above the predetermined temperature, the plurality of ribs 410 may expand into the plurality of recesses in the aerosol-generating article 110 to thereby interlock the heater 107 with the aerosol-generating article 110.
  • the heater 107 may be configured to change shape or deform when heated. In this way, as the temperature of the heater 107 increases it may deform such that the deformed shape of the heater prevents removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107.
  • the heater 107 may be configured to expand in a central section 501 when heated. In other examples, the heater may deform by bending or deflecting away from the longitudinal axis 102 of the heater 107. The change in shape or deformation of the heater 107 acts to provide increased frictional force between the heater 107 and the aerosol-generating article 110, to thereby prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107.
  • the heater 107 may include two portions that are coupled together, each having different coefficients of thermal expansion, and thereby having different capacities to expand as they are heated.
  • the heater in embodiments comprises a bi-metallic member acting as the locking feature 150. Accordingly, the heater or a portion of the heater 107 itself may deform to form the locking feature.
  • the two portions may extend longitudinally along the axis of the heater 107. As such, when the temperature of the heater 107 increases, each portion will expand to a different degree, thereby resulting in slight bending of the heater 107 away from the longitudinal axis.
  • the slight bending of the heater 107 can act to retain the aerosol-generating article 110 in position whilst the heater 107 is above a predetermined temperature. As the temperature of the heater 107 cools, the heater resumes its original shape and the aerosol-generating article 110 may be more easily removed from the heater 107.
  • the locking feature may be configured to release the aerosol-generating article 110 only when a force of at least 0.25 N is applied to the aerosol-generating article 110 in a direction away from the heater 107. This can help to prevent accidental removal of the aerosolgenerating article 110 from the heater 107.
  • any of the examples described herein may be configured such that, when the heater 107 is above the predetermined temperature, the friction fit achieved between the heater 107 and the aerosol-generating article 110 is sufficient to resist removal forces on the aerosolgenerating article (i.e. forces on the article 110 in the axial direction away from the device housing 103) up to 0.25 N.
  • the locking feature may be configured to release the aerosol-generating article 110 only when a force of at least 0.3 N, or at least 0.4 N, or at least 0.5 N or at least 0.6 N is applied to the aerosol-generating article 110 in a direction away from the heater 107.
  • the aerosol-generating article 110 is configured to expand when heated such that the heater 107 forms a friction fit with the aerosolgenerating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater is above a predetermined temperature, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107.
  • the aerosol-generating article 110 may be configured to expand instead of or in addition to the expansion or deformation of the heater 107 or the ribs 310, 410 as described in the examples above.
  • the heater 107 may be at least partially contained within a heating chamber, and the aerosol-generating article 110 may be inserted into the heating chamber.
  • the locking feature is biased into a protruding condition.
  • the actuator is operated to draw the locking feature into a withdrawn condition.
  • the locking feature is biased into the withdrawn condition.
  • the actuator is operated to move the locking feature into the protruding condition. In embodiments the actuator moves the locking feature into and out of the withdrawn condition and the protruding condition.
  • actuation of the locking feature 150 into and out of engagement with the aerosol-generating article 110 in embodiments is caused by an actuator 603, such as an electric drive unit, for example a motor.
  • a controller 604 is operable to actuate the actuator 603.
  • the actuator 604 is actuated upon determination that heat up of the heater 107 has started.
  • actuation of the locking feature 150 is operable upon determination that the heater 107 has attained a predetermined temperature, for example by detection of the temperature by the temperature sensor 132 and/or after a predetermined time period.
  • the controller 604 is operable to actuate the actuator 603 to move the locking feature 150 into the withdrawn condition, or to end actuation of the actuator 603 such that the locking feature 150 is biased into the withdrawn condition.
  • the actuator 604 is actuated upon determination that heating of the heater 107 has ended.
  • actuation of the locking feature 150 to move the locking feature 150 into the withdrawn condition, or to end actuation of the actuator 603 is operable upon determination that the heater 107 has dropped below a predetermined temperature, for example by detection of the temperature by the temperature sensor 132 and/or after a predetermined time period.
  • the locking member itself is the actuator, for example the locking member being a bimetallic member.
  • the actuator is a bimetallic member that is configured to bias the locking member.
  • the heating arrangement is an inductive heating arrangement. In other embodiments, other types of heating arrangement are used, such as resistive heating.
  • the configuration of the device is generally as described above and so a detailed description will be omitted.
  • the heater comprises a resistive heating generator including components to heat the heater via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electrical current is directly applied to a resistive heating component, and the resulting flow of current in the heating component causes the heating component to be heated by Joule heating.
  • the resistive heating component comprises resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable electrical current passes through it, and the heater comprises electrical contacts for supplying electrical current to the resistive material.
  • the heater forms the resistive heating component itself.
  • the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heater, for example by conduction.

Abstract

An aerosol-provision device (101) for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article (110) is described. The device comprises a heater (107) configured to be received within an aerosol-generating article and heat the aerosol-generating article; and a locking feature (150) configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.

Description

AEROSOL-PROVISION DEVICE
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an aerosol-provision device for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article. The present invention also relates to an aerosol-provision system comprising an aerosol-provision device and an aerosol-generating-article.
Background
Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.
Summary
According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol-provision device for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article, the device comprising: a heater configured to be received within an aerosol-generating article and heat the aerosol-generating article; and a locking feature configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
The locking feature may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosolgenerating article from the heater in a locked condition and configured to allow removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater in an unlocked condition.
The locking feature may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosolgenerating article from the heater when a determined temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and the aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature. the determined temperature may be a surface temperature of the heater.
The heater may form at least part of the locking feature. The determined temperature may be a surface temperature of the aerosolgenerating article.
The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 2 to 4, comprising a sensor configured to determine a temperature of the feature of at least one of the device and the aerosol-generating article.
Optionally, the locking feature is configured to enable removal of the aerosol-generating article when the determined temperature is below the predetermined temperature.
Optionally, the locking feature is configured to enable removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater when the determined temperature is below the predetermined temperature.
The locking feature may be configured to grip the aerosol-generating article when the determined temperature is above the predetermined temperature.
The locking feature may comprise at least one rib provided on the heater.
Optionally, the locking feature is configured to interlock with a corresponding feature on the aerosol-generating article in the locked condition.
The at least one rib may be configured to deform a surface of the aerosolgenerating article in the locked condition.
Optionally, the heater is configured to expand according to a temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and the aerosol-generating article such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article in the locked condition, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
Optionally, the heater is configured to expand according to a temperature of the heater such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article when the surface temperature of the heater is above the predetermined temperature, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
Optionally, the aerosol-generating article is configured to expand when heated such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article when the temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol- generating article is above a predetermined temperature, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
Optionally, the aerosol-generating article is configured to expand when heated such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article when the surface temperature of the heater is above a predetermined temperature, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
Optionally, the heater is configured to deform according to a temperature of the heater such that a deformed shape of the heater prevents removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
Optionally, the device comprises a locking mechanism configured to engage and disengage the aerosol-generating article, and wherein the device is configured to prevent disengagement of the locking mechanism from the aerosol-generating article when a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature.
The device may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article for a predetermined time period after the heater is deactivated.
Optionally, the predetermined time period is selected to allow the heater to cool from an operating temperature to a predetermined temperature under ambient room temperature conditions.
Optionally, the predetermined time period is selected to allow a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article to cool from an operating temperature to a predetermined temperature.
The device may further comprise a temperature indicator configured to visually indicate a temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article, and optionally wherein the feature is the heater.
The device may further comprise a safety indicator configured to visually indicate when the temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article is above or below the predetermined temperature. Optionally, the feature is the heater.
The heater may be an exposed heater.
The device may comprise a device housing, and the exposed heater may extend from the device housing. The locking feature may be configured to release the aerosol-generating article when a force of at least 0.25 N is applied to the aerosol-generating article in a direction away from the heater.
According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol-provision system for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article, the system comprising: an aerosol-generating article; an aerosol-provision device configured to receive the aerosol-generating article; and a locking feature configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-provision device. The locking feature may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-provision device when a determined temperature of a feature of at least one of the aerosol-provision device and the aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature.
The locking feature may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosolgenerating article from the aerosol-provision device in a locked condition and configured to enable removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosolprovision device in an unlocked condition
The aerosol provision system may comprise a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating article.
The device may comprise the heating element.
The heating element may be configured to be received within an aerosolgenerating article and heat the aerosol-generating article.
The aerosol-generating article may comprise the heating element.
The locking feature may be configured to be received within the aerosolgenerating article.
The heating element may form at least part of the locking feature.
The heating element may be configured to deform between the locked condition and the unlocked condition.
According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol-provision system comprising the aerosol-provision device as described above and an aerosolgenerating article. According to yet another aspect, there is provided use of the aerosolprovision device as described above to generate an aerosol from an aerosolgenerating article.
The apparatus of these aspects can include one or more, or all, of the features described above, as appropriate.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an aerosol-provision system with an aerosol-provision device inserted into an aerosol-generating article;
Figure 2 shows the aerosol-provision system of Figure 1 with the aerosolgenerating article removed from the aerosol-provision device;
Figure 3 shows another aerosol-provision device;
Figure 4 shows another aerosol-provision device;
Figure 5 shows a further aerosol-provision device; and
Figure 6 shows a further aerosol-provision device.
Detailed Description
As used herein, the term “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. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosolgenerating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosolgenerating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. 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 aerosolgenerating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.
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.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
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 aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. 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.
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.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
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.
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.
In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating 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 aerosol-modifying agent.
An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within or over a heater of the device which is sized to receive the article.
Figures 1 and 2 show an example of an aerosol-provision system 100. The system 100 includes an aerosol-provision device 101 for generating aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article 110, and the removable aerosol-generating article 110, which includes an aerosol-generating material. The device 101 can be used to heat the article 110, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material which can be inhaled by a user of the device 101.
The device 101 includes a housing 103 which surrounds and houses various components of the device 101. The housing 103 is elongate.
A heater 107 extends from the housing 103 and is configured to be received within the aerosol-generating article 110. In this example, the heater 107 is sized and shaped to be received within an elongate core 112 of the aerosol-generating article 110. The heater 107 may be an exposed heater. The heater 107 may be a protruding heater extending from the housing 103. The heater comprises a heater member 111. The heater member 111 is an elongate member. The heater member comprises a body. In embodiments the body forms the heater. In embodiments the body forms a support member and the heater is on the support member. The heater comprises a heating element. The heater member may form the heating element. In embodiments, the article comprises the heater. In such embodiments, the support member may be omitted.
The device 101 defines a longitudinal axis 102, along which the aerosol- generating-article 110 may extend when positioned over the heater 107. The heater 107 is aligned on the longitudinal axis 102.
The heater 107 may include various components to heat the aerosolgenerating material of the aerosol-generating article 110 via an inductive heating process or a resistive heating process, for example.
Resistive heating utilises the Joule heating effect arising from the electrical resistance of a material in response to application of a current directly therethrough. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor.
The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.
The susceptor may be included in the heater 107, for example positioned on an outer surface of the support member, or forming the support member. The susceptor acts as a heating element. In embodiments, the susceptor forms the locking feature as will be described below. In other examples, the susceptor may be included in the aerosol-generating article 110, for example on an inner surface of the elongate core 112.
The device 101 may include a user-operable control element, such as a button or switch 106, which operates the device 101 when operated, e.g. pressed. For example, a user may activate the device 101 by pressing the switch 106.
The end of the heater 107 distal from the device housing 103 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 109 of the device 101 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user places an aerosol-generating article 110 over the heater 107, operates the user control to begin heating the aerosolgenerating material in the aerosol-generating article 110 and draws on the aerosol generated in the aerosol-generating article 110. This causes the aerosol to flow through the aerosol-generating article 110 along one or more flow paths 120 towards the proximal end 109 of the device 101.
The end of the device housing 103 distal from the heater 107 may be known as the distal end 108 of the device 101 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 101. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 101 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the axis 102.
The device 101 may further include a controller (control circuit), and a power source housed within the device housing 103. The heater 107 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating article 110 when positioned over the heater 107, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosolgenerating material. The power source supplies electrical power to the heater 107, and the heater 107 converts the supplied electrical energy into heat energy for heating the aerosol-generating material.
The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery.
The power source may be electrically coupled to the heater 107 to supply electrical power when required and, under control of the controller, to heat the aerosol- generating material of the aerosol-generating article 110. The control circuit may be configured to activate and deactivate the heater 107 based on a user operating the control element. For example, the controller may activate the heater 107 in response to a user operating the switch 106.
In the present example, the article 110 is generally cylindrical with a generally cylindrical elongate core 112, and the heater 107 is correspondingly generally cylindrical in shape. However, other shapes may also be suitable.
The aerosol-generating article 110 may comprise one or more conduits that form part of the flow path 120. In use, the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 110 may be positioned in proximity or engagement with a base (or distal end) of the heater 107. Air may pass through the one or more conduits forming part of the flow path 120, into the aerosol-generating article 110, and flow through the article 110 towards the proximal end of the device 101.
The heater 107 of the device 101 is exposed to the user when the article 110 is removed from the device 101. If a user removes the article 110 from the device 101 before the heater 107 is cool, there may be a risk that the user contacts a hot surface of the heater, which may be undesirable. The article itself is exposed to the user when the article 110 is removed from the device 101. If a user removes the article 110 from the device 101 before a feature of the article is cool, there may be a risk that the user contacts a hot surface of the article, which may be undesirable. It will be understood that in induction systems, the susceptor cools relatively quickly, however other features of the device and article, such as the substrate or card, may retain heat for a longer period of time after operation of the heater has ended.
The device 101 of the present disclosure further includes a locking feature 150 that is configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107. The locking feature 150 may be configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107 under predetermined conditions, for example when a surface temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is above a predetermined temperature. Such a determined temperature of a feature of the device or article may be determined by a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, or by a characteristic or value stored by the controller, such as a time period. When the surface temperature of the heater 107 is determined to have fallen below the predetermined temperature, the locking feature may be configured to allow removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107. As such, the risk of a user contacting a hot surface of the heater 107 is reduced.
The predetermined temperature may be selected to reduce risk of burning or discomfort to a user if they contact the surface of the heater with their skin. For example, the predetermined temperature may be from 40 to 60 degrees Celsius, for example 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, for example 40 to 45 degrees Celsius.
For example, the locking feature 150 may be configured to grip the aerosolgenerating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is above the predetermined temperature. The locking feature may be configured to expand when heated to thereby form a friction fit with the elongate core 112 of the aerosol-generating article 110.
The heater 107 may include the locking feature 150 and may be configured to expand according to a temperature of the heater 107 such that the heater 107 forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater 107 is above the predetermined temperature. For example, the heater 107 may be formed from or may include a coating formed from material that expands when heated to grip the aerosol-generating article 110 and contracts when cooled to release the aerosol-generating article 110. For example, the coating may be formed from a suitable metal, such as aluminium, from a bimetallic member, or another suitable material. The heater 107 or the coating thus forms the locking feature. In embodiments, the heater is in the article and the heater, acting as the locking feature, is configured to form a friction fit with a feature of the device, such as the support member or a wall of the device 101.
The aerosol-provision device 101 may include further features to help indicate whether it is safe to remove the aerosol-generating article 110. For example, the device may include a temperature indicator 130 configured to visually indicate the current determined temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article. For example, the temperature indicator 130 may include an LED display configured to display the current determined operating temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article. The current temperature may be read from a temperature sensor 132 located on or near the heater 107, which may be transmitted to the temperature indicator 130, or may be determined based on another parameter, such as an elapsed time period, by the controller. The device 101 may include a safety indicator 134 in addition to, or instead of the temperature indicator 130. The safety indicator 134 may be configured to provide a visual indication that it is safe to remove the aerosol-generating article 110 from the device 101. For example, the safety indicator 134 may include an LED configured to emit a first colour when the temperature of the heater is above the predetermined temperature, and a second colour when the temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is below the predetermined temperature. The first and second colours may be red and green, for example, but other colours may also be suitable.
In another example, the locking feature 150 may include at least one rib 310 as shown in Figure 3. The rib 310 may be provided on the outer surface of the heater 107 such that it contacts the elongate core 112 of the aerosol-generating article 110 when positioned over the heater 107. The rib 310 may be formed from material that expands when heated such that a friction fit with the aerosolgenerating article 110 is formed when the heater 107 is above the predetermined temperature. Suitable materials for the ribs 310 may include a suitable metal, such as aluminium, from a bi-metallic member, or another suitable material.. As the heater 107 cools, the ribs 310 may contract, enabling the aerosol-generating article 110 to be more easily removed from the device 101 when the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is below the predetermined temperature.
In the example shown in Figure 3, the locking feature 150 includes a plurality of ribs 310 spaced apart and extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the heater 107. In other examples, such as the example shown in Figure 4, the locking feature may include one or more ribs 410 extending circumferentially around the heater 107. Each of the circumferentially extending ribs 410 may be spaced apart from adjacent ribs and may be configured to expand and contract in the same way as the ribs 310 of Figure 3. In other examples, the locking feature may include a plurality of ribs distributed evenly or unevenly over the surface of the heater 107. The ribs may be of any suitable shape and size for providing a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater 107 or a temperature of another feature of the device or article is above the predetermined temperature.
One or more of the ribs 310, 410 may be configured to deform a surface of the aerosol-generating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater 107 is above the predetermined temperature. For example, the ribs 310, 410 may be formed of a denser or harder material than the surface of the elongate core of 112 of the aerosol-generating article 110, such that the rib 310, 410 deforms the surface of the elongate core 112 as it expands. This can help to further improve the friction fit of the heater 107 with the aerosol-generating article 110 when above the predetermined temperature. In embodiments, the locking feature 150 comprises a locking member arranged to selectively protrude to engage the aerosol-generating article 110 such as the rib 310 described above, a pin, a tab, a prong, and a hook. A schematic view of a device with another locking feature 150 is shown in Figure 6. The locking feature 150 comprises locking members 601. Description of the locking feature 150 of Figure 6 is applicable to other locking features 150 described above and below. The locking feature 150 may comprise a plurality of the locking members or a single locking member. The locking member may comprise a proximally facing inclined surface 602 to allow the aerosol-generating article 110 to be inserted onto the heater 107 over the locking member when the locking member protrudes, with the locking member restricting removal in the protruding state. Such a feature may be omitted.
In some examples, the locking feature may be configured to interlock with a corresponding feature on the aerosol-generating article 110. For example, the locking feature may include a plurality of circumferentially extending ribs 410 as shown in Figure 4. The aerosol-generating article 110 may include a plurality of corresponding recesses on a surface of the elongate core 112. The plurality of recesses may be configured to align with the plurality of ribs 410 when the aerosolgenerating article 110 is positioned over the heater 107. As such, when the temperature of the heater is above the predetermined temperature, the plurality of ribs 410 may expand into the plurality of recesses in the aerosol-generating article 110 to thereby interlock the heater 107 with the aerosol-generating article 110.
In other examples, the heater 107 may be configured to change shape or deform when heated. In this way, as the temperature of the heater 107 increases it may deform such that the deformed shape of the heater prevents removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the heater 107 may be configured to expand in a central section 501 when heated. In other examples, the heater may deform by bending or deflecting away from the longitudinal axis 102 of the heater 107. The change in shape or deformation of the heater 107 acts to provide increased frictional force between the heater 107 and the aerosol-generating article 110, to thereby prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107.
In some examples, the heater 107 may include two portions that are coupled together, each having different coefficients of thermal expansion, and thereby having different capacities to expand as they are heated. The heater in embodiments comprises a bi-metallic member acting as the locking feature 150. Accordingly, the heater or a portion of the heater 107 itself may deform to form the locking feature. The two portions may extend longitudinally along the axis of the heater 107. As such, when the temperature of the heater 107 increases, each portion will expand to a different degree, thereby resulting in slight bending of the heater 107 away from the longitudinal axis. The slight bending of the heater 107 can act to retain the aerosol-generating article 110 in position whilst the heater 107 is above a predetermined temperature. As the temperature of the heater 107 cools, the heater resumes its original shape and the aerosol-generating article 110 may be more easily removed from the heater 107.
In any of the examples described herein, the locking feature may be configured to release the aerosol-generating article 110 only when a force of at least 0.25 N is applied to the aerosol-generating article 110 in a direction away from the heater 107. This can help to prevent accidental removal of the aerosolgenerating article 110 from the heater 107. For example, any of the examples described herein may be configured such that, when the heater 107 is above the predetermined temperature, the friction fit achieved between the heater 107 and the aerosol-generating article 110 is sufficient to resist removal forces on the aerosolgenerating article (i.e. forces on the article 110 in the axial direction away from the device housing 103) up to 0.25 N. In other examples, the locking feature may be configured to release the aerosol-generating article 110 only when a force of at least 0.3 N, or at least 0.4 N, or at least 0.5 N or at least 0.6 N is applied to the aerosol-generating article 110 in a direction away from the heater 107.
In some examples, the aerosol-generating article 110 is configured to expand when heated such that the heater 107 forms a friction fit with the aerosolgenerating article 110 when the surface temperature of the heater is above a predetermined temperature, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article 110 from the heater 107. The aerosol-generating article 110 may be configured to expand instead of or in addition to the expansion or deformation of the heater 107 or the ribs 310, 410 as described in the examples above.
In some examples, the heater 107 may be at least partially contained within a heating chamber, and the aerosol-generating article 110 may be inserted into the heating chamber. In embodiments, the locking feature is biased into a protruding condition. The actuator is operated to draw the locking feature into a withdrawn condition. In embodiments, the locking feature is biased into the withdrawn condition. The actuator is operated to move the locking feature into the protruding condition. In embodiments the actuator moves the locking feature into and out of the withdrawn condition and the protruding condition.
Referring in particular to Figure 6, actuation of the locking feature 150 into and out of engagement with the aerosol-generating article 110 in embodiments is caused by an actuator 603, such as an electric drive unit, for example a motor. A controller 604 is operable to actuate the actuator 603. The actuator 604 is actuated upon determination that heat up of the heater 107 has started. In embodiments, actuation of the locking feature 150 is operable upon determination that the heater 107 has attained a predetermined temperature, for example by detection of the temperature by the temperature sensor 132 and/or after a predetermined time period.
In embodiments, the controller 604 is operable to actuate the actuator 603 to move the locking feature 150 into the withdrawn condition, or to end actuation of the actuator 603 such that the locking feature 150 is biased into the withdrawn condition. The actuator 604 is actuated upon determination that heating of the heater 107 has ended. In embodiments, actuation of the locking feature 150 to move the locking feature 150 into the withdrawn condition, or to end actuation of the actuator 603 is operable upon determination that the heater 107 has dropped below a predetermined temperature, for example by detection of the temperature by the temperature sensor 132 and/or after a predetermined time period. In embodiments, the locking member itself is the actuator, for example the locking member being a bimetallic member. In embodiments, the actuator is a bimetallic member that is configured to bias the locking member.
In some of the above described embodiments, the heating arrangement is an inductive heating arrangement. In other embodiments, other types of heating arrangement are used, such as resistive heating. The configuration of the device is generally as described above and so a detailed description will be omitted. In such arrangements the heater comprises a resistive heating generator including components to heat the heater via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electrical current is directly applied to a resistive heating component, and the resulting flow of current in the heating component causes the heating component to be heated by Joule heating. The resistive heating component comprises resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable electrical current passes through it, and the heater comprises electrical contacts for supplying electrical current to the resistive material.
In embodiments, the heater forms the resistive heating component itself. In embodiments the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heater, for example by conduction.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol-provision device for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article, the device comprising: a heater configured to be received within an aerosol-generating article and heat the aerosol-generating article; and a locking feature configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater in a locked condition and configured to allow removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater in an unlocked condition.
2. The aerosol-provision device according to claim 1, wherein the locking feature is configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater when a determined temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and the aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature.
3. The aerosol-provision device according to claim 2, wherein the determined temperature is a surface temperature of the heater.
4. The aerosol-provision device according to claim 2, wherein the determined temperature is a surface temperature of the aerosol-generating article.
5. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 2 to 4, comprising a sensor configured to determine a temperature of the feature of at least one of the device and the aerosol-generating article.
6. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the locking feature is configured to enable removal of the aerosol-generating article when the determined temperature is below the predetermined temperature.
7. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the locking feature is configured to grip the aerosol-generating article when the determined temperature is above the predetermined temperature.
8. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking feature comprises at least one rib provided on the heater.
9. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking feature is configured to interlock with a corresponding feature on the aerosol-generating article in the locked condition.
10. The aerosol-provision device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one rib is configured to deform a surface of the aerosol-generating article in at least the locked condition.
11. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heater is configured to expand according to a temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and the aerosol-generating article such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article in the locked condition, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
12. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured to expand when heated such that the heater forms a friction fit with the aerosol-generating article when the temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature, thereby preventing removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
13. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the heater is configured to deform according to a temperature of the heater such that a deformed shape of the heater prevents removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heater.
14. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the locking feature comprises a locking mechanism configured to engage and disengage the aerosol-generating article, and wherein the device is configured to prevent disengagement of the locking mechanism from the aerosol-generating article when a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature.
15. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the device is configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article for a predetermined time period after the heater is deactivated.
16. The aerosol-provision device according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined time period is selected to allow a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article to cool from an operating temperature to a predetermined temperature under ambient room temperature conditions.
17. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 16, comprising a temperature indicator configured to visually indicate a temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article.
18. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 17, comprising a safety indicator configured to visually indicate when the temperature of a feature of at least one of the device and an aerosol-generating article is above or below a predetermined temperature.
19. The aerosol-provision device of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the heater is an exposed heater.
20. The aerosol-provision device of claim 19, wherein the heater is an induction heating heater.
21. The aerosol-provision device according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the locking feature is configured to release the aerosol-generating article when a force of at least 0.25 N is applied to the aerosol-generating article in a direction away from the heater.
22. An aerosol-provision system for generating an aerosol from a removable aerosol-generating article, the system comprising: an aerosol-generating article; an aerosol-provision device configured to receive the aerosol-generating article; and a locking feature configured to prevent removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-provision device in a locked condition and configured to enable removal of the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-provision device in an unlocked condition; wherein the locking feature is configured to prevent removal of the aerosolgenerating article from the aerosol-provision device when a determined temperature of a feature of at least one of the aerosol-provision device and the aerosol-generating article is above a predetermined temperature.
23. The aerosol provision system according to claim 22, comprising a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating article.
24. The aerosol provision system according to claim 23, wherein the device comprises the heating element.
25. An aerosol-provision system comprising: the aerosol-provision device of any of claims 1 to 21 ; and an aerosol-generating article.
PCT/EP2023/079363 2022-10-21 2023-10-20 Aerosol-provision device WO2024084080A1 (en)

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GBGB2215585.7A GB202215585D0 (en) 2022-10-21 2022-10-21 Aerosol-provision device
GB2215585.7 2022-10-21

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190166909A1 (en) * 2016-04-27 2019-06-06 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol generating device with securing means
WO2019238814A1 (en) * 2018-06-14 2019-12-19 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating device with shape memory heater
WO2020201285A1 (en) * 2019-04-02 2020-10-08 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating device with article locking for heating
EP3939445A2 (en) * 2015-08-31 2022-01-19 Nicoventures Trading Limited Apparatus for heating smokable material

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3939445A2 (en) * 2015-08-31 2022-01-19 Nicoventures Trading Limited Apparatus for heating smokable material
US20190166909A1 (en) * 2016-04-27 2019-06-06 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol generating device with securing means
WO2019238814A1 (en) * 2018-06-14 2019-12-19 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating device with shape memory heater
WO2020201285A1 (en) * 2019-04-02 2020-10-08 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating device with article locking for heating

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