EP4602951A1 - Aerosol generating apparatus, cap device, and device body - Google Patents

Aerosol generating apparatus, cap device, and device body

Info

Publication number
EP4602951A1
EP4602951A1 EP24157775.8A EP24157775A EP4602951A1 EP 4602951 A1 EP4602951 A1 EP 4602951A1 EP 24157775 A EP24157775 A EP 24157775A EP 4602951 A1 EP4602951 A1 EP 4602951A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
arm
cavity
reduction means
device body
friction reduction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24157775.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
Original Assignee
Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
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 Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom filed Critical Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
Priority to EP24157775.8A priority Critical patent/EP4602951A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2025/053819 priority patent/WO2025172417A1/en
Publication of EP4602951A1 publication Critical patent/EP4602951A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
    • 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
    • A24F40/85—Maintenance, e.g. cleaning

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus.
  • the disclosure further relates to a cap device and a device body which may be components of the aerosol generating apparatus.
  • a typical aerosol generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol generating unit that is driven by the power supply, and an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol.
  • the aerosol precursor may include loose leaf material and/or other substances that are heated by the aerosol generating unit.
  • Known aerosol generating apparatuses may require that the aerosol generating unit is manually cleaned from time to time. For example, residues of the aerosol precursor may be removed from the aerosol generating apparatus, for example from the aerosol generating unit. To do so, access to the aerosol generating unit may be necessary.
  • the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus that comprises a device body having an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from a consumable, and a cap device.
  • one of the device body and the cap device includes a first arm laterally spaced from and/or extending parallel to an axial direction of the aerosol generating apparatus, and the other of the device body and the cap device includes a first cavity.
  • the first cavity slidably receives the first arm for moving the cap device relative to the device body along the axial direction between a closed position and an open position.
  • at least one of the first arm and the first cavity includes a first friction reduction means for reducing friction between the first cavity and the first arm.
  • the present disclosure provides a cap device this is configured to be attached to a device body.
  • the cap device comprises a first cavity configured to slidably receive a first arm of the device body for moving the cap device relative to the device body along an axial direction.
  • the first cavity includes first friction reduction means for reducing friction between the first cavity and the first arm.
  • the present disclosure provides a cap device configured to be attached to a device body.
  • the cap device comprises a first arm configured to be slidably inserted into a first cavity of the device body for the cap device relative to the device body along an axial direction.
  • the first arm includes first friction reduction means for reducing friction between the first cavity and the first arm.
  • the first friction reduction means reduces the friction between the first arm and the first cavity for providing a smooth and/or easier lift movement of the cap device relative to the device body.
  • the cap device may include a first portion including the first cavity.
  • the device body may include the second portion including the first arm.
  • the first portion and/or the second portion may provide an aerosol generating unit of the aerosol generating apparatus or at least parts thereof.
  • the first portion may include a cap chassis of the cap device and/or the second portion may include first arm, the second arm, and/or a base portion on which the first arm and/or the second arm are arranged.
  • the aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable including a precursor.
  • the device body and/or aerosol generating apparatus may include the aerosol-generating unit, a power supply (e.g. a battery) for powering the heating element, and/or a controller for controlling the supply of power to the heating element.
  • a power supply e.g. a battery
  • the aerosol-generating unit may include a heating element for heating the consumable to generate the aerosol therefrom.
  • the heating element may extend parallel to the axial direction.
  • the heating element includes a rod that extends parallel to the axial direction and, therefore, parallel to the first arm.
  • the heating element may be arranged in the heating chamber in the closed position.
  • the heating element may be covered by the cap device in the closed position and, in the open position, the heating element may be uncovered for cleaning.
  • the device body may include an elongate body.
  • the longitudinal axis of the first arm may be parallel to the axial direction of the heating element and/or the device body.
  • the longitudinal axis of the first cavity may be parallel to the axial direction of the heating element in the closed position and/or the open position.
  • the first arm may have a smooth outer surface along the axial direction of the first arm so that the first arm can be slidably inserted into the first cavity.
  • the first arm may be free from hooks and/or protrusions which may block the movement of the cap device or the first portion along the first arm.
  • the first cavity may have a smooth inner wall along the axial direction of the first cavity so that the first arm can be slidably inserted into the first cavity.
  • the first cavity may be free from hooks and/or protrusions which may block the movement of the cap device or first portion along the first arm.
  • the first portion of the cap device or the complete cap device may be moved along the first arm of the second portion of the device body between the closed position and the open position. which can be end positions of the movement of the cap device along the first arm.
  • the first arm may be arranged within the first cavity in both the closed position and the open position.
  • the first arm may be inserted fully or more into the first cavity in the closed position compared to the open position.
  • the first arm is only partially inserted into the first cavity.
  • the first arm is completely removed from the first arm in the open position.
  • the open position may include a cleaning position in which the heating element is partially or completely uncovered for cleaning. Further, the movement from the closed position to the open position may assist the user with extracting a used consumable. In this case, the heating element may or may not be partially or completely uncovered for cleaning.
  • the heating element is accessible in the open/cleaning position, e.g. for cleaning the heating element. In this way, the heating element may be partially or completely uncovered in the cleaning/open position.
  • the first portion (or the cap device) may abut against and/or is in direct contact with the second portion (or an upper end of the device body).
  • the heating element may not be accessible by the user but is completely covered by the first portion (or the cap device) and the second portion (or device body).
  • the aerosol generating apparatus may include a bi-stable configuration corresponding to the open position and the closed position. The movement between the open position and a closed position and vice versa may correspond to a linear movement of the first portion along the first arm.
  • the aerosol generating apparatus may include fixing means for holding and/or maintaining the first portion either in the closed position or in the open position.
  • the first arm may protrude from the device body so that the first arm can be inserted into the first cavity for attaching the first portion to the second portion and, thereby, the cap device to the device body.
  • the shape of the first cavity may be considered to conform to the shape of the first arm, for example for providing a linear guide rail.
  • the distance between the inner wall of the first cavity and the outer surface of the first arm can be made small and/or the inner wall of the first cavity contacts the outer surface of the first arm, for example over extended areas thereof. This increases the friction between the first cavity and the first arm which may be compensated or reduced by the first friction reduction means.
  • this disclosure may provide means for attaching a first portion to a second portion of an aerosol generating apparatus with minimal or reduced play while allowing a smooth and easy movement for the first portion and the second portion between the closed position and the open position.
  • the friction reduction means may be considered including any means that reduces the friction between the first arm and the first cavity.
  • the friction reduction means includes materials provided on the outer surface of the first arm and/or on the inner wall of the first cavity which have an inherent low coefficient of friction (for example compared to the material from which to first arm and/or first cavity are made).
  • the friction reduction means may include areas of the outer surface of the first arm and/or of the inner wall of the first cavity that are further processed (e.g. polished, covered with a friction reduction layer, etc) compared to other areas of the first arm and/or the first cavity.
  • the first arm may be made from a rigid material, such as metal, rigid plastic, reinforced plastic, or the like.
  • the cavity may be made also from a plastic material which might not be as rigid as the material from which the first arm is made.
  • the first friction reduction means provides a plurality of discrete areas of contact between the first arm and the first cavity.
  • the plurality of discrete areas of contact is circumferentially spaced around the axial direction.
  • the friction reduction means can be implemented by the surface texture of the first arm and/or the first cavity. This may provide a simple way of implementing the first friction reduction means.
  • the discrete areas of contact may reduce the heat transfer between the cap device and the first arm by reducing the area of contact. Gaps between first arm and the first cavity may be provided between the discrete areas of contact. The gaps may provide a barrier for the thermal heat transfer because thermal conduction over the gaps is lower compared to a direct contact between first arm and the first cavity. By providing the discrete areas of contact, the area of direct contact is reduced which reduces the overall heat transfer by thermal conduction.
  • the discrete areas of contacts may include one or more points, lines, and/or surface areas which are spaced from each other. For example, each area of contact may be separated from another area of contact by a groove, recess, and/or slot.
  • the discrete areas of contact may be provided on the outer surface of the first arm and/or on the inner wall of the first cavity.
  • the area that is in contact with discrete areas of contact when the first arm is inserted into the cavity may be flat and/or polished, e.g. free from discreate areas of contacts.
  • the discrete areas of contact may be separated from each other along a circumferential direction of the first arm and/or the first cavity.
  • the circumferential direction may be perpendicular to the axial direction of the first arm and/or the first cavity.
  • the discrete areas of contact may extend substantially in the axial direction of the first arm and/or the first cavity.
  • the grooves, recesses, and/or slots that separate the discrete areas of contact may extend in the axial direction of the first arm and/or the first cavity.
  • the discrete areas of contact are arranged on the outer surface of the first arm and contact a flat inner wall of the first cavity.
  • the discrete areas of contact are arranged on the inner wall of the first cavity and contact a flat outer surface of the first arm.
  • the first friction reduction means includes grooves and/or ribs. In this way, a simple structural arrangement can be provided which acts as the first friction reduction means.
  • the ribs and/or the surface area between the grooves may be each considered a respective area of contact.
  • the ribs may be provided by elongate protrusions protruding from a flat surface.
  • grooves in the flat surface may provide ribs that are flush with the adjacent surface.
  • the above-described examples of the ribs and grooves can be combined so that the ribs protrude from the flat surface and the grooves are recesses compared to the flat surface.
  • the ribs and/or grooves parallel to the axial direction along the first arm and/or the first cavity. In this way, the ribs and/or grooves extend in a direction of movement of the first portion/cap device (e.g. a sliding direction)with respect to the second portion/device body which is considered to reduce the friction.
  • the sliding direction may be parallel to the axial direction.
  • the first friction reduction means are integrally formed with the first arm and/or the first cavity. In this way, the provision and/or manufacturing of the first friction reduction means can be further simplified.
  • the discrete area of contacts, the grooves, and/or the ribs may be provided when moulding the first arm and/or the first cavity, respectively.
  • the first friction reduction means can be provided when manufacturing the respective component. In this way no separate manufacturing step is necessary.
  • the discrete area of contacts, the grooves, and/or the ribs may be provided by cutting, drilling, and/or mailing recesses into the surface of the outer surface of the first arm and/or the in the wall of the first cavity. This provides a simple way for providing the first friction reduction means.
  • the second portion or the one of the device body and the cap device further includes a second arm.
  • the first portion or the other of the device body and the cap device further includes a second cavity.
  • the first arm extends parallel to the first arm, optionally with the heating element therebetween.
  • the second cavity is configured to slidably receive the second arm for moving the first portion or the cap device relative to the second portion or the device body, respectively, between the open position and the closed position, e.g. parallel to the axial direction.
  • at least one of the second arm and the second cavity includes second friction reduction means for reducing friction between the second cavity and second first arm.
  • the stability of the attachment of the first portion/cap device to the second portion/device body can be increased because two arms are provided.
  • the provision of two arms which are inserted in respective cavities increases the friction when moving the first portion along the arms of the second portion.
  • the first friction reduction means and the second friction reduction means are provided so that even if two arms and two cavities are provided the insertion and/or removal movement is smooth and easy.
  • first arm, the first cavity, and the first friction reduction means can equally apply to the second arm, the second cavity and/or the second reduction means, respectively.
  • the provision of the second arm in addition to the first arm provides greater stability for attaching the cap device to the device body.
  • rotational forces e.g. around the longitudinal axes of the first and second arms or axial direction of the second portion
  • the play and/or wriggle between the first cavity and the first arm can be reduced by the provision of the second arm and the second cavity.
  • the first arm and the second arm may extend parallel to each other. Similarly, the first cavity and the second cavity extend parallel to each other.
  • the heating element may be arranged between the first arm and the second arm and may extend parallel to the first arm and/or the second arm.
  • the first arm and the second arm each have inner surface areas that face each other and outer surface areas that face away from each other.
  • the first friction reduction means is arranged only on the inner surface area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means is arranged only on the inner surface area of the second arm.
  • the first friction reduction means is arranged only on the outer surface area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means is arranged only on the outer surface area of the second arm.
  • first cavity and the second cavity each have inner wall areas that face each other and outer wall areas that face away from each other.
  • first friction reduction is arranged only on the inner wall area of the first cavity and the second friction reduction means is arranged only on the inner wall area of the second cavity.
  • first friction reduction means is arranged only on the outer wall area of the first cavity and the second friction reduction means is arranged only on the outer wall area of the second cavity.
  • the respective inner surfaces or the respective outer surfaces can be pressed against the corresponding inner or outer wall areas for reducing the play between the first portion/cap device and the second portion/device body while simultaneously providing a smooth and easy movement of the first portion/cap device relative to the second portion/device body.
  • the first portion and the second portion may be configured such that the inner surfaces or the outer surfaces of the arms are pressed or in tight contact with the corresponding inner or outer wall areas of the of the respective cavities. This may be used to minimise or remove the play or wriggle of the first portion relative to the second portion.
  • the first and/or second friction reduction means can be provided on that surface of the arms or the cavities which are in tight contact as described above. Thus, even if there is tight contact between the arms and the cavities, the friction between the cap device and the device body can be small.
  • the inner surface areas of the first arm and the second arm each have an axial length, wherein optionally the first friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the inner surface area of the first arm and second friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the inner surface area of the second arm.
  • the outer surface areas of the first arm and the second arm each have an axial length, wherein optionally the first friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the outer surface area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the outer surface area of the second arm.
  • the inner wall areas of the first arm and the second arm each have an axial length, wherein optionally the first friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the inner wall area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the second arm.
  • the outer wall areas of the first arm and the second arm each have an axial length, wherein optionally the first friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the outer wall area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the outer wall area of the second arm.
  • This disclosure may also refer to an aerosol generating system which includes the aerosol generating apparatus described therein and the consumable.
  • the consumable may be heated by the heating element if the consumable is in contact with the heating element.
  • an "aerosol generating apparatus” may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user.
  • the apparatus may additionally/alternatively be referred to as a “smoking substitute apparatus", if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article.
  • a combustible “smoking article” may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and/or pyrolysis).
  • An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity.
  • the generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device.
  • the input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and/or an airflow sensor.
  • the aerosol generating apparatus may be portable.
  • the term "portable” may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.
  • a "precursor” may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance.
  • the precursor may be processed by an aerosol generating unit of an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol.
  • the precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring.
  • the active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body.
  • the active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and/or glycerine.
  • flavouring may refer to a component that provides a taste and/or a smell to the user.
  • the flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other.
  • the precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.
  • a "flow path" may refer to a path or enclosed passageway through an aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. for delivery of an aerosol to a user.
  • the flow path may be arranged to receive aerosol from an aerosol generating unit.
  • upstream and downstream may be defined in respect of a direction of flow in the flow path, e.g. with an outlet being downstream of an inlet.
  • a "delivery system” may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user.
  • the delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.
  • a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path.
  • a flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor.
  • the flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user.
  • a "puff” (or “inhale” or “draw” ) by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and/or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.
  • an "aerosol generating unit” may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor.
  • the aerosol generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system).
  • a plurality of aerosol generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols may be present in an aerosol generating apparatus.
  • a "heating system” may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated.
  • the at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough.
  • the at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field.
  • the heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion.
  • a "consumable” may refer to a unit that includes a precursor.
  • the consumable may include an aerosol generating unit, e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer.
  • the consumable may include a mouthpiece.
  • the consumable may include an information carrying medium.
  • liquid or gel implementations of the precursor e.g. an e-liquid
  • the consumable may be referred to as a "capsule” or a "pod” or an "e-liquid consumable”.
  • the capsule/pod may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the precursor.
  • solid material implementations of the precursor e.g.
  • the consumable may be referred to as a "stick” or "package” or "heat-not-burn consumable”.
  • the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor.
  • the consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.
  • heat-not-burn may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).
  • an example aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy.
  • the apparatus 1 includes an aerosol generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2.
  • the power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and/or an electrical connection to an external power source.
  • the apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol.
  • the apparatus 2 may also include a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.
  • Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1 ) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 4 and aerosol generating unit 6.
  • the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.
  • Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the apparatus 1 of Fig. 1 , where the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a-heat not-burn process.
  • the apparatus 1 includes a device body 50 and a consumable 70.
  • the device body 50 includes the power supply 4 and a heating system 52.
  • the heating system 54 includes at least one heating element 54.
  • the device body 50 may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.
  • the electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58.
  • the wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.
  • an external (e.g. mobile) device e.g. via Bluetooth.
  • the other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and/or a charging port, for example (see e.g. Fig. 3 ).
  • the device body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70.
  • a user may activate the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the device body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70 (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer, to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.
  • Fig. 3 shows an example implementation of the aerosol generating device 1 of Fig. 2 .
  • the consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the device body 50, and a filter distal to the device body 50.
  • the filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the apparatus 1 as a whole.
  • the solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.
  • the aerosol generating apparatus 1 further includes a cap device 51.
  • the cap device 51 In use the cap device 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the device body 50.
  • the cap device 51 is moveable relative to the body 50.
  • the cap device 51 is slidable and can slide along an axial direction of the device body 50 which may coincide or is parallel to a longitudinal direction of a first arm 104.
  • the device body 50 can also include an actuator 55 on an outer surface of the body 50.
  • the actuator 55 has the form of a button.
  • the device body 50 may also include a user interface device configured to convey information to a user.
  • the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the apparatus 1 is activated and/or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 4.
  • Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.
  • the device body 50 may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.
  • an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.
  • the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable 70.
  • the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.
  • the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Figs. 4 to 7 includes the same optional features, characteristics, and/or embodiments as the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 3 except for the following differences.
  • the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Figs. 4 to 7 includes the device body 50 and the cap device 51.
  • the cap device 51 includes a cap housing 80, a first portion 82 (which may be regarded as a cap chassis), and/or a mouthpiece element 84.
  • the device body 50 includes a bridge element 86, a second portion 88, the heating element 54, a device housing 90, a front cover 92, and/or a rear cover 94.
  • the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may also include a cleaning tool 96.
  • the first portion 82 of the cap device 51 may be a unitary component made from a plastic material.
  • the first portion 82 may be moulded in a single processing step.
  • the first portion 82 may be considered a chassis for supporting the mouthpiece element 84 and the cap housing 80.
  • the first portion 82 includes a first cavity 100 and/or a second cavity 102.
  • the first cavity 100 and/or the second cavity 102 are elongate and extend parallel to the axial direction of the device body 50 in a closed position.
  • the first cavity 100 and/or the second cavity 102 are configured to receive the first arm 104 and/or a second arm 106, respectively, of the second portion 88.
  • the first arm 104 is located within the first cavity 100 and the second arm 106 is located within the second cavity 102.
  • the first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106 are provided for supporting the cap device 51 on the device body 50.
  • the first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106 have sufficient strength for supporting the cap device 51 on the device body 50.
  • the cap device 51 is supported on the device body 50 by the interaction between the first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106 with the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively.
  • the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102 are shaped to conform to the first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106, respectively, for example such that there is only minimal play so that the cap device 51 is tightly fitted to the device body 50.
  • the first portion 82 further includes a heating chamber 108 for receiving the heating element 54 in the closed position.
  • An axis of the heating chamber 108 coincides with or is coaxial to an axis of the heating element 54.
  • the heating chamber 108 is dimensioned to receive the consumable 70.
  • the heating chamber 108 may be closed by the mouthpiece element 84.
  • the heating chamber 108 may be a part of the delivery system 8.
  • the mouthpiece element 84 may generally have the shape of a wheel or disk and is rotatably supported by the first portion 82.
  • the first portion 82 may include an axle bearing 110 which might include opposing through-holes in a cavity in which the mouthpiece element 84 is received.
  • the mouthpiece element 84 may be include an axle which is inserted into the through-holes of the axle bearing 110. In this way, the mouthpiece element 84 may be rotated, for example by a user.
  • the mouthpiece element 84 includes an air passage 112 which may have to same diameter as the heating chamber 108.
  • the air passage 112 may be a part of the delivery system 8.
  • the first portion 82 may also include a first spring attachment portion 114 for attaching a spring element (not shown in figures) to the first portion 82 and, therefore, to the cap device 51.
  • the spring element may further be attached to the device body 50 for providing a bi-stable configuration of the cap device 51 relative to the device body 50.
  • the other end of the spring element may be attached to a second spring attachment portion 116 which is arranged on the spring bridge element 86.
  • the first spring attachment portion 114 and the second spring attachment portion 116 may be pins that protrude from the first portion 82 and the bridge element 86, respectively.
  • the spring element may be part of a fixing means for holding and/or maintaining the first portion 82 either in a closed position or in a cleaning position (which is an example of the open position of the cap device 51).
  • the bridge element 86 may be made from a reinforced plastic material and is attached to the first arm 104 and the second arm 106.
  • the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 each include a slot through which ends of the bridge element 86 are inserted.
  • the bridge element 86 may be attached the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 by a snap fit connection.
  • the cap device 51 In the closed position, the cap device 51 abuts against the device body 50 and the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 are fully inserted into the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. In the closed position, the cap device 51 covers the heating element 54 so that the heating element 54 is not accessible by a user.
  • the heating chamber 108 may completely surround the heating element 54 in the closed position.
  • the consumable 70 may be inserted into the heating chamber 108 via the mouthpiece element 84 if the mouthpiece element 84 is in the open position.
  • the cap device 51 is positioned away from the device body 50 compared to the closed position. This may be achieved by sliding the first portion 82 or the cap device 51 along the first arm 104 and the second arm 106.
  • the heating element 54 is accessible by the user, for example for cleaning the heating element 54.
  • the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may only partly be located within the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. However, the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may be sufficiently inserted into the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively, so that first arm 104 and the second arm 162 can still support the cap device 51 on the device body 50.
  • the spring element biases the cap device 51 to the closed position or to the cleaning position.
  • the bridge element 86 may provide a stopper or abutment portion against which the cap device 51, optionally the first portion 82, abuts in the cleaning position.
  • the cap housing 80 of the cap device 51 covers the first portion 82 and/or partly the mouthpiece element 84.
  • the cap housing 80 may be made from a metal material and may be made from the same material as the device housing 90.
  • the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a continuous outer surface as there is no gap between the cap housing 80 and the device housing 90.
  • the cap housing 80 may be attached to the first portion 82 by a snap fit connection.
  • the mouthpiece element 84 may protrude from the first portion 82 and the cap housing 80 both in the open position and the closed position.
  • the front cover 92 and the rear cover 94 may surround the power supply 4 (e.g. including battery), the electrical circuitry 56, the memory 58, the wireless interface 60, and/or the other components 62. As such, they are not visible in Fig. 4 .
  • the front cover 92 may include a button and/or a user interface (e.g. including one or more LEDs).
  • the front cover 92 and the rear cover 94 may be surrounded by device housing 90 and/or may be made from a plastic material.
  • the front cover 92, the rear cover 94, and/or the device housing 90 may be attached to the second portion 88, e.g. using a snap fit connection.
  • the second portion 88 includes the first arm 104, the second arm 106, and/or a base portion 118.
  • the first arm 104, the second arm 106, and the base portion 118 may be a unitary component, e.g. moulded from a plastic material.
  • the first arm 104, the second arm 106, and the heating element 54 may protrude from the base portion 118.
  • the heating element 54 can extend parallel to the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. Thus, the heating element 54 is arranged between the first arm 104 and the second arm 106.
  • the base portion 118 may form a top end of the device body 50.
  • the aerosol generating apparatus 1 further includes a first friction reduction means 120 and/or a second friction reduction means 122.
  • the first friction reduction means 120 and/or the second friction reduction means 122 include grooves and ribs (forming a serrated surface topography) that extend along the longitudinal direction of the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively.
  • the first friction reduction means 120 and/or the second friction reduction means 122 provide a plurality of discrete areas (lines) of contact between the arms 104, 106 and the cavities 104, 106. The plurality of discrete contact is spaced along a circumferential direction of the first cavity 100 and second cavity 102, respectively.
  • the first friction reduction means 120 and/or the second friction reduction means 122 are only arranged on an inner surface of the first cavity 100 and second cavity 102, respectively.
  • the first portion 82 and the second portion 88 may be configured such that the first arm 104 presses against the inner surface of the first cavity 100 whereas the pressure between an outer surface of the first cavity 100 is smaller compared to the pressure between the inner surface of the first cavity 100 and the first arm 104 (for example there is some play between the outer surface of the first cavity 100 and the corresponding surface of the first arm 104) .
  • first portion 82 and the second portion 88 may be further configured such that the second arm 106 presses against the inner surface of the second cavity 102 whereas the pressure between an outer surface of the second cavity 102 is smaller compared to the pressure between the inner surface of the second cavity 102 and the second arm 106 (for example there is some play between the outer surface of the second cavity 102 and the corresponding surface of the second arm 106). This allows to attach the cap device 51 to the device body 50 with minimal play.
  • the first friction reduction means 120 and the second friction reduction means 122 reduce the friction at an area of contact with the pressure between the arms 104, 106 and the cavities 100, 102 is highest. This provides a smooth and easy movement of the company was 51 along the first arm 104 and the second arm 106.
  • first friction reduction means 120 and the second friction reduction means 122 are possible, such as polished surfaces and/or material portions made from a material with low friction coefficient.
  • the rear housing 92 may include a slot which provides a channel 124 for the cleaning tool 96 in cooperation with the device housing 90.
  • the channel 124 may be shaped and dimensioned such that the cleaning tool 96 can be inserted into the channel 124 along a direction of extension of the channel 124.
  • the rear housing may include means for removably holding or maintaining the cleaning tool 96 in the channel 124.
  • the cleaning tool 96 may be used for cleaning the heating element 54, for example if the cap device 51 is in the cleaning position. To this end, the cleaning tool 96 may be removed from the channel 124 and inserted into the channel 124 after cleaning.
  • the cleaning tool 96 may be a component separate from the aerosol generating apparatus 1.

Landscapes

  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

The invention refers to an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a device body (50) having a heating element (54) for heating a consumable to generate an aerosol therefrom, and a cap device (51). One of the device body (50) and the cap device (51) includes a first arm (104) laterally spaced from and extending parallel to an axis of the aerosol generating apparatus (1) passing through the heating element (54), and the other of the device body (50) and the cap device (51) includes a first cavity (100). The first cavity (100) slidably receives the first arm (104) for moving the cap device (51) relative to the heating element (54) along the axial direction between a closed position in which the heating element (54) is covered by the cap device (51) and an open position in which the heating element (54) is uncovered for cleaning. At least one of the first arm (104) and the first cavity (100) includes a first friction reduction means (120) for reducing friction between the first cavity (100) and the first arm (104).

Description

    FIELD
  • The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus. The disclosure further relates to a cap device and a device body which may be components of the aerosol generating apparatus.
    • BACKGROUND
  • A typical aerosol generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol generating unit that is driven by the power supply, and an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol. The aerosol precursor may include loose leaf material and/or other substances that are heated by the aerosol generating unit.
  • Known aerosol generating apparatuses may require that the aerosol generating unit is manually cleaned from time to time. For example, residues of the aerosol precursor may be removed from the aerosol generating apparatus, for example from the aerosol generating unit. To do so, access to the aerosol generating unit may be necessary.
  • In spite of the effort already invested in the development of aerosol generating apparatuses further improvements are desirable.
    • SUMMARY
  • In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus that comprises a device body having an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from a consumable, and a cap device.
  • In some examples, one of the device body and the cap device includes a first arm laterally spaced from and/or extending parallel to an axial direction of the aerosol generating apparatus, and the other of the device body and the cap device includes a first cavity. Optionally, the first cavity slidably receives the first arm for moving the cap device relative to the device body along the axial direction between a closed position and an open position. Further optionally, at least one of the first arm and the first cavity includes a first friction reduction means for reducing friction between the first cavity and the first arm.
  • In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a cap device this is configured to be attached to a device body. Optionally, the cap device comprises a first cavity configured to slidably receive a first arm of the device body for moving the cap device relative to the device body along an axial direction. Further optionally, the first cavity includes first friction reduction means for reducing friction between the first cavity and the first arm.
  • In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a cap device configured to be attached to a device body. Optionally, the cap device comprises a first arm configured to be slidably inserted into a first cavity of the device body for the cap device relative to the device body along an axial direction. Further optionally, the first arm includes first friction reduction means for reducing friction between the first cavity and the first arm.
  • In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a device body configured to be attached to a cap device. Optionally, the device body comprises a first arm configured to be slidably inserted into a first cavity of the cap device for moving the cap device relative to the device body along an axial direction. Further optionally, the first arm includes first friction reduction means for reducing friction between the first cavity and the first arm.
  • In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a device body configured to be attached to a cap device. Optionally, the device body comprises a first cavity configured to slidably receive a first arm of the cap device for moving the cap device relative to the device body along an axial direction. Further optionally, the first cavity includes first friction reduction means for reducing friction between the first cavity and the first arm.
  • The first friction reduction means reduces the friction between the first arm and the first cavity for providing a smooth and/or easier lift movement of the cap device relative to the device body. The cap device may include a first portion including the first cavity. The device body may include the second portion including the first arm. The first portion and/or the second portion may provide an aerosol generating unit of the aerosol generating apparatus or at least parts thereof. The first portion may include a cap chassis of the cap device and/or the second portion may include first arm, the second arm, and/or a base portion on which the first arm and/or the second arm are arranged.
  • The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable including a precursor. The device body and/or aerosol generating apparatus may include the aerosol-generating unit, a power supply (e.g. a battery) for powering the heating element, and/or a controller for controlling the supply of power to the heating element.
  • The aerosol-generating unit may include a heating element for heating the consumable to generate the aerosol therefrom. The heating element may extend parallel to the axial direction. For example, the heating element includes a rod that extends parallel to the axial direction and, therefore, parallel to the first arm. The heating element may be arranged in the heating chamber in the closed position. The heating element may be covered by the cap device in the closed position and, in the open position, the heating element may be uncovered for cleaning.
  • The first arm may have sufficient strength for providing support for the movement of the first portion along the first arm. For example, the first arm is made from a sufficiently rigid material and/or has a sufficient thickness for supporting the first portion on the second portion. The first arm may act as a linear guides or rail for the first portion. The first arm may be sufficiently rigid for preventing movement of the first portion perpendicular to the axial direction and/or a longitudinal axis of the first arm.
  • The device body may include an elongate body. The longitudinal axis of the first arm may be parallel to the axial direction of the heating element and/or the device body. Similarly, the longitudinal axis of the first cavity may be parallel to the axial direction of the heating element in the closed position and/or the open position.
  • The first arm may have a smooth outer surface along the axial direction of the first arm so that the first arm can be slidably inserted into the first cavity. The first arm may be free from hooks and/or protrusions which may block the movement of the cap device or the first portion along the first arm. Similarly, the first cavity may have a smooth inner wall along the axial direction of the first cavity so that the first arm can be slidably inserted into the first cavity. The first cavity may be free from hooks and/or protrusions which may block the movement of the cap device or first portion along the first arm.
  • The first portion of the cap device or the complete cap device may be moved along the first arm of the second portion of the device body between the closed position and the open position. which can be end positions of the movement of the cap device along the first arm. The first arm may be arranged within the first cavity in both the closed position and the open position. The first arm may be inserted fully or more into the first cavity in the closed position compared to the open position. Thus, in the open position, the first arm is only partially inserted into the first cavity. However, it is also possible that the first arm is completely removed from the first arm in the open position. For example, it is possible to completely remove the first portion from the second portion.
  • The open position may include a cleaning position in which the heating element is partially or completely uncovered for cleaning. Further, the movement from the closed position to the open position may assist the user with extracting a used consumable. In this case, the heating element may or may not be partially or completely uncovered for cleaning.
  • In the open position, there might be a gap between a lower end of the first portion and the adjacent upper end of the second portion. In the open position, a user may access a space between the first portion (or the cap device) and the second portion (or an upper end of the device body). For example, the heating element is accessible in the open/cleaning position, e.g. for cleaning the heating element. In this way, the heating element may be partially or completely uncovered in the cleaning/open position.
  • In the closed position, the first portion (or the cap device) may abut against and/or is in direct contact with the second portion (or an upper end of the device body). Thus, in the closed position, the heating element may not be accessible by the user but is completely covered by the first portion (or the cap device) and the second portion (or device body).
  • The aerosol generating apparatus may include a bi-stable configuration corresponding to the open position and the closed position. The movement between the open position and a closed position and vice versa may correspond to a linear movement of the first portion along the first arm. The aerosol generating apparatus may include fixing means for holding and/or maintaining the first portion either in the closed position or in the open position.
  • The fixing means may include a spring element for biasing the first portion either to the open position or the closed position. The bias towards the open position may provide a supporting force for removing a used consumable. The spring element may be configured to hold, keep, and/or maintain the cap device either in the closed position or in the open position.
  • The fixing means may include means for preventing that the first portion can be moved beyond the open position along the first arm. For example, the fixing means include a stopper or abutment portion which blocks the first portion from being slidable beyond the open position (when viewed from the closed position). Thus, the fixing means biases the first portion against the stopper or abutment portion in the open position. Alternatively or additionally, the spring element may block the first portion from moving beyond the open position. In this example, the first portion may not be completely removed from the second portion but is only slidable between the closed position and the open position.
  • The first arm may protrude from the device body so that the first arm can be inserted into the first cavity for attaching the first portion to the second portion and, thereby, the cap device to the device body. Optionally, there is little or no play between the first arm and the first cavity so that the first portion does not move or wriggle in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first arm. This may be achieved in that the first arm is slidably inserted into the first cavity so that the inner wall of the first cavity is in contact with the first arm over large areas of contact.
  • For example, the first arm and the first cavity have a shape in a cross-sectional view (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first arm) which prevents rotation of the first portion around the longitudinal axis of the first arm. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first cavity and/or the first arm is not circular but elongate. The cross-sectional shape of the first arm and the cavity may be oval, ellipsoid, rectangular, or modifications thereof. For example, in a cross-sectional view, the first arm and the first cavity have a respective minimum diameter/thickness and a respective maximum diameter/thickness which may be perpendicular to the minimum diameter/thickness. The maximum diameter/thickness may be 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, or 200% longer than the minimal diameter/thickness. This difference between the maximum diameter/thickness and the minimum diameter/thickness may be helpful for preventing a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion around the longitudinal axis of the first arm.
  • The shape of the first cavity may be considered to conform to the shape of the first arm, for example for providing a linear guide rail. For reducing wriggle or play between the first cavity and the first arm in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first arm, the distance between the inner wall of the first cavity and the outer surface of the first arm can be made small and/or the inner wall of the first cavity contacts the outer surface of the first arm, for example over extended areas thereof. This increases the friction between the first cavity and the first arm which may be compensated or reduced by the first friction reduction means. Thus, this disclosure may provide means for attaching a first portion to a second portion of an aerosol generating apparatus with minimal or reduced play while allowing a smooth and easy movement for the first portion and the second portion between the closed position and the open position.
  • The friction reduction means may be considered including any means that reduces the friction between the first arm and the first cavity. For example, the friction reduction means includes materials provided on the outer surface of the first arm and/or on the inner wall of the first cavity which have an inherent low coefficient of friction (for example compared to the material from which to first arm and/or first cavity are made). Further, the friction reduction means may include areas of the outer surface of the first arm and/or of the inner wall of the first cavity that are further processed (e.g. polished, covered with a friction reduction layer, etc) compared to other areas of the first arm and/or the first cavity.
  • The friction reduction means may be provided partially or entirely over the outer surface of the first arm and/or the inner wall of the first cavity. For example, the friction reduction means may be provided over areas where the outer surface of the first arm contacts the inner wall of the first cavity when the first arm is inserted into the first cavity.
  • Attaching the first portion to the second portion may include sliding the first portion along the first arm of the second portion. This may include sliding the cap device along the first arm of the device body or, alternatively, sliding the device body along the first arm of the cap device.
  • The cap device may be moved relative to the device body between the closed position and the open position. This may be implemented in that the cap device includes the first cavity and the device body includes the first arm or vice versa.
  • The first arm may be made from a rigid material, such as metal, rigid plastic, reinforced plastic, or the like. The cavity may be made also from a plastic material which might not be as rigid as the material from which the first arm is made.
  • In some examples, the first friction reduction means provides a plurality of discrete areas of contact between the first arm and the first cavity. Optionally, the plurality of discrete areas of contact is circumferentially spaced around the axial direction.
  • In this way, the friction reduction means can be implemented by the surface texture of the first arm and/or the first cavity. This may provide a simple way of implementing the first friction reduction means. Further, the discrete areas of contact may reduce the heat transfer between the cap device and the first arm by reducing the area of contact. Gaps between first arm and the first cavity may be provided between the discrete areas of contact. The gaps may provide a barrier for the thermal heat transfer because thermal conduction over the gaps is lower compared to a direct contact between first arm and the first cavity. By providing the discrete areas of contact, the area of direct contact is reduced which reduces the overall heat transfer by thermal conduction.
  • The discrete areas of contacts may include one or more points, lines, and/or surface areas which are spaced from each other. For example, each area of contact may be separated from another area of contact by a groove, recess, and/or slot. The discrete areas of contact may be provided on the outer surface of the first arm and/or on the inner wall of the first cavity. The area that is in contact with discrete areas of contact when the first arm is inserted into the cavity may be flat and/or polished, e.g. free from discreate areas of contacts.
  • The discrete areas of contact may be separated from each other along a circumferential direction of the first arm and/or the first cavity. The circumferential direction may be perpendicular to the axial direction of the first arm and/or the first cavity. Thus, the discrete areas of contact may extend substantially in the axial direction of the first arm and/or the first cavity. For example, the grooves, recesses, and/or slots that separate the discrete areas of contact may extend in the axial direction of the first arm and/or the first cavity.
  • The grooves, recesses, and/or slots that separate the discrete areas of contact reduce the area of contact between the first arm and the first cavity compared to an embodiment having a flat outer surface of the first arm and a flat inner wall of the first cavity. This is considered to reduce the friction between the first arm and/or the first cavity when inserting the first arm into the first cavity.
  • Optionally, the discrete areas of contact are arranged on the outer surface of the first arm and contact a flat inner wall of the first cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the discrete areas of contact are arranged on the inner wall of the first cavity and contact a flat outer surface of the first arm.
  • In some examples, the first friction reduction means includes grooves and/or ribs. In this way, a simple structural arrangement can be provided which acts as the first friction reduction means.
  • The ribs and/or the surface area between the grooves may be each considered a respective area of contact. The ribs may be provided by elongate protrusions protruding from a flat surface. In another embodiment, grooves in the flat surface may provide ribs that are flush with the adjacent surface.
  • Further, the above-described examples of the ribs and grooves can be combined so that the ribs protrude from the flat surface and the grooves are recesses compared to the flat surface.
  • In some examples, the ribs and/or grooves parallel to the axial direction along the first arm and/or the first cavity. In this way, the ribs and/or grooves extend in a direction of movement of the first portion/cap device (e.g. a sliding direction)with respect to the second portion/device body which is considered to reduce the friction. The sliding direction may be parallel to the axial direction.
  • In some examples, the first friction reduction means are only arranged on either first cavity or the first arm. In this way, the provision and/or manufacturing of the first friction reduction means can be simplified as the first friction reduction means needs only be provided at one of the first arm and the first cavity.
  • In some examples, the first friction reduction means are integrally formed with the first arm and/or the first cavity. In this way, the provision and/or manufacturing of the first friction reduction means can be further simplified.
  • For example, the discrete area of contacts, the grooves, and/or the ribs may be provided when moulding the first arm and/or the first cavity, respectively. In this way, the first friction reduction means can be provided when manufacturing the respective component. In this way no separate manufacturing step is necessary.
  • In another example, the discrete area of contacts, the grooves, and/or the ribs may be provided by cutting, drilling, and/or mailing recesses into the surface of the outer surface of the first arm and/or the in the wall of the first cavity. This provides a simple way for providing the first friction reduction means.
  • In some examples, the second portion or the one of the device body and the cap device further includes a second arm. Optionally, the first portion or the other of the device body and the cap device further includes a second cavity. Further optionally, the first arm extends parallel to the first arm, optionally with the heating element therebetween. In examples, the second cavity is configured to slidably receive the second arm for moving the first portion or the cap device relative to the second portion or the device body, respectively, between the open position and the closed position, e.g. parallel to the axial direction. Optionally, at least one of the second arm and the second cavity includes second friction reduction means for reducing friction between the second cavity and second first arm.
  • In this way, the stability of the attachment of the first portion/cap device to the second portion/device body can be increased because two arms are provided. The provision of two arms which are inserted in respective cavities increases the friction when moving the first portion along the arms of the second portion. To counteract this, the first friction reduction means and the second friction reduction means are provided so that even if two arms and two cavities are provided the insertion and/or removal movement is smooth and easy.
  • The above optional embodiments, features, and/or characteristics of the first arm, the first cavity, and the first friction reduction means can equally apply to the second arm, the second cavity and/or the second reduction means, respectively.
  • The provision of the second arm in addition to the first arm provides greater stability for attaching the cap device to the device body. In particular, rotational forces (e.g. around the longitudinal axes of the first and second arms or axial direction of the second portion) can be absorbed by the second arm. Further, the play and/or wriggle between the first cavity and the first arm can be reduced by the provision of the second arm and the second cavity.
  • The first arm and the second arm may extend parallel to each other. Similarly, the first cavity and the second cavity extend parallel to each other. The heating element may be arranged between the first arm and the second arm and may extend parallel to the first arm and/or the second arm.
  • The first arm and the first cavity may be mirror symmetric to the second arm and the second cavity, respectively. Similarly, the first friction reduction means may be mirror symmetric to the second friction reduction means. However, it is also possible that the first friction reduction means is arranged at a different location compared to the second friction reduction means and/or is of a different type.
  • In some examples, the first arm and the second arm each have inner surface areas that face each other and outer surface areas that face away from each other. Optionally, the first friction reduction means is arranged only on the inner surface area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means is arranged only on the inner surface area of the second arm. Alternatively, the first friction reduction means is arranged only on the outer surface area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means is arranged only on the outer surface area of the second arm.
  • In an alternative example, the first cavity and the second cavity each have inner wall areas that face each other and outer wall areas that face away from each other. Optionally, the first friction reduction is arranged only on the inner wall area of the first cavity and the second friction reduction means is arranged only on the inner wall area of the second cavity. Alternatively, the first friction reduction means is arranged only on the outer wall area of the first cavity and the second friction reduction means is arranged only on the outer wall area of the second cavity.
  • In this way, the respective inner surfaces or the respective outer surfaces can be pressed against the corresponding inner or outer wall areas for reducing the play between the first portion/cap device and the second portion/device body while simultaneously providing a smooth and easy movement of the first portion/cap device relative to the second portion/device body.
  • The first portion and the second portion may be configured such that the inner surfaces or the outer surfaces of the arms are pressed or in tight contact with the corresponding inner or outer wall areas of the of the respective cavities. This may be used to minimise or remove the play or wriggle of the first portion relative to the second portion.
  • For example, if the inner surfaces of the arms are tightly pressed against the respective surfaces on the inner walls of the cavities, there might be more play between the outer surfaces of the arms and the respective surfaces on the inner walls of the cavities. However, due to the tight fit of the inner surfaces of the arms against the respective surfaces of the inner walls of the cavities, no or only minimal play or wriggle may be present. However, this tight fit of the first arm in the first cavity and of the second arm in the second cavity increases the friction when moving the cap device relative to the device body if it is not compensated or reduced by the provision of the first friction reduction means and/or the second friction reduction means. In this example, the first and/or second friction reduction means can be provided on that surface of the arms or the cavities which are in tight contact as described above. Thus, even if there is tight contact between the arms and the cavities, the friction between the cap device and the device body can be small.
  • In some examples, the inner surface areas of the first arm and the second arm each have an axial length, wherein optionally the first friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the inner surface area of the first arm and second friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the inner surface area of the second arm. In an alternative example, the outer surface areas of the first arm and the second arm each have an axial length, wherein optionally the first friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the outer surface area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the outer surface area of the second arm.
  • In an alternative example, the inner wall areas of the first arm and the second arm each have an axial length, wherein optionally the first friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the inner wall area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the second arm. Alternatively, the outer wall areas of the first arm and the second arm each have an axial length, wherein optionally the first friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the outer wall area of the first arm and the second friction reduction means extends over the entire axial length of the outer wall area of the second arm.
  • In this way, the friction can be reduced over the entire length of tight contact between the arms and the respective cavities.
  • This disclosure may also refer to an aerosol generating system which includes the aerosol generating apparatus described therein and the consumable. The consumable may be heated by the heating element if the consumable is in contact with the heating element.
  • 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 or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and/or proceeding 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, aspect0s, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
  • Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.
    • Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol generating apparatus.
    • Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor.
    • Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2.
    • Fig. 4 is a schematic exploded view showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2.
    • Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a second portion of the apparatus of Fig. 4.
    • Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a first portion of the aerosol generating apparatus of Fig. 4.
    • Fig. 7 shows various views of the first portion of the aerosol generating apparatus of Fig. 6.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
  • Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and/or methods described herein could be embodied differently and/or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.
  • Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.
  • Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
  • All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.
  • The use of the term "a" or "an" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," as well as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." As such, the terms "a," "an," and "the," as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.
  • The use of the term "or" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
  • As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "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.
  • Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment 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:
    As used herein, an "aerosol generating apparatus" (or "electronic(e)-cigarette") may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally/alternatively be referred to as a "smoking substitute apparatus", if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible "smoking article" may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and/or pyrolysis). An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and/or an airflow sensor.
  • Each occurrence of the aerosol generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an "activation" of the aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength/duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).
  • The aerosol generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.
  • As used herein, an "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.
  • As used herein, a "precursor" may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol generating unit of an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and/or glycerine. The term "flavouring" may refer to a component that provides a taste and/or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other. The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.
  • As used herein, a "flow path" may refer to a path or enclosed passageway through an aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. for delivery of an aerosol to a user. The flow path may be arranged to receive aerosol from an aerosol generating unit. When referring to the flow path, upstream and downstream may be defined in respect of a direction of flow in the flow path, e.g. with an outlet being downstream of an inlet.
  • As used herein, a "delivery system" may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.
  • As used herein, a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user.
  • As used herein, a "puff" (or "inhale" or "draw") by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and/or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.
  • As used herein, an "aerosol generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol precursors) may be present in an aerosol generating apparatus.
  • As used herein, a "heating system" may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion.
  • As used herein, a "consumable" may refer to a unit that includes a precursor. The consumable may include an aerosol generating unit, e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The consumable may include a mouthpiece. The consumable may include an information carrying medium. With liquid or gel implementations of the precursor, e.g. an e-liquid, the consumable may be referred to as a "capsule" or a "pod" or an "e-liquid consumable". The capsule/pod may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the precursor. With solid material implementations of the precursor, e.g. tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulation, the consumable may be referred to as a "stick" or "package" or "heat-not-burn consumable". In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.
  • As used herein "heat-not-burn" (or "HNB" or "heated precursor") may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).
  • Referring to Fig. 1, an example aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The apparatus 1 includes an aerosol generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and/or an electrical connection to an external power source. The apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The apparatus 2 may also include a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.
  • Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 4 and aerosol generating unit 6.
  • In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.
  • Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the apparatus 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a-heat not-burn process.
  • In this example, the apparatus 1 includes a device body 50 and a consumable 70.
  • In this example, the device body 50 includes the power supply 4 and a heating system 52. The heating system 54 includes at least one heating element 54. The device body 50 may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.
  • The electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58.
  • The wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.
  • The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and/or a charging port, for example (see e.g. Fig. 3).
  • The device body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70. In use, a user may activate the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the device body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70 (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer, to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.
  • Fig. 3 shows an example implementation of the aerosol generating device 1 of Fig. 2.
  • As depicted in Fig. 3, the consumable 70 cam be implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the device body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the device body 50, which causes the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 to penetrate into the solid precursor 6.
  • The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the device body 50, and a filter distal to the device body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the apparatus 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.
  • In this example, the at least one heating element 54 is a rod-shaped element with a circular transverse profile. Other heating element shapes are possible, e.g. the at least one heating element 54 may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tube-shaped (e.g. with a hollow transverse profile).
  • In this example, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 further includes a cap device 51. In use the cap device 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the device body 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 3, the cap device 51 is moveable relative to the body 50. In particular, the cap device 51 is slidable and can slide along an axial direction of the device body 50 which may coincide or is parallel to a longitudinal direction of a first arm 104.
  • The device body 50 can also include an actuator 55 on an outer surface of the body 50. In this example, the actuator 55 has the form of a button.
  • The device body 50 may also include a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the apparatus 1 is activated and/or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 4. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.
  • The device body 50 may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.
  • In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable 70.
  • In this example, the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.
  • Referring to Figs. 4 to 7, a further example of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is shown. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Figs. 4 to 7 includes the same optional features, characteristics, and/or embodiments as the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 3 except for the following differences.
  • The aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Figs. 4 to 7 includes the device body 50 and the cap device 51. The cap device 51 includes a cap housing 80, a first portion 82 (which may be regarded as a cap chassis), and/or a mouthpiece element 84. The device body 50 includes a bridge element 86, a second portion 88, the heating element 54, a device housing 90, a front cover 92, and/or a rear cover 94. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may also include a cleaning tool 96.
  • The first portion 82 of the cap device 51 may be a unitary component made from a plastic material. For example, the first portion 82 may be moulded in a single processing step. The first portion 82 may be considered a chassis for supporting the mouthpiece element 84 and the cap housing 80.
  • The first portion 82 includes a first cavity 100 and/or a second cavity 102. The first cavity 100 and/or the second cavity 102 are elongate and extend parallel to the axial direction of the device body 50 in a closed position. The first cavity 100 and/or the second cavity 102 are configured to receive the first arm 104 and/or a second arm 106, respectively, of the second portion 88. Thus, in the closed position, the first arm 104 is located within the first cavity 100 and the second arm 106 is located within the second cavity 102.
  • The first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106 are provided for supporting the cap device 51 on the device body 50. Thus, the first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106 have sufficient strength for supporting the cap device 51 on the device body 50. The cap device 51 is supported on the device body 50 by the interaction between the first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106 with the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. For example, the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102 are shaped to conform to the first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106, respectively, for example such that there is only minimal play so that the cap device 51 is tightly fitted to the device body 50.
  • The first portion 82 further includes a heating chamber 108 for receiving the heating element 54 in the closed position. An axis of the heating chamber 108 coincides with or is coaxial to an axis of the heating element 54. The heating chamber 108 is dimensioned to receive the consumable 70. The heating chamber 108 may be closed by the mouthpiece element 84. The heating chamber 108 may be a part of the delivery system 8.
  • The mouthpiece element 84 may generally have the shape of a wheel or disk and is rotatably supported by the first portion 82. For example, the first portion 82 may include an axle bearing 110 which might include opposing through-holes in a cavity in which the mouthpiece element 84 is received. The mouthpiece element 84 may be include an axle which is inserted into the through-holes of the axle bearing 110. In this way, the mouthpiece element 84 may be rotated, for example by a user. The mouthpiece element 84 includes an air passage 112 which may have to same diameter as the heating chamber 108. The air passage 112 may be a part of the delivery system 8.
  • In an open position of the mouthpiece element 84, the air passage 112 is coaxial to the heating chamber 108 so that the consumable 70 can be inserted into the heating chamber 108 through the air passage 112. In a closed position of the mouthpiece element 84, the mouthpiece element 84 blocks the heating chamber 108. The mouthpiece element 84 may be brought from the closed position to the open position and vice versa by rotating the heating element 84. In the closed position of the mouthpiece element 84, the air passage 112 may have an angle of 90° compared to the open position.
  • The first portion 82 may also include a first spring attachment portion 114 for attaching a spring element (not shown in figures) to the first portion 82 and, therefore, to the cap device 51. The spring element may further be attached to the device body 50 for providing a bi-stable configuration of the cap device 51 relative to the device body 50. The other end of the spring element may be attached to a second spring attachment portion 116 which is arranged on the spring bridge element 86. The first spring attachment portion 114 and the second spring attachment portion 116 may be pins that protrude from the first portion 82 and the bridge element 86, respectively. The spring element may be part of a fixing means for holding and/or maintaining the first portion 82 either in a closed position or in a cleaning position (which is an example of the open position of the cap device 51).
  • The bridge element 86 may be made from a reinforced plastic material and is attached to the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. For example, the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 each include a slot through which ends of the bridge element 86 are inserted. The bridge element 86 may be attached the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 by a snap fit connection.
  • In the closed position, the cap device 51 abuts against the device body 50 and the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 are fully inserted into the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. In the closed position, the cap device 51 covers the heating element 54 so that the heating element 54 is not accessible by a user. The heating chamber 108 may completely surround the heating element 54 in the closed position. The consumable 70 may be inserted into the heating chamber 108 via the mouthpiece element 84 if the mouthpiece element 84 is in the open position.
  • In the cleaning position, the cap device 51 is positioned away from the device body 50 compared to the closed position. This may be achieved by sliding the first portion 82 or the cap device 51 along the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. In the cleaning position, the heating element 54 is accessible by the user, for example for cleaning the heating element 54. The first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may only partly be located within the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. However, the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may be sufficiently inserted into the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively, so that first arm 104 and the second arm 162 can still support the cap device 51 on the device body 50. The spring element biases the cap device 51 to the closed position or to the cleaning position. The bridge element 86 may provide a stopper or abutment portion against which the cap device 51, optionally the first portion 82, abuts in the cleaning position.
  • The cap housing 80 of the cap device 51 covers the first portion 82 and/or partly the mouthpiece element 84. The cap housing 80 may be made from a metal material and may be made from the same material as the device housing 90. Thus, in the closed position, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a continuous outer surface as there is no gap between the cap housing 80 and the device housing 90. The cap housing 80 may be attached to the first portion 82 by a snap fit connection. The mouthpiece element 84 may protrude from the first portion 82 and the cap housing 80 both in the open position and the closed position.
  • The front cover 92 and the rear cover 94 may surround the power supply 4 (e.g. including battery), the electrical circuitry 56, the memory 58, the wireless interface 60, and/or the other components 62. As such, they are not visible in Fig. 4. The front cover 92 may include a button and/or a user interface (e.g. including one or more LEDs). The front cover 92 and the rear cover 94 may be surrounded by device housing 90 and/or may be made from a plastic material.
  • The front cover 92, the rear cover 94, and/or the device housing 90 may be attached to the second portion 88, e.g. using a snap fit connection. The second portion 88 includes the first arm 104, the second arm 106, and/or a base portion 118. The first arm 104, the second arm 106, and the base portion 118 may be a unitary component, e.g. moulded from a plastic material. The first arm 104, the second arm 106, and the heating element 54 may protrude from the base portion 118. The heating element 54 can extend parallel to the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. Thus, the heating element 54 is arranged between the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. The base portion 118 may form a top end of the device body 50.
  • As visible from Figs. 6 and 7, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 further includes a first friction reduction means 120 and/or a second friction reduction means 122. In the example of Fig. 6 and 7, the first friction reduction means 120 and/or the second friction reduction means 122 include grooves and ribs (forming a serrated surface topography) that extend along the longitudinal direction of the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. Thus, the first friction reduction means 120 and/or the second friction reduction means 122 provide a plurality of discrete areas (lines) of contact between the arms 104, 106 and the cavities 104, 106. The plurality of discrete contact is spaced along a circumferential direction of the first cavity 100 and second cavity 102, respectively.
  • In the example of Fig. 6 and 7, the first friction reduction means 120 and/or the second friction reduction means 122 are only arranged on an inner surface of the first cavity 100 and second cavity 102, respectively. The first portion 82 and the second portion 88 may be configured such that the first arm 104 presses against the inner surface of the first cavity 100 whereas the pressure between an outer surface of the first cavity 100 is smaller compared to the pressure between the inner surface of the first cavity 100 and the first arm 104 (for example there is some play between the outer surface of the first cavity 100 and the corresponding surface of the first arm 104) . Further, the first portion 82 and the second portion 88 may be further configured such that the second arm 106 presses against the inner surface of the second cavity 102 whereas the pressure between an outer surface of the second cavity 102 is smaller compared to the pressure between the inner surface of the second cavity 102 and the second arm 106 (for example there is some play between the outer surface of the second cavity 102 and the corresponding surface of the second arm 106). This allows to attach the cap device 51 to the device body 50 with minimal play.
  • The first friction reduction means 120 and the second friction reduction means 122 reduce the friction at an area of contact with the pressure between the arms 104, 106 and the cavities 100, 102 is highest. This provides a smooth and easy movement of the company was 51 along the first arm 104 and the second arm 106.
  • Other embodiments of the first friction reduction means 120 and the second friction reduction means 122 are possible, such as polished surfaces and/or material portions made from a material with low friction coefficient.
  • The rear housing 92 may include a slot which provides a channel 124 for the cleaning tool 96 in cooperation with the device housing 90. The channel 124 may be shaped and dimensioned such that the cleaning tool 96 can be inserted into the channel 124 along a direction of extension of the channel 124. The rear housing may include means for removably holding or maintaining the cleaning tool 96 in the channel 124.
  • The cleaning tool 96 may be used for cleaning the heating element 54, for example if the cap device 51 is in the cleaning position. To this end, the cleaning tool 96 may be removed from the channel 124 and inserted into the channel 124 after cleaning. The cleaning tool 96 may be a component separate from the aerosol generating apparatus 1.

Claims (15)

  1. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:
    a device body (50) having an aerosol-generating unit (4) for generating an aerosol from a consumable, and
    a cap device (51),
    wherein one of the device body (50) and the cap device (51) includes a first arm (104) extending parallel to an axial direction of the aerosol generating apparatus (1), and the other of the device body (50) and the cap device (51) includes a first cavity (100),
    wherein the first cavity (100) slidably receives the first arm (104) for moving the cap device (51) relative to the device body (50) along the axial direction between a closed position and an open position, and
    wherein at least one of the first arm (104) and the first cavity (100) includes a first friction reduction means (120) for reducing friction between the first cavity (100) and the first arm (104).
  2. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first friction reduction means (120) provides a plurality of discrete areas of contact between the first arm (104) and the first cavity (100), the plurality of discrete areas of contact being circumferentially spaced around a sliding direction of the first arm (104) relative to the first cavity (100).
  3. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first friction reduction means (120) includes grooves and/or ribs.
  4. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the grooves and/or ribs extend parallel to the axial direction.
  5. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein the grooves and/or ribs are provided by a sliding surface of one of the first cavity (100) and the first arm (104), and a corresponding sliding surface of the other of the first cavity (100) and the first arm (104) being substantially smooth.
  6. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first friction reduction means (120) is integrally formed with the first arm (104) and/or the first cavity (100).
  7. The aerosol generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the one of the device body (50) and the cap device (51) further includes a second arm (106), and the other of the device body (50) and the cap device (51) includes a second cavity (102), the first arm (104) extending parallel to the second arm (106),
    wherein the second cavity (102) slidably receives the second arm (106) for moving the cap device (51) between the closed position and the open position,
    wherein at least one of the second arm (106) and the second cavity (102) includes second friction reduction means (122) for reducing friction between the second cavity (102) and second first arm (104).
  8. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) each have inner surface areas that face each other and outer surface areas that face away from each other,
    wherein the friction reduction means (120, 122) are arranged only on the inner surface areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106), or
    wherein the friction reduction means (120, 122) are arranged only on the outer surface areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106).
  9. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the inner surface areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) each have an axial length, the first friction reduction means (120) extending over the entire axial length of the inner surface areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106), or
    wherein the outer surface areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) each have an axial length, the friction reduction means (120, 122) extending over the entire axial length of the outer surface areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106).
  10. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first cavity (100) and the second cavity (102) each have inner wall areas that face each other and outer wall areas that face away from each other,
    wherein the friction reduction means (120, 122) are arranged only on the inner wall areas of the first cavity (100) and the second cavity (102), or
    wherein the friction reduction means (120, 122) are arranged only on the outer wall areas of the first cavity (100) and the second cavity (102).
  11. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the inner wall areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) each have an axial length, the first friction reduction means (120) extending over the entire axial length of the inner wall areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106), or
    wherein the outer wall areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) each have an axial length, the friction reduction means (120, 122) extending over the entire axial length of the outer wall areas of the first arm (104) and the second arm (106).
  12. A cap device configured to be attached to a device body (50), comprising
    a first cavity (100) configured to slidably receive a first arm (104) of the device body (50) for moving the cap device (51) relative to the device body (50) along an axial direction,
    wherein the first cavity (100) includes first friction reduction means (120) for reducing friction between the first cavity (100) and the first arm (104).
  13. A cap device configured to be attached to a device body (50), comprising
    a first arm (104) configured to be slidably inserted into a first cavity (100) of the device body (50) for moving the cap device (51) relative to the device (50) body along an axial direction,
    wherein the first arm (104) includes first friction reduction means (120) for reducing friction between the first cavity (100) and the first arm (104).
  14. A device body configured to be attached to a cap device (51), comprising
    a first arm (104) configured to be slidably inserted into a first cavity (100) of the cap device (51) for moving the cap device (51) relative to the device body (50) along an axial direction,
    wherein the first arm (104) includes first friction reduction means (120) for reducing friction between the first cavity (100) and the first arm (104).
  15. A device body configured to be attached to a cap device (51), comprising
    a first cavity (100) configured to slidably receive a first arm (104) of the cap device (51) for moving the cap device (51) relative to the device (50) body along an axial direction,
    wherein the first cavity (100) includes first friction reduction means (120) for reducing friction between the first cavity (100) and the first arm (104).
EP24157775.8A 2024-02-15 2024-02-15 Aerosol generating apparatus, cap device, and device body Pending EP4602951A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24157775.8A EP4602951A1 (en) 2024-02-15 2024-02-15 Aerosol generating apparatus, cap device, and device body
PCT/EP2025/053819 WO2025172417A1 (en) 2024-02-15 2025-02-13 Aerosol generating apparatus, cap device, and device body

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24157775.8A EP4602951A1 (en) 2024-02-15 2024-02-15 Aerosol generating apparatus, cap device, and device body

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4602951A1 true EP4602951A1 (en) 2025-08-20

Family

ID=89977290

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24157775.8A Pending EP4602951A1 (en) 2024-02-15 2024-02-15 Aerosol generating apparatus, cap device, and device body

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4602951A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2025172417A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220125109A1 (en) * 2019-01-15 2022-04-28 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating device with movable top cover
US20220312838A1 (en) * 2019-07-10 2022-10-06 Nicoventures Trading Limited Vapor delivery systems
EP3666092B1 (en) * 2018-12-10 2023-01-04 Shenzhen Smoore Technology Limited Atomization device and method for assembling atomization device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3666092B1 (en) * 2018-12-10 2023-01-04 Shenzhen Smoore Technology Limited Atomization device and method for assembling atomization device
US20220125109A1 (en) * 2019-01-15 2022-04-28 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating device with movable top cover
US20220312838A1 (en) * 2019-07-10 2022-10-06 Nicoventures Trading Limited Vapor delivery systems

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2025172417A1 (en) 2025-08-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP4602951A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus, cap device, and device body
EP4602962A1 (en) Cleaning tool system
EP4602941A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4602952A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4602949A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4602946A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
WO2025171536A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4602938A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4602950A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4487709A1 (en) Aerosol generating device
EP4602953A1 (en) Cap device for an aerosol generating apparatus and aerosol generating apparatus
EP4487708A1 (en) Aerosol generating device
EP4602943A1 (en) A device for generating an aerosol
US20260047602A1 (en) Aerosol generating device
EP4602945A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4580435A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4529781A1 (en) Aerosol-generating apparatus
EP4602944A1 (en) Method of manufacturing an aerosol generating apparatus
EP4602948A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4602942A1 (en) Component for aerosol-generating apparatus
WO2025129649A1 (en) Aerosol-generating apparatus
EP4663046A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4699465A1 (en) Aerosol generating apparatus
EP4573939A1 (en) Heat-not-burn consumable and apparatus
EP4663045A1 (en) Component for an aerosol generating apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR