EP4652879A1

EP4652879A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4652879A1
Application number: EP24177751.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrew Thornton; James Sheridan
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-23
Filing date: 2024-05-23
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Also published as: WO2025242838A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision device for use with an aerosol generating material comprises a power source receiving portion and a removeable power source arranged within the power source receiving portion for supplying power for consumption by a component of the device. The aerosol provision device also comprises a cover arranged such that when in a closed position the cover closes an opening to the power source receiving portion, along with a locking mechanism arranged to hold the cover in the closed position. The device further comprises a user interface comprising a control member configured to control electrical operation of the device and is arranged to release the locking mechanism so as to allow the cover to move out of the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called "heat not burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an aerosol provision device, for use with an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising:

a power source receiving portion,
a removable power source, arranged within the power source receiving portion, for supplying power for consumption by a component of the device;
a cover arranged such that when in a closed position the cover closes an opening to the power source receiving portion;
a locking mechanism arranged to hold the cover in the closed position; and
a user interface comprising:
a control member configured to control electrical operation of the device and arranged to release the locking mechanism so as to allow the cover to move out of the closed position.

Optionally, the control member is arranged to release the locking mechanism when the control member is moved in at least a: first type of movement, followed by a second, different type of movement.
Optionally, the first type of movement comprises one of a: rotation, lowering, raising, tilting, pressing, pulling and sliding of the control member and the second movement comprises a different one of a: rotation, lowering, raising, tilting, pressing, pulling and sliding of the control member.
Optionally, the first type of movement may comprise a movement in one direction, and the second type of movement may comprise movement in a different direction.
Optionally, the control member is mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism.
Optionally, the control member may be mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism such that movement of the control member physically drives movement of the locking mechanism.
Optionally, the control member is electronically coupled to the locking mechanism.
Optionally, the locking mechanism may comprise an electromagnetic locking mechanism, motor driven and/or linear actuator.
Optionally, the control member is configured such that at least a predetermined threshold force has to be applied to the control member in order to release the locking mechanism.
Optionally, the threshold force may be tuned such that two-handed grip of the device required.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a body arranged adjacent the control member, wherein the body comprises a first protruding portion arranged to engage a second protruding portion on the control member, the first and second protruding portions setting the predetermined threshold force such that in order to move the control member to release the locking mechanism, the predetermined threshold force has to be applied to the control member such that the second protruding portion can move past the first protruding portion.
Optionally, the electrical operation of the device comprises an operational mode in which the device operates.
Optionally, the operational mode may comprise: switching the device on and/or off, operating the device in a first (e.g. base) mode, and/or operating the device in a second (e.g. boost) mode.
Optionally, the operational mode may determine the generation of aerosol.
Optionally, the electrical operation of the device comprises the supply of electrical power to a heating arrangement.
Optionally, the heating element may be part of the device, or part of an article received by the device.
Optionally, the control member is attached to the cover so as to move with the cover. Optionally, the control member at least partially defines the cover.
Optionally, the cover may move between an open position and the closed position.
Optionally, the control member is also configured to lock the locking mechanism so as to hold the cover in the closed position.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a housing which defines an opening which the cover closes, and wherein the cover is arranged to move relative to the housing such that the cover rotates and translates relative to the housing such that when in an open position the cover does not obstruct the opening.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a housing which defines an opening which the cover closes, and wherein the cover can be detached from the housing.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a housing which defines an opening which the cover closes, and wherein the cover is pivotally attached to the housing.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a housing which defines an opening to the power source receiving portion, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of locking members which provide a plurality of spaced points of engagement between the cover and the housing.
Optionally, the power source comprises a battery, a super capacitor, a lithium ion capacitor or a power generator. The power generator may convert any suitable form of energy into any other suitable form of energy (e.g. electrical power) for consumption by the device and/or article. The power generator may, for example, be configured to convert kinetic energy into electrical power.
Optionally, the power source receiving portion may comprise a cavity defined within the device.
Optionally, the cavity may be defined by a housing of the device.
Optionally, the power source receiving portion may be dimensioned to receive the entire removable power source such that no part of the removable power source extends out of the power source receiving portion when it is entirely contained therein.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device may comprise a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the aerosol generating material may be part of an article.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device may comprise an article receiving portion configured to receive the article.
Optionally, the article may comprise a heating arrangement arranged to heat the aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the removable power source may provide power to the heating arrangement, and/or any other suitable electrical component of the device or article receive therein.
According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising:

an aerosol generating material; and
the aerosol provision device according to any example described herein.

Features of any aspect or embodiment described herein may, wherever appropriate, be applied to any other aspect or embodiment described herein. Where reference is made to different embodiments or sets of embodiments, it should be understood that these are not necessarily distinct but may overlap.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 shows an expanded schematic view, focussing on a power source receiving portion and a user interface, of the aerosol provision device shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a top portion of an aerosol provision device in which the cover is in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a top portion of the aerosol provision device in shown in Fig. 3 in which the cover is in an open position;
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a top portion of an aerosol provision device shown in Fig. 3 in which the removeable power source is being removed from the power source receiving portion;
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism of the aerosol provision device shown in Figs. 3-5;
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism of the aerosol provision device shown in Figs. 3-5;
Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a top portion of an aerosol provision device in which the control member is configured to slide in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a top portion of the aerosol provision device in shown in Fig. 8 in which the control member is configured to be lifted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of a top portion of an aerosol provision device in which the control member is configured to be rotated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of a top portion of the aerosol provision device shown in Fig. 10 in which the control member is configured to be lowered in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of a top portion of an aerosol provision device in which the control member is configured to be tilted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 13 shows a side schematic view of a top portion of the aerosol provision device shown in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 shows a schematic view of an aerosol provision device, focussing on the control member, in which the control member is configured to require a threshold force to operate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of an aerosol provision device shown in Fig. 14, focussing on the cover, in which the cover has separated from a housing of the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 16A shows an expanded schematic view of an aerosol provision device, focussing on the power source receiving portion, in which the cover is closed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 16B shows an expanded schematic view of the aerosol provision device shown in Fig. 16A, focussing on the power source receiving portion, in which the cover is translated relative to a housing of the aerosol provision device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Fig. 16C shows an expanded schematic view of the aerosol provision device shown in Fig. 16A, focussing on the power source receiving portion, in which the cover is rotated relative to a housing of the aerosol provision device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as "smokable material".
The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.
According to the present disclosure, the aerosol provision system may comprise a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system which is a system where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable (or article) for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.
Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an aerosol provision system 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol provision system 101 comprises an aerosol provision device 100 (hereinafter "device 100"), according to any embodiment described herein, for use with, e.g. for generating an aerosol from, an aerosol generating material. The device 100 may be a non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 and thus the aerosol provision system 101 may be a non-combustible aerosol provision system 101. The aerosol provision system 101 comprises an article 170.
The device 100 may further comprise, as depicted, a heating arrangement 120. The heating arrangement 120 may comprise an inductive heating arrangement, comprising a susceptor and inductive coil, and/or a resistive heating arrangement. In some embodiments, the article 170 may comprise all, or part, of the heating arrangement 120. For example, the article 170 may comprise a susceptor, and the device 100 may comprise an inductive coil. In some embodiments, the article 170 may comprise an electrically resistive track configured to heat the article 170. The electrically resistive track may be electrically connected to the device 100 when the article 170 is suitably received by the device 100.
The device 100 may comprise, as depicted, an article receiving portion 110 configured to receive the article 170. The article receiving portion 110 may be in the form of a cavity or a chamber within the aerosol provision device 100 for receiving the article 170 therein. The cavity or chamber may be defined by a body 102 (sometimes referred to as a housing) of the device 100. It will be appreciated, however, that the article receiving portion 110 may take any form that is suitable for receiving the article 110.
As depicted in Figure 1, the article 170 may be separate to (e.g. separable or removable from) the aerosol provision device 100. The article 170 may comprise an aerosol generating material 175, such that when the article 170 is received within the article receiving portion 110, the heating arrangement 120 can heat the aerosol generating material 175, thereby producing an aerosol. The aerosol may then be inhaled by a user. The heating arrangement 120 may be considered to be an aerosol generator. Whilst the embodiments depicted show the aerosol generating material 175 as part of an article 170 which is received by the device 100, in other embodiments the aerosol generating material 175 may be inserted directly, e.g. in liquid form, into the device 100. As such, the aerosol generating material may not necessarily form part of an article.
As shown in Figure 1, the device 100 comprises a removable power source 160 and a power source receiving portion 150, which has an opening 155 for receiving the power source 160. The power source receiving portion 150 may be in the form of a cavity or a chamber within the aerosol provision device 100, e.g. in the body 102 thereof, suitably shaped and/or dimensioned for receiving the removable power source 160 therein. In embodiments where the power source receiving portion 150 takes the form of a cavity, the power source receiving portion 150 may be defined by a body 102 of the device 100. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the power source receiving portion 150 may be dimensioned such that the entire removable power source 160 may be received within the power source receiving portion 150. In such an embodiment, no part of the removable power source 160 extends out of the power source receiving portion 150 when it is fully received therein. It will be appreciated, however, that the power source receiving portion 150 may take any suitable form that is capable of suitably receiving the removable power source 160. For example, the power source receiving portion 150 may be dimensioned such that when a removable power source 160 is received therein, a portion of the removable power source 160 extends from the power source receiving portion.
In Figure 1 the removeable power source 160 is shown positioned within the power source receiving portion 150. The removable power source 160 may be received by the power source receiving portion 150 by passing the removable power source 160 through the opening 155 of the power source receiving portion 150.
The power source receiving portion 150 may comprise electrical contacts (not shown) configured to make electrical contact with respective electrical contacts (not shown) on the removable power source 160 when the removable power source 160 is received within the power source receiving portion 150. When the removeable power source 160 is received within the power source receiving portion 150, and an electrical connection is established therein, the removeable power source 160 may supply power for consumption by at least one component of the device 100 (e.g. the heating arrangement 120).
The removable power source 160 may comprise a battery. For example, the removable power source 160 may comprise at least one of: a battery (which may be single use or rechargeable), a rechargeable solid-state battery (SSB), a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB) or the like, a hermetically sealed battery, a pouch cell battery or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the removable power source 160 may in addition, or alternatively, comprise at least one of a super capacitor, a lithium ion capacitor and a power generator. As discussed above, the power generator may convert one type of energy into another type of energy for consumption by the device 100 and/or article 170. For example, the power generator may convert kinetic power into electrical power. In such embodiments, the power generator may comprise an actuation member, e.g. a rotatable handle, which can be moved by a user so as to input kinetic energy into the power generator.
In some embodiments, the removable power source 160 may provide power to the heating arrangement 120. In some embodiments, the removable power source 160 is configured to provide power to electrical components of the device 100 (e.g. the controller 130) or the article 170 received therein (e.g. in embodiments wherein the article 170 comprises a power consuming component such as a resistive heating element). In some embodiments, the removable power source 160 is configured to provide power to the heating arrangement 120 in addition to any other suitable electrical component of the device 100 or article 170 received therein.
As depicted in Figure 1, the device 100 further comprises a cover 140, which is moveable between an open position (depicted by dashed lines 140a) in which the opening 155 of the power source receiving portion 150 is accessible to a user of the device 100, and a closed position (depicted in solid line in Figure 1) in which the cover 140 closes the opening 155 to the power source receiving portion. The cover 140 may be moved manually by a user, and/or it may be moved via an actuator and/or a motor and/or a resilient bias (e.g. a spring) of the device 100. The cover 140 may act to close the opening 155 and thus close the power source receiving portion 150. The cover 140 thus may function to hold the removable power source 160 within the power source receiving portion 150. The cover 140 may, in addition, prevent the ingress of material (e.g. liquid and dirt) from reaching the power source receiving portion 150, and thus the removable power source 160. The cover 140 may thus function to protect the removable power source 160.
The device 100 further comprises a locking mechanism 180 which, in the example depicted in Figure 1, further comprises a locking member 182. The locking member 182 may move between a closed position (as depicted in solid line Figure 1), and an open position (as depicted by dashed lines 182a). The locking mechanism 180, by means of the locking member 182, may be arranged to hold the cover 140 in the closed position. Thus, when the cover 140 is closed (as depicted in Figure 1), the locking member 182 may move into a position over the cover 140, stopping any movement of the cover 140 towards the open position 140a. As will be appreciated, the locking mechanism 180 depicted in Figure 1 is merely illustrational and any suitable form of locking mechanism may be utilised.
In addition, or alternatively to the cover 140 set out above, the power source receiving portion 150 may be provided with mechanical retaining means configured to retain the removable power source 160 within the power source receiving portion 150. Such a mechanical retaining means may, for example, comprise a latch, clip, or any other suitable arrangement for holding the removable power source 160 in position. Such a mechanical retaining means may prevent the removable power source 160 from inadvertently becoming separated from the device 100. In such embodiments, the control member 192 may function to release the mechanical retaining means in addition to, or instead of, releasing the locking mechanism.
The device 100, as depicted in Figure 1, further comprises a user interface 190. The user interface 190 provides a means for the user to control and operate the device 100 (e.g. the user interface 190 may provide a means for controlling electrical operation of the device 100). The user interface comprises a control member 192 for the purpose of operating the device 100. Specifically, the control member 192 is configured to both control electrical operation of the device 100 and is arranged to release the locking mechanism 180 so as to allow the cover 140 to move out of the closed position. Controlling electrical operation of the device 100 may comprise controlling operational mode in which the device 100 operates, and the operational mode may determine the generation of aerosol from the device 100. Electrical operation of the device 100 may comprise one or more of the following: activating and/or deactivating the device 100; activating the heating arrangement 120; selecting a heating level for the heating arrangement 120; setting a timed heating period for the heating arrangement 120; commencing operating of the device 100 in a first mode (e.g. a base mode); commencing operation of the device 100 in a second mode (e.g. a boost mode); setting the number of puffs to be taken by the user; setting a nicotine dosage; and ejecting the article 170. The base mode may comprise the device 100 generating a first level (e.g. amount) of aerosol, and the boost mode may comprise the device 100 generating a second (e.g. higher) level of aerosol.
Releasing of the locking mechanism 180 via operation of the control member 192 may be achieved via a direct mechanical connection between the control member 192 and the locking mechanism 180, or via an electrical connection between the control member 192 and the locking member 182. Releasing the locking mechanism 180 may permit allow the cover 140 to be moved out of the closed position.
Releasing the locking mechanism 180 so as to allow the cover 140 to move out of the closed position may allow for a user of the device 100 to access the power source receiving portion 150 via the opening 155 thereof, and remove the removable power source 160. This may allow the user to replace the power source 160, for example in situations where the power source 160 is discharged (e.g. so as to recharge the power source 160 in examples where the power source 160 is rechargeable, or completely replace the power source 160 when it is single use), or in situations where there is a fault with the power source 160.
More detail on the cover 140, locking mechanism 180, and user interface 190 will be provided with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows an expanded view of the device 100 shown in Figure 1, focussing on the power source receiving portion 150. As can be seen in Figure 2, the cover 140 is moveable between an open position 140a, and a closed position 140b. In some embodiments, the cover 140 is pivotally mounted to the housing 102 through a pivot 141. In a similar manner to the cover 140, the locking member 182 of the locking mechanism 180 is moveable between an open position 182a and a locking position 182b by moving about a pivot 181. Whilst the cover 140 and the locking member 182 are depicted as being pivotably movable between their respective positions, it should be understood that the locking member 182 and the cover 140 may move in any other suitable manner, e.g. through sliding. The cover 140 and/or the locking member 182 may be arranged to move through to move through manual operation by a user and/or through operation by one or more: motors, actuators, a resilient bias (e.g. one or more springs) or any combination thereof. The locking mechanism 180 more generally comprise motors and/or linear actuators for effecting the operation of the locking mechanism 180.
In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 180 may also comprise an electromagnetic locking mechanism 103, which may be used to securely hold the cover 140 in the closed position 140b. The electromagnetic locking mechanism 103 may, for example, comprise an electromagnetic member 183 which is disposed on a side of the locking member 182 which faces the cover 140 when the cover 140 is in the closed position 140b. The electromagnetic locking mechanism 103 also comprises a metallic element 184 which is disposed on a side of the cover 140 which faces the locking member 182 when the cover 140 is in a closed position 140b, and the locking member 182 is in the locked position 182b. When powered, for example using power drawn from the removeable power source 160, the electromagnetic member 183 may generate a magnetic field such that the metallic member 184 is attracted to the electromagnetic member 183, securing the cover 140 in the closed position 140b, and preventing the cover 140 from being moved out of the closed position 140b. The metallic member 184 may be made of a metallic material or alloy (e.g. iron, steel, nickel, etc.) which is attracted to the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic member 183. Whilst a locking mechanism 180 comprising an electromagnetic locking mechanism 103 is depicted in Figure 2, it will be appreciated that any suitable form of locking mechanism may be employed.
With further reference to Figure 2, the user interface 190 comprises a control member 192 and an indicator 194. The indicator 194 may provide an indication of a status of the device 100, such as the activation status of the heating arrangement 120, whereas the control member 192 allows for the user to control electrical operation of the device 100, as well as release the locking mechanism 180. The indicator 194 may include a display, one or more lights, a speaker, a haptic device or a combination thereof. In embodiments where the indicator 194 comprises a display, the display may be configured to display one or more alphanumerical characters and/or pictographs.
As illustrated in Figure 2, in some embodiments, it may be possible to move the control member 192 in multiple different types of movement. Specifically, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the control member 192 can be rotated and pressed. The rotation may be considered to be a first type of movement of the control member 192 and the pressing may be considered to be a second type of movement of the control member 192. In the specific embodiment shown, the control member 192 can be rotated about an axis parallel to the surface of the housing 102 of the device 100 on which the control member 192 is arranged. In this embodiment, the control member 192 can be rotated in an 'upward' direction A, and a 'downward' direction B. The control member 192 may also be moved in a linear, 'inward' direction C (i.e. pressed, lowered or clicked in towards the housing 102). In some embodiments movement of the control member 192 along one of these directions may allow for a user to control electrical operation of the device 100, and movement along a second of these directions may allow for the user to release the locking mechanism 180. For example, the control member 192 may be electrically coupled to the locking mechanism 180 so as to release the locking mechanism 180 and allow the cover 140 to move out of the closed position 140b.
The control member 192 may be operatively (e.g. electrically) connected to the controller 130 which may ultimately control operation of the device 100 and/or command the locking mechanism 180 to release the cover 140.
The provision of the control member 192 which permits both control over the electrical operation of the device 100 and being arranged to release the locking mechanism 180 may reduce the overall number of components required to manufacture the device 100. In a similar way, it may also reduce the number of user operable components of the device 100, which may improve the ease of use for a user.
In some embodiments, the control member 192 may be arranged to release the locking mechanism 180 when it is moved in a first type of movement (e.g. rotation through A or B; or linear movement through C) followed by a second, different type of movement (e.g. a different one of a rotation through A or B; or a linear movement C).
The requirement for a user to perform a first type of movement followed by a second type of movement on the control member 192 may ensure that release of the locking mechanism 180 only occurs when intended by the user and may thus reduce the number of instances where accidental release of the locking mechanism 180 occurs.
Alternatively, or in addition, the locking mechanism 180 may be released when the control member 192 is moved in a first direction (e.g. rotation in direction A), followed by movement in a different direction (e.g. e.g. rotation in direction B). Releasing the locking mechanism 180 after the control member 192 has completed two different types of movement and/or has moved in two different directions may prevent a user from unintentionally releasing the locking mechanism 180. Unintentional release of the locking mechanism 180 could allow the cover 140 to move out of the closed position, which could cause the removeable power source 160 to become disconnected from the device 100. The power source 160 may then fall and strike a surface, potentially causing damage to the power source 160 such that it is rendered unsafe or inoperable.
Whilst in the embodiment depicted, the control member 192 controls the operation of the locking mechanism 180 via an electrical connection, it should be understood that the control member 192 may instead or additionally be mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism 180. Further details on such embodiments will now be provided with reference to Figure 3.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a top portion of an aerosol provision device 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Arranged on a body 202 of the device 200, is a cover 240. In some embodiments, as depicted, the cover 240 has an aperture 211 leading to an article receiving portion (not visible in this Figure). In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the device 200 also comprises a user interface 290. In some embodiments, as shown, the user interface 290 forms part of (i.e. at least partially defines) the cover 240. As with the previous embodiment, the user interface 290 comprises a control member 292 which, in the embodiment of Figure 3, is substantially circular. The control member 292 may be considered to be a rotatable dial in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. However, it will be appreciated that the control member 292 may take any suitable shape. For example, the control member 292 may be square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc. The control member 292 may be attached to the cover 240 so as to move with the cover 240, though in some embodiments, the control member 292 may not be attached to the cover 240.
The control member 292, similarly to the control member 190 of the previous embodiments, may have several different types of movement in which it may be moved, some of which may be required in order to release the locking mechanism 280. For example, the control member 292 of the present embodiment may be rotated (i.e. moved in a first type of movement) around an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis 203 of the device 200, and then may be lowered (e.g. depressed downward) (i.e. moved according to a second type of movement) along that same axis in order to release the locking mechanism 280 (not visible in Fig. 3). In other embodiments, the reverse may be required to be performed in order to release the locking mechanism 280. In some embodiments, the control member 292 may only need to be moved through a single type of movement to release the locking mechanism 280. Rotation of the control member 292, without movement in a second different type of movement, may generally control electrical operation of the device 200. In some embodiments, in order to release the locking arrangement (not visible in Figure 3) it may be necessary to overcome a threshold force before the control member 292 can be moved in a particular direction. For example, it may be possible to freely move the control member 292 in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction to a certain angular extent. However, further movement past a certain angular extent may require a user to apply a threshold force to achieve further rotation and thus release the locking mechanism 280.
As mentioned above regarding Figure 3, requiring the control member 292 to be moved in a first type of movement followed by a second, different type of movement may prevent the user from unintentionally releasing the locking mechanism 280. The control member 292 may be moved through many different kinds of movement, which may include, and is not limited to: rotation, raising, lowering, tilting, pressing, pulling, or sliding.
In some embodiments, to provide yet further protection against unintentional releasing of the locking mechanism 280, thereby preventing unintentional opening of the cover 240, the control member 292 may be required to be moved through at least three different kinds of movement in sequence. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of different types of movement may be required.
More detail regarding the locking mechanism 280, the cover 240, and associated features will now be considered with reference to Figures 4-7. Turning to Figure 4, another perspective view of the device 200 of Figure 3 can be seen, in which the cover 240 is in an open position. In this view, an opening 255 to a power source receiving portion 250 is visible, with a removeable power source 260 received therein. The cover 240, together with the user interface 290 has moved to expose the opening 255 via hinges 241. This Figure shows the presence of a locking mechanism 280 arranged together with the cover 240. It may be assumed that, with the cover 240 in the open position shown in Figure 4, that the control member 292 has been suitably operated to release the locking mechanism 280 and thus permit movement of the cover 240 out of the closed position and into the open position depicted. As shown in Figure 5, with the cover 240 in the open position a user may act to remove the removable power source 260 from the device 200 through the opening 255 along the axis X. The open position of the cover 240 is such that there is sufficient clearance for the power source 260 to be removed from the power source receiving portion 250.
In Figure 6, an underside view of the locking mechanism 280 is shown. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 280 comprises a plurality of locking members. In the embodiment depicted, the locking mechanism 280 comprises locking members 281a, 281b, 281c each comprising an engaging portion 283a, 283b, 283c, configured to engage with a part of the body 202 of the device 200. The locking members 281a-c are mechanically coupled together; with an element of the first and second locking members 281a, 281b being disposed within respective tracks 285a, 285b of the third locking member 281c. The engaging portions 283a, 283b, 283c of each of the locking members 281a-c may be received in respective recesses of the housing 202 when the locking mechanism 280 is in a locked position, preventing the cover 240 from being moved out of the closed position. As a result, the plurality of locking members 281a-c act to provide a plurality of spaced points of engagement between the cover 240 and the housing 202. The locking mechanism 280 is depicted in a locked state in Figure 6, whereby the first, second and third locking members 281a-c are positioned such that their respective engaging portions 283a-283c protrude to a maximum extent.
In this embodiment, the control member 292 may be mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism 280 such that movement of the control member physically drives movement of the locking mechanism 280. Thus, when the locking mechanism 280 is to be released, a user may first raise the control member 292 and then rotate the control member 292. Rotation of the control member 292 may directly drive rotation of the first and second locking members 281a, 281b which may rotate as depicted by arrows A and B. The rotation of the first and second locking members 281a, 281b, through engagement with the tracks 285a, 285b drives inward linear (i.e. towards the central axis of the device 200) motion of the third locking member 281c along arrow C. As a consequence of the movement of the locking members 281a-c, the engaging portions 283a-c of each of the locking members 281a-c disengage from the respective recesses of the housing 202, and the locking mechanism 280 is released, permitting the cover 240 to be moved out of the closed position. Figure 7 depicts the locking mechanism 280 in an unlocked position.
The locking mechanism 280 may be operated in reverse so as to lock the locking mechanism 280, thereby preventing the cover 240 from being moved out of the closed position. Thus, when a user is finished accessing the power source receiving portion 250, e.g. when the user has replaced the removeable power source 260, the user may cause the cover 240 to move into the closed position, either by actuation of the control member 292, or by physically moving the cover 240. Then, the control member 292 may be operated to engage the locking mechanism 280, and prevent the user from unintentionally exposing the power source receiving portion 250 by moving the cover 240 out of the closed position. This may be achieved by operating the control member 292 in the opposite order to that described above, e.g. by rotating the control member 292, before depressing the control member 292 down into the device 200. The user can then continue to use the control member 292 to control electrical operation of the device 200.
As mentioned above, the control member of the device may be configured to move in a variety of different ways and/or directions in order to release the locking mechanism. Figures 8-13 depict some embodiments in which the control member may be configured to move. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of an aerosol provision device 300 which corresponds with the embodiment depicted in Figures 3-7, except for the differences described below. The device 300 comprises a housing 302, a cover 340, and a user interface 390 which comprises a control member 392. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the control member 392 may be configured to slide along the axis A, which may be the first or second type of movement. The axis A may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device 300. The control member 392 may slide along tracks which form part of the cover 340, or the member 392 may slide along a different part of the device 300, such as tracks defined by the shape of the housing 302.
As depicted in Figure 9, the control member 392 may, following sliding in the direction shown in Figure 8 alternatively, be configured to be raised by a user along the axis B, as shown in Figure 9. The control member 392 may comprise a shaft 393, which may be exposed when the control member 392 is lifted away from the cover 340. Following raising along the axis B, this may cause release of the locking mechanism. The sliding shown in Figure 8 may be considered to be a first type of movement and the raising shown in Figure 9 may be considered to be a second type of movement. The second type of movement (i.e. the raising) may only be possible once the first type of movement (i.e. the sliding) has been performed.
Figure 10 shows another embodiment, substantially the same as the embodiments described above, except that the control member 492 is configured to be rotated, for example along the direction shown by arrow C in Figure 10. Following rotation as depicted in Figure 10, the control member 492 may then be lowered (e.g. depressed) along arrow D, as depicted in Figure 11. Following this movement, the locking mechanism may then be released and the cover 440 may be free to move into an open position. The control member 492 has been shown to be lowered into the cover 440 when it is in a first position, but it should be understood that the device 400 may be configured such that the control member 492 may be lowered into the cover 440 in a second, different position to that depicted in Figure 11. The rotation shown in Figure 10 may be considered to be a first type of movement and the lowering shown in Figure 11 may be considered to be a second different type of movement. The second type of movement (i.e. the lowering) may only be possible once the first type of movement (i.e. the rotating) has been performed.
Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a device 500 in accordance with another embodiment whereby the control member 592 may be configured to be tilted along the direction illustrated by arrow E. Figure 13 shows a side view of the control member 592 when it is tilted relative to the surface of the cover 440. The control member 492 may be configured with a hinge 491 to facilitate the tilting. The hinge 491 may have teeth such that a threshold force needed for releasing the locking mechanism 280 can be set. The tilting of the control member 592 may be applied before, or following, any of the other types of movement described herein.
In some embodiments, some or all of the movements described above may require a predetermined threshold force to be applied to the control member in order to release the associated locking mechanism. For example, in an embodiment where in order to release the locking mechanism, the control member 392 must be slid (Figure 8) and then raised (Figure 9), the raising may require a predetermined threshold force before the control member 392 can be moved. The predetermined threshold force may be greater than a force required to move the control member when controlling electrical operation of the device. Such a predetermined threshold force may prevent inadvertent release of the locking mechanism. The predetermined threshold force may be set to any appropriate amount. In some embodiments, the threshold force may be configured such that the user must use a two-handed grip (i.e. the user must grip the housing 302 of the device 300 with one hand and pull the control member 392 with the other).
Figure 14 depicts a schematic view of part of an aerosol provision device 600 in which a predetermined threshold force must be applied to the control member in order to release the locking mechanism. In the embodiment depicted, the device 600 comprises a control member 692 which is configured to be lifted away from a cover 640 in order to operate release of a locking mechanism (not visible in this Figure). In this embodiment, the device 600 comprises a body 645 arranged adjacent the control member 692, and the body 605 comprises a first protruding portion 646. The control member 692 comprises a second protruding portion 695, which in the embodiment of Figure 14, is arranged on a shaft 693 of the control member 692. The first protruding portion 646 is arranged to engage the second protruding portion 695 of the control member 692. The arrangement of the first and second protruding portion 646, 695 act to set the predetermined threshold force required to be applied to the control member 692 such that the locking mechanism can be released. Specifically, a user must move the control member 692 such that the second protruding portion 695 moves past the first protruding portion 646. In order for the second protruding portion 695 to pass the first protruding portion 646, the predetermined threshold force must be applied. Once the predetermined threshold force has been applied, one or both of the first and second protruding portion 646, 695 may deform, thereby allowing the second protruding portion 695 to move past the first protruding portion 646. Once past, further movement of the control member 692 may drive/cause release of the locking mechanism. The first protruding portion 646 and/or the second protruding portion 695 may be made from a partially flexible material (e.g. a plastic), to provide a lower threshold force, or the first protruding portion 646 and/or the second protruding portion 695 may be made from a more rigid material (e.g. a metal) to provide a higher threshold force.
Whilst first and second protruding portions 646, 695 are depicted in Figure 14, it should be appreciated that these are merely illustrative and the device may be configured in any suitable manner to require a predetermined threshold force to be applied to the control member in order to release the locking mechanism.
Figure 15 shows a schematic view of the device 600 shown in Figure 14, focussing on the cover 640. In the configuration shown in Figure 15, the control member 692 has been moved by the user such that the threshold force has been overcome. The second protruding portion 695 has been moved past the first protruding portion 646. A housing 602 of the device 600 is arranged to support the cover 640. The housing 602 defines an opening 655 to a power source receiving portion 650 (shown in cross section in Figure 15), which corresponds to the opening 255 and power source receiving portion 250 of previously described embodiments. The opening 655 is closed by the cover 640, similarly to other embodiments described herein. However, in contrast to the other embodiments, releasing the locking mechanism 680 by operating the control member 692 to overcome the threshold force allows for the cover 640 to become detached from the housing 602. The cover 640 may then be separated from the housing 602 as indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 15. This may allow for more straightforward cleaning and/or maintenance of components of the device 600, such as the locking mechanism or the power source receiving portion 650.
Figures 16A-C depict schematic embodiments, focussing on the power source receiving portion of an embodiment of a device 700. For simplicity, the locking arrangement has been omitted. In some embodiments, the cover 740 may be configured to move in two different ways, for example to neatly position the cover 740 when the cover is in an open position. Thus, the cover 740 may be moved from the closed position to expose the opening 755 of the power source receiving portion 750, as shown in Figure 16A. This may be achieved by way of a translation relative to the housing 702 of the device 700, for example along the direction defined by the arrow A in Figure 16A. In this position, excessive normal or torsional forces on the cover 740 could cause the cover 740 to snap or otherwise become damaged. As such, stowing the cover 740 against a surface of the housing 702 could be provided by allowing the cover 740 to rotate after it has translated relative to the housing 702. The rotation may occur, for example, through the arrow B as shown in Figure 16B. Thus, the cover 740 can rotate to a final position such that it comes into contact with the housing 702 of the device 700, as shown in Figure 16C.
In some further examples, the portion of the housing 702 which the cover 740 comes into contact with in Figure 16C may comprise a mechanical holder, such as a latch or clip, which can engage with the cover 740, and selectively secure it against the housing 702 of the device 700 when the cover is in the open position.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

An aerosol provision device, for use with an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising:
a power source receiving portion,

a removable power source, arranged within the power source receiving portion, for supplying power for consumption by a component of the device;

a cover arranged such that when in a closed position the cover closes an opening to the power source receiving portion;

a locking mechanism arranged to hold the cover in the closed position; and

a user interface comprising:
a control member configured to control electrical operation of the device and arranged to release the locking mechanism so as to allow the cover to move out of the closed position.
The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the control member is arranged to release the locking mechanism when the control member is moved in at least a: first type of movement, followed by a second, different type of movement.
The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the first type of movement comprises one of a: rotation, lowering, raising, tilting, pressing, pulling and sliding of the control member and the second movement comprises a different one of a: rotation, lowering, raising, tilting, pressing, pulling and sliding of the control member.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the control member is mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism.
The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein control member is electronically coupled to the locking mechanism.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the control member is configured such that at least a predetermined threshold force has to be applied to the control member in order to release the locking mechanism.
The aerosol provision device of claim 6, comprising a body arranged adjacent the control member, wherein the body comprises a first protruding portion arranged to engage a second protruding portion on the control member, the first and second protruding portions setting the predetermined threshold force such that in order to move the control member to release the locking mechanism, the predetermined threshold force has to be applied to the control member such that the second protruding portion can move past the first protruding portion.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical operation of the device comprises an operational mode in which the device operates.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical operation of the device comprises the supply of electrical power to a heating arrangement.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the control member is attached to the cover so as to move with the cover.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the control member is also configured to lock the locking mechanism so as to hold the cover in the closed position.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a housing which defines an opening which the cover closes, and wherein the cover is arranged to move relative to the housing such that the cover rotates and translates relative to the housing such that when in an open position the cover does not obstruct the opening.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a housing which defines an opening which the cover closes, and wherein the cover is pivotally attached to the housing.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a housing which defines the opening to the power source receiving portion, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of locking members which provide a plurality of spaced points of engagement between the cover and the housing.
An aerosol provision system comprising:
an aerosol generating material; and

the aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim.