EP4652881A1

EP4652881A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4652881A1
Application number: EP24177776.2A
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: WO2025242802A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision device is used with an aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision device has a power source receiving portion, and a removeable power source arranged within the power source receiving portion. The removeable power source supplies power for consumption by a component of the aerosol provision device. In addition, the aerosol provision device has a locking mechanism configured to prevent removal of the removeable power source from the power source receiving portion in dependence on a characteristic of the aerosol provision device.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system, and a method of operating of an aerosol provision device.

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 present disclosure 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, the removable power source for supplying power for consumption by a component of the aerosol provision device; and
a locking mechanism configured to prevent removal of the removable power source from the power source receiving portion in dependence on a characteristic of the aerosol provision device.

According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol provision system comprising:

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

According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling the removal of a removable power source from an aerosol provision device, the method comprising:

determining a characteristic of the aerosol provision device; and
preventing removal of the removable power source in dependence on the determined characteristic.

Optionally, the characteristic comprises at least one of: a temperature of a part of the device, a fault state of the device, a time since last use of the device and an electrical property of the removable power source. Optionally, the time since last use of the device is the time since the device was last used to produce an aerosol.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a sensor or detector configured to determine the characteristic of the aerosol provision device.
Optionally, the electrical property may comprise a (e.g. peak) voltage, and/or a (e.g. peak) current. Optionally, the device comprises a measurement means configured to measure the (e.g. peak) voltage and/or the (e.g. peak) current of the removeable power source. The measurement means may comprise a voltmeter or an ammeter.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device also comprises a temperature sensor arranged to measure a temperature of a part of the device, wherein the characteristic comprises the temperature of the part of the device, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to prevent removal of the removable power source when the temperature exceeds a threshold temperature.
Optionally, the part of the device may comprise the removable power source.
Optionally, the temperature sensor comprises an electrical temperature sensor.
Optionally, the electrical temperature sensor comprises a thermally sensitive actuator (e.g. a bimetallic element).
Optionally, the removable power source comprises an outer housing, and the temperature sensor is arranged within the outer housing to measure an internal temperature of the removable power source.
Optionally, the temperature sensor is arranged to measure the temperature of an outside of the removable power source.
Optionally, the part of device which the temperature sensor is arranged to measure is separate to, and in thermal contact with, the removable power source.
Optionally, the temperature sensor comprises a thermally sensitive actuator, such as a bimetallic element, or a shape memory alloy. Optionally, the thermally sensitive actuator may open and/or close an electrical circuit which may operate the locking mechanism. For example, when the electrical circuit is closed, the locking mechanism may prevent the removal of the removable power source and when the electrical circuit is opened, the locking mechanism may permit the removal of the removeable power source. Alternatively, when the electrical circuit is closed, the locking mechanism may permit removal of the removable power source and when the electrical circuit is opened, the locking mechanism may prevent removal of the removeable power source.
Optionally, the thermally sensitive actuator may act directly on the locking mechanism.
Optionally, the characteristic comprises the time since the device was last used to generate an aerosol, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to prevent removal of the removable power source until a pre-set time has elapsed since the last use of the device.
Optionally, the locking mechanism comprises an electromagnetic locking arrangement.
Optionally, the locking mechanism comprises an actuator configured to move a locking member between a locked position, in which the removable power source cannot be removed from the device, and an unlocked position, in which the removable power source can be removed from the device. The locking member may form part of the actuator.
Optionally, the actuator is driven by a motor.
Optionally, the actuator is one of: a linear actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a pin actuator, or a magnetic actuator.
Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises an openable cover arranged to provide access to the removable power source within the power source receiving portion, and wherein the locking mechanism is arranged to lock the openable cover. Optionally, the openable cover may function to retain the removable power source within the power source receiving portion (at least when the openable cover is in a closed position). Optionally, the openable cover may form part of the locking mechanism.
Optionally, the locking mechanism is arranged to directly engage the removeable power source.
Optionally, the removeable power source comprises at least one of: a battery, a supercapacitor, a lithium-ion capacitor, and 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 aerosol provision device further comprises a controller operably connected to the locking mechanism, and wherein the controller controls whether the locking mechanism prevents removal of the removable power source.
Optionally, the power source receiving portion comprises a cavity defined within the device.
Optionally, the cavity may be defined by a housing of the device.
Optionally, the power source receiving portion is 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 comprises 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.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

Certain 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 view of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 shows an expanded schematic view, focussing on the power source receiving portion, of an aerosol provision device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 3 shows an expanded schematic view, focussing on the power source receiving portion, of an aerosol provision device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 4 shows an expanded schematic view, focussing on the power source receiving portion, of an aerosol provision device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 5 shows an expanded schematic view, focussing on the power source receiving portion, of an aerosol provision device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the removal of a removeable power source from an aerosol provision device.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. 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.
Fig. 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, together with an article 170, and a removable power source 160. The device 100 may be a non-combustible aerosol provision device. The device 100 may be used with, e.g. used to generate an aerosol from, an aerosol generating material received within the device 100, as will be discussed in more detail below. The device 100 comprises an article receiving portion 110 configured to receive the article 170. The device 100 further comprises a controller 130, a power source receiving portion 150, and a locking mechanism 140. The locking mechanism 140 will be described in more detail further below.
In some embodiments, as depicted, the device 100 may further comprise a heating arrangement 120. The heating arrangement 120 may comprise any suitable heating arrangement, e.g. an inductive heating arrangement, comprising a susceptor and inductive coil, 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 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 herein as a housing) of the aerosol provision 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, 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 (which may be in any suitable form), 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. In such embodiments, 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 and thus may not necessarily form part of an article.
The power source receiving portion 150 may be in the form of a cavity or a chamber formed within the body 102 of the aerosol provision device 100, and may be 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 the body 102 of the device 100. In some embodiments, as depicted in Figure 1, the power source receiving portion 150 may be dimensioned such that the entirety of the 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. The power source receiving portion 150 may have a door or cover, which aids in securing the removeable power source 160 when it is received therein. The door or cover may be latched in a closed (and/or open) position. In addition, or alternatively, the power 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, or any other suitable arrangement for holding the removable power source 160 in position.
The power source receiving portion 150 may be disposed with 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.
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 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 components of the device 100 or article 170 received therein. In some embodiments, the power source 160 comprises at least one of: a battery, a super capacitor, a lithium ion capacitor or 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. 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.
The controller 130 may be configured to control operation of the aerosol provision device 100, including but not limited to the activation of the heating arrangement 120. The controller may be configured to control operation of the locking mechanism 140, which will be described in more detail below.
The locking mechanism 140 may be arranged on, in, or near the power source receiving portion 150, and is configured to prevent removal of the removeable power source 160 from the power source receiving portion 150, depending on a characteristic of the aerosol provision device 100. In preventing removal of the removable power source 160 in this manner, the locking mechanism 140 may improve the safety of the device for a user, as the removal of removable power source 160 may be prevented when the characteristic indicates that removal may be dangerous for a user and/or cause damage to the device 100.
The characteristic may be any characteristic of the device 100 which ultimately impacts the safety of a user and/or the device 100. The characteristic may comprise a temperature of a part (e.g. portion or of a component) of the device 100. Temperature information may be collected by at least one temperature sensor disposed in the body 102 of the device 100. In other embodiments, a temperature sensor may be arranged within the removeable power source 160, where it may measure the temperature of the removeable power source 160. Controlling the locking mechanism based on the temperature of a part of the device 100 may prevent a user from burning themselves. For example, it is known that removable power sources 160, e.g. in the form of batteries, can become hot after use. As such, following use of the device 100 e.g. to generate an aerosol, the removable power source 160 may be hot. Preventing removal of the removable power source 160 based on the temperature, e.g. of the removable power source 160 (i.e. a device characteristic), may thus minimise the risk of a user burning themselves.
In some embodiments, the characteristic may comprise a fault state of the device 100. The fault state may be related to a fault with a part or of a component of the device 100. For example, the part of the device 100 may comprise the removeable power source 160. A fault state of the device may be determined by the controller 130. In embodiments wherein the fault states relates to a state of the removable power source 160, a fault state indicating a fault with the device 100 may be triggered if the controller 130, or any other component of the device 100, detects a fault with the removable power source 160, e.g. a short circuit in the connection between the removable power source 160 and the power source receiving portion 150. This fault state may be detected by hardware circuitry of the power source receiving portion 150 or by the controller 130 itself, which may allow for the characteristic of the device 100 to be detected. Other example fault states may comprise an error internal to the controller 130 (e.g. a memory leak or runtime error), or damage to the heating arrangement 120. Another example fault state may comprise a complete or partially severed electrical connection between components of the device 100, such as between the power source receiving portion 150 and the controller 130.
When the device 100 is experiencing a fault, removal of the removable power source 160 may risk damage to the device 100 and/or potential harm to a user. Accordingly, preventing removal based on a fault condition may minimise the risk of damage to the device 100 and/or user.
In other embodiments, the fault state may indicate damage to at least one component of the device 100. The fault state may indicate overheating of at least one component of the device 100. The fault state may indicate a short circuit of one or more components of the device 100 in addition to or separate from the removeable power source 160 as described above.
The characteristic may comprise an electrical property of the device 100, e.g. of the removable power source 160. The electrical property may be related to an electrical property of the removable power source 160 when received within the power source receiving portion 150, or it may be related to another component of the device 100, such as the heating arrangement 120. The electrical property may comprise a (e.g. peak) voltage, and/or a (e.g. peak) current. The voltage and/or current of the component of the device 100 may be measured by suitable componentry, e.g. a voltmeter or ammeter. In some embodiments, the controller 130 may measure the voltage and/or current of the removable power source 160, so as to determine the characteristic, and subsequently control the locking mechanism. The voltage and/or current may be indicative of the state of the removable power source 160. For example, current drawn from the power source 160 which exceeds a predetermined value may indicate that there is a fault with the power source 160 or related components, as thus the locking mechanism 140 should be engaged to limit any potential injury which may be inflicted on the user if they attempted to remove the power source in this state.
In addition, or alternatively, the voltage and/or current of the heating arrangement 120 may be measured by the controller 130. In examples where a peak current is drawn by the heating arrangement 120, the controller 130 may measure the current and determine that engagement of the locking mechanism 140 is necessary to prevent a user accessing the power source 160.
In some embodiments, the characteristic may comprise a time since last use of the device 100. The last use of the device may be the time since the device 100 was last used to generate an aerosol. If the device 100 has recently been used by a user, the draw of power from the removeable power source 160 may have caused the temperature of the removable power source 160 to increase, and this may be to a point at which it is too hot for a user to safely remove the power source 160. Therefore, by preventing removal of the removable power source 160 in dependence on the time since last use, it may be possible to prevent removal of the removable power source 160 until a time at which the removable power source 160 should (at least theoretically) have cooled down to a safe-to-handle temperature. The time since last use may be a pre-set time. The time since the device 100 was last used may be kept track of by a timing circuit, which may be separate from or integrally formed with the controller 130.
Whilst the characteristic may comprise at least one of the aforementioned features, it may also comprise a combination, e.g. the characteristic may comprise both the time since last use and a temperature of the device 100.
More detail on the locking mechanism and other related components will now be described in more detail in relation to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows an expanded view of the device 100 shown in Figure 1, focussing on the locking mechanism 140 and the power source receiving portion 150. As depicted, in this embodiment, the device 100 comprises a temperature sensor 155. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 155 is disposed within the power source receiving portion 150, and is electrically connected with the controller 130. The temperature sensor 155 may be arranged within the power source receiving portion 150 at a position whereby it can suitably monitor the temperature (at least the external temperature) of the removable power source 150 (when received within the power source receiving portion 150).
In some embodiments, as depicted in Figure 2, the locking mechanism 140 may comprise a door 142 and a locking member 144. The door 142 may be considered to be a cover which covers an opening of the power source receiving portion 150. The door 142 may function to prevent removable power source 160 from being removed from the power source receiving portion 150. The door 142 is configured to be moved between a closed position (shown by the dashed line labelled 142a in Figure 2), wherein the power source receiving portion 150 is closed by the door 142; and an open position (shown by the dashed line labelled 142b in Figure 2), wherein power source receiving portion 150 is open such that the power source 160 may be removed from the power source receiving portion 150. Movement of the door 142 may be actuated by the user physically moving the door 142, or by a motor which is connected to a control means (e.g. a button or a switch operable by the user, or the controller 130) provided on the outer housing 102 of the device 100. Once the removeable power source 160 is received within the power source receiving portion 150, the door 142 may be closed to cover and secure the power source 160.
The door 142 may be pivotally attached to the body 102 of the device 100, as illustrated by pivot 141, thereby allowing the door 142 to move pivotally between the open and closed positions. However, it will be appreciated that the door 142 may be configured to move in any suitable manner. For example, the door 142 may instead, or in addition, be arranged to slide relative to the body 102. In some embodiments, the door 142 may be separable (e.g. become detached) from the body 102 when moved into an open position.
The door 142 may not entirely cover the opening to the power source receiving portion 150. The door 142 may instead only be a partial covering, e.g. a latch, whereby only a portion of the opening to power source receiving portion 150 is covered. In this embodiment, it remains the case that when the door 142 is engaged by the locking member 144, it acts to prevent removal of the power source 160. In some embodiments, although not depicted, the locking member 144 may itself directly latch the removable power source 160, instead of, or in addition to, the door 142. In such embodiments, the locking member 144 may be arranged to latch onto any suitable part of the removable power source 160. The removable power source 160 may, indeed, comprise a specific feature, e.g. a recess, into which the locking member 144 engages. In such embodiments the locking member 144 may be arranged within the power source receiving portion 150.
Referring back to the specific embodiment shown in Figure 2, the locking member 144 may be configured to be moved between a locked position (shown by the dotted line 144a in Figure 2), in which the door 142 is held in the closed position; and an unlocked position (shown by the dotted line 144b in Figure 2) in which the door 142 can be moved into the open position. The locking member 144 may thus allow or deny access to the power source receiving portion 150 and thus selectively prevent removal of the removable power source 160.The locking mechanism 140 may comprise an actuator 143 which drives the locking member 144 between the locked and unlocked position. In some embodiments, the actuator 143 comprises a motor 143. In some embodiments, the actuator 143 comprises at least one of: a linear actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a pin actuator, and a magnetic actuator.
In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 140 also serves to directly engage the power source 160. For example, when the door 142 is in the closed position, it engages a distal end of the power source 160. This may serve to aid in providing a secure arrangement of the removeable power source 160 within the power source receiving portion 150.
As mentioned above, the temperature sensor 155 is coupled to the controller 130, and the sensor 155 measures a temperature of a part of the device 100. The temperature sensor 155 may be physically coupled, e.g. via physical wires or tracks within the device 100, to the controller 130 or it may be wireless coupled thereto. In the embodiment depicted, the temperature sensor 155 is arranged such that a temperature of the removeable power source 160 is measured by the temperature sensor 155. If a temperature of the removeable power source 160 as measured by the temperature sensor 155 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, then the controller 130 may direct the locking mechanism 140 to prevent removal of the removeable power source 160. This may be achieved by moving the locking member 144 to the locked position 144a, or simply holding the locking member 144 in the locked position 144a.
In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 155 may comprise an electrical temperature sensor. For example, it may comprise at least one, or a combination of: a thermocouple, a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD), a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor, and a semiconductor-based temperature sensor. The electrical temperature sensor may comprise a thermally sensitive actuator (e.g. a bimetallic element) which makes and breaks an electrical connection in response to a temperature of a component of the device 100 or the removable power source 160.
Figure 2 also depicts a further temperature sensor 155a which may be arranged to measure a part of the device which is separate to but is still in thermal contact with, the removeable power source 160. This arrangement of the further temperature sensor 155a is shown in Figure 2 by the dotted lines. The further temperature sensor 155a may be of the same kind as the temperature sensor 155. The further temperature sensor 155a may be in alternative or addition to the temperature sensor 155 discussed above. In some examples, the part of the device 100 which the further temperature sensor 155a is arranged to measure may be a portion of the body 102 (i.e. housing) which, due to it being in thermal contact with the removeable power source 160, has a temperature which closely matches that of the power source 160. In addition, or alternatively, the part of the device may be a part of the body 102 which may be accessible when the power source 160 is removed.
Figure 3 shows an expanded view focussing on a power source receiving portion of a device 100 in accordance with another embodiment. As with the device 100 depicted in Figure 2, the device 100 shown in Figure 3 comprises a removeable power source 160, a controller 130, and a locking mechanism 140. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a different temperature sensor 355 is provided. The temperature sensor 355 may be arranged within, be adjacent to, or in thermal contact with, the power source receiving portion 350. When, as depicted in Figure 3, the removable power source 160 is suitably received within the power source receiving portion (e.g. no portion of the power source 160 extends from the receiving portion 350), the temperature sensor 355 may detect the temperature of the removable power source 160.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the temperature sensor 355 comprises a thermally sensitive actuator 356. The thermally sensitive actuator 356 may be configured to change state, e.g. to bend from a first shape into a second shape, once it reaches a threshold temperature. In some embodiments, the thermally sensitive actuator 356 is a mechanical bimetallic element (e.g. a bimetallic strip), or a shape memory alloy (e.g. Copper Aluminium Nickel: CuAINi, or Nickel Titanium: NiTi). As the temperature sensor 355 is sensitive, in the present embodiment, to the temperature of the removable power source 160, the thermally sensitive actuator may change state in response to a temperature of the removable power source 160. For example, the thermally sensitive actuator 356 may change state when it reaches 50 degrees Celsius.
Whilst the temperature sensor 355, and thus the thermally sensitive actuator 356 is depicted as being sensitive to the temperature of the removable power source 160 in this embodiment, it will be appreciated that the temperature sensor 355 (and thus the thermally sensitive actuator 356) may be sensitive to the temperature of any suitable part of the device 100.
In some embodiments, as depicted in Figure 3, the thermally sensitive actuator 356 is connected to the locking mechanism 140 via an actuating link 357. In this embodiment, when the thermally sensitive actuator 356 is triggered, it can in turn actuate the locking mechanism 140 via the actuating link 357. The actuating link 357 may be in the form of an actuation member or rod. In embodiments comprising an actuating link 357, the thermally sensitive actuator 356 may act to drive the locking member 144 to move between the locked and unlocked positions in dependence on the state of the thermally sensitive actuator 356. In other embodiments, the thermally sensitive actuator 356 may act directly on the locking mechanism 140 (i.e. it may directly drive the locking member 144). The use of a thermally sensitive actuator 356 may provide a relatively cost effective and mechanically robust arrangement for controlling operation of the locking means.
In other embodiments, the temperature sensor may be in the form of a thermally sensitive actuator which acts to open or close an electrical circuit in dependence on the temperature sensed by the thermally sensitive actuator. The opening and/or closing of the electrical circuit may trigger operation of an actuator which may operate the locking mechanism, e.g. by moving a locking member between open and closed positions.
In other embodiments, the temperature sensor may be provided on the removable power source itself. More details regarding such an embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 depicts an expanded view of a power source receiving portion 450 of an aerosol provision device 400, together with a removeable power source 460, which corresponds with the embodiments described above, with the exception of the following differences. In this embodiment, the removeable power source 460 comprises an outer housing 462 within which a temperature sensor 465 is arranged. The temperature sensor 465 is configured to measure an internal temperature of the removeable power source 460. In addition, or alternatively, the temperature sensor 465 may be arranged to measure the temperature of the outside of the removeable power source 460. The temperature (internal or external) of the removable power source 460 as measured by the temperature sensor 465 may be communicated to the device 400 through a number of ways. In some examples, the physical connection made between the power source 460 and the power source receiving portion 450 may include electrical contacts that facilitate the transfer of at least temperature data from the temperature sensor 465 of power source 460 to a component of the device 400, e.g. the controller 130. Such electrical contacts may comprise the same contacts that are used to transfer power from the removable power source 460 to the device 400, or separate dedicated contacts. In other examples, the power source 460 may be equipped with a module (not depicted) capable of wirelessly communicating the temperature data with a corresponding wireless module (not depicted) of the device 400.
The locking mechanism 440 comprises an openable cover 442 (i.e. an openable door) which is arranged to provide access to the removeable power source 460 when the power source 460 is received within the power source receiving portion 450. In Figure 4, the openable cover 442 is substantially rectangular, but it should be understood that any appropriate shape may be used (e.g. square, circular, etc.). The locking mechanism 440 also comprises an electromagnetic locking arrangement 403 which is configured to selectively hold the cover 442 in a closed position (in which removal of the removable power source 460 from the power source receiving portion 450 is prevented). The electromagnetic locking arrangement 403 comprises: at least one metallic element 441 (which may be made from ferromagnetic material) disposed on the openable cover 442, and at least one corresponding electromagnetic element 443 arranged within the power source receiving portion 450. It should be understood that the arrangement of the metallic element 441 and the electromagnetic element 443 may be reversed, i.e. the electromagnetic element 443 may be arranged on the openable cover 442, and the metallic element 441 may be arranged within the power source receiving portion 450.
The at least one electromagnetic element 443 is configured to selectively generate a magnetic field in response to a received signal, the magnetic field being strong enough to attract and hold the metallic element 441, and thereby the openable cover 442, in place. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the electromagnetic locking arrangement 403 of the locking mechanism 440 has at least two metallic elements 441 (i.e. one on either side of the openable cover 442) and at least two electromagnetic elements (i.e. one on each of a corresponding side of the power source receiving portion 450), though the second of each element is obscured in the Figure. It will be appreciated, however, that only a single metallic element 441 and associated electromagnetic element 443 may be provided. It will further be appreciated that the metallic element 441 may be replaced by any suitable element that is attracted to, and held by, the electromagnetic element 443 when provided with power to generate a magnetic field.
In this embodiment, the openable cover 442 is able to be moved along the direction A (i.e. into and out of a side of the housing of the device 400) to either provide or deny access to the power source receiving portion 450. As depicted in Figure 4, the openable cover 442 may move along tracks 451 within the power source receiving portion 450. In the embodiment of Figure 4, there are at least two tracks 451 to accommodate each side of the cover 442, though one track 451 is not visible in the Figure. The openable cover 442 may be configured in such a way that it cannot become separated from the device 400.
When the locking mechanism 440 is engaged, for example when the temperature sensor 465 detects an internal temperature of the removable power source 460 which exceeds a predetermined value (and communicates this to the device 400), the electromagnetic elements 443 are powered. This results in an attractive magnetic force between the electromagnetic elements 443 and the metallic elements 441, locking the openable cover 442, and thereby preventing removal of the power source 460. This improves safety for the user, When the temperature of the removable power source 465 is sufficiently low, e.g. below a threshold temperature, the locking mechanism 440 may permit access to the power source receiving portion 450, and thereby allow removal of the removable power source 460.
The openable cover 442 may not entirely cover the opening to the power source receiving portion 450. The cover 442 may instead take the form of a partial covering, e.g. a latch, whereby only a portion of the opening to power source receiving portion 450 is covered, but nevertheless when engaged by the electromagnetic locking arrangement 403 acts to prevent removal of the power source 460.
Whilst the embodiments above have described the characteristic of the aerosol provision device in terms of temperature of various components of the device, Figure 5 presents an embodiment with a different characteristic. Figure 5 depicts a schematic view of part of a device 500 which corresponds with other embodiments described herein, with the exception of the following differences.
The device 500 comprises a sensor 580 which is connected to the heating arrangement 120 and the controller 130. It will be appreciated, however, that in some embodiments the sensor 580 may be connected to other components of the device 500. The sensor 580 is arranged to detect a characteristic of the device 500. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the characteristic comprises an electrical property of the device 500. The electrical property in this example may be a peak current drawn by the heating arrangement 120. In response to the sensor 580 detecting that the current drawn by the heating arrangement 120 exceeds a predetermined value, the sensor 580 may signal the controller 130, which may in turn send a signal to the locking member 144 of the locking mechanism 140. This may allow for the device 500 to prevent removal of the power source 160 in response to characteristics of the device 500 which are not related to the temperature of the power source 160 and/or related components (as described in embodiments above). This may allow for more characteristics to be accounted for, providing a device 500 with increased safety for the user.
In some embodiments, as depicted in Figure 5, the device 500 may also comprise an indicator 501, which may be activated when the locking mechanism 140 is acting to prevent removal of the power source 160. The indicator 501 may be activated by a signal received from the controller 130, or it may be a signal received from the sensor 580. The indicator 501 may be a light, which may flash or be static. In addition, or alternatively, the indicator 501 may be a display, whereby the display may be configured to display information (e.g. alphanumerical characters, an image, or a symbol) in response to the locking mechanism being actuated. In addition, or alternatively, the indicator 501 may provide an audible and/or haptic indication to the user. Providing any of the indications described above serves to instruct the user that the locking mechanism 140 is active and that the power source 160 cannot be removed from the power receiving portion 150. The indicator 501 may be provided in any embodiment described herein.
In some embodiments, when the controller 130 detects that the characteristic of the device 100, 400, 500 is no longer being met, e.g. when a temperature of the removable power source 160, 460 returns to a predetermined acceptable range, then the controller 130 can command the locking mechanism 140, 440 to disengage. This will allow the user to once again access the power source receiving portion 150, 450 and remove the removable power source 160, 460 if needed.
In any of the embodiments described above, the locking mechanism may only prevent the removal of the removable power source when the characteristic of the aerosol provision device is indicative of a potential risk of harm to a user or to the device. In contrast, when the characteristic does not indicate a potential risk of harm, the locking mechanism may permit the removal of the removable power source.
A method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for controlling the removal of a removeable power source from the aerosol provision device will now be described. The method may be implemented by any of the devices set out above. At step 601, a characteristic of the aerosol provision device, e.g. the device 100, 400, 500, is determined. This characteristic could be any of those described above, for example a fault state of the device, the internal temperature of the power source 460, or a peak current drawn by the heating arrangement 120 or removable power source 160, 460, as detected by the sensor 580, or any combination thereof. The determination of a device characteristic may be performed in any suitable manner, for example by the controller 130, or it may be made directly by a dedicated sensor, such as the temperature sensor 155.
At step 602, removal of the removable power source may be prevented dependence on the determined characteristic of the device. As set out above, determined characteristics may include a fault state of the device such as a short circuit (e.g. between the heating arrangement 120 and the controller 130), a temperature of the power source 160, 460 exceeding a predetermined value, or a temperature of a part of the housing in thermal contact with the power source 160, 460 exceeding a predetermined temperature, or an electrical property of the removable power source 160, 460. Preventing the removal of the removable power source 160, 460 may comprise engaging a locking mechanism, e.g. the locking mechanism 140, 440 described above. Engagement of the locking mechanism may be achieved by any suitable means, e.g. by a suitable controller, such as the controller 130.
The method may further comprise implementation of any of the features of the various embodiments discussed above.
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, the removable power source for supplying power for consumption by a component of the aerosol provision device; and

a locking mechanism configured to prevent removal of the removable power source from the power source receiving portion in dependence on a characteristic of the aerosol provision device.
The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the characteristic comprises at least one of: a temperature of a part of the device, a fault state of the device, a time since last use of the device and an electrical property of the removable power source.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, further comprising a temperature sensor arranged to measure a temperature of a part of the device, wherein the characteristic comprises the temperature of the part of the device, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to prevent removal of the removable power source when the temperature exceeds a threshold temperature.
The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the temperature sensor comprises an electrical temperature sensor.
The aerosol provision device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the removable power source comprises an outer housing, and wherein the temperature sensor is arranged within the outer housing to measure an internal temperature of the removable power source.
The aerosol provision device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged to measure the temperature of the outside of the removable power source.
The aerosol provision device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the part of device which the temperature sensor is arranged to measure is separate to, and in thermal contact with, the removable power source.
The aerosol provision device of any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the temperature sensor comprises a thermally sensitive actuator.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the characteristic comprises the time since the device was last used to generate an aerosol, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to prevent removal of the removable power source until a pre-set time has elapsed since the last use of the device.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an electromagnetic locking arrangement.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an actuator configured to move a locking member moved between a locked position, in which the removable power source cannot be removed from the device, and an unlocked position, in which the removable power source can be removed from the device.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, further comprising an openable cover arranged to provide access to the removable power source within the power source receiving portion, and wherein the locking mechanism is arranged to lock the openable cover.
The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the removable power source comprises at least one of: a battery, a supercapacitor, a lithium-ion capacitor, and a power generator.
An aerosol provision system comprising:
an aerosol generating material; and

the aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim.
A method of controlling the removal of a removable power source from an aerosol provision device, the method comprising:
determining a characteristic of the aerosol provision device; and

preventing removal of the removable power source in dependence on the determined characteristic.