RU2795872C2 - Apparatus for an electronic aerosol generation system and aerosol supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking devices.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an apparatus for an electronic aerosol generation system and to an aerosol supply system. Apparatus for an electronic aerosol generation system comprises a body formed by a main unit and a cover, wherein the cover comprises a sleeve for receiving the aerosol-forming unit and a retaining apparatus for preventing accidental release of the aerosol-forming unit after insertion thereof into the sleeve, wherein the retaining apparatus is made on the sleeve of the cover and comprises a magnet.

EFFECT: secure connection of the aerosol-forming unit with the power supply unit is provided; accidental release of the aerosol-forming unit after insertion thereof into the sleeve is prevented.

14 cl, 17 dwg

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to electronic aerosol generating systems such as nicotine delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes and the like.

State of the art

Electronic aerosol generating systems, such as electronic cigarettes, typically include a device section containing a power source and possibly electronics to control the operation of the device, and an aerosol generating unit that may contain a container of a source material (such as a liquid, which is typically contains nicotine) from which an aerosol is generated, for example by evaporation by heating. Thus, the aerosol-forming unit of the system may comprise a heater with a heating element to which feed material may be supplied from a container, for example by means of a wick.

When the user takes a puff, electric power is supplied from the device section to the heating element of the aerosol generating unit to vaporize the starting material in the immediate vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such systems typically include one or more air inlets located at a distance from the mouth end of the system. When the user takes a puff by drawing air through a mouthpiece attached to the mouthpiece end of the system, the air passes through the inlets and further through the aerosol generating unit. There is a channel connecting the aerosol forming block to the opening in the mouthpiece, so that the air passing through the aerosol forming block continues to move towards the opening of the mouthpiece, trapping and carrying with it a certain part of the aerosol from the aerosol forming block. The aerosol-carrying air exits the aerosol generating system through the opening of the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

Electronic cigarettes include a heater activation mechanism to vaporize the starting material during use. One possible approach is to create a manual activation mechanism, such as a button that the user presses to activate the heater. In such devices, the heater may be activated (ie, it may be powered) when the user presses the button and deactivated when the user releases the button.

Another possible approach is to create an automatic activation mechanism, for example using a pressure sensor, capable of detecting when the user is drawing air through the system by puffing through the mouthpiece. In such systems, the heater may be activated when it is detected that the user is drawing air through the device and deactivated when it is detected that the user has stopped drawing air through the device.

There are three main types of electronic aerosol generating systems available today. Firstly, devices are known in which the aerosol-forming unit and the power supply unit are inseparable and housed in one housing. Secondly, there are devices in which the aerosol-forming unit and the power supply unit are made separate. Such devices facilitate the reuse of a device unit (for example, by recharging a power source). Thirdly, devices are known in which the aerosol-forming unit and the power supply unit are made separate, and the aerosol-forming unit itself can also be divided into component parts. For example, in some devices, the heater of the aerosol forming unit can be removed from it and replaced.

As a rule, each of these devices is made in a longitudinal format. In other words, the various components of these devices, such as the aerosol forming unit and the device, are usually installed in series, facing each other. Until now, this has been quite satisfactory for some users of such systems, since these types of devices resemble conventional smoking products such as cigarettes.

One of the considerations regarding such devices is that a reliable connection of the aerosol generating unit to the power supply is necessary. This is usually achieved by means of threaded connections or other types of connections, such as bayonet or snap-on connections.

Another consideration with such devices is that the contour of the aerosol generating unit is relatively open. Since it usually protrudes from the device block, it can be considered to increase the overall size of the device, which may be undesirable for some consumers.

From US 2016/0150824 A1, a device for an electronic aerosol generating system is known, comprising a housing formed by a main unit and a cover adapted to receive an aerosol generating unit. A magnet and metal elements are installed on the main block of the body and the cover to fix the cover in the closed position, and a magnet and metal elements are installed on the body and the aerosol-forming unit so that the charging and/or data contacts on the aerosol-forming unit are securely fixed to the corresponding contacts in the case.

The invention is aimed at holding the aerosol-forming block in the lid and preventing its accidental falling out.

Disclosure of invention

According to the invention, a device for an electronic aerosol generation system comprises a housing formed by a main unit and a lid, the lid comprising a sleeve for receiving the aerosol-forming unit and a holding device for preventing accidental falling out of the aerosol-forming unit after it has been inserted into the sleeve, the holding device being made on the lid sleeve and comprising magnet.

The subject of the invention is also an aerosol delivery system comprising the device described above, a power source, an activation means, electronic means for controlling the device and an aerosol-forming unit.

Embodiments of the invention, given as an example, are illustrated by drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

In FIG. 1 schematically shows a known electronic aerosol generating system such as an electronic cigarette;

in fig. 2 - device according to one of the possible embodiments of the invention;

in fig. 3 - the device according to Fig. 2, when the lid is in the first position and the aerosol generating unit is inserted into the sleeve, a sectional view;

in fig. 4 - device according to the invention in an alternative embodiment;

in fig. 5a-5c are one possible embodiment in the device of FIG. 2 mechanisms for transferring the cover from the first position to the second;

in fig. 6 is part of the internal mechanism shown in FIG. 5a-5c, perspective view;

in fig. 7 - the device according to Fig. 2 disassembled;

in fig. 8 - cover with part of the internal mechanism shown in Fig. 5a-5c, perspective view;

in fig. 9a-9c - a series of cross sections of the cover sleeve along planes located at a distance from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sleeve;

in fig. 10 - a fragment of the cover, a perspective view in section along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve;

in fig. 11a - housing of the device according to Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the interior of this cabinet;

in fig. 11b is a fragment of the body of the device according to FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view;

in fig. 12 - the device according to Fig. 2 with the aerosol forming unit inserted into the lid sleeve, perspective view.

Implementation of the invention

The following describes aspects and features of certain exemplary embodiments and embodiments of the present invention. Some aspects and features of certain exemplary embodiments and embodiments of the present invention can be implemented conditionally, and for the sake of brevity of the description, they are not considered. Thus, it is understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be carried out in accordance with any conventional methods for implementing such aspects and features.

As stated above, the invention relates to an electronic aerosol generating system such as an electronic cigarette. Hereinafter, the term "electronic cigarette" will sometimes be used, however, it should be understood that this term is interchangeable with the terms "electronic vapor generation system", "electronic aerosol generation system" and other similar terms. In addition, the aerosol generating system may include systems for generating aerosols from liquid feedstocks, solid feedstocks, and/or semi-solid feedstocks, such as gels. Some embodiments of the invention are described herein in relation to certain configurations of electronic cigarettes (for example, in terms of general appearance and the underlying vapor generation technology). However, it should be appreciated that the same principles may equally apply to aerosol generation systems having different overall configurations (eg, having a different appearance, design, and/or using a different vapor generation technology).

In FIG. 1 schematically shows a known aerosol/vapour generation system. The known electronic cigarette 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, elongated along the longitudinal axis shown by the dotted line LA, and contains two main components, namely, the main unit 20 (device unit) and the cartomizer 30 (aerosol generating unit). The cartomizer contains an internal chamber, in which there is a container with a filling liquid, which is a liquid composition from which an aerosol is generated, a heating element and a liquid transfer means (in this case, a capillary element) for transporting the filling liquid to the area next to the heating element. In some embodiments of the aerosol generating unit according to the present invention, the heating element itself can perform the function of transporting the liquid. For example, a heating element and an element that performs the function of transporting a liquid can be combined into a single unit, which is called an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating element, an evaporator, an atomizer, or a distiller. The cartomizer 30 also includes a mouthpiece 35 with an opening through which the user can inhale the aerosol from the aerosol generator. The priming liquid may be of the conventional type used in electronic cigarettes, for example, liquid containing 0 to 0.5% nicotine dissolved in a solvent containing glycerol, water and/or propylene glycol. The filling fluid may also contain various flavors. The priming fluid container may include a porous matrix or some other structure located in the housing to hold the priming fluid until it needs to be supplied to the aerosol generator/evaporator. In some embodiments, the container may be a housing that forms a chamber in which the liquid is in a free state, i. chamber without a porous matrix.

As will be shown in more detail below, the main unit 20 includes a rechargeable cell or battery providing power to the electronic cigarette 10 and a control circuit board providing overall control of the electronic cigarette. With active use, i.e. when the heating element receives power from the battery (the process is controlled by the aforementioned control circuit), the heating element vaporizes the filling fluid in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol. The user inhales the aerosol through the opening of the mouthpiece. When the user takes a puff, the aerosol flows from the aerosol source to the mouthpiece opening through the air channel between them.

In known devices, the main unit 20 and the cartomizer 30 can be separated from each other by separating in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA, as shown in FIG. 1, but when using the device 10, they are connected to each other by means of a connection schematically shown as elements 25A and 25B, providing electrical and mechanical connection of the control unit 20 with the cartomizer 30. The electrical connector of the main unit 20, which serves to connect to the cartomizer, is used also for connecting a charger (not shown) when the main unit is disconnected from the cartomizer 30. The other end of the charger can be connected to an external power source, such as a USB connector, to charge or recharge the battery in the electronic cigarette main unit 20. In other embodiments, a cable may be provided for direct connection of the electrical connector of the main unit to an external power source, and / or the device may be equipped with a separate charging connector, made, for example, in one of the USB formats.

The electronic cigarette 10 has one or more openings (not shown in FIG. 1) for air entry. These holes are connected to an air path (air path) passing through the electronic cigarette 10 to the mouthpiece 35. The air path includes a section in which it passes around the aerosol source, and a section, which is an air channel connecting the area near the aerosol source to the opening in the mouthpiece.

When the user draws air through the mouthpiece 35, air enters said air path through one or more air inlets located on the outer surface of the electronic cigarette 10. This air flow (or corresponding pressure drop) is detected by the air flow sensor 215 (in this case, the pressure sensor) which detects the air flow in the electronic cigarette 10 and outputs the corresponding detection signals to the control circuit. The airflow sensor 560 may be conventional in terms of how it is positioned within an electronic cigarette to generate airflow detection signals indicative of airflow through the electronic cigarette (eg, when a user takes a puff or blows on the mouthpiece).

When the user draws air (takes a puff) through the mouthpiece, the air travels through the air path (air channel) through the electronic cigarette and combines/mixes with vapor in the region around the aerosol source to form an aerosol. The resulting mixture of air and vapor continues to move through the air channel connecting the area around the aerosol source to the opening of the mouthpiece so that the user can inhale this mixture. The cartomizer 30 can be separated from the main unit 20 and disposed of when the filling liquid runs out and replaced with another cartomizer if needed. Alternatively, the cartomizer may be refillable.

While the operation of the aerosol generating system is generally similar to that of the known devices described above by way of example (for example, a heater may be activated to vaporize the feedstock and entrain the aerosol in the passing air stream which is subsequently inhaled by the user), the design of the aerosol generating system according to some embodiments implementation of the present invention differs from the corresponding known devices.

The device for an electronic aerosol generation system according to the invention comprises a housing containing a main unit and a lid, the lid being connected to the main unit in a movable manner between a first position in which the main unit and the lid together form a closed space for arranging an aerosol generating unit therein for generating an aerosol, and a second position in which the main unit and the cover are located at a distance from each other, providing access to this closed space. In FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a device 100 according to one of the possible embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the various components and details of the main unit, such as windings and complex shapes, in FIG. 2 are omitted for clarity. Some of them are shown in Fig. 3. The device 100 includes a housing 200 including a main unit 210 and a cover 220. The main unit 210 may be made in the form of a single, one-piece piece, or may consist of two parts 210a, 210b connected together at the appropriate seam (not shown). The main unit 210 and the cover 220 are interconnected in such a way that the cover 220 can move relative to the main unit 210 between the first position in which the main unit 210 and the cover 220 form an enclosed space 250 for housing an aerosol generating unit (not shown) for generating an aerosol, and a second position in which the main unit 210 and the cover 220 are spaced apart to allow access to the enclosed space 250. FIG. 2, the main unit 210 and cover 220 are shown in a second position, which provides access to the enclosed space 250. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, lid 220 may include a sleeve 230 positioned on the inner wall of lid 220 such that the sleeve fits into enclosed space 250. Sleeve 230 includes a generally longitudinal recess into which an aerosol generating unit (not shown) can be inserted. . In other words, the aerosol forming block can be inserted into the sleeve 230. The construction of the sleeve 230 will be described in more detail below; however, for the one shown in FIG. 2 embodiments, it is apparent that when the cover 220 is moved to the first position, forming, together with the main block 210, the closed space 250, the sleeve 230 (and the aerosol generating unit, if installed therein) will occupy the space 250. Thus, the use of a cover capable of moving between the first and second positions, as described above, provides space for placing the aerosol-forming unit therein without any additional increase in overall dimensions of the device. This provides a range of benefits. Firstly, a more compact device is obtained in comparison with known devices with longitudinal connection and placement of components. Secondly, the aerosol-forming device is generally more secure than in known devices, since it is completely located in a closed space, which, in particular, provides protection against shocks and the impact of external objects. This can be especially important given the presence of filling fluid, which can leak from the aerosol generating unit if it is damaged.

Cover 220 of device 100 shown in FIG. 2 may also include a mouthpiece 260 defining an outlet. In addition, device 100 typically includes an inlet 240 to allow air to enter space 250. Inlet 240, space 250, and outlet 260 together form a fluidly connected path for air to pass from the outside of the device through space 250 and out through the mouthpiece outlet. . When the aerosol generating unit is in space 250, air flow passes through (or past) it, thereby allowing the aerosol to enter the air passage.

The device according to some embodiments of the invention may contain a number of additional features. In one of the possible embodiments, the cover is made in the form of an elongated element having an outer and an inner surface. In one of the possible embodiments, the cover contains a sleeve, which is part of the inner surface and is designed to introduce an aerosol-forming block into it. In one embodiment, the sleeve has a generally tubular shape.

As mentioned above, the cover is movably connected to the main unit. In one of the possible embodiments, the movement of the cover from the first position to the second can be carried out using at least one of the following methods: pivoting, rotating, sliding or tilting relative to the main unit. In some cases, the movement of the cover from the first position to the second can be carried out using additional methods in addition to those indicated. The lid can be moved from the first position to the second one either by sliding and pivoting the lid relative to the main unit, or by first sliding the lid and then pivoting it relative to the main unit.

The body of this device usually contains one or more air inlets for the passage of air into the enclosed space when the cover is in the first position. The position of the inlet/holes is not specifically limited. For example, at least one inlet may be located on the cover and/or on the main unit. It may be desirable that one or more inlets are aligned with the air inlet on the aerosol generating unit.

As noted above for the known device, the device 100 in some embodiments of the invention may be activated by any suitable means. Suitable means include push button activation or sensor activation (contact probe, airflow probe, pressure probe, thermistor, etc.). By activation is meant that the aerosol generator of the aerosol generating unit is energized so that steam can be produced from the source material. In this respect, activation can be considered distinct from startup, in which the device 100 is brought from a substantially powered off or idle state to a state in which one or more functions can be implemented, and/or the device can be brought into a state in which activation can be performed. .

Housing 200 typically includes a power supply (not shown in FIG. 2) for supplying power to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generating unit. It should be noted that the connection between the aerosol-forming unit and the power source can be either wired or wireless. For example, with a wired connection, contacts 450 in the housing 200, for example, on the main unit 210, can be connected to the corresponding electrodes of the aerosol generating unit when the cover 220 is in the first position, i.e. when the aerosol generating unit is within the enclosed space 250. The design of such contacts will be discussed below. Alternatively, the connection between the power supply and the aerosol generating unit may be wireless. In this case, the excitation winding located inside the case 200 and connected to the power supply (not shown) is energized, which creates a magnetic field. In this case, the aerosol-forming unit contains a receiver, which is affected by the aforementioned magnetic field, so that eddy currents are induced in the receiver, heating this current collector.

In a possible embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 may include a feature 270 on the surface of the lid that makes it easier to move the lid 220 from the first position to the second position. Consider the surface element 270 in more detail. In the embodiment of device 100 shown in FIG. 2, element 270 is a recess made on the outer surface of the cover 220. However, it should be borne in mind that this element can be made not only in the form of a recess, but also in the form of a protrusion or in the form of a surface area with increased roughness. Shown in FIG. 2, member 270 provides an area for improved contact with a user's finger (e.g., thumb), thereby facilitating movement of cover 220 because the thumb can engage the recess and movement of cover 220 to the second position becomes more convenient. The recessed member 270 may also include a transparent area 280 of the lid 220. This transparent area allows the user to see the aerosol forming block, which is very convenient as it allows the user to see information printed on the aerosol forming block (such as fragrance, brand, date of purchase, and etc.), and/or the amount of starting material present in the aerosol forming unit. Such transparent regions are generally not required in known devices, since in a longitudinally connected configuration, the aerosol generating unit is usually completely open. The above transparent area may be located in the recess.

In FIG. 3 shows the device 100 of FIG. 2 in the state that the cover 220 is in the first position and the aerosol generating unit is inserted into the sleeve 230. It should be noted that this creates a closed space 250 inside the housing and houses the aerosol generating unit in the sleeve 230.

In FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 4 shows device 100b. Like the device 100, the device 100b includes a housing composed of a main unit 211 and a cover 221. The cover 221 is connected to the main unit 211 and is movable between a first position, which forms an enclosed space 251 for the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol, and a second position, in which the main unit 211 and the cover 221 are located at a distance from each other, allowing access to the space 251. In FIG. 4, cover 221 is shown in a position where it provides access to space 251. In this embodiment, space 251 may form a sleeve having a generally elongated shape. The inner surface of the sleeve may be shaped to match the shape of the aerosol generating unit 700. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the cover can be hinged between the first and second positions. However, movement between the first and second positions can also be performed by sliding, tilting, etc. Cap 221 may also include a mouthpiece 261. As with device 100, mouthpiece 261 includes an outlet fluidly connected to space 251 that allows air to pass through device 100b such that aerosol capture occurs when the aerosol generating unit is in space 251 and activated.

The embodiment of the device according to FIG. 2. In FIG. 7, device 100 is shown in an exploded view. As shown in FIG. 7, the main unit parts 210a and 210b can be connected to each other so that a power source 290 (eg, a battery that can be charged or recharged by wired or wireless means) can be located inside the main unit; a printed circuit board (PCB) 291 containing various control circuits that control the functions of the device; a space for placing an aerosol-forming unit with a cover sleeve 230; and a mechanism 600 connecting the main body 210 to the lid 220 and moving the lid from the first position to the second and back. The mechanism 600 may include one or more parts that connect the main unit to the cover, as well as the ability to move the cover from the first position to the second. The mechanism 600 may be composed of elements on the main block 210, elements on the lid 220, and separate (ie separately formed) elements. In this example, the control circuit 550 for controlling the operation of the device 100 is in the form of a microcircuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a microcontroller. The printed circuit board 291 containing the control circuit may be installed between the power supply and space 250. The control circuit may be in the form of a single element or several separate elements. The control circuit may be coupled to a pressure sensor to detect and generate signals from the user drawing in air through the mouthpiece 260, wherein, as already mentioned above, the method of detecting the presence of airflow in the detector may be conventional.

In one possible embodiment, the mechanism 600 may include a pin (finger) 601 and a carrier spring 602, as well as corresponding elements on the main block 210 and on the cover 220. In one of the possible embodiments, the pin 601 connects the carrier spring 602 to the cover 220 and with the main body 210, thereby allowing the lid 220 to move from the first position to the second. The carrier spring 602 may be pressed against the cover 220, tending to move it to the second position. The lid can be held in the first position by a pin 603 that is inserted (retractably) into the L-shaped recess 604. When the pin 603 moves into the transverse portion of the L-shaped recess 604, the support spring 602 can move the lid 220 away from the main block 210, i. e. move it to a position where the main unit and cover are at a distance from each other (second position).

Another embodiment of the mechanism for connecting and moving the main unit 210 with the cover 210 is shown in FIG. 5a-5c. The mechanism 650 includes a first stud 651 and a second stud 652 located on the cover 220. The stud 651 is located within a vertical slot 661 provided inside the main unit 210 (in addition, the slot 661 may be formed by opposite parts of the two components 210a and 210b of the main unit). The size and location of the slot 661 is chosen so that the pin 651 can move in the longitudinal direction within the slot. The tenon 652 is located within a substantially L-shaped groove 662 provided within the main block 210 (as in the previous case, the groove 662 may also be formed by opposite portions of the two main block components 210a and 210b). The mechanism 650 also includes a biasing cam 670 attached to the axis P1. The biasing cam 670 is pressed against the cap 220 by a biasing spring (not shown). The cam has a holding arm 671 that engages with a locking lug 653 of the lid 220. Together, these components form a simple and reliable mechanism 650 for connecting and moving relative to each other, the main unit 210 and the lid 220. The operation of the mechanism 650 will be described in more detail below.

When the lid 220 is in the first position (as shown in FIG. 5a), the studs 651 and 652 are located at the far ends of their respective slots 661 and 662. Also, in this position, the lid locking lug 653 rests against the retaining shoulder 671. Due to the mutual orientation upper surface of the locking lug 653 and the lower surface of the retaining arm 671, pressing the biasing cam 670 against the cover results in a force acting on the locking lug 653. In addition, the slope 663 of the slot 552 generally presses the cover 220 (and therefore the locking lug 653) to the biasing cam 670 so that the top of the locking lug 653 remains under the holding arm. This design allows the cover 220 to be held in the first position and provides the user with a tangible sense of locking the block to be closed in the first position when the locking lug 653 first slides over the holding arm 671 and then is held underneath.

When the user wishes to move cap 220 to the second position, he moves cap 220 substantially upward (toward the mouthpiece) as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5a). The element 270 on the surface of the lid facilitates this movement. As a result of this movement, the cleat 652 moves up the ramp 663 (because it is pressed against the ramp 663 by the bias cam 670 and the bias spring) and then along the longitudinal portion of the slot 663. Similarly, the cleat 651 moves towards the mouthpiece along the slot 661. Then the locking lug 653 engages the retaining shoulder 671. As the cap 220 moves further, the tenon 652 is at the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse sections of the slot 662. At the same time, the tenon 651 reaches the point of the slot 661 closest to the mouthpiece. As a result, the cap 220 is no longer held in first position, since the pin 652 is free to move laterally in the transverse portion of the L-shaped slot 662. As shown in FIG. 5c, under the action of the bias cam 670 and the bias spring (which presses the bias cam), the cover 220 is forced to move away from the main block 210 and move to the second position. Since the pin 651 is located in the groove 661 at the closest point to the mouthpiece, when moved to the second position, the cap rotates about the second axis P2. When the user wishes to return the cover 220 to the first position, the above steps are repeated in reverse order.

In FIG. 6 shows a detail of a mechanism 650. As seen in FIG. 6, the biasing cam 670 is mounted on the rod 672 which forms the first hinge P1. When the bias cam 670 is pressed against the cover 220 by a bias spring (not shown), the bias cam 670 can move the cover 220 to a second position when the pin 652 is in the transverse portion of the slot 662.

According to one possible embodiment of the invention, the lid of the electronic aerosol generating device comprises a sleeve for receiving the aerosol forming unit and a holding device for preventing the aerosol forming unit from accidentally falling out after it has been inserted into the sleeve.

In FIG. 8 shows a cover 220 detached from the device 100. In this embodiment, the cover includes a sleeve 235, on which the studs 651 and 652 are mounted, and a locking lug 653 is fixed. In FIG. 8 also shows an alternative position for the inlet 240. Thus, the inlet of the device can be provided in any of its components, provided that air can enter through this inlet into the space 250 intended to accommodate the aerosol forming unit. In FIG. 8 also shows the retaining device 300, which in this embodiment is in the form of a flexible plate 301, which deviates outward when the aerosol forming block is inserted into the sleeve 235. Since the plate 301 is made of a relatively rigid material, it resists deflecting outward, thereby providing a certain fixation of the aerosol forming block. . This creates a force preventing the removal of the aerosol forming block from the sleeve 235. This feature will be described in more detail below. In particular, in one of the possible embodiments, a holding device is made on the lid sleeve. However, this is not necessary, since the holding device may be located elsewhere in the cover, for example, the holding device may contain a magnet that can interact with the corresponding metal element of the aerosol forming unit. If the holding device is placed on the lid sleeve, it can be made in the form of one or more foldable plates, a latch, or an area with increased surface roughness. If the holding device is made on the sleeve, it may be located near its opening. In one of the possible embodiments, when the aerosol-forming block is introduced, the folded plate is deflected radially outward. Other types of retaining devices may be formed on the inner surface of the sleeve, such as compressible ridges, or devices to provide an interference fit between the aerosol generating unit and the inner surface of the sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining device may include a latch projecting radially inward and configured to engage with a corresponding recess on the aerosol forming unit when it is installed. In one of the possible embodiments of the invention, the outer housing of the aerosol-forming unit has a tapering shape in longitudinal section, and the cross-sectional shape of the outer housing smoothly changes from round to oval, while the outer housing contains a radial groove around its part, which has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape .

Alternatively, the aerosol forming block itself may include a retainer located on its outer surface such that when the aerosol forming block is inserted into the sleeve, the retainer cooperates with the sleeve to prevent the aerosol forming block from being accidentally dropped out. Similar holding devices that may be mounted on the lid may be located directly on the aerosol forming unit. Thus, in another possible embodiment, the aerosol-forming block comprises an outer casing with a holding device, which, when the aerosol-forming block is inserted into the sleeve, interacts with this sleeve, preventing the aerosol-forming block from accidentally falling out of the sleeve.

As noted above, when using the device, the aerosol forming unit can be inserted into the sleeve 235 with its opening 236 facing downward. Thus, in some embodiments, there is a potential risk that the inserted aerosol forming unit may fall out of the sleeve 235 before the cover 220 moves back to the first position. Accordingly, cap 235 can typically be provided with a retaining device to prevent the aerosol forming block from accidentally falling out after it has been inserted into the sleeve.

In FIG. 9a-9c show the cover in sections along planes A-A, B-B, C-C in FIG. 8. Section C-C is made over hole 236 of the bushing. Sleeve bore 236 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. However, variations are possible in which the sleeve opening has other cross-sectional shapes. As shown in FIG. 9a-9c, the sleeve 235 may have a cross-section that is first circular in shape and then the cross-sectional shape changes in a direction along the length of the sleeve. For example, the cross-sectional shape along the plane C-C may be considered generally circular, but it changes smoothly and becomes oval in the direction along the length of the sleeve 235. In particular, the cross-section along the plane B-B is already slightly oval compared to the circular cross-section along the plane C-C . The cross section along plane A-A is even more oval than the oval cross section along plane B-B. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve 235 varies along its length. In this embodiment, the changing shape of the cross section of the sleeve 235 corresponds to the change in the shape of the cross section of the aerosol-forming block. In one possible embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve changes smoothly from substantially round at a first point to substantially oval at a second point in the direction of insertion of the aerosol forming block into the sleeve. In one possible embodiment, the main block 210 may also include one or more ridges or protrusions 460 (or other suitable surface features) as shown in FIG. 11b, the location of which corresponds to the location of the longitudinal groove 470 on the outer surface of the distal part of the aerosol-forming block. The interaction of these protrusions with the longitudinal groove ensures the fixation of the aerosol-forming block at the final stage of rotation

Thus, the device according to the invention is characterized by the presence of a cover containing a sleeve for receiving an aerosol-forming block, and said sleeve contains first and second sections located along its longitudinal axis at a distance from each other, which have different rotational effects on the aerosol-forming block when it is inserted. The advantage of this configuration is that if the aerosol forming block has at least one non-circular cross section, it can be inserted into sleeve 235 in any angular orientation and still be installed in sleeve 235 in the desired final angular orientation. This may be important if, for example, the final angular orientation of the aerosol forming unit affects the correct operation of the system as a whole. For example, the aerosol generating unit may include electrodes that must be positioned in a specific angular orientation to connect to corresponding electrodes located within the housing 200. Alternatively, the aerosol generating unit heater may need to be positioned in a specific angular orientation to ensure proper alignment with the aerosol generating unit. magnetic field to provide induction heating. The use of a sleeve that automatically positions the aerosol generating unit in the desired angular orientation, regardless of the angular orientation in which it was originally inserted into the sleeve opening, provides the user with a more comfortable use of the device. The possibilities of providing various impacts on the angular orientation along the length of the coupling are not limited to a specific cross section of the coupling. For example, at any point along the length of the sleeve, a magnet may be installed to interact with a corresponding metal element within the aerosol forming unit. Due to the relative position of the magnet and said metal element in the aerosol-forming block, the aerosol-forming block can be given a different angular orientation than the angular orientation in which it was originally inserted into the sleeve opening.

In FIG. 10 shows a detail of the lid 220 in longitudinal section. A seal 400, such as an O-ring, may be located in the region near the proximal edge of the sleeve 235. The seal 400 provides a seal between the inner surface 236 of the sleeve 235 and the outer surface of the aerosol block as it is inserted into the sleeve 235. air flow passing through the aerosol-forming block.

The aerosol forming block is pressed against the seal when it is in the sleeve and the cap is in the first position. This can be done using one or more offset protrusions located on the inner wall of the housing. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11a, the bias lugs 450 are spring-loaded electrodes ("spring contacts") that exert pressure on the distal end of the aerosol forming unit and bring it into intimate contact with the seal 400. It should be appreciated that the one or more bias lugs mentioned above need not be spring-loaded. electrodes, and can be made in the form of protrusions or other elements on the surface of the inner wall of the housing 100, providing closer contact between the aerosol-forming block and the seal 400. It is desirable to have such biasing protrusions, since they also help to expand the manufacturing tolerances for the manufacture of the housing.

Although the aerosol generating unit is not a critical aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating unit suitable for installation in space 250, 251 will be generally described below. An aerosol generating unit 700, similar to that shown in FIG. 12 includes an aerosol generator (not shown) disposed in an air path extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating unit 700. The aerosol generator may include a resistive heating element located adjacent to a capillary element (liquid transfer means) for transferring the priming liquid from the container with this liquid in the aerosol forming block to the area next to the heating element. The priming liquid container in this example is located near the air path and can be filled with cotton or foam impregnated with priming liquid. The ends of the capillary element are in contact with the priming liquid in the container, so that the liquid is drawn through the capillary element into the area adjacent to the heating element. The overall configuration of the capillary and heating elements may follow commonly used principles. For example, in some embodiments, the capillary and heating elements can be made as separate elements, for example, in the form of a metal heating wire wrapped/twisted around a cylindrical capillary element, which is, for example, a bundle, one strand or several strands of glass fibers. In other embodiments, the functions of the capillary and heating elements can be performed by one element. In other words, the heating element can also function as a capillary element. Thus, in various embodiments, the heating element or capillary element may include one or more of the following: a metal-composite structure such as a porous sintered metal fiber medium (Bekipor® ST) from Bekaert; a metal foam structure, for example, of the type manufactured by Mitsubishi Materials; multilayer sintered wire mesh or folded single layer metal wire mesh such as those available from Bopp; metal braid; or fiberglass or carbon fiber cloth with woven metal wire. By "metal" is meant any metallic material having an appropriate electrical resistivity that can be used in conjunction with a battery. The electrical resistance of the heating element is typically between 0.5 and 5 ohms. Values lower than 0.5 ohm can be used, but this can lead to battery overload. The metal can be a nickel-chromium alloy (eg NiCr8020) or an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (eg Kanthal), or stainless steel (eg AISI 304 or AISI 316). After activation of the device from the power supply 290, power can be supplied to the aerosol generating unit 700 through the electrodes 450.

The advantages and features of the invention are characteristic only of the considered embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are considered only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding and demonstration of the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, design features and/or other aspects of the present invention do not in any way limit the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims, and that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without going beyond the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may contain, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of described elements, components, parts, operations, means, and the like, other than those specifically described in the present description.

Claims (14)

1. A device for an electronic aerosol generation system, comprising a housing formed by a main unit and a cover, the cover comprising a sleeve for receiving an aerosol-forming unit and a holding device for preventing the aerosol-forming unit from accidentally falling out after it has been inserted into the sleeve, the holding device being made on the cover sleeve and contains a magnet. 2. The device according to claim 1, in which the holding device is made in the form of one or more foldable plates, a latch, or a section with increased surface roughness. 3. The device according to claim. 2, in which the holding device is made in the form of a foldable plate. 4. The device according to claim 3, in which the sleeve has an opening for introducing an aerosol-forming block, and a foldable plate is located next to this opening. 5. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 3 or 4, wherein the foldable plate is capable of deflecting radially outward upon insertion of the aerosol-forming block. 6. The device according to claim. 2, in which the holding device is made in the form of a latch. 7. The device of claim. 6, in which the latch projects radially inward and is designed to engage with a corresponding recess on the aerosol-forming block when it is installed. 8. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the cover is movably connected to the main unit. 9. The device according to claim 8, in which the cover is hinged to the main unit. 10. The device according to claim. 1, in which the cover on its surface contains an element that facilitates its movement from the first position to the second. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said element is formed by a recess on the outer surface of the cover. 12. The device according to claim 10, in which the specified element is formed by a protrusion on the outer surface of the cover. 13. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, in which the housing contains a power source, an activation means and electronic means for controlling the operation of the device. 14. The aerosol supply system, containing the device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13; a power supply, an activation means, electronic means for controlling the device, and an aerosol generating unit.

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