WO2025215249A1

WO2025215249A1 - Extractor for aerosol provision system and aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2025215249A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/060151
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xueping LIU; Jiaming Zhang; Ying Liu; Dean Cowan
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-04-12
Filing date: 2025-04-11
Publication date: 2025-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-12
Also published as: CN120814679A

Abstract

The present application discloses an extractor for an aerosol provision system and the aerosol provision system, wherein the extractor comprises: a receiver and a clamping member. The receiver has a receiving chamber for receiving an article and a through hole penetrating a circumferential wall thereof. The clamping member has a fixed end and a free end opposite to each other. The fixed end is fixed to the circumferential wall. The free end is extendable into the through hole and movable inwards along a radial direction of the receiving chamber to extend into the receiving chamber, or movable in the opposite direction to withdraw from the receiving chamber.

Description

EXTRACTOR FOR AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM AND AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of aerosol provision, and particularly to an extractor for an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision system.

Technical Background

An aerosol provision system comprises a heater and an article containing aerosolgenerating material. The system heats the article through the heater to produce aerosol for user inhalation.

In some aerosol provision systems, such as heat-not-burn systems with central heating (heating from the inside out), the heater, such as a heating needle, needs to be inserted into the article for heating. Since the article comes into direct contact with the heater, residue from the article can adhere to the heater during the heating process. To reduce residue on the heater, such systems may be equipped with an extractor to facilitate the separation of the article and the heater.

Summary

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an extractor for an aerosol provision system, which comprises a receiver and a clamping member. The receiver is provided with a receiving chamber for receiving an article and a through hole that penetrates its circumferential wall. The clamping member has a fixed end and a free end positioned opposite to each other. The fixed end is fixed to the circumferential wall, allowing the free end to extend into the through hole. This free end is capable of moving inward along the radial direction of the receiving chamber to extend into it, or moving in the opposite direction to withdraw from the receiving chamber.

A clamping member is provided on the circumferential wall of the receiver of the extractor, which can extend into or withdraw from the receiving chamber. Based on this structure, when it is necessary to fix the article, the clamping member extends into the receiving chamber (the diameter of the chamber at the position of the clamping member decreases) to clamp the article; when it is necessary to remove the article, the clamping member withdraws from the receiving chamber (the diameter of the chamber at the position of the clamping member restores), releasing the clamping force on the article, so that the article can be easily removed from the receiving chamber.

In some embodiments of any of the above, one end of the clamping member is fixed to the circumferential wall of the receiver, and the other end is a free end. In some embodiments of any of the above, the clamping member is connected to or integrated with the receiver. This may which simplify the structure of the extractor compared to separately providing a clamping member that is separate from the receiver.

In some embodiments of any of the above, In some embodiments of any of the above, the extractor further comprises a sleeve, which is sleeved outside the receiver. The sleeve and the receiver are movable with respect to each other along an axial direction. An inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a force exerting portion, and when the force exerting portion moves relatively along the axial direction to the position of the clamping member, it can exert a radial inward pressure to the clamping member to cause the free end to extend into the receiving chamber. By sleeving the sleeve outside the receiver, the clamping member is forced or released to drive the clamping member to extend into or withdraw from the receiving chamber.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the inner diameter of the sleeve at the position of the force exerting portion is less than the outer diameter of the receiver at the position of the free end. When the free end of the clamping member moves to the force exerting portion, it is subjected to a radial inward force by the force exerting portion to extend into the receiving chamber.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the inner wall of the sleeve is smooth, and the whole inner wall forms the force exerting portion.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a rib running through along the axial direction, and the rib forms the force exerting portion.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a flange, and the flange forms the force exerting portion.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the sleeve is provided with a top end and a bottom end opposite to each other along the axial direction, the top end is provided with an opening for the receiver to insert. In some embodiments of any of the above, the flange is arranged on the middle portion of the sleeve or located on the bottom end of the sleeve.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the inner wall of the sleeve is provided with an elastic element providing a radial elastic force. In some embodiments of any of the above, the elastic element forms the force exerting portion.

In some embodiments of any of the above, at least part of an inner circumferential wall of the sleeve is an elastic wall, and the elastic wall forms the elastic element.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the clamping member is configured to, when not being moved to the position of the force exerting portion, along an extension direction from the fixed end towards the free end, incline outwards along a radial direction of the receiving chamber. In some embodiments of any of the above, the thickness of the clamping member along a direction extending from the fixed end towards the free end shows an increasing trend. This may allow the clamping force to gradually increase or decrease, which may facilitate the smooth axial movement of the extractor relative to the sleeve.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the clamping member is an elastic sheet.

In some embodiments of any of the above, there are at least two clamping members spaced along the circumferential wall of the receiver.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the clamping member is configured to, when the receiver moves to the position of the force exerting portion, seal the through hole. This may improve heating efficiency, by reducing heat dissipation.

In some embodiments of any of the above, a surface of the clamping member facing the receiving chamber is configured as a flexible surface. This may reduce the chance of damaging the article when the clamping member contacts and clamps the article.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the extractor further comprises a reset spring, for resetting the axial movement of the sleeve and/or the receiver.

In some embodiments of any of the above, one end of the reset spring is connected to the sleeve, and the other end is connected to the receiver.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the extractor further comprises a guide element configured to guide the axial movement of the receiver within the sleeve to align the receiver and the sleeve in the circumferential direction.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the extractor further comprises a stop configured to limit the receiver to move out of the sleeve along the axial direction.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system, the system comprising the extractor of any of the above embodiments.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the system further comprises an article and the clamping member. The article may be arranged in the receiving chamber. The clamping member clamps the article when the free end extends into the through hole and moves inwards along a radial direction of the receiving chamber to extend into the receiving chamber, and releases the clamping on the article when the free end moves in the opposite direction to withdraw from the receiving chamber.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the extractor further comprises a sleeve, which is sleeved outside the receiver. In some embodiments of any of the above, the sleeve and the receiver are movable with respect to each other along an axial direction. In some embodiments of any of the above, an inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a force exerting portion, and when the force exerting portion moves relatively along the axial direction to the position of the clamping member, it can exert a radial inward pressure to the clamping member to cause the free end to extend into the receiving chamber. In some embodiments of any of the above, when the article is inserted into the receiving chamber of the receiver, the receiver is pressed down, and the receiver moves relative to the sleeve. When moving to the position of the force exerting portion, the clamping member is subjected to a radial inward pressure to extend into the receiving chamber and clamp the article, thereby fixing and positioning the article for heating and inhalation. When it is necessary to remove the article, the article is lifted, driving the receiver to move upward, and the receiver leaves the force exerting portion, the force on the clamping member disappears, the clamping member withdraws from the receiving chamber, the clamping force on the article disappears, and the article is easily separated from the receiver.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the sleeve is connected to the housing.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the system further comprises: a heater, configured to heat the article received in the receiving chamber; the receiver has a receiver top end and a receiver bottom end opposite to each other along the axial direction; the receiver top end is provided with an insertion port for the article to insert; a through hole is opened through the bottom end; and the heater is configured to insert into the receiving chamber through the through hole and contact the article to heat.

There is provided an extractor comprising a receiver and a clamping member, where the clamping member can extend into or withdraw from the receiving chamber of the receiver, thereby clamping or releasing the clamping force on the article in the receiving chamber, so as to fix and easily remove the article as needed, avoiding residue from the article remaining in the system.

According to an aspect, there is provided an extractor for an aerosol provision system comprising: a receiver, the receiver comprising a circumferential wall and defining a receiving chamber for receiving an article comprising aerosol generating material, the circumferential wall defining a through hole; a clamping member, the clamping member comprising a fixed end and a free end opposite to the fixed end, the fixed end being fixed to the circumferential wall, wherein the free end is extendable into the through hole and movable inwards along a radial direction of the receiving chamber to extend into the receiving chamber.

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising the extractor according to any of the above embodiments.

In some embodiments of any of the above, the aerosol provision system comprises an article comprising aerosol generating material, arranged to be received in the receiving chamber, wherein the clamping member is configured to clamp the article when the free end extends into the through hole and moves inwards along the radial direction of the receiving chamber to extend into the receiving chamber, and to release the clamping on the article when the free end moves in the opposite direction to withdraw from the receiving chamber. Additional aspects and advantages of the application will be described in the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 is a structural diagram of an extractor for an aerosol provision system;

Figure 2 is a perspective structural diagram of an extractor for an aerosol provision system;

Figure 3 is a perspective structural diagram of the extractor of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective structural diagram of an extractor for an aerosol provision system including a sleeve;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the extractor and sleeve of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective structural diagram of a sleeve for an extractor for an aerosol provision system;

Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of a state where a receiver is located at an initial position or an extraction position;

Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of a state where a receiver is located at a heating position;

Figure 8 is a perspective structural diagram of an aerosol provision system;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the aerosol provision system shown in Figure 8; and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision system shown in Figure 8.

Description of Drawing Labels: 20, Extractor; (210, 210'), Receiver; (211 , 21 V), Article Insertion Port; (212, 212'), Receiving Chamber; 213, Through Hole; 214, Protrusion; 215, Aperture; (220, 220'), Clamping Member; (221 , 221'), Fixed End; (222, 222'), Free End; (230, 230'), Sleeve; (231 , 231'), Top End; (232, 232'), Bottom End; 233, First Opening; (234, 234'), Flange; (240, 240'), Bracket; 250, Reset Spring; 3, Aerosol Provision System; 30, Housing; 310, Second Opening; 320, Upper Cover; 40, Article; 50, Heater; 510, Heater Base; 520, Heating Needle.

Detailed Description

The following describes some embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating 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 aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an 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 aerosolmodifying agent.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosolformer materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis. In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

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. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid” , which may alternatively be referred to as a ” monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). 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 one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosolmodifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable/consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol-generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a “cartomizer” ) and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol-generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol-generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems/devices.

It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

As shown in Figure 1 , an aerosol provision system 1 comprises an extractor composed of a receiver 10 and a sleeve 11 , a heater 12, and an article 13. The receiver 10 comprises a tubular body defining a receiving chamber 102 for receiving the article. The other end of the receiving chamber 102 is provided with an aperture 101 for the heater 12 to pass through and insert into the article 13 for heating. To secure the article 13 and prevent it from falling out of the receiving chamber 102 during heating, the receiving chamber 102 is sized to tightly clamp the article 13. However, when the article 13 is depleted and needs to be removed, the clamping configuration may cause the aerosol-generating material inside the article 13 to separate from the wrapping paper, leaving residue in the receiving chamber 102 that is difficult to clean. This can affect the hygiene and performance of the system.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the three-dimensional structure of an extractor for an aerosol provision system. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the extractor 20 comprises a receiver 210, which has a receiving chamber 212 for accommodating an article (not shown) and a circumferential wall. The circumferential wall defines a through hole 213.

The extractor 20 also comprises a clamping member 220 connected to the receiver 210. The clamping member 220 has a fixed end 221 and a free end 222 opposite to each other. The fixed end 221 is fixed to the circumferential wall of the receiver 210; the free end 222 can extend into the through hole 213 and move inward along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 to extend into the chamber, or move in the opposite direction to withdraw from the chamber.

By setting the through hole 213 on the circumferential wall of the receiving chamber 212 and configuring the free end 222 of the clamping member 220 to extend into or retract from the receiving chamber 212 along the radial direction, the user may be enabled to change the inner diameter of the receiving chamber 212. When the clamping member 220 moves inward along the radial direction and extends into the receiving chamber 212 through the through hole 213, the inner diameter of the receiving chamber 212 at the position where the clamping member 220 extends is reduced by the clamping member, causing the article in the receiving chamber 212 to contact and be clamped by the clamping member. When the clamping member 220 moves outward along the radial direction and withdraws from the receiving chamber 212 through the through hole 213, the inner diameter of the receiving chamber 212 returns to its original size, and the clamping force of the clamping member on the article gradually disappears, allowing the article to be removed from the receiving chamber 212.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the receiver 210 comprises a generally cylindrical tube, the interior of which defines a generally cylindrical receiving chamber 212 to receive a correspondingly shaped article such as a cigarette. In embodiments, the inner diameter of the receiver 210 is constant along its length to accommodate articles with a constant diameter along their length. In embodiments, the inner diameter of the receiver 210 varies along its length to accommodate articles with varying diameters. In embodiments, the outer diameter of the receiver 210 is constant along its length, while the inner diameter varies. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the receiver 210 is constant along its length, while the outer diameter varies. The receiver 210 has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the axial direction. The first end is open to form an article insertion port 211 for inserting the article. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the periphery of the first end forms a radially outwardly extending protrusion 214. In embodiments, the protrusion 214 is a protruding edge or a protruding ring. The diameter at the location of the protrusion 214 is larger than the outer diameter of the receiver 210 to form a stop for the movement of the receiver 210.

The second end of the receiver 210 is substantially closed, and this substantially closed second end defines one or more apertures 215 (only one is shown in the figure) to allow one or more heating elements of the heater to extend from the apertures at the second end into the receiving chamber 212. In addition, the aperture 215 can also serve as an air inlet for external air to enter the receiving chamber 212. In embodiments, such as when using a circumferential heating method, the aperture 215 only serves as an air inlet for external air to enter the receiving chamber 212. The substantially closed second end may be beneficial for the extraction of the article, may prevent or reduce residue falling into the system from the second end. Additionally, the substantially closed second end can provide axial support for the article, facilitating the detachment of the article from the heater inserted into it.

In embodiments, the second end of the receiver 210 is fully closed but is provided with one or more pierceable areas for one or more heating elements of the heater to pierce and insert into the receiving chamber 212.

In embodiments using circumferential heating, the heater is sleeved around the receiver 210 and does not need to extend into the receiving chamber 212. Therefore, the second end of the receiver 210 can be fully closed and the pierceable areas may be omitted.

The receiver 210 may be provided with an air inlet for external air to enter the receiving chamber212. Tthis air inlet may be the aperture 215 provided at the second end. In alternative embodiments, the air inlet may be located on the circumferential wall of the receiver 210. In embodiments, the air inlet may be located at any suitable position.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fixed end 221 of the clamping member 220 is arranged further away from the article insertion port 211 than the free end 222.When the clamping member 220 is not subjected to external force, it inclines outward along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 in the direction extending from the fixed end 221 to the free end 222. This causes the diameter of the receiver 210 at the free end 222 to be larger than the diameter of the rest of the receiver 210, permitting the rest of the receiver 210 to move smoothly relative to the external force-applying component, such as the subsequently described sleeve, due to its smaller diameter, and permitting the free end 222 to contact the external force-applying component and be forced to extend into the receiving chamber 212 due to its larger diameter. In an embodiment, this inclination is a smooth inclination setting, which can provide smooth movement between the clamping member 220 and the external force-applying component.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the thickness of the clamping member 220 increases along the direction extending from the fixed end 221 to the free end 222. This causes the thickness (i.e., the lateral length) of the clamping member 220 extending into the receiving chamber 212 along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 to increase along the direction extending from the fixed end 221 to the free end 222, thereby providing an increasing clamping force on the article. In embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the thickness of the clamping member 220 increases smoothly along the direction extending from the fixed end 221 to the free end 222. In embodiments, the thickness of the clamping member 220 increases stepwise along the direction extending from the fixed end 221 to the free end 222. Smooth increase in thickness of the clamping member 220 may cause the receiver 210 to move smoothly relative to the external force-applying component, such as the subsequently described sleeve.

In embodiments, the surface of the free end 222 facing the receiving chamber 212 is arranged as a flat surface or a curved surface. In embodiments, the surface of the free end 222 facing the receiving chamber 212 is triangular. In embodiments, the free end 222 forms a point contact, line contact, or surface contact with the article when extending into the receiving chamber. In Figures 2 and 3, when not subjected to external force, the free end 222 is arranged on the radial outer side of the receiving chamber 212. In embodiments, the free end 222 may be partially located in the through hole 213 or partially located in the receiving chamber 212. The free end 222 does not apply a clamping force to the article when not subjected to external force, and may further extend into the receiving chamber 212 to clamp the article when subjected to radial inward external force.

In embodiments, one or more clamping members 220 may be provided. To provide a more stable clamping force on the article, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, at least two clamping members 220 are provided and spaced along the circumferential wall of the receiver 210. In embodiments, at least two clamping members 220 are set symmetrically along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 to provide symmetrical clamping force on the article. In embodiments, the clamping member 220 is arranged annularly along the circumferential wall of the receiver 210. This may provide greater engineering tolerance for alignment between the clamping member 220 and the external force-applying component.

Sealing or partial sealing of the receiving chamber 212 may improve heating efficiency by reducing heat dissipation. In embodiments, the size of the clamping member 220 is configured to at least partially seal the through hole 213 when extending into the receiving chamber 212, to reduce heat loss in the receiving chamber 212. The outermost layer of the article comprises a thin wrapping paper. In embodiments, the surface of the clamping member 220 facing the receiving chamber 212 is configured as a flexible surface to reduce wear on the wrapping paper of the article.

In embodiments, the clamping member 220 is arranged as an elastic sheet. This may be beneficial for receiving articles of different sizes in the receiving chamber 212: when the diameter of the article is large, the elastic sheet can be compressed in the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 to reduce the thickness extending into the receiving chamber 212; when the diameter of the article is small, the elastic sheet may extend in the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 to extend further into the receiving chamber 212.

In embodiments, the clamping member 220 is integrated with the receiver 210 or configured as a detachable connection. In embodiments, the fixed end 221 of the clamping member 220 is connected to the receiver 210 by a hinge. The fixed end 221 forms a hinge setting similar to a switch door. The clamping member 220 extends into the receiving chamber 212 when subjected to a force in the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212. For this reason, the outer side of the receiver 210 is provided with a force exerting portion to apply force to the clamping member 220.

In embodiments, the extractor comprises a sleeve sleeved outside the receiver, and the sleeve is provided with a force exerting portion to achieve radial force on the clamping member.

Figure 4 shows the three-dimensional structure of the extractor comprising the sleeve, Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the extractor including the sleeve in one viewing direction, and Figure 6 shows the three-dimensional structure of the sleeve. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the extractor 20 comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve 230 and the aforementioned receiver 210 and clamping member 220. The sleeve 230 internally defines a generally cylindrical chamber. The sleeve 230 has a top end 231 and a bottom end 232 opposite to each other along the axial direction, where the top end 231 has a first opening 233 arranged to receive the receiver 210. The receiver 210 is received in the chamber of the sleeve 230 through the first opening 233. In embodiments, the bottom end 232 is the open end surface shown in Figure 6, so that the receiver 210 can slide relative to the sleeve 230 along the axial direction. In embodiments, the bottom end 232 is a closed end surface with only a hole for the heater to pass through, and the length of the sleeve 230 in the axial direction is sufficient for the receiver 210 to slide axially in its internal chamber.

The outer diameter of the receiver 210 at least partially along its length is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve 230, so that the receiver 210 can be slidably received in the chamber of the sleeve 230. The outer diameter of the receiver 210 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve 230. The outer diameter at least partially along its length here does not include the outer diameter at the position of the stop mentioned below and the outer diameter at the position of the clamping member 220.

The extractor 20 comprises a bracket 240, and the sleeve 230 is connected to the bracket 240. The bracket 240 is sleeved on the radial outer side of the receiver 210, and the sleeve 230 and the bracket 240 share part of the circumferential wall.

The inner wall of the sleeve 230 is provided with a force exerting portion. When the receiver 210 and the sleeve 230 slide relative to each other along the axial direction to the position where the force exerting portion contacts the clamping member 220, the force exerting portion applies a radial inward pressure to the clamping member 220 to cause the free end 222 of the clamping member 220 to extend into the receiving chamber 212. To achieve the radial inward force of the force exerting portion on the free end 222, in embodiments, the inner diameter of the sleeve 230 at the position of the force exerting portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the receiver 210 at the position of the free end 222 (the free end under no force). The force exerting portion applies force to the free end 222 when contacting it, causing the free end 222 to extend into the receiving chamber 212.

In embodiments, the force exerting portion may take any suitable form.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in embodiments, the inner wall of the sleeve 230 is provided with a flange 234, which forms the force exerting portion. In embodiments, a plurality of flanges 234 is provided In embodiments, the plurality of flanges 234 are spaced along the circumferential wall of the sleeve 230. In embodiments, the flange 234 is arranged in a ring shape. This may provide greater engineering tolerance for alignment between the clamping member 220 and the flange 234. In embodiments, the clamping member 220 is arranged in a ring shape along the circumferential wall of the receiver 210.

The flange 234 is positioned at a suitable location on the sleeve 230. As shown in Figure 5, the flange 234 is arranged at the bottom end 232 of the sleeve 230. In embodiments, the flange 234 is positioned at the middle portion of the sleeve along the axial direction. In embodiments, particularly when the clamping member 220 is positioned close to the first end of the receiver 210, the flange 234 is arranged near the top end of the sleeve. Comparatively, the closer the flange 234 is to the bottom end 232, the greater the moving distance of the receiver 210 within the sleeve 230 can be provided. A greater moving distance can contribute to the miniaturization of the axial length of the system.

In embodiments, the inner wall of the sleeve 230 is provided with ribs that run through along the axial direction, and the ribs form the force exerting portion. These ribs may protrude from the inner wall. Unlike the ribs that run through along the axial direction, the flange 234 generally refers to a protruding structure arranged on part of the axial direction of the inner wall of the sleeve 230. In embodiments a portion of, the inner wall of the sleeve 230 may be configured to be smooth, i.e., without structures such as flanges or ribs. In embodiments, the smooth portion of the inner wall forms the force exerting portion. In embodiments, the entire inner wall of the sleeve 230 forms the force exerting portion. In this case, the inner diameter of the entire sleeve 230 is smaller than the outer diameter at the position of the free end.

In embodiments, an elastic element providing elastic force in the radial direction is arranged on the inner wall of the sleeve to form the force exerting portion. This is beneficial for the receiving chamber 212 to receive articles of different sizes: when the diameter of the article is large, the force exerting portion formed by the elastic element may be compressed in the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 to reduce the thickness of the free end 222 extending into the receiving chamber 212; when the diameter of the article is small, the elastic element can extend in the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 to extend more thickness of the free end 222 into the receiving chamber 212. The aforementioned flanges, ribs, etc., can all be configured as elastic elements. In embodiments where the elastic element serves as the force exerting portion, at least part of the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve 230 may be configured as an elastic wall to form the elastic element. In embodiments, the clamping member 220 may also be configured as an elastic sheet to provide better elastic cooperation and make the receiving chamber 212 more suitable for receiving articles of different sizes.

It is expected that as the receiver 210 moves relative to the sleeve 230, the thickness of the free end 222 extending into the receiving chamber 212 in the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 continues to increase, thereby providing an increasing clamping force on the article. To achieve this effect, in embodiments, the thickness gradually increases along the direction from the fixed end 221 to the free end 222. In embodiments, the thickness of the force exerting portion in the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 increases along the direction from the top end 231 to the bottom end 232 of the sleeve 230. In embodiments, the thickness of the flange 234, the thickness of the ribs, the thickness of the inner wall of the sleeve 230, increasing.

As shown in Figure 5, the extractor 20 further comprises a reset spring 250 for resetting the sleeve 230 and/or the receiver 210 along the axial direction. In embodiments, one end of the reset spring 250 is connected to the sleeve 230, and the other end is connected to the receiver 210. In addition to providing axial reset, it can also provide alignment of the force exerting portion of the sleeve 230 and the clamping member 220 in the circumferential direction.

In embodiments, the extractor 20 further comprises a guide element configured to guide the axial movement of the receiver 210 within the sleeve 230 to align the receiver and the sleeve in the circumferential direction. The guide element may take various possible forms, such as alignment marks arranged on the receiver 210 and the sleeve 230 to provide user alignment instructions; or the guide element may be guide grooves, guide pins, etc., arranged on the receiver 210 and/or the sleeve 230.

In embodiments, the extractor 20 further comprises a stop, configured to limit the receiver 210 from moving out of the sleeve 230 along the axial direction. The stop in the present application may take various possible forms.

In embodiments, the stop is arranged on the receiver 210. For example, as shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, the protrusion 214 is formed on the periphery of the first end of the receiver 210 and extends radially outward. The outer diameter of the receiver 210 at the position of the protrusion 214 is greater than the minimum inner diameter of the sleeve 230. When the protrusion 214 moves to the position of the minimum inner diameter of the sleeve 230, it is stopped, thereby restricting the receiver 210 from sliding out of the sleeve 230 along the axial direction. In one implementation, the sleeve 230 has the smallest diameter at the flange 234.

In embodiments, the stop is arranged on the sleeve 230, such as by providing a radially inward protruding component on the sleeve 230 to form the minimum inner diameter of the sleeve 230 at the protruding component, and this minimum inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the receiver 210.

In embodiments, the stop comprises mutually matching protruding parts and recessed parts respectively arranged on the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve 230 and the outer circumferential wall of the receiver 210.

Taking the extractor structure shown in Figures 4 and 5 as an example, combined with the movement of the receiver within the sleeve, the operation process of the extractor is described as follows:

Initial Position: The receiver 210 is received in the chamber of the sleeve 230 through the first opening of the sleeve 230. When not subjected to external force, the receiver 210 is located at the initial position within the sleeve 230, as shown in Figure 7A. The clamping member 220, especially the free end 222, is above the flange 234, and the two are not in contact. The free end 222 inclines outward along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 and does not extend into the receiving chamber 212. A reset spring may be provided to supply elastic force, keeping the receiver 210 at the initial position.

Heating Position: When it is necessary to heat the article for inhalation, the article (not shown in the figure) is inserted into the receiving chamber 212 through the article insertion port. The inner diameter of the receiving chamber 212 may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the article to allow the article to be inserted without obstruction. After the article reaches the second end of the receiver 210, the article is further pressed downward, thereby pressing the receiver 210 downward. After being pressed, the receiver 210 moves downward relative to the sleeve 230 along the axial direction until it moves to the position where the free end 222 contacts the flange 234. The flange 234 applies a radially inward force to the free end 222, and after being pressed, the free end 222 extends into the receiving chamber 212 through the through hole. After extending a certain lateral length, it contacts the article in the receiving chamber 212 to apply a clamping force. At this time, the clamping member 220 connected to the receiver 210 is in close contact with the flange 234, and the friction between the two keeps the receiver 210 at the current position, as shown in Figure 7B. In this position, the article is clamped, and the receiver 210 is in contact with the heater below, allowing heating to be initiated. This position is referred to as the heating position.

Extraction Position: When the article is completely exhausted or when the user believes the article is about to be completely exhausted, the article is lifted upward. Due to the friction between the article and the clamping member 220, the receiver 210 is simultaneously lifted and gradually moves out of the heating position until it moves to the extraction position where the flange 234 is separated from the free end 222. After the flange 234 is separated from the free end 222, the external force on the free end 222 disappears, and it moves outward along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212 and releases the clamping force on the article, as shown in Figure 7A. At this time, the article can be easily removed from the receiving chamber 212. The extraction position may be the same as or different from the initial position. If different, the reset spring can pull the receiver 210 back to the initial position.

A user operation switch may also be provided to replace the method of pressing or lifting the article to drive the axial movement of the receiver 210 within the sleeve 230, enabling the receiver 210 to move to the aforementioned positions as needed.

Figures 4 and 5 and the above working process are merely examples of the structure and operation process of the extractor. In embodiments, other possible variations may also be included.

Based on the above configuration, the sleeve 230 provides guidance for the axial movement of the receiver 210 from the initial position to the heating position and, based on the axial movement of the receiver 210, provides clamping and release of the article, thereby achieving fixation of the article during heating and easy extraction after heating.

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective structural diagram of an aerosol provision system, Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of the aerosol provision system, and Figure 10 illustrates a cross - sectional view of the aerosol provision system in one viewing direction.

As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the aerosol provision system 3 comprises a housing 30. The housing 30 is generally elongated and defines an elongated internal chamber. The aerosol provision system 3 further comprises an upper cover 320, which defines one end surface of the system in the axial direction, and a second opening 310 is provided through the upper cover 320 to communicate with the internal chamber of the housing 30. The second opening 310 is used for inserting an article and exposing the article for user inhalation.

In an embodiment, the aerosol provision system 3 includes a dust cover arranged on the upper cover to cover the second opening 310 when the article is not inserted and to open the second opening 310 when the article is inserted.

The aerosol provision system 3 further comprises an extractor arranged in the internal chamber of the housing 30. The extractor may have the same or similar structure as the extractor of Figure 1 .

Referring to Figures 8 to 10, the extractor comprises a receiver 210', configured with a receiving chamber 212' for receiving the article, a circumferential wall and a through hole (not labeled) defined in the circumferential wall. The receiver 210' has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the axial direction. The first end is open to form an article insertion port 21 T. The article insertion port 21 T communicates with the second opening 310 to allow the article to be inserted. The inner diameter of the second opening 310 may be set smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the receiver 210' to limit the receiver 210' from moving out of the housing 30 along the axial direction.

The extractor further comprises a clamping member 220'. The clamping member 220' has a fixed end 22 T and a free end 222' opposite to each other. The fixed end 22 T is fixed to the circumferential wall of the receiver 210'; the free end 222' is extendable into the through hole and moves inwards along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212' to extend into the receiving chamber 212', or moves in the opposite direction to withdraw from the receiving chamber 212'.

The extractor further comprises a bracket 240' sleeved on the radial outer side of the receiver 210'. The bracket 240' is connected to the inner circumferential wall of the housing 30 to connect the sleeve 230' with the housing 30.

The sleeve 230' has a top end 23T and a bottom end 232' opposite to each other along the axial direction, wherein the top end 23T has a first opening 21 T for the receiver 210' to insert. The receiver 210' is received in the chamber of the sleeve 230' through the first opening 21 T. The bottom end 232' is an open end surface, and the receiver 210' is slidable relative to the sleeve 230' along the axial direction. The sleeve 230' is provided with a flange 234' as a force exerting portion to apply a radial force to the clamping member 220'. Although the bracket 240' and the sleeve 230' are illustrated as separate components in the figure, in embodiments, the bracket 240', the sleeve 230', and the housing 30 are integrally formed.

The aerosol provision system 3 further comprises an article 40, arranged in the receiving chamber 212' through the second opening 310 and the article insertion port 21 T. The clamping member 220' is configured to clamp the article 40 when the free end 222' extends into the through hole and moves inwards along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212' to extend into the receiving chamber 212', and to release the clamping on the article 40 when the free end 222' moves in the opposite direction to withdraw from the receiving chamber 212'.

The aerosol provision system 3 further comprises a heater 50, which comprises a heater base 510 and a heating needle 520. The heater base 510 is arranged adjacent to the second end of the receiver 210'. When the receiver 210' is pressed down, the heating needle 520 penetrates the aperture at the second end of the receiver 210' and extends into the interior of the article for heating. The heater base 510 may be connected to the inner circumferential wall of the housing 30 to fix the heater 50 and support the receiver 210'.

The aerosol provision system 3 further comprises a power source (not shown in the figure) and a controller (not shown in the figure). Under the control of the controller, the power source supplies power to the heater for heating.

The working process of the aerosol provision system 3 is substantially the same as the working process of the extractor including the sleeve:

Initial Position: The receiver 210' is received in the chamber of the sleeve 230'. The receiver 210' is located at the initial position within the sleeve 230' when not subjected to external force. The free end 222' is above the flange 234', and the two are not in contact. The free end 222' inclines outwards along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212' and does not extend into the receiving chamber 212'. The reset spring 250' may provide an elastic force to keep the receiver 210' at the initial position.

Heating Position: When it is necessary to heat the article 40 for inhalation, the article 40 is inserted into the receiving chamber 212' from the article insertion port 21 T in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The inner diameter of the receiving chamber 212' may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the article 40 to allow the article 40 to be inserted without obstruction. After the article 40 reaches the second end of the receiver 210', the article 40 is further pressed down, thereby pressing down the receiver 210'. After being pressed, the receiver 210' moves downward relative to the sleeve 230' along the axial direction until it moves to the position where the free end 222' contacts the flange 234'. The flange 234' applies a radial inward force to the free end 222'. After being pressed, the free end 222' extends into the receiving chamber 212' through the through hole, and after extending a certain lateral length, it contacts the article 40 in the receiving chamber 212' to apply a clamping force. At this time, the clamping member 220' connected to the receiver 210' is in close contact with the flange 234', and the friction between the two keeps the receiver 210' at the current position. In this position, the article 40 is clamped, and the receiver 210' is in contact with the heater 50, with the heating needle 520 of the heater 50 extending into the receiving chamber 212' and inserted into the interior of the article 40. In this position, the article 40 can be heated. Extraction Position: When the article 40 is completely exhausted or when the user believes the article 40 is about to be completely exhausted, the article 40 is lifted up. Based on the friction between the article 40 and the clamping member 220', the receiver 210' is simultaneously lifted and gradually moves out of the heating position until it moves to the extraction position where the flange 234' is separated from the free end 222'. During this process, the receiver 210' moves the article 40 continuously away from the heating needle 520, reducing the residue of the article on the heating needle. After the flange 234' is separated from the free end 222', the external force on the free end disappears, and it moves outward along the radial direction of the receiving chamber 212' and releases the clamping force on the article 40. At this time, the article 40 can be easily removed from the receiving chamber 212'. The extraction position may be the same as or different from the initial position. If different, the reset spring 250' can pull the receiver 210' back to the initial position.

In embodiments, the extractor may be partially arranged in the chamber of the housing and partially arranged outside the housing. In embodiments, the extractor, especially the receiver, may be detachable relative to the housing for replacement or removal for cleaning. Specifically, the user can replace the receiver while replacing the article.

Based on the above configuration of the sleeve, guidance for the axial movement of the receiver is provided. Through the cooperative arrangement of the clamping member and the force exerting portion of the sleeve, the clamping or release of the article is achieved when the receiver moves relative to the sleeve along the axial direction, realizing the fixation of the article during heating and the easy extraction after heating. This may reduce residue during the extraction of the article.

In the description of this specification, the referential terminology "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description of the present application, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined. In the present application, unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the application based on the circumstances.

Although the embodiments of the application have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the application. Those skilled in the art within the scope of the application can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the abovedescribed embodiments.

Claims

1 . An extractor for an aerosol provision system comprising: a receiver comprising a circumferential wall and defining a receiving chamber for receiving an article comprising aerosol generating material, the circumferential wall defining a through hole; a clamping member comprising a fixed end and a free end opposite to the fixed end, the fixed end being fixed to the circumferential wall, wherein the free end is extendable into the through hole and movable inwards along a radial direction of the receiving chamber to extend into the receiving chamber, or movable outwards along a radial direction of the receiving chamber to withdraw from the receiving chamber.

2. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to claim 1 , comprising: a sleeve, at least partially surrounding the receiver, wherein the sleeve and the receiver are movable with respect to each other along an axial direction, the sleeve comprising an inner wall, the inner wall comprising a force exerting portion, wherein the force exerting portion is arranged to move along the axial direction relative to the clamping member, and to exert a radial inward pressure on the clamping member to cause the free end to extend into the receiving chamber.

3. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to claim 2, wherein an inner diameter of the sleeve at the position of the force exerting portion is less than an outer diameter of the receiver at the position of the free end.

4. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the inner wall of the sleeve is smooth, and the portion of the inner wall forms the force exerting portion.

5. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the inner wall of the sleeve defines a rib extending in the axial direction, and the rib forms the force exerting portion.

6. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the inner wall of the sleeve defines a flange, and the flange forms the force exerting portion.

7. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a top end and a bottom end opposite to each other along the axial direction, the top end defines an opening configured to receive the receiver and the flange is located on a middle portion of the sleeve or located on the bottom end of the sleeve.

8. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the inner wall of the sleeve comprises an elastic element arranged to provide a radial elastic force, wherein the elastic element forms the force exerting portion.

9. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to claim 8, wherein at least part of an inner circumferential wall of the sleeve is an elastic wall, and the elastic wall forms the elastic element.

10. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 9, configured such that, when the clamping member is free from the force exerted by the force exerting portion, the clamping member inclines outward along the radial direction of the receiving chamber, from the fixed end to the free end..

11. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein a thickness of the clamping member increases along a direction extending from the fixed end towards the free end.

12. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 11 , wherein the clamping member comprises an elastic sheet.

13. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least two clamping members spaced along the circumferential wall of the receiver.

14. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 13, wherein the clamping member is configured to seal the through hole when the force exerting portion exerts the radial inward pressure.

15. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the clamping member comprises a surface facing the receiving chamber, the surface being configured as a flexible surface.

16. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the extractor comprises a reset spring, for resetting the axial movement of the sleeve and/or the receiver.

17. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to claim 16, wherein one end of the reset spring is connected to the sleeve, and the other end is connected to the receiver.

18. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 17, wherein the extractor comprises a guide element configured to guide the axial movement of the receiver within the sleeve to align the receiver and the sleeve in the circumferential direction.

19. The extractor for an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2 to 18, wherein the extractor comprises a stop configured to restrict the receiver from moving out of the sleeve along the axial direction.

20. An aerosol provision system comprising the extractor according to any of claims 1 to 19.

21. The aerosol provision system according to claim 20, comprising an article comprising aerosol generating material, arranged to be received in the receiving chamber, wherein the clamping member is configured to clamp the article when the free end extends into the through hole and moves inwards along the radial direction of the receiving chamber to extend into the receiving chamber, and to release the clamping on the article when the free end moves in the opposite direction to withdraw from the receiving chamber.