TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision system and a method of generating an aerosol.

BACKGROUND

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

Aerosol provision systems, which cover the aforementioned devices or products, are known. Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use induction heating systems as heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material which is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field to heat the suitable medium.

Conventional aerosol provision devices comprise a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod shaped consumable is inserted.

It is known to provide an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and a charging unit.

It is desired to provide an improved aerosol provision system.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device; and a charging unit for charging the aerosol provision device, the charging unit having a cavity for receiving the aerosol provision device and a lid moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the charging unit further comprises: a lid positioning arrangement, operating between the lid and a body of the charging unit, comprising:

(i) a first positioning element and a second positioning element; and

(ii) an engagement element arranged to engage the first positioning element when the lid is in the first position so as to hold the lid in the first position, and arranged to engage the second positioning element when the lid is in the second position so as to hold the lid in the second position.

According to various embodiments, the lid positioning arrangement, specifically the first positioning element, second positioning element and engagement element thereof, may beneficially hold the lid in both the first and second positions. Holding the lid in these positions may improve the ease of use of the aerosol provision system as a user may, for example, extract the aerosol provision device from the cavity of the device, without having to also hold the lid in position. Additionally, the engagement of the engagement element and the first positioning element or second positioning element as the lid moves into the first and second positions, respectively, may provide a tactile feedback to a user giving them confidence that the lid has been moved into the correct position. The tactile feedback may, for example, be transmitted through the lid to user’s thumb which may be resting thereon, or through the body of the charging unit to a user’s hand which may be gripping the charging unit.

Optionally, the first and second positioning elements are arranged on the lid and the engagement element is arranged on the body of the charging unit.

Alternatively, the first and second positioning elements are arranged on the body of the charging unit and the engagement element is arranged on the lid.

Optionally, the first position comprises an open position in which the aerosol provision device can be inserted into, and removed from, the cavity.

Optionally, the second position comprises a closed position in which an upper portion of the cavity is closed by the lid.

Optionally, the lid positioning arrangement further comprises a third positioning element, and wherein the engagement element is arranged to engage the third positioning element when the lid is in a third position so as to hold the lid in the third position.

Optionally, the third position is between the first position and second position. Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a chamber for receiving an aerosol generating article and wherein when the lid is in the third position, the lid is positioned such that the chamber of the aerosol provision device is accessible to a user but the aerosol provision device is prevented from being removed from the cavity of the charging unit, by the lid.

Optionally, the engagement element is configured to contact the first, second and/or third positioning element when the lid is in the respective first, second or third position.

Optionally, the engagement element comprises a protruding element, and wherein the first, second and/or third positioning element comprises a recess into which the protruding element engages.

Optionally, the engagement element comprises an engagement surface which engages the recess and wherein the recess has a shape which substantially conforms to a shape of the engagement surface.

Optionally, the engagement element is resiliently biased so as to engage the first, second and/or third positioning elements.

Optionally, the resilient bias is provided by a resilient member.

Optionally, the engagement element comprises a rounded contact surface arranged to engage the first, second and/or third positioning elements.

Optionally, the engagement element comprises a ball, a ball detent, a detent or a catch.

Optionally, the first, second and/or third positioning element comprises a magnet or magnetisable element and wherein the engagement element comprises a magnet or magnetisable element.

Optionally, the first positioning element and/or the second positioning element and/or the third positioning element are arranged on an underside of the lid or on a portion of the charging unit adjacent the underside of the lid, and wherein the engagement element is arranged on the other of the underside of the lid or the portion of the charging unit adjacent the underside of the lid.

Optionally, the first positioning element and/or the second positioning element and/or the third positioning element are arranged on a side edge portion of the lid or on an inside edge portion of the charging unit, and wherein the engagement element is arranged on the other of the side edge portion of the lid or the inside edge portion of the charging unit.

Optionally, the lid is configured to slide between the first and second positions.

Optionally, the charging unit comprises a housing having one or more rails or grooves and the lid comprises one or more tabs or projections arranged to engage the one or more rails or grooves.

Alternatively, the charging unit comprises a housing having one or more tabs or projections and the lid comprises one or more rails or grooves and wherein the one or more tabs or projections engage the one or more rails or grooves.

Optionally, the aerosol provision system further comprises an aerosol generating article.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision system as described above; and energising the aerosol generating article.

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:

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit according to an embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision device according to an embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol provision device with an aerosol generating article inserted therein according to an embodiment;

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an upper portion of an aerosol provision system, according to an embodiment, wherein the lid on the charging unit is in a first position;

Fig. 5 shows a top view of the aerosol provision system shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view through the upper portion of the aerosol provision system shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an upper portion of an aerosol provision system, according to an embodiment, wherein the lid on the charging unit is in a second position;

Fig. 8 shows a top view of the aerosol provision system shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 shows a cross sectional view through the upper portion of the aerosol provision system shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 shows a top view of an aerosol provision system, according to an embodiment, capable of holding the lid in a third position;

Fig. 11 shows a top view of the aerosol provision system shown in Fig. 10 with the lid held in the third position;

Fig. 12 shows a cross sectional view through an upper portion of an aerosol provision system, according to an embodiment, in which the positioning elements and engagement element comprise a magnet or magnetic element, and wherein the lid is held in a first position; and

Fig. 13 shows a cross sectional view through the aerosol provision system shown in Fig. 12 with the lid held in the second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

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

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

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. 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 semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosolgenerating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as active substances, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such an arrangement of discrete portions of film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet.

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.

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 aerosol-generating 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. 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 aerosolmodifying 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 heating 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 aerosol provision device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.

Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object, referred to as a susceptor, is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents and when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic or resistive heating. Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule heating.

Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment comprising an aerosol provision device 100 which is shown located within a cavity of a charging unit 101. The aerosol provision device 100 is arranged to generate aerosol from an aerosol generating article which may be inserted, in use, into the aerosol provision device 100.

The aerosol provision device 100 is an elongate structure, extending along a longitudinal axis. Additionally, the aerosol provision device has a proximal end, which will be closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 100, as well as a distal end which will be furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end may also be referred to as the “mouth end”. The aerosol provision device 100 also accordingly defines a proximal direction, which is directed towards the user when in use, i.e. in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end. Further, the aerosol provision device 100 also likewise defines a distal direction, which is directed away from the user when in use, i.e. in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end.

The aerosol provision device 100 may be removably inserted into the charging unit 101 in order to be charged. The charging unit 101 comprises a cavity for receiving the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 may be inserted into the cavity via an opening. The cavity may also comprise a longitudinal opening. A portion of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise a first side. One or more user- operable control elements such as buttons 106 which can be used to operate the aerosol provision device 100 may be provided on the first side of the aerosol provision device 100. The first side of the aerosol provision device 100 may be received in the longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 101.

According to an embodiment the cavity of the charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile which only permits that the aerosol provision device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 101 in a single orientation. According to an embodiment the outer profile of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise an arcuate portion and a linear portion. The cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided in the charging unit 101 may also comprise a similar arcuate portion and a linear portion. The linear portion of the cross-sectional profile of the cavity may correspond with the longitudinal opening.

The aerosol provision device 100 comprises an opening leading into a heating chamber. A rod shaped aerosol generating article comprising aerosol generating material may be inserted through the opening and may be retained with the heating chamber of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol generating article may be heated by a heating element so that an aerosol or other inhalable medium may be generated which may then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol provision device 100.

The charging unit 101 may include a slidable lid 103. When the aerosol provision device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 in order to be recharged, the slidable lid 103 may be closed so as to cover the opening into the aerosol provision device 100. The charging unit 101 may include a user interface such as display 108.

Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a portion of an aerosol provision device 100 according to an embodiment. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a main housing 200 which forms a heating chamber 201. The main housing 200 may comprise a wall 200a which is a tubular wall 200a, and which may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100, and which surrounds the heating chamber 201. The wall 200a may, at least in part, define the heating chamber 201 of the aerosol provision device 100, as the volume which is enclosed within the tubular wall 200a. The wall 200a may be a shape other than tubular, and may be any shape which encloses (e.g. encircles) and defines a heating chamber 201 there within. A heating element 202 may be provided in a portion of the main housing 200 and the heating element 202 may extend or project into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may comprise a base portion 202a which may be located in a recess provided in a portion of the main housing 200.

The heating element 202 may comprise a resistive heating element. According to an embodiment the heating element 202 comprises a pin which may be inserted, in use, into a distal end of an aerosol generating article which is received within the heating chamber 201 in order to internally heat the aerosol generating article.

Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the heating element 202 may comprise a resistive blade heating element comprising a planar portion and a pointed portion. The pointed portion of the resistive blade heating element may be arranged to be inserted, in use, into a distal end of an aerosol generating article in order to internally heat the aerosol generating article.

Further embodiments are contemplated wherein the heating element 202 may comprise an inductive heating element which may be arranged to internally heat an aerosol generating article. The inductive heating element may similarly comprise a pin or blade. In further embodiments, the heating element of the aerosol provision system may be a part of the aerosol generating article, rather than being a part of the aerosol provision device 100.

The aerosol provision device 100 further comprises a removal mechanism 204 which may be removably retained to the main housing 200 of the aerosol provision device 100. The removal mechanism 204 may be retained to the main housing 200 so that at least a portion of the removal mechanism 204 extends into the heating chamber 201. The removal mechanism 204 may comprise a longitudinal portion such as a tubular portion 207a, and a base portion 207b. The base portion 207b may have an aperture 206 through which the heating element 202 may project. In order to retain the removal mechanism 204 to the main housing 200, the removal mechanism 204 is pushed into engagement with the main housing 200 in the distal direction, i.e. towards the distal end of the main housing 200, until the removal mechanism 204 is able to move no further in the distal direction. In the following description, when the removal mechanism 204 is referred to as being “retained to” the main housing 200, this is when the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200, and can move no further in the distal direction.

Together, the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b may define and enclose an article chamber for receiving, the aerosol generating article. The article chamber comprises an inner surface, which is configured to contact the aerosol generating article, the inner surface comprising a longitudinally extending portion which is provided by the tubular portion 207a, and an end portion which is provided by the base portion 207b. When the aerosol generating article 300 is received in the heating chamber, it may contact both the longitudinally extending portion of the inner surface, and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e. the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least part of an aerosol generating article which is in the form of rod which is longitudinally extending and cylindrical, such that the longitudinal axis of the article is parallel to (and optionally in line with) the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100 when received in the article chamber.

The article chamber may also be referred to as a receiving portion. When the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200, in use, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 is arranged, at least partially, within the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be arranged so as to project into the article chamber, through the aperture 206 provided in the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204. The removal mechanism 204 is therefore configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article in use.

According to an embodiment the removal mechanism 204 may comprise a first magnet or a magnetisable material 208. The main housing 200 may comprise a second magnet or magnetisable material 209. In use, the removal mechanism 204 may be magnetically retained to the main housing 200 by the interaction of the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209.

According to various embodiments the removal mechanism 204 is fully detachable from the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 may be retained to the main housing 200 by a magnetic force of attraction between the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209. The removal mechanism 204 may be detached from the main housing 200 by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209. Alternatively, the removal mechanism 204 may be removably retained to the main housing 200 by other means. For example, the removal mechanism 204 may be configured to be removably retained to the main housing 200 by an interference fit with the main housing.

The first magnet or a magnetisable material 208 and/or the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 may comprise neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic or ferrite magnets.

Other embodiments are contemplated the first magnet or a magnetisable material 208 and/or the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 may comprise a magnetisable component or a temporary magnet which may be comprised of iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, gadolinium, gadolinium alloy, dysprosium or dysprosium alloy. Further embodiments are contemplated wherein the first magnet or a magnetisable material 208 and/or the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 may comprise an electromagnet.

The removal mechanism 204 may comprise an internal element (comprising the tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b) and an outer cap portion 210, wherein when retained to the main housing 200 the outer cap portion 210 encapsulates (e.g. covers) at least a portion of the main housing 200, such as the wall 200a of the main housing. The tubular portion 207a, base portion 207b and outer cap portion 210 may comprise an integral (e.g. unitary) component (formed, for example, by moulding). Alternatively, the tubular portion 207a and base portion 207b may comprise a first component and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise a second separate component. The first and second components may then be secured together.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol provision device 100 according to an embodiment and shows a main housing 200 with a heating element

202 extending into a heating chamber 201 and wherein a removal mechanism 204 is removably retained to the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 surrounds the heating element 202. An aerosol generating article 300 is shown located at least partly within the article chamber, and accordingly also with the heating chamber 201, such that the aerosol generating article 300 is positioned onto the heating element 202.

When retained to the main housing 200, the outer cap portion 210 forms a portion of an outer housing of the aerosol provision device 100. The outer cap portion 210 may radially surround the tubular element 207a with a gap being provided between the internal element (e.g. the tubular element 207a) and the outer cap 210, the gap extending along a portion of the length of the removal mechanism 204, and being configured to receive a portion of the main housing 200, e.g. the wall 200a. The removal mechanism 204 may define an opening 203 to the article chamber, through which the aerosol generating article 300 must be inserted in a first direction in order to be inserted into the article chamber. This first direction is the distal direction, and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. In embodiments, this opening

203 is configured to contact the aerosol generating article 300, such that air is substantially prevented from passing through the opening 203 when the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted through the opening 203 and into the article chamber.

The first magnet or a magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 may be located in the removal mechanism 204 and the main housing 200 respectively, such that they are sufficiently proximate to one another to generate an attractive force between one another when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200, such that the removal mechanism 204 is magnetically retained to the main housing 200. For example the first magnet or magnetisable material may be located at the proximal end of the portion of the main housing 200, e.g. at the proximal end of the wall 200a, which are inserted into the gap within the removal mechanism 204 (i.e. between the outer cap 210 and the internal element) when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200, with the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 located at a corresponding location in the removable mechanism 204, e.g. such that when the removal mechanism 204 is engaged to the main housing 200 the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 is positioned sufficiently close to the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 that the attraction between the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 keeps the removal mechanism 204 retained to the main housing 200.

In use, a user can insert or partially insert the aerosol generating article 300 through the opening 203 into the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol generating article 300 is received within the tubular portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204 and hence the aerosol generating article 300 is received into the article chamber defined by the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b, and is additionally received into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be arranged to pierce a distal end of the aerosol generating article 300 so that the heating element 202 is located within the aerosol generating article 300 and is arranged to heat the aerosol generating article 300 via internal heating.

Once the aerosol generating article 300 has been inserted into the aerosol provision device 100 the user may then conduct a session. During the session the aerosol generating article 300 may be heated by the heating element 202. It will be understood that a session of use may last several minutes. For example, according to various embodiments a session of use may last 2-3 mins, 3-4 mins or 4-5 mins.

At the end of a session of use the user may wish to remove the spent aerosol generating article 300 from the aerosol provision device 100 and optionally replace the spent aerosol generating article 300 with a fresh aerosol generating article 300. According to an embodiment in order to remove a spent aerosol generating article 300 after a session of use, the user may detach the removal mechanism 204 from the main housing 200 by applying a force to the removal mechanism 204 in order to overcome the magnetic force of attraction between the first magnet 208 provided in the removal mechanism 204 and the second magnet provided in the main housing 200.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the uppermost portion of an aerosol provision system in accordance with an embodiment and Fig. 5 shows a top view of the aerosol provision system shown in Fig. 4. In Figs. 4 and 5, the lid 103 is in a first position, which in some embodiments may correspond to an open position. The lid 103 may be moved into a second position, as shown in Figs. 7 to 9 and described in more detail further below. In the first position, the lid 103 may be positioned such that an opening 111 in the charging unit 101 is accessible so that the aerosol provision device 100 can be inserted into, and removed from, a cavity 112 within the charging unit 101. In Figs. 4 and 5, the aerosol provision device 100 is shown within the cavity 112. The charging unit 101 may comprise a housing 113 which houses the components of the charging unit 101.

With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the lid 103 may be configured to slide between the first and second positions. A sliding lid 103 may be easy for a user to operate, and also take up a relatively small amount of space on the charging unit 101 itself. A sliding arrangement may also be less prone to damage, at least when compared to a pivoting lid which may be more susceptible to being broken away from the charging unit 101. In embodiments in which the lid 103 is movable to further positions, e.g. a third position (as described in more detail below), the lid 103 may also be configured to slide into the further positions.

Sliding of the lid 103 may be achieved in any suitable manner. In an embodiment, the charging unit 101 may comprise grooves 114. The grooves 114 may be arranged on an inside edge of the housing 113 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The lid 103 may comprise tabs 116 which engage the grooves 114. Engagement of the tabs 116 with the grooves 114 may constrain the lid 103 such that it is able to slide relative to the housing 113. Such an arrangement of grooves 114 and tabs 116 may be relatively robust and easy to manufacture.

Other embodiments are envisaged wherein the charging unit 101 comprises rails instead of grooves 114. Similarly, the lid 103 may comprise projections, having a form other than tabs 116, which may engage the grooves 114 or rails. It is also envisaged, that the grooves 114 or rails may be arranged on the lid 103 instead of the housing 113, and the tabs 116 or projections may be arranged on the housing 113 or other suitable part of the charging unit 101 , rather than the lid 103. The grooves 114 and/or rails together with the tabs 116 and/or projections, irrespective of their location, act to constrain movement of the lid 103. Any number of grooves 114, rails, tabs 116 or projections may be provided.

Other embodiments are also contemplated whereby the lid 103 moves between first and second positions in any other suitable manner, for example by rotation and/or pivotal movement.

Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view through the uppermost portion of an aerosol provision system, according to an embodiment, with the lid 103 in the first position, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. According to various embodiments, the charging unit 101 comprises a lid positioning arrangement which comprises a first positioning element 118, a second positioning element 120, and an engagement element 122. The lid positioning arrangement acts between the lid 103 and body 124 of the charging unit 101 so as to hold the lid 103 in at least the first and second positions. The engagement element 122 is arranged to engage the first positioning element 118 when the lid is in the first position, as shown in Fig. 6. In some embodiments, as is the case in Fig. 6, the engagement element 122 may be arranged to contact, i.e. physically engage with, the first and second positioning elements 118,120.

Engagement of the engagement element 122 with the first positioning element 118 may hold the lid 103 in the first position. The engagement element 122 may also engage the second positioning element 120 when the lid 103 is in a second position, and thereby hold the lid 103 in the second position. This is shown in Figs. 7-9 and described in more detail further below. Holding the lid 103 in the first and second positions may improve the ease of use of the aerosol provision system for a user. For example, the lid positioning arrangement which holds the lid 103 in the first position shown in Figs. 4-6, may mean that a user does not have to additionally hold the lid 103 in the open position. This may make removal of the aerosol provision device 100 from the charging unit 101 easier for a user. Additionally, holding the lid 103 in the second position may also ensure that the aerosol provision device 101 is securely contained within the charging unit 101, and thus not able to fall out.

As the lid 103 moves into the first and second positions, and the engagement element 122 engages with the corresponding first or second positioning element 118,120, the engagement may be felt through the device. For example, as the engagement element 122 extends into the first positioning element 118, a vibration may transfer through the lid 103 and/or the housing 113 of the charging unit 101. This may be considered to be tactile feedback for a user. This tactile feedback may beneficially indicate to a user that the lid 103 has reached the desired position, and a user may then stop applying a force to the lid 103.

In an embodiment, the first positioning element 118 and second positioning element 120 are arranged on the lid 103, and the engagement element is arranged on the body 124 of the charging unit 101. This arrangement may be particularly advantageous as the lid 103 may be relatively thin and it may be more complex to incorporate an engagement element 122 within the lid 103. However, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the first and second positioning element 118,120 are arranged on the body 124 of the charging unit 101 and the engagement element 122 is arranged on the lid 101. Whilst in the embodiments depicted, the body 124 of the charging unit 101 is an internal structure within the charging unit 101, the body 124 may comprise any suitable component of the charging unit 101 which is capable of carrying the engagement element 122 or the first and second positioning elements 118,120.

The first and second positioning elements 118,120 and engagement element 122 may comprise any suitable elements which engage with one another so as to hold the lid 103 in the first and second positions. In some embodiments, as depicted, the engagement element 122 comprises a protruding element and the first and second positioning elements 118,120 each comprise a recess into which the engagement element 122 engages. The protruding element may be considered to be any element which is capable of physically engaging with, i.e. extending into, the recess of each of the first and second positioning elements 118,120. The recesses may have any suitable form. In some embodiments, each recess may have a concave hemi-spherical shape.

The engagement element 122, e.g. the protruding element, may comprise any element suitable for engagement with the first and second positioning element 118,120. The specific form of the engagement element 122, e.g. its shape, may depend on the shape of the first and second positioning element 118,120. In an embodiment, the engagement element 122 comprises an engagement surface, e.g. a rounded surface 123, which engages the recess and wherein the recess has a shape which substantially conforms to a shape of the engagement surface. A rounded surface 123 may beneficially allow the engagement element 122 to transition into and out of the first and second positioning features 118,120 more easily, thereby reducing the force required to move the lid 103 between the first and second positions. As depicted, in some embodiments, the engagement element 122 may comprise a ball or hemi-sphere, such that an engagement surface 123 of the engagement element is substantially domeshaped. In such embodiments, as depicted, the first and second positioning elements 118,120 may comprise a concave hemi-spherical recess. However, it is envisaged that in other embodiments, the engagement element 122 may have alternative shapes. For example, the engagement element may have a conical shape, or a pyramid shape, and the first and second positioning elements 118,120, e.g. the recesses thereof, may be correspondingly shaped.

Other embodiments are envisaged in which the first and second positioning elements 118,120 each comprise a protrusion, and wherein the engagement element 122 comprises a recess into which the protrusions engage.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the engagement element 122 may comprise a ball. The ball may be free to rotate relative to the lid 103 and body 124 of the charging unit 101. For example, the ball may be configured to be free to rotate about an axis, whilst remaining in a substantially fixed position relative to the lid 103 and body 124. As such, the engagement element 122 may be configured to rotate or roll whilst in contact with the underside 125 of the lid 103 as the lid 103 is moved relative to the body 124. Allowing rotation of the engagement element 122 may allow the engagement element 122 to transition between engagement and non-engagement of the first and second positioning features 118,120 more easily, thereby allowing the lid 103 to be moved between the first and second positions more easily. An engagement element 122 in the form of a ball may be considered to be a ball detent. Embodiments are contemplated wherein the engagement element 122 may comprise a detent or a catch.

In an embodiment, the engagement element 122 is resiliently biased so as to engage the first engagement element 118 and the second engagement element 120. In embodiments which comprise a third positioning element, the resilient bias may also bias the engagement element 118 into engagement with the third positioning element. The resilient bias may be provided by any suitable means. For example, the engagement element 122 may be integrally formed with a body 124 of the charging unit 101 which is formed from an elastically deformable material. In such embodiments, deformation of the body 124 of the charging unit 101 may generate a resilient bias which urges the engagement element into contact with the first or second positioning elements. In other embodiments, as depicted in Fig. 6, the resilient bias may be provided by a resilient member 126, i.e. a dedicated resilient member 126. The resilient member 126 may comprise any suitable member capable of biasing the resilient element 122 into engagement with the first or second positioning element 118,120. The resilient member 126 may, for example, comprise a deformable rubber element or a spring element, e.g. a helical spring.

When the lid 103 is moved between the first position shown in Figs. 4-6 and the second position shown in Figs 7-9, the underside 125 of the lid 103 will press down on the engagement element 122 causing deformation, e.g. compression, of the resilient member 126. This will result in elastic energy being stored within the resilient member 126. As the engagement element 122 becomes aligned with either of the first or second positioning elements, the resilient member will expand so as to release at least some of the stored elastic potential energy, thereby engaging a portion of the engagement element 122 with first or second positioning element 118,120.

Resiliently biasing the engagement element 122 into engagement with the first and second positioning elements 118,120 may ensure that the engagement element 122 reliably engages the first and second positioning elements 118,120, when in the respective first and second positions. Resiliently biasing the engagement element 122 into engagement with the first and second positioning elements 118,120 may increase the amount of tactile feedback which is felt by a user. Further, this mechanical arrangement comprising a resilient bias and a physical engagement element 122 may form a mechanically robust and inexpensive lid positioning arrangement.

The first and second positioning elements 118,120, and third positioning element (where provided), as well as the engagement element 122 may be arranged in any suitable position so as to suitably hold the lid 103 in the first and second (and optionally the third) positions. In some embodiments, the first positioning element 118 and second positioning element 120 are arranged on an underside 125 of the lid 103 (as depicted), and the engagement element 122 is arranged on portion 127 of the body 124 adjacent the underside 125 of the lid 103. Alternatively, the first positioning element 118 and second positioning element 120 may be arranged on the portion 127 of the lid 103, and the engagement element 122 may be arranged on the lid 103.

It has also been appreciated, that the first and second positioning elements 118,120, and the engagement element 122 may be arranged in other suitable positions. For example, in an embodiment, the first positioning element 118 and/or the second positioning element 120 may be arranged are arranged on a side edge portion of the lid 103 or on an inside edge portion of the charging unit 101 and the engagement element 122 may be arranged on the other of the side edge portion of the lid 103 or the inside edge portion of the charging unit 101. For example, the first and second positioning element 118,120, may be arranged within the grooves 114 provided in the housing 113, and the engagement element 122 may be arranged on a side edge portion of the lid 103, e.g. on the tabs 116. In such embodiments, the first positioning element may comprise a first recess in the groove 114, and the second positioning element may comprise a second recess in in the groove. The tab 116 itself may engage the recess within the groove 114, and thus the tab 116 may also form the engagement element 122. Equally, the tab 116 may be shaped to include a protruding portion specifically shaped to engage the recesses in the grooves. Engagement and disengagement of the tabs 116 (and their protruding portions where provided) with the first and second positioning elements 118, 120 may be achieved through elastic deformation of at least one of the tabs 116, or the housing 113 which defines the grooves 114.

In other embodiments, the above described arrangement may be reversed such that the engagement element 122 is arranged on the inside edge portion of the charging unit 101 and the positioning elements 118,120 are arranged on the lid 103.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an uppermost portion of the aerosol provision system described above with respect to Figs. 4-6, with the lid 103 in the second position. In some embodiments, the second position of the lid 103 comprises a closed position in which an upper portion of the cavity 112 is closed by the lid 103. This may prevent a user from being able to remove the aerosol provision device 100 from the cavity 112 of the charging unit 101.

Fig. 8 shows a top view of the aerosol provision system with the lid 103 in the second position. The grooves 114 on the housing 113 of the charging unit 101 and the tabs 116 on the lid 103 are visible in Fig. 8. When the lid 103 moves from the first position shown in Figs. 4-6, into the second position shown in Figs. 7-9, the tabs 116 slide within the grooves 114 and thereby guide sliding movement of the lid 103.

Fig. 9 shows a cross sectional view of the uppermost portion of the aerosol provision system with the lid 103 in the second position as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. As shown, when the lid 103 is in the second position, the engagement element 122 engages the second positioning element 120. As a result, the lid 103 may be held in the second position. The engagement element 122 may be resiliently biased into engagement with the second positioning element 120 by the resilient element 126. As depicted, when in the second position, the lid 103 may close an upper portion of the cavity 112 such that the aerosol provision device 100 cannot be removed from the cavity 112.

In the embodiments discussed above, when the lid 103 is held in the first or second position through engagement of the engagement element 122 and the first or second positioning element 118, 120, the engagement element 122 may hold the lid 103 in the respective position until a user applies a threshold force to the lid 103 tending to move the lid 103 out of the first or second position. The threshold force, i.e. the force required to overcome the engagement between the engagement element 122 and the respective first or second positioning element 118, 120, may depend on a number of factors. In some embodiments, in order to move the lid 103 out of the first or second positions, the engagement element 122 may need to be forced downwards, against the resilient bias of the resilient element 126, before it can disengage from the first or second positioning element 118, 120. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the threshold force required to move the lid 103 out of the first or second positions, when it is held therein by the engagement element 122, may largely depend on the force applied by the resilient element 126. For example, when the resilient element 126 comprises a spring, it may largely depend on the spring constant of the spring. In addition, or alternatively, the threshold force may depend on the frictional forces operating between the engagement element 122 and the first or second positioning element 118, 120.

The threshold force may be relatively low such that the lid 103 is held in first or second position but can easily be moved by a user. This may be achieved, for example, by using a resilient element 126 which provides a relatively small resilient bias. For example, a spring with a low spring constant may be used. The threshold force required to move the lid 103 out of the first position may be the same as the threshold force required to move the lid 103 out of the second position. However, it is also envisaged that the threshold force required to move the lid 103 out of the first position may be different, e.g. higher or lower, to the threshold force required to move the lid 103 out of the second position. The discussion above in relation to application of a threshold force to move the lid 103 into and out of the first and second positions also applies to embodiments in which the lid is moved into an out of a third position, as discussed below. The threshold force required to move the lid out of the third position may be the same and/or different to the threshold force required to move the lid out of the first and second positions.

Whilst in the embodiments described above the lid 103 is held in first and second positions, other embodiments are envisaged in which the lid 103 can be held in other positions. Fig. 10 shows a top view of an aerosol generating system according to another embodiment. This aerosol generating system is substantially the same as the aerosol generating system described above, except that in this embodiment the lid positioning arrangement further comprises a third positioning element 328 (shown by the small dashed circle). The third positioning element 328 may be arranged on the lid 303, or in any other suitable position in the aerosol provision system. Similarly to the embodiments described above, the third positioning element 328 may comprise a recess provided on an underside of the lid 303. In embodiments wherein the positioning elements are arranged on the body of the charging unit 301, the third positioning element 328 may instead be arranged on the body of the charging unit 301. The dashed line 330 shows the position of the lid 303. In the position shown in Fig. 10, the engagement element 322 engages with a first positioning element 318, such that the lid is held in a first position, e.g. an open position. The third positioning element 328 may be arranged in any suitable manner, and have any suitable form, in accordance with the various embodiments discussed above.

When the lid 303 is moved into a third position as shown in Fig. 11, the engagement element 322 may engage with the third positioning element 328 so as to hold the lid 303 in the third position. In some embodiments, the third position of the lid 303 is between the first and second positions of the lid 303. In such embodiments, the third positioning element 328 may be arranged at a position, e.g. on the lid 303, between the first positioning element 318 and second positioning element 320. The third position of the lid 303 is illustrated by the dashed line 330 in Fig. 11. In an embodiment, as depicted, when in this third position, the aerosol provision device 100 may be prevented from being removed from the cavity 312 within the charging unit 301. This may be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, in an embodiment, when the lid 103 is in the third position, the lid 103 partially overlaps the aerosol provision device 101. For example, the lid 103 may overlap the outer cap portion 210 of the aerosol provision device 101. If a user applies a force to the aerosol provision device which tends to pull the aerosol provision device 100 away from the charging unit 101, the outer cap portion 210 may abut against the underside of the lid 303. This may prevent removable of the aerosol provision device 10 from the cavity 312.

Additionally, by partially overlapping the aerosol provision device 100, the chamber, e.g. the heating chamber 201, of the aerosol provision device 101 may remain accessible. As a result, a user may remove a spent aerosol generating article from the heating chamber 201 , whilst the aerosol provision device 100 is in situ within the charging unit 101 , without risk of the aerosol provision device 100 being pulled out of the charging unit 101.

Whilst an engagement element 122, as described above, which physically contacts the positioning elements 118,120 may provide a mechanically robust and inexpensive means for securing the lid in the respective positions, it has been recognised that other forms of positioning elements and engagement features which do not necessarily require contact may also be advantageous. For example, engagement between the engagement element and the positioning elements may be achieved through magnetic engagement. Fig. 12 shows a cross sectional view through the uppermost portion of an aerosol provision system in accordance with such an embodiment. This embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiments described above, except that the first positioning element 418 and second positioning element 420 each comprise a magnet or magnetisable element and the engagement element 422 comprise a magnet or magnetisable element.

The magnet or a magnetisable element of the first and second positioning elements 418,420 and/or the engagement element 422 may comprise neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic or ferrite magnets. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the magnet or magnetisable element of the first or second positioning elements 418,420 and/or the engagement elements 422 may comprise a magnetisable component or a temporary magnet which may be comprised of iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, gadolinium, gadolinium alloy, dysprosium or dysprosium alloy. Further embodiments are contemplated wherein the magnet or magnetisable element of any of the first and second positioning elements 418,420 and/or the engagement element 422 may comprise an electromagnet.

When in the first position, as shown in Fig. 12, the engagement element 422 may magnetically engage the first positioning element 418 and thereby hold the lid 403 in the first position as shown. The magnetic attraction force acting between the first positioning element 418 and the engagement element 422 may be sufficient that absent any holding force applied by the user, the lid 403 may remain in the first position. However, when a user applies a threshold force to the lid 403, suitable for overcoming the magnetic attraction, the lid 403 may then be moved out of the first position.

The lid 403 may be moved into a second position as shown in Fig. 13. In some embodiments, when in this second position, the magnetic attractive force acting between the engagement element 122 and the second positioning element 420 may hold the lid 403 in the second position. Similarly to the engagement between the engagement element 420 and the first positioning element 418, in order to move the lid 403 out of the second position, a user may need to apply a force greater than a threshold force in order to overcome the magnetic force of attraction. When in the second position, the lid 403 may cover the aerosol provision device 100 such that cannot be removed from the charging unit 401. The threshold force required to move the lid 403 out of the first and second positions may be relatively low such that a user can easily move the lid 403 between the first and second positions. The threshold force may be the force applied to the lid at which the magnetic force generated by the magnet or magnetisable elements is no longer capable of holding the lid 403 in the respective position. The threshold force required to move the lid 403 out of the first position may be the same as the threshold force required to move the lid 403 out of the second position. However, it is also envisaged that the threshold force required to move the lid 403 out of the first position may be different, e.g. higher or lower, than the threshold force required to move the lid out of the second position.

Similarly to the embodiments described above, the first and second positioning elements 418,420 and the engagement element 422 may be arranged in any suitable position on the lid 403 and the charging unit 401. Also, further positioning elements, e.g. a third positioning element, may also be included so such that the system is capable of holding the lid 403 in a third position.

The use of first and second positioning elements 418, 420 and an engagement element 422 which comprise magnetic or magnetisable materials may beneficially mean that the engagement element 422 does not necessarily need to contact the first and second positioning element 418,420. This may allow more design freedom in the arrangement of the first and second positioning element 418,420 and/or the engagement element 422. Additionally, the magnetic fields generated by the magnets or magnetisable elements may beneficially pull the lid 403 into the first and second positions, when the lid 403 is sufficiently close to the respective position. This act of pulling the lid 403 into the respective position may provide a tactile indication to a user that the lid 403 as reached the intended position.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.