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 or powering the aerosol provision device, the charging unit having a cavity for receiving the aerosol provision device; wherein either: (i) the aerosol provision device comprises one or more engagement members and the charging unit comprises one or more detents or catches extending into the cavity for engaging with the one or more engagement members in order to secure the aerosol provision device within the cavity; or (ii) the aerosol provision device comprises one or more detents or catches and the charging unit comprises one or more engagement members for engaging with the one or more detents or catches in order to secure the aerosol provision device within the cavity.

As will be understood, the one or more detents or catches may be considered to comprise a mechanical mechanism for positioning and holding the aerosol provision device, which is received within the cavity of the charging unit, by engaging with one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses).

The one or more detents or catches may be provided on the charging unit and may extend into the cavity such that the aerosol provision device is secured within the cavity by the one or more detents or catches engaging with one or more corresponding engagement members (e.g. recesses) provided on the aerosol provision device.

Alternatively, the one or more detents or catches may be provided on the aerosol provision device and the charging unit may comprise one or more corresponding engagement members (e.g. recesses).

The aerosol provision device may be secured within the cavity of the charging unit if the aerosol provision device is subjected to a force lower than a predetermined threshold force. The aerosol provision device may be released from the cavity of the charging unit if the aerosol provision device is subjected to a force greater than the predetermined threshold force.

The predetermined threshold force may be defined by the one or more detents or catches engaged with the one or more engagement members (e.g. recesses). In this way, the aerosol provision device may be configured so as to be removably insertable into the cavity of the charging unit.

It has been found that the one or more detents or catches and the interaction with one or more corresponding engagement members (e.g. recesses) is beneficial in that the mechanical nature of the one or more detents or catches and the one or more engagement members enables the aerosol provision device to be secured within the cavity of the charging unit in a relatively robust and inexpensive manner.

Moreover, it has been found that when a user inserts the aerosol provision device into the cavity of the charging unit in accordance with various embodiments such that the one or more detents or catches engage with the one or more engagement members then a contact reaction force resulting from engaging the one or more detents or catches with the one or more engagement members may be exerted on the aerosol provision device. The contact reaction force may be transmitted such that a user may feel the contact reaction force and this may give the user a feeling of confidence that the aerosol provision device has been secured within the cavity of the charging unit.

Optionally, the one or more detents or catches may comprise a protruding portion which protrudes in a direction towards a centre of the cavity, wherein the protruding portion comprises a device-facing surface which faces the aerosol provision device when the aerosol provision device is received in the cavity, and wherein the protruding portion is configured to engage with a corresponding engagement member (e.g. recess) provided on the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the corresponding engagement member comprises a recess having a shape which substantially conforms with the device-facing surface.

Optionally, the at least one detent or catch further comprises a biasing portion configured to provide a biasing force to the protruding portion in a direction towards a centre of the cavity when a force is exerted on the protruding portion in an opposing direction.

According to another embodiment, the one or more detents or catches may comprise a protruding portion which protrudes in a direction away from a centre of the cavity, wherein the protruding portion comprises a cavity-facing surface which faces the cavity when the aerosol provision device is received in the cavity, and wherein the protruding portion is configured to engage with a corresponding engagement member (e.g. recess) provided on the cavity.

Optionally, the corresponding engagement member comprises a recess having a shape which substantially conforms with the cavity-facing surface.

Optionally, the at least one detent or catch further comprises a biasing portion configured to provide a biasing force to the protruding portion in a direction away from a centre of the cavity when a force is exerted on the protruding portion in an opposing direction.

Optionally, the detent or catch comprises a spring loaded ball mechanism.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises:

(i) a proximal end which is closest to a user, such as the mouth of the user, when in use by the user to inhale aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device; and (ii) a distal end which is furthest from the user when in use; wherein the charging unit further comprises a base portion at a base of the cavity, wherein the distal end of the aerosol provision device is configured to engage with the base portion of the cavity when the aerosol provision device is secured within the cavity by engagement of the one or more engagement members with the one or more detents or catches.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises one or more first electrical connectors for connecting to the charging unit.

Optionally, the one or more first electrical connectors are provided at the distal end of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the charging unit further comprises one or more second electrical connectors for connecting to the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the one or more second electrical connectors are provided in the base portion of the charging unit.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device and the charging unit are configured such that one or more detents or catches and the one or more engagement members are spaced at least 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm, 4-5 mm, 5-6 mm, 6-7 mm, 7-8 mm, 8-9 mm or 9-10 mm from the first and second electrical connectors when the one or more detents or catches are engaged with the one or more engagement members.

Optionally, the charging unit further comprises one or more lugs extending into the cavity and the aerosol provision device comprises one or more corresponding accommodating recesses for receiving the one or more lugs when the aerosol provision device is received in the cavity.

Alternatively, the aerosol provision device may further comprise one or more lugs and the charging unit may comprise one or more corresponding accommodating recesses for receiving the one or more lugs when the aerosol provision device is received in the cavity.

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 generating 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. 4A shows a cross sectional view of an aerosol provision device fully inserted into a charging unit according to an embodiment and Fig. 4B shows a cross sectional view of the lower portion of Fig. 4A from a different perspective and in more detail; and

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of a charging unit without an aerosol provision device inserted therein according to an embodiment, Fig. 5B shows in detail a base portion of the charging unit of Fig. 5A, Fig. 5C shows a perspective view of a distal end of a corresponding aerosol provision device for use with the charging unit of Figs. 5A-5B according to an embodiment and Fig. 5D shows a perspective view of a distal end of an aerosol provision device according to an alternative embodiment.

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 100 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 within 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 may be 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 an aerosol generating article. The article chamber comprises an inner surface which may be configured to contact the aerosol generating article. The inner surface may comprise 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 an aerosol generating article is received in the heating chamber, the aerosol generating article 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 aerosol generating 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 may be 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 wherein 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 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 attached 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 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 within 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 may 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, the opening

203 may be configured to contact the aerosol generating article 300.

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 is inserted into the gap within the removal mechanism 204 (i.e. between the outer cap 210 and the internal element 207a, 207b) 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. Accordingly, 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 such 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 may insert or partially insert an 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 of use. During the session of use 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. 4A shows a cross sectional view of the aerosol provision device 100 fully inserted into the charging unit 101 according to an embodiment. Fig. 4B shows a cross sectional view of the lower portion of Fig. 4A from a different perspective and in more detail.

The cavity of the charging unit 101 and the aerosol provision device 100 may have a securing mechanism to secure the aerosol provision device 100 within the cavity of the charging unit 101 when the aerosol provision device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101. The aerosol provision device 100 may include one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 and the charging unit 101 may include one or more detents or catches 212 which extend into the cavity for engaging with the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 provided on the aerosol provision device 100 in order to secure the aerosol provision device 100 within the cavity. The one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 and the corresponding one of more detents or catches 212 may cooperate together to form a securing mechanism. As will be described in more detail below, the one or more detents or catches 212 may be considered as extending into the cavity of the charging unit 101 . The one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 may comprise a recess or concave portion for positioning and holding the aerosol provision device 100 with respect to the one or more detents or catches 212.

As discussed above with reference to Fig. 1 , a proximal direction in relation to the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise a direction directed towards the user when the aerosol provision device 100 is in use i.e. in the direction from the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 to the proximal end of the aerosol provision device 100.

Similarly, a distal direction may be considered as comprising a direction which is directed away from the user when the aerosol provision device 100 is in use i.e. in a direction from the proximal end of the aerosol provision device 100 to the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device100.

The aerosol provision device 100 may be substantially elongate and define a device longitudinal axis along which the proximal and distal directions are parallel. The cavity of the charging device 101 may correspondingly be substantially elongate for receiving the aerosol provision device 100 and define a cavity longitudinal axis. The one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 may be configured to engage with the one or more detents or catches 212 extending into the cavity by aligning the device longitudinal axis with the cavity longitudinal axis and inserting the aerosol provision device 100 along the aligned longitudinal axes in the distal direction until the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 are axially aligned (i.e. at substantially the same longitudinal position) with respect to the one or more detents or catches 212.

A force in the distal direction exceeding a predetermined threshold engagement force may be required in order to engage the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 with the one or more detents or catches 212. The requirement of the application of this force may be indicated to the user by mechanical resistance of the aerosol provision device 100 to further insertion into the cavity of the charging case 101 when the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 are brought axially close to or substantially up against (but not yet engaged with) the one or more detents or catches 212.

Upon engagement of the one or more detents or catches 212 with the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 , the aerosol provision device 100 may be secured within the cavity if subjected to a force (in the proximal direction) lower than a predetermined disengagement threshold force. The aerosol provision device 100 is releasable if subjected to a force (in the proximal direction) greater than the predetermined disengagement threshold force, wherein the predetermined disengagement threshold force is defined by the one or more detents or catches 212 engaged with the one or more engagement members 211. The predetermined disengagement threshold force may be defined as the force above which the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 disengage with the one or more detents or catches 212 when the aerosol provision device 100 is withdrawn in the proximal direction. In this way, the aerosol provision device 100 is configured so as to be removably insertable into the cavity of the charging unit 101 .

As shown in Fig. 4B, at least one detent or catch 212 may include a protruding portion 212a, wherein the protruding portion 212a may protrude from an inner wall of the charging unit 101 into the cavity and may have a device-facing surface which faces the aerosol provision device 100 when the aerosol provision device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101.

The device-facing surface may be configured to engage with a recess 211 which may be provided in the outer surface of the aerosol provision device 100. The recess 211 may have a shape which substantially conforms with the shape defined by the devicefacing surface of the protruding portion 212a of the corresponding detent or catch 212.

A surface 211a of the recess 211 provided on the aerosol provision device 100 may be configured so as to contact and grip the corresponding detent or catch 212 and in particular to contact and engage with the device-facing surface of the protruding portion 212a.

The surface 211a of the recess 211 may have a coefficient of friction which is greater than the coefficient of friction of the main outer surface 107 of the aerosol provision device 100 (i.e. the outer surface 107 configured to be gripped by the user during use of the aerosol provision device 100) such that sliding of the main outer surface 107 against the detent or catch 212 when inserting the aerosol provision device 100 into the charging unit 101 may result in a first friction force, whereas sliding the surface 211a of the recess 211 against the detent or catch 212 when the recess 211 and detent or catch 212 are brought into alignment may result in a second friction force which is substantially greater than the first friction force. The predetermined engagement and disengagement threshold forces may be defined in part by the second friction force.

The protruding portion 212a of the detent or catch 212 may comprise a ball or hemi-sphere, such that the device-facing surface is substantially dome-shaped and the corresponding recess 211 provided in the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise a concave ball-shaped recess. However, in other embodiments, the protruding portion 212a may have alternative shapes, such as a conical shape, or a pyramid shape, with the recess 211 correspondingly shaped.

The at least one detent or catch 212 may further include a biasing portion 212b for providing a biasing force to the protruding portion 212a in a direction away from the charging unit 101 (i.e. away from the wall defining the cavity therein) and towards a centre of the cavity, so as to bias the protruding portion 212a towards the corresponding recess 211 when the aerosol provision device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101. The predetermined engagement and disengagement threshold forces may be defined in part by the elastic potential energy stored in the biasing portion 212b.

The predetermined engagement and disengagement threshold forces may be substantially equal, for instance, as in embodiments wherein the biasing portion 212b provides a biasing force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the aligned longitudinal axes (as shown in Figs 4A and 4B). However, the predetermined engagement and disengagement threshold forces may be substantially unequal, for instance, in embodiments wherein the biasing portion 212b provides a biasing force in a direction at an angle other than 90 degrees from the aligned longitudinal axes, such that the force required to engage the one or more detents or catches 212 with the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 may be less than that required to disengage them (or vice versa). According to an embodiment the predetermined engagement and disengagement threshold forces may be unequal due to other means than the biasing portion 212b providing an angled biasing force, for instance by configuring the surface 211a of the recess 211 and/or the main outer surface 107 of the aerosol provision device 100 to have a kinetic coefficient of friction in the proximal direction which is different to that in the distal direction.

The one or more detents or catches 212 may comprise a spring loaded ball mechanism. For instance, a portion of the ball mechanism may provide the protruding portion 212a of the detent or catch 212, and the spring may provide the biasing portion 212b of the detent or catch 212. The recess 211 may comprise a recess substantially corresponding to the shape of a portion of the ball (for instance, a hemi-sphere), but being slightly larger so as to accommodate the portion of the ball. Prior to insertion of the aerosol provision device 100 into the cavity of the charging unit 101 , or prior to contact of the main outer surface 107 of the aerosol provision device 100 with the ball of the spring loaded ball mechanism after partial insertion of the aerosol provision device 100 into the cavity, the spring may have substantially no stored elastic potential energy so as to be in an unbiased zero-extension state. Upon contact of the main outer surface 107 of the aerosol provision device 100 with the ball of the spring loaded ball mechanism as the aerosol provision device 100 is moved relative to the cavity in the distal direction, the spring may be compressed so as to store elastic potential energy therein. As the spring loaded ball mechanism is brought into alignment with the recess 211 the spring is able to at least partially extend again so as to release at least some of the stored elastic potential energy, thereby engaging a portion of the ball with the recess 211 so as to secure the aerosol provision device 100 within the cavity.

The spring loaded ball mechanism may be configured such that the ball is able to rotate about an axis whilst remaining in a substantially fixed position with respect to the spring. As such, the ball may be configured to rotate or roll whilst in contact with the main outer surface 107 as the aerosol provision device 100 is inserted into the cavity of the charging unit 101 until the ball is brought to the position of recess 211 (or to the position of the start of the recess 211 in the distal direction), enabling easier insertion of the aerosol provision device 100 into the cavity by a user.

The charging unit 101 may include a plurality of detents or catches 212, and the aerosol provision device 100 may include a plurality of corresponding engagement members 211 or recesses.

Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the location of the one or more detents or catches 212 and the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 may be reversed, such that the aerosol provision device 100 comprises one or more detents or catches 212 and the charging unit 101 comprises one or more engagement members (e.g. recesses) 211.

As shown in Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, the charging unit 101 may comprise a base portion 214 at a base of the cavity of the charging unit 101. The distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 may be configured to engage with the base portion 214 of the cavity when the aerosol provision device 100 is secured within the cavity by engagement of the one or more detents or catches 212 with the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211. That is, the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 and the base portion 214 of the cavity may both be configured for mutual engagement with one another. Engagement of the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 and the base portion 214 of the charging unit 101 may prevent further insertion of the aerosol provision device 100 into the charging unit 101 by the user, thereby also preventing disengagement of the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 with the one or more detents or catches 212 via undesirable movement of the aerosol provision device 100 with respect to the charging unit 101 in the distal direction. The distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 may be configured to engage with the base portion 214 of the cavity by contact of a surface of the distal end 213 with a surface of the base portion 214.

As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 may be configured to engage with the base portion 214 of the cavity by contact of a surface of the distal end 213 with a surface of the base portion 214.

As shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the base portion 214 of the charging unit 101 may include one or more protrusions or lugs 216 wherein each protrusion or lug 216 is configured to extend into and engage with (e.g. contact) a corresponding receiving indentation or accommodating recess 215 provided on or in the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 as shown in Fig. 5C.

The one or more protrusions or lugs 216 and the corresponding one or more receiving indentations or accommodating recesses 215 may further help prevent rotational movement (about the aligned longitudinal axes) and/or translational movement (in a direction other than along the aligned longitudinal axes) of the aerosol provision device 100 with respect to the charging case 101 when the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 is engaged with the one or more detents or catches 212. Prevention of additional rotation and/or translation may help protect the electrical contacts of the aerosol provision device 100 and the charging unit 101 when in mutual electrical engagement (as described in more detail below).

The one or more protrusions or lugs 216 and the corresponding receiving indentations or accommodating recesses 215 may be provided in a keyed orientation. For instance, one or more protrusions or lugs 216 and the corresponding receiving indentations or accommodating recesses 215 may be arranged in a formation so as to encourage a user to automatically orientate aerosol provision device 100 with respect to the cavity when inserting the aerosol provision device 100 therein.

The aerosol provision device 100 may include one or more device electrical connectors 217 for connecting to the charging unit 101, and the charging unit 101 may include one or more charging unit electrical connectors 218 for connecting to the aerosol provision device 100. As will be described in more detail below in reference to Figs. 5A- 5D, at least a portion of the one or more device electrical connectors 217 may form an electrical contact for contacting at least a portion of a corresponding electrical connectors of the one or more charging unit electrical connectors 218 in the charging unit 101. According to an embodiment, a first electrical contact may be used to transfer power from the charging unit 101 to the aerosol provision device 100, a second electrical contact may be used for grounding purposes and the remaining electrical contacts may be used for data transfer. For instance, there may be a single electrical contact for data transfer, or there may be two or more electrical contacts for data transfer.

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of charging unit 101 without the aerosol provision device 100 inserted therein.

Fig. 5B shows in detail the base portion 214 of the charging unit 101 of Fig. 5A.

Fig. 5C shows a perspective view of the distal end 213 of the corresponding aerosol provision device 100 for use with the charging unit 101 of Figs. 5A-5B. A single engagement member (e.g. detent or catch) 212 is shown in Fig. 5B projecting from the charging unit 101 into the cavity and a corresponding single recess 211 is shown provided on the aerosol provision device 100 as shown in Fig. 5C.

As shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the base portion 214 of charging unit 101 may include a pair of protrusions 216 and the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 may include a corresponding pair of recesses 215.

A plurality of charging unit electrical connectors 218 are shown in Fig. 5B provided in the base portion 214 of the charging unit 101 and a plurality of corresponding aerosol provision device electrical connectors 217 are shown in Fig. 5C provided in the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100. Both sets of electrical connectors 217,218 together facilitate electrical power and/or data connection between the aerosol provision device 100 and the charging unit 101 when the aerosol provision device 100 is secured to the charging unit 101.

The charging unit 101 may include a battery pack which can be used to charge the aerosol provision device 100 through the formed connections between the electrical connectors 217,218. According to various embodiments the number of device electrical connectors 217 provided on the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 may correspond to the number of charging unit electrical connectors 218 provided in the base portion 214 of the charging unit 101. One or more of the electrical connectors 217,218 may be utilised to facilitate power transfer, one or more of the electrical connectors 217,218 may be utilised to facilitate grounding and one or more of the electrical connectors 217,218 may be utilised to facilitate data transfer.

It will be appreciated, therefore, that the aerosol provision device 100 may be configured to connect to the charging unit 101 via the one or more device electrical connectors 217 provided on the distal end 213 aerosol provision device 100 and the one or more charging unit electrical connectors 218 provided in the base portion 214 of the charging unit 101 in a self-guiding manner, once the user places the aerosol provision device 100 within the cavity of the charging unit 101.

The cavity of the charging unit 101 and the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise corresponding grooves e.g. grooves on the internal surface of the cavity and grooves on the outer surface 107 of the aerosol provision device 100 to further ensure self-guiding occurs.

The one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 may be configured to engage with the one or more detents or catches 212 to further align the aerosol provision device 100 with respect to the cavity of the charging unit 101, such that no further alignment or orientation mechanism in either the aerosol provision device 100 or the charging unit 101 is required in order to secure the aerosol provision device 100 to the charging unit 101 in order to enable electrical connection therebetween. Alternatively, one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 and the one or more detents or catches 212 may be configured to align the aerosol provision device 100 with respect to the cavity of the charging unit 101 in combination with: (i) one or more protrusions or lugs 216 and corresponding one or more receiving indentations or accommodating recesses 215; and/or (ii) corresponding grooves on the internal surface of the cavity and grooves on the outer surface 107 of the aerosol provision device 100.

The aerosol provision device 100 and the charging unit 101 may be both configured such that one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 and the one or more detents or catches 212 are spaced at least 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, 3- 4 mm, 4-5 mm, 5-6 mm, 6-7 mm, 7-8 mm, 8-9 mm or 9-10 mm from a contacting interface between electrical connectors 217,218 when the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 are engaged with the one or more detents or catches 212.

Fig. 5B shows a plurality of charging unit electrical connectors 218 which may comprise pogo-pin connectors. As will be understood, a pogo pin connector is an electrical connector comprising an integrated spring within a pin which is configured to apply a constant normal force against the back of a mating receptacle or contact plate, which counteracts any undesirable movement which may otherwise cause an intermittent connection. Accordingly, the corresponding one or more device electrical connectors 217 shown in Fig. 5C may comprise flat or concave electrically conducting surfaces which according to an embodiment may have no moving parts.

It has been found that a charging unit 101 according to various embodiments wherein one or more charging unit electrical connectors 218 comprise pogo-pins which provide a biasing force in a direction parallel to the aligned longitudinal axes, and an engagement member (e.g. detent or catch) 212 providing a biasing force in a direction perpendicular to the aligned longitudinal axes, enables secure connection of the corresponding aerosol provision device 100 to the charging unit 101 (due to the perpendicular actions of the two biasing forces) using simple, inexpensive and physically robust components.

Fig. 5D shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the device electrical connector 217 of the aerosol provision device 100 comprises a female USB-C connector. According to this embodiment the charging unit 101 may include a corresponding male USB-C connector (not shown). Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise a male USB-C connector and the charging unit 101 may comprise a female USB-C connector.

It has been found, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, that the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 of the aerosol provision device 100, and the corresponding one or more detents or catches 212 located in the cavity of the charging device 101 for engaging with the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 , is particularly beneficial. The mechanical nature of the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 and the one or more detents or catches 212 is particularly robust and simple to implement and fabricate.

Moreover, the force to engage the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 with the one or more detents or catches 212 is only required when the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 are brought to the same axial position (or just before) as the one or more detents or catches 212. Prior to engagement, no additional force is exerted between aerosol provision device 100 and the charging unit 101. Accordingly, the user has complete control in inserting the aerosol provision device 100 into the charging unit 101.

When a user inserts the aerosol provision device 100 into the cavity of the charging unit 101 such that the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 engages with the one or more detents or catches 212, a contact reaction force resulting from engaging the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 with the one or more detents or catches 212 may be exerted on the aerosol provision device 100 and correspondingly, through the aerosol provision device 100, the user may feel the contact reaction force which may give the user a feeling of confidence in securing the aerosol provision device 100 within the cavity.

The one or more detents or catches 212 may also provide a restoring force towards the centre of the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 when the aerosol provision device 100 is displaced by a small amount in either the distal direction or the proximal direction whilst still remaining engaged (that is, when the aerosol provision device 100 is subjected to a force, such as from a knock or a fall, which does not exceed the predetermined disengagement threshold force such that the one or more detents or catches 212 and the one or more engagement members (e.g. one or more recesses) 211 are slightly displaced with respect to one another but still remain engaged). Accordingly, a restoring force is applied in the proximal direction (i.e. towards a user), a small compliance gap may be provided between the distal end 213 of the aerosol provision device 100 and the base portion 214 of the charging unit 101. This small compliance gap may protect the internal electronics of the aerosol provision device 100 (when received and secured within the charging unit) from jolts and knocks (for instance, if the charging unit 101 were dropped by a user) by providing suspension or shock-absorption by means of the restoring force between the aerosol provision device 100 and the charging unit 101.

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.