WO2025172415A1 - Aerosol generating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention refers to an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a device body (50) including a heating element (54) for heating a consumable to generate an aerosol therefrom, and further including a first arm (104) extending parallel to an axis of the aerosol generating apparatus (1) passing through the heating element (54), a cap device (51) including a first cavity (100) slidably receiving the first arm (104) for moving the cap device (51) relative to the heating element (54) along the axial direction between a closed position in which the heating element (54) is covered by the cap device (51) and a cleaning position in which the heating element (54) is uncovered for cleaning, and a spring element (98) for biasing the cap device (51) to the closed position and/or the cleaning position, wherein the spring element (98) includes a first attachment portion (98a) attached to the cap device (51) and a second attachment portion (98b) coupled to the first arm (104).

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING APPARATUS

This application claims priority from EP24157777.4 filed 15 February 2024, the contents and elements of which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A typical aerosol generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol generating unit that is driven by the power supply, and an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit to generate an aerosol. The aerosol precursor may include loose leaf material and/or other substances that are heated by the aerosol generating unit.

Known aerosol generating apparatuses may require that the aerosol generating unit is manually cleaned from time to time. For example, residues of the aerosol precursor may be removed from the aerosol generating apparatus, for example from the aerosol generating unit. To do so, access to the aerosol generating unit may be necessary.

In spite of the effort already invested in the development of aerosol generating apparatuses further improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus that comprises a device body and a cap device.

In some examples, the device body includes an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from a consumable, and further includes a first arm extending parallel to an axial direction of the aerosol generating apparatus. Optionally, the cap device includes a first cavity (or first channel) slidably receiving the first arm for moving the cap device relative to the device body and/or the aerosol-generating unit along the axial direction between a closed position and an open position. Further optionally, the aerosol generating apparatus comprises a spring element for biasing the cap device to the closed position and/or the open position. In an example, the spring element includes a first attachment portion attached to the cap device and a second attachment portion coupled to the arm.

In this way, the first arm has a double functionality of both supporting the cap device on the device body as well as providing support or an anchor for the second attachment portion of the spring element. Thus, the first arm is also involved in biasing the cap device relative to the device body (e.g. for providing a bistable arrangement of the cap device on the device body). This eliminates means for attaching the spring element to the device body which might be close to a heating element of the aerosol-generating unit or in a heating chamber. Both options would make cleaning the aerosolgenerating unit (e.g. the heating element) and/or the heating chamber more difficult so that coupling the spring element to the first arm simplifies the cleaning of the heating element and/or the heating chamber.

The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable including a precursor. The device body and/or aerosol generating apparatus may include the aerosolgenerating unit, a power supply (e.g. a battery) for powering the aerosol-generating unit, and/or a controller for controlling the supply of power to the aerosol-generating unit.

The aerosol-generating unit may include a heating element for heating the consumable to generate the aerosol therefrom. The heating element may extend parallel to the axial direction. For example, the heating element includes a rod that extends parallel to the axial direction and, therefore, parallel to the first arm. The heating element may be arranged in the heating chamber. In the closed position, the heating element may be covered by the cap device and, in the open position, the heating element may be uncovered for cleaning.

The first arm may have sufficient strength for providing support for the movement of the cap device along the first arm. For example, the first arm is made from a sufficiently rigid material and/or has a sufficient thickness for supporting the cap device on the device body. The first arm may act as a linear guide or rail for the moving cap device along the axial direction. The first arm may be sufficiently rigid for preventing movement of the cap device perpendicular to the axial direction and/or a longitudinal axis of the first arm.

The device body may include an elongate body. The longitudinal axis of the first arm may be parallel to the axial direction of the device body. Similarly, the longitudinal axis of the first cavity may be parallel to the axial direction of the device body in the closed position and/or the open position.

The first arm may have a smooth outer surface along the axial direction so that the first arm can be slidably inserted into the first cavity. The first arm may be free from hooks and/or protrusions which may block the movement of the cap device along the first arm. Similarly, the first cavity may have a smooth inner wall along the axial direction so that the first arm can be slidably inserted into the first cavity. The first cavity may be free from hooks and/or protrusions which may block the movement of the cap device along the first arm.

The cap device may be moved along the first arm of the device body between the closed position and the open position which can be end positions of the movement of the cap device along the first arm. The first arm may be arranged within the first cavity in both the closed position and the open position. The first arm may be inserted fully or more into the first cavity in the closed position compared to the open position. Thus, in the open position, the first arm can be only partially inserted into the first cavity.

The open position may include a cleaning position in which the aerosol-generating unit (e.g. the heating element) is partially or completely uncovered for cleaning. Further, the movement from the closed position to the open position may assist the user with extracting a used consumable. In this case, the aerosol-generating unit (e.g. the heating element) may or may not be partially or completely uncovered for cleaning.

In the open position, there might be a gap between a lower end of the cap device and the adjacent upper end of the device body. In the open position, a user may access a space between the cap device and the device body. For example, the heating element is accessible in the open position (i.e. the cleaning position), e.g. for cleaning the heating element. In this way, the heating element may be partially or completely uncovered in the cleaning/open position.

In the closed position, the cap device may abut against and/or is in direct contact with the device body, for example so that there is no gap between the device body and the cap device. In the closed position, the heating element may not be accessible by the user but is completely covered by the cap device and the device body.

The aerosol generating apparatus may include a bi-stable configuration corresponding to the open position and the closed position. The movement between the open position and a closed position and vice versa may correspond to a linear movement of the cap device along the first arm.

The spring element may be configured to hold, keep, and/or maintain the cap device either in the closed position or in the open position. To this end, the spring element is configured to bias the cap device to the open position and/or the closed position. The bias towards the open position may provide a supporting force for removing a used consumable.

The aerosol generating apparatus may further include fixing means for holding, keeping, and/or maintaining the cap device in the closed position. The fixing means may be provided for tightly closing the heating chamber, e.g. for maintaining a tight contact between the cap device and the device body. Thus, the fixing means may help to provide an air-tight sealing between the cap device and the device body. For example, the spring element may bias the cap device into the closed position and the fixing means grips and/or clamps the cap device once the cap device is in the closed position.

The fixing means may include a releasable snap-fit connection and/or one or more magnets. For example, the cap device includes a first magnet which interacts with a metal part of the cap device or a second magnet arranged on the cap device for providing an attractive force between the cap device and the device body. The first magnet, the metal part, and/or the second magnet may be positioned such that an attractive force is only strong when the cap device is in the closed position. In some examples, the cap device includes an abutment portion. Optionally, the spring element biases the abutment portion against the bridge element in the open position.

The abutment portion is configured to prevent that the cap device can be moved beyond the open position along the first arm. For example, the abutment portion blocks the cap device from being slidable beyond the open position (when viewed from the closed position). Thus, the spring element is configured to bias or press the cap device against the abutment portion in the open position. Further, the spring element is configured to bias or press the cap device against the device body in the closed position.

The spring element may include one or more springs (e.g. two springs). The spring element may be made from elastically deformable material, such as metal. The spring element may be elastically deformed when the cap device is positioned between the open position and the closed position. The spring element may not be elastically deformed or a less elastically deformed when the cap device is positioned in the open position or the closed position. Thus, the spring element provides a force which moves the cap device along the first arm in either to the closed position or the open position when the cap device is arranged between the open position and the closed position.

A user which moves to cap device from the open position to the closed position and/or vice versa needs to overcome the biasing force provided by the spring element. For example, if the user moves the cap device from the open position to the closed position, the user needs to initially push the cap device against the force generated by the elastic deformation of the spring element. Once the cap device reaches an intermediate position (at which the force generated by the spring element may be at a maximum), the remaining movement from the intermediate position to the closed position may be supported by the force generated by the spring element because the spring element is then configured to generate a force for moving the cap device from the intermediate position to the closed position. Thus, the force generated by the spring element may initially be against the movement of the cap device until reaching the intermediate position. After the intermediate position, the force generated by the spring element may be in the direction of the movement of the cap device from the intermediate position to the closed position. In this way, the spring element provides a bi-stable arrangement of the cap device relative to the device body.

Analogous remarks apply for the movement of the cap device from the closed position to the open position.

The first attachment portion may be directly attached to the cap device, for example to a cap chassis of the cap device. For example, the cap device includes an attachment pin to which the first attachment portion is attached. The first attachment portion and/or the second attachment portion may include a loop or hook. The provision of an attachment pin simplifies the attachment of two or more springs. The number of springs used for the spring element allows varying the force provided by the spring element. The second attachment portion may be indirectly attached to the first arm. This means that there are other components coupled between the first arm and the spring element such as the bridge element outlined below. However, a force for supporting the spring element on the device body acts on the first arm. The first arm may be considered an anchor for the spring element.

The first arm may protrude from the device body so that the first arm can be inserted into the first cavity for attaching the cap device to the device body. Optionally, there is little or no play between the first arm and the first cavity so that the cap device does not move or wriggle in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first arm. This may be achieved in that the first arm is slidably inserted into the first cavity so that the inner wall of the first cavity is in contact with the first arm over large areas of contact.

For example, the first arm and the first cavity have a shape in a cross-sectional view (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first arm) which prevents rotation of the cap device around the longitudinal axis of the first arm. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first cavity and/or the first arm is not circular but elongate. The cross-sectional shape of the first arm and the first cavity may be oval, ellipsoid, rectangular, or modifications thereof. For example, in a cross-sectional view, the first arm and the first cavity have a respective minimum diameter/thickness and a respective maximum diameter/thickness which may be perpendicular to the minimum diameter/thickness. The maximum diameter/thickness may be 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, or 200% longer than the minimal diameter/thickness. This difference between the maximum diameter/thickness and the minimum diameter/thickness may be helpful for preventing a rotation of the cap device relative to the device body around the longitudinal axis of the first arm.

The shape of the first cavity may be considered to conform to the shape of the first arm, for example for providing a linear guide rail. For reducing wriggle or play between the first cavity and the first arm in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first arm, the distance between the inner wall of the first cavity and the outer surface of the first arm can be made small and/or the inner wall of the first cavity contacts the outer surface of the first arm, for example over extended areas thereof. This increases the friction between the first cavity and the first arm which may be compensated or reduced by friction reduction means. Thus, this disclosure may provide means for attaching a cap device to a device body of an aerosol generating apparatus with minimal or reduced play while allowing a smooth and easy movement for the cap device and the device body between the closed position and the open position.

The friction reduction means may be considered including any means that reduces the friction between the first arm and the first cavity. For example, the friction reduction means includes materials provided on the outer surface of the first arm and/or on the inner wall of the first cavity which have an inherent low coefficient of friction (for example compared to the material from which to first arm and/or first cavity are made). Further, the friction reduction means may include areas of the outer surface of the first arm and/or of the inner wall of the first cavity that are further processed (e.g. polished, covered with a friction reduction layer, etc) compared to other areas of the first arm and/or the first cavity.

The friction reduction means may be provided partially or entirely over the outer surface of the first arm and/or the inner wall of the first cavity. For example, the friction reduction means may be provided over areas where the outer surface of the first arm contacts the inner wall of the first cavity when the first arm is inserted into the first cavity.

The first friction reduction means may include grooves and/or ribs. The ribs may be provided by elongate protrusions protruding from a flat surface. In another embodiment, grooves in the flat surface may provide ribs that are flush with the adjacent surface. Further, the above-described examples of the ribs and grooves can be combined so that the ribs protrude from the flat surface and the grooves are recesses compared to the flat surface.

The ribs and/or grooves can extend in the axial direction of the first arm and/or the first cavity. In this way, the ribs and/or grooves extend in a direction of movement of the cap device with respect to the device body which is considered to reduce the friction.

The first arm may be made from a rigid material, such as metal, rigid plastic, reinforced plastic, or the like. The first cavity may be made also from a plastic material which might not be as rigid as the material from which the first arm is made. The cap chassis may include the first cavity.

In some examples, the device body includes a second arm, wherein optionally the second arm extends parallel to the first arm, optionally with the heating element therebetween. Further optionally, the cap device includes a second cavity (or second channel) slidably receiving the second arm between the closed position and the open position.

In other words, the cap device may further include a second cavity. Optionally, the device body further includes a second arm. Further optionally, the second cavity is configured to slidably receive the second arm for moving the cap device relative to the device body along the axial direction.

In this way, the stability of the attachment of the device body to the cap device way can be increased because two arms are provided. The above optional embodiments, features, and/or characteristics of the first arm and/or the first cavity means can equally apply to the second arm, the second cavity and/or the second reduction means, respectively.

The provision of the second arm in addition to the first arm provides greater stability for attaching the cap device to the device body. In particular, rotational forces (e.g. around the longitudinal axes of the first and second arms or axial direction of the device body) can be absorbed by the second arm. Further, the play and/or wriggle between the first cavity and the first arm can be reduced by the provision of the second arm and the second cavity. The first arm and the second arm may extend parallel to each other. Similarly, the first cavity and the second cavity extend parallel to each other. The aerosol-generating unit and/or the heating element may be arranged between the first arm and the second arm and may extend parallel to the first arm and/or the second arm. The first arm and the first cavity may be mirror symmetric to the second arm and the second cavity, respectively.

The first arm and/or the second arm may form a unitary component with a base portion. The first arm and/or the second arm may protrude from the base portion. Further, the heating element may protrude from the base portion. The first arm, the second arm, the base portion, and/or the heating element may form a continuous outer surface, e.g. which is free form protrusions, recesses, steps, or the like. The first arm, the second arm, the base portion, and/or the heating element may be exposed or accessible by the user if the cap device is completely removed from the device body. Further, parts of the first arm, the second arm, and the heating element as well as the base portion may be exposed and/or accessible by the user in the open position.

In some examples, the aerosol generating apparatus further comprises a bridge element bridging the first arm and the second arm. Optionally, the second attachment portion is attached to the bridge element. In some embodiments, the bridge element bridges the first arm and the second arm to pass across heating element when the first arm and the second arm are viewed from the side with the aerosol-generating unit (e.g. the heating element) therebetween. Optionally, the second attachment portion is integrally formed with the bridge element. The bridge element may comprise a through-hole adjacent to the second attachment portion. The provision of the through-hole may assist in the manufacturing of the bridge element and second attachment portion, for example by injection molding.

In this way, the spring element can be anchored to the first arm and/or the second arm. Thus, an attachment pin or other means for attaching the spring element to the device body can be provided on the bridge element and need not provided on the first arm, the second arm, and/or other parts of the device body. This may simplify the manufacturing of the device body since any protrusions for attaching the spring element can be provided on the bridge element which is a separate component and, therefore can be manufactured separately. For example, better moulding angles can be provided with the bridge element (as it can be moulded as a separate component) compared to the cap chassis. This may improve retention of the spring element on the bridge element and, therefore, on the device body.

The bridge element may provide a bridge between the first arm and the second arm. Thus, parts of the bridge extend between the first arm and the second arm. The bridge element may be solely supported by the first arm and the second arm. The bridge element can cross the heating element. In this case, the position of the bridge element along the axial direction overlaps with the axial extension of the heating element. The bridge element may have a U-shaped in a cross-sectional view. The bridge element may include a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion connecting the first end portion to the second end portion. The first end portion and/or the second end portion may be inclined to the middle portion, for example by 90°. The middle portion may extend between the first arm and the second arm when the bridge element is attached to the first arm and the second arm. The first end portion and the second end portion include means for attaching the bridge element to the second arm and the first arm, respectively.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus that comprises a device body and a cap device. In some examples, the device body includes an aerosol-generating unit for generating an aerosol from a consumable, and further includes a first arm and a second arm extending parallel to an axial direction of the aerosol generating apparatus. Optionally, the first arm and the second arm are spaced on opposite sides of the heating element. Further optionally, the cap device includes a first cavity (or first channel) slidably receiving the first arm and a second cavity (or second channel) slidably receiving the second arm for moving the cap device relative to the device body and/or the aerosol-generating unit along the axial direction between a closed position in which the heating element is covered by the cap device and an open position. In some examples, the aerosol generating apparatus comprises a bridge element bridging the first arm and the second arm, optionally to pass across the heating element when the first arm and the second arm are viewed from the side with the heating element therebetween.

The bridge element can include a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein optionally the first end portion is attached to the first arm and the second end portion is attached to the second arm.

The optional embodiments, features, and/or characteristics described in connection with the first aspect can equally apply to the second aspect.

In some examples, the aerosol generating apparatus of the second aspect further comprises a spring element for biasing the cap device to the closed position and/or the open position (e.g. for providing a bi-stable arrangement of the cap device along the first arm and the second arm). Optionally, the spring element includes a first attachment portion attached to the cap device and a second attachment portion (directly) attached to the bridge element.

The above optional embodiments, features, and/or characteristics of the bridge element and/or the spring element can equally apply to this example.

In some examples, the spring element is configured to provide a bi-stable biasing force for biasing the cap device either into the closed position or the open position. In this way, the cap device is either in the closed position or the open position if no external force is applied to the cap device (e.g. a force for moving the cap device along the first and second arms). In some examples, the bridge element is attached to the first arm and the second arm by means of snap-fit connection. In this way a simple and/or reliable connection of the bridge element to the first arm and the second arm can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, the bridge element may be attached to the first arm and the second arm by means of a mechanical fastening, such as a screw. This ensures that the bridge element is strongly and securely attached to the first arm and second arm. The bridge element may be attached to the first and second arms during manufacturing of the aerosol generating apparatus.

The bridge element may include means for a snap fit connection at the first end portion and/or at the second end portion. The bridge element may provide a flexible component of the snap-fit connection and the first arm and/or the second arm can be made rigid or non-flexible. Thus, the first arm and/or the second arm may be immovable when attaching the bridge element using a snap fit connection. This may be helpful in that the first arm and the second arm support the cap device and any movability of the first arm and/or the second arm may result in a wriggle or play of the cap device relative to the device body.

In some examples, the first end portion and/or the second end portion are barbed. In this way, a hook can be formed integral to the bridge element. This simplifies the manufacturing of the bridge element. The first end portion and/or second end portion may each comprise one or more barb elements, such as two barb elements.

The first end portion and/or the second end portion may include a thickening or bulge which has a triangular shape in a cross-sectional view of the bridge element. The thin end of the thickening or bulge may coincide with an end of the first end portion and/or the second end portion. The thick end of the thickening or bulge may provide an abutment against the removal of the bridge element from the first arm and the second arm. The thickenings or bulges may be arranged on an outer surface of the first end portion and the second end portion (so that they face away from each other) or may be arranged an inner surface of the first end portion and the second end portion (so that they face each other).

The first end portion and/or the second end portion may comprise a recess or channel formed in a respective surface of the first end portion and/or second end portion. The recess or channel may comprise a plurality of recesses or channels, such as two recesses or channels. By providing a recess or channel in a surface of the first end portion and/or the second end portion, thermal transfer between the bridge element and the first and second arms can be reduced.

In some examples, the first end portion is inserted in a first slot in the first arm and/or the second end portion is inserted in a second slot in the second arm. In this way, the bridge element can be attached to the first arm and the second arm in a simple manner. The first slot and/or the second slot may be through-holes in the first arm and/or the second arm, respectively. The first slot and/or the second slot may be elongate defining a length direction which may be parallel to the axial direction of the device body or the longitudinal direction of the first arm and/or the second arm, respectively. The length of the slot (i.e. a dimension of the slot in the length direction) may correspond to a width of the bridge element (e.g. the width of the first end portion and the second end portion). When the bridge element is attached to the first arm and the second arm, the first arm and the second arm are arranged between the middle portion of the bridge element and the thick end of the thickening or bulge.

In some examples, the bridge element is biased into engagement. The bridge element may be flexible/elastically deformable or at least more flexible than the first arm and/or the second arm. In this way, the bridge element itself provides the flexible component necessary for any snap fit connection.

When inserting the first end portion and the second end portion into the first slot and the second slot, respectively, the first end portion and the second end portion may be bent towards each other or away from each other depending on which side of the first end portion and the second end portion of the thickenings or bulges are arranged.

In some examples, the bridge element is made from a material that is more rigid than a material from which the cap device, the first arm, and/or the second arm is made. In this way, a secure attachment or fixation of the spring element to the cap device (via the bridge element) can be provided.

The bridge element can be made from an elastically deformable material, such as a reinforced plastic material. For example, glass fibres or other fibres can be used for reinforcing the bridge element. At the same time, the bridge element needs to be flexible for providing a snap fit connection in some examples. Further, making the bridge element rigid can ensure that the snap fit connection between the bridge element and the first arm and the second arm is not inadvertently loosened. Further, by making the bridge element of a rigid material, the bridge element can be made thin so that it can be fitted within the cap device, for example to be in the cap chassis and a cap housing. The greater flexibility of the bridge element compared to the first arm and/or the second arm can be provided by making the bridge element thinner compared to the first arm and/or the second arm. The bridge element may essentially be a plate-shaped element, in particular the first end portion, the second end portion, and/or the middle portion can be plate-shaped (except for the barbed sections).

In some examples, the cap device includes a first cut-out and a second cut-out. Optionally, the first end portion is movable in the first cut-out and the abutment portion is an end of the first cut-out. Further optionally, the second end portion is movable in the second cut-out and the abutment portion is an end of the second cut-out. In this way, the movement of the cap device along the first arm and the second arm can be stopped at the open position by using the bridge element. The first cut-out and/or the second cut-out can be slots or through holes in the cap device, for example in the cap chassis. Optionally, the first cut-out is an elongate through-hole in the wall of the first cavity and/or the second cut-out is an elongate through-hole in the wall of the second cavity. When the bridge element is attached to the first arm and the second arm, the first end portion may extend through or is located in the first cut-out and the second end portion may extend through or is located in the second cut-out. Thus, parts of the cap device, for example of the cap chassis, may be arranged between the first arm and the middle portion of the bridge element as well as between the second arm and the middle portion of the bridge element.

The bridge element may be a means for movably attaching the cap device (e.g. the cap chassis) to the device body. For example, the cap chassis may be provided on the first arm and the second arm. At this point, the cap chassis can be completely removed from the device body. Once the bridge element is attached to first arm and the second arm (through the first cut-out and/or the second cutout), the cap chassis can no longer be completely removed from the device body but can only be moved between the closed position and the open position. The bridge element may comprise a recessed portion that, when the cap device is in the open position, is in engagement with or in abutment with a portion of the cap device. By providing a recessed portion of the bridge element, the cap device and components thereof can be provided with a greater range of movement between the open position and the closed position.

When moving the cap device between the closed position and the open position, parts of the bridge element (e.g. the first end portion and/or the second end portion) may be moved along the first cut-out and the second cut-out, respectively. Thus, the first cut-out and the second cut-out may allow movement of the cap device relative to the device body although the bridge element extends through parts of the cap device, e.g. the first cut-out and the second cut-out.

The first cut-out and/or the second cut-out may be elongate defining a cut-out length direction which is parallel to the axial direction of the device body and/or the longitudinal direction of the first arm and/or the second arm. Lower ends of the first cut-out and the second cut-out (e.g. ends of the first cut-out and the second cut-out that are closer to the cap device compared to upper ends of the first cut-out and the second cut-out) may provide a stop or limit stop for the movement of the cap device from the closed position to the open position. Thus, the lower ends of the first cut-out and a second cut-out may form the abutment portion. In other words, in the open position, the first end portion and/or the second end portion about against or are in contact with the lower ends of the first cut-out and/or the lower end of the second cut-out, respectively. The dimensions of the first cut-out and/or the second cut-out in cut-out length direction may set a length between the open position and the open position.

The upper ends of the first cut-out and the second cut-out which are the respective opposing ends of the first cut-out and the second cut-out in the cut-out length direction may also provide a stop or limit stop for the movement of the cap device from the open position to the closed position. Thus, the upper ends of the first cut-out and a second cut-out may form a further abutment portion. In other words, in the closed position, the first end portion and/or the second end portion about against or are in contact with the upper ends of the first cut-out and/or the upper end of the second cut-out, respectively.

However, it is also possible that, in the closed position, the device body forms a stop or limit stop. In this case, the first end portion and the second end portion of the bridge element may not be in contact with the upper ends of the first cut-out and the second cut-out, respectively, in the closed position.

In some examples, the spring element biases the cap device against or towards the device body in a closed position of the bi-stable arrangement. In this way, the cap device can be held or maintained in the closed position and/or the open position by the spring element.

This disclosure may also refer to an aerosol generating system which includes the aerosol generating apparatus described therein and a consumable. The consumable may be heated by the heating element if the consumable is in contact with the heating element.

The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and/or proceeding examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.

Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol generating apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , where the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a schematic exploded view showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an arm portion of the apparatus of Fig. 4 including a heating element.

Fig. 6 shows various views of the arm portion of Fig. 5 without the heating element. Fig. 7 shows various views of a cap chassis of the apparatus of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a bridge element of the apparatus of Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative bridge element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and/or methods described herein could be embodied differently and/or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.

Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concepts) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.

Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.

The use of the term “a” or “an” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” as well as “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” As such, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.

The use of the term “or” in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition “A or B” is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising, “having,” “including,” or “containing” (and any forms thereof, such as “comprise” and “comprises,” “have” and “has,” “includes” and “include,” or “contains” and “contain,” respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an “ex post facto” benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase “in one embodiment,” “according to an embodiment,” and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to ‘an,’ ‘one,’ or ‘some’ embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to “the” embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.

The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by “or” may be used interchangeably:

As used herein, an "aerosol generating apparatus" (or “electronic(e)-cigarette ”) may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally/alternatively be referred to as a “smoking substitute apparatus”, if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible “smoking article” may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and/or pyrolysis). An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and/or an airflow sensor.

Each occurrence of the aerosol generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an “activation” of the aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength/duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).

The aerosol generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.

As used herein, an "aerosol generating system" may be a system that includes an aerosol generating apparatus and optionally other circuitry /components associated with the function of the apparatus, e.g. one or more external devices and/or one or more external components (here “external” is intended to mean external to the aerosol generating apparatus).

As used herein, an “external device” and “external component” may include one or more of a: a charging device, a mobile device (which may be connected to the aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. via a wireless or wired connection); a networked-based computer (e.g. a remote server); a cloudbased computer; any other server system.

An example aerosol generating system may be a system for managing an aerosol generating apparatus. Such a system may include, for example, a mobile device, a network server, as well as the aerosol generating apparatus.

As used herein, an "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.

As used herein, a “precursor” may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol generating unit of an aerosol generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and/or glycerine. The term “flavouring” may refer to a component that provides a taste and/or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other. The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.

As used herein, a "storage portion" may be a portion of the apparatus adapted to store the precursor. It may be implemented as fluid-holding reservoir or carrier for solid material depending on the implementation of the precursor as defined above. As used herein, a "flow path" may refer to a path or enclosed passageway through an aerosol generating apparatus, e.g. for delivery of an aerosol to a user. The flow path may be arranged to receive aerosol from an aerosol generating unit. When referring to the flow path, upstream and downstream may be defined in respect of a direction of flow in the flow path, e.g. with an outlet being downstream of an inlet.

As used herein, a "delivery system" may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.

As used herein, a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user.

As used herein, a “puff” (or "inhale" or “draw”) by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and/or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.

As used herein, an "aerosol generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol precursors) may be present in an aerosol generating apparatus.

As used herein, a “heating system” may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion.

As used herein, a "consumable" may refer to a unit that includes a precursor. The consumable may include an aerosol generating unit, e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The consumable may include a mouthpiece. The consumable may include an information carrying medium. With liquid or gel implementations of the precursor, e.g. an e-liquid, the consumable may be referred to as a “capsule” or a “pod” or an “e-liquid consumable”. The capsule/pod may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the precursor. With solid material implementations of the precursor, e.g. tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulation, the consumable may be referred to as a “stick” or “package” or “heat-not-burn consumable”. In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product. As used herein, an "information carrying medium" may include one or more arrangements for storage of information on any suitable medium. Examples include: a computer readable medium; a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder; codes encoding information, such as optical (e.g. a bar code or QR code) or mechanically read codes (e.g. a configuration of the absence or presents of cut-outs to encode a bit, through which pins or a reader may be inserted).

As used herein “heat-not-burn” (or “HNB” or “heated precursor”) may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).

Referring to Fig. 1 , an example aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes an aerosol generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and/or an electrical connection to an external power source. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.

Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 4 and aerosol generating unit 6.

In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.

Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the apparatus 1 of Fig. 1 , where the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a-heat not-burn process.

In this example, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 includes a device body 50 and a consumable 70.

In this example, the device body 50 includes the power supply 4 and a heating system 52. The heating system 54 includes at least one heating element 54. The device body 50 may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 56, a memory 58, a wireless interface 60, one or more other components 62.

The electrical circuitry 56 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 58.

The wireless interface 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.

The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and/or a charging port, for example (see e.g. Fig. 3). The device body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70. In use, a user may activate the aerosol generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the device body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70 (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer, to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.

Fig. 3 shows an example implementation of the aerosol generating device 1 of Fig. 2.

As depicted in Fig. 3, the consumable 70 cam be implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the device body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the device body 50, which causes the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 to penetrate into the solid precursor 6.

The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the device body 50, and a filter distal to the device body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the apparatus 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.

In this example, the at least one heating element 54 is a rod-shaped element with a circular transverse profile. Other heating element shapes are possible, e.g. the at least one heating element 54 may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tube-shaped (e.g. with a hollow transverse profile).

In this example, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 further includes a cap device 51 . In use the cap device 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the device body 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 3, the cap device 51 is moveable relative to the body 50. In particular, the cap device 51 is slidable and can slide along an axial direction of the device body 50 which may coincide or is parallel to a longitudinal direction of a first arm 104.

The device body 50 can also include an actuator 55 on an outer surface of the body 50. In this example, the actuator 55 has the form of a button.

The device body 50 may also include a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the apparatus 1 is activated and/or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 4. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.

The device body 50 may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example. In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable 70.

In this example, the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.

Referring to Fig. 4 to 9, a further example of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 is shown. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Figs. 4 to 9 includes the same optional features, characteristics, and/or embodiments as the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 3 except for the following differences.

The aerosol generating apparatus 1 of Figs. 4 to 9 includes the device body 50 and the cap device 51 . The cap device 51 includes a cap housing 80, a cap chassis 82, and/or a mouthpiece element 84. The device body 50 includes a bridge element 86, an arm portion 88, the heating element 54, a device housing 90, a front cover 92, and/or a rear cover 94. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may also include a cleaning tool 96 and/or a spring element 98.

The cap chassis 82 of the cap device 51 may be a unitary component made from a plastic material. For example, the cap chassis 82 may be moulded in a single processing step. The cap chassis 82 may be considered a chassis for supporting the mouthpiece element 84 and the cap housing 80.

As better visible in Fig. 7, the cap chassis 82 includes a first cavity 100 and/or a second cavity 102. The first cavity 100 and/or the second cavity 102 are elongate and extend parallel to the axial direction of the device body 50 in a closed position. The first cavity 100 and/or the second cavity 102 are configured to receive the first arm 104 and/or a second arm 106, respectively, of the arm portion 88. Thus, in the closed position, the first arm 104 is located within the first cavity 100 and the second arm 106 is located within the second cavity 102.

The first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106 are provided for supporting the cap device 51 on the device body 50. Thus, the first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106 have sufficient strength for supporting the cap device 51 on the device body 50. The cap device 51 is supported on the device body 50 by the interaction between the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 with the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. For example, the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102 are shaped to conform to the first arm 104 and/or the second arm 106, respectively, for example such that there is only minimal play so that the cap device 51 is tightly fitted to the device body 50.

The cap chassis 82 further includes a heating chamber 108 for receiving the heating element 54 in the closed position. An axis of the heating chamber 108 coincides with or is coaxial to an axis of the heating element 54. The heating chamber 108 is dimensioned to receive the consumable 70. The heating chamber 108 may be closed by the mouthpiece element 84. The heating chamber 108 may be a part of the delivery system 8. The cap chassis 82 may also include a first cut-out 128 and a second cut-out 130 which are elongate through-holes in the cap chassis 82. Optionally, the first cut-out 128 is an elongate through-hole in the wall of the first cavity 100 and the second cut-out 130 is an elongate through-hole in the wall of the second cavity 102. The first cut-out 128 and the second cut-out 130 have a length which is parallel to the axial direction of the device body 50 and/or the longitudinal directions of the first arm 104 and the second arm 106, respectively.

The mouthpiece element 84 may generally have the shape of a wheel or a disk and is rotatably supported by the cap chassis 82. For example, the cap chassis 82 may include an axle bearing 110 which can include opposing through-holes in a cavity in which the mouthpiece element 84 is received. The mouthpiece element 84 may include an axle (e.g. a pin) which is inserted into the through-holes of the axle bearing 110. In this way, the mouthpiece element 84 may be rotated, for example by a user. The mouthpiece element 84 includes an air passage 112 which may have the same diameter as the heating chamber 108. The air passage 112 may be a part of the delivery system 8.

In an open position of the mouthpiece element 84, the air passage 112 is coaxial to the heating chamber 108 so that the consumable 70 can be inserted into the heating chamber 108 through the air passage 112. In a closed position of the mouthpiece element 84, the mouthpiece element 84 blocks the heating chamber 108. The mouthpiece element 84 may be brought from the closed position to the open position and vice versa by rotating the mouthpiece element 84. In the closed position of the mouthpiece element 84, the air passage 112 may have an angle of 90° compared to the open position.

The cap chassis 82 may also include a first spring attachment portion 114 for attaching a first attachment portion 98a of the spring element 98 to the cap chassis 82 and, therefore, to the cap device 51 . The spring element 98 may further be attached to the device body 50 for providing a bistable configuration of the cap device 51 relative to the device body 50. The other end of the spring element may include a second attachment portion 98b which can be attached to a second spring attachment portion 116 which is arranged on the spring bridge element 86. The first spring attachment portion 114 and the second spring attachment portion 116 may be pins that protrude from the cap chassis 82 and the bridge element 86, respectively. The first attachment portion 98a and the second attachment portion 98b may include hooks or loops that are attached to the pins of the first spring attachment portion 114 and the second spring attachment portion 116, respectively.

The bridge element 86 couples the spring element 98 to first arm 104 and the second arm 106 and, therefore, to the device body 50. The spring element 98 acts between the cap device 51 and the device body 50. The spring element 98 may include two identical springs as shown in Fig. 4.

The bridge element 86 may be made from a reinforced plastic material and is attached to the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. As better visible in Figs. 8 and 9, the bridge element 86 may include a first end portion 86a, a second end portion 86b, and a middle portion 86c connecting the first end portion 86a to the second end portion 86b. The bridge element 86 may have a U-shaped in a cross- sectional view. The first end portion 86a and the end portion 86b may be barbed.

Fig. 9 shows an alternative bridge element 86’ to the bridge element 86 shown in Fig. 8. In addition to the features of the bridge element 86 shown in Fig. 8, bridge element 86’ includes a through-hole 87 located within the middle portion 86c adjacent to the second spring attachment portion 116. The first end portion 86a and second end portion 86b of bridge element 86’ are both barbed. Each of the first end portion 86a and second end portion 86b of bridge element 86’ include two barb elements, 89a and 89b. Each of the first end portion 86a and second end portion 86b of bridge element 86’ include a respective through-hole 91 configured to receive a mechanical fastening means, such as a screw, to attach the first end portion 86a and second end portion 86b to the first arm 104 and second arm 106 respectively. Each of the first end portion 86a and second end portion 86b include two channels 93 formed in a surface of the first end portion 86a and second end portion 86b to reduce thermal transfer between the bridge element 86’ and the first arm 104 and second arm 106. The middle portion 86c of the bridge element 86’ includes a recessed portion 95 that, when the cap device 51 is in an open position, is in engagement with or in abutment with a portion of the cap device 51 .

As better visible in Figs. 5 and 6, the first arm 104 includes a first slot 104a into which the first end portion 86a of the bridge element 86 can be inserted. The second arm 106 includes a second slot 106a into which the second end portion 86b of the bridge element 86 can be inserted. The bridge element 86 may be made from an elastically deformable material and is shaped search that the bridge element 86 forms a snap fit connection when the first end portion 86a is inserted into the first slot 104a of the first arm 104 and the second end portion 86b is inserted into the second slot 106a the second arm 106. Thus, the bridge element 86 needs to be elastically deformed for attaching or removing the bridge element 86 to/from the first arm 104 and the second arm 106.

In the closed position (which is shown in Fig. 4), the cap device 51 abuts against the device body 50 and the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 are fully inserted into the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. In the closed position, the cap device 51 covers the heating element 54 so that the heating element 54 is not accessible by a user. The heating chamber 108 may completely surround the heating element 54 in the closed position. The consumable 70 may be inserted into the heating chamber 108 via the mouthpiece element 84 if the mouthpiece element 84 is in the open position.

In a cleaning position (which is an example of the open position), the cap device 51 is positioned away from the device body 50 compared to the closed position. This may be achieved by sliding the cap chassis 82 or the cap device 51 along the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. In the cleaning position, the heating element 54 is accessible by the user, for example for cleaning the heating element 54. The first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may only partly be located within the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. However, the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may be sufficiently inserted into the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively, so that first arm 104 and the second arm 106 can still support the cap device 51 on the device body 50. The spring element 98 biases the cap device 51 to the closed position or to the cleaning position. The bridge element 86 may provide a stopper or abutment portion against which the cap device 51 , optionally the cap chassis 82, abuts in the cleaning position.

When moving the cap device 51 between the closed position and the cleaning position, the first end portion 86a and the second end portion 86b move within the first cut-out 128 and the second cut-out 130, respectively. In the cleaning position, the first end portion 86a abuts against a lower end of the first cut-out 128 and the second end portion 86b abuts against a lower end of the second cut-out 130. Thus, the lower ends of the first cut-out 128 and the second cut-out 130 form an abutment portion which limits the movement of the cap device 51 from the closed position beyond the cleaning position.

The cap housing 80 of the cap device 51 covers the cap chassis 82 and/or partly the mouthpiece element 84. The cap housing 80 may be made from a metal material and may be made from the same material as the device housing 90. Thus, in the closed position, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a continuous outer surface as there is no gap between the cap housing 80 and the device housing 90. The cap housing 80 may be attached to the cap chassis 82 by a snap fit connection. The mouthpiece element 84 may protrude from the cap chassis 82 and the cap housing 80 both in the open position and the closed position.

The front cover 92 and the rear cover 94 may surround the power supply 4 (e.g. including battery), the electrical circuitry 56, the memory 58, the wireless interface 60, and/or the other components 62. As such, they are not visible in Fig. 4. The front cover 92 may include a button and/or a user interface (e.g. including one or more LEDs). The front cover 92 and the rear cover 94 may be surrounded by device housing 90 and/or may be made from a plastic material.

The front cover 92, the rear cover 94, and/or the device housing 90 may be attached to the arm portion 88, e.g. using a snap fit connection. The arm portion 88 includes the first arm 104, the second arm 106, and/or a base portion 118. The first arm 104, the second arm 106, and the base portion 118 may be a unitary component, e.g. moulded from a plastic material. The first arm 104, the second arm 106, and the heating element 54 may protrude from the base portion 118. The heating element 54 can extend parallel to the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. Thus, the heating element 54 is arranged between the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. The base portion 118 may form a top end of the device body 50.

As visible from Fig. 7, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 further includes a first friction reduction means 120 and/or a second friction reduction means 122. In the example of Fig. 7, the first friction reduction means 120 and/or the second friction reduction means 122 include grooves and ribs (forming a serrated surface topography) that extend along the longitudinal direction of the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. Thus, the first friction reduction means 120 and/or the second friction reduction means 122 provide a plurality of discrete areas (lines) of contact between the arms 104, 106 and the cavities 104, 106. The plurality of discrete contact is spaced along a circumferential direction of the first cavity 100 and second cavity 102, respectively.

In the example of Fig. 7, the first friction reduction means 120 and/or the second friction reduction means 122 are only arranged on an inner surface of the first cavity 100 and second cavity 102, respectively. The cap chassis 82 and the arm portion 88 may be configured such that the first arm 104 presses against the inner surface of the first cavity 100 whereas the pressure between an outer surface of the first cavity 100 is smaller compared to the pressure between the inner surface of the first cavity 100 and the first arm 104 (for example there is some play between the outer surface of the first cavity 100 and the corresponding surface of the first arm 104) . Further, the cap chassis 82 and the arm portion 88 may be further configured such that the second arm 106 presses against the inner surface of the second cavity 102 whereas the pressure between an outer surface of the second cavity 102 is smaller compared to the pressure between the inner surface of the second cavity 102 and the second arm 106 (for example there is some play between the outer surface of the second cavity 102 and the corresponding surface of the second arm 106). This allows to attach the cap device 51 to the device body 50 with minimal play.

The first friction reduction means 120 and the second friction reduction means 122 reduce the friction at an area of contact with the pressure between the arms 104, 106 and the cavities 100, 102 is highest. This provides a smooth and easy movement of the company was 51 along the first arm 104 and the second arm 106.

Other embodiments of the first friction reduction means 120 and the second friction reduction means 122 are possible, such as polished surfaces and/or material portions made from a material with low friction coefficient.

The rear housing 92 may include a slot which provides a channel 124 for the cleaning tool 96 in cooperation with the device housing 90. The channel 124 may be shaped and dimensioned such that the cleaning tool 96 can be inserted into the channel 124 along a direction of extension of the channel 124. The rear housing may include means for removably holding or maintaining the cleaning tool 96 in the channel 124.

The cleaning tool 96 may be used for cleaning the heating element 54, for example if the cap device 51 is in the cleaning position. To this end, the cleaning tool 96 may be removed from the channel 124 and inserted into the channel 124 after cleaning. The cleaning tool 96 may be a component separate from the aerosol generating apparatus 1.

Claims

1 . An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a device body (50) including an aerosol-generating unit (4) for generating an aerosol from a consumable, and further including a first arm (104) extending parallel to an axial direction of the aerosol generating apparatus (1), a cap device (51) including a first cavity (100) slidably receiving the first arm (104) for moving the cap device (51) relative to the device body (50) along the axial direction between a closed position and an open position, and a spring element (98) for biasing the cap device (51) to the closed position and/or the open position, wherein the spring element (98) includes a first attachment portion (98a) attached to the cap device (51) and a second attachment portion (98b) coupled to the first arm (104).

2. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the device body (50) includes a second arm (106), the second arm (106) extending parallel to the first arm (104), and wherein the cap device (51) includes a second cavity (102) slidably receiving the second arm (106) between the closed position and the open position.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a bridge element (86) bridging the first arm (104) and the second arm (106), wherein the second attachment portion (98b) is attached to the bridge element (86).

4. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a device body (50) including an aerosol-generating unit (4) for generating an aerosol from a consumable, and further including a first arm (104) and a second arm (106) extending parallel to an axial direction of the aerosol generating apparatus (1), a cap device (51) including a first cavity (100) slidably receiving the first arm (104) and a second cavity (100) slidably receiving the second arm (106) for moving the cap device (51) relative to the device body (50) along the axial direction between a closed and an open position, and a bridge element (86) bridging the first arm (104) and the second arm (106).

5. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a spring element (98) for biasing the cap device (51) to the closed position and/or the open position, wherein the spring element (98) includes a first attachment portion (98a) attached to the cap device (51) and a second attachment portion (98b) attached to the bridge element (86).

6. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of the claims 1 to 3 or 5, wherein the spring element (98) is configured to provide a bi-stable biasing force for biasing the cap device (51) either into the closed position or the open position.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of the claims 3 to 6, wherein the bridge element (86) is attached to the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) by means of snap-fit connection.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of the claims 3 to 7, wherein the bridge element (86) includes a first end portion (86a) and a second end portion (86b), the first end portion (86a) being attached to the first arm (104) and the second end portion (86b) being attached to the second arm (106).

9. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first end portion (86a) and/or the second end portion (86b) are barbed.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the first end portion (86a) is inserted in a first slot (104a) in the first arm (104) and/or the second end portion (86b) is inserted in a second slot (106a) in the second arm (106).

11 . The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the bridge element (86) is biased into engagement.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of the claims 1 to 3 or 5 to 11 , wherein the cap device (51) includes an abutment portion, wherein the spring element (98) biases the abutment portion against the bridge element (86) in the open position.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 12 when depending on any one of the claims 8 to

11 , wherein the cap device (51) includes a first cut-out (128) and a second cut-out (130), wherein the first end portion (86a) is movable in the first cut-out (128) and the abutment portion is an end of the first cut-out (128), and wherein the second end portion (86b) is movable in the second cut-out (130) and the abutment portion is an end of the second cut-out (130).

14. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of the claims 1 to 3 or 5 to 13, wherein the spring element (98) biases the cap device (51) against the device body (50) in a closed position.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of the claims 3 to 14, wherein the bridge element (86) is made from a material that is more rigid than a material from which the cap device (51), the first arm (104), and/or the second arm (106) are made.