WO2025228847A1

WO2025228847A1 - Aerosol provision device and system

Info

Publication number: WO2025228847A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/061446
Authority: WO
Inventors: Min Xu; Zhen Zhou
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-04-28
Filing date: 2025-04-25
Publication date: 2025-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-28
Also published as: CN222692745U

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device (10) and system. The aerosol provision device comprises: a housing (101), along with a receiving chamber (103) arranged at one end of the housing, the receiving chamber being configured to removably receive a solid- state substrate aerosol module (20) or a liquid-state substrate aerosol module (40); an operational switch, provided on the housing, having a first state and a second state, the first state being adapted to power the solid-state substrate aerosol module, the second state being adapted to power the liquid-state substrate aerosol module; and a control module, having a first heating mode and a second heating mode, activating a first heating mode when the operational switch is in the first state, activating a second heating mode when the operational switch is in the second state.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Technical Field

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

Background

Aerosol provision devices can be classified according to the principle of aerosol generation, including heat-not-burn type and e - liquid atomization type. The heat - not - burn aerosol provision device releases aerosol by heating an aerosol - generating article (such as a tobacco product). With such devices, an aerosol - generating article similar to a cigarette is typically inserted into the aerosol provision device. The e - liquid atomization type aerosol provision device generates aerosol by electrically heating and atomizing e - liquid.

Due to the difference in the principle of aerosol generation, the structures of heat - not - burn and e - liquid atomization aerosol provision devices can vary.

Summary

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device and system.

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device. The device comprises a housing, along with a receiving chamber arranged at one end of the housing, the receiving chamber being configured to removably receive a solid-state substrate aerosol module or a liquid-state substrate aerosol module; an operational switch, provided on the housing, having a first state and a second state, the first state being adapted to power the solid-state substrate aerosol module, the second state being adapted to power the liquid-state substrate aerosol module; and a control module, having a first heating mode and a second heating mode, activating a first heating mode when the operational switch is in the first state, activating a second heating mode when the operational switch is in the second state.

Optionally, the current of the solid-state substrate aerosol module in the first heating mode is greater than the current of the liquid-state substrate aerosol module in the second heating mode.

Optionally, the receiving chamber is provided with a first electrode assembly, the first electrode assembly comprises a first electrode and a second electrode of opposite polarity, respectively configured for connecting to the positive terminal and negative terminal of the solid-state substrate aerosol module or the liquid-state substrate aerosol module. Optionally, the control module comprises a battery and a controller, the operational switch comprises a first switch element and a second switch element; wherein the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the input sides of both the first switch element and the second switch element, the input side of the controller is separately connected to the output sides of both the first switch element and the second switch element, the negative terminal of the battery and the output side of the controller are connected to the first electrode assembly; and the controller is configured to: when the first switch element is on, output current to the first electrode assembly according to the first heating mode, and when the second switch element is on, output current to the first electrode assembly according to the second heating mode.

Optionally, the housing is provided with a containing chamber, the receiving chamber is separated from the containing chamber by a mounting seat, the battery and the controller are accommodated within the containing chamber, the first switch element and the second switch element are arranged on the housing, and the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the mounting seat.

Optionally, the first switch element and the second switch element are exposed on the outer wall of the housing and are configured to be activated by touching or pressing.

Optionally, one side of the housing is provided with a peripheral plate, the peripheral plate surrounds the mounting seat and extends toward the side away from the containing chamber, and the peripheral plate and the mounting seat together form the receiving chamber.

Optionally, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is annular; and the first electrode surrounds the second electrode, or the second electrode surrounds the first electrode.

According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system. The system comprises an aerosol module and the above aerosol provision device, the aerosol module being a solid-state substrate or a liquid-state substrate; and the aerosol module is detachably inserted into the receiving chamber of the aerosol provision device, a gap being formed between the inner wall of the receiving chamber and the outer wall of the aerosol module to allow external air to enter the aerosol module through the gap.

Optionally, the aerosol module comprises: a shell, internally forming a chamber for accommodating a solid-state substrate or a liquid-state substrate; a heater, arranged within the shell, configured to heat the solid-state substrate or liquid-state substrate contained in the chamber; and a second electrode assembly, electrically connected to the heater and the first electrode assembly of the aerosol provision device, the second electrode assembly comprising a third electrode and a fourth electrode of opposite polarity, being respectively configured for connecting to the first electrode and the second electrode. Optionally, at least one of the third electrode and the fourth electrode is annular; and the third electrode surrounds the fourth electrode, or the fourth electrode surrounds the third electrode.

Optionally, the heating method of the heater comprises at least one of resistive heating, electromagnetic induction heating and infrared radiation heating.

Optionally, the connection method between the aerosol module and the aerosol provision device comprises at least one of magnetic attraction, snap-fit, and threaded connection.

According to another aspect, an aerosol provision device is provided. The aerosol provision device comprising a housing; a receiving chamber configured to removably receive at least a portion of an aerosol module, wherein the aerosol module is one of a solid-state substrate aerosol module and a liquid-state substrate aerosol module; an operational switch having a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the aerosol provision device is configured to power the solid-state substrate aerosol module, and wherein in the second state the aerosol provision device is configured to power the liquid-state substrate aerosol module; and a control module, wherein when the operational switch is in the first state the control module is configured to operate in a first heating mode, and wherein when the operational switch is in the second state the control module is configured to operate in a second heating mode.

According to another aspect, an aerosol provision system is provided. The aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol module and the aerosol provision device wherein the aerosol module is one of a solid-state substrate aerosol module and a liquid-state substrate aerosol module.

One or more embodiments above may have at least one or more of the following beneficial effects:

The aerosol provision device provided can receive either a solid-state substrate aerosol module or a liquid-state substrate aerosol module, and may be designed with a first heating mode for heating the solid-state substrate aerosol module and a second heating mode for heating the liquid-state substrate aerosol module. The heating mode can be adjusted according to the type of the inserted aerosol module, so as to achieve heating of different types of aerosol modules using the same device and improve the versatility of the device.

The detachable connection between the aerosol module and the aerosol provision device enables ease of replacing and using different aerosol modules. This structure provides convenience for users to modify consumables, and provides reduce cost compared with purchasing an aerosol provision device with an independent heating function. The separate design of the aerosol module and the aerosol provision device also enables the replacement of the aerosol module when it is damaged, making the aerosol provision device more durable. Additional aspects and advantages will be partially described in the following description, some will become apparent from the following description, and others will be learned through the practice of the application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure of the present application will become more understandable. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Moreover, similar numbers in the figures are used to represent similar components, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol provision device;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol module with a solid-state substrate;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol module with the solid-state substrate;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol module with a liquid-state substrate;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol module with a liquid-state substrate;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol provision system;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision system

FIG. 9 is a partial schematic structural diagram of the aerosol provision system;

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the aerosol provision system;

FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of another aerosol provision system;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision system;

FIG. 13 is a partial schematic structural diagram of the aerosol provision system; and FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of the aerosol provision system.

Description of reference numerals in the drawings:

10 Aerosol provision device, 20 Aerosol module with solid-state substrate, 30 Aerosol module with liquid-state substrate, 40 Aerosol-generating article, 101 Housing, 102 Containing chamber, 103 Receiving chamber, 104 First electrode, 105 Second electrode, 106 Battery, 107 Controller, 108 First switch element, 109 Second switch element, 110 Mounting seat, 111 Peripheral plate, 112 First magnetic attraction member, 201 Shell, 202 Heater, 203 Third electrode, 204 Fourth electrode, 205 Gap, 206 Second magnetic attraction member, 207 Chamber, 208 Electric conductor.

Detailed Description The following describes some embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

As used herein, the term ’’delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosolmodifying agent.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosolformer materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

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

Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “ amorphous solid ” , which may alternatively be referred to as a “ monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

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

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

The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Existing aerosol provision devices typically cannot heat both e-liquid and aerosolgenerating articles. As such, an aerosol provision device is provided to help improve the compatibility of existing aerosol provision devices. As used herein the terms ‘proximal’ and ‘near’, and ‘distal’ and ‘away from’ as applied to features will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an aerosol provision device 10 comprising a housing 101 , an operational switch, and a control module. A receiving chamber 103 is provided at one end of the housing 101 , and the receiving chamber 103 is configured to detachably or removably receive an aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate or an aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate. The operational switch is provided on the housing 101 and has a first state and a second state. The first state is adapted to supply power to the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate, and the second state is adapted to supply power to the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate. The control module has a first heating mode and a second heating mode. The first heating mode is activated when the operational switch is in the first state, and the second heating mode is activated when the operational switch is in the second state.

Due to the differences in the heating objects and the principles of aerosol generation, the currents during heating of the heat-not-burn aerosol provision device 10 and the e-liquid atomization aerosol provision device 10 may be different. That is, the current during heating of the heat-not-burn aerosol provision device 10 may be greater than that of the e-liquid atomization aerosol provision device 10 during heating, therefore existing aerosol provision device 10 is typically not compatible with both e-liquid and aerosol-generating articles 40. In order to improve the versatility of the aerosol provision device 10 without sacrificing its heating performance, corresponding heating modes may be set for the aerosol module 20 with a solid- state substrate and the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate. The current of the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate in the first heating mode may be greater than the current of the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate in the second heating mode.

A containing chamber 102 is provided inside the housing 101 , and the receiving chamber 103 is separated from the containing chamber 102 by a mounting seat 110. A first electrode 104 assembly is provided in the receiving chamber 103. The first electrode 104 assembly includes a first electrode 104 and a second electrode 105 with opposite polarities, which are respectively configured for connecting to the positive and negative terminals of the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate or the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate. The first electrode 104 and the second electrode 105 are provided on the mounting seat 110 and are separated from each other. The control module includes a battery 106 and a controller 107. The battery 106 and the controller 107 are provided inside the containing chamber 102. The operational switch includes a first switch element 108 and a second switch element 109. The positive terminal of the battery 106 is respectively connected to the input sides of the first switch element 108 and the second switch element 109. The input side of the controller 107 is respectively connected to the output sides of the first switch element 108 and the second switch element 109. The negative terminal of the battery 106 and the output side of the controller 107 are connected to the first electrode 104 assembly. The controller 107 is configured to: when the first switch element 108 is turned on, output current to the first electrode 104 assembly according to the first heating mode, and when the second switch element 109 is turned on, output current to the first electrode 104 assembly according to the second heating mode.

The first switch element 108 and the second switch element 109 are provided on the housing 101. The first switch element 108 and the second switch element 109 are exposed on the outer wall of the housing 101 and are configured to be turned on by touching or pressing. After the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate or the aerosol module 30 with a liquidstate substrate is received by the aerosol provision device 10, the user can activate the corresponding heating mode by touching or pressing the corresponding switch element. The mechanical operation mode is adopted to turn on the power supply, which has the advantages of stability and durability.

A peripheral plate 111 may be provided on one side of the housing 101. The peripheral plate 111 surrounds the mounting seat 110 and extends towards the side away from the containing chamber 102. The peripheral plate 111 and the mounting seat 110 together form the receiving chamber 103.

When the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate or the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate is received by the aerosol provision device 10, the aerosol provision device 10 is allowed to supply power to the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate or the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate. Therefore, an electrical connection between the aerosol provision device 10 and the aerosol module is required. In order to ensure a stable and reliable electrical connection between the aerosol provision device 10 and the aerosol module, the first electrode 104 assembly of the aerosol provision device 10 may connect to the positive and negative electrodes of the aerosol module. Specifically, the first electrode 104 assembly includes a first electrode 104 and a second electrode 105. At least one of the first electrode 104 and the second electrode 105 is annular, and one surrounds the other. When the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate or the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate is received by the aerosol provision device 10, even if there is a little position change, it can ensure that the positive and negative electrodes are stably connected without the problem of poor conductivity. The first electrode 104, the second electrode 105, and the receiving chamber 103 are coaxially arranged. In some examples, the first electrode 104 is annular, the second electrode 105 is circular, and the first electrode 104 surrounds the second electrode 105. In some examples, the second electrode 105 is annular, the first electrode 104 is circular, and the second electrode 105 surrounds the first electrode 104. In some examples, both the first electrode 104 and the second electrode 105 are annular, and the first electrode 104 surrounds the second electrode 105.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate. Both the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate and the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate comprise a shell 201 , a heater 202, and a second electrode 105 assembly. A chamber 207 is formed inside the shell 201 for accommodating a solid-state substrate or a liquid-state substrate. The heater 202 is arranged inside the shell 201 and is configured to heat the solid-state substrate or the liquid-state substrate contained in the chamber 207. The solid-state substrate can be, for example, an aerosol-generating article 40, and the liquid-state substrate can be, for example, e-liquid. The second electrode 105 assembly is electrically connected to the heater 202 and the first electrode 104 assembly of the aerosol provision device 10. The second electrode 105 assembly comprises a third electrode 203 and a fourth electrode 204 with opposite polarities, which are respectively configured for connecting to the first electrode 104 and the second electrode 105.

The heating method of the heater 202 comprises at least one of resistive heating, electromagnetic induction heating, and infrared radiation heating. The heater 202 is made of metal, ceramic, or quartz and mainly transfers heat through conduction and infrared radiation. For the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate, the heater 202 may be a piercing member arranged in the chamber 207 or a heating cylinder arranged in the chamber 207. For the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate, the heater 202 can be an atomization core.

The structure of the second electrode 105 assembly is adapted to the structure of the first electrode 104 assembly. Specifically, at least one of the third electrode 203 and the fourth electrode 204 is annular, and one surrounds the other. The third electrode 203, the fourth electrode 204, and the aerosol module are coaxially arranged. In some examples, the third electrode 203 is annular, the fourth electrode 204 is circular, and the third electrode 203 surrounds the fourth electrode 204. In some examples, the fourth electrode 204 is annular, the third electrode 203 is circular, and the fourth electrode 204 surrounds the third electrode 203. In some examples, both the third electrode 203 and the fourth electrode 204 are annular, and the third electrode 203 surrounds the fourth electrode 204. In some examples, referring to FIG. 3, the third electrode 203 is circular, the fourth electrode 204 includes a plurality of electric conductors 208, and the plurality of electric conductors 208 are arranged in an annular shape and surround the third electrode 203.

Although the shape of the electrode surrounded by the annular electrode in the above examples is circular, it should be understood that the shape of the electrode surrounded by the annular electrode can also be square, triangular, hexagonal, annular, or irregular. The annular electrode can be a continuous ring-shaped structure or a structure similar to a ring composed of a plurality of electric conductors 208 arranged, and the shape of the electric conductor 208 can be circular, square, triangular, hexagonal, annular, or irregular.

Since the current required for heating the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate is large, while the current required for heating the aerosol module 30 with a liquidstate substrate is relatively small, the second electrode 105 assembly of the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate and the second electrode 105 assembly of the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate can be designed differently. For example, the area of the second electrode 105 assembly of the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate can be made smaller than that of the second electrode 105 assembly of the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate. Specifically, the area of the third electrode 203 of the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate can be set to be larger than the area of the third electrode 203 of the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate, and the area of the fourth electrode 204 of the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate can be set to be larger than the area of the fourth electrode 204 of the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate.

In the structures of the above-mentioned first electrode 104 assembly and second electrode 105 assembly, the way of arranging one electrode surrounding the other electrode is adopted. Even if there is a slight position error when the aerosol module is installed on the aerosol provision device 10, the electrical connection between the first electrode 104 assembly and the second electrode 105 assembly can still be maintained stable. Also, during the process of the user installing the aerosol module onto the aerosol provision device 10, there is no need to deliberately align the angle, making the disassembly and assembly between the aerosol module and the aerosol provision device 10 more convenient and providing a better user experience.

In embodiments, the receiving chamber 103 of the aerosol provision device 10 is cylindrical, and the shape and size of the part of the aerosol module used for docking with the aerosol provision device 10 are adapted to the receiving chamber 103 and are cylindrical. After the aerosol module is docked with the aerosol provision device 10, the aerosol module can rotate relative to the aerosol provision device 10. In other embodiments, the shape of the receiving chamber 103 can also be a quadrangular prism, a triangular prism, etc., as long as the shape and size of the part of the aerosol module used for inserting into the receiving chamber 103 are adapted to the receiving chamber 103.

The provided aerosol provision device can receive either an aerosol module with a solid-state substrate or an aerosol module with a liquid-state substrate, and is designed with a first heating mode for heating the aerosol module with a solid-state substrate and a second heating mode for heating the aerosol module with a liquid-state substrate. The heating mode can be adjusted according to the type of the inserted aerosol module, so as to achieve heating of different types of aerosol modules using the same device and improve the versatility of the device.

The detachable connection between the aerosol module and the aerosol provision device makes it possible and easy to replace and try different aerosol modules. This structure provides convenience for users to modify consumables, and compared with purchasing an aerosol provision device with an independent heating function, it has a lower cost. The separate design of the aerosol module and the aerosol provision device also enables the replacement of the aerosol module when it is damaged, making the aerosol provision device more durable.

An aerosol provision system is also provided, which comprises an aerosol module and an aerosol provision device 10. The aerosol module is either an aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate or an aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate. The aerosol module is detachably inserted into the receiving chamber 103 of the aerosol provision device 10, and a gap 205 is formed between the inner wall of the receiving chamber 103 and the outer wall of the aerosol module to allow external air to enter the aerosol module through the gap 205.

The connection method between the aerosol module and the aerosol provision device 10 includes at least one of magnetic attraction, snap-fit, and threaded connection. In some examples, a first magnetic attraction member 112 is provided on the aerosol provision device 10, and a second magnetic attraction member 206 is provided on the aerosol module. When the aerosol module enters the receiving chamber 103 of the aerosol provision device 10, the first magnetic attraction member 112 and the second magnetic attraction member 206 attract each other, so that the aerosol module is firmly adsorbed on the aerosol provision device 10.

A gap 205 is formed between the inner wall of the receiving chamber 103 and the shell 201 of the aerosol module, and the gap 205 communicates with the chamber 207 of the aerosol module to form an air flow channel, through which external air can enter the chamber 207 of the aerosol module. Specifically, a gap 205 is formed between them by providing a protruding structure on the shell 201 of the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate and/or the inner wall of the receiving chamber 103 of the aerosol provision device 10. In some examples, the first electrode 104 and the second electrode 105 may be set to protrude from the mounting seat 110, or the third electrode 203 and the fourth electrode 204 may be set to protrude from the bottom surface of the shell 201 .

After the aerosol module is connected to the aerosol provision device 10, the second electrode 105 assembly of the aerosol module is electrically connected to the first electrode 104 assembly of the aerosol provision device 10. Specifically, the first electrode 104 assembly includes a first electrode 104 and a second electrode 105. The second electrode 105 is annular and surrounds the first electrode 104. The second electrode 105 assembly includes a third electrode 203 and a fourth electrode 204. The fourth electrode 204 is annular and surrounds the third electrode 203. The first electrode 104 is in close contact with the third electrode 203, and the second electrode 105 is in close contact with the fourth electrode 204.

In embodiments, the receiving chamber 103 of the aerosol provision device 10 is cylindrical, and the shape and size of the part of the aerosol module used for docking with the aerosol provision device 10 are adapted to the receiving chamber 103 and are cylindrical. The first electrode 104, the second electrode 105, and the receiving chamber 103 are coaxially arranged, and the third electrode 203, the fourth electrode 204, and the aerosol module are coaxially arranged. After the aerosol module is docked with the aerosol provision device 10, the aerosol module can rotate relative to the aerosol provision device 10, and the electrical connection between the first electrode 104 assembly and the second electrode 105 assembly can still be maintained during the rotation process.

FIG. 7 - FIG. 9 show the structure of an aerosol provision system formed by assembling the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate on the aerosol provision device 10. Referring to FIG. 7 - FIG. 9, the aerosol provision system includes an aerosol provision device 10, an aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate, and an aerosol-generating article 40. The aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate is received in the receiving chamber 103 of the aerosol provision device 10 and connected by magnetic attraction, and the aerosolgenerating article 40 is received in the chamber 207 of the aerosol module 20 with a solid- state substrate.

After the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate is assembled on the aerosol provision device 10, the first electrode 104 assembly on the aerosol provision device 10 is electrically connected to the heater 202 on the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate, forming a circuit diagram as shown in FIG. 10. When the first switch element 108 is turned on, the controller 107 will output current to the aerosol module 20 with a solid-state substrate according to the first heating mode, and the aerosol-generating article 40 is heated by the heater 202 to generate aerosol.

FIG. 11 - FIG. 13 show the structure of an aerosol provision system formed by assembling the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate on the aerosol provision device 10. Referring to FIG. 11 - FIG. 13, the aerosol provision system includes an aerosol provision device 10 and an aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate. The aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate is received in the receiving chamber 103 of the aerosol provision device 10 and connected by magnetic attraction, and the second electrode 105 assembly of the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate is electrically connected to the first electrode 104 assembly of the aerosol provision device 10.

After the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate is assembled on the aerosol provision device 10, the first electrode 104 assembly on the aerosol provision device 10 is electrically connected to the heater 202 on the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate, forming a circuit diagram as shown in FIG. 14. When the second switch element 109 is turned on, the controller 107 outputs current to the aerosol module 30 with a liquid-state substrate according to the second heating mode, and the liquid-state substrate is heated by the heater 202 to generate aerosol.

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

Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description of the present application, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

Unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the application based on the circumstances.

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

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device, comprising: a housing; a receiving chamber configured to removably receive at least a portion of an aerosol module, wherein the aerosol module is one of a solid-state substrate aerosol module and a liquid-state substrate aerosol module; an operational switch having a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the aerosol provision device is configured to power the solid-state substrate aerosol module, and wherein in the second state the aerosol provision device is configured to power the liquidstate substrate aerosol module; and a control module, wherein when the operational switch is in the first state the control module is configured to operate in a first heating mode, and wherein when the operational switch is in the second state the control module is configured to operate in a second heating mode.

2. The aerosol provision device according to claim 1 , wherein the control module is configured to supply a current for heating the aerosol module, and wherein the current for heating the solid-state substrate aerosol module in the first heating mode is greater than the current for heating the liquid-state substrate aerosol module in the second heating mode.

3. The aerosol provision device according to claim 2, comprising a first electrode assembly arranged in the receiving chamber, the first electrode assembly comprising; a first electrode configured to electrically connect to a positive terminal of the aerosol module; and a second electrode configured to electrically connect to a negative terminal of the aerosol module.

4. The aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein the control module comprises a battery and a controller, wherein the battery comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal; wherein the operational switch comprises a first switch element and a second switch element, wherein the first switch element and the second switch element are electrically connected between the positive terminal of the battery and an input of the controller, and wherein the negative terminal of the battery and an output of the controller are electrically connected to the first electrode assembly; and wherein the controller is configured to: output a current to the first electrode assembly according to the first heating mode, when the first switch element is activated, and output a current to the first electrode assembly according to the second heating mode, when the second switch element is activated.

5. The aerosol provision device according to claim 4, comprising a containing chamber arranged in the housing; and a mounting seat separating the receiving chamber and the containing chamber, wherein the battery and the controller are at least partially received in the containing chamber, wherein the first switch element and the second switch element are arranged on the housing, and wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the mounting seat.

6. The aerosol provision device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first switch element and the second switch element are exposed at an outer side of the housing and are configured to be activated by touching or pressing.

7. The aerosol provision device according to claim 5, comprising a peripheral plate arranged proximal an end of the housing, wherein the peripheral plate at least partially surrounds the mounting seat and extends in a direction away from the containing chamber.

8. The aerosol provision device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is annular; and wherein the first electrode at least partially surrounds the second electrode, or the second electrode at least partially surrounds the first electrode.

9. An aerosol provision system, comprising an aerosol module and the aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol module is one of a solid-state substrate aerosol module and a liquid-state substrate aerosol module.

10. The aerosol provision system of claim 9, wherein the aerosol module is configured to be at least partially removably received by the receiving chamber of the aerosol provision device, wherein an inner side of the receiving chamber and an outer side of the aerosol module are spaced apart to form a gap and wherein the gap at least partially defines an airflow path to the aerosol module.

11 . The aerosol provision system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the aerosol module comprises: a shell, defining a chamber for at least partially receiving a solid-state substrate or a liquid-state substrate; a heater, arranged within the shell, configured to heat the solid-state substrate or liquidstate substrate; a second electrode assembly, electrically connected to the heater and the first electrode assembly, wherein the second electrode assembly comprises a third electrode configured to electrically connect to the first electrode; and a fourth electrode configured to electrically connect to the second electrode.

12. The aerosol provision system according to claim 11 , wherein at least one of the third electrode and the fourth electrode is annular; and wherein the third electrode at least partially surrounds the fourth electrode, or the fourth electrode at least partially surrounds the third electrode.

13. The aerosol provision system according to claim 11 , wherein the heater comprises at least one of a resistive heater, an electromagnetic induction heater or an infrared radiation heater.

14. The aerosol provision system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the aerosol module and the aerosol provision device are detachably connected via connection means, and wherein the connection means comprises at least one of a magnetic attraction connection, a snap-fit connection, or a threaded connection.