EP4648637A1

EP4648637A1 - Article for an aerosol provision system, device, aerosol provision system and method

Info

Publication number: EP4648637A1
Application number: EP24701460.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Caner Umit Yurteri
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-01-13
Filing date: 2024-01-12
Publication date: 2025-11-19
Also published as: WO2024150011A1; GB202300534D0

Abstract

An article (30) for an aerosol provision system (10) comprising an aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber comprises an aerosol generator (36) located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber (31) and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material (32), an outlet (315) located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the cylinder and an inlet (314) located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between the aerosol generator and the outlet and configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber is cylindrical such that, in use, air is drawn from the inlet into the aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber and draw aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

Description

ARTICLE FOR AN AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM, DEVICE, AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an article for an aerosol provision system, a device for an aerosol provision system, aerosol provision system and method.

BACKGROUND

Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol-generating material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobaccobased product, from which an aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to aerosolise a portion of aerosolgenerating material to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generation region of an air channel through the aerosol provision system. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the aerosol generator, air is drawn into the device through one or more inlet holes and along the air channel to the aerosol generation region, where the air mixes with the vaporised aerosol generator and forms a condensation aerosol. The air drawn through the aerosol generation region continues along the air channel to a mouthpiece, carrying some of the aerosol with it, and out through the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

It is common for aerosol provision systems to comprise a modular assembly, often having two main functional parts, namely an aerosol provision device and an article. Typically, the article will comprise the article aerosol-generating material and the aerosol generator (heating element), while the aerosol provision device part will comprise longer-life items, such as a rechargeable battery, device control circuitry and user interface features. The aerosol provision device may also be referred to as a reusable part or battery section and the article may also be referred to as a consumable, disposable/replaceable part, cartridge or cartomiser.

The aerosol provision device and article are mechanically coupled together at an interface for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction fit fixing. When the aerosol-generating material in an article has been exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different article having a different aerosol-generating material, the article may be removed from the aerosol provision device and a replacement article may be attached to the device in its place.

The aerosol generated and provided to the user needs to be controlled in order to provide a consistent experience to the user. In particular, the size and distribution of particles in the aerosol, the temperature at the aerosol and the flow rate of the aerosol need to be controlled in order to provide a consistent aerosol.

Various approaches are described herein which seek to help address or mitigate some of the issues discussed above.

SUMMARY

The disclosure is defined in the appended claims.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an article for an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber comprises an aerosol generator located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material, an outlet located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the cylinder and an inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between the aerosol generator and the outlet and configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber is cylindrical such that, in use, air is drawn from the inlet into the aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber and draw aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

The inlet can be configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber tangentially to the circumference of the cylinder. The aerosol generating chamber can further comprise a second inlet located on the side wall diametrically opposite the inlet, wherein the second inlet is also configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber.

The inlet can be located closer to the outlet than the aerosol generator.

A diameter of the aerosol generating chamber can be larger than the aerosol generator.

The aerosol generator is a flat plate aerosol generator or a distiller.

The article can further comprise an aerosol-generating material storage area configured to store the aerosol-generating material, wherein, in use, aerosol-generating material is configured to be transferred from the aerosol-generating material storage area to the aerosol generator. The aerosol-generating material storage area can be located outside of the aerosol generating chamber.

The outlet can be located on a central axis of the aerosol generating chamber at the second end of the aerosol generating chamber.

The outlet comprises a funnel. An exit of the funnel can be on a central axis of the aerosol generating chamber. The article can further comprise a mouthpiece wherein, in use, aerosol is drawn through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to mouthpiece via the outlet.

The article can further comprise a housing, wherein the aerosol generating chamber is located inside the housing. The housing can comprise one or more holes wherein, in use, air is drawn from outside the article to the aerosol generating chamber via the air holes and the inlet.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a device for an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber comprises an aerosol generator located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material, an outlet located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the cylinder, and an inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between the aerosol generator and the outlet and configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber is cylindrical such that, in use, air is drawn from the inlet into the aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber and draw aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber comprises an aerosol generator located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material, an outlet located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the cylinder, and an inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between the aerosol generator and the outlet and configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber is cylindrical such that, in use, air is drawn from the inlet into the aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber and draw aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising drawing air from an inlet of a cylindrical aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber. The inlet is located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between an aerosol generator and an outlet and the inlet is configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generator is located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material, and the outlet is located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the aerosol generating chamber. Aerosol is drawn through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

These aspects and other aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description. In this regard, particular sections of the description are not to be read in isolation from other sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol provision system;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an article for an aerosol provision system;

Figures 3A and 3B are cross sections of the article 30 illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of an article for an aerosol provision system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed I described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed I described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of articles and systems discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as 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 provision system and electronic aerosol provision system.

As noted above, aerosol provision systems (e-cigarettes) often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (aerosol provision device) and a replaceable (disposable) or refillable cartridge part, referred to as an article. Systems conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems or devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing refillable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for other electronic cigarette configurations, for example modular systems comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, for up example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more boxy shape. Figure 1 is a highly schematic diagram (not to scale) of an example aerosol provision system 10, such as an e-cigarette, to which embodiments are applicable. The aerosol provision system 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, extending along a longitudinal or y axis as indicated by the axes (although aspects of the invention are applicable to e-cigarettes configured in other shapes and arrangements), and comprises two main components, namely an aerosol provision device 20 and an article 30.

The article 30 comprises or consists of aerosol-generating material 32, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. An article 30 may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area 39, an aerosolgenerating material transfer component 37, an aerosol generation area, a housing 38, a wrapper, a mouthpiece 35, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

An article 30 may also comprise an aerosol generator 36, such as a heating element, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material 32 to generate aerosol in use. The aerosol generator 36 may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. It should be noted that it is possible for the aerosol generator 36 to be part of the aerosol provision device 20 and the article 30 then may comprise the aerosol-generating material storage area 39 for the aerosol-generating material 32 such that, when the article 30 is coupled with the aerosol provision device 20, the aerosolgenerating material 32 can be transferred to the aerosol generator 36 in the aerosol provision device 20.

Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosol-generating material 32 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 aerosolgenerating material 32 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 32 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 comprises one or more ingredients, such as one or more active substances and/or flavourants, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials such as pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

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, and 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.

The aerosol provision device 20 includes a power source 14, such as a battery, configured to supply electrical power to the aerosol generator 36. The power source 14 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The power source 14 may be recharged through the charging port (not illustrated), which may, for example, comprise a USB connector.

The aerosol provision device 20 includes device control circuitry 28 configured to control the operation of the aerosol provision system 10 and provide conventional operating functions in line with the established techniques for controlling aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes. The device control circuitry (processor circuitry) 28 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units/circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the device control circuitry 28 may comprise power source control circuitry for controlling the supply of electrical power from the power source 14 to the aerosol generator 36, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units/circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes. It will be appreciated the functionality of the device control circuitry 28 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and/or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s)/circuitry/chip(s)/chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.

The aerosol provision device 20 has an interface 22 configured to receive the article 30, thereby facilitating the coupling between the aerosol provision device 20 and the article 30. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the interface 22 is located on a surface of the aerosol provision device 20.

The housing 38 of the article 30 has a surface 34 configured to be received by the interface 22 on the aerosol provision device 20 in order to facilitate coupling between the article 30 and the aerosol provision device 20. The surface 34 of the article may be configured to be a size and/or shape that mirrors the size and/or shape of the interface 22 in order to facilitate coupling between the aerosol provision device 20 and the article 30. For example, the interface 22 may comprise a cavity, chamber or other space on the surface of the aerosol provision device 20. The surface 34 of the article 30 can then be configured to be a size and shape that mirrors the size and shape of the cavity in order for the surface 34 of the article 30 to be inserted into the cavity.

Although not illustrated, the interface 22 of the aerosol provision device 20 and the surface 34 of the article 30 may have complementary features to reversibly attach and mate the article 30 to the aerosol provision device 20, such as a screw thread, bayonet fitting, latched or friction fit fixing or other fastening means.

The interface 22 also comprises one or more connectors, such as contact electrodes, connected via electrical wiring to the control circuitry 28 and the power source 14. The article 30 also comprises one or more connectors, such as contact electrodes, connected via electrical wiring to the aerosol generator 36. In use, the article 30 is received by the interface 22 of the aerosol provision device 20, thereby coupling the aerosol provision device 20 and the article 30. This results in the connectors on the article 30 mating with the connectors on the aerosol provision device 20, thereby allowing electrical power and electrical current to be supplied from the power source 14 of the aerosol provision device 20 to the aerosol generator 36 of the article 30.

The housing 38 of the article 30 has a surface 34 configured to engage with an interface 22 on the aerosol provision device 20 in order to facilitate coupling between the article 30 and the aerosol provision device 20. In other words, the aerosol provision device 20 is configured to receive the article 30, via the interface 22, and the surface 34 of the article is proximate to the interface 22 on the aerosol provision device 20 when the article 20 is received by the interface 22.

The aerosol provision system 10 includes one or more air inlets 21 , located on one or more of the aerosol provision device 20 and the article 30. In use, as a user inhales on the mouthpiece 35, air is drawn into the aerosol provision system 10 through the air inlets 21 and along an air channel 23 to the aerosol generator 36, where the air mixes with the vaporised aerosol-generating material 32 and forms a condensation aerosol. The air drawn through the aerosol generator 36 continues along the air channel 23 to a mouthpiece 35, carrying some of the aerosol with it, and out through the mouthpiece 35 for inhalation by the user.

By way of a concrete example, the article 30 comprises a housing 38 (formed, e.g., from a plastics material), an aerosol-generating material storage area 39 formed within the housing 38 for containing the aerosol-generating material 32 (which in this example may be a liquid which may or may not contain nicotine), an aerosol-generating material transfer component 37 (which in this example is a wick formed of e.g., glass or cotton fibres, or a ceramic material configured to transport the liquid from the reservoir using capillary action), an aerosol-generating area containing the aerosol generator 36, and a mouthpiece 35. Although not shown, a filter and/or aerosol modifying agent (such as a flavour imparting material) may be located in, or in proximity to, the mouthpiece 35. The aerosol generator 36 of this example comprises a heater element formed from an electrically resistive material (such as NiCr8020) spirally wrapped around the aerosol-generating material transfer component 37, and located in an air channel 23. The area around the heating element and wick combination is the aerosol-generating area of the article 30.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of article 30 for an aerosol provision system 10, where the same reference signs have been used to denote same components in Figures 1 and 2. Like the article illustrated in Figure 1 , the article 30 illustrated in Figure 2 comprises a housing 38, an aerosol generating material storage area 39, an aerosol generating material transfer component 37 and an aerosol generator 36. As set out above, the aerosol generator 36 is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol generating material 32. For example, the aerosol generating material storage area 39 can be configured to store aerosol generating material 32 such that, in use, the aerosol generating material 32 is transferred from the aerosol generating material storage area 39 to the aerosol generator 36, for example by the aerosol generating material transfer component 37.

The aerosol generator 36 is located inside an aerosol generating chamber 31 . As illustrated in Figure 2, the aerosol generator 36 is located towards a first end 311 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 . The aerosol generator 36 may be located on or at the first end 311 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 , or the aerosol generator 36 may be located a small distance from the first end 311 , for example 1 , 2, 5, or 10 mm from the first end 311. As illustrated in figure 2, the aerosol generating material storage area 39 can be located outside of the aerosol generating chamber 31. In this case, the aerosol generating material transfer component 37 transfers aerosol generating material 32 from the aerosol generating material storage area 39 outside of the aerosol generating chamber 31 into the aerosol generating chamber 31 and to the aerosol generator 36. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material storage area 39 can be located inside of or form a portion of the aerosol generating chamber 31 . As set out above, the aerosol generator 36 can comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. For example, the aerosol generator 36 can be a flat plate aerosol generator or a distiller.

The aerosol generating chamber 31 is cylindrical. In other words, the aerosol generating chamber 31 has a substantially circular cross section and extends from a first end 311 to a second end 312, where the second end 312 is opposite the first end 311 .

The diameter of the aerosol generating chamber 31 is larger than the aerosol generator 36. In other words, the aerosol generator 36 is smaller than the width of the aerosol generating chamber 31 such that there is a gap between the edge (or around the perimeter) of the aerosol generator 36 and the sidewall 313 of the aerosol generating chamber 31. This allows air to flow in between the sidewall 313 the aerosol generating chamber 31 and the aerosol generator 36.

The aerosol generating chamber 31 comprises an outlet 315 located at the second end 312 of the aerosol generating chamber 31. In other words, the outlet 315 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 is located at the opposite end of the aerosol generating chamber 31 to the aerosol generator 36. The outlet 315 can be connectable to another component, such as a mouthpiece 35 so that, in use, when a user draws or otherwise inhales on the article 30, aerosol is drawn through the aerosol generating chamber 31 from the aerosol generator 36 to the mouthpiece 35 by the outlet 315.

The outlet 315 illustrated in Figure 2 is located on a central axis of the aerosol generating chamber 31. In other words, the outlet 315 is axially aligned with major access of the cylindrically shaped aerosol generating chamber 31. Alternatively, the outlet 315 can be located away from the central axis of the aerosol generating chamber 31 , for example against or proximate to the sidewall 313. Although not illustrated in Figure 2, the outlet 315 can comprise a funnel. In other words, the outlet 315 has an entrance and an exit, where the entrance of the outlet 315 is located at the second end 312 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 and the entrance of the outlet 315 has a larger cross-sectional area than the exit of the outlet 315. This reduction in cross-sectional area along the outlet 315 causes the aerosol to accelerate as the aerosol flows out of the aerosol generating chamber 31 and through the outlet 315. The exit of the funnel can be located on the central axis of the aerosol generating chamber 31 , such that the exit of the funnel is axially aligned with the aerosol generating chamber 31.

The aerosol generating chamber 31 also comprises an inlet 314 on a side wall 313 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 between the aerosol generator 36 and the outlet 315. In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the inlet 314 is located closer to the outlet 315 (i.e. the second end 312 of the aerosol generating chamber 31) than the aerosol generator 36 (i.e. the first end 311 of aerosol generating chamber 31). For example, the inlet 314 may be located 75, 80 or 90% of the distance along the side wall 313 from the first end 311 and the second end 312.

Figures 3A and 3B are cross sections along the line A-A of the article 30 illustrated in Figure 2. The aerosol generating chamber 31 may comprise more than one inlet 314. As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, a second inlet can be located on the sidewall 313 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 diametrically opposite the first inlet, such that the article 30 as a rotational degree of symmetry with respect to the inlets 314. It will be appreciated however that more than two inlets 314 may be provided, for example 3, 4, or 6. As illustrated in Figure 2, the inlets 314 are located the same distance along the side wall 313 from the first end 311 and the second end 312. The aerosol generating chamber 31 may also comprise a further inlet located on the first end 311 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 , for example proximate to the aerosol generator 36. This allows air to be directed onto the side of the aerosol generator 36 that faces the first end 311 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 .

In the example illustrated in Figure 3A, the one or more inlets 314 are configured to direct air radially into the aerosol generating chamber 31 , whereas in the example illustrated in Figure 3B, the one or more inlets 314 are configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber 31 tangentially to the circumference of the cylinder (of aerosol generating chamber 31). In other words, the one or more inlets 314 are configured such that air entering the aerosol generating chamber 31 flows around or otherwise along or against the sidewall of the aerosol generating chamber 31 .

Figure 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of an article 30 for an aerosol provision system 10 illustrating the flow of air and aerosol in the aerosol generating chamber 31. The inlet 314 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 is configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber 31. In other words, in use, air is drawn from the inlet into the aerosol generating chamber 31 . This flow of air into the aerosol generating chamber 31 from the inlet 314 and down to the aerosol generator 36 is illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. The flow of air into the aerosol generating chamber 31 from the inlets 314 generates a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber 31. As illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the reverse cyclone results in the air entering the aerosol generating chamber 31 through the inlets 314 and spiralling around the outside of the aerosol generating chamber 31 (i.e. proximate to the sidewall 313) and towards the first end 311 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 (and towards the aerosol generator 36). The reverse cyclone is generated due to the geometry of the aerosol generating chamber 31 , in particular its cylindrical shape and the relative locations of the inlet 314 and the outlet 315.

In the example illustrated in Figure 4A, the one or more inlets 314 are configured to direct the air into the aerosol generating chamber 31 such that the air enters the aerosol generating chamber 31 parallel (i.e. in the same plane as) with the first wall 311 and/or perpendicular to the side wall 313. In other words, the air enters the aerosol generating chamber 31 through the inlets 314 perpendicular to the direction the aerosol exits the as generating chamber 31 through the outlets 315. In the example illustrated in Figure 4B, the one or more inlets 314 are configured to direct the air into the aerosol generating chamber 31 such that the air enters the aerosol generating chamber 31 in the direction of the first wall 311 . In other words, the one or more inlets 314 are tilted or otherwise orientated in the direction of the first wall 311. This tilting of the one or more inlets 314 such that the air enters the aerosol generating chamber 31 in the direction of the first wall 311 improves the control of the amount and temperature of aerosol generated within the aerosol generating chamber 31. Figure 4C illustrates the flow of air and aerosol from the aerosol generator 36 to the outlet 315. Having spiralled around the outside of the aerosol generating chamber 31 towards the first end 311 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 , the air passes over the aerosol generator 36 and aerosol is generated. The aerosol is then drawn through the aerosol chamber 31 from the aerosol generator 36 to the outlet 315 as illustrated in Figure 4C.

The location of the inlets 314 along the sidewall 313, and in particular their distance between the inlets 314 and the first end 311 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 can be used to control the aerosol flow rate and the temperature of the aerosol exiting the aerosol generating chamber 31 through the outlet 315. For example, as the distance between the inlets 314 and the first end 311 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 increases, the aerosol flow rate through the outlet 315 decreases and the temperature of the aerosol at the outlet 315 decreases. This results in a colder, and less concentrated aerosol being provided to the user thereby changing the sensory effect of the aerosol. The reverse cyclone generated in the aerosol generating chamber 31 also controls the amount of aerosol that flows out of the outlet 315, as the larger particles in the aerosol are directed towards the outside of the aerosol generating chamber 31 , where they fall down the sidewall 313 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 with the reverse cyclone. As a result, only the smaller particles in the aerosol flow out of the outlet 315, resulting in the aerosol provided to the user having smaller particle size and a smaller particle size distribution. As set out above, the diameter of the aerosol generating chamber 31 is larger than the aerosol generator 36, such that the larger particles in the aerosol can collect on the first wall 311 of the aerosol generating chamber 31 away from the aerosol generator 36. In some cases, a trough, pit or well may be provided on the first wall 311 to collect the particles that fall down the sidewall 313 of the aerosol generating chamber 31.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the aerosol generating chamber 31 is located inside the housing 38 of the article 30. The housing 38 can comprise one or more holes 381 wherein, in use, air is drawn from outside the article 32 the aerosol generating chamber 31 via the holes 381 in the housing and the inlet 314. Although the holes 381 are illustrated in figure 2 as being proximate to the inlet 314, it will be appreciated that the holes 381 can be located at one or more other locations on the housing 38, for example approximate to the mouthpiece 35, or proximate to the surface 34 of the article 30 configured to engage with the aerosol provision device 20. As described above, a flow channel 23 can connect the holes 318 to the inlets 314 to the aerosol generating chamber 31 such that, in use, air is drawn from outside the article 32 through the holes 318 and into the flow channel 23, and then into the aerosol generating chamber 31 through the inlets 314.

Although the features of the aerosol generating chamber 31 have been described above in the context of an article 34 the aerosol provision system 10, it will be appreciated that the aerosol generating chamber 31 and aerosol generator 36 may be located in a different portion of the aerosol provision system 10. For example, the aerosol provision device 20 may comprise the aerosol generating chamber 31 and the aerosol generator 36 as described above.

In summary, in use, aerosol is generated by drawing air from the inlet of the cylindrical aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber and drawing aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

As described above, the present disclosure relates to (but it not limited to) an article for an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber comprises an aerosol generator located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material, an outlet located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the cylinder and an inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between the aerosol generator and the outlet and configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber. The aerosol generating chamber is cylindrical such that, in use, air is drawn from the inlet into the aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber and draw aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

Thus, there has been described an article for an aerosol provision system, a device for an aerosol provision system, an aerosol provision system and method.

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

Aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered clauses:

1 . An article for an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol generating chamber comprising: an aerosol generator located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material; an outlet located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the cylinder; and an inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between the aerosol generator and the outlet and configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber; wherein the aerosol generating chamber is cylindrical such that, in use, air is drawn from the inlet into the aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber and draw aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

2. The article of clause 1 , wherein the inlet is configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber tangentially to the circumference of the cylinder.

3. The article of clause 1 or clause 2, further comprising a second inlet located on the side wall diametrically opposite the inlet, wherein the second inlet is also configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber.

4. The article of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the inlet is located closer to the outlet than the aerosol generator.

5. The article of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein a diameter of the aerosol generating chamber is larger than the aerosol generator.

6. The article of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generator is a flat plate aerosol generator.

7. The article of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generator is a distiller.

8. The article of any one of clauses 1 to 7, further comprising an aerosol-generating material storage area configured to store the aerosol-generating material, wherein, in use, aerosol-generating material is configured to be transferred from the aerosol-generating material storage area to the aerosol generator.

9. The article of clause 8, wherein the aerosol-generating material storage area is located outside of the aerosol generating chamber.

10. The article of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the outlet is located on a central axis of the aerosol generating chamber at the second end of the aerosol generating chamber.

11 . The article of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the outlet comprises a funnel.

12. The article of clause 11 , wherein an exit of the funnel is located on a central axis of the aerosol generating chamber.

13. The article of any one of clauses 1 to 12, further comprising a mouthpiece wherein, in use, aerosol is drawn through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to mouthpiece via the outlet. 14. The article of any one of clauses 1 to 13, further comprising a housing, wherein the aerosol generating chamber is located inside the housing.

15. The article of clause 14, wherein the housing comprises one or more holes wherein, in use, air is drawn from outside the article to the aerosol generating chamber via the air holes and the inlet.

16. A device for an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol generating chamber comprising: an aerosol generator located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material; an outlet located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the cylinder; and an inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between the aerosol generator and the outlet and configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber; wherein the aerosol generating chamber is cylindrical such that, in use, air is drawn from the inlet into the aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber and draw aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

17. An aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol generating chamber comprising: an aerosol generator located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material; an outlet located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the cylinder; and an inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between the aerosol generator and the outlet and configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber; wherein the aerosol generating chamber is cylindrical such that, in use, air is drawn from the inlet into the aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber and draw aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

18. A method of generating an aerosol comprising: drawing air from an inlet of a cylindrical aerosol generating chamber to generate a reverse cyclone in the aerosol generating chamber, wherein the is inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol generating chamber between an aerosol generator and an outlet and the inlet is configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber, wherein the aerosol generator is located towards a first end of the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material, and wherein the outlet is located at a second end of the aerosol generating chamber opposite the first end of the aerosol generating chamber; and drawing aerosol through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to the outlet.

Claims

2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the inlet is configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber tangentially to the circumference of the cylinder.

3. The article of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a second inlet located on the side wall diametrically opposite the inlet, wherein the second inlet is also configured to direct air into the aerosol generating chamber.

4. The article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inlet is located closer to the outlet than the aerosol generator.

5. The article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a diameter of the aerosol generating chamber is larger than the aerosol generator.

6. The article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generator is a flat plate aerosol generator.

7. The article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generator is a distiller.

8. The article of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an aerosol-generating material storage area configured to store the aerosol-generating material, wherein, in use, aerosol-generating material is configured to be transferred from the aerosol-generating material storage area to the aerosol generator.

9. The article of claim 8, wherein the aerosol-generating material storage area is located outside of the aerosol generating chamber.

10. The article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outlet is located on a central axis of the aerosol generating chamber at the second end of the aerosol generating chamber.

11 . The article of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outlet comprises a funnel.

12. The article of claim 11 , wherein an exit of the funnel is located on a central axis of the aerosol generating chamber.

13. The article of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a mouthpiece wherein, in use, aerosol is drawn through the aerosol generating chamber from the aerosol generator to mouthpiece via the outlet.

14. The article of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a housing, wherein the aerosol generating chamber is located inside the housing.

15. The article of claim 14, wherein the housing comprises one or more holes wherein, in use, air is drawn from outside the article to the aerosol generating chamber via the air holes and the inlet.