EP4651747A1

EP4651747A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4651747A1
Application number: EP24701367.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Steven Holford
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-01-18
Filing date: 2024-01-18
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Also published as: TW202437941A; GB202300724D0; WO2024153748A1; JP2026502611A

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol provision device (110) comprising a heating chamber configured to receive an aerosol generating article (150), an airflow chamber (310a) in fluid communication with the heating chamber, wherein the airflow chamber (310a) comprises an air inlet (330) configured to admit air into the airflow chamber (310a) and a valve (440) arranged between the heating chamber and the airflow chamber (310a).

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a heating chamber configured to receive an aerosol generating article; an airflow chamber in fluid communication with the heating chamber, wherein the airflow chamber comprises an air inlet configured to admit air into the airflow chamber; and a valve arranged between the heating chamber and the airflow chamber.

According to various embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising a valve, wherein when a user is seeking to draw aerosol from an aerosol generating article at least partially inserted into the aerosol provision device the valve is arranged to be substantially open in order to allow air to enter a distal end of the article and when a user is not seeking to draw aerosol (i.e. is in between puffs) the valve is arranged to be substantially closed so as to prevent hot vapour from entering an airflow chamber.

According to various embodiments an aerosol provision device is provided comprising a valve arranged between a first region having a pressure P1 and a second region having a pressure, wherein when P1 > P2 the valve is arranged to be substantially open. Optionally, when P2 > P1 the valve may be arranged to be substantially closed. According to various embodiments, the first region may comprise an airflow chamber and the second region may comprise a heating chamber.

Optionally, the valve comprises a fixed valve seat and a movable valve member, wherein in a closed position the movable valve member is engaged with the fixed valve seat and wherein in an open position the movable valve member is disengaged from the fixed valve seat.

Optionally, the fixed valve seat comprises either a portion of the airflow chamber or a base portion of the heating chamber.

Optionally, the fixed valve seat is located within the airflow chamber.

Optionally, at least a part of the fixed valve seat and/or at least a part of the movable valve member is coated with or formed from a material having a static frictional coefficient _static < 0.30, < 0.25, < 0.20, < 0.15, < 0.10 or < 0.05.

Optionally, at least a part of the fixed valve seat and/or at least a part of the movable valve member is formed from polyether ether ketone (“PEEK”) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”).

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises a biasing member configured to open and/or close the valve.

Optionally, the biasing member comprises one or more springs.

Optionally, the biasing member comprises one or more magnetic mechanisms.

Optionally, the biasing member comprises one or more resilient elements.

Optionally, the valve comprises a membrane type valve. Optionally, the membrane type valve comprises a flexible membrane comprising, for example, natural rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, fluorine rubber or nitrile rubber.

Optionally, the valve comprises a butterfly valve.

Optionally, the butterfly valve comprises a disc mounted to a rod, wherein in a closed position the disc is rotated to a position so as to restrict a flow of air and/or vapour between the heating chamber and the airflow chamber and wherein in an open position the disc is rotated to a position so at to permit a flow of air from the airflow chamber into the heating chamber.

Optionally, the valve comprises a ball valve, gate valve, needle valve, pinch valve or plug valve.

Optionally, the valve comprises a freely hinged flap or check valve.

Optionally, a differential pressure may be used to open and/or close the valve.

Optionally, the differential pressure may be created, in use, by a user when the user draws or puffs on an aerosol generating article located within the heating chamber in use.

Optionally, when an aerosol generating article is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and a user is not seeking to draw aerosol from the aerosol generating article, the air inlet and/or the valve is arranged to be substantially closed.

The aerosol provision device may comprise one or more magnetic mechanisms configured to open and/or close the valve. The aerosol provision device may comprise one or more resilient elements configured to open and/or close the valve. The aerosol provision device may comprise one or more springs configured to open and/or close the valve.

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device as described above; and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

According to an aspect there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device as described above; at least partially inserting an article comprising aerosol generating material into the aerosol provision device; and activating the aerosol provision device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an example of an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol generating material partially inserted into the aerosol provision device;

Fig. 2 shows an enlarged cross sectional view of an example of an aerosol provision device and shows an article comprising aerosol generating material partially inserted into the aerosol provision device and wherein the article abuts against a base portion of the heating chamber or an upper portion of a condensation chamber;

Fig. 3A shows an enlarged cross sectional view of a condensation chamber of an aerosol provision device wherein an article comprising aerosol generating material is abutted against an upper portion of the condensation chamber, and wherein a flow of air through the condensation chamber and into a distal end of the article is indicated as a user draws upon the article and wherein heat flow into the article is also indicated and Fig. 3B shows the condensation chamber and the full length of the article and shows the flow of air through the condensation chamber and through the length of article, and also shows air entering the article via vent holes in the article and the flow of heat into the article when a user draws upon a proximal end of the article;

Fig. 4A shows an enlarged cross sectional view of a condensation chamber of an aerosol provision device wherein an article comprising aerosol generating material is abutted against an upper portion of the condensation chamber, and wherein a flow of air into the condensation chamber and the diffusion of hot vapour from the distal end of the article into the condensation chamber are indicated when a user is in between puffs and Fig. 4B shows the condensation chamber and the full length of the article and shows the flow of air into the condensation chamber and the diffusion of hot vapour both from the distal end of the article into the condensation chamber and also into the central portion of the article, wherein the flow of heat into the article when a user is in between puffs is also indicated;

Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional view of an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol generating material;

Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view of a portion of an aerosol provision device comprising a condensation chamber;

Fig. 7A shows an example of an aerosol provision device according to various embodiments wherein a valve is arranged between an airflow chamber and a heating chamber and wherein the valve is in an open position thereby permitting air to flow from the airflow chamber into a distal end of an article when a user draws upon the article, and wherein heat flow into the article is also indicated and Fig. 7B shows the valve in a closed position when a user is in between puffs wherein air and hot vapour is prevented from passing from the distal end of the article and from the heating chamber into the airflow chamber, and wherein heat flow into the article is also indicated; and

Fig. 8A shows an example of an aerosol provision device according to various embodiments wherein a valve is arranged between an airflow chamber and a heating chamber and wherein the valve is in an open position thereby permitting air to flow from the airflow chamber into a distal end of an article when a user draws upon the article, and wherein heat flow into the article is also indicated and Fig. 8B shows the valve in a closed position when a user is in between puffs wherein air and hot vapour is prevented from passing from the distal end of the article and from the heating chamber into the airflow chamber, and wherein heat flow into the article is also indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.

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

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

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

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

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

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosolmodifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

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

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

Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object, referred to as a susceptor, is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents and when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic or resistive heating.

Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

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

An aerosol provision system will now be described in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision device 100 which is arranged to generate aerosol from an article 150 comprising aerosol generating material. The article 150 may be inserted, in use, into the aerosol provision device 100.

The aerosol provision device 100 is an elongate structure, extending along a longitudinal axis. The aerosol provision device has a proximal end 110 which is closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 also has a distal end 120 which will be furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end 110 may also be referred to as the “mouth end”. The aerosol provision device 100 also accordingly defines a proximal direction, which is directed towards the user when in use, i.e. in the direction from the distal end 120 to the proximal end 110. Further, the aerosol provision device 100 also likewise defines a distal direction, which is directed away from the user when in use, i.e. in the direction from the proximal end 110 to the distal end 120. The proximal and distal direction may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100.

Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a portion of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a heating chamber 210 for receiving an article 150 comprising aerosol generating material. The heating chamber 210 has a base 215 at a distal end of the heating chamber 210. The heating chamber 210 may be elongate, extending along a longitudinal axis, which may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. A rod shaped article 150 comprising aerosol generating material may be inserted into the heating chamber 210 in a direction of insertion, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 210, and which may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100.

The article 150 may be retained within the heating chamber 210 of the aerosol provision device 100. The article 150 may be heated by a heating assembly 230. The heating assembly 230 may comprise one or more heating elements 235 which are arranged to heat the article so that an aerosol or other inhalable medium may be generated from the aerosol generating material of the article 150, which may then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol provision device 100.

The heating element 235 may at least partially surround the heating chamber 210. For example, the heating element 235 may encircle the heating chamber 210. The heating element 235 may be substantially tubular.

According to various embodiments the heating element 235 may comprise a susceptor which is indirectly heated by one of more induction coils.

In other embodiments, the heating element 235 may extend or project into the heating chamber 210. For example, according to various embodiments the heating element 235 may comprise a pin (not shown) which projects into the base of the heating chamber 210 and which is arranged to be inserted, in use, into a distal end of the article 150 when the article 150 is received within the heating chamber 210. In this embodiment the pin heater (not shown) is arranged to internally heat the article 150.

Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the heating element 235 may comprise a blade (not shown). The blade may comprise a planar portion and a pointed portion. The pointed portion of the blade may be arranged to be inserted, in use, into a distal end of an article 150 in order to internally heat the article 150. The pin and blade heating elements may comprise resistive heating elements. The heating element 235 may comprise a resistive heating element. Alternatively, the heating element 235 may comprise an inductive heating element. Other embodiments are also contemplated (not shown) wherein at least portion of the heating element (e.g. a susceptor) may be provided as a part of the article 150 rather than forming a part of the aerosol provision device 100.

In use, once an article 150 has been inserted into the heating chamber 210 of the aerosol provision device 100, the user may then conduct a session during which the heating assembly 230 is arranged to heat the article 150. During the session the article 150 may be heated by the heating element 235. It will be understood that a session of use may last several minutes. For example, according to various embodiments a session of use may last 2-3 mins, 3-4 mins, 4-5 mins or 5-6 mins.

The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a condensation chamber 310. The condensation chamber 310 acts as an airflow chamber. The condensation chamber 310 acting as the airflow chamber is fluidly connected to the heating chamber 210 within which the article 150 is received, and which extends from the heating chamber 210 in a first direction. The condensation chamber 310 may include an inlet conduit 320, formed for example from iron or steel. The inlet conduit 320 and/or the condensation chamber 310 may extend from the heating chamber 210 in a first direction.

The condensation chamber 310 may be arranged to fluidically connect the heating chamber 210 with an external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. The inlet conduit 320 and the condensation chamber 310 provide a flow path configured to support an air flow. The flow path extends from the heating chamber 210 to the external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. The inlet conduit 320 and condensation chamber 310 have an interior surface which is exposed to air which flows along the inlet conduit 320 e.g. from the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100 through the condensation chamber 310 to the heating chamber 210. The condensation chamber 310, acting as the airflow chamber, allows air to flow from the external opening 330 through the condensation chamber 310 and into the heating chamber 210, during use of the aerosol provision device 100.

Fig. 3A shows in more detail the flow of air within the condensation chamber 310 and the article 150 when a user draws on a proximal end of the article 150. The condensation chamber 310 is fluidly connected to the heating chamber (not shown).

During use the heating assembly (not shown) is used to heat the article 150 which is received in the heating chamber (not shown). When a user draws on the article 150, air may be drawn into the aerosol provision device through an external opening 330. Air is then drawn along and through an inlet conduit 320 and through the condensation chamber 310 prior to flowing towards the heating chamber and in particular the distal end of the article 150. Air which enters the aerosol provision device may be relatively cool. As the cool air passes through the inlet conduit 320 and the condensation chamber 310 in the direction of the heating chamber and the distal end of the article 150, the inlet conduit 320 and condensation chamber 320 may be cooled by the incoming air.

When air moves in the direction of the heating chamber and enters the distal end of the article 150, the air passing within the article 150 becomes heated. The warmed air may then collect or entrain aerosol which has been generated by heating of the aerosol generating material of the article 150 by the heating assembly (not shown). The air and aerosol may then be drawn out of the article 150 so as to be inhaled by a user.

Fig. 3B shows the condensation chamber 310 and the full length of the article 150. The flow of air through the condensation chamber 310 and the article 150 is indicated. Air is also indicated as entering the article 150 via one or more vent holes provided in the article 150 relatively close to the proximal end of the article 150. The flow of heat into the article 150 when a user draws upon the article 150 is also indicated.

Fig. 4A illustrates that between uses (i.e. when the user is not drawing on the article 150), air which may contain vapour may exit the article 150 and/or exit from the heating chamber. This warm air comprising vapour may then enter the condensation chamber 310 and continue towards the inlet conduit 320. However, the inlet conduit 320 and condensation chamber 310 may be cooler than the temperature of the air exiting the article 150 and/or the heating chamber. As a result, there is a tendency for the vapour to condense within the condensation chamber 310 e.g. on the walls of the condensation chamber 310 and/or inlet conduit 320. It is also noted that warm air comprising vapour which enters the condensation chamber 310 may be met by an opposed flow of relatively cool air which enters the inlet conduit 320 via an external opening 330.

Fig. 4B shows the condensation chamber 310 and the full length of the article 150 and shows an incoming flow of relatively cool air into the condensation chamber 310 which meets the diffusion of hot vapour from the distal end of the article 150 into the condensation chamber 310. Air within the article 150 also moves into the central portion of the article 150. The flow of heat into the article 150 when a user is in between puffs is also shown.

Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional view of an aerosol provision device 100 wherein a condensation chamber 310 is provided which is fluidly connected to the heating chamber 210 and the external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. In such an arrangement, the paths for vapour to escape the condensation chamber 310 may be limited.

Fig. 6 shows an enlarged cross section of selected internal components of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 includes a heating chamber 210 for receiving an article, a condensation chamber 310 and an inlet conduit 320.

The inlet conduit 320 and the condensation chamber 310 may be elongate, extending in a first direction along a longitudinal axis. The first direction may extend from the heating chamber 210 in the distal direction, e.g. from a base 215 of the heating chamber 210, and towards the distal end 120 of the aerosol provision device 100. The longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 320 and the condensation chamber 310 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. The longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 320 and the condensation chamber 310 may also be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 210. The external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100 may be arranged at a distal end 120 of the aerosol provision device 100.

The inlet conduit 320 and condensation chamber 310 may comprise a first (distal) end having a first opening and a second (proximal) end having a second opening, wherein air is arranged to pass, in use, through the first opening into the inlet conduit 320 and then pass through the condensation chamber 310 and the second opening into the heating chamber 210. In other words, the first opening is fluidly connected to the heating chamber 210, and the second opening is also fluidly connected to the external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. The width of the condensation chamber 310 and inlet conduit 320 may be different from, for example less than, the width of the heating chamber 210. For instance, an average width value may be less than an average width value of the heating chamber 210. This may, for example, provide the user with a desirable amount of draw or impedance to flow.

It has been recognised that condensation or condensate may collect in the condensation chamber 310 such as on the interior surface of the condensation chamber 310 and inlet conduit 320.

As will be described in more detail below, according to various embodiments an aerosol provision device is provided comprising a valve which is located between an airflow chamber and the heating chamber. The valve is configured to ensure than when a user is not using the device (i.e. when not taking a draw), the valve is closed thereby preventing hot vapour from entering back into the airflow chamber. According to various embodiments the aerosol provision device enables the amount of condensate build up to be reduced as the hot vapour is substantially prevented from condensing. In addition, the provision of a valve also increases the overall efficiency of the aerosol provision device as a greater amount of heat is retained within the heating chamber. In particular, heat loss from the heating chamber to the airflow chamber via convection may be reduced. As a result, the overall energy demand on the aerosol provision device may be lower as the heating chamber may remain at an elevated temperature for longer as compared to other arrangements wherein a valve is not present. As a result, less energy needs to be supplied to operate the aerosol provision device and hence a more efficient aerosol provision device is provided.

Fig. 7A shows an enlarged cross sectional view of selected internal components of an aerosol provision device 100 according to various embodiments which seeks to address the problem of condensation of vapour forming condensate within a condensation chamber. The aerosol provision device 100 includes a heating chamber (not shown) for receiving an aerosol generating article 150 and an airflow chamber 310a and an inlet conduit 320.

The inlet conduit 320 and the airflow chamber 310a may comprises a first (distal) end having a first opening and a second (proximal) end having a second opening, wherein air is arranged to pass, in use, through the first opening into the inlet conduit 320 and then pass through the airflow chamber 310a and second opening into the distal end of the article 150 and the heating chamber. The first opening is fluidly connected to the heating chamber and the second opening is fluidly connected to the external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100.

The width of the volume within the airflow chamber 310a and the inlet conduit 320 may be different from, for example less than, the width of the heating chamber. For instance, an average width value may be less than an average width value of the heating chamber. This may, for example, provide the user with a desirable amount of draw or impedance to flow.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7A, the aerosol provision device 100 comprises a valve 340 disposed within the condensation chamber 310 and which acts to separate the condensation chamber 310 from the heating chamber. The valve 340 is shown in an open position. An open position in this context means that air can freely flow from an external opening 330 through the airflow chamber 310a and into the heating chamber and the distal end of the article 150. The valve 340 comprises a top portion 341 that when in a closed position, rests on or against a substantially flat portion 311 of the airflow chamber 310a. The valve 340 is configured to provide a reversible seal between the airflow chamber 310a and the heating chamber.

It will be understood that the condensation chamber 310 discussed in detail with reference to Figures 2-6 above, corresponds generally to the airflow chamber 310a. Air can flow from the external opening 330 through the condensation chamber 310 and into the heating chamber 210.

A spacer element 700 may be provided so that a distal end of the article 150 abuts against the spacer element 700 rather than against the top portion 341 of the valve 340. A stop 701 or other element may be provided which is arranged to prevent the top portion 341 of the valve lifting up greater than a predetermined distance from the substantially flat portion 311 of the airflow chamber 310a which the top portion 341 otherwise rests against when in a closed position. The stop 701 or other element therefore restricts the displacement of the top portion 341 of the valve. The stop 701 or other element may be arranged centrally above the top portion 341 of the valve.

At least a part of the valve 340 may be coated with or formed from a material having a static frictional coefficient _static < 0.30, < 0.25, < 0.20, < 0.15, < 0.10 or < 0.05.

The valve 340 may comprise a one-way valve. In other examples, the valve 340 may comprise a membrane type valve (not shown). The membrane type valve may comprise a flexible membrane comprising e.g. natural rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, fluorine rubber or nitrile rubber. At least a part of the valve 340 may be formed from silicon, polyether ether ketone (“PEEK”) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”).

Other types of valves may also be used such as a butterfly valve (not shown). The butterfly valve may comprise a disc mounted to a rod, wherein in a closed position the disc is rotated to a position so as to restrict the flow of air and/vapour between the heating chamber and the airflow chamber 310a and wherein in an open position the disc is rotated to a position so at to permit a flow of air from the airflow chamber 310a into the distal end of the article 150 and the heating chamber. The valve in other examples may comprise a ball valve, gate valve, needle valve, pinch valve, plug valve, a freely hinged flap or a check valve.

The valve 340 may be connected to a mount 352 disposed at the external opening 330 via a resilient spring 350. The spring 350 may, for example, comprise a helical coil spring. The spring 350 may be configured to urge the valve 340 closed such that the top portion 341 abuts against the substantially flat portion 311 of the airflow chamber 310a when a user is not drawing upon a proximal end of the article 150. In this way, the valve 340 is slidable within the airflow chamber 310a between an open position (as shown in Fig. 7A) and a closed position as shown in Fig. 7B. The valve 340 may be arranged to slide forwards and backwards along a longitudinal axis of the airflow chamber 310a.

According to various embodiments a distal end of the article 150 may comprise a cellulose acetate plug which prevents debris from the article 150 interfering with the operation of the valve 340 e.g. preventing debris from falling under the top portion 341 of the valve 340 thereby affecting the seal formed between the airflow chamber 310a and the heating chamber.

Fig. 7B shows the valve 340 in a closed position wherein air and/or vapour cannot flow between the heating chamber and the distal end of the article 150 into the airflow chamber 310a. When the valve 340 is in a closed position the top portion 341 of the valve 340 abuts the substantially flat portion 311 of the airflow chamber 310a due to the biasing force of the spring 350 thereby providing a substantially air-tight seal.

With reference to Fig. 7A, an airflow from the external opening 330, through the airflow chamber 310a, through or around the valve 340 and into the distal end of the article 150 is indicated by arrows. A flow of heat into the article 150 is also indicated. When a user puffs on the proximal end of the article 150 air is drawn from the external opening 330 into the distal end of the article 150.

A spacer element 700 may be provided so that a distal end of the article 150 abuts against the spacer element 700 rather than against the top portion 341 of the valve 340.

In use, with the valve 340 in its closed position, when a user draws on a proximal end of the article 150, a differential pressure AP may be created so that a region above the valve 340 will be at a lower pressure that a region below the valve 340. The region below the valve 340 will be substantially at ambient pressure. This differential pressure AP is sufficient to exert a force which causes the valve 340 to change from a closed position as shown in Fig. 7B to an open position as shown in Fig. 7A. In particular, the force on the valve 340 resulting from the pressure differential may be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of spring 350 which would otherwise seek to maintain the valve 340 in a closed position. When the valve 340 moves against the restoring force of the spring 350 air can pass through the valve mechanism into the distal end of the article 150 and the heating chamber from the airflow chamber 310a. If a session is started the article 150 may be heated by a heating element thereby causing a release of vapour which is then entrained with a flow of air and which can be consumed by a user.

When a user stops drawing on the proximal end of the article 150, the differential pressure AP ceases to exist (or is otherwise greatly reduced). As a result, the valve 340 under the biasing or restoring force of the spring 350 reverts back to a closed position as shown in Fig. 7B. For example, in between draws or puffs, the valve 340 may be arranged so as to assume a closed position (or a substantially closed position).

According to various embodiments the valve 340 as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B may have a relatively large head relative to the widest dimension of the airflow chamber 310a. As a result, the surface area A of the valve 340 at the top portion 341 is relatively large, therefore the force produced F on the valve 340 due to AP is also relatively large. The force can be approximated as F= AP A. Thus, the valve 340 can overcome the biasing force of the spring relatively easily, when a user takes a puff on a proximal end of the article 150.

Due to the force acting on the valve 340, the total movement of the valve 340 in an upwards direction towards the article 150 is relatively large, for example, 2.0 mm or greater. As a result, the article 150 may be offset 2.0 mm or greater from the valve 340 in the closed position so that the valve 340 does not impact upon the article 150.

As described above, it has been recognised that condensation or condensate may collect in a condensation chamber, such as on the interior surface of a condensation chamber or inlet conduit, which is undesirable. Condensate may be formed when hot vapour produced from heating the article contacts the cooler interior of a condensation chamber. The inclusion of the valve 340 ensures than when a user is not using the device (i.e. taking draws), the valve 340 prevents hot vapour from entering back into the airflow chamber 310a, thereby reducing the amount of condensate build up as the hot vapour is prevented from condensing. This simultaneously increases the overall efficiency of the aerosol provision device 100, as a greater amount of heat is retained within the heating chamber, and does not pass into the airflow chamber 310a via convection. Thus, the overall energy demand on the aerosol provision device is 100 may be lower, as the heating chamber may remain at an elevated temperature for longer as compared to an arrangement where no valve is provided between a condensation chamber and a heating chamber. As a result, less energy needs to be supplied to heating element. The battery of the aerosol provision device 100 may therefore be depleted at a slower rate.

According to various embodiments as illustrated by Figs. 7A and 7B a resilient spring 350 may be used to actuate the valve 340. However, other embodiments are also contemplated. For example, according to other embodiments one or more magnetic mechanisms (not shown) may be arranged to open and/or close the valve 340. For example, an electromagnet may be used.

According to various embodiments the spring 350 may have a spring constant < 0.05 N/mm, 0.05—0.1 N/mm, 0.1-0.2 N/mm, 0.2-0.3 N/mm, 0.3-0.4 N/mm, 0.4-0.5 N/mm, 0.5-0.6 N/mm, 0.6-0.7 N/mm, 0.7-0.8 N/mm, 0.8-0.9 N/mm, 0.9-1.0 N/mm, 1.0-2.0 N/mm, 2.0-3.0 N/mm, 3.0-4.0 N/mm, 4.0-5.0 N/mm, 5.0-6.0 N/mm, 6.0-7.0 N/mm, 7.0-8.0 N/mm, 8.0-9.0 N/mm, 9.0-10.0 N/mm, 10.0-11.0 N/mm, 11.0-12.0 N/mm, 12.0-13.0 N/mm, 13.0-14.0 N/mm, 14.0-15.0 N/mm, 15.0-16.0 N/mm, 16.0-17.0 N/mm, 17.0-18.0 N/mm, 18.0-19.0 N/mm, 19.0-20.0 N/mm or > 20.0 N/mm.

The spring 350 may have a length < 1 mm, 1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm, 4-5 mm, 5- 6 mm, 6-7 mm, 7-8 mm, 8-9 mm, 9-10 mm, 10-11 mm, 11-12 mm, 12-13 mm, 13-14 mm, 14-15 mm, 15-16 mm, 16-17 mm, 17-18 mm, 18-19 mm, 19-20 mm, 20-21 mm, 21-22 mm, 22-23 mm, 23-24 mm, 24-25 mm, 25-26 mm, 26-27 mm, 27-28 mm, 28-29 mm, 29- 30 mm or > 30 mm.

The spring may comprise a helical spring having < 1 turns per cm, 1-2 turns per cm, 2-3 turns per cm, 3-4 turns per cm, 4-5 turns per cm, 5-6 turns per cm, 6-7 turns per cm, 7-8 turns per cm, 8-9 turns per cm, 9-10 turns per cm or > 10 turns per cm.

Fig. 8A shows an aerosol provision device 100 according to a different embodiment with a modified valve 440 shown in an open position. In contrast to the embodiment shown and described above with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B, no spacer element is provided. Also, no stop is provided above the top portion of the valve 440. As a result, a distal end of the article 150 is arranged to abut against a top portion of the housing of the airflow chamber 310a (which may also be considered as forming a base portion of the heating chamber).

According to the embodiment shown and described with reference to Figs. 8A and 8B, a valve 440 is provided which has a smaller surface area at its top portion 441 compared to the valve 340 shown and described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figs. 7A and 7B. The valve 440 comprises a valve seat 450 disposed in the airflow chamber 310a. The valve 440 is configured such that it is moveable between an engaged position as shown and described with reference to Fig. 8B and a disengaged position as shown and described with reference to Fig. 8A relative to the valve seat 450. In the engaged (closed) position as shown in Fig. 8B, the top portion 441 of the valve 440 rests on a top portion 451 of the valve seat 450. In the disengaged (open) position as shown in Fig. 8A, the top portion 441 of the valve 440 is spaced longitudinally away from the top portion 451 of the valve seat 450.

At least a part of the valve 440 and/or the valve seat 450 may be coated with or formed from a material having a static frictional coefficient _static < 0.30, < 0.25, < 0.20, < 0.15, < 0.10 or < 0.05. At least a part of the valve 440 and/or the valve seat 450 may be formed from silicon, polyether ether ketone (“PEEK”) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”).

In the embodiments shown and described with reference to Figs. 8A and 8B, the valve seat 450 may be held in the airflow chamber 310a by an interference fit. In other examples, the valve seat 450 may secured to the airflow chamber 310a by an adhesive. Alternatively, the valve seat 450 may be integral with the airflow chamber 310a i.e. the airflow chamber 310a and the valve seat 450 may be formed as a single component.

As shown in Fig. 8B, the top portion 441 of the valve 440 abuts the top portion 451 of the valve seat 450 in the airflow chamber 310a due to the biasing force of a spring 350. When a user draws on a proximal end of the article 150 air is drawn into the inlet conduit 320 and the airflow chamber 310a via the external opening 330. Air flows through the airflow chamber 310, through a gap between the valve 440 and the valve seat 450 and into the distal end of the article 150 and the heating chamber.

When a user draws on a proximal end of the article 150, a differential pressure AP is created between a region above the valve 440 which will be at a relatively lower pressure than a region below the valve 440. The region below the valve 440 will be substantially at ambient pressure when the valve 440 is in its closed position. This differential pressure AP is sufficient to cause the valve 440 to move upwards towards the distal end of the article 150 from a closed position as shown in Fig. 8B to an open position as shown in Fig. 8A thereby overcoming the biasing force and restoring force of the spring 350. As the valve 440 moves upwards, air can pass freely from the airflow chamber 310a into the distal end of the article 150 and the heating chamber. If a session is started, the article 150 may be heated by a heating element causing a release of vapour into the air, which can then be consumed by the user. The flow of heat into the distal end of the article 150 is also shown in both Figs. 8A and 8B.

The valve 440 in the embodiment shown and described with reference to Figs. 8A and 8B has a relatively smaller cross-sectional area A2 at its top section 441 compared to the area A of the valve 340 shown and described with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B. As a result, a force produced F2 on the valve 440 as shown and described with reference to Figs. 8A and 8B due to the same differential pressure AP is smaller as compared to a force F generated on the valve 340 as shown and described with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B. The force can be approximated as F2= AP A2. Force F2 is sufficient such that the valve 440 can overcome the biasing force of the spring 350 when a user draws on a proximal end of the article 150.

When a user stops drawing on a proximal end of the article 150, a differential pressure AP ceases to exist, or is otherwise greatly reduced such that a resultant force F2 is no longer sufficient to overcome the biasing force or restoring force of the spring 350. As a result, the valve 440, under the biasing force or restoring force of the spring 350 reverts back to as closed position as shown in Fig. 8B. For example, in between draws or puffs the valve 440 will revert to a closed position (or a substantially closed position).

Due to the smaller force F2 (relative to the force F in respect of valve 340 as shown and described with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B) acting on the valve 440, the total movement of the valve 440 in an upwards direction towards the article 150 may be reduced as compared to the valve 340 (as shown and described with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B) for a given biasing force from spring 350. This effect coupled with the valve 440 being disposed in a lower position closer to the external opening 330 due to the presence of the valve seat 450, enables a design to be utilised wherein the article 150 does not need to be offset from the valve 440 by a spacer (as is the case with valve 340 as shown and described with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B). This enables a more compact arrangement to be achieved.

According to various embodiments the spring 350 may have a spring constant < 0.05 N/mm, 0.05—0.1 N/mm, 0.1-0.2 N/mm, 0.2-0.3 N/mm, 0.3-0.4 N/mm, 0.4-0.5 N/mm, 0.5-0.6 N/mm, 0.6-0.7 N/mm, 0.7-0.8 N/mm, 0.8-0.9 N/mm, 0.9-1.0 N/mm, 1.0-2.0 N/mm, 2.0-3.0 N/mm, 3.0-4.0 N/mm, 4.0-5.0 N/mm, 5.0-6.0 N/mm, 6.0-7.0 N/mm, 7.0-8.0 N/mm, 8.0-9.0 N/mm, 9.0-10.0 N/mm, 10.0-11.0 N/mm, 11.0-12.0 N/mm, 12.0-13.0 N/mm, 13.0-14.0 N/mm, 14.0-15.0 N/mm, 15.0-16.0 N/mm, 16.0-17.0 N/mm, 17.0-18.0

N/mm, 18.0-19.0 N/mm, 19.0-20.0 N/mm or > 20.0 N/mm.

As described above, it has been recognised that condensation or condensate may collect in an airflow chamber forming a condensation chamber of an aerosol provision device 100, such as on the interior surface of the chamber or in an inlet conduit 320, which is generally undesirable. Condensate may be formed, for example, if hot vapour produced from heating an article 150 is permitted to contact the cooler interior of condensation chamber 310.

The inclusion of a valve 440 between an airflow chamber 310a and a heating chamber ensures than when a user is not carrying out a puff or is in between puffs, then hot vapour is substantially prevented from entering into the airflow chamber 310a e.g. by diffusion. As a result, the amount of condensate build up is substantially reduced as hot vapour is prevented from condensing. This also increases the overall efficiency of the aerosol provision device 100, as a greater amount of heat may be retained within the heating chamber, and is not lost to the airflow chamber 310a by convection. The overall energy demand on the aerosol provision device is 100 may also be lower, as the heating chamber can remain at an elevated temperature for longer as compared to an arrangement wherein a valve is not provided between a condensation chamber and a heating chamber. As a result less energy needs to be supplied to a heating element and hence the battery of the aerosol provision device 100 will be depleted at a slower rate.

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.

Claims

1 . An aerosol provision device comprising: a heating chamber configured to receive an aerosol generating article; an airflow chamber in fluid communication with the heating chamber, wherein the airflow chamber comprises an air inlet configured to admit air into the airflow chamber; and a valve arranged between the heating chamber and the airflow chamber.

2. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a differential pressure is used to open and/or close the valve.

3. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the differential pressure is created, in use, by a user when the user draws or puffs on an aerosol generating article located within the heating chamber in use.

4. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve comprises a fixed valve seat and a movable valve member, wherein in a closed position the movable valve member is engaged with the fixed valve seat and wherein in an open position the movable valve member is disengaged from the fixed valve seat.

5. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the fixed valve seat comprises either a portion of the airflow chamber or a base portion of the heating chamber.

6. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the fixed valve seat is located within the airflow chamber.

7. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 4, 5 or 6, wherein at least a part of the fixed valve seat and/or at least a part of the movable valve member is coated with or formed from a material having a static frictional coefficient _static < 0.30, < 0.25, < 0.20, < 0.15, < 0.10 or < 0.05.

8. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 4-7, wherein at least a part of the fixed valve seat and/or at least a part of the movable valve member is formed from silicon, polyether ether ketone (“PEEK”) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”).

9. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a biasing member configured to open and/or close the valve.

10. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the biasing member comprises one or more springs.

11. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the biasing member comprises one or more magnetic mechanisms.

12. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 9, 10 or 11 , wherein the biasing member comprises one or more resilient elements.

13. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a membrane type valve.

14. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the membrane type valve comprises a flexible membrane comprising natural rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, fluorine rubber or nitrile rubber.

15. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises a butterfly valve.

16. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the butterfly valve comprises a disc mounted to a rod, wherein in a closed position the disc is rotated to a position so as to restrict a flow of air and/or vapour between the heating chamber and the airflow chamber and wherein in an open position the disc is rotated to a position so at to permit a flow of air from the airflow chamber into the heating chamber.

17. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises a ball valve, gate valve, needle valve, pinch valve or plug valve.

18. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises a freely hinged flap or check valve.

19. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein when an aerosol generating article is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and a user is not seeking to draw aerosol from the aerosol generating article, the air inlet and/or the valve is arranged to be substantially closed.

20. An aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim; and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

21. A method of generating an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 1-19; at least partially inserting an article comprising aerosol generating material into the aerosol provision device; and activating the aerosol provision device.