GB2595736A

GB2595736A - Non-combustible aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: GB2595736A
Application number: GB2008546.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leoni Charles; Quarmby Jack
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-05
Filing date: 2020-06-05
Publication date: 2021-12-08
Also published as: GB202008546D0; WO2021245276A2; WO2021245276A3

Abstract

A non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 comprises a sensor 110 to detect the presence of residue produced as a consequence of at least one session of use and remaining in the device 100 after the at least one session of use. The device may comprise an analyser 120 communicatively connected to the sensor 110 (i.e. moisture detector), and the analyser 120 may determine a level of cleanliness from the output of the sensor 110. The device 100 may perform in a cleaning mode to remove residue from the device 100 based on the level of cleanliness determined by the analyser 120. The device 100 may further comprise an indicator 140 to demonstrate presence of residue, and/or a transmitter 130 for sending data to a remote unit 190. The sensor 110 may be located away from a first end 3 of the device 100 from which the aerosol is output during use.

Description

NON-COMBUSTIBLE AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to non-combustible aerosol provision devices, non-combustible aerosol provision systems comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, alert systems, methods of operating a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and methods of indicating a need to clean a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

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.

A non-combustible aerosol provision device is an example of a "heat not burn" product. During use of such a non-combustible aerosol provision device, condensation can build up in the device, and in specific areas of the device associated with aerosol-generation. Over time, the condensation results in a build-up of deposits in these areas, and possibly al so in an aerosol generation zone, which can affect user experience of the device.

Summary

A first aspect of the invention provides a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material during at least one session of use of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises: a sensor to detect the presence of residue produced as a consequence of the at least one session of use and remaining in the non-combustible aerosol provision device after the at least one session of use.

In some embodiments, the sensor is located away from a first end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device from which aerosol generated by the non-combustible aerosol provision device is output in use In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect moisture in the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises an analyser communicatively connected to the sensor, wherein the analyser is configured to analyse an output from the sensor and determine a level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the output.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is configured to perform in a cleaning mode to attempt to remove the residue from the non-combustible aerosol provision device, and wherein performance of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in the cleaning mode is dependent on the level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device as determined by the analyser.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises an indicator communicatively connected to the sensor, wherein the indicator is configured to provide, to a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, an indication relating to the presence of the residue, on the basis of an output from the sensor.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a transmitter communicatively connected to the sensor, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit data to a remote unit on the basis of an output from the sensor.

A second aspect of the invention provides a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material; and the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the first aspect A third aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the method comprises: detecting, by a sensor of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, residue produced as a consequence of at least one session of use of the non-combustible aerosol provision device to generate aerosol and remaining in the noncombustible aerosol provision device after the at least one session of use.

In some embodiments, the method comprises transmitting, by a transmitter of the noncombustible aerosol provision device, data to a remote unit on the basis of an output from the sensor.

S

In some embodiments, the method comprises analysing, by an analyser, an output from the sensor to determine a level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the output In some embodiments, the analysing comprises analysing by an analyser of the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the analysing comprises analysing by an analyser of the remote unit.

In some embodiments, the method comprises causing the non-combustible aerosol provision device to perform in a cleaning mode to attempt to remove the residue from the noncombustible aerosol provision device, wherein performance of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in the cleaning mode is dependent on the level of cleanliness of the noncombustible aerosol provision device as determi ned by the analyser.

In some embodiments, the method comprises providing, using an indicator, to a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision device an indication relating to the presence of the residue, on the basis of an output from the sensor.

In some embodiments, the providing comprises providing, using an indicator of the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the providing comprises providing, using an indicator remote from the non-combustible aerosol provision device, for example an indicator of a remote unit.

In some embodiments, the method according to the third aspect is of operating the noncombustible aerosol provision device according to the first aspect.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an alert system comprising: a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material during at least one session of use of the non-combustible aerosol provision device; and a remote unit communicable with the non-combustible aerosol provision device; wherein the alert system comprises an indicator to indicate that the non-combustible aerosol provision device requires cleaning on the basis of data communicated between the non-combustible aerosol provision device and the remote unit.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises: a transmitter configured to transmit the data from the non-combustible aerosol provision device; and the remote unit comprises: a receiver configured to receive the data transmitted by the noncombustible aerosol provision device; wherein the indicator is configured to indicate that the noncombustible aerosol provision device requires cleaning on the basis of the data transmitted by the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises: a storage to store the data; and the remote unit comprises: a detector configured to obtain the data stored by the non-combustible aerosol provision device in the storage; wherein indicator is configured to indicate that the non-combustible aerosol provision device requires cleaning on the basis of the data obtained by the detector of the remote unit.

In some embodiments, the remote unit comprises the indicator.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises the indicator.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises: a sensor to detect residue produced as a consequence of the at least one session of use and remaining in the non-combustible aerosol provision device after the at least one session of use; wherein the data comprises information related to an output from the sensor.

In some embodiments, the transmitter is configured to transmit the data from the noncombustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the output from the sensor; and the indicator is configured to indicate the presence of the residue on the basis of the data transmitted by the noncombustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises: an analyser communicatively connected to the sensor, wherein the analyser is configured to analyse the output from the sensor and determine information about a level of cleanliness of the noncombustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the output from the sensor.

In some embodiments, the remote unit comprises: an analyser to analyse the data and determine information about a level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the data.

In some embodiments, the alert system according to the fourth aspect comprises the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the first aspect.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method of indicating a need to clean a noncombustible aerosol provision device, wherein the method comprises: communicating data between the non-combustible aerosol provision device and a remote unit; and indicating, by an indicator, that the non-combustible aerosol provision device requires cleaning on the basis of the data communicated between the non-combustible aerosol provision device and the remote unit.

In some embodiments, the communicating comprises: transmitting, by a transmitter of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the data from the non-combustible aerosol provision device, and receiving, by a receiver of the remote unit, the data transmitted by the non-combustible aerosol provision device; wherein the indicating is on the basis of the data transmitted by the noncombustible aerosol provision device In some embodiments, the communicating comprises: storing, in a storage of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the data; and obtaining, by a detector of the remote unit, the data stored in the storage; wherein the indicating is on the basis of the data obtained by the detector of the remote unit.

In some embodiments, the method according to the fifth aspect is of indicating a need to clean the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the first aspect.

Further aspects of the invention described herein may provide the use of the non-combustible aerosol provi si on device according to the first aspect in the generation of an i nh al able aerosol.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device is shown with a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material inserted; Figure 2 shows a schematic front cross-sectional view of the example non-combustible aerosol provision device of Figure 1 with the consumable inserted through line A-A shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic front cross-sectional view of the example non-combustible aerosol provision device of Figure 1 without a consumable inserted; Figure 4 schematically shows a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material during at least one session of use of the device; Figure 5 schematically shows a non-combustible aerosol provision system; Figure 6 shows a method of operating a non-combustible aerosol provision device; Figure 7 schematically shows an alert system; Figure 8 schematically shows an alternative alert system; Figure 9 shows a method of indicating a need to clean a non-combustible aerosol provision device; and Figure 10 shows an alternative method of indicating a need to clean a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol provision systems. According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provisi on 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 non-combustible aerosol provision system is a powered noncombustible aerosol provision system.

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

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an 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 m ay comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

The non-combustible aerosol provision system comprises a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. Part or all of the aerosol-generating material is intended to be consumed during use by a user.

A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material.

The heating material m ay be magnetic material, so that penetration thereofwi th a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magneti c fi el d generator, herein.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a noncombustible 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 device 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.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.

The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

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

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials. The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or anti oxi dants.

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.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic perspective view of non-combustible aerosol provision device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The device comprises an aerosol generator configured to cause aerosol -generating material to generate aerosol in use. In this embodiment, the device I is for heating aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user. In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating material comprises tobacco, and the device 1 is a tobacco heating product (also known in the art as a tobacco heating device or a heat-not-burn device). The device 1 is a handheld device for inhalation of the aerosol-generating material by the user of the handheld device.

The device 1 comprises a first end 3 and a second end 5, opposite the first end 3. The first end 3 is sometimes referred to herein as the mouth end or proximal end of the device 1. The second end 5 is sometimes referred to herein as the distal end of the device 1. The device 1 has an on/off button 7 to allow the device 1, as a whole, to be switched on and off as desired by a user of the device I. In broad outline, the device 1 is configured to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user by heating an aerosol generating material. In use, a user inserts a consumable 21 into the device 1 and activates the device 1, e.g. using the button 7, to cause the device 1 to begin generating aerosol from the aerosol generating material, such as by heating in this embodiment. The user subsequently draws on a mouthpiece 21b of the consumable 21 near the first end 3 of the device 1 to inhale an aerosol generated by the device 1. As a user draws on the consumable 21, generated aerosol flows through the device 1 along a flow path towards the proximal end 3 of the device 1.

In examples, a vapour is produced that then at least partly condenses to form an aerosol before exiting the device 1 to be inhaled by the user. In this respect, first it may be noted that, in general, a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that for example the vapour can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature. On the other hand, in general, an aerosol is a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. A "colloid" is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance. For reasons of convenience, as used herein the term aerosol should be taken as meaning an aerosol, a vapour or a combination of an aerosol and vapour.

The device 1 comprises a casing 9 for locating and protecting various internal components of the device 1. The casing 9 is an external housing for housing the internal components. In the embodiment shown, the casing 9 encompasses a perimeter of the device 1, capped with a top panel 17, at the first end 3, which defines generally the 'top' of the device 1 and a bottom panel 19, at the second end 5 (see Figures 2 to 5), which defines generally the 'bottom' of the device 1. The first end 3 of the device 1 is therefore provided at a top portion of the device 1, shown as an upper portion of the device 1 in Figure 1. The second end 3 of the device 1 is provided at a bottom portion of the device 1, shown as a lower portion of the device 1 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the device 1 comprises a longitudinal axis in a Y-axis direction, and the casing surrounds the internal components in a direction radial to the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the top panel 17 and/or the bottom panel 19 may be removably fixed to the casing 9, to permit easy access to the interior of the device 1. In some embodiments, the easing 9 may be "permanently" fixed to the top panel 17 and/or the bottom panel 19, for example to deter a user from accessing the interior of the device I. In one embodiment, the panels 17 and 19 are made of a plastics material, including for example glass-filled nylon formed by injection moulding, and the casing 9 is made of aluminium, though other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used.

The top panel 17 of the device 1 has an opening 20 at the mouth end 3 of the device 1 through which, in use, the consumable 21 containing aerosol-generating material is inserted into the device 1 through line A-A and removed from the device 1 by a user through line A-A. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 21b is integral to the consumable and is configured to be placed between lips of the user' s mouth. In other embodiments, an external mouthpiece may be provided wherein at least one volatilised component of the aerosol-generating material is drawn through the mouthpiece. When an external mouthpiece is used, the aerosol-generating material is not provided in the external mouthpiece.

The opening 20 in this embodiment is opened and closed by a door 4. In the embodiment shown, the door 4 is movable between a closed position and an open position to allow for insertion of the consumable 21 into the device 1 when in the open position. The door 4 is configured to move bi -directionally along an X-axi s direction.

A connection port 6 is shown at the second end 5 of the device 1. The connection port 6 is for connection to a cable and a power source 27 (shown in Figure 3) for charging the power source 27 of the device I. The connection port 6 extends in a Z-axis direction from a front side of the device Ito a rear side of the device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the connection port 6 is accessible on a right-side of the device 1 at the second end 5 of the device 1. Advantageously, the device 1 may stand on the second end 5 whilst charging or to provide a data connection through the connection port 6. In the embodiment shown, the connection port 6 is a USB socket.

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show schematic front cross-sectional views of the device 1 with the consumable inserted and withdrawn, respectively through line A-A of the device 1, as shown in Figure I. As shown in Figure 3, the casing 9 has located or fixed therein a heater arrangement 23, control circuitry 25 and the power source 27. In this embodiment, the control circuitry 25 is part of an electronics compartment. In this embodiment, the control circuitry 25 and the power source 27 are laterally adjacent to the heater arrangement 23 (that is, adjacent when viewed from an end), with the control circuitry 25 being located below the power source 27. Advantageously, this allows the device 1 to be compact in a lateral direction, corresponding to the X-axis direction.

The control circuitry 25 in this embodiment includes a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, configured and arranged to control the heating of the aerosol-generating material in the consumable 21, as discussed further below.

The power source 27 in this embodiment is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a battery-capacitor hybrid, or a connection to a mains electricity supply may be used. Examples of suitable batteries include for example a lithium-ion battery, a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), an alkaline battery and/ or the like.

The battery 27 is electrically coupled to the heater arrangement 23 to supply electrical power when required and under control of the control circuitry 25 to heat the aerosol-generating material in the consumable (as discussed, to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without causing the aerosol -generating materi al to burn).

In one embodiment, the heater arrangement 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube, having a hollow interior heating chamber 29 into which the consumable 21 comprising the aerosol-generating material is inserted for heating, in use. Broadly speaking, the heating chamber 29 is a heating zone for receiving the consumable 21. Different arrangements for the heater arrangement 23 are possible. In some embodiments, the heater arrangement 23 may comprise a single heating element or may be formed of plural heating elements aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heater arrangement 23 The or each heating element may be annular or tubular, or at least part-annular or part-tubular around its circumference. In an embodiment, the or each heating element may be a thin-film heater. In another embodiment, the or each heating element may be made of a ceramics material. Examples of suitable ceramics materials include alumina and aluminium nitride and silicon nitride ceramics, which may be laminated and sintered. Other heater arrangements are possible, including for example inductive heating, infrared heater elements, which heat by emitting infrared radiation, or resistive heating elements formed by for example a resistive electrical winding.

In this embodiment, the heater arrangement 23 is supported by a stainless-steel support tube 75 and comprises a heater 71. In one embodiment, the heater 71 may comprise a substrate in which at least one electrically conductive element is formed. The substrate may be in the form of a sheet and may comprise for example a plastics layer. In a preferred embodiment the layer is a polyim i de layer. The electrically conductive el em ent/s may be printed or otherwise deposited in the substrate layer. The electrically conductive element/s may be encapsulated within or coated with the substrate.

The support tube 75 is a heating element that transfers heat to the consumable 21. The support tube 75 comprises therefore heating material. In this embodiment, the heater material is stainless-steel. In other embodiments, other metallic materials may be used as the heating material. For example, the heating material may comprise a metal or a metal alloy. The heating material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminium, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain-carbon steel, mild steel, ferritic stainless-steel, molybdenum, copper, and bronze.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the heater 71 is an external heater in that heater 71 is positioned externally of the consumable 21, in use. In some embodiments, the heater may be an internal heater for example a male member that is configured to penetrate the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the non-combustible aerosol provision device. Examples of such male members include a pin, rod, or blade (not shown). When configured as a blade, the male member may be referred to as a blade heater. In embodiments where the device comprises an internal heater, the male member may extend within or into the heating chamber of the device and may be referred to as a protruding heater.

In embodiments where the heating arrangement is for inductive heating, the male member may be a susceptor. In such embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a magnetic field generator comprising a coil and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the coil so as to cause the coil to generate an al ternati ng magneti c fi el d. When the con sum abl e i s sui tabl y located i n the device, an alternating magnetic field is produced by the coil that is caused to penetrate heating material of the susceptor.

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The heater arrangement 23 is dimensioned so that substantially the whole of the aerosol-generating material when the consumable 21 is inserted in the device 1 so that substantially the whole of the aerosol-generating material is heated in use.

In some embodiments, the or each heating element may be arranged so that selected zones of the aerosol-generating material can be independently heated, for example in turn (over time) or together (simultaneously) as desired.

The heater arrangement 23 in this embodiment is surrounded along at least part of its length by a vacuum region 31. The vacuum region 31 helps to reduce heat passing from the heater arrangement 23 to the exterior of the device 1. This helps to keep down the power requirements for the heater arrangement 23 as it reduces heat losses generally. The vacuum region 31 also helps to keep the exterior of the device 1 cool during operation of the heater arrangement 23. In some embodiments, the vacuum region 31 may be surrounded by a double-walled sleeve wherein the region between the two walls of the double-walled sleeve has been evacuated to provide a low-pressure region so as to minimise heat transfer by conduction and/or convection. In other embodiments, another insulating arrangement may be used, for example using heat insulating materials, i ncluding for example a suitable foam -type material, i n addition to or instead of a vacuum region.

The casing 9, sometimes referred to as a housing, may further comprise various internal support structures 37 (best seen in Figure 3) for supporting all internal components, as well as the heater arrangement 23.

The device 1 further comprises a collar 33 which extends around and projects from the opening 20 into the interior of the casing 9 and an expansion element 35 which is located between the collar 33 and one end of the vacuum region 3L The expansion element 35 is a funnel that forms an expansion chamber 40 at the mouth end 3 of the device 1. The collar 33 is a retainer for retaining the consumable 21 (as is best shown in Figure 2) In this embodiment, the retainer is reversibly removable from the device 1.

One end of the expansion element 35 connects to and is supported by the casing 9 and the other end of the expansion element 35 connects to and is support by one end of a cassette 5L A first sealing element 55, shown as an o-ring, is interposed between the expansion element 35 and the casing 9, and a second sealing element 57, also shown as an o-ring, Is interposed between the expansion element 35 and the cassette 51. Each o-ring is made of silicone, however, other elastomeric materials may be used to provide the seal. The first and second sealing elements 55, 57 prevent the transmission of gas into surrounding components of the device 1. Sealing elements are also provided at the distal end to prevent fluid ingress and egress at the di stal end.

As best seen in Figure 3, the collar 33, the expansion element 35 and the vacuum region 31/heater arrangement 23 are arranged co-axially, so that, as best seen in Figure 2, when the consumable 21 is inserted in the device 1, the consumable 21 extends through the collar 33 and the expansion element 35 into the heating chamber 29 As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the heater arrangement 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube. The heating chamber 29 formed by this tube is in fluid communication with the opening 20 at the mouth end 3 of the device] via the expansion chamber 40.

In this embodiment, the expansion element 35 comprises a tubular body that has a first open end adjacent the opening 20 and a second open end adjacent the heating chamber 29. The tubular body comprises a first section that extends from the first open end to approximately half away along the tubular body and a second section that extends from approximately half away along the tubular body to the second open end. The first section comprises a flared portion that widens away from the second section. The first section therefore has an internal diameter that tapers outwardly towards the opening first open end. The second section has a substantially constant internal diameter.

As best seen in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the expansion element 35 is located between the collar 33 and the vacuum region 31/heater arrangement 23 More specifically, at the second open end, the expansion element 35 is interposed between an end portion of the support tube 75 of the heater arrangement 23 and an inside of the vacuum region 31 so that the second open end of the expansion element 35 engages with the support tube 75 and the inside of the vacuum region 31. At the first open end, the expansion element 35 receives the collar 33 so that legs 59 of the collar 33 project into the expansion chamber 40. Therefore, an inner diameter of the first section of the expansion element 35 is greater than an external diameter of the legs when the consumable 21 i s received in the device 1 (see Figure 2) and when no consumable 21 is present.

As is best appreciated from Figure 2, the inner diameter of the first section of the expansion element 35 is larger than the external diameter of the consumable 21. There is therefore an air gap 36 between the expansion element 35 and the consumable 21 when the consumable 21 is inserted in the device 1 over at least part of the length of the expansion element 35 The air gap 36 is around the entire circumference of the consumable 21 in that region.

As best seen in Figure 3, the collar 33 comprises a plurality of legs 59. In this embodiment there are four legs 59, where only three are visible in the view of Figure 3. However, in other embodiments there may be more or fewer than four legs 59. The legs 59 are arranged circumferentially equally spaced around an inner surface of the collar 33 and exist in the expansion chamber 40 when the device] is assembled. In this embodiment, when installed in the device 1, the legs 59 are circumferentially equally spaced around the periphery of the opening 20. In one embodiment, there are four legs 59, in other embodiments there may be more or fewer than four legs 59. Each of the legs 59 extend in the Y-axis direction and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the expansion chamber 40 and proj ect into the opening 20. Together, the legs 59 provide a gripping section that grips the consumable 21 in order to correctly position and retain the portion of the consumable 21 that is within the expansion chamber 40 when the consumable 21 is within the device 1. Between them, the legs 59 gently compress or pinch the consumable 21 in the region or regions of the consumable that are contacted by the legs 59.

In. this embodiment, the legs 59 are formed integrally with a main body of the collar 33.

However, in some embodiments, the legs 59 may be separate components that are attached to the body of the collar 33. The inner diameter of the space formed between the legs 59 in the first, rest position, may be, for example, between 4.8mm and 5mm, and preferably 4.9mm. The legs 59 take up space within the opening 20 such that the open span of the opening 20 at the locations of the legs 59 is less than the open span of the opening 20 at the locations without the legs 59.

The expansion element 35 may be formed of for example a plastics material, including for example polyether ether ketone (PEEK). PEEK has a relatively high melting point compared to most other thermoplastics, and is highly resistant to thermal degradation.

Referring to Figure 3, in this embodiment, the heating chamber 29 communicates with a region 38 of reduced internal diameter towards the distal end 5. This region 38 defines a clean-out chamber 39 formed by a clean-out tube 41. The clean-out tube 41 is a hollow tub e that provides an end stop for the consumable 21 passed through the opening at the mouth end 3 (see Figure 2). The clean-out tube 41 is arranged to support arid locate the heater arrangement 23.

The device 1 may further comprise a door 61 at the distal end 5 of the device 1 that opens and closes an opening in the bottom panel 19 to provide access to the heating chamber 29. The door 61 pivots about a hinge 63. This access through the door 61 particularly enables the user to clean within the heater arrangement 23 and the heating chamber 29 at the distal end 5. When the door 61 is open, a straight through-bore is provided through the whole device 1 between the opening 20 at the mouth end 3 and an opening at one end of the clean-out chamber at the distal end 5 of the device L The whole of the interior of the hollow heating chamber 29 is therefore able to be cleaned.

As shown in Figure 3, the top panel 17 generally forms the first end 3 of the casing 9 of the device I. The top panel 17 supports the collar 33 which defines an insertion point in the form of the opening 20 through which the consumable 21 is removably inserted into the device 1 in use.

The collar 33 extends around and projects from the opening 20 into the interior of the casing 9. In this embodiment, the collar 33 is a di stinct element from the top panel 17, and is attached to the top panel 17 through an attachment, such as a bayonet locking mechanism. In other embodiments, an adhesive or screws may be used to couple the collar 33 to the top panel 17. In other embodiments, the collar 33 may be integral with the top panel 17 of the casing 9 so the collar 33 and the top panel 17 form a single piece.

As best appreciated from Figures 5 and 6, open spaces defined by adj acent pairs of legs 59 of the collar 33 and the consumable 21 form ventilation paths 20a around the exterior of the consumable 21. These ventilation paths 20a, allow hot vapours that have escaped from the consumable 21 to exit the device 1 and allow cooling air to flow into the device 1 around the consumable 21. In this embodiment, four ventilation paths are located around the periphery of the consumable 21, which provide ventilation for the device 1. In other embodiments, more or fewer of such ventilation paths 20a may be provided.

Referring again particularly to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the consumable 21 is in the form of a cylindrical rod which has or contains aerosol-generating material 21a at a rear end in a section of the consumable 21 that is within the heater arrangement 23 when the consumable 21 is inserted in the device 1. A front end of the consumable 21 extends from the device 1 and acts as the mouthpiece 21b which is an assembly that includes one or more of a filter for filtering aerosol and/or a cooling element 21c for cooling aerosol. The filter/cooling element 21c is spaced from the aerosol-generating material 21a by a space 21d and is also spaced from a tip of mouthpiece assembly 21b by a further space 21e. The consumable 21 is circumferentially wrapped in an outer layer (not shown). In this embodiment, the outer layer of the consumable 21 is permeable to allow some heated volatilised components from the aerosol-generating material 21a to escape the consumable 21.

In operation, the heater arrangement 23 will heat the consumable 21 to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material 21a.

The primary flow path for the heated volatilised components from the aerosol-generating material 21a is axially through the consumable 21, through the space 21d, the filter/cooling element 21c and the further space 21e before entering a user's mouth through the open end of the mouthpiece assembly 21b However, some of the volatilised components may escape from the consumable 21 through its permeable outer wrapper and into the space 36 surrounding the consumable 21 in the expansion chamber 40.

It would be undesirable for the volatilised components that flow from the consumable 21 into the expansion chamber 40 to be inhaled by the user, because these components would not pass through the filter/cooling element 21c and would thus be unfiltered and not cooled.

The volume of air surrounding the consumable 21 in the expansion chamber 40 causes at least some of the volatilised components that escape the consumable 21 through its outer layer to cool and condense on the interior wall of the expansion chamber 40 preventing those volatilised components from being possibly inhaled by a user. Condensation can accumulate in the device 1, particularly in the clean-out tube 41 and the expansion chamber 40. Over time, the condensation results in a build-up of deposits which can affect user experience of the device 1. Deposits can build up, for example, in the clean-out chamber 39, expansion chamber 40, and heating chamber 29, and specifically on internal surfaces of components in these chambers.

The cooling effect may be assisted by cool air that is able to enter from outside the device 1 into the space 36 surrounding the consumable 21 in the expansion chamber 40 via ventilation paths which allow fluid to flow into and out of the device 1. Some heated volatilised components can escape the consumable 21 through its outer wrapper by not condensing on the internal wall of the expansion chamber 40 and are able to flow safely out of the device] via the ventilation paths without being inhaled by a user. However, some condensation will turn into residue and remain in the device 1 after use. Although the expansion chamber 40 and the ventilation paths both aid in reducing the temperature and the content of water vapour composition released in heated vol atili sed components from the aerosol-generating material, the issue of condensation still exits.

As shown in Figure 3, the support tube 75 is externally wrapped by a heater 71. In this example, the heater 71 is a thin-film heater comprising polyimide and electrically conductive elements. The heater 71 may comprise a plurality of heating regions that are independently controlled and/or simultaneously controlled, In this example, the heater 71 is formed as a single heater. However, in other embodiments, the heater 71 may be formed of a plurality of heaters aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 29. In some embodiments, a plurality of temperature sensors may be used to detect the temperature of the heater 71 and/or support tube. The support tube 75 in this embodiment is made from stainless-steel to conduct heat from the heater 71 towards the consumable 21 when the consumable 21 is inserted in a heating zone (the heating zone is defined by the thermal conduction region of the support tube 75). In other embodiments, the support tube 75 may be made from a different material, as long as the support tube 75 is thermally conductive. Other heating elements 75 may be used in other embodiments. For example, the heating element may be a susceptor that is heatable by induction. In this embodiment, the support tube 75 acts as an elongate support for supporting, muse, the consumable 21 comprising aerosol-generating material In this embodiment, the heater 71 is located externally of the support tube 75. However, in other embodiments, the heater 71 may be located internally of the support tube 75. The heater 71 in this embodiment comprises a portion that passes outside of the support tube 75 and is referred to herein as a heater tail 73. The heater tail 73 extends beyond the heating chamber 29 and is configured for electrical connection to the control circuitry 25. An electrical current may be provided by the power source 27 to the heater 71 via the control circuitry 25 and the heater tail 73.

As a connection between the heating chamber 29 and the control circuitry 25 is required, it can be difficult to prevent airflow (or the flow of any other fluids) between the heating chamber 29 and the electronics compartment. In this embodiment, a gasket 15 is therefore used to prevent such fluid flow, as shown in Figure 3. The gasket 15 comprises a first seal 15a and a second seal 15b. The gasket 15 surrounds the heater tail 73 and is clamped together by a base 53 and the cassette 51. In the embodiment shown, four fastening members 43 are used to provide the enough force to clamp the base 53 and cassette 51 together and seal off access to and from the chamber 29 at this point. The fastening members 43 are screws that are tightened to a predetermined torque. In other embodiments, different fastening members 43 may be used such as bolts.

Referring to Figure 4, a non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 is shown. The device 100 corresponds to the device 1, as previously discussed in relation to Figures 1 to 3, except for the differences di scussed herein.

The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 is for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material during at least one session of use of the device 100. In this embodiment, the device 100 comprises an aerosol generator 103 to cause the aerosol to be generated from the aerosol -generating m ateri al. In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 103 is an external aerosol generator 103 in that the aerosol generator 103 is configured at least partially around the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the device 100. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 103 is an internal aerosol generator configured to be inserted into the consumable. In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 103 is a heater. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator 103 is configured to generate aerosol in ways other than by heat, such as by vibration.

The device 100 shown in Figure 4 comprises a sensor 110 to detect the presence of residue produced as a consequence of the at least one session of use and remaining in the device 100 after the at least one session of use. The residue comprises a build-up on condensate deposits that accumulate in the device 100 over time. Removal of the residue from the device 100, or at least reducing a quantity of the residue in the device 100, helps to maintain high levels of operability of the device 100. An accumulation of residue in an interior of the device 100, such as in an aerosol generation zone 101 (discussed below), is detrimental to the ability of the device to generate aerosol. Further, the presence of residue reduces the effectiveness of aerosol generation. Advantageously, a need for cleaning is based directly on the presence of residue, rather than predetermine factors such as a number of sessions of use since the device 100 was last cleaned.

In this embodiment, the sensor 110 is located away from a first end 3 of the device 100 from which aerosol generated by the device 100 is output in use. In some embodiments, the first end 3 comprises an end of the device 100 configured to be proximal a user's mouth, in use, for example when a user draws on the consumable that is inserted into the device 100. In some embodiments, the sensor 110 is located closer to a distal end 5 of the device 100 than the sensor 110 i s located to the first end 3. The distal ends is also described herein as a second ends.

In this embodiment, the sensor 110 is configured to detect moisture in the device 100. In this embodiment, the sensor 110 is located away from the aerosol generation zone 101. In some embodiments, the sensor 110 is located in the aerosol generation zone JUL The detection of moisture may comprise detection of a change in moisture. In some embodiments, the change of moisture is a change of moisture in a collection zone 107 of the device 100. In this embodiment, the change is a change of concentration. In other embodiments, the change may be a change in a rel ative amount or an absolute amount of moisture. The collecti on zone 107 is a region or portion of the device 100 in which the residue is to be collected. The collection zone 107 may comprise a trap such as a filter. The collection zone 107 may be removable from the device 100 and replaced or cleaned as and when needed. In other embodiments, the sensor 110 is to detect a change in opacity, colour and/or acidity of the collection zone 107.

In this embodiment, the device 100 comprises an aerosol generation zone 101 for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material. That is, the consumable is to be inserted into the aerosol generation zone 101. An example consumable is the consumable 21 as previously described in relation to Figures 1 and 2.

In this embodiment, the at least one session of use refers to when the consumable is present in the aerosol generation zone 101 of the device 100 and is being used by a user. Such use by the user comprises use of the consumable by drawing from the consumable to inhale aerosol from the consumable. The use may further include when the consumable is in preparation for a user to draw from the consumable, and/or when the user has completed drawing from the consumable but the consumable is still in the device 100.

In some embodiments, a maximum temperature of the at least one session of use is between 250 and 280 degrees Celsius. In other embodiments, the maximum temperature of the at least one session of use is less than 350 degrees Celsius. In still other embodiments, the maximum temperature of the at least one session of use may be other than one of the temperatures listed here. For example, the maximum temperature of the at least one session of use may be no more than 500 degrees Celsius, or no more than 400 degrees Celsius, or no more than 300 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, or additionally, the maximum temperature of the at least one session of use may be at least 100 degrees Celsius, or at least 150 degrees Celsius, or at least 200 degrees Celsius.

As shown in Figure 4, the aerosol generation zone 101 extends from one end of the device 100 to another end of the device 100 in a direction parallel to a Y-axis direction of the device 100. The one end is the first end 3 and the other end is the second end 5 opposite the first end 3. As described previously, in relation to Figure 1, the first end 3 of devices 1, 100 is the mouth end of the respective device 1, 100, and the second end 5 is the distal end of the respective device 1, 100 In this embodiment, the device 100 comprises an analyser 120 communicatively connected to the sensor 110. The analyser 120 is configured to analyse an output from the sensor 110 and determine a level of cleanliness of the device 100 on the basis of the output. For example, the analyser is to analyse information about the device 100. The information may compri se a level or change of moisture content, opacity, colour and/or acidity of the device 1, such as of the collection zone 107.

In this embodiment, the device 100 is configured to perform in a cleaning mode to attempt to remove the residue from the device 100. Performance of the device 100 in the cleaning mode is dependent on the level of cleanliness of the device 100 as determined by the analyser 120. For example, the analyser 120 determines that the device 100 comprises a low level of cleanliness and requires intensive cleaning. Subsequently, the cleaning mode is an intensive cleaning mode. If the analyser 120 determines that the device 100 comprises a medium level of cleanliness and requires moderate cleaning, the cleaning mode is a moderate cleaning mode. If the analyser 120 determines that the device 100 comprises a high level of cleanliness, the device may decide that cleaning is not required at this stage and can be postponed. In some embodiments, the analyser determines that the device 100 requires a professional clean using equipment normally unavailable to a user of the device 100. In such embodiments, the device 100 and/or remote unit 190 (discussed below) may be configured to inform the user to seek assistance for cleaning, for example from a professional cleaning resource, such as industrial cleaning. The seeking of as si stance comprises seeking assi stance for cl caning by cleaning equipment that is more proficient than that installed in the device 100 itself or available to the user. In some embodiments, the analyser 120 is configured to store information about a history of cleanliness of the device 100 and/or to store information about a history of cleaning modes performed on the device 100.

In this embodiment, the device 100 comprises an indicator 140 communicatively connected to the sensor 110. The indicator 140 is configured to provide, to a user of the device 100, an indication relating to the presence of the residue, on the basis of an output from the sensor 110 In this embodiment, the indicator 140 comprises a vi sual indicator, such as an icon and/or a light. That is, the indicator 140 is for visibly indi eating the presence of residue to a user. The light may comprise a blue light, for example. In some embodiments, the indicator 140 indicates a change of status of the device 100, for example when cleaning is needed, when cleaning is in progress or when cleaning has been performed. In some embodiments, the indicator 140 may be different for each status of the device 100 or the indicator may change between status changes. For example, when the indicator 140 is a light, the light may comprise a plurality of lights each configured to indicate a current state of the device 100. For example, a red light may indicate that the device requires cleaning, a green light may indicate that the device 100 is currently being cleaned, and/or a blue light may indicate that cleaning has finished and the device 100 is considered clean.

In other embodiments, the indicator 140 may be on a remote unit 190.

In some embodiments, the indicator 140 additionally or alternatively comprises an audible indicator. That is, the indicator 140 is for audibly indicating the presence of residue to the user.

In yet further embodiments, the indicator 140 additionally or alternatively comprises physical movement, such as a vibration. That is, the indicator 140 is for physically indicating the presence of residue to the user. The indicator 140 is therefore to alert a user of a level of cleanliness of the device 100 and/or a need or suggestion to clean the device 100.

In this embodiment, the device 100 comprises a transmitter 130 communicatively connected to the sensor 110. In some embodiment, the transmitter 130 is coupled to the analyser 120 and may or may not communicate with the sensor 110. The transmitter 130 is configured to transmit data to a remote unit 190 on the basis of an output from the sensor 110. The remote unit 190 comprises an antenna 192 for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitter 130 of the device 100. The device 100 therefore acts as a push system to move the data from the device 100.

In some embodiments, the remote unit 190 is configured to obtain the data from the device 100 and the combination of the device 100 and the remote unit 190 is a pull system. In this embodiment, the remote unit 190 is a mobile electronic device. In other embodiments, the remote unit 190 is another type of electronic device, such as a personal computer (PC). In yet other embodiments, the electronic device is another type of mobil e el ectronic device other than a mobile phone, such as a laptop, a watch, or a tablet. The mobile electronic device is a portable device.

In this embodiment, the data is stored in a storage 105 of the device 100. In other embodiments, the remote unit 190 comprise a storage to store the data transmitted by the transmitter 130 of the device 100 in order to record information about the device 100.

In this embodiment, the storage 105 of the device 100 comprises random access memory (RAM). In other embodiments, the storage 105 comprises read-only memory (ROM). In yet other embodiments, the storage 105 comprises removable memory that is configured to be removed by a user of the device 100. In embodiments, wherein the remote unit 190 comprises the storage, the storage may be RAM or ROM memory and the storage may be removable from the remote unit 190.

The remote unit 190 communicates usage information to a user about a historical cleanliness of the device 100. In some embodiments, the remote unit 190 generates a trigger to alert the user to clean the device 100. The trigger may cause indication to the user in the same manner as discussed in relation to the indicator 140 of the device 100. That is, in some embodiments, the remote unit 190 comprises an indicator to provide, to a user, an indication relating to the presence of the residue in thc device 100.

The device 100 of Figure 4 comprises an opening 102 through which the consumable is insertable into the aerosol generation zone 101. The opening 102 comprises a cross-section in an X-axis direction that is constant in the Y-axis direction. The device 100 comprises a cover 104 for selectively closing the opening 102. In this embodiment, the cover 104 is pivotable about a hinge 106. In other embodiments, the cover may be slidable, such as the door 4 shown in the device 1 of Figure 1.

The device 100 of Figure 4 comprises a rechargeable power source 150. In this embodiment, the rechargeable power source 150 is configured to be charged by external power, such as mains electricity or an external power source. In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a connection port, such as the connection port 6 shown in Figures 1 and 3 and discussed in relation to device I. An electrical connection may therefore be made between the rechargeable power source 150 to external power through the connection port 6. In other embodiments, a non-rechargeable power source may be used.

The rechargeable power source 150 of the device 100 is to provide power to the internal electrical components of the device 100, such as the sensor 110, the analyser 120, the transmitter 130, and/or the indicator 140 Figure 5 shows a non-combustible aerosol provision system 200 comprising a consumable 210 comprising aerosol-generating material, and a non-combustible aerosol provision device 200. A suitable consumable 210 is the consumable 21 as previously described in relation to Figure 2.

A suitable non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 is the device 100 as previously described in relation to Figure 4, or any variation thereof discussed herein.

Referring to Figure 6, a method 300 of operating a non-combustible aerosol provision device is shown. The method 300 is applicable to the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 as previously discussed in relation to Figure 4, for example.

The method 300 comprises detecting 301, by a sensor, residue produced as a consequence of at least one session of use of the device to generate aerosol and remaining in the device after the at least one session of use. That is, the detecting 301 is for detecting a presence of residue. An example sensor is the sensor 110 of the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100. Therefore, the detecting 301 comprises detecting by a sensor 110 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the detecting 301 comprises detecting a change in moisture, opacity, colour and/or acidity of the device 100, as previously described in relation to Figure 4.

The method 300 comprises transmitting 302, by a transmitter, data to a remote unit on the basis of an output from the sensor. An example transmitter is the transmitter 130 of the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100. An example remote unit is the remote unit 190 as previously described in relation to Figure 4. The remote unit 190 comprises an antenna 192 for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitter 130 of the device 100.

The method 300 comprises analysing 303, by an analyser, an output from the sensor to determine a level of cleanliness of the device on the basis of the output. In this embodiment, the analysing 303 comprises analysing by an analyser of the remote unit. Although in this embodiment, the analysing 303 is shown after the transmitting 302 in Figure 6, in some embodiments the analysing 303 is performed before the transmitting 302. In such embodiments, the analysing 303 is performed by an analyser of the device. An example analyser is the analyser 120 of device 100.

The method 300 comprises causing 304 the device to perform in a cleaning mode to attempt to remove the residue from the device. Performance of the device in the cleaning mode is dependent on the level of cleanliness of the device as determined by the analyser, whether the analyser is in the device or in the remote unit The method 300 comprises providing 305, using an indicator, to a user of the device an indication relating to the presence of the residue, on the basis of an output from the sensor. An example indicatoris the indicator 140 of device 100. Although in this embodiment, the providing 305 is shown after the causing 304 in Figure 6, the providing 305 indication may be performed before or at the same time as the causing 304 the device to perform in a cleaning mode. Further, the causing 304 the device to perform in a cleaning mode may be dependent on detecting a user input to the device. In some embodiments, the providing 305 is performed after any one or any combination of the detecting 301, transmitting 302, analysing 303 and causing 304. In some embodiments, the providing 305 is performed before any one or any combination of the transmitting 302, analysing 303 and causing 304.

Referring to Figure 7, an alert system 400 is shown. The alert system 400 comprises a non-combustible aerosol provision device 410 for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material during at least one session of use of the device 410 and a remote unit 420 communicable with the device 410 As previously described, the at least one session of use refers to when a consumable is present in an aerosol generation zone of the device 410 and is being used by a user. Such use by the user comprises use of the consumable by drawing from the consumable to inhale aerosol from the consumable. The use may further include when the consumable is in preparation for a user to draw from the consumable, and/or when the user has completed drawing from the consumable but the consumable is still in the device 410.

The alert system 400 comprises an indicator 412 to indicate that the device 410 requires cleaning on the basis of data 430 communi cated between the device 410 and the remote unit 420. In this embodiment, the data 430 is stored in storage 470. In this embodiment, the device 410 comprises the indicator 412. In some embodiments, the indicator 412 corresponds to the indicator as previously described in relation to device 100. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 8, the remote unit comprises the indicator.

The device 410 of the alert system 400 comprises a transmitter 440 configured to transmit the data 430 from the device 410. In some embodiments, the transmitter 440 corresponds to the transmitter 130 as previously described in relation to device 100.

The remote unit 420 comprises a receiver 422 configured to receive the data 430 transmitted by the device 410. For the alert system 400 of this embodiment, the indicator 412 is configured to indicate that the device 410 requires cl caning on the basis of the data 430 transmitted by the device 410 to the remote unit 420. In some embodiments, the receiver 422 comprises an antenna 192 as described previously in relation to device 100. In other embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 8, the remote unit obtains the data, for example by radio-frequency identification (RF ID) tag interrogation.

The device 410 comprises a sensor 450 to detect residue produced as a consequence of the at least one session of use and remaining in the device 410 after the at least one session of use The data 430 is configured to comprise information related to an output from the sensor 450. The transmitter 440 is configured to transmit the data 430 from the device 410 on the basis of the output from the sensor 450. Further, the indicator 412 is configured to indicate the presence of the residue on the basis of the data 450 transmitted by the device 410 to the remote unit 420. In some embodiments, the sensor 450 corresponds to the sensor 450 as previously described in relation to device 100 The transmitter 440 is configured to transmit the data 430 from the device 410 on the basis of the output from the sensor 430. The indicator 412 is configured to indicate the presence of the residue on the basis of the data 430 stored in the storage 470.

The non-combustible aerosol provision device 410 comprises an analyser 460 communicatively connected to the sensor 450, wherein the analyser 460 is configured to analyse the output from the sensor 450 and determine information about a level of cleanliness of the device 410 on the basis of the output from the sensor 450. In some embodiments, the analyser 460 corresponds to the analyser 460 as previously described in relation to device 100.

In some embodiments, the remote unit 420 is an electronic device, such as a personal computer (PC). In some embodiments, the electronic device is a mobile electronic device such as a laptop, a mobile telephone, a w-atch, or a tablet The mobile electronic device is a portable device.

Referring to Figure 8, an alternative alert system 500 is shown. The alternative alert system 500 comprises a non-combustible aerosol provision device 510 for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material during at least one session of use of the device 510. The features of the alternative alert system 500 having a value increased by 100 corresponds to the features of the alert system 400 as previously discussed. Differences between the systems 400, 500 are di scussed below.

The alternative alert system 500 also comprises a remote unit 520 communicable with the device 510 and an indicator 512 to indicate that the device 510 requires cleaning on the basis of data communicated between the device 510 and the remote unit 520. However, the remote unit 520 comprises a detector 540 configured to obtain data 530 stored by the device 510 in storage 570. For the alternative alert system 500, the indicator 512 is configured to indicate that the device 510 requires cleaning on the basis of the data 530 obtained by the detector 540 of the remote unit 520. As shown in Figure 8, the remote unit 520 comprises the indicator 512. In some embodiments, features of the indicator 512 corresponds to features of the indicator 140 as previously described in relation to the device 100. Advantageously, a user is alerted that the device 510 requires cleaning by the remote unit 520 rather than being alerted by the device 510 itself This is convenient when the detection by a sensor 550 of the device 510 about a level of cleanliness of the device 510 is established after the at least one session of use and when the device 510 is no longer in the user' s possession, for example the user's hands. In some embodiments, activation of a cleaning cycle may be possible by user input into the remote unit 520. The remote unit 520 is configured to communicate with the device 510 to activate cleaning of the device 510.

The device 510 comprises a sensor 550 to detect residue produced as a consequence of the at least one session of use and remaining in the device 510 after the at least one session of use. The data 530 is configured to comprise information related to an output from the sensor 550, as previously described in relation to devices 100, 410. The remote unit 520 comprises an analyser 560 to analyse the data 530 and determine information about a level of cleanliness of the device 510 on the basis of the data 530 In some embodiments, the analyser 560 is configured to store information about a history of cleanliness of the device 510 and/or to store information about a history of cleaning modes performed on the device 510.

Referring to Figure 9, a method 600 of indicating a need to clean a non-combustible aerosol provision device is shown The method 600 is applicable to the alert system 400 shown in Figure 7 and/or non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 as previously discussed in relation to Figure 4 The method 600 comprises communicating 601 data between the non-combustible aerosol provision device and a remote unit. The method 600 comprises indicating 604 by an indicator, that the device requires cleaning on the basis of the data communicated between the device and the remote unit.

As shown in Figure 9, the communicating 601 comprises transmitting 602, by a transmitter of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the data from the device. The communicating 601 further comprises receiving 603, by a receiver of the remote unit, the data transm i tted by the device. hi the method 600, the indicating 604 is on the basis of the data transmitted by the device.

Figure 10 shows an alternative method 700 to that show in Figure 9. The alternative method 700 is applicable to the alert system 500 shown in Figure 8 and/or embodiments of the non-combustible aerosol provision device as previously discussed.

The method 700 comprises communicating 701 data between the non-combustible aerosol provision device and a remote unit. The method 700 comprises indicating 704 by an indicator, that the device requires cleaning on the basis of the data communicated between the device and the remote unit.

As shown in Figure 10, the communicating 701 comprises storing 702, in a storage of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the data. The communicating 701 comprises obtaining 703, by a detector of the remote unit, the data stored in the storage. In the method 700, the indicating 704 is on the basis of the data obtained by the detector of the remote unit.

In general, the rem oval of re si due is advantageous and convenient. Any deposits remaining in the non-combustible aerosol provision can affect an efficiency of the device. Therefore, the removal of such remnants improves usability of the device. For example, the performance and overall lifetime of a rechargeable power source of the device is increased because the rechargeable power source requires less charging. Further, the generation of aerosol by the device is quicker and more efficient because the residue no longer acts against this.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" includes materials that provide volatilised components, for example upon heating, typically in the form of vapour or an aerosol. "Aerosol-generating material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. "Aerosol-generating material" may, for example, include one or more of tobacco per se, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenised tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material can be in the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, liquid, gel, gelled sheet, powder, or agglomerates. "Aerosol-generating material" also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. "Aerosol-generating material" may comprise one or more hum ectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

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, i quid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. The aerosol-generating material may comprise an -amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material consists of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials In some cases, the aerosol -generator may comprise a heater that may heat, without burning, the aerosol-generating material to between 120°C and 350°C in use. In some cases, the heater may heat, without burning, the aerosol-generating material to between 140°C and 250°C in use.

The term "residue" is used herein to define unwanted material. The residue may be referred to as detritus or waste. The residue is associated with use of a consumable with a non-combustible aerosol provision device. For example, as a consequence of use of the device, remnants of the consumable or remnants originating from the consumable may remain in the device once a spent consumable is absent from the device. An example of a remnant is a flavourant such as tobacco. Remnants originating from the consumable comprise substances produced as a result of generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material that remain in the device following use of the consumable. Any such remnants may initially be in a fluid state, such as a liquid, and solidify to a solid state. Any such remnants may be considered loose material when in the device. That is, the loose material is unrestricted on surface contact with the device and moves freely within the device. Other such remnants may at least partially adhere to the device on surface contact and not move freely within the device. During use of the device condensate is produced that becomes residue that remains in the device after use. The residue may therefore originate from condensate.

Such residue may be referred to as condensate residue. The residue may comprise organic and/or inorganic matter.

For the avoidance of doubt, where in this specification the term comprises" is used in defining the invention or features of the invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or feature can be defined using the terms -consists essentially of' or "consists of' in place of "comprises". Reference to a material "comprising" certain features means that those features are included in, contained in, or held within the material The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

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 definedby 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

CLAIMSI. A non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol -generating material during at least one session of use of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises: a sensor to detect the presence of residue produced as a consequence of the at least one session of use and remaining in the non-combustible aerosol provision device after the at least one session of use.
2. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor located away from a first end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device from which aerosol generated by the non-combustible aerosol provision device is output in use.
3. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sensor is confi gured to detect moisture in the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
4. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises an analyser communicatively connected to the sensor, wherein the analyser is configured to analyse an output from the sensor and determine a level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the output.
5. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 4, wherein the noncombustible aerosol provision device is configured to perform in a cl caning mode to attempt to remove the residue from the non-combustible aerosol provision device, and wherein performance of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in the cleaning mode is dependent on the level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device as determined by the analyser.
6. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising an indicator communicatively connected to the sensor, wherein the indicator is configured to provide, to a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, an indication relating to the presence of the residue, on the basis of an output from the sensor.
7. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising a transmitter communicatively connected to the sensor, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit data to a remote unit on the basis of an output from the sensor.
S A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material; and the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. A method of operating a non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the method comprises: detecting, by a sensor of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, residue produced as a consequence of at least one session of use of the non-combustible aerosol provision device to generate aerosol and remaining in the non-combustible aerosol provision device after the at least one session of use.
10. The method according to claim 9 comprising: transmitting, by a transmitter of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, data to a remote unit on the basis of an output from the sensor.
II. The method according to claim 9 or claim 10 comprising: analysing, by an analyser, an output from the sensor to determine a level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the output.
12. The method according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the analysing comprises analysing by an analyser of the remote unit.
13. The method according to claim 11 or claim 12 comprising: causing the non-combustible aerosol provision device to perform in a cleaning mode to attempt to remove the residue from the non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein performance of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in the cleaning mode is dependent on the level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device as determined by the analyser.
14. The method according to any one of claim 9 to claim 13 comprising: providing, using an indicator, to a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision device an indication rel ati ng to the presence of the residue, on the basis of an output from the sensor.
15. An alert system comprising: a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosolgenerati ng materi al during at least one session of use of the non-combustibl e aerosol provision device; and a remote unit communicable with the non-combustible aerosol provision device; wherein the alert system comprises an indicator to indicate that the non-combustible aerosol provision device requires cleaning on the basis of data communicated between the noncombustible aerosol provision device and the remote unit.
16. The alert system according to claim 15, wherein: the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises: a transmitter configured to transmit the data from the non-combustible aerosol provision device; and the remote unit comprises a receiver configured to receive the data transmi tted by the non-combustible aerosol provision device; wherein the indicator is configured to indicate that the non-combustible aerosol provision device requires cleaning on the basis of the data transmitted by the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
17. The alert system according to claim 15, wherein: the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises: a storage to store the data; and the remote unit comprises: a detector configured to obtain the data stored by the non-combustible aerosol provision device in the storage; wherein indicator is configured to indicate that the non-combustible aerosol provision device requires cleaning on the basis of the data obtained by the detector of the remote unit.
18. The alert system according to any one of claim 15 to claim 17, wherein the remote unit comprises the indicator.
19. The alert system according to any one of claim 15 to claim 17, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provisi on device comprises the indicator.
20. The alert system according to any one of claim 15 to claim 19, wherein the noncombustible aerosol provision device comprises: a sensor to detect residue produced as a consequence of the at least one session of use and remaining in the non-combustible aerosol provision device after the at least one session of use; wherein the data comprises information related to an output from the sensor.
21. The alert system according to claims 16 and 20, wherein: the transmitter is configured to transmit the data from the non-combustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the output from the sensor; and the indicator is configured to indicate the presence of the residue on the basis of the data transmitted by the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
22. The alert system according to claim 20, or claim 21 when dependent on claim 20, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises: an analyser communicatively connected to the sensor, wherein the analyser is configured to analyse the output from the sensor and determine information about a level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the output from the sensor.
23. The alert system according to any one of claim 15 to claim 21, wherein the remote unit comprises: an analyser to analyse the data and determine information about a level of cleanliness of the non-combustible aerosol provision device on the basis of the data.
24. A method of indicating a need to clean a non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the method comprises: communicating data between the non-combustible aerosol provision device and a remote unit. and indicating, by an indicator, that the non-combustible aerosol provision device requires cleaning on the basis of the data communicated between the non-combustible aerosol provision device and the remote unit.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the communi eating compri ses: transmitting, by a transmitter of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the data from the non-combustible aerosol provision device; and receiving, by a receiver of the remote unit, the data transmitted by the non-combustible aerosol provision device; wherein the indicating is on the basis of the data transmitted by the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the communicating comprises: storing, in a storage of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the data and obtaining, by a detector of the remote unit, the data stored in the storage; wherein the indicating is on the basis of the data obtained by the detector of the remote unit.