WO2023214069A2

WO2023214069A2 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: WO2023214069A2
Application number: PCT/EP2023/062048
Authority: WO
Inventors: Conor MCGRATH; Matthew Holden; Jorge Gomez
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2022-05-06
Filing date: 2023-05-05
Publication date: 2023-11-09
Also published as: WO2023214069A3

Abstract

An aerosol provision device is provided. The aerosol provision device is for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision device comprises a housing. The housing comprises a plurality of perforations. Each perforation includes a dimension of less than 50 microns. The aerosol provision device comprises a light source disposed within the housing adjacent to the plurality of perforations, arranged so that, when the light source is activated, light from the light source visibly passes through the perforations, and when the light source is not active, the light source is not visible to the naked eye through the perforations.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol provision system.

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 that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material, comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of perforations, each perforation including a dimension of less than 50 microns; and a light source disposed within the housing adjacent to the plurality of perforations, arranged so that, when the light source is activated, light from the light source visibly passes through the perforations, and when the light source is not active, the light source is not visible to the naked eye through the perforations.

Optionally, when the light source is not active, the perforations are not visible to the naked eye.

Optionally, the housing comprises a button. Optionally, the perforations are provided in the button.

Optionally, the perforations are formed by etching and, optionally, laser etching.

Optionally, the perforations include a dimension of between 5 microns and 50 microns. Optionally, the perforations include a dimension of between 5 microns and 20 microns. Optionally, the perforations include a dimension of between 30 microns and 40 microns.

Optionally, the plurality of perforations form an array. Optionally, the array is circular. Optionally, the array is ring-shaped. Optionally, the device comprises a plurality of light sources disposed within the housing adjacent to the plurality of perforations, each light source being configured to illuminate a respective portion of the array.

Optionally, the plurality of light sources is equally spaced circumferentially about the array.

Optionally, the plurality of light sources comprises four light sources.

Optionally, the plurality of light sources is configured to illuminate sequentially to indicate progress through a ramp up phase of a use session.

Optionally, the plurality of light sources is configured to dim sequentially to indicate time remaining in a use session.

Optionally, a subset of the plurality of light sources is configured to illuminate to indicate a charge status of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises: a further plurality of perforations, each of the further plurality of perforations including a dimension of less than 50 microns, and a further light source disposed in the housing adjacent to the further plurality of perforations, arranged so that, when the further light source is activated, light from the further light source visibly passes through the further plurality of perforations, and when the further light source is not active, the further light source is not visible to the naked eye through the further plurality of perforations, the further light source being configured to illuminate to indicate whether the device is operating in a first mode at a first temperature or in a second mode at a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising a plurality of light sources arranged in a circular array.

Optionally, the plurality of light sources are equally spaced circumferentially about the circle.

Optionally, the plurality of light sources comprises four light sources.

Optionally, the plurality of light sources are configured to illuminate sequentially to indicate progress through a ramp up phase of a use session. Optionally, the plurality of light sources are configured to dim sequentially to indicate time remaining in a use session.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device comprises a further light source disposed in the housing, the further light source being configured to illuminate to indicate whether the device is operating in a first mode at a first temperature or in a second mode at a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material, comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of perforations.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a system comprising an article comprising aerosol generating material and the aerosol provision device as described in any of the above.

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 front view of an aerosol provision device;

Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a button assembly for the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a cutaway perspective view of the button assembly of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of part of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a user interface assembly for the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a light guide for the user interface assembly of Figure 6. Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobaccocontaining material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosolgenerating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosolgenerating material may also be known as “smokable material”.

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 aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.

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 non- combustible 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.

An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.

Figure 1 shows an aerosol provision device 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In broad outline, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 300 comprising the aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100. The article 300 and the device 100 together form an aerosol provision system.

The device 100 comprises a body 101. The body 101 comprises a chamber 105 (refer to Figure 2). A housing 102 surrounds and houses various components of the body 101. An opening 103 is formed at one end of the body 101 , communicating with the chamber 105. The article 300 may be at least partially inserted through the opening 103 into the chamber 105 for heating by an aerosol generator 150 (refer to Figure 2). In use, the article 300 may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 150.

The housing 102 includes a button assembly 200, which operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the button assembly 200. The button assembly will be further described below in relation to Figures 3 and 4.

The aerosol generator 150 defines a longitudinal axis X. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross sectional view of the device 100. The device 100 comprises an electrical component, such as a connector/port 160, which can receive a cable to charge a battery of the device 100. For example, the connector 160 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples the connector 160 may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between the device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

The device 100 comprises a power source 170, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the aerosol generator 150 to supply electrical power when required and under control of a controller to heat the aerosol generating material.

The device 100 comprises an electronics module 112. The electronics module 112 may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB may also comprise one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect together various electronic components of the device 100. For example, the battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100.

The body 101 has end surfaces of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the opening 103 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 104 of the device 100 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article 300 into the aperture 103, operates the aerosol generator 150 to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device furthest away from the aperture 103 may be known as the distal end 106 of the device 100 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

As used herein, one-piece component refers to a component of the device 100 which is not separable into two or more components following assembly of the device 100. Integrally formed relates to two or more features that are formed into a one piece component during a manufacturing stage of the component.

An air flow passage 180 extends through the body 101. The airflow passage 180 extends to an opening 190. The opening 190 acts as an air inlet.

In one example, the aerosol generator 150 comprises an induction-type heating system, including a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises an inductor coil assembly. The aerosol generator 150 comprises a heating element. The heating element is also known as 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 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 device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

The aerosol generator 150 is an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 300 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

The inductor coil assembly includes an inductor coil. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils differs. In embodiments, a two or more inductor coils are used. The inductor coil assembly also comprises a coil support. The coil support is tubular.

The heating element is part of a heating assembly. The heating element of this example is hollow and therefore defines at least part of a receptacle within which aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article 300 can be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular, with a circular cross section. The heating element has a generally constant diameter along its axial length.

The heating element is formed from an electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor in the present example is formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

In other embodiments, the feature acting as the heating element may not be limited to being inductively heated. The feature, acting as a heating element, may therefore be heatable by electrical resistance. The aerosol generator 150 may therefore comprise electrical contacts for electrical connection with the apparatus for electrically activating the heating element by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

The receptacle and article 300 are dimensioned so that the article 300 is received by the heating element. This helps ensure that the heating is most efficient. The article 300 of this example comprises aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material is positioned within the receptacle. The article 300 may also comprise other components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/or a cooling structure.

The air flow passage 180 extends from the heating element. The air flow passage 180 is at the first, distal, end. The air flow passage 180 protrudes from the heating element. The air flow passage 180 extending from the heating element is defined by a flow path member 182. The heating element 220 and the flow path member 182 forms part of an airflow path arrangement 181. The flow path member 182 extends between the heating element and the opening 190. The flow path member 182 is tubular. The flow path member 182 defines a bore. The flow path member extends in an axial direction along its length.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a button assembly 200 for the aerosol provision device 100. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the button assembly 200. In embodiments, the button assembly 200 is used with other device arrangements. The button forms part of the housing 102.

The button assembly 200 comprises a button member 202 and a support frame 220. The button member 202 is movably joined to the support frame 220. The button member 202 is joined to the support frame 220 by a flexible membrane 208. The flexible membrane 208 seals the button assembly 200 against ingress of debris.

The support frame 220 is joined to an outer cover 108 (refer to Figure 1) of the housing 102. The outer cover 108 of the aerosol provision device 100 includes an aperture. The button assembly 200 is disposed adjacent to the aperture 109 (refer to Figure 1). The button member 202 protrudes through the aperture 109. The button member 202 may be considered part of the housing 102, as it forms part of the exterior surface of the aerosol provision device 100. The support frame 220 is joined to the housing 102. The support frame 220 is fixed to the housing 102 by sonic welding or another suitable fixing.

The button member 202 is formed of aluminium. The button member 202 comprises a plurality of perforations 204. The perforations 204 are formed in an array. The perforations 204 extend from a front face 202a of the button member 202 to a back face of the button member 202. That is, the perforations 204 extend through entire thickness of the button member 202. The front face 202a of the button member is exposed to the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. The perforations 204 are formed by laser etching. Alternative etching means are anticipated.

The perforations 204 include a dimension of between 5 microns and 50 microns. In this embodiment, the perforations have a diameter of 35 microns. It will be understood that the term ‘including a dimension’ is intended to mean a measurement from one edge of a perforation to another. The dimension may be the diameter of the perforations 204 or the width of the perforations 204. The dimension need not be the maximum dimension of the perforation. In embodiments, the perforations may be elongate slots, and the dimension may be the width of the slots, the length of the slots being longer than 50 microns. In embodiments, the perforations are not all the same shape.

A light source 206 is disposed within the housing 102. The light source 206 is adjacent to the plurality of perforations 204. The light source 206 is separated from the button member 202 by a clearance 210. The clearance 210 provides a space to accommodate the light source 206 when the button member 202 is depressed. The light 206 source is an LED. In this embodiment, the light source 206 comprises three LEDs. In embodiments, a different number of LEDs may be provided. In embodiments there is no clearance and the light source is configured to move with the button member 202.

The light source 206 is arranged so that, when activated, light from the light source 206 visibly passes through the perforations 204. The perforations 204 and the light source 206 are arranged so that, when inactive, the light source 206 is not visible to the naked eye through the perforations 204. This is because the perforations 204 include a dimension of between 5 microns and 50 microns. It has been found that when the perforations include a dimension of less than 50 microns, the perforations are not visible from the exterior of the device. It has been found that when the perforations include a dimension of less than 50 microns, the light source 206 is not visible from the exterior of the device except when illuminated. The perforations 204 act as a light guide. In this embodiment, the perforations 204 are arranged in three groups, or portions, corresponding to the three LEDs. The groups are separated by a portion of the button member 202 without perforations or with a lower density of perforations.

Figure 5 shows an end of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a user interface 400. The user interface 400 is situated on the proximal end 104 of the aerosol provision device 100. That is, the user interface 400 is situated on the same end of the aerosol provision device 100 as the opening 103. This enables the user to view the user interface while the aerosol provision device 100 is in use, as the proximal end 104 of the aerosol provision device 100 will typically be oriented towards the user when the device is in use.

The user interface 400 comprises a circular portion 402 and a central portion 404. The circular portion 402 comprises a plurality of segments. The segments may be illuminated independently. The segments are evenly spaced around circumference of the circular portions 402. In this embodiment, the circular portion 402 comprises four segments. In other embodiments, the circular portion 402 may comprise a different number of segments, for example twelve segments.

The segments are illuminated to indicate one or more of battery charge status, session ramp up and session time remaining. The term ‘session ramp up’ will be understood to refer to the period of time after the user has initiated a session but before the device is ready for inhalation, that is, while the heating element is being heated to operating temperature. For example, when all segments are indicated this may indicate full battery charge, that session ramp up is complete, or that the full session time remains.

The central portion 404 may be illuminated or dimmed to indicate an operating mode of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device is operable in a boost mode and a base mode. In the boost mode, the heating element is heated to a higher operating temperature or heated more rapidly to the operating temperature, compared to the base mode. The boost mode is indicated by illumination of the central portion 404 of the user interface. The base mode is indicated by lack of illumination of the central portion 404 of the user interface.

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a user interface assembly 500. The user interface assembly 500 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 506 comprising a plurality of LEDs 512, 514, a light guide 516, a masking element 526 and a transmission element 530 arranged in a stack. Light is emitted by the LEDs 512, 514. The light is then guided by light guide 516. The light is then partly blocked by the masking element 526, and partly transmitted through the transmission element 530.

The PCB 506 is flexible. The PCB 506 comprises power management and control circuitry for buttons 532, 534 and LEDs 512, 514. The PCB 506 is connected to the power source 170. The PCB 506 may be connected to other control circuitry in the aerosol provision device 100. The PCB 506 conforms to a corner of the device aerosol provision device 100. The PCB 506 comprises a user interface portion 508 and a button portion 510. The user interface portion 508 and the button portion 510 are joined by a flexible joint 511. In this embodiment, the flexible joint 511 extends through an angle of 90 degrees. In embodiments, the entirety of the PCB 506 is flexible.

The user interface portion 508 comprises the plurality of LEDs 512, 514. The plurality of LEDs 512, 514 comprises a circular arrangement of LEDs 512. The LEDs of the circular arrangement 512 are equally spaced around the circumference of the circular arrangement. The plurality of LEDs 512, 514 also comprises a central arrangement of LEDs 514 disposed within the circle. In embodiments, the central arrangement 514 comprises a single LED. In this embodiment, the circular arrangement 512 comprises twelve LEDs. In this embodiment, the central arrangement 514 comprises five LEDs. In embodiments, the circular arrangement comprises any number of LEDs greater than or equal to three LEDs, for example four LEDs. The central arrangement of LEDs 514 is arranged to illuminate the central portion 404 of the user interface 400. The circular arrangement of LEDs 512 is arranged to illuminate the circular portion 402 of the user interface 400.

The light guide 516 is a twin shot moulding. The term ‘twin shot moulding’ will be understood to indicate a process in which two materials are injected into a single mould in a fluid operation (i.e. without opening the mould). In a typical twin shot moulding process, a first polymer is injected into the mould, the mould subsequently rotates (without opening), and a second polymer is injected. The light guide 516 comprises a translucent layer 518 and an opaque layer 520. The twin shot moulding process allows the opaque layer 520 and the translucent layer 518 to be created in a single mould and as a single part. The opaque layer 520 and the translucent layer 518 bond at a molecular level as consequence of temperature during the twin shot moulding process.

The light guide 516 comprises at least one pin 524. The pin 524 is received in a recess 525 in the PCB 506. The pin 524 locates the light guide 516 on the PCB 506. The light guide 516 is described in more detail below in relation to Figure 7.

The masking element 526 is opaque. The masking element 526 is formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In embodiments, the masking element 526 is formed of a different material. The masking element 526 is a printed layer on the transmission element 530. In embodiments, the masking element 526 is a separate component, rather than a printed layer on the transmission element 530. The masking element 526 has an annular shape. The masking element 526 defines a central opening 528. The central opening 528 overlies the central arrangement of LEDs 514. The central opening 528 is arranged so that light from the central arrangement of LEDs 514 is transmitted through the central opening 528. The masking element 526 is surrounded by the circular arrangement of LEDs 512. It will be understood that the masking element 526 is axially displaced from the circular arrangement of LEDs 512, and is only surrounded by the circular arrangement of LEDs 512 in a lateral direction. The term ‘lateral direction’ will be understood to refer to a direction in the plane of the masking element 526. Light from the circular arrangement of LEDs 512 is transmitted around the outer edge of the masking element 526. The light guide 516 is configured to direct light from the central arrangement of LEDs 514 through the central opening 528 of the masking element 526. The light guide 516 is configured to direct light from the circular arrangement of LEDs 512 past the outer edge of the masking element 526. The light guide 516 is configured to prevent significant light from the circular arrangement of LEDs 512 from being transmitted through the central opening 528 of the masking element 526.

The transmission element 530 is transparent or translucent. The transmission element 530 forms an outer surface of the user interface assembly 500. The transmission element 530 is formed of polymethyl methacrylate. In embodiments, the transmission element 530 is formed of a different material. In this embodiment, the transmission element 530 is a circular disc.

The aerosol provision device 100 further comprises a mode selection button 532 and an activation button 534. In embodiments, the mode selection button 532 and/or the activation button 534 are provided by the button assembly 200.

The mode selection button 532 and the activation button 534 are situated on the button portion 510 of the PCB 506. The mode selection button 532 and the activation button 534 protrude through apertures in the housing 102. In other embodiments, the mode selection button 532 and the activation button 534 may protrude through the same aperture in the housing 102. The mode selection button 532 and the activation button 534 are situated at a lateral side of the housing 102. It will be understood that the lateral side of the housing 102 is the face of the housing which joins the proximal 104 and distal 106 ends of the housing 102. This allows the user to access the buttons 532, 534 while using the aerosol provision device 100, without obscuring the user interface 400. This arrangement is facilitated by the flexible joint 511 of the PCB 506.

In use, the user presses the mode selection button 532 to toggle between the boost mode of operation and the base mode of operation. The mode of operation of the aerosol provision device 100 is indicated by illumination or dimming of central part 404 of the user interface 400. The user then presses the activation button 534 to initiate a use session. The circular portion 402 of the user interface 400 is initially entirely dimmed to indicate the start of the ramp up period. Power is supplied to the heating element. As the temperature of the heating element rises, the segments of the circular portion 402 of the user interface 400 are sequentially illuminated to indicate progress towards operating temperature. To achieve this, the LEDs of the circular arrangement 512 may be sequentially illuminated individually or in groups. When the heating element reaches operating temperature, all LEDs of the circular arrangement 512 are illuminated. This indicates to the user that the operating temperature has been reached and the user may begin inhaling. The user then draws on the device. As the use session progresses, LEDs of the circular arrangement 512 are sequentially dimmed to indicate progress through the use session. The LEDs 512 of the circular arrangement may be sequentially dimmed individually or in groups. The electronics module 112 of the device may determine progress through the use session based on counting the number of draws on the device detected. Draws may be detected through a pressure sensor or temperature monitoring of the heating element or in any other way. Alternatively, the electronics module 112 could determine progress through the use session based on the time elapsed since the user pressed the activation button 534. When the use session is complete, all LEDs of the circular arrangement 512 are dimmed. This indicates to the user that the use session is over and the aerosol generating material in the article 300 is exhausted.

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the light guide 516. The light guide 516 comprises a transparent or translucent portion 518 and an opaque portion 520. The translucent or transparent portion 518 is formed of talc filled polycarbonate. In embodiments, the translucent or transparent portion 518 is formed of a different material. The opaque portion 520 is formed of polycarbonate. In embodiments, the opaque portion 520 is formed of a different material. The opaque portion 520 surrounds the transparent or translucent portion 518. The opaque portion 520 defines void for receiving the transparent or translucent portion 518. The opaque portion 520 Includes apertures 522 through which light can pass. The light guide 516 is formed in a two shot moulding process.

In another embodiment the transmission element 530 and masking element 526 are replaced by an opaque member comprising perforations. The perforations each include a dimension of between 5 microns and 50 microns, for example 35 microns. The opaque member may be formed of aluminium. The perforations are formed by laser etching. The perforations function as light guide. The perforations comprise a circular arrangement to provide the circular portion 402 of the user interface 400. The perforations further comprise a central arrangement disposed within the circular arrangement to provide the central portion 404 of the user interface 400. 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 for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material, comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of perforations, each perforation including a dimension of less than 50 microns; and a light source disposed within the housing adjacent to the plurality of perforations, arranged so that, when the light source is activated, light from the light source visibly passes through the perforations, and when the light source is not active, the light source is not visible to the naked eye through the perforations.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 , in which the housing comprises a button, in which the perforations are provided in the button.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the perforations are formed by laser etching.

4. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 3, in which the perforations include a dimension of between 5 microns and 50 microns and, optionally, between 30 microns and 40 microns.

5. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 4, in which the plurality of perforations form an array and, optionally, wherein the array is circular.

6. The aerosol provision device of claim 5, comprising a plurality of light sources disposed within the housing adjacent to the plurality of perforations, each light source being configured to illuminate a respective segment of the array.

7. The aerosol provision device of claim 6, in which the plurality of light sources are equally spaced circumferentially about the array.

8. The aerosol provision device of claim 6 or claim 7, in which the plurality of light sources comprises four light sources.

9. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 6 to 8, in which the plurality of light sources are configured to illuminate sequentially to indicate progress through a ramp up phase of a use session.

10. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 6 to 9, in which the plurality of light sources are configured to dim sequentially to indicate time remaining in a use session.

11 . The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 10, in which a subset of the plurality of light sources is configured to illuminate to indicate a charge status of the aerosol provision device.

12. The aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 comprising: a further plurality of perforations, each of the further plurality of perforations including a dimension of less than 50 microns, and a further light source disposed in the housing adjacent to the further plurality of perforations, arranged so that, when the further light source is activated, light from the further light source visibly passes through the further plurality of perforations, and when the further light source is not active, the further light source is not visible to the naked eye through the further plurality of perforations, the further light source being configured to illuminate to indicate whether the device is operating in a first mode at a first temperature or in a second mode at a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.

13. An aerosol provision device for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising a plurality of light sources arranged in a circular array.

14. The aerosol provision device of claim 13, in which the plurality of light sources is equally spaced circumferentially about the circle.

15. The aerosol provision device of claim 13 or claim 14, in which the plurality of light sources comprises four light sources.

16. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 13 to 15, in which the plurality of light sources is configured to illuminate sequentially to indicate progress through a ramp up phase of a use session.

17. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 13 to 16, in which the plurality of light sources is configured to dim sequentially to indicate time remaining in a use session.

18. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 13 to 17, in which a subset of the plurality of light sources is configured to illuminate to indicate a charge status of the aerosol provision device.

19. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 13 to 18 comprising a further light source disposed in the housing, the further light source being configured to illuminate to indicate whether the device is operating in a first mode at a first temperature or in a second mode at a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.

20. A system comprising an article comprising aerosol generating material and the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 19.