WO2024160743A1

WO2024160743A1 - Aerosol generation device

Info

Publication number: WO2024160743A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/052104
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eugène BLANCHARD
Original assignee: Jt International Sa
Priority date: 2023-02-02
Filing date: 2024-01-29
Publication date: 2024-08-08

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol generation device (100) comprising a chamber (200) comprising a proximal end (202) and a distal end (204), wherein the proximal end (202) is configured to receive a consumable article (300) comprising aerosol precursor material, and a projection (400) arranged to extend into the chamber (200) and configured to penetrate the consumable article (300) upon the consumable article (300) being received into the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200). The projection (400) is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article (300) and toward the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200) to be delivered to a user, in use.

Description

Aerosol Generation Device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device, such as a heat-not-burn device. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and a consumable article.

Background

Various devices and systems are available that heat an aerosol precursor material of a consumable article to release aerosol (i.e. vapour) for inhalation, rather than relying on burning the aerosol precursor material. For example, a solid consumable article may be heated to release an inhalable vapour.

A challenge associated with heating aerosol precursor material rather than burning is that the aerosol may become too hot during the aerosol generation process and be unpleasant for a user if inhaled. To help alleviate this problem, heat-not-burn consumable articles are usually provided with a cooling section arranged between an aerosol substrate containing part of the article and a mouthpiece part of the article. That cooling section allows aerosol generated upon heating of the aerosol substrate to cool down and condensate before reaching the mouthpiece. A common problem faced is allowing cool air to reach the cooling section, because, in use, the cooling section is generally located within the aerosol generation device.

The consumable article may further comprise perforations. These perforations are preferably situated outside of the aerosol generation device, in use, to provide an accessible air inlet to the consumable article outside of the aerosol generation device, which helps to allow air circulation through the consumable article.

One problem caused by these perforations is that when a user draws on the consumable article, the user’s lips may accidentally cover the perforations, thus reducing the flow of cool air within the consumable article. In addition, the position of the perforations in the article is limited to a region of the consumable article that protrudes out of the aerosol generation device, in use, which may not be optimal for maximizing the cooling effect of the aerosol before inhalation by a user. Finally, providing the perforations may create ash and sticky glue deposits in the manufacturing lines. This requires regular stoppages to clean the machinery.

It is the object of the invention to overcome or avoid at least some of the abovereferenced problems, or to provide an alternative approach.

Summary

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device and aerosol generation system including the features as set out in the claims.

According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising a chamber comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured to receive a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material. The aerosol generation device further comprises a projection arranged to extend into the chamber and configured to penetrate the consumable article upon the consumable article being received into the proximal end of the chamber. The projection is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article and toward the proximal end of the chamber to be delivered to a user, in use.

By providing a projection configured to penetrate a consumable article, in use, ventilation air may be delivered directly into the consumable article, thus more easily mixing with the generated aerosol and ventilating the consumable article. This increases the cooling effect provided by the ventilation air.

More generally, a consumable article within the chamber may be more efficiently cooled, reducing the temperature of generated aerosol, and thus providing a better user experience.

The provision of the projection also obviates the requirement for the consumable article to include perforations. Removing the need for perforations reduces ash and sticky glue deposits created during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the manufacturing line may be stopped less frequently, increasing manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, the manufacturing process of the consumable article is simplified. The projection may comprise an air inlet in fluid communication with the air outside of the chamber and one or more air outlets in fluid communication with the air inlet. The projection may be configured such that, in use, the one or more air outlets are arranged for ventilation air to flow from the air inlet to the one or more air outlets and into the consumable article.

The air delivered to the consumable article is cooler than if the air was sourced from within the chamber. That is, more effective cooling of the consumable article may be achieved.

The one or more air outlets of the projection may comprise a hole or a slit.

Ventilation air may be provided directly to a cooling section of the consumable article, thus improving the cooling effect on the generated aerosol.

The projection may be substantially hollow.

Ventilation air may flow through the projection, thus providing a consumable article with a source of fresh (ventilation) air that did not originate in the chamber.

The projection may comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure an internal temperature of the consumable article in use.

By providing a projection with a temperature sensor, the internal temperature of the consumable article may be measured. This leads to a more accurate temperature measurement of the aerosol precursor material within the consumable article and improved control of the heating thereof and of aerosol generation in general. Thus, the device can be regulated more accurately to provide a better user experience.

The projection may be substantially elongate and extends along a longitudinal axis with a length of between 10mm and 40mm.

The length may ensure that the projection projects into a cooling section of a consumable article, thus allowing the projection to provide ventilation air to the consumable article downstream of aerosol precursor material. Therefore, more effective cooling of the consumable article may be achieved. The distal end of the chamber may comprise a distal wall comprising a set of one or more distal wall apertures for receiving the projection.

Apertures on the distal wall of the chamber allow ventilation air to enter the chamber, via the projection, from within the aerosol generation device, but outside the chamber. Thus, air entering the chamber may be cooler than air already circulating within the chamber itself.

The projection may be mounted on a stopper plate. The stopper plate may be configured to abut the distal wall of the chamber.

A projection mounted on a stopper plate provides the advantage that the projection and stopper plate may be manufactured separately to the aerosol generation device and/or chamber. The projection and stopper plate may be retrofitted to devices and/or replaced when needed. Projections with different diameters and different numbers of air outlets may be provided based on the capacity of the chamber of the aerosol generation device.

A sealing joint may be provided between the projection and the distal wall of the chamber.

A sealing joint ensures an airtight fit of the projections and stopper plate with the aperture in the chamber, thus ensuring as much of the ventilation air as possible is provided directly to the consumable article.

The aerosol generation device may comprise a plurality of projections.

Providing a plurality of projections may reduce the risk of deformation or breaking when compared to a single projection. Multiple projections may also reduce the number of air outlets needed on each projection. This may also reduce the risk of clogging, or the associated caused damage.

Multiple projections are also advantageous to avoid deflection and deformation of a single projection upon insertion of the consumable article. Multiple projections penetrate the aerosol precursor material (or plug) of the consumable more easily and allow for more efficient ventilation into the article.

The projection may be integrally formed with the distal wall.

The advantage of this is that a sealing joint may be omitted, thus simplifying the design and manufacturing process.

The aerosol generation device may define a first air flow path and a second air flow path, the first air flow path extending from an opening at a proximal end of the chamber, into the chamber, but outside the consumable article, along a wall extending from the proximal end to a distal end of the chamber and into a distal end of the consumable article, the second air flow path extending into the aerosol generation device and to outside of the chamber, through the projection and into the consumable article.

Multiple air paths mean that a first air path may be provided to draw air through an aerosol precursor material of a consumable article, to aid the generation of aerosol; meanwhile, a second air path can provide fresh, cooler, ventilation air downstream of the aerosol precursor material, thus providing an increased cooling effect.

The advantage of providing an air flow path that provides air downstream of the aerosol precursor material is that the air delivered is cooler than if the air had travelled through the chamber and the aerosol precursor material of the consumable. Therefore, more effective cooling of the generated aerosol is provided, thus improving user experience.

The aerosol generation device may comprise a collar at the proximal end of the chamber. One or more collar apertures may be formed in the collar. The second airflow path may extend from the opening at the proximal end of the chamber and through the one or more collar apertures to outside of the chamber.

A user may more easily insert a consumable article into the chamber of the aerosol generation device. The collar also allows more air to enter the chamber, around the consumable article. The apertures in the collar also allow air to enter the aerosol generation device, outside the chamber. The aerosol generation device may comprise a mouthpiece configured to allow a user to draw on the aerosol generation device, in use. The mouthpiece may be openable or removable from the aerosol generation device in use. The mouthpiece may comprise a filter.

Providing a mouthpiece in the aerosol generation device allows the device to use used with non-filtered consumable articles.

According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material and an aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article downstream of the aerosol precursor material.

The system may offer greater ventilation downstream of the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article. Ventilation air may be provided through projection and into the consumable article downstream of the aerosol precursor material. Therefore, the cooling effect provided by the ventilation art is increased.

More generally, the consumable article within the chamber may be more efficiently cooled, and the air delivered to the consumable article is cooler than if the air was sourced from within the chamber, thus reducing the temperature of generated aerosol and providing a better user experience.

The consumable article may also be provided without perforations. Removing the need for perforations reduces ash and sticky glue deposits created during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the manufacturing line may be stopped less frequently, increasing manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, the manufacturing process of the consumable article is simplified.

The consumable article may comprise at least one cooling section arranged between an aerosol precursor material section and a mouthpiece section. The aerosol generation device may be configured such that in use the projection allows ventilation air to flow into a cooling section of the consumable article. Advantageously, the ventilation air may be provided directly to a cooling section of the consumable article. Therefore, ventilation air is provided to the consumable without first travelling through the aerosol precursor material. Thus, the air provided to the consumable is cooler and has an increased cooling effect.

The temperature sensor may be arranged in or on the projection such that in use it is located in the aerosol precursor material section of the consumable article.

By providing a projection with a temperature sensor, the internal temperature of the consumable article, in particular an aerosol precursor material section thereof, may be measured. This leads to a more accurate temperature measurement of the aerosol precursor material and thus, the device can be regulated more accurately to provide a better user experience.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generation device;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the first example of the aerosol generation device;

Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of the aerosol generation device;

Figure 4 shows a front view of the second example of the aerosol generation device;

Figure 5a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a consumable article;

Figure 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a consumable article;

Figure 6 shows an example of the air flow paths in an aerosol generation device with a consumable article inserted; and

Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of a method of using an aerosol generation device. Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” may refer to a material and/or composition, which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (such as by vibrations). Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Suitable vaporising agents include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco.

An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user, without combusting the aerosol precursor material. That is to say that the aerosol generation device heats the aerosol precursor material to generate an aerosol without burning/combusting the aerosol precursor material. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation device 100 is suitable for receiving a consumable article 300 (shown in Figures 5a, 5b and 6) therein. For example, the aerosol generation device 100 includes a chamber 200 in which the consumable article 300 may be received.

The invention is not limited to the specific aerosol generation device 100 or consumable article 300 described herein. That is, the description of the aerosol generation device 100 and consumable article 300 is provided for illustrative purposes only. The skilled person will appreciate that alternative constructions of aerosol generation devices and consumable articles will be compatible with the present invention.

The chamber 200 comprises a proximal end 202 and a distal end 204. The chamber 200 comprises an opening 206 at the proximal end 202 for receiving the consumable article 300. The chamber 200 may comprise one or more side walls 210 arranged between the proximal end 202 and the distal end 204. The chamber 200 may comprise a distal wall 208 at the distal end 204 for abutting the consumable article 300 when received in the chamber 200. The distal wall 208 may comprise an aperture 214. The distal wall aperture 214 may be a set of one or more distal wall apertures 214. That is, there may be one or more distal wall apertures 214. Figure 1 shows an example of the aerosol generation device 100 with a single distal wall aperture 214. The one or more distal wall apertures 214 may be for receiving a projection 400, as described in more detail below.

The aerosol generation device 100 comprises a projection 400. The projection 400 is arranged to extend into the chamber 200 and configured to penetrate the consumable article 300 upon the consumable article 300 being received into the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200. The projection 400 may project through the distal wall aperture 214, but in other examples is integral with the distal wall 208 so does not project through the distal wall aperture 214. The projection 400 is configured to allow ventilation air (e.g., air from outside of the chamber 200) to flow into the consumable article 300 and towards the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200. Here, ventilation air refers to air from outside of the consumable article 300 (i.e., not generated aerosol). Air from the projection 400 is mixed in the consumable article 300 with aerosol generated therefrom before being delivered to a user, in use. The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise multiple projections 400a, 400b, 400c, as explained below and shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The projection 400 may comprise a proximal end 402 and a distal end 404. The proximal end 402 of the projection may extend into chamber 200. The projection 400 may comprise a projection body 414.

The projection 400 may be mounted on or extend from a stopper plate 406. The stopper plate 406 may be configured to abut the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200. That is, the projection 400 may extend into the chamber 200 through the distal wall aperture 214 and the stopper plate 406 may abut an external side of the distal wall 208.

Alternatively, the projection 400 may be integrally formed with the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200. In this example, the stopper plate 406 may be omitted.

The projection 400 may be removable and/or replaceable. The projection 400 may be inserted into the chamber 200 by inserting the proximal end 402 of the projection 400 through the distal wall aperture 214. The projection 400 may be pushed through the distal wall aperture 214 until the proximal end 402 of the projection 400 is towards the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200 and the stopper plate 406 has abutted the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200. In other words, the projection 400 extends from the distal end 204 (i.e. , non-user end) of the chamber 200 towards the proximal end 202 (i.e. user end) of the chamber 200. In this way, air may flow along the projection 400 from the distal end 204 of the chamber 200 (i.e., the distal end of the aerosol generation device 100) to the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200 (i.e. the proximal end of the aerosol generation device 100). The air may flow out of the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200, to be delivered to the user.

The projection 400 may comprise an air inlet 408. The air inlet 408 may be an inlet at the distal end 404 of the projection 400. The air inlet 408 may be an inlet in the stopper plate 406. In the example where the projection 400 is integral with the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200, the air inlet 408 and the distal wall aperture 214 are the same feature. The air inlet 408 may be configured to allow air to flow into the projection 400. The air inlet 408 may be configured to allow air from within the aerosol generation device 100, but from outside the chamber 200, to flow into the projection 400. In other words, the air inlet 408 may be in fluid communication with the air outside of the chamber 200. In the example of the projection 400 being integrally formed with the distal wall 208, the air inlet 408 may be formed in the distal wall 208 itself.

The projection 400 may further comprise one or more air outlets 410. The one or more air outlets 410 may comprise one or more holes or slits. The one or more air outlets 410 may be positioned towards the proximal end 402 of the projection 400. The one or more air outlets 410 may be present on the projection body 414.

The projection 400 may be configured such that, in use, the one or more air outlets 410 are arranged for ventilation air to flow from the air inlet 408 to the one or more air outlets 410 and into the consumable article 300. That is, the one or more air outlets 410 may be in fluid communication with ventilation air from outside the chamber 200.

The projection 400 may be substantially hollow. The projection 400 may be substantially elongate. That is, the projection body 414 may be substantially elongate. The projection 400 may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis Lc. The projection 400 may have a length of between 15mm and 50mm. Preferably the length is between 20mm and 40mm. Most preferably, the length is 30mm. The length of the projection 400 may be configured such that the projection 400 extends approximately three-quarters of the way into the chamber 200.

The projection 400 may have a substantially cylindrical cross-section. Alternatively, the projection 400 may have a square, rectangular, triangular or oval cross-section. That is, the projection 400 may be tubular. The projection 400 may have any other shaped cross-section that is suitable. The projection 400 may have an average width of between 1mm to 4mm. Preferably the width is between 1.3mm and 3mm More preferably, the width is between 1.5mm and 2.5mm. Most preferably, the width is 2mm. Here, the term width refers to the widest measurable distance perpendicular to the length of the projection 400. For example, if the projection 400 is cylindrical, the width is the diameter.

The projection 400 may be a pin or a spike. The projection 400 may have a tip 412. The tip 412 may be a sharp tip. The tip 412 may be a rounded tip. The tip 412 may be configured to penetrate the consumable article 300, in use. The projection 400 may be formed of metal, ceramic, glass, and/or a heat-resistant plastic material (for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK)).

The projection 400 may comprise a sealing joint 416 configured to seal the projection 400 in the distal wall aperture 214. The sealing joint 416 may be provided towards the distal end 404 of the projection 400. The sealing joint 416 may be provided at the junction between the projection 400 and the stopper plate 406. The sealing joint 416 may be a ring. The sealing joint 416 may be made of rubber or other suitable material.

The chamber 200 may define the longitudinal axis Lc. A consumable article 300 may be inserted and removed along the longitudinal axis Lc. In one example, the chamber 200 has an oval shaped (or non-circular) cross-section. The shape of the chamber 200 may enable air to flow into the chamber 200 along the consumable article 300.

The chamber 200 may be removably inserted or installed into the aerosol generation device 100. The chamber 200 may therefore be removed for repair and/or replacement, over time. The chamber 200 may be manufactured separately from the aerosol generation device 100.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a collar 102 towards the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200. The collar 102 may be part of the chamber 200. That is, the collar 102 may be an extension of the one or more side walls 210 of the chamber 200.

The collar 102 may be configured to guide insertion of the article into the chamber 200, along the longitudinal axis LC, in use. The collar 102 may be part of the chamber 200 and may be the most proximal point of the chamber 200. The collar 102 may comprise one or more collar apertures 216. That is, the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise one or more collar apertures 216. In some examples, the one or more collar apertures 216 may allow ventilation air to enter into the aerosol generation device 100 outside of the chamber 200. The projection 400 may be in fluid communication with the one or more collar apertures 216 to allow ventilation air, from outside of the chamber 200, into the consumable article 300, in use.

When inserted, the consumable article 300 may protrude from the chamber 200 and the collar 102. The user may draw on a mouth end of the consumable article 300 (which may typically comprise a mouthpiece section such as a filter or tube segment) to inhale generated aerosol. Alternatively, when inserted, the consumable article 300 may be wholly contained within the chamber 200. In such embodiments where the consumable article 300 may be wholly received in the chamber 200, the collar 102 may also form a mouthpiece to allow user inhalation. The user may draw on the mouthpiece of the aerosol generation device 100 to inhale generated aerosol. In this example, the mouthpiece may include a filter. In this example, the chamber 200 may comprise an ejection mechanism to eject the consumable article 300 from the chamber 200. The mouthpiece may be removable/openable in use in some examples.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a heater 110 configured to provide heat to the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 300, in use. Alternatively, the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a plurality of heaters 110. The heater 110 is positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 300 to heat it, in use. The heater 110 may be a coil, an induction coil and susceptor, a ceramic heater, a resistive heater (such as a flat resistive heater), a thin film heater, a thick film heater (for instance formed by additivemanufacturing technique on the outer wall of the chamber) or the like, configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 300. In the example shown in Figures 1 , 3 and 6, the heater 110 is substantially in contact with a wall of the chamber 200.

In the embodiment where the heater 110 is an induction coil, the chamber 200 may be or comprise the susceptor, for example as an internal particular metallic layer of the chamber. The susceptor may be arranged within the chamber 200 and configured to project into the chamber 200.

The heater 110 may be arranged about one of the one or more side walls 210 of the chamber 200. Alternatively, the heater 110 may be formed as part of the one or more side walls 210 of the chamber 200. In use, the heater 110 may substantially overlap with an aerosol precursor material section 304 of the consumable article 300.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise insulation 104. The insulation 104 may be arranged around the chamber 200 and may be configured to insulate heat dissipation from the chamber 200 towards an outer body 116 of the aerosol generation device 100. The insulation 104 may be configured to overlap the heater 110. The insulation 104 may extend beyond the area of the chamber 200 covered by the heater 110.

Figure 2 shows a front schematic view of the first example of the aerosol generation device 100. In Figure 2, the projection 400 can be seen as being roughly centred within the chamber 200, but other arrangements are envisaged.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a control unit 108 (or control circuitry) for electronic management of the device 100. The control unit 108 may include a PCB or the like (not shown).

The control unit 108 is configured to control the heater 110. The control unit 108 is configured to receive data from various sensors/inputs and control the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 based on the received data.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an activation input sensor 118. The activation input sensor 118 may be a button, a touchpad, or the like for sensing a user’s input, such as a tap or swipe. In other examples, the activation input sensor 118 comprises an article sensor configured to detect if a consumable article 300 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the activation input sensor 118 may comprise an authenticity detector that is configured to detect if an authentic article 300 has been inserted into the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the user input may also comprise an inhalation action by a user.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a puff sensor 120 (otherwise known as an inhalation sensor). The puff sensor 120 is configured to detect an inhalation action (or puff) by a user on the aerosol generation device 100. In one example, the puff sensor 120 comprises a microphone or a flow sensor configured to detect an airflow within the chamber 200 and/or the opening 206, the airflow being associated with a user’s inhalation action. In other examples, the puff sensor 120 is configured to detect a change in pressure indicative of a beginning of an inhalation action on the aerosol generation device 100 by the user. In this case, the puff sensor 120 may be located anywhere on the aerosol device 100 in which there would be a change in pressure due to an inhalation action of the user. In one example, the puff sensor 120 is located towards the distal end 204 of the chamber 200. The puff sensor 120 may also detect the end of an inhalation action by the user. For example, the puff sensor 120 may be configured to detect a further change in pressure due to the end of an inhalation action of a user.

The projection 400 may include one or more temperature sensors 122 configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the consumable article 300 in the aerosol generation device 100. The one or more temperature sensors 122 may comprise a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or thermistor, configured to be located within or adjacent to the consumable article 300 when it is received in the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the temperature sensor 122 may be located on or in the projection 400. The temperature sensor 122 may be formed integrally with the projection 400. The temperature sensor 122 may be located on the stopper plate 406. That is, the temperature sensor 122 may be configured to measure an internal temperature of the consumable article 300, in use. In this case, the temperature sensor 122 is arranged in the projection 400 such that in use the temperature sensor 122 is located in aerosol precursor material section 304.

Alternatively, the one or more temperature sensors 122 may not form part of the projection 400. In this case, the one or more temperature sensors 122 may be located on an external side of the one or more side walls 210 of the chamber 200. The one or more temperature sensors 122 may be located within the chamber 200 of the aerosol generation device 100. In other examples, the temperature of the consumable article 300 may be indirectly measured by the use of thermal imaging sensors. In other examples, the temperature sensors 122 may measure the temperature of the heater 110 and may be in contact with the heater 110.

The aerosol generation device 100 may include a power supply (not shown) such as a battery. The power supply may provide the aerosol generation device 100 with electrical energy providing a voltage in the range of 3 V and 5 V. In a preferred embodiment the voltage source is a lithium-ion secondary battery delivering a value of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for a modern aerosol generation device in view of rechargeability, high energy density and large capacity.

The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a controller 130. The controller 130 is connected to the control unit 108. The controller 130 is configured to receive data from the control unit 108. In particular, the controller 130 is configured to receive data from the control unit 108 relating to various sensors/inputs (such as the activation input sensor 118, puff sensor 120 and/or temperature sensor 122) of the aerosol generation device 100.

The controller 130 and the control unit 108 may be integral with each other. In one example, a single component performs the function of the control unit 108 and controller 130. In other examples, the control unit 108 and the controller 130 are distinct components.

The outer body 116 may be configured to connect to the consumable article 300. Alternatively, the outer body 116 may be configured to receive or engage with the consumable article 300. The outer body 116 may comprise one or more air inlets (not shown) to allow ventilation air into the aerosol generation device 100.

Figures 3 and 4 show a second example of the aerosol generation device 100 with multiple projections 400. This example of the aerosol generation device 100 comprises the same features as the first example of the aerosol generation device 100 unless otherwise stated. Some of the reference numerals of identical features have been omitted from Figures 3 and 4 to help highlight the differences between the two examples. Reference numerals in Figures 3 and 4 that are appended with ‘a’, ‘b’, or ‘c’ correspond to multiple instances of the features in Figures 1 and 2.

The second example of the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a plurality of projections 400. In particular, this example comprises three projections 400a, 400b, 400c. Each of the plurality of projections 400a, 400b, 400c are substantially similar to the single projection 400 in the first example of the aerosol generation device 100.

Each of the plurality of projections 400a, 400b, 400c may be configured to penetrate the consumable article 300 at the same time, upon insertion of the consumable article 300. That is each of the plurality of projections 400a, 400b, 400c are the same length. Alternatively, the length of each of the plurality of projections 400a, 400b, 400c may be different from one another.

In this example, the distal wall aperture 214 is a set of one or more distal wall apertures 214. In particular, and as shown in Figure 3, the set of one or more distal wall apertures 214 comprises three distal wall apertures 214a, 214b, 214c. Each one of the plurality of projections 400a, 400b, 400c is configured to extend through a corresponding one of the distal wall apertures 214a, 214b, 214c.

Each one of the plurality of projections 400a, 400b, 400c comprises a corresponding sealing joint 416a, 416b, 416c.

Each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may be configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article 300 and towards the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200.

Each one of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may comprise a proximal end 402a, 402b, 402c and a distal end 404a, 404b, 404c. The proximal ends 402a, 402b, 402c of the projections may extend into chamber 200. Each one of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may comprise a projection body 414a, 414b, 414c.

Each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may be mounted on a stopper plate 406. In some examples, each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c are mounted on a separate stopper plate 406. Alternatively, each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may be integrally formed with the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200. In this example, the stopper plate 406 or stopper plates 406 may be omitted.

Each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may comprise an air inlet 408a, 408b, 408c. Each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may further comprise one or more air outlets 410a, 410b, 410c.

Each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may be a pin. Each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may have a tip 412a, 412b, 412c. The tips 412a, 412b, 412c may be sharp tips. The tips 412a, 412b, 412c may be rounded tips. Each of the tips 412a, 412b, 412c may be rounded or sharp, such that there is a combination of rounded and sharp tips. For example, one of the tips 412b may be sharp and the other two tips 412a, 412c may be rounded. At least one of the tips 412a, 412b, 412c may be configured to penetrate the consumable article 300, in use.

Each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may comprise a sealing joint 416a, 416b, 416c configured to seal each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c in each of the respective distal wall apertures 214a, 214b, 214c. The temperature sensor 122 may be present on any one of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c. Alternatively, each of the projections 400a, 400b, 400c may comprise their own temperature sensor 122. As shown in Figure 3, the temperature sensor may be present on the projection 400b.

Figure 4 shows a front schematic view of the second example of an aerosol generation device 100. In Figure 2, the projections 400a, 400b, 400c can be seen as being arranged in an equilateral triangle pattern within the chamber 200. The projections 400a, 400b, 400c may be arranged in the shape of any other triangle, in a line or randomly.

The second example of the aerosol generation device 100 shows three projections 400a, 400b, 400c. However, the number of projections 400 may be two, four, five or more. In these cases, the projections 400 may be arranged in any suitable pattern, such as in a line, a circle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon or randomly.

Figure 5a shows a first schematic cross-sectional view of a consumable article 300. The consumable article 300 may comprise an article body 302. The article body 302 may be formed of a single paper wrapper or a plurality of paper wrappers, as well known in the art. The consumable article 300 may be substantially cylindrical.

The consumable article 300 may comprise the aerosol precursor material section 304 and a cooling section 306. The consumable article 300 may comprise a filter section 308 and potentially further cooling sections (not shown). The filter section 308 may act as the mouthpiece section. The aerosol precursor material section 304 may be advantageously configured to allow the projection member 400, or the respective projection members 400a, 400b, 400c, to pierce the aerosol precursor material section 304 upon insertion of the consumable article in the chamber 200. The aerosol precursor material section 304 may in particular exhibit porosities or through openings arranged in the aerosol precursor material section 304 to allow easy insertion of the projection member 400 or projection members 400a, 400b, 400c.

The aerosol precursor material section 304, cooling section 306 and filter section 308 may be arranged along a longitudinal axis LA. In use, the longitudinal axis LA aligns with the longitudinal axis LC. These components may be arranged adjacent to each other and in sequence by wrapping individually and or collectively with plug wrappers and the outer wrappers forming the article body 302.

Figure 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of the consumable article 300. Compared to the embodiment of Figure 5a, this second embodiment further comprises a front member or plug 313 at the distal end 312. This front member 313 may be formed of filtration material such as cellulose acetate or paper and is air permeable. It is providing means to retain the aerosol substrate material 304 in the consumable article 300 in use, thereby preventing aerosol substrate material from falling off the consumable article 300 in the chamber 200 of the aerosol generation device 100 and contaminating the chamber. The front member 313 may be advantageously configured to allow the projection member 400, or the respective projection members 400a, 400b, 400c, to pierce the front member 313 upon insertion of the consumable article in the chamber 200. The front member 313 may in particular exhibit porosities or through openings arranged in the front member 313 to allow easy insertion of the projection member 400 or projection members 400a, 400b, 400c.

In another embodiment, the consumable article 300 may not have a filter section 308. In this embodiment, the collar 102 may comprise a filter and acts as the mouthpiece.

The cooling section 306 may be formed of at least a paper tube segment and be located between the aerosol precursor material section 304 and the filter section 308. The filter section 308 may form the proximal end 310 of the consumable article 300. It may comprise one or several segments of adjacent segments comprising filtration material, such as cellulose acetate or paper. The filter section 308 may comprise additives such as activated charcoal, flavorant materials and/or breakable capsules, inserted in the filtration material or arranged in a cavity between filter material segments. The filter section 308 may comprise one or several tubular segments of filtration material and/or paper. In the embodiment where a filter section 308 is not present, the cooling section 306 may form the proximal end 310 of the consumable article 300. Alternatively, a second stopper member similar to stopper 313 of Figure 5b may be provided at the proximal end of the cooling section to close it and provide increased mechanical strength of that proximal end in use, in particular in lateral compression.

The aerosol precursor material section 304 may comprise an aerosol precursor material. The term aerosol precursor material is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapour when heated. For example, the aerosol precursor material may be tobacco, such as tobacco cut filler, comprising or consisting of reconstituted tobacco in cut, fragmented, creped or crimped form.

The cooling section 306 may be substantially internally free of material. Alternatively, the cooling section 306 may be filled with a filler material such as fibres, preferably made of a natural material, for example, cellulose fibres, plant fibres or the like. The cooling section 306 may be configured to allow generated aerosol from the aerosol precursor material section 304 to mix with air entering the cooling section 306 through the one or more projections 300.

The length of the consumable article 300 may be defined by the length of the aerosol precursor material section 304, the cooling section 306 and, when present, the filter section 308.

When inserted into the chamber 200 of the aerosol generation article 100, an end of the consumable article 300 (namely, an end of the aerosol precursor material section 304 or stopper 313) may be pierced by the projection 400 or projections 400a, 400b, 400c. The consumable article 300 may abut the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200.

Figure 6 shows an example of the air flow paths in the aerosol generation device 100 with a consumable article 300 inserted. Whilst the term “air-flow paths” has been used, this is used to encompass the flow of aerosol along the path.

The aerosol generation device 100 may define a first air flow path 140. The first air flow path 140 may extend from the opening 206 of the chamber 200 inside the chamber 200 (but outside of the consumable article 300), along the one or more side walls 210 of the chamber 200 and into a distal end 312 of the consumable article 300. That is, air from outside the aerosol generation device 100 may flow into the opening 206, along the inside of the chamber 200 and into the distal end 312 (e.g. into the aerosol precursor material section 304, or front member 313) of the consumable article 300.

In other words, the first air flow path 140 may extend from the opening 206 at a proximal end 202 of the chamber 200, into the chamber 200, but outside the consumable article 300, along a wall 210 extending from the proximal end 202 to a distal end 204 of the chamber 200 and into a distal end 312 of the consumable article 300. The shape of the chamber 200 enables air to flow into the chamber 200 along the first air flow path. That is, air may flow along the gap between the consumable article 300 and the chamber 200 due to the different cross-sections of the chamber 200 and the consumable article 300.

The aerosol generation device 100 may define a second airflow path 150. The second air flow path 150 may extend from outside of the aerosol generation device 100, through the one or more collar apertures 216 to inside the aerosol generation device 100, but outside the chamber 200, through the projection 400 and into the consumable article 300. Here, through the projection 400 may mean entering the projection 400 through the air inlet 408, moving along the length of the projection 400 (i.e. through the body 414 of the projection 400) and exiting the projection 400 via the one or more air outlets 410.

That is, air from the second air flow path 150 (i.e. ventilation air) may flow into the consumable article 300 downstream of the aerosol precursor material section 304, and, therefore, the aerosol precursor material. Air from the second air flow path 150 may not flow through the aerosol precursor material (i.e. the aerosol precursor material section 304). Instead, air from the second air flow path 150 may be delivered into the consumable article 300 at the cooling section 306.

The air of the first air flow path 140 and the air of the second air flow path 150 may combine to form a single air flow path downstream of the aerosol precursor material. This is explained in more detail below. In other words, aerosol generated from heating the aerosol precursor material may mix with the ventilation air downstream of the aerosol precursor material.

The first air flow path 140 and second air flow path 150 may be activated when a user inhales on the aerosol generation device 100 or consumable article 300.

The components of the aerosol generation device 100, the chamber 200 and the consumable article 300 may be further defined in terms of their relative ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ positions. For example, as described above and shown in Figure 6, the first air flow path 140 may extend from the opening 206 of the chamber 200, inside the chamber 200 (but outside of the consumable article 300), along the one or more side walls 210 of the chamber 200 and into a distal end 312 of the consumable article 300. The air of the first air flow path 140 may then travel through the aerosol precursor material section 304, the cooling section 306 and the filter section 308 (if present) of the consumable article 300, to the mouth of a user. Although the term “air flow” has been used here, in practice it may comprise air and generated aerosol and is indicative of fluid flow.

That is, air flows from an upstream position to a downstream position. For example, in the consumable article 300, air from the first air flow path 140 may flow through the aerosol precursor material section 304, then through the cooling section 306, and, if present, through the filter section 308, before flowing into a user’s mouth. Therefore, the aerosol precursor material section 304 may be said to be upstream of the cooling section 306, and the cooling section 306 may be said to be upstream of the filter section 308 (if present).

As explained above, the second air flow path 150 may extend from outside of the aerosol generation device 100, through the one or more collar apertures 216 to inside the aerosol generation device 100, but outside the chamber 200, through the projection 400 and into the cooling section 300 of the consumable article 300 to mix with the generated aerosol from the first air flow path. Air may then flow to the user’s mouth.

The first air flow path 140 and the second air flow path 150 may become a single air flow path in the cooling section 306 of the consumable article 300 to be delivered to the user’s mouth (e.g. a mixture of generated aerosol and ventilation air). That is, air from the second air flow path 150 (i.e. ventilation air) flows into the consumable article 300 downstream of the aerosol precursor material section 304, and, therefore, the aerosol precursor material. Air from the second air flow path 150 does not flow through the aerosol precursor material.

In other words, delivery of the air from the second air flow path 150 to the consumable article 300 may occur downstream when compared to delivery of the air from the first air flow path 140. An aerosol generation system 500 (as shown in Figure 6) comprises the consumable article 300 and the aerosol generation device 100. The projection 400 is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article 300 downstream of the aerosol precursor material. In other words, ventilation air (i.e. air from outside the consumable article 300) may flow into the cooling section 306 of the consumable article 300. That is, the projection 400 is configured to deliver ventilation air into the consumable article 300 between the aerosol precursor material section 304 (i.e. the aerosol precursor material) and the user’s mouth.

As shown in Figure 7, a method 700 of using an aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a first step 710 of inserting a consumable article 300 comprising aerosol precursor material into a chamber 200 of an aerosol generation device 100 comprising one or more projections 400. Upon insertion of the consumable article 300 into the chamber 200 of the aerosol generation device 100, the consumable article 300 is penetrated by the projection 400. When the consumable article 300 is fully inserted into the chamber 200, one or more air outlets 410 of the projection 400 at least partially align with a cooling section 306 of the consumable article 300.

The method 700 of using an aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a second step 720 of removing the consumable article 300 from the chamber 200 of the aerosol generation device 100.

Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device (100) comprising: a chamber (200) comprising a proximal end (202) and a distal end (204), wherein the proximal end (202) is configured to receive a consumable article (300) comprising aerosol precursor material, and a projection (400) arranged to extend into the chamber (200) and configured to penetrate the consumable article (300) upon the consumable article (300) being received into the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200), wherein the projection (400) is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article (300) and toward the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200) to be delivered to a user, in use.

2. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 1 , wherein the projection (400) comprises an air inlet (408) in fluid communication with air outside of the chamber (200) and one or more air outlets (410) in fluid communication with the air inlet (408), wherein the projection (400) is configured such that, in use, the one or more air outlets (410) are arranged for ventilation air to flow from the air inlet (408) to the one or more air outlets (410) and into the consumable article (300).

3. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 2, wherein the one or more air outlets (410) of the projection (400) comprises a hole or a slit.

4. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (400) is substantially hollow.

5. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (400) comprises a temperature sensor (122) configured to measure an internal temperature of the consumable article (300) in use.

6. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (400) is substantially elongate and extends along a longitudinal axis with a length of between 10mm and 40mm.

7. The aerosol generation device (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end (204) of the chamber (200) comprises a distal wall (208) comprising a set of one or more distal wall apertures (214) for receiving the projection (400).

8. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 7, wherein the projection (400) is mounted on a stopper plate (406), the stopper plate (406) configured to abut the distal wall (208) of the chamber (200).

9. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 8, wherein a sealing joint (416) is provided between the projection (400) and the distal wall (208) of the chamber (200).

10. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a plurality of projections (400). .

11. The aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generation device (100) defines a first air flow path (140) and a second air flow path (150), the first air flow path (140) extending from an opening at a proximal end (202) of the chamber (200), into the chamber (200), but outside the consumable article (300), along a wall (210) extending from the proximal end (202) to a distal end (204) of the chamber (200) and into a distal end (312) of the consumable article (300), the second air flow path (150) extending into the aerosol generation device (100) and to outside of the chamber (200), through the projection (400) and into the consumable article (300).

12. The aerosol generation device (100) of claim 11 , comprising a collar (102) at the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200), wherein one or more collar apertures (216) are formed in the collar and the second air flow path extends from the opening (206) at the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200) and through the one or more collar apertures to outside of the chamber (200).

13. An aerosol generation system (500) comprising a consumable article (300) comprising aerosol precursor material and an aerosol generation device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (400) is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article (300) downstream of the aerosol precursor material.

14. The aerosol generation system (500) according to claim 13, wherein the consumable article (300) comprises at least one cooling section (306) arranged between an aerosol precursor material section (304) and a mouthpiece section and wherein the aerosol generation device (100) is configured such that in use the projection (400) allows ventilation air to flow into a cooling section of the consumable article (300).

15. The aerosol generation system (500) according to any one of claims 13 or 14 as being dependent upon claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor (122) is arranged in or on the projection (400) such that in use it is located into the aerosol precursor material section (304) of the consumable article (300).