US20250057215A1

US20250057215A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: US20250057215A1
Application number: US18/723,447
Authority: US
Inventors: Dean Cowan
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-24
Filing date: 2022-12-19
Publication date: 2025-02-20
Also published as: EP4451942A1; IL313791A; MX2024007895A; JP2024545706A; CN118785822A; GB202118989D0; WO2023117998A1; AU2022422033A1; CA3242027A1; KR20240113926A

Abstract

An aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the device has an article receptacle defining a heating zone to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article including aerosol-generating material. The article receptacle is disposed at a first end of the device. The device also has a filter cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of a filter element, the filter cavity disposed at a second end of the device, the second end being opposite to the first end. A flow passage is provided between the article receptacle and the filter cavity.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2022/086786 filed Dec. 19, 2022, which claims priority to GB Application No.
2118989.9 filed Dec. 24, 2021, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device, an article comprising aerosol-generating material, and a filter element.

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 generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising: an article receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-generating material, the article receptacle being disposed at a first end of the device; a filter cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of a filter element, the filter cavity disposed at a second end of the device, the second end being opposite to the first end; and a flow passage between the article receptacle and the filter cavity.
The flow passage may be elongate.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a tubular member defining the flow passage.
The cross-sectional area of the flow passage may be less than the cross-sectional area of the heating zone defined by the article receptacle.
The cross-sectional area of the flow passage may be less than the cross-sectional area of the filter cavity.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a shoulder at an internal end of the filter cavity.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a converging portion from the article receptacle to the flow passage.
The flow passage may extend from the article receptacle to the filter cavity.
The flow passage may have a length to diameter ratio of at least 5, and optionally at least 10.
The flow passage may comprise a plurality of flow passage members.
The flow passage may extend along a longitudinal axis of the device.
The aerosol provision device may comprise a heating element.
The heating element may protrude in the heating zone.
The heating element may define at least part of the heating zone.
The article receptacle may comprise the heating element.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising a receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol generating element comprising aerosol-generating material, the receptacle being disposed at a first end of the device, a cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of a filter element, the cavity disposed at a second end of the device, the second end being opposite to the first end, and a flow passage between the receptacle and the cavity, and a consumable comprising an aerosol generating element, and a filter element.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a consumable for an aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol generating element comprising aerosol generating material, and a filter element, wherein the aerosol generating element and the filter element are arranged to be separably insertable into the aerosol provision device.
The aerosol generating element and the filter element may be discrete elements.
The aerosol generating element and the filter element may be separable.
The consumable may comprise a juncture between the aerosol generating element and the filter element, the aerosol generating element and the filter element being arranged to be separated along the juncture.
The juncture may comprise a region of weakness.
The consumable may comprise a wrap around the aerosol generating element. The wrap may comprise at least one of an area of reduced thickness, perforations, a line of partial cut-through, and a separation line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exterior of an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device, a filter element and an article containing aerosol generating material;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows an end view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a consumable for use in the aerosol generating system shown in FIG. 1 .

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 flavorants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may 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. Aerosol-generating 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 aerosol-generating 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 aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % 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 aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material 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 energized 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 aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
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 volatilize 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.
FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol generating system 100. The system 100 comprises an aerosol generating device 102 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material, and a consumable 105. The consumable 105 comprises an article 104 comprising aerosol generating material, and a filter element 106 for filtering air which has passed through the article 104. The article 104 and the filter element 106 are separate discrete elements. The article 104 acts as an aerosol generating element. The article 104 is replaceable. The filter element 106 is replaceable. Although described as a consumable 105 herein, it will be understood that the article 104 and the filter element 106 may be separably provided, and may be separably replaceable. The filter element 106 may be replaceable after a different number of uses than that of the article 104. The filter element 106 is interchangeable with another filter element 106. The article 104 is interchangeable with another article 104. The filter element 106 protrudes from the device to be received by a user's mouth. As the user does not use the article 104 as a mouthpiece, the article may be fully received in the device 102. In embodiments, the article 104 protrudes from the device to allow ease of insertion and removal.
The device 102 is a non-combustible aerosol generating device 102. The device 102 can be used to heat the article 104 comprising the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material which can be inhaled by a user of the device 102. The device 102 includes an aerosol generator for heating the article 104 comprising aerosol generating material. It will be appreciated that the device 102 may include other components not shown in FIG. 1 .
The device 102 comprises a body 103 defining a longitudinal axis 108 along which the article 104 and filter element 106 extend when received into the device 102. The device 102 is configured so that airflow through the device 102 travels into one end 110 of the body 103 and out of another end 112 of the body 103 and generally along the longitudinal axis 108. The device 102 is elongate and has two ends 110, 112.
A first end 110 is able to receive the article 104, and a second end 112 is able to receive the filter element 106. A receptacle 114 for receiving the article 104 is defined in a first end 110. The receptacle 114 acts as an article receptacle. The receptacle 114 defines a heating zone. A cavity 116 for receiving the filter element 106 is located in a second end 112. The cavity 116 acts as a filter cavity. The two ends 110, 112 of the device are flat and the device 102 has a generally tubular outline with a generally oval cross section. However, alternative elongate shapes may be provided, and the ends 110, 112 may not be flat.
The body 103 has end surfaces of the device 102. The second end 112 of the device 102 closest to the cavity 116 may be known as the proximal end 112 (or mouth end) of the device 102 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts a filter element 106 into the cavity 116, operates the aerosol generator to begin heating the aerosol generating material in the article receptacle 114 and draws on the aerosol generated in the device 102. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 102 along a flow path towards the proximal end 112 of the device 102.
The other, first, end 110 of the device 102 furthest away from the cavity 116 may be known as the distal end 110 of the device 102 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 102, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end 112 of the device 102. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 102 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 108.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 . A cross section of the receptacle 114 is generally cylindrical in shape. The receptacle 114 extends into the device 102 at the distal end 112. A central axis of the receptacle 114 extends along the longitudinal axis 108 of the device 102. In other embodiments, the receptacle is not cylindrical in shape and may, for example, have an oval or rectangular cross section. The receptacle 114 is shaped to complement or match the shape of a replaceable article so that the article 104 fits into the receptacle 114. The receptacle 114 is open at the first end 110 of the device to allow a replaceable article 104 to be placed therein.
The cavity 116 is also generally cylindrical in shape. A central axis of the cavity 116 coincides with the longitudinal axis 108 of the device 102 and is also open at the second or proximal end 112 to allow a filter element 106 (not shown) to be placed therein. The cavity 116 is shaped to complement or match the shape of a filter element 106 so that the filter element 106 fits into the cavity 116. The cavity 116 has a smaller diameter compared with a diameter of the receptacle 114. However, the cavity 116 and the receptacle 114 may have the same diameter or the diameter of the cavity 116 may be larger than the diameter of the receptacle 114.
The device 102 comprises a flow passage 118 extending between the receptacle 114 and the cavity 116. The flow passage 118 provides a path for airflow through the device 102. The device 102 comprises a converging portion 122 between the receptacle 114 and the flow passage 118. The converging portion 122 provides a gradual decrease in cross sectional area from the receptacle 114 to the flow passage 118. This may help to avoid increase turbulence of flow. In other embodiments, a converging portion is not present.
The flow passage 118 extends directly from the receptacle 114 to the cavity 116. However, in other embodiments the flow passage 118 may not extend directly from the receptacle 114 to the cavity 116 and there may be other components or passages there between. The flow passage 118 is in fluid communication with both the receptacle 114 and the cavity 116 to allow flow of air from the receptacle 114 to the cavity 116.
The flow passage 118 is elongate in shape. The flow passage 118 acts to space the cavity 116 apart from the receptacle 114. The flow passage 118 increases the distance and a flow path length between the cavity 116 and the receptacle 114 (as described in more detail in relation to FIG. 4 ).
The flow passage 118 illustrated is cylindrical in shape. However, other elongate shapes may be provided, for example an elongate shape with an oval or square cross section. The central axis of the flow passage 118 illustrated is linear, however in other embodiments the central axis is not linear and the flow passage 118 follows a non-linear path. The flow passage 118 may have a length to diameter ratio of at least five, and in embodiments a ratio of at least ten. The cross sectional area of the flow passage 118 is smaller than the cross sectional area of both the receptacle 114 and the cavity 116. This may help the flow passage 118 to provide resistance (by friction) to airflow through it. In other embodiments, the cross sectional area of the flow passage 118 may be the same as or larger than the cross sectional area of the receptacle 114 and the cavity 116. Although one flow passage 118 is shown in this embodiment, in other embodiments multiple flow passages 118 are provided.
The flow passage 118 increases the length of the flow path of air through the device 102. This means that the first end 110 can be spaced further apart from the second end 112. It also means that the air has further to travel from the receptacle 114 to the cavity 116. There are various advantages to this arrangement, as explained in more detail below.
The flow passage 118 is defined by a tubular member 120 within the device. As air flows through the passage 118 the inner surface of the tubular member 120 exerts frictional forces on the airflow in the opposite direction to the airflow direction. This frictional force can be felt by the user when inhaling, as described in more detail in relation to FIG. 4 . In other embodiments, the device 102 does not comprise a tubular member 120 and the passage 118 is instead defined by a bore formed in the body 103.
The device 102 has a shoulder 124 between the passage 118 and the cavity 116. The shoulder 124 acts as a stop for a filter element 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 ) when inserted into the cavity 116 to limit insertion of the filter element 106 in the cavity 116. In other embodiments, a stop for the filter element 106 is provided in the form of a flange or other protrusion. The stop is configured so that the filter element 106 protrudes from the cavity 116. The protruding portion is useable as a mouthpiece. In embodiments, the device 102 comprises a mouthpiece. In such an embodiment, the cavity 116 may be configured to fully receive the filter element 106.
The device 102 may comprise a user-operable control element (not shown), such as a button or switch, which operates the device 102 when operated, e.g. pressed. For example, a user may activate the device 102 by pressing the switch.
The device 102 includes an aerosol generator for heating a replaceable article 104 comprising aerosol generating material. The aerosol generator includes a heating assembly 126. The apparatus also includes a controller 128 and a power source 130. The heating assembly 126 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material inserted into the device 102, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating material. The power source 130 supplies electrical power to the heating assembly 126, and the heating assembly 126 converts the supplied electrical energy into heat energy for heating the aerosol-generating material.
The power source 130 illustrated is a battery which may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. 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 power source 130 may be electrically coupled to the heating assembly 126 to supply electrical power when required and under control of the controller 128 to heat the aerosol generating material. The control circuit may be configured to activate and deactivate the heating assembly 126 based on a user operating the control element. For example, the controller 128 may activate the heating assembly 126 in response to a user operating the switch (not shown).
The heating assembly 126 may comprise various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 104 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting heating element (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 heating element suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the heating element. The heating element is also known as a susceptor. The heating element 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 heating element 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 heating element, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive element and the heating element, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.
The device 102 comprises a heating element 132. The heating element 132 is in the form of an elongate member which protrudes in the receptacle 114. The elongate member may be configured as a pin or blade, for example. The heating element 132 extends into the article 104 when the article 104 is inserted into the device 102. The heating element 132 acts as an internal heating element. The heating element 132 acts to heat the article 104. In other embodiments, the heating element 132 may be an external heating element. The heating element in embodiments encircles an article 104 or the device 102 may comprise both an internal or external heating element. The external heating element encircles the heating zone. In embodiments, the heating element defines the heating zone. The heating element forms at least part of the receptacle 114.
In other embodiments, the feature acting as the heating element 132 may not be limited to being inductively heated. The feature, acting as the heating element may be heatable by electrical resistance, for example. The aerosol generator 200 may 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 114 acts as a heating chamber and is configured and dimensioned to receive the article 104 to be heated. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the first side 110 of the device 102 without an article 104 inserted in the receptacle 114. The receptacle 114 is open at the first end 110 of the device, and closed by a base wall 134 at an interior end of the receptacle 114. The wall 134 acts as a stop when an article 104 is inserted. The wall 134 has four holes 136 formed therein to allow airflow from the receptacle 114 to the passage 118. The number of holes may vary and may be a single hole. The wall can have different configurations and may be a fluid permeable member. The holes 136 may provide further resistance to airflow through the device 102. In other embodiments, the device 102 does not have a wall 134 and the receptacle 114 is instead open at its interior end.
A shoulder in embodiments is provided between the receptacle 114 and the flow passage 118. Also shown is the heating element 132 which extends or protrudes into the receptacle 114 from the wall 134. The wall 134 acts as a receptacle base. The device 102 may also have a connector 138 for connecting to a power source and/or for data transfer.
FIG. 4 illustrates the system 100 in use. As shown, an article 104 has been placed into the receptacle 114. A filter element 106 has been placed into the cavity 116. The filter element 106 protrudes from the second end 112 of the device 102. This protruded portion can be used as a mouthpiece for the user. In use, the user heats the article 104 by turning on the device 102. Once the device 102 has sufficiently heated the article 104 such that it has started to produce aerosol generating material, the user can inhale aerosol generating material using the filter element 106 as a mouthpiece. As illustrated by arrows, this inhalation causes air to flow into the receptacle 114 from the first end 110. There, it combines with aerosol generated in the article 104. The aerosol then travels through the device 102 and through the filter element 116 to the user. The airflow path is defined by the holes 136 in the wall 134, the converging portion 122, the passage 118, and the filter element 106. Once the aerosol has travelled along this path it can be inhaled by the user, allowing the user to ingest the aerosol generated by the article 104.
The filter element 106 acts as a filter to prevent inhalation of particles of a certain size and/or type by the user. The amount and type of filtration can be chosen depending on the device at hand and user preferences.
FIG. 5 illustrates a consumable 105 comprising an aerosol generating element or article 104 and a filter element 106. The aerosol generating element 104 may be suitable for placement a receptacle 114 in the device 102 described above. The filter element 106 may be suitable for placement a cavity 116 in the device 102 described above. The consumable 105 has a juncture 107 between the aerosol generating element 104 and the filter element 106. The juncture 107 has a line of weakness so that the aerosol generating element 104 and the filter element 106 are separable along the juncture 107. The line of weakness may allow the user to separate the aerosol generating element 104 from the filter element 106 manually by pulling them apart, for example. The aerosol generating element 104 and the filter element 106 illustrated in FIG. 5 have the same diameter. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating element 104 and the filter element 106 may have different diameters.
The passage 118 acts to space apart the receptacle 114 from the cavity 116. This may help to reduce the temperature of the air being ingested by the user, as the air cools as it travels through the passage 118. This can reduce the phenomenon of “hot puff” and avoid the user from harm due to hot temperatures.
The presence of the passage 118 allows for a more elongate shaped device 102. By more elongate it is meant that a ratio of a length of the device by a width or height of the device can be higher than a device without the passage 118. For example, an elongate device 102 may have a length to width or height ratio of at least 3, or at least 6. Providing a more elongate device 102 may help to improve the ergonomics of the device, as the device may be easier to hold. An elongate device may also be more familiar to the user as it may more closely resemble the shape of a cigarette, for example.
The passage 118 helps to provide resistance to airflow through the device 102. This is because when the airflow travels through the passageway 118 it experiences a frictional force from walls of the passageway 118. This resistance to flow can be experienced by the user when they inhale. This may help to improve the user experience. It may be more familiar to the user because it may more closely resemble a cigarette, for example.
The device 102, with the passage 118, also allows the article 104 comprising aerosol generating material to be separate from the filter element 106. This means that the filter element 106 can be replaced at a different frequency to the article 104. This is advantageous because the filter element 106 may not need to be replaced as frequently as the article 104. Therefore, because the article 104 and the filter element 106 are separate, the article 104 can be replaced without replacing the filter element 106. This may help to reduce cost and waste because the filter element 106 is not needlessly replaced prematurely, as may be the case for a consumable with an integral article and filter.
In any of the embodiments described, the device 102 may be configured to heat the article by producing a varying magnetic field configured to heat a susceptor heating element positioned within the article. That is, the article itself may comprise a heating element. When located in the heating region, the heating element positioned within the article generates heat in the presence of the varying magnetic field and thereby heats the article and produces aerosolized material from the aerosol-generating material.
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 utilized 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 generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising:

an article receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-generating material, the article receptacle being disposed at a first end of the device;

a filter cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of a filter element, the filter cavity disposed at a second end of the device, the second end being opposite to the first end; and

a flow passage between the article receptacle and the filter cavity.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the flow passage is elongate.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, comprising a tubular member defining the flow passage.

4. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the flow passage is less than the cross-sectional area of the heating zone defined by the article receptacle.

5. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the flow passage is less than the cross-sectional area of the filter cavity.

6. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, comprising a shoulder at an internal end of the filter cavity.

7. The aerosol provision device of claim any of elaims 1, comprising a converging portion from the article receptacle to the flow passage.

8. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the flow passage extends from the article receptacle to the filter cavity.

9. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the flow passage extends along a longitudinal axis of the device.

10. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, comprising a heating element.

11. The aerosol provision device of claim 10, wherein the heating element protrudes in the heating zone.

12. The aerosol provision device of claim 10, wherein the heating element defines at least part of the heating zone.

13. The aerosol provision device of claim 12, wherein the article receptacle comprises the heating element.

14. An aerosol provision system comprising:

an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising:

a receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol generating element comprising aerosol-generating material, the receptacle being disposed at a first end of the device,

a cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of a filter element, the cavity disposed at a second end of the device, the second end being opposite to the first end, and

a flow passage between the receptacle and the cavity; and

a consumable comprising:

an aerosol generating element, and

a filter element.

15. A consumable for an aerosol provision device comprising:

an aerosol generating element comprising aerosol generating material; and

a filter element; wherein the aerosol generating element and the filter element are arranged to be separably insertable into the aerosol provision device.

16. The consumable of claim 15, wherein the aerosol generating element and the filter element are discrete elements.

17. The consumable of claim 15, wherein the aerosol generating element and the filter element are separable.

18. The consumable of claim 17, wherein the consumable comprises a juncture between the aerosol generating element and the filter element, the aerosol generating element and the filter element being arranged to be separated along the juncture.

19. The consumable of claim 18, wherein the juncture comprises a region of weakness.