WO2024153762A1

WO2024153762A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: WO2024153762A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/051189
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Holford
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-01-18
Filing date: 2024-01-18
Publication date: 2024-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-18
Also published as: TW202434130A; EP4651748A1; GB202300725D0

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device (100) comprising: a heating chamber (210) configured to receive an article comprising aerosol generating material (150); and an airflow chamber (310a) in fluid communication with the heating chamber (210), wherein the airflow chamber (310a) comprises one or more lateral apertures (350,360) configured to allow vapour to escape from the airflow chamber (310a).

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a heating chamber configured to receive an article comprising aerosol generating material; and an airflow chamber in fluid communication with the heating chamber, wherein the airflow chamber comprises one or more lateral apertures configured to allow vapour to escape from the airflow chamber.

The airflow chamber may comprise an inlet conduit.

Optionally, the airflow chamber comprises a first end having a first opening and a second end having a second opening, wherein air is arranged to pass, in use, through the first opening into the airflow chamber and then pass through the second opening into the heating chamber.

Optionally, the airflow chamber comprises a side wall and wherein the one or more lateral apertures extend through the sidewall of the airflow chamber.

Optionally, the airflow chamber extends in a first longitudinal direction and wherein the one or more lateral apertures are inclined at an angle a to the first longitudinal direction, wherein a < 30°, 30-45°, 45-60°, 60-75°, 75-90°, 90-115 °, 115-130°, 130-145°, 145-160° or > 160°.

Optionally, the airflow chamber fluidly connects the heating chamber to an external opening at an exterior of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the heating chamber is arranged to receive an article comprising aerosol generating material at a proximal end of the aerosol provision device, and wherein the external opening is arranged at a distal end of the aerosol provision device, the distal end of the aerosol provision device being opposed to the proximal end of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the airflow chamber extends from the heating chamber in a direction towards the distal end of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises one or more discharge channels which are arranged to allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures to escape to the exterior of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the one or more lateral apertures comprise a first set of lateral apertures and a second set of lateral apertures, wherein the first and second sets of lateral apertures are arranged at different circumferential positions and/or radial positions and/or axial positions.

Optionally, vapour is allowed or encouraged to escape from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures due to a differential air pressure being created across at least a portion of the airflow chamber.

Optionally, the one or more lateral apertures comprise a first set of one or more lateral apertures and a second set of one or more lateral apertures. Optionally, the airflow chamber is arranged such that air passes, in use, along a flow path from a region which is external to the aerosol provision device, through the first set of one or more lateral apertures, through at least a portion of the airflow chamber and then out of the aerosol provision device via the second set of one or more lateral apertures.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises one or more discharge channels for allowing vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures to escape from the aerosol provision device, the one or more discharge channels being in fluid communication with the one or more lateral apertures and the exterior of the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the one or more discharge channels comprise a first discharge channel and a second discharge channel, the first discharge channel being arranged to allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the exterior at a first side of the aerosol provision device, and the second discharge channel being arranged to allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the exterior at a second different side of the aerosol provision device. The second side may be opposed to the first side.

Optionally, the first set of one or more lateral apertures has a first cross-sectional area A1 and wherein the second set of one or more lateral apertures has a second cross-sectional area A2, wherein either: (i) A1 > A2; or (ii) A2 > A1.

According to various embodiments A1 may be < 1 mm², 1-2 mm², 2-3 mm², 3-4 mm², 4-5 mm², 5-6 mm², 6-7 mm², 7-8 mm², 8-9 mm², 9-10 mm² or > 10 mm². According to various embodiments A2 may be < 1 mm², 1-2 mm², 2-3 mm², 3-4 mm², 4-5 mm², 5-6 mm², 6-7 mm², 7-8 mm², 8-9 mm², 9-10 mm² or > 10 mm².

Optionally, the aerosol provision device further comprises an airflow provision device arranged to force vapour to exit from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures.

Optionally, the airflow provision device is arranged to force air through the airflow chamber so as to cause vapour to escape from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures.

Optionally, the airflow provision device comprises one or more fans and/or one or more pumps.

Optionally, the airflow provision device is arranged to create a pressure differential in the airflow chamber such that vapour within the airflow chamber is forced or caused to exit the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures.

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

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

According to various embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising an airflow chamber, wherein the airflow chamber comprises one or more lateral apertures for allowing vapour to escape from the airflow chamber.

According to various embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising an airflow chamber having an air inlet conduit and one or more lateral apertures for allowing vapour to escape from the airflow chamber.

According to various embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising an airflow chamber and a fan for causing air to enter the airflow chamber and/or for causing vapour to exit the airflow chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fig. 6 shows an enlarged cross sectional view of an airflow chamber of an aerosol provision device according to various embodiments wherein one or more lateral apertures are provided in the side wall of the airflow chamber allowing vapour to escape from the airflow chamber via one or more discharge channels (not shown);

Fig. 7 shows a cross sectional view of an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol generating material and shows one or more discharge channels;

Fig. 8A shows an example of an aerosol provision device according to various embodiments wherein vapour may escape from an airflow chamber to the exterior of an aerosol provision device via two discharge channels provided on opposite sides of the aerosol provision device and wherein air is not forced through the aerosol provision device and Fig. 8B shows an example of an aerosol provision device according to various embodiments wherein vapour may escape from an airflow chamber to the exterior of an aerosol provision device via a discharge channel and wherein air is forced through the aerosol provision device;

Fig. 9 shows a cross sectional view of an aerosol provision device according to various embodiments wherein the discharge channels are provided to allow vapour within an airflow chamber of the aerosol provision device to escape to the exterior of the aerosol provision device; and

Fig. 10 shows an example of an aerosol provision device according to various embodiments wherein three discharge channels are provided in order to allow vapour to escape from within an airflow chamber of the aerosol provision device to the exterior of the aerosol provision device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A susceptor is a heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrical ly-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically- conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The aerosol provision device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein. Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.

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

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

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

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

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision device 100 which is arranged to generate aerosol from an article 150 comprising aerosol generating material. The article 150 may be inserted, in use, into the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 is an elongate structure, extending along a longitudinal axis. The aerosol provision device has a proximal end 110 which is closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 also has a distal end 120 which will be furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end 110 may also be referred to as the “mouth end”. The aerosol provision device 100 also accordingly defines a proximal direction, which is directed towards the user when in use, i.e. in the direction from the distal end 120 to the proximal end 110. Further, the aerosol provision device 100 also likewise defines a distal direction, which is directed away from the user when in use, i.e. in the direction from the proximal end 110 to the distal end 120. The proximal and distal direction may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100.

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

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

The heating element 235 may at least partially surround the heating chamber 210. For example, the heating element 235 may encircle the heating chamber 210. The heating element 235 may be substantially tubular. According to various embodiments the heating element 235 may comprise a susceptor which is indirectly heated by one of more induction coils.

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

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

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

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

The condensation chamber 310 may be arranged to fluidically connect the heating chamber 210 with an external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. The inlet conduit 320 and the condensation chamber 310 provide a flow path configured to support an air flow. The flow path extends from the heating chamber 210 to the external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. The inlet conduit 320 and condensation chamber 310 have an interior surface which is exposed to air which flows along the inlet conduit 320 e.g. from the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100 through the condensation chamber 310 to the heating chamber 210. The condensation chamber 310, acting as the airflow chamber, allows air to flow from the external opening 330 through the condensation chamber 310 and into the heating chamber 210, during use of the aerosol provision device 100. Fig. 3A shows in more detail the flow of air within the condensation chamber 310 and the article 150 when a user draws on the article 150. The condensation chamber 310 is fluidly connected to the heating chamber (not shown).

During use the heating assembly (not shown) is used to heat the article 150 which is received in the heating chamber (not shown). When a user draws on the article 150, air may be drawn into the aerosol provision device through an external opening 330. Air is then drawn along and through an inlet conduit 320 and through the condensation chamber 310 prior to flowing towards the heating chamber 210 and in particular the distal end of the article 150. Air which enters the aerosol provision device may be relatively cool. As the cool air passes through the inlet conduit 320 and the condensation chamber 310 in the direction of the heating chamber 210 and the distal end of the article 150, the inlet conduit 320 and condensation chamber 320 may be cooled by the incoming air.

When air moves in the direction of the heating chamber 210 and enters the distal end of the article 150, the air passing within the article 150 becomes heated. The warmed air may then collect or entrain aerosol which has been generated by heating of the aerosol generating material of the article 150 by the heating assembly (not shown). The air and aerosol may then be drawn out of the article 150 so as to be inhaled by a user.

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

Fig. 4A illustrates that between uses (i.e. when the user is not drawing on the article 150), air which may contain vapour may exit the article 150 and/or exit from the heating chamber 210. This warm air comprising vapour may then enter the condensation chamber 310 and continue towards the inlet conduit 320. However, the inlet conduit 320 and condensation chamber 310 may be cooler than the temperature of the air exiting the article 150 and/or the heating chamber 210. As a result, there is a tendency for the vapour to condense within the condensation chamber 310 e.g. on the walls of the condensation chamber 310 and/or inlet conduit 320. It is also noted that warm air comprising vapour which enters the condensation chamber 310 may be met by an opposed flow of relatively cool air which enters the inlet conduit 320 via an external opening 330.

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

Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional view of an aerosol provision device 100 wherein a condensation chamber 310 is provided which is fluidly connected to the heating chamber 210 and the external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100 does not comprise apertures. In such an arrangement, the paths for vapour to escape the condensation chamber 310 may be limited.

Fig. 6 shows an enlarged cross sectional view of selected internal components of an aerosol provision device 100 according to various embodiments. In particular, according to various embodiments the potential problem of vapour condensing within a condensation chamber is addressed. It will be understood that it is generally undesirable for condensation or condensate to form in a condensation chamber and the condensation or condensate may collect within a distal end of an aerosol provision device. Also, the condensation may then drip out of the distal end of the aerosol provision device which is undesirable from a user perspective.

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

According to various embodiments an aerosol provision device 100 is provided which includes a heating chamber 210 for receiving an article (not shown). The heating chamber 210 is shown abutting an airflow chamber 310a having an inlet conduit portion 320.

The inlet conduit 320 and/or the airflow chamber 310a may be elongate, extending in a first direction along a longitudinal axis. The first direction may extend from the heating chamber 210 in the distal direction e.g. from the base 215 of the heating chamber 210 towards the distal end 120 of the aerosol provision device 100. The longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 320 and the airflow chamber 310a may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100.

The longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 320 and the airflow chamber 310a may also be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 210. An external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100 may be arranged at the distal end 210 of the aerosol provision device 100. The inlet conduit 320 and airflow chamber 310a may comprise a first end (e.g. a distal end) having a first opening 321 and a second end (e.g. a proximal end) having a second opening 322.

Air may be arranged to pass, in use, through the first opening 321 into the inlet conduit 320 and the airflow chamber 310a before then passing through the second opening 322 into the heating chamber 210. It will be apparent that the first opening 321 is fluidly connected to the heating chamber 210. Equally, the second opening 322 is fluidly connected to the external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100.

The width of the volume within the inlet conduit 320 and the airflow chamber 310a may be different from, for example less than, the width of the heating chamber 210. For instance, an average width value may be less than an average width value of the heating chamber 210. This may, for example, provide the user with a desirable amount of draw or impedance to flow.

The aerosol provision device 100 further comprises one or more lateral apertures 350,360 which are arranged to allow vapour to escape from the airflow chamber 310a. Each of the lateral apertures 350,360 may be arranged to allow the vapour to escape from the airflow chamber 310a. The one or more lateral apertures 350,360 may extend in a direction which is at an angle of at least 10°, at least 20°, at least 30° or at least 40° to the longitudinal direction of the inlet conduit 320 and the airflow chamber 310a.

The one or more lateral apertures 350,360 may extend through a side wall of the airflow chamber 310a. The side wall of the airflow chamber 310a and inlet conduit 320 may extend from the first opening 321 to the second opening 322. Vapour which escapes from the airflow chamber 310a via the one or more lateral apertures 350,360 may then pass through one or more discharge channels (not shown) and then exit the aerosol provision device 100.

As shown in Fig. 7, the one or more lateral apertures may be arranged such that the vapour which passes therethrough and which hence escapes the airflow chamber 310a may arrive at one or more discharge channels 370 which are in fluid communication both with the one or more lateral apertures and the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. The one or more discharge channels 370 allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber 310a via the one or more apertures to escape to the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. As a result, vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber 310a via the one or more lateral apertures may then be discharged to the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100 via the one or more discharge channels 370.

With reference to Fig. 6, according to various embodiments the one or more lateral apertures 350,360 may have a cross-sectional area < 1 mm², 1-2 mm², 2-3 mm², 3-4 mm², 4-5 mm², 5-6 mm², 6-7 mm², 7-8 mm², 8-9 mm², 9-10 mm², or > 10 mm².

The one or more lateral apertures 350,360 may comprise a first set of one or more lateral apertures 350 and a second set of one or more lateral apertures 360. The lateral apertures of the first set of one or more lateral apertures 350 may have a different size e.g. average cross sectional area or length compared to the lateral apertures of the second set of one or more lateral apertures 360. This may have the result that different pressures are created in each set of lateral apertures, resulting in the creation of a flow of air from one of the sets of lateral apertures to the other set of lateral apertures.

Each set of one or more lateral apertures 350,360 may be respectively grouped together, such that each set of one or more lateral apertures 350,360 are positioned within a respective contiguous region, each region being non-overlapping and distant from one another.

The first set of one or more lateral apertures 350 may be arranged on a first side of the airflow chamber 310a and the second set of lateral apertures 360 may be arranged on a second different side of the airflow chamber 310. The second side of the airflow chamber 310a may be opposed to the first side of the airflow chamber 310a. For example, an angle of at least 150° about the centre of the airflow chamber 310a may separate the average position of the first set of one or more lateral apertures 350 from the average position of the second set of one or more lateral apertures 360. Such arrangements may assist with ensuring that a flow of air between the first set of one or more lateral apertures 350 to the second set of one or more lateral apertures 360 passes through the centre of the airflow chamber 310a.

As shown in Fig. 8A, one or more discharge channels 370,380 may comprise a first discharge channel 370 and a second discharge channel 380. According to various embodiments a first discharge channel 370 may be arranged to allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the exterior on a first side of the aerosol provision device 100. A second discharge channel 380 may be arranged to allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the exterior on a second side of the aerosol provision device 100. The second side may be opposed to the first side.

According to various embodiments wherein a first set of one or more lateral apertures and a second set of one or more lateral apertures are provided, the first discharge channel 370 may be fluidly connected to the first set of one or more lateral apertures while the second discharge channel 380 may be fluidly connected to the second set of one or more lateral apertures.

The aerosol provision device 100 may further comprise an airflow provision device which is arranged to force air to exit from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures. A controller may also be provided which may be configured to control the airflow provision device. The airflow provision device may comprise, for example, a fan for actively forcing air and/or a pump for actively forcing air.

The controller may be configured to activate the airflow provision device e.g. when plugged in or after a session of use. According to other embodiments the airflow provision device may be activated in between puffs during a session of use.

As shown in Fig. 8B, according to various embodiments an airflow provision device may be provided which is arranged to force a flow of air into the airflow chamber through a first set of one or more lateral apertures via a first discharge channel 370 from the exterior of the aerosol provision device 100. Air is then forced out of the airflow chamber through a second set of one or more lateral apertures and is forced out of the aerosol provision device 100 via a second discharge channel 380.

According to various embodiments the one or more lateral apertures may comprise a third set of one or more lateral apertures. A first set, second set and third set of one or more of lateral apertures may be respectively grouped together. Each of the first, second and third sets of one or more lateral apertures may be arranged in or on a different first, second and third respective side of the condensation chamber. For example, an angle of at least 60°, at least 70 °, at least 80 °, or at least 90⁰ may separate the average position of each of the first, second and third sets of one or more lateral apertures from the average position of each other set of one or more lateral apertures.

As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the one or more discharge channels may comprise a third discharge channel 390 in addition to a first discharge channel 370 and a second discharge channel 380 as discussed above. The third discharge channel 390 may be arranged to allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the exterior on a third side of the aerosol provision device 100, which is different to a first side and a second side.

According to various embodiments a first discharge channel 370 may be fluidly connected to a first set of one or more lateral apertures. A second discharge channel 380 may be fluidly connected to a second set of one or more lateral apertures. A third discharge channel 390 may be fluidly connected to a third set of one or more lateral apertures. It will be understood that according to various embodiments an aerosol provision device is provided comprising an airflow chamber in fluid communication with a heating chamber, the airflow chamber forming a condensation chamber. The condensation chamber comprises one or more lateral apertures configured to allow vapour to escape from the condensation chamber. As a result, an undesirable build up of condensate within the condensation chamber can be avoided.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1 . An aerosol provision device comprising: a heating chamber configured to receive an article comprising aerosol generating material; and an airflow chamber in fluid communication with the heating chamber, wherein the airflow chamber comprises one or more lateral apertures configured to allow vapour to escape from the airflow chamber.

2. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the airflow chamber comprises a first end having a first opening and a second end having a second opening, wherein air is arranged to pass, in use, through the first opening into the airflow chamber and then pass through the second opening into the heating chamber.

3. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the airflow chamber comprises a side wall and wherein the one or more lateral apertures extend through the sidewall of the airflow chamber.

4. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the airflow chamber extends in a first longitudinal direction and wherein the one or more lateral apertures are inclined at an angle a to the first longitudinal direction, wherein a < 30°, SO- 45⁰, 45-60°, 60-75°, 75-90°, 90-115 °, 115-130°, 130-145°, 145-160° or > 160°.

5. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the airflow chamber fluidly connects the heating chamber to an external opening at an exterior of the aerosol provision device.

6. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the heating chamber is configured to receive an article comprising aerosol generating material at a proximal end of the aerosol provision device, and wherein the external opening is arranged at a distal end of the aerosol provision device, the distal end of the aerosol provision device being opposed to the proximal end of the aerosol provision device.

7. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the airflow chamber extends from the heating chamber in a direction towards the distal end of the aerosol provision device.

8. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises one or more discharge channels which are arranged to allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures to escape to the exterior of the aerosol provision device.

9. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more lateral apertures comprises a first set of lateral apertures and a second set of lateral apertures, wherein the first and second sets of lateral apertures are arranged at different circumferential positions and/or radial positions and/or axial positions.

10. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein vapour is allowed or encouraged to escape from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures due to a differential air pressure being created across at least a portion of the airflow chamber.

11. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more lateral apertures comprises a first set of one or more lateral apertures and a second set of one or more lateral apertures.

12. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the airflow chamber is arranged such that air passes, in use, along a flow path from a region external to the aerosol provision device, through the first set of one or more lateral apertures, through at least a portion of the airflow chamber and then out of the aerosol provision device via the second set of one or more lateral apertures.

13. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, further comprising one or more discharge channels for allowing vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures to escape the aerosol provision device, the one or more discharge channels being in fluid communication with the one or more lateral apertures and the exterior of the aerosol provision device.

14. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the one or more discharge channels comprises a first discharge channel and a second discharge channel, the first discharge channel being arranged to allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the exterior at a first side of the aerosol provision device, and the second discharge channel being arranged to allow vapour which has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the exterior at a second different side of the aerosol provision device, the second side being opposed to the first side.

15. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 12, 13 or 14, wherein the first set of one or more lateral apertures has a first cross-sectional area A1 and wherein the second set of one or more lateral apertures has a second cross-sectional area A2, wherein either: (i) A1 > A2; or (ii) A2 > A1.

16. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an airflow provision device arranged to force vapour to exit from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures.

17. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the airflow provision device is arranged to force air through the airflow chamber so as to cause vapour to escape from the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures.

18. An aerosol provision device as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the airflow provision device comprises one or more fans and/or one or more pumps.

19. An aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 16, 17, or 18, wherein the airflow provision device is arranged to create a pressure differential in the airflow chamber such that vapour within the airflow chamber is forced or caused to exit the airflow chamber via the one or more lateral apertures.

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

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