Aerosol provision device

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising aerosol generating material, wherein the device comprises a heat-responsive passively actuated valve. There is also provided article for use with an aerosol provision device, wherein the article comprises aerosol generating material, and a heat-responsive passively actuated valve. Also provided is an aerosol provision system, the system comprising a heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising aerosol generating material. The present invention also relates to an article for use with an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system.

[0004] Background

[0005] 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.

[0006] Summary

[0007] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising aerosol generating material; wherein the device comprises a heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

[0008] At least a portion of the heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be arranged to displace in response to a change of temperature in a component of the heat-responsive valve.

[0009] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may comprise a valve member and a valve seat.

[0010] The valve member may be a deformable member.

[0011] The valve member may comprise a bi-metallic member.

[0012] The valve member may comprise a first portion with a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second portion with a second, different, coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0013] The first portion may comprise copper.

[0014] The second portion may comprise iron. The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may comprise a heating member configured to heat aerosol generating material.

[0015] The valve member may comprise the heating member.

[0016] Aerosol generating material may be provided on the valve member.

[0017] The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol generating gel.

[0018] The valve member may be configured to act as a substrate.

[0019] The aerosol generating material may be bonded to the valve member.

[0020] The valve member may comprise heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

[0021] The valve member may be configured to deform when heated.

[0022] The valve member may be configured to deform into an open condition when the valve member is heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field.

[0023] The aerosol provision device may comprise a magnetic field generator including an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field.

[0024] The valve may comprise a sealing portion.

[0025] The sealing portion may be resilient.

[0026] The sealing portion may be free from heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

[0027] The valve member may be at least substantially planar in at least relatively closed condition.

[0028] The heat-responsive valve may be arranged to displace in response to a component of the valve reaching a predetermined temperature.

[0029] The predetermined temperature may be at least at a volitisation temperature of the aerosol generating material.

[0030] The predetermined temperature may be greater than 150 degrees Celsius, optionally greater than 200 degrees Celsius, optionally greater than 250 degrees Celsius, and optionally greater than 300 degrees Celsius.

[0031] The predetermined temperature may be between 150 and 250 degrees Celsius, and optionally between 180 and 220 degrees Celsius.

[0032] The aerosol provision device may comprise an airflow path through the device, wherein the heat-responsive passively actuated valve is in the airflow path. Displacement of at least part of the heat-responsive valve may control the flow of air along the air-flow path.

[0033] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may act as an air flow restrictor.

[0034] At least a portion of the heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be movable between a relatively closed condition and a relatively open condition.

[0035] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be fully closed in the relatively closed condition.

[0036] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may form a fluid seal in the fully closed condition.

[0037] In the relatively closed condition, the valve member may abut the valve seat.

[0038] In the relatively open condition, the valve member may be spaced apart from the valve seat.

[0039] The aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece, the heat-responsive valve being arranged in the mouthpiece.

[0040] The aerosol provision device may further comprise one or more heating elements.

[0041] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there provided an article for use with an aerosol provision device, wherein the article comprises aerosol generating material, and a heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

[0042] The aerosol provision device may be as described in any of the above.

[0043] The article may comprise the heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

[0044] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve of the article may comprise any of the features described above with respect to the heat-responsive passively actuated valve in the aerosol provision device.

[0045] The article may be an at least substantially planar aerosol generating article.

[0046] The valve may be planar.

[0047] The valve seat may be linear.

[0048] The valve member may be linear.

[0049] The planar aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of aerosol generating zones. In use, an aerosol generating article comprising a plurality of aerosol generating zones may be located adjacent a plurality of heating elements of an aerosol provision device.

[0050] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising aerosol generating material; and an article comprising aerosol generating material, wherein the system comprises a heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

[0051] The aerosol provision system may comprise an airflow path through the device, wherein the heat-responsive passively actuated valve is in the airflow path.

[0052] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be in the airflow path in the device.

[0053] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be in the airflow path in the article.

[0054] The system may comprise the aerosol provision device as described herein.

[0055] The system may comprise the article as described herein.

[0056] The aerosol provision device may comprise the heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

[0057] The article may comprise the heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

[0058] The aerosol generating material may be on the heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

[0059] Displacement of the heat sensitive valve may be arranged to vary a flow of air into at least one of the article and the device so as to vary as least one of the aerosolization of an aerosol and the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to at least one of the article and the device.

[0060] Displacement of the heat sensitive valve may be arranged to vary a flow of air away from at least one of the article and the device so as to vary as least one of the aerosolization of an aerosol and the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to at least one of the article and the device.

[0061] The system may comprise a mouthpiece, the heat-responsive valve being arranged in the mouthpiece.

[0062] The aerosol provision device may comprise the mouthpiece. The article may comprise the mouthpiece.

[0063] The mouthpiece may be separable from a body of the device or article.

[0064] Displacement of at least part of the heat-responsive valve may be arranged to pierce a portion of the article.

[0065] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be a first heat-responsive passively actuated valve, and at least a second heat-responsive passively actuated valve is provided in the article between adjacent aerosol-generating zones.

[0066] The article may comprise an aerosol-generating zone comprising aerosol-generating material.

[0067] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be arranged to control the flow of aerosol from the aerosol-generating zone.

[0068] The system may comprise at least two heat-responsive passively actuated valves provided between an array of aerosol-generating zones.

[0069] The heat-responsive passively actuated valves may be configured such that aerosol is generated from each zone only when the respective heat-responsive passively actuated valve is displaced for that zone.

[0070] The or each aerosol-generating zone comprises a gel portion containing aerosolgenerating material.

[0071] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0072] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an aerosol provision system;

[0074] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision device;

[0075] Figure 3a shows a heat-responsive passively actuated valve in a relatively closed position;

[0076] Figure 3b shows a heat-responsive passively actuated valve in a relatively open position; and

[0077] Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of an article with a heat-responsive passively actuated valve. Detailed Description

[0078] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as 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”.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 aerosolmodifying agent.

[0091] An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosol-generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol-generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article. In the context of this description, the terms “article” and “consumable”, are interchangeable.

[0092] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an aerosol provision device 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material. As Figure 1 is a schematic view, components are not shown to scale and their relative sizes may differ. In broad outline, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 300 comprising aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100. The article 300 and the device 100 together form an aerosol provision system 10.

[0093] The device 100 comprises a main body 101. The main body 101 comprises a receptacle 105 defining a heating zone 114. A housing 102 surrounds and houses various components of the main body 101. An opening 103 is formed at one end of the main body 101. The opening 103 communicates with the heating zone 114. The article 300 may be inserted through the opening 103 into the heating zone 114 for heating by an aerosol generator 150. In use, the article 300 may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 150.

[0094] The main body 101 defines ends of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the opening 103 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 104 of the device 100 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts the article 300 into the opening 103, operates the aerosol generator 150 to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along an air-flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

[0095] The opposing end of the device furthest away from the aperture 103 may be known as the distal end 106 of the device 100 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device 100, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0096] The device 100 also includes a user operable element 200, which operates the device 100 operated. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the user operable element 200. The user operable element 200 may be a button which operates the device when pressed. The user operable element 200 may be assembled as part of the other assemblies of the aerosol provision device 100.

[0097] The device 100 includes an apparatus for heating aerosol-generating material. The apparatus includes an aerosol generating assembly, a controller (control circuit), and a power source. The apparatus forms part of the body 101. The aerosol generating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of an article 300 inserted through the opening 103, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating material. The power source supplies electrical power to the aerosol generating assembly, and the aerosol generating assembly converts the supplied electrical energy into heat energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery.

[0098] The power source may be electrically coupled to the aerosol generating assembly to supply electrical power when required and under control of the controller to heat the aerosol generating material. The control circuit may be configured to activate and deactivate the aerosol generating assembly based on a user input. The user input may be via a button press or opening a door of the device (for example, a door covering an article receiving receptacle). The control circuit may be configured to activate and deactivate automatically, for example on insertion of an article.

[0099] The aerosol generating assembly may comprise various components to heat the aerosol generating material 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 susceptor (heating element) suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

[0100] Referring to Figure 2, a simplified schematic cross sectional view of the device 100 in Figure 1 is shown. The opening 103 is located at the proximal end of the main body 101 of the device. Within the device housing 101 , a heating zone 114 is defined within a receptacle 160 and is surrounded by components of the aerosol generator 150.

[0101] An airflow path 161 through the device is shown. The airflow path 161 extends between the distal end 106 of the device 100 towards the proximal end 104 of the device. In use, Aerosol generated from aerosol generating material flows along airflow path 161.

[0102] The device 100 further comprises a heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500. The heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 is positioned in the air-flow path Y through the device. The valve 500 may be positioned at any point along the longitudinal length of the device.

[0103] The valve 500 physically responds to a temperature change applied to the valve or at least to a portion of the valve. A heat transfer to the valve may be a direct or indirect heat transfer. The change in temperature causes the valve to respond independently without the need for any other input, such as a physical interaction.

[0104] The valve 500 is heat-sensitive. That is, heat causes a physical reaction to at least a portion of the valve.

[0105] In embodiments, the valve 500 is disposed at an upstream end of the airflow path 161 , for example between an air inlet 163 and the heating zone. In embodiments, the valve is at a down stream end of the airflow path 161, for example in a mouthpiece as described below.

[0106] Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, the heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 is shown in relatively closed and relatively open positions respectively.

[0107] The heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 is heated by a component of the device 300. In embodiments, the heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 is heated directly by a heating element of the heating assembly. In embodiments, the heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 is heated indirectly. Indirect heating of the heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 may be provided via heat transfer, such as convection or conductions from a heating element of the heating assembly. In embodiments, the heat- responsive passively actuated valve 500 is heated via induction heating when an element of the heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 is in the presences of a varying magnetic field, as described.

[0108] In response to a change of temperature within a component of the heat-sensitive valve 500, the at least part of the valve 500 displaces between the relatively closed position shown in Fig. 3a and the relatively open position shown in Fig. 3b. The heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 is a two-part component. The valve 500 comprises a first component, valve member 502, and a second component, valve seat 504. In the relatively closed position, the valve member 502 abuts the valve seat 502. Each of the valve member 502 and the valve seat 504 are generally planar.

[0109] The valve member 502 is a deformable member. The valve member 502 is configured to deform when heated. The valve member 502 is formed in two portions: a first portion 506; and a second portion 508. The first portion 506 has a first coefficient of thermal expansion and the second portion 508 has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The two portions may be a bi-metallic member where metallic components are used. The bimetallic member may be a bi-metallic strip for convenience of shape for use in an aerosol provision device. The bi-metallic strip converts the change of temperature into mechanical displacement. The mechanical displacement is an automatic response to the change of temperature.

[0110] For example, the first portion 506 may comprise copper. The first portion 506 may be a copper strip. The second portion 508 may comprise iron. The second portion 508 may be an iron strip. The first portion 506 and the second portion 508 may be bonded together for form the valve member 502. The first portion 506 and the second portion 508 may be bonded with adhesive or other suitable bonding means.

[0111] The valve member 502 is configured to deform in response to a change in temperature in the first portion 506 and the second portion 508. The first portion 506 comprises a metal that expands more than the metal comprised in the second portion 508. This means that the valve member 502 is displaced towards the second portion 508. As shown in Fig. 3b, the valve member 502 bends towards the second portion 508 such that it is spaced apart from the valve seat 504. The valve seat 504 comprises a material that remains substantially rigid in response to a change in temperature. This means that the valve seat 504 provides a suitable contact with the valve member 502 in the closed position such that the valve 500 restricts airflow in the device.

[0112] The valve member 502 and the valve seat 504 may each comprise part of a sealing portion 510. The sealing portion may comprise first sealing part 510a positioned on the valve member, and second sealing part 510b positioned on the valve seat. When the first sealing part 510a and the second sealing part 510b are in contact, an abutment is formed between the valve member 502 and the valve seat 504.

[0113] The sealing component 510 may be resiliently deformable such that a fluid seal is provided when the valve 500 is in the closed position. This means that airflow may be restricted by the valve 500. The first sealing part 510a and the second sealing part 510b may be shaped as opposing semi-circles. This allows for a seal to be maintained in the sealing portion 510 if the relatively positioning of the valve member 502 and the valve seat 504 varies during the lifetime of the device. In embodiments, the sealing portion 510 may be omitted such that the first portion 506 of the valve member 502 directly abuts the valve seat 504.

[0114] In use, air flow along airflow path 161 is restricted by the heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 when it is in the relatively closed position. The valve 500 is in the relatively closed position under normal temperature conditions. This means that aerosol is not delivered to the user while the heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 is in the closed position.

[0115] As described above, the aerosol generator 150 may start heating within the device 100. At least part of the heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 displaces in response to a change of temperature in the valve member 504. The temperature of the valve member is affected by the heating within the device, due to its positioning within the device.

[0116] In response to the temperature of the heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 increasing, the first portion 506 of the valve member 502 expands more than the second portion 504 such that the valve member 502 is displaced away from the valve seat 504. As a result, the valve 500 is displaced to the relatively open position. In the relatively open position, the valve member 506 is spaced apart from the valve seat 508. At least part of the heat-responsive valve may be arranged to displace in response to a component of the valve reaching a predetermined temperature which may be a volatisation temperature of the aerosol generating material. The predetermined temperature may be greater than 150 degrees Celsius, optionally greater than 200 degrees Celsius, or optionally greater than 250 degrees Celsius, and optionally greater than 300 degrees Celsius.

[0117] The predetermined temperature may be between 150 and 250 degrees Celsius, and optionally between 180 and 220 degrees Celsius.

[0118] The displacement of the part of the heat-responsive valve 500 controls the flow of air along the air-flow path 161 in the device 100. As such, the heat-responsive passively actuated valve may act as an air flow restrictor when in the relatively closed position. To entirely restrict airflow, the relatively closed position may be a fully closed position. In the fully closed position, the valve member 502 abuts the valve seat 504 suitably tightly so that no air can pass through the valve 500.

[0119] In embodiments, the valve is configured to displace only in response to the valve reaching a defined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be at least at a volatisation temperature of the aerosol generating material. This means that the valve 500 will not be displaced until after a time that aerosol is being generated in the device. Before this time, airflow is restricted by the valve 500. This ensures that the user will not receive aerosol until the device is ready for use. This optimises the experience for the user since the first puff will be of the desired quality. The thickness of the first portion 506 and the second portion 508 may be varied to achieve the required displacement in response to specific temperature. The metals for use in the first portion 506 and second portion 508 respectively may be selected for the same reason. A relative thickness may used depending on the metal selected for each portion.

[0120] The valve member 506 may be spaced further apart from the valve seat 508 in response to a greater change in temperature so that airflow may be varied depending on how far the valve member 506 is spaced from the valve seat 508. For example, when the valve member 506 is spaced further from the valve seat 508, more air can flow along the airflow path 161.

[0121] In embodiments, a heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 of the type described with reference to figures 3a and 3b may be provided in the article 300 that is insertable into device 100. This is shown in Figure 4. The heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 may comprise any of the features described above with respect to a heat-responsive passively actuated valve in an aerosol provision device.

[0122] The article 300 may comprise an airflow path 162 therein. The heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 may be located within the airflow path of the article 300. This means that airflow through the article 300 may be varied as described above with respect to a heat-responsive passively actuated valve 500 in an airflow path 161 of an aerosol generating device.

[0123] In embodiments, the article 300 may be a generally planar article. This means that the article 300 has a longitudinal length that is greater than the width of the article 300. The depth or thickness of the article 300 is less that the width of the article 300 such that it is substantially flat.

[0124] The article may comprise regions of aerosol generating material; these may also be referred to as aerosol-generating zones. When the article 300 is inserted into a device 100, the aerosol generating zones may located adjacent a plurality of heating elements of an aerosol provision device. The aerosol generating zones may be arranged as an array in or on the article 300. Each aerosol-generating zone comprises a gel portion containing aerosolgenerating material.

[0125] In embodiments, the valve 500 in the article may comprise heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. Heating material may be provided on one or both of the valve member 502 and the valve seat 504. The metal comprised in one or both of the first portion 506 and / or second portion 508 may additionally act as heating material as well as components for displacement of the valve member. The valve member 502 may comprise an additional material on or between its surfaces that may act as a heating member. The heating member in the valve 500 may be used to heat aerosol generating material.

[0126] In embodiments, aerosol generating material may be formed on the valve member 502, such that the valve member 502 is configured to act as a substrate to generate aerosol. The aerosol generating material may be bonded to the valve member 502. The aerosol generating material is provided on an external surface of the valve member 502 such that the aerosol may be released when generated.

[0127] The sealing portion 510 may be free from heating material or aerosol generating material to ensure the reliability of the seal between the valve member 502 and the valve seat 504.

[0128] One or more heat-responsive passively actuated valves 500 may be provided between aerosol generating zones. The heat-responsive passively actuated valve is arranged to control the flow of aerosol from the aerosol-generating zone.

[0129] In an embodiment, a first heat-responsive passively actuated valve is provided adjacent to a first aerosol generating zone. The heat-responsive passively actuated valve controls the flow of aerosol from the first aerosol-generating valve. A second heat- responsive passively actuated valve is provided in the article between the first aerosol generating zone and a second adjacent aerosol-generating zones. In embodiments, further heat-responsive passively actuated valves may be provided between further adjacent aerosol-generating zones.

[0130] Some or each of the heat-responsive passively actuated valves are arranged to displace in response to a component of the valve member reaching different predetermined temperatures in order to vary airflow form each aerosol generating zone. Each heat- responsive passively actuated valve may be configured such that aerosol is generated from each aerosol generating zone only when the part of the respective heat-responsive passively actuated valve is displaced for that zone. In embodiments, different valves may have different thicknesses and / or comprise different materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion. This allows for selective heating of aerosol-generating zones within the article. This can be advantageous to allow for tailored sessions of use and an enhanced user experience.

[0131] In embodiments, the article may comprise a seal that is openable by piercing of the heat-responsive passively actuated valve. In use, a sealed article may be inserted into the heating zone of the device. Heating of the article may begin via the aerosol generator. In response to the heat-responsive passively actuated valve being heated, the valve member may be displaced a predetermined amount such that it is spaced apart from the valve seat. Displacement of the valve member may pierce part of the article such that aerosol is generated and released from the article. In such an arrangement, the heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be provided on the device or on the article.

[0132] In embodiments, a heat-responsive passively actuated valve of the type described herein may be provided on one of both of a device or article in an aerosol provision system. The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be provided in one or both of the airflow paths through one or both of the device or the article.

[0133] In the aerosol provision system, displacement of part of the heat-responsive valve may be arranged to vary a flow of air into at least one of the article and the device so as to vary as least one of the aerosolization of an aerosol and the air to aerosol ratio of a mixture of air and aerosol passing to at least one of the article and the device.

[0134] In embodiments, the device may further comprise a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the device. In embodiments, the article may comprise a mouthpiece at its mouth end. The heat-responsive passively actuated valve may be arranged within the mouthpiece of the device or the article so to vary airflow and / or aerosol from the device to a user via the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be detachable or fixed to the article. In embodiments where the mouthpiece is detachable, the mouthpiece may be attached to a proximal end of the device and separable so that it can replaced or removed for hygiene purposes. The article may comprise the mouthpiece which may be advantageous so that new mouthpieces are provided whenever a new article is provided. 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

CLAIMS1. An aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising aerosol generating material; wherein the device comprises a heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the heat- responsive passively actuated valve is arranged to displace in response to a change of temperature in a component of the heat-responsive valve.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the heat-responsive passively actuated valve acts as an air flow restrictor.

4. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the heat-responsive passively actuated valve is movable between a relatively closed condition and a relatively open condition.

5. The aerosol provision device of claim 4, wherein the heat-responsive passively actuated valve comprises a valve member and a valve seat.

6. The aerosol provision device of claim 5, wherein the valve member is a deformable member.

7. The aerosol provision device of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the valve member comprises a bi-metallic member.

8. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the valve member comprises a first portion with a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second portion with a second coefficient of thermal expansion, the second coefficient of thermal expansion being different to the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

9. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the valve member abuts the valve seat in the relatively closed condition.

10. The aerosol provision device of any of claims claim 5 to 9, wherein the valve member is spaced apart from the valve seat in the relatively open position.

11. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the heat-responsive passively actuated valve comprises a heating member configured to heat aerosol generating material.

12. The aerosol provision device of claim 11, wherein the valve member comprises the heating member.

13. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 5 to 12, wherein the valve member comprises a heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

14. An article for use with an aerosol provision device, wherein the article comprises aerosol generating material, and a heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

15. An aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising aerosol generating material; and an article comprising aerosol generating material, wherein the system comprises a heat-responsive passively actuated valve.

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