Aerosol generation device with an anti air stagnation structure in its power supply unit

Abstract

An aerosol generation device (100) comprising: a body (100) connectable to a removeable cartridge (110) and configured to house a power supply unit support (130), the body (120) comprising: an air inlet (132) for receiving air external to the device (100) in a first direction (134); an air outlet (136); and an airflow arrangement (140) comprising: an airflow path (141) between the inlet (132) and the outlet (136), the airflow path (141) comprising an airflow port (142); and a guide surface (150) defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port (142), the guide surface (150) arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface (150).

Description

[0001] An aerosol generation device and a power supply unit support for an aerosol generation device

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation device power supply unit support.

[0003] Some embodiments relate to an aerosol generation device comprising an airflow arrangement. The airflow arrangement comprising an airflow path comprising an airflow port; and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, the guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0004] Some embodiments relate to an aerosol generation device power supply unit support comprising an airflow path comprising an airflow port, and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, the guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0005] Background

[0006] Aerosol generation devices are often puff-activated (i.e. , activated by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece of the aerosol generation device). In other words, by a user drawing fluid (e.g., air) from the device to the user (via the mouthpiece), some functionality of the aerosol generation device will be activated.

[0007] Some devices include a pressure sensor to detect an inhalation (e.g., the puff) of the user. Activation of the device occurs based on detecting a threshold pressure (e.g., a decrease in air pressure in the device caused by the user inhaling).

[0008] The change in pressure required to meet the threshold pressure is large enough to avoid accidental activation by other possible sources of pressure changes (e.g., ambient pressure changes).

[0009] However, the preferred sensorial experience of vaping for a user may be that of a much lower resistance to draw fluid from the device whilst causing a sufficient change in pressure to meet the threshold pressure. A problem with existing devices is to maintain a high enough pressure drop in the device to give reliable activation of the device when vaped (e.g., to avoid accidental activation of the device), but to reduce the sensorial resistance to draw related to the pressure drop.

[0010] It is the object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above referenced problems.

[0011] Summary

[0012] Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generation device comprising: a body connectable to a removeable cartridge and configured to house a power supply unit support, the body comprising: an air inlet for receiving air external to the device in a first direction; an air outlet; and an airflow arrangement comprising: an airflow path between the inlet and the outlet, the airflow path comprising an airflow port; and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, the guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0013] The guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface improves the airflow through the airflow path thereby reducing the resistance to draw, whilst still enabling a sufficient pressure drop. During testing, the inventors have found that stagnation points of gas within the airflow arrangement cause an increase in the resistance to a user to draw air, which reduces the user sensory experience.

[0014] The guide surface may be angled in a second direction that is oblique to the first direction. During testing, the inventor has found that surfaces orthogonal to the first direction may cause air stagnation. The guide surface being angled in the second direction may inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0015] The guide surface may be angled 10 to 80 degrees relative to the first direction. The guide surface being angled 10 to 80 degrees relative to the first direction may provide a reduction in air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0016] The guide surface may be angled 20 to 60 degrees relative to the first direction. The guide surface being angled 20 to 60 degrees relative to the first direction may provide a further reduction in air stagnation at the guide surface (e.g., versus a guide surface angled at 60 to 80 degrees).

[0017] The guide surface may be located at the air inlet. Inhibiting air stagnation at the air inlet provides improved airflow through the airflow path.

[0018] The guide surface may be concave. The guide surface may be defined by an inner wall of the airflow path. The guide surface may be defined by an outer wall of the airflow path.

[0019] The cross-section of the air flow path may be non-uniform. This may provide improved integration of the airflow arrangement within the body of the aerosol generation device, thereby reducing the complexity of manufacturing the aerosol generation device.

[0020] The aerosol generation device may comprise a puff detector configured to detect air pressure along the airflow path. The puff detector may comprise an air pressure detector configured to detect air pressure along the path. This may allow the device to determine whether a threshold pressure has been reached and, in response, cause certain functionality of the device to activate. In other examples, the puff detector may comprise a microphone configured to detect airflow along the airflow path. In response to airflow being detected, certain functionality of the aerosol generation device may be activated.

[0021] The air pressure detector may comprise an air pressure sensor. The air pressure detector may comprise an air pressure switch.

[0022] In some examples, the air pressure detector (e.g., the air pressure sensor and / or air pressure switch) may be located in a cavity. The cavity may be different from the airflow path. For example, the cavity may be connected to the airflow path (e.g., via an air pressure tap).

[0023] The airflow path may be the only airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet. This may reduce the number of stagnation points in the airflow arrangement (e.g., versus a device having a plurality of airflow paths between the air inlet and the air outlet).

[0024] It should be understood that the expression “the airflow path may be the only airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet” does not exclude that a pressure tap or connection can be fluidically connected to the airflow path. For example in the case the device comprises an air pressure detector (e.g., the air pressure sensor and / or air pressure switch) located in a cavity that may be connected to the airflow path (e.g., via an air pressure tap). The pressure tap or pressure connection is not intended to allow airflow to the supplied to the cartridge and it is intended to provide a connection of the detector to the airflow path.

[0025] The body may comprise a further air inlet configured to receive air external to the device in a third direction; and the airflow arrangement may comprise: a further airflow path between the further inlet and the air outlet, the further airflow path comprising a further airflow port; and a further guide surface defining at least part of the further airflow path and arranged at the further airflow port, the further guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the further guide surface. The body comprises a further airflow path in this manner may provide reduce draw resistance to a user.

[0026] The third direction may be opposite to the first direction. That is, the first direction and the third direction may be substantially parallel (and extend in opposing directions). This may provide an even flowrate of airflow from the inlet and the further inlet thereby reducing turbulence within the device.

[0027] The further airflow path may be the only airflow path from the further air inlet to the air outlet. This may reduce the number of stagnation points in the airflow arrangement (e.g., versus a device having a plurality of airflow paths between the air inlet and the air outlet).

[0028] The guide surface may be formed at least in part from a rigid material, e.g. a rigid polymeric material. The material may be a rigid thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The term rigid is used herein to indicate materials different from soft or rubber-like materials, for example silicone or rubbers. For example, a rigid material may be a material comprising a stiffness (i.e. , a Young’s Modulus) of greater than 0.1 giga pascals (GPa).

[0029] The guide surface may be formed at least in part from a material comprising a stiffness of greater than 0.1 GPa. This may provide a guide surface that resists deformation due to the pressure along the airflow path, the removable cartridge (e.g., during connection of the cartridge and the body or when connected) thereby providing a smoother airflow than a guide surface with a lower stiffness. Guide surfaces with a lower stiffness may deform over time thereby increasing turbulence within the airflow arrangement, or due to the contact with the cartridge connected to the body (e.g., when the cartridge is inserted into the aerosol generation device).

[0030] The guide surface may be formed from a material comprising a stiffness of greater than 0.1 GPa.

[0031] In some examples, the guide surface may be formed at least in part from ABS. ABS comprises a stiffness of around 2 GPa.

[0032] The body may comprise a housing and a power supply unit support, and wherein the power supply unit support may comprise the airflow arrangement. Integrating the airflow arrangement into the power supply unit support may provide a simpler and / or more compact design.

[0033] The airflow arrangement may be integrally formed with the power supply unit support.

[0034] Advantageously, the airflow arrangement formed into the power supply unit allows to reduce the number of components and provides a more reliable and precise control of the airflow. Additionally, the airflow arrangement formed in the power supply unit is easy to manufacture.

[0035] The airflow path may be arranged to change direction by less than 180 degrees relative to the first direction. This may reduce turbulence within the airflow path versus an airflow path arranged to change direction by 180 degrees or more.

[0036] The aerosol generation device may comprise a length, a width, and a depth, the airflow path may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the width and the depth.

[0037] Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a power supply unit support for an aerosol generation device, the power supply unit support comprising: an airflow path comprising an airflow port; and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, the guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0038] Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a power supply unit support comprising the air flow arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 14. Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing an aerosol generation device, the method comprising: forming an airflow arrangement, the airflow arrangement comprising an airflow path between an air inlet and an air outlet, the airflow path comprising an airflow port; and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, the guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface; and connecting the airflow arrangement to a body, the body connectable to a removeable cartridge and configured to house a power supply unit support, the body comprising the air inlet for receiving air external to the device in a first direction, and the air outlet.

[0039] Some, not necessarily all, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing an aerosol generation device power supply unit support, the method comprising: forming an airflow path comprising an airflow port, and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, the guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0040] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG.1 illustrates a schematic of an aerosol generation device;

[0042] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example aerosol generation device;

[0043] FIG. 2B illustrates a plan view of the body of the aerosol generation device of FIG. 2A;

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example aerosol generation device power supply unit support;

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an example aerosol generation device power supply unit support; and

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating an example aerosol generation device.

[0047] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Detailed Description

[0048] As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and may refer to a material and / or composition, which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated, such as by vibrations. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Suitable vaporising agents include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid or a gel that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco particles extracted from tobacco materials or suspended in a solution or gel.

[0049] An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.

[0050] As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user, typically without combusting the aerosol precursor material. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

[0051] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0052] FIG.1 illustrates a schematic of an aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation device 100 comprises a body 120 connectable to a removeable cartridge 110. The body 120 is configured to house a power supply unit support 130. The body 120 comprises an air inlet 132 for receiving air external to the device 100 in a first direction 134, an air outlet 136, and an airflow arrangement 140.

[0053] The airflow arrangement 140 (i.e., airflow unit) comprises an airflow path 141 between the inlet 132 and the outlet 136. The airflow path 141 comprises an airflow port 142 and a guide surface 150 defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port 142. The guide surface 150 is arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface 150.

[0054] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise the removable cartridge 110 (i.e., removable pod 110). The removable cartridge 110 may comprise a vaporizable material and a vaporizer configured to vaporize the vaporizable material.

[0055] The removable cartridge 110 may comprise a mouthpiece configured to enable a user to inhale the vapor (i.e., vaporized by aerosol generation device 100).

[0056] The removable cartridge 110 may be removable from the body 120. The removable cartridge 110 may be configured to connect to the body 120 via a connector. The connector may comprise a male / female connector and / or a magnetic connector.

[0057] The removable cartridge 110 may comprise an airflow channel configured to receive air from the body 120 and to the mouthpiece when the removable cartridge 110 is connected to the body 120. For example, a user of the aerosol generation device 100 may puff the device 100 by inhaling at the mouthpiece. Inhaling at the mouthpiece may cause air to enter the body 120 via the inlet 132 and travel along the airflow path 141 before passing through the outlet 136 and into the removable cartridge 110 before being inhaled at the mouthpiece by the user.

[0058] The removable cartridge 110 may be configured to be electrically connected to the body 120. In other words, the removable cartridge 110 be configured to receive a supply of electrical power from the body 120 (e.g., the power supply unit support 130).

[0059] In some examples, the vaporizer of the removable cartridge 110 may be configured to receive a supply of electrical power from the body 120. In some examples, the vaporizer comprises a coil and wick arrangement, or a ceramic wick comprising a heating element, configured to vaporize a liquid aerosol precursor material (e.g., from a reservoir in the removable cartridge). The removable cartridge 110 may be disposable.

[0060] The body 120 is configured to house a power supply unit support 130. The body 120 may comprise the power supply unit support 130.

[0061] The body 120 may comprise a housing and the power supply unit support 130. The housing may be configured to house the power supply unit support 130. The housing may comprise a sleeve. The power supply unit support 130 may be locatable within the sleeve. In other words, the housing may be configured to at least partially surround the power supply unit support 130.

[0062] The housing may be elongate. The housing may comprise an oval-shaped cross-section (e.g., along the transverse extent of the housing).

[0063] The power supply unit support is configured to support a power supply unit. The power supply unit may be rechargeable. The power supply unit may be rechargeable via a port (e.g., a USB port) of the aerosol generation device 100. The port may be located in the housing. The port may be located at the peripheral (i.e. , at a peripheral edge) of the housing. The port may be located on an underside surface of the housing.

[0064] The body 120 may be configured to connect (e.g., removable connect) to the cartridge 110 via a connector. The body 120 may comprise a male / female connector and / or a magnetic connector.

[0065] The body 120 may be configured to be electrically connected to the removable cartridge 110. In other words, the body 120 may be configured to supply electrical power to the removable cartridge 110 (e.g., via the power supply unit). The body 120 may comprise one or more electrical connectors configured to electrically connect the body 120 to the removable cartridge 110.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1 , the body 120 comprises at least one air inlet 132 for receiving air external to the device 100 in a first direction 134, an air outlet 136, and an airflow arrangement 140.

[0067] In some examples, when the removable cartridge 110 is connected to the body 120, a user inhaling at the mouthpiece may cause air external to the device 100 to travel through the device 100. In some examples, inhaling may cause air external to the device 100 to travel through the air inlet 132 to the air outlet 136 (via the air flow arrangement 140). From the air outlet 136, the air may be caused to travel to the mouthpiece of the removable cartridge 110 (via the airflow channel of the removable cartridge 110).

[0068] The air inlet 132 may be formed at least in part in the housing of the body 120. The airflow arrangement 140 may be formed at least in part in the power supply unit support 130 of the body 120. The air outlet 136 may be formed at least in part in an end section of the body 120. That is, the air outlet 136 may be formed in an end region of the body 120 that is adjacent to the removable cartridge 110 when it is coupled with the body 120.

[0069] The airflow arrangement 140 may be integrally formed with the power supply unit support 130.

[0070] The air inlet 132 may comprise a hole (e.g., in the housing). The hole may be a though hole. The hole may comprise a diameter of 0.5mm to 2.0mm. The hole may comprise a diameter of 0.5mm to 1 .0mm. The hole may comprise a diameter of 0.7mm.

[0071] In some examples, the sidewall(s) of the hole may be parallel to the first direction.

[0072] The airflow arrangement 140 comprises an airflow path 141 between the inlet 132 and the outlet 136. In otherwords, the airflow arrangement 140 may define an airflow path 141 between the inlet 132 and the outlet 136. The airflow arrangement 140 may be formed at least in part by the power supply unit support 130.

[0073] In some examples, the airflow arrangement 140 may be formed by the power supply unit support 130 and the housing. In other words, the airflow path may be partially delimited by the housing. For example, the power supply unit support 130 and the housing may cooperate in delimiting the airflow path 141.

[0074] The airflow path 141 may comprise an open channel (i.e. , the airflow path 141 may comprise two side walls and a base). The airflow path 141 may comprise a closed channel (i.e., the airflow path 141 may comprise two side walls, a base, and an upper wall). The channel (i.e., the open channel or the closed channel) may have circular cross-section. For example, the sidewalls of the channel may be concave to provide the circular cross-section. The airflow path 141 may comprise one or more airflow ports 142. An airflow port 142 may be an entrance and / or an exit of the airflow path. The airflow port 142 may be a vent (i.e., an airflow portal). The airflow port 142 may be an air receiving portion.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 1 , the airflow path 141 may comprise an airflow port 142 at an interface between the air inlet 132 and the air flow path 141. The airflow port 142 may be distinct from the air inlet 132. The airflow path 141 may comprise an airflow port 142 at an interface between the air outlet 136 and the air flow path 141. The airflow port 142 may be distinct from the air outlet 136. That is, there may be a first airflow port 142 located adjacent to (or towards) the air inlet 132 and there may be a second airflow port 142 located adjacent to (or towards) the air outlet 136.

[0076] The airflow arrangement 140 comprises a guide surface 150. The airflow arrangement 140 may comprise a plurality of guide surfaces 150. The plurality of guide surfaces 150 may be distinct from one another.

[0077] The guide surface 150 may define at least part of the airflow path and is arranged at the airflow port 142. The guide surface 150 may be arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface 150.

[0078] In some examples, the guide surface 150 may be located towards the air inlet 134 (e.g., an entrance to the airflow arrangement 140). Additionally, or alternatively, the guide surface 150 may be located towards exit of the airflow arrangement 140.

[0079] Inhibiting air stagnation at the guide surface 150 may comprise reducing the likelihood of and / preventing air stagnation occurring at the guide surface 150. This may improve the airflow through the airflow path thereby reducing the resistance to draw, whilst still enabling a sufficient pressure drop of a puff to be detected.

[0080] The guide surface 150 being arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface 150 may comprise the guide surface 150 being angled in a second direction that is oblique to the first direction 134. In other words, the second direction may be non-orthogonal to the first direction 134. In some examples, the guide surface 150 may be angled 10 to 80 degrees relative to the first direction 134. The guide surface 150 may be angled 20 to 60 degrees relative to the first direction 134. The guide surface 150 may be angled 40 degrees relative to the first direction 134. The guide surface may be angled 45 degrees relative to the first direction 134.

[0081] The guide surface 150 may be concave.

[0082] The guide surface 150 may be defined by an inner wall of the airflow path (e.g., defined by the power supply unit support 130). The guide surface 150 may be defined by an outer wall of the airflow path (e.g., defined by the housing). The outer wall 150 may be defined by a sidewall of the channel.

[0083] In some examples, the airflow path 141 may comprise one or more guide surfaces 150A defined in the base and / or upper wall of the channel.

[0084] The guide surface 150 may be formed at least in part from a material comprising a stiffness of greater than 0.1 GPa. For example, the guide surface 150 may be formed from a material having a stiffness of greater than 0.1 GPa.

[0085] The guide surface may comprise a stiffness of greater than 0.5 GPa. The guide surface may comprise a stiffness of greater than 1.0 GPa. The guide surface may comprise a stiffness of around 2.0 GPa. The guide surface may comprise a stiffness of greater than 2.0 GPa. The guide surface may comprise a stiffness of greater than 5.0 GPa.

[0086] The guide surface 150 may be formed at least in part from a rigid material, e.g. a rigid polymeric material. The material may be a rigid thermoplastic such as ABS. The term rigid is used herein to indicate materials different from soft or rubber-like materials, for example silicone or rubbers.

[0087] The cross-section (e.g., the cross-sectional area) of the air flow path 141 may be non-uniform.

[0088] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an air pressure detector (not shown) configured to detect air pressure along the air flow path. The air pressure detector may be located in the housing. The air pressure detector may be located along (e.g., within) the air flow path 141. The air pressure detector may be located at the air outlet 136.

[0089] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a controller (not shown). The controller (i.e., control circuitry) may comprise a processor and memory. The processor may be configured to read from and write to the memory. The processor may also comprise an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor.

[0090] The memory may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory may store a computer program comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) that controls the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 when loaded into the processor. The processor, by reading the memory, can load and execute the computer program.

[0091] In some examples, upon the air pressure detector (e.g., the air pressure sensor) detecting air pressure along the air flow path 141 , the air pressure detector transmits a detection signal to the controller. The controller may be configured to determine whether the air pressure meets a threshold air pressure. In response to determining that the air pressure meets the threshold air pressure, the controller may cause activation of one or more other components of the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the controller may be configured to cause the power supply unit to supply electrical power to the vaporizer (e.g., in response to determining that the air pressure meets the threshold air pressure).

[0092] In some examples, the determination of whether the air pressure meets a threshold air pressure may be performed by the air pressure detector (e.g., an air pressure switch) rather than by the controller. Upon determining that the air pressure meets the threshold air pressure, the air pressure detector may transmit a signal to the controller. In response to receiving the signal, the controller may cause activation of one or more other components of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0093] The airflow path 141 may be the only airflow path 141 from the air inlet 132 to the air outlet 136 (e.g., rather than having a plurality of airflow paths 141 between the air inlet 132 and the air outlet 136). The airflow path 141 may be located at the periphery of the airflow arrangement 140 (e.g., at the periphery of the power supply unit support 130).

[0094] The body 120 may comprise a further air inlet (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to receive air external to the device in a third direction. The third direction may be opposite to the first direction 134.

[0095] The airflow arrangement 140 may comprise a further airflow path between the further inlet and the air outlet 136. The further airflow path may comprise a further airflow port and a further guide surface defining at least part of the further airflow path and arranged at the further airflow port.

[0096] The further airflow path may be the only airflow path from the further air inlet to the air outlet (e.g., rather than a device having a plurality of airflow paths between the further air inlet and the air outlet 136). That is, the airflow path and further airflow path may share a common air outlet 136. The further airflow path may be located at the periphery of the airflow arrangement 140 (e.g., at the periphery of the power supply unit support 130).

[0097] The airflow path may be arranged to change direction (e.g., bend) less than 180 degrees relative to the first direction. For example, a sidewall defining at least part of the airflow path may change direction less than 180 degrees relative to the first direction.

[0098] The aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a length, a width, and a depth, the airflow path may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the width and the depth. In other words, the airflow path may be orthogonal to the length of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0099] The power supply unit support 130 may be configured to house a power supply unit (e.g., an electrical power supply). In other words, the power supply unit support 130 may be configured to support (e.g., hold) a power supply unit (e.g., an electrical power supply). For example, the power supply unit support 130 may comprise one or more recesses configured to receive at least part of the power supply unit.

[0100] As discussed above, the power supply unit may be configured to supply power to one or more components of the aerosol generation device 100. The power supply unit may comprise one or more battery cells. One or more of the cells may be configured to convert (e.g., directly convert) chemical energy to electrical energy.

[0101] In some examples, the power supply unit support 130 may comprise the airflow arrangement 140. The power supply unit support 130 may define at least part of the airflow arrangement 140 in an upper portion of the power supply unit support 130. For example, the power supply unit support 130 may define at least part of the airflow arrangement 140 in an upper surface of the power supply unit support 130.

[0102] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example aerosol generation device 100. FIG. 2B illustrates a plan view of the body 120 of the aerosol generation device 100 of FIG. 2A.

[0103] Cartesian co-ordinate axes 200 having x, y and z axes are illustrated in FIGs 2A and 2B. Each of the x, y and z axes defines a dimension. The y axis may be considered to be a vertical (i.e. , a length) dimension. The x axis may be considered to be a horizontal (i.e., a width) dimension. The z axis may be considered to be a depth (i.e., a thickness) dimension.

[0104] The aerosol generation device 100 shown in FIGs 2A and 2B comprises a removable cartridge 110 and a body 120 as described in relation to FIG. 1 above.

[0105] The cartridge 110 shown in FIG. 2A comprises an upper surface 212 and an underside surface 214. The body 120 shown in FIG. 2A comprises an upper surface 222 and an underside surface 224.

[0106] The mouthpiece of the cartridge 110 may be accessible to a user at the upper surface 212. The underside surface 214 of the cartridge 110 may be configured to connect to the upper surface 222 of the body 120. The port (for recharging the power supply unit) may located at the underside surface 224 of the body 120.

[0107] The cartridge 110 is not shown in FIG 2B to assist with clarity. It should be understood that some of the features shown in FIG 2B are not present in FIG. 2A for clarity purposes.

[0108] The airflow arrangement 140 may be located at the upper surface 222 of the body 120. The airflow arrangement 140 may be located closer to the upper surface 222 of the body 120 than the lower surface 224 of the body 120. The airflow arrangement 140 being located in this manner allows a user to hold the body 120 (e.g., during use) without the user blocking an air inlet 132 of the body 120 (e.g., by a hand of the user when holding the device 100).

[0109] FIG. 2B shows a plan view of the body 120 of the aerosol generation device 100 shown in FIG. 2A. The cartridge 110 is not shown in FIG. 2B to enable components of the body 120 to be viewed more easily.

[0110] As shown best in FIG. 2B, the body 120 comprises connectors 270A, 270B configured to connect the body 120 to a cartridge 110. The connectors 270A, 270B shown in FIG 2B are magnetic connectors 270A, 270B.

[0111] The body 120 shown in FIG 2B comprises electrical connectors 280A, 280B. The electrical connectors 280A, 280B are configured to provide an electrical connection between the body 120 and the cartridge 110.

[0112] Each of the connectors 270A, 270B and the electrical connectors 280A, 280B are located in an upper surface 260 of the power supply unit support 130. The connectors 270A, 270B may be offset from the electrical connectors 280A, 280B in the length dimension.

[0113] FIG 2B shows an air inlet 132 and a further air inlet 232. The air inlet 132 and further air inlet 232 are both holes formed in the housing of the body 120.

[0114] The air inlet 132 is for receiving air external to the device 100 in a first direction. The first direction 134 is parallel to the X-axis and extends in the positive direction of the X-axis (as indicated by the Cartesian co-ordinates 200).

[0115] The further air inlet 232 is for receiving air external to the device 100 in a third direction. The third direction 234 in is parallel to the X-axis and extends in the negative direction of the X-axis (as indicated by the Cartesian co-ordinates 200).

[0116] The body 120 shown in FIG 2B comprises a power supply unit support 130. The power supply unit support 130 comprises an air flow arrangement 140. The airflow arrangement 140 is formed in the power supply unit support 130. The airflow arrangement 140 comprises an airflow path 141 and a further airflow path 241 . The airflow path 141 and further airflow path 241 are located at the periphery of the airflow arrangement 140 (e.g., at the periphery of the power supply unit support 130).

[0117] The airflow path 141 extends from the air inlet 132 and to the air outlet 136. The further airflow path 241 extends from the further air inlet 232 and to the air outlet 136. The air outlet 136 is configured to connect to the air channel of a cartridge 110. FIG. 2B shows three arrows extending from the air inlet 134 and to the air outlet 136 that indicate the airflow path 141. FIG. 2B shows three arrows extending from the further air inlet 234 and to the air outlet 136 that indicate the further airflow path 241 .

[0118] As shown in FIG. 2B, the airflow path 141 comprises a first airflow port 142A at the entrance of the airflow path 141. A first guide surface 150A is arranged at the first airflow port 142A. The first guide surface 150A is arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the first guide surface 150A.

[0119] The first guide surface 150A is angled relative to the first direction 134. The first guide surface 150A may be angled at around 45 degrees relative to the first direction 134. In other words, the first guide surface 150A extends in the positive direction along the x-axis and the negative direction along the z-axis (e.g., along the airflow path 141).

[0120] As shown in FIG. 2B, the first guide surface 150A is defined by an inner wall of the airflow path 141. The inner wall may be defined by the power supply unit support 130. The inner wall may be a side wall of a channel.

[0121] The airflow arrangement 140 shown in FIG 2B comprises a second airflow port 142A at the exit of the airflow path 141. A second guide surface 150B is arranged at the second airflow port 142B. The second guide surface 150B is arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the second guide surface 150B.

[0122] The second guide surface 150B is angled relative to the first direction 134. The second guide surface 150B may be angled at around 80 degrees relative to the first direction 134. In other words, the second guide surface 150B extends in the positive direction along the x-axis and the positive direction along the z-axis (e.g., along the airflow path 141). As best shown in FIG. 2B, the first guide surface 150A is defined by an outer wall of the airflow path 141. The outer wall is defined partly by the power supply unit support 130 and partly by the housing.

[0123] As shown by the three arrows from the air inlet 134 to the air outlet 136, the airflow path 141 is arranged to change direction less than 180 degrees relative to the first direction (i.e., in a plane defined by the z-axis and y-axis).

[0124] The airflow path 141 may be the only airflow path 141 from the air inlet 132 to the air outlet 136.

[0125] The further airflow path 241 extends from the further air inlet 234 and to the air outlet 136. As shown in FIG. 2B, the further airflow path 241 comprises a first further airflow port 242A at the entrance of the further airflow path 141. A first further guide surface 250A is arranged at the first further airflow port 242A. The first further guide surface 250A is arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the first further guide surface 250A.

[0126] The first further guide surface 250A is angled relative to the third direction 234. The first further guide surface 250A is angled at around 45 degrees relative to the third direction 234. In other words, the first further guide surface 250A extends in the negative direction along the x-axis and the positive direction along the z-axis (e.g., along the further airflow path 241).

[0127] As shown in FIG. 2B, the first further guide surface 250A is defined by an inner wall of the airflow path 241. The inner wall is defined by the power supply unit support 130.

[0128] The airflow arrangement 140 shown in FIG 2B comprises a second further airflow port 242B at the exit of the further airflow path 241. A second further guide surface 250B is arranged at the second further airflow port 242B. The second further guide surface 250B is arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the second further guide surface 250B.

[0129] The second further guide surface 250B is angled relative to the third direction 234. The second further guide surface 250B may be angled at around 80 degrees relative to the third direction 234. In other words, the second further guide surface 250B extends in the negative direction along the x-axis and the negative direction along the z-axis (e.g., along the airflow path 141). As shown in FIG. 2B, the first further guide surface 250A is defined by an outer wall of the further airflow path 241. The outer wall is defined partly by the power supply unit support 130.

[0130] As shown by the three arrows from the further air inlet 232 to the air outlet 136, the further airflow path 241 is arranged to change direction less than 180 degrees relative to the first direction (i.e. , in a plane defined by the z-axis and y-axis).

[0131] The further airflow path 241 is the only airflow path 241 from the further air inlet 232 to the air outlet 136.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 2B, the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an air pressure tap 290. The air pressure tap 290 may connect the airflow path 141 and / or the further airflow path 241 to a cavity (e.g., in which an air pressure detector is located).

[0133] In use, a user may connect the cartridge 110 to the body 120. A user may inhale at the mouthpiece of the cartridge 110. The user inhaling at the mouthpiece may cause air external to the aerosol generation device 100 to travel from the air inlet 132 and the further air inlet 232 to the mouthpiece (via the airflow path 141 , the further airflow path 241 , and the outlet 136).

[0134] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the power supply unit support 130 shown in FIG 2B. FIG. 3 illustrates the features of the airflow arrangement 140 as described above. The connectors 270A, 270B, electrical connectors 280A, 280B, and housing 120 are not shown for clarity.

[0135] FIG. 4 shows an alternative power supply unit support 130 to the power supply unit support 130 shown in FIG. 3. The power supply unit support 130 of FIG. 4 comprises all of the features of the power supply unit support 130 of FIG. 3. The power supply unit support 130 of FIG. 4 differs from that shown in FIG. 3 in that the power supply unit support 130 of FIG. 4 comprises the airflow path 141 and further airflow path 241 on the same side of the airflow arrangement 140 (as opposed to the airflow paths 141 , 241 being on opposite sides of the airflow arrangement 140 shown in FIG. 3).

[0136] FIG. 5 shows a method of manufacturing an aerosol generation device 500. The method 500 at block 502 comprises forming an airflow arrangement 140, the airflow arrangement 140 comprising: an airflow path 141 between an air inlet 132 and an air outlet 136, the airflow path 141 comprising an airflow port 142; and a guide surface 150 defining at least part of the airflow path 141 and arranged at the airflow port 142, the guide surface 150 arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0137] The method 500 at block 504 comprises connecting the airflow arrangement 140 to a body 120, the body 120 connectable to a removeable cartridge 110 and configured to house a power supply unit support 130, the body 120 comprising the air inlet 132 for receiving air external to the device 100 in a first direction 134, and the air outlet 136.

[0138] In these examples, the airflow path(s) provide a relatively large volume through which the air may flow from the air inlet(s) to air outlet(s), thereby providing a reduced resistance to draw for a user. However, there is a high enough pressure drop to enable puffs to be detected.

[0139] Although a few example embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0140] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0141] Each feature disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0142] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0143] Clauses: 1 . An aerosol generation device comprising: a body connectable to a removeable cartridge and configured to house a power supply unit support, the body comprising: an air inlet for receiving air external to the device in a first direction; an air outlet; and an airflow arrangement comprising: an airflow path between the inlet and the outlet, the airflow path comprising an airflow port; and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, the guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0144] 2. The aerosol generation device of clause 1 , wherein the guide surface is angled in a second direction that is oblique to the first direction.

[0145] 3. The aerosol generation device of clause 2, wherein the guide surface is angled 10 to 80 degrees relative to the first direction.

[0146] 4. The aerosol generation device of clause 3, wherein the guide surface is angled 20 to 60 degrees relative to the first direction.

[0147] 5. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding clause, wherein the guide surface is located at the air inlet.

[0148] 6. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding clause, comprising an air pressure detector configured to detect air pressure along the airflow path.

[0149] 7. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding clause, wherein the airflow path is the only airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0150] 8. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding clause, wherein the body comprises a further air inlet configured to receive air external to the device in a third direction; and the airflow arrangement comprises: a further airflow path between the further inlet and the air outlet, the further airflow path comprising a further airflow port; and a further guide surface defining at least part of the further airflow path and arranged at the further airflow port, the further guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the further guide surface.

[0151] 9. The aerosol generation device according to clause 8, wherein the further airflow path is the only airflow path from the further air inlet to the air outlet.

[0152] 10. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding clause, wherein the guide surface is formed at least in part from a rigid material.

[0153] 11. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding clause, wherein the body comprises a housing and a power supply unit support, and wherein the power supply unit support comprises the airflow arrangement.

[0154] 12. The aerosol generation device according to clause 11 , wherein the airflow arrangement is integrally formed with the power supply unit support.

[0155] 13. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding clause, wherein the airflow path is arranged to change direction less than 180 degrees relative to the first direction.

[0156] 14. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding clause, comprising a length, a width, and a depth, the airflow path being substantially parallel to a plane defined by the width and the depth.

[0157] 15. A power supply unit support for an aerosol generation device, the power supply unit comprising: an airflow path comprising an airflow port; and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, the guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

[0158] End of detailed description.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . An aerosol generation device comprising: a body connectable to a removeable cartridge and configured to house a power supply unit support, the body comprising: an air inlet for receiving air external to the device in a first direction; an air outlet; and an airflow arrangement comprising: an airflow path between the inlet and the outlet, the airflow path comprising an airflow port; and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, wherein the guide surface is angled in a second direction that is oblique to the first direction to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

2. The aerosol generation device of claim 1 , wherein the guide surface is angled 10 to 80 degrees relative to the first direction.

3. The aerosol generation device of claim 2, wherein the guide surface is angled 20 to 60 degrees relative to the first direction.

4. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide surface is located at the air inlet.

5. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide surface is concave.

6. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the crosssection of the airflow path is non-uniform.

7. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, comprising an air pressure detector configured to detect air pressure along the airflow path.

8. The aerosol generation device of claim 7, wherein the air pressure detector is located in a cavity different from the airflow path.

9. The aerosol generation device of claim 8, wherein the cavity is connected to the airflow path via an air pressure tap.

10. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow path is the only airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet.

11. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a further air inlet configured to receive air external to the device in a third direction; and the airflow arrangement comprises: a further airflow path between the further inlet and the air outlet, the further airflow path comprising a further airflow port; and a further guide surface defining at least part of the further airflow path and arranged at the further airflow port, the further guide surface arranged to inhibit air stagnation at the further guide surface.

12. The aerosol generation device according to claim 11 , wherein the further airflow path is the only airflow path from the further air inlet to the air outlet.

13. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide surface is formed at least in part from a rigid material.

14. The aerosol generation device of claim 13, wherein the material comprises a stiffness of greater than 0.1 GPa.

15. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a housing and a power supply unit support, and wherein the power supply unit support comprises the airflow arrangement.

16. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow arrangement is integrally formed with the power supply unit support.

17. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow path is arranged to change direction less than 180 degrees relative to the first direction.

18. The aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, comprising a length, a width, and a depth, the airflow path being substantially parallel to a plane defined by the width and the depth.

19. A power supply unit support for an aerosol generation device, the power supply unit comprising: an airflow path comprising an airflow port; and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, wherein the guide surface is angled in a second direction that is oblique to the first direction to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

20. A method of manufacturing an aerosol generation device, the method comprising: forming an airflow arrangement of the aerosol generation device, the airflow arrangement comprising an airflow path between an air inlet and an air outlet, the airflow path comprising an airflow port; and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, wherein the guide surface is angled in a second direction that is oblique to the first direction to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface; and connecting the airflow arrangement to a body, the body connectable to a removeable cartridge and configured to house a power supply unit support, the body comprising the air inlet for receiving air external to the aerosol generation device in a first direction, and the air outlet.21 . A method of manufacturing an aerosol generation device power supply unit support, the method comprising: forming an airflow path comprising an airflow port, and a guide surface defining at least part of the airflow path and arranged at the airflow port, wherein the guide surface is angled in a second direction that is oblique to the first direction to inhibit air stagnation at the guide surface.

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