Aerosol provision device

Abstract

An aerosol provision device for an aerosol provision system extends along a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end and comprises an interface located at the proximal end of the aerosol provision device, the interface configured to receive an article for the aerosol provision system, and an air inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol provision device between the proximal end and the distal end, an air outlet located on the interface and axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device and an airflow channel extending through the device between the air inlet and the air outlet. The airflow channel comprises a chamber containing an airflow sensor configured to detect airflow through the airflow channel.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a supply of aerosol generating material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise an aerosol generation chamber containing an aerosol generator arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation chamber. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an inlet air channel connecting to the aerosol generation chamber where the air mixes with vaporised precursor material to form a condensation aerosol.

[0006] The air flow through the aerosol generating chamber, and more generally through the aerosol provision system needs to be careful controlled in order to not only generate the appropriate amount of vapour for the user to inhale, but also to create a resistance to draw in line with factory made cigarettes. One approach to creating a resistance to draw similar to a factory made cigarette is to allow the air to flow into the aerosol generating chamber via one or more gaps between components of the aerosol provision system. These so called “leakage paths” are difficult to accurate manufacture (as they are created by a mismatch in tolerances between components) and can also result in an inconsistent user experience.

[0007] Various approaches are described herein which seek to help address or mitigate some of the issues discussed above.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The disclosure is defined in the appended claims.

[0010] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for an aerosol provision system, wherein the aerosol provision device extends along a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The aerosol provision device comprises an interface located at the proximal end of the aerosol provision device, the interface configured to receive an article for the aerosol provision system. The aerosol provision device also comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol provision device between the proximal end and the distal end, an air outlet located on the interface andaxially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device and an airflow channel extending through the device between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the airflow channel comprises a chamber containing an airflow sensor configured to detect airflow through the airflow channel. In use, air enters the chamber through the air inlet, then exits the chamber and flows along the airflow channel to exit out of the air outlet into an air inlet of the article.

[0011] The airflow sensor may be located proximate to the air inlet. The airflow sensor may be a pressure sensor.

[0012] In use, air may enter the chamber through the air inlet inwardly towards the central axis and the airflow channel may be configured to turn the air such that the air exits out of the air outlet along the central axis.

[0013] The airflow channel may comprise a plurality of bends such that, in use, the air exits the chamber parallel to but offset from the central axis, and is then turned inwardly to flow towards the central axis, then turned to flow along the central axis to the air outlet.

[0014] The interface may further comprise a gasket configured, in use, to provide a seal between the air outlet and the air inlet of the article.

[0015] The gasket may comprise a rib entirely surrounding the air outlet.

[0016] The interface may further comprise one or more electrical connectors configured, in use, to electrically couple to the article, and wherein the one or more electrical connectors may be located inside the rib.

[0017] The rib may be located substantially around an outer perimeter of the interface.

[0018] The aerosol provision device may further comprise one or more mechanical connectors configured, in use, to mechanically couple to the article, and wherein the one or more mechanical connectors are located inside the rib.

[0019] The one or more mechanical connectors may comprise magnets.

[0020] The air inlet may be a first air inlet located on a first side wall of the aerosol provision device, and the aerosol provision device may further comprise a second air inlet located on a second side wall opposite the first side wall, wherein, in use, air may enter the chamber through the first air inlet and the second air inlet.

[0021] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there also is provided an aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device.

[0022] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there also is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device extending along a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The aerosol provision device comprises an interface located at the proximal end of the aerosol provision device, the interface configured to receive an article for the aerosol provision system. The aerosol provision device also comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol provision device between theproximal end and the distal end, an air outlet located on the interface and axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device, and an airflow channel extending through the device between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the airflow channel comprises a chamber containing an airflow sensor configured to detect airflow through the airflow channel. In use, air enters the chamber through the air inlet, then exits the chamber and flows along the airflow channel to exit out of the air outlet into an air inlet of the article.

[0023] The aerosol provision system may further comprise an article, and the article may comprise the air inlet of the article.

[0024] The air inlet may be axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device. These aspects and other aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description. In this regard, particular sections of the description are not to be read in isolation from other sections.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a further aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;

[0029] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of chambers of an aerosol provision device according to the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4A and 4B are further schematic diagrams of aerosol provision systems according to the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a gasket of an aerosol provision device according to the present disclosure;

[0032] Figures 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of further configurations of gaskets of aerosol provision devices according to the present disclosure.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed I described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed I described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of articles and systems discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0035] 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.

[0036] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles, cartridges, or cartomisers throughout the disclosure, and these terms should be understood to be interchangeable herein.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, theconsumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosolgenerating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0041] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material which may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0042] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0043] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0044] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0045] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties:Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0046] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0047] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0048] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0049] 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. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). 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.

[0050] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0051] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0052] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0053] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.A consumable or cartridge is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable (also referred to herein as an article) may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0054] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrical ly-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0055] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosolmodifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0056] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0057] The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems or aerosol delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0058] Aerosol provision systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge (or article) part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser I atomizer I aerosol generator (which may collectively be called a ‘cartomizer’) and the reusable device part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices. Aerosol delivery systems may alternatively comprise a single unit which does not comprise a cartridge part and reusable device part configured to be detachably coupled together by a user. Such an aerosol delivery system may be referred to as a ‘single part’ aerosol delivery system or device. In such a system I device, which may be intended to be disposed of after a supply of electrical power in a battery and / or a supply of aerosol generating material supplied with the system I device is exhausted, without refilling or recharging the device, components including a reservoir of aerosol generating material, an aerosol generator, a power supply (e.g. a battery), and control circuitry, may all be housed within a single housing. Such an aerosol delivery system or device may be referred to as ‘disposable’.

[0059] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systemscomprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0060] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol provision system 1 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The aerosol provision system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises two main components, namely a reusable aerosol provision device part 50 and an article (e.g. a cartridge I consumable) part 40. It will be appreciated, however, that other configurations of the aerosol provision system 1 are possible, so as one comprising a single-part device in which a power source 501, controller 502, atomiser 20, and reservoir 2 of aerosol generating material are provided within a single housing. In normal use the reusable device part 50 and article part 40 are releasably coupled together at an interface. As in the non-limiting example of Figure 1, the interface may be provided by a cartridge-receiving interface 507 of the reusable device part 50, into which a portion of the article 40 is configured to be received. When the article is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part, the article 40 may be removed from the reusable device part 50 and a replacement article 40 attached to the reusable device part in its place. The interface provides a structural and electrical connection between the two parts and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, magnetic or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection between the reusable part and cartridge parts as appropriate. The specific manner by which the article 40 mechanically mounts to the reusable device part 2 is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a magnetic coupling provided by magnets of opposing polarity disposed on or proximate to the ends of the article 40 and reusable device part 50 which are configured to be connected together (not represented in Figure 1). It will also be appreciated the interface in some implementations may not support an electrical connection between the respective parts. For example, an aerosol generator I atomiser 20 may be provided in the reusable part 50 rather than in the article 40, and the cartridge I consumable I article comprises a supply of aerosol generating material which is brought into proximity with the aerosol generator when the consumable and reusable device part 50 are connected for use. The interface also provides an airflow connection between the aerosol provision device 50 and the article 40 such that air entering the aerosol provision device can pass between theaerosol provision device 50 and the article 40 and out of the mouthpiece end of the article 40 into the mouth of the user.

[0061] The article 40 may, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, be broadly conventional. In Figure 1, the article 40 comprises an outer housing 6 formed of a plastics material, but in embodiments the outer housing may comprise metal, glass, or any other material known to the skilled person for use in outer housings of aerosol delivery systems. The outer housing 6 may typically support other components of the cartridge part and may provide at least part of the mechanical interface with the reusable part 50, in that part of the outer surface of the outer housing 6 may engage a portion of the reusable part 50 when the reusable part 50 and article 40 are connected together for use. The outer housing 6 of the article 40 may have any cross-sectional shape, for example: round, oval, square, diamond, or cuboidal. In this example, the article 40 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 2 cm in the widest dimension. However, it will be appreciated the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shapes and materials used, are not of particular significance to the principles described herein.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 1 , the article 40 comprises a reservoir 2 configured to hold a supply of aerosol-generating material, comprising, for example, a liquid material. In this example, the reservoir 2 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge outer housing 6 and an inner wall defined by an airflow path 41 which passes through the article 40. The reservoir 2 is closed at each end by end walls which contain the aerosolgenerating material. The wall at the mouthpiece end, distal to the end comprising the end cap 70, may be integrally formed with the rest of the outer housing 6. The reservoir 2 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the outer housing 6 of the article 40. The structural relationship between the airflow path 41 and the reservoir 2 is exemplary, and may be arranged in other ways, such that, for example, the airflow path 41 does not pass through the reservoir, and I or the airflow path 41 may branch into a plurality of sub-paths.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 1 , the article 40 further comprises an aerosol generator I atomiser 20 configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 is a heater configured to subject aerosolgenerating material from the reservoir 2 to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatile materials from the aerosol-generating material to form a vapour I aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration (e.g. piezoelectric atomisation), increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. Whilst examples herein use an atomiser 20 comprising a wick and a heating element for the sake of providinga concrete example, it should be appreciated that the specific type of aerosol generator I atomiser 20 should not be considered limiting to other aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and in particular, the contact pin and connecting lead arrangements described herein.

[0064] It will be appreciated that in a two-part device such as shown in the example of Figure 1, the aerosol generator 20 may be in either of the reusable part 50 or the article 40. For example, in some examples, the aerosol generator 20 may be comprised in the reusable part 50, and brought into proximity with a portion of aerosol generating material in the cartridge 40 when the article is engaged with the reusable part 50. In such examples, the cartridge 40 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generator 20 is configured to be at least partially inserted into or at least partially surround the portion of aerosol generating material as the article 40 is engaged with the reusable device part 50. In these examples, the aerosol generator 20 in the reusable device part 50 may comprise an inductive drive coil configured to electromagnetically couple with a susceptor within the atomiser 20 in the reusable device part 50, or in the article 40.

[0065] For the sake of providing a concrete example, Figure 1 shows an aerosol generator 20 comprising a wick and coil arrangement configured to aerosolise liquid aerosol forming material, whereby an elongate wick I capillary element is in contact with a resistive heating element, which in this example is coiled around the wick. The aerosol generator is located inside an aerosol generating chamber. In Figure 1, the aerosol generator 20 extends transversely in the aerosol generation chamber, crossing the airflow passage 41 such that air traveling along the airflow passage 41 passes around the aerosol generator 20 inside the aerosol generating chamber. Respective ends of the wick are in fluid communication with the reservoir 2 of liquid aerosol generating material. In some examples, an atomising unit cover 80 I reservoir stopper 80, defines an end of the reservoir proximate to the aerosol generator 20, and comprises openings to allow liquid to pass from the reservoir 2 to the ends of the wick, along paths generally indicated by dashed arrows in Figure 1.

[0066] The aerosol generator I atomiser 20 is arranged in the cartridge airflow path 41 such that a region of the cartridge airflow path 41 proximate to the aerosol generator 20 in effect defines a vaporisation region (alternatively referred to herein as the aerosol generation chamber) of the article 40. Where the aerosol generating material is a liquid, and the aerosol generator comprises a capillary wick, liquid from the reservoir 2 infiltrates the wick and is drawn along the wick by surface tension I capillary action (i.e. wicking). Where the aerosol generator 20 comprises a heating element, this may comprise an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick. In the example of Figure 1 , the heating element may comprise a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire, and the wick may comprise an elongate bundle of cotton or glass fibres, or a porous ceramic rod. In other examples, the heating element may comprisea conductive layer deposited on a porous ceramic or glass wick element. It will be appreciated, however, that any aerosol generator I atomiser 20 configuration can be used in accordance with the present disclosure. In the example of Figure 1, electrical power is supplied to the aerosol generator I atomiser 20 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of the heating element by the wick. Vaporised aerosol generating material becomes entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path 41 from the aerosol generation chamber for user inhalation at an outlet disposed at a mouthpiece end of the article 40.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 1, an atomising sub-assembly 90 of the cartridge is comprised of a reservoir stopper I atomising unit cover 80, a gasket 10 as described further herein, and an end cap 70. Also illustrated are at least one article electrical connectors 32, each of which is configured to engage a corresponding device electrical connector 506 of the reusable aerosol provision device part 50, to provide for electrical communication between the article 40 and the aerosol provision device 50 when these parts are connected to form the aerosol provision system 1. The reservoir stopper I atomising unit cover 80, the gasket 10 and end cap 70 may comprise separately formed elements configured to be assembled together to form the atomising sub-assembly 90, or may comprise regions of one or more integrally formed components of the atomising sub-assembly 90 performing the functionality of the atomising unit cover 80, the gasket 10 and / or the end cap 70 as described herein.

[0068] The rate at which aerosol generating material from the reservoir 2 is vaporised by the aerosol generator 20 will typically depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 20 from a power supply 501 of the aerosol provision device 50 by a controller 502 of the aerosol provision device 50. Thus in a two-part device such as shown in Figure 1, electrical power is routed from a power supply 501 in the aerosol provision device 50 to the aerosol generator 20 in the article 40 to selectively generate aerosol, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 20, for example through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques known in the art, and implemented by a controller 502 disposed on an electrical path between the power supply 501 and the aerosol generator 20.

[0069] In the example of Figure 1 , the aerosol provision device 50 comprises an outer housing 505, a power supply 501 (for example a battery) for providing operating power for the aerosol provision system 1, and control circuitry 502 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol provision system 1. The reusable part 50 may further comprise optional elements such as a first user input button 504, and one or more visual display elements 503.

[0070] The outer housing 505 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and will typically have a cross sectional shape generally conforming to that of the outer housing 6 of the article 40 so as to provide a smooth transition between the cartridge anddevice parts at their connecting interface. In this example the reusable part 50 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the aerosol provision system 1 when the article 40 and aerosol provision device 50 are coupled together is around 12 cm. As already noted, however it will be appreciated that the specific overall shape and size of an aerosol provision system 1 of the present disclosure is not significant to the principles described herein.

[0071] The power source 501 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example a lithium ion or similar cell or battery of the kind normally used in aerosol provision systems I electronic cigarettes and I or other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The power source 501 may be recharged according to approaches known in the art, such as through a suitable charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector.

[0072] One or more user input devices 504 may be provided, such as conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact, though the specific manner in which a user input device 504 is implemented is not significant. A user input device 504 may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol provision system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as a level of power to be supplied from the power source 501 to an aerosol generator 20. The inclusion of a user input device 504 is, however, optional and in some examples these may not be included.

[0073] One or more display elements 503 may be provided to provide a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol provision system 1, for example current power setting information, a remaining level of power available in power source 501, and so forth. A display element 503 may be implemented in various ways, for example comprising a pixilated LCD screen that may be driven by the controller 502 to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques. In other implementations a display element 503 may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display desired information, for example through particular colours and I or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which one or more display elements 503 are provided and information is displayed to a user using such elements is not significant to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include any visual display elements 503, and may optionally include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol provision system, for example using audio or haptic signalling known to the skilled person, or may not include any means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol provision system.

[0074] Typically, a controller 502 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol provision system 1 to provide functionality in accordance with embodiments ofthe disclosure as described further herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol provision system 1 in line with the established techniques for controlling such devices. The controller (processor circuitry) 502 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol provision system 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, the controller 502 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source 501 to the aerosol generator 20 in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input (e.g. from one or more user input devices 504), as well as other functional units I circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated the functionality of the controller 502 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and I or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) I circuitry I chip(s) I chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality. By way of non-limiting examples, the control logic of the controller 502 may be implemented as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or an MCU (microcontroller unit), configured according to approaches known in the art.

[0075] The aerosol provision device 50 also comprises an airflow sensor 508 which is electrically connected to the controller 502. The airflow sensor 508 may comprise a pressure sensor, a MEMS sensor or a microphone, and is configured to detect when a user is puffing I inhaling on the article 40 (and therefore on the aerosol provision system 1). The airflow sensor 508 is provided in a chamber of the aerosol provision device 50, the chamber being connected to the interface 507 by an airflow channel such that the airflow sensor 508 is in fluid and I or acoustic and I or pressure communication with the airflow path 41 passing through the article 40. This means that pressure changes and I or acoustic signals induced by a user puffing I inhaling on a mouthpiece of the system can be detected by the airflow sensor 508. The controller can then be configured to activate, turn or otherwise provide electrical power to the aerosol generator 20 in response to the airflow sensor 508 detecting that a user is inhaling on the article 40.

[0076] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a further aerosol provision system 1. Like the aerosol provision system 1 illustrated in Figure 1, the aerosol provision system 1 illustrated in Figure 2 comprises an article 40 and an aerosol provision device 50. Like the aerosol provision device 50 illustrated in Figure 1, the aerosol provision device 50 illustrated in Figure 2 has a user input device 504 and a cartridge-receiving interface 507 configured to receive the article 40. The article 40 has an outer housing 6, an end cap 70 and at least one article electrical connector 32 as described above with reference to Figure 1. Although not illustrated in Figure2, other elements of the aerosol provision device and the article described above with reference to Figure 1 may also be present in the aerosol provision device and / or the article illustrated in Figure 2.

[0077] The aerosol provision device illustrated in Figure 2 extends along a central axis corresponding to the x-axis in Figure 2. As the name suggests, the central axis runs through the geometric centre of the aerosol provision device 50 (and the article 40) such that the aerosol provision device 50 may be geometrically symmetrical about one or more planes passing through the central axis. The aerosol provision device 50 extends between a proximal end 50a located proximal or closest to the article 40 when the aerosol provision device 50 and the article 40 are connected to form the aerosol provision system, and a distal end 50b located at the opposite end of the aerosol provision device 50 to the proximal end 50a. The distal end 50b may comprise an electrical connector for electrically coupling the aerosol provision device 50 to a mains power supply via a charging lead in order to charge the battery of the aerosol provision device 50.

[0078] The interface 507 is located at the proximal end 50a of the aerosol provision device 50. As described above, the interface 507 is configured to receive the article 40.

[0079] An air inlet 509 is located on a side wall 50c of the aerosol provision device 50. The sidewall 50c of the aerosol provision device 50 extends between the proximal end 50a (i.e. the interface 507) and the distal end 50b of the aerosol provision device 50. In other words, the air inlet 509 is located between the proximal end 50a and the distal end 50b of the aerosol provision device 50. Although only one air inlet 509 is illustrated in Figure 2, it will be appreciated that this is not essential and there may be more than one air inlet 509 on the aerosol provision device 50. For example, a first air inlet may be located on a first side wall of aerosol provision device 50 as described above, and a second air inlet may be located on a second side wall of the aerosol provision device. In this case, the second sidewall may also extend between the proximal end 50a and the distal end 50b of the aerosol provision device 50, but the second sidewall is located on an opposite side of the aerosol provision device to the first sidewall.

[0080] Inside the aerosol provision device 50 there is an airflow channel extending through the device 50 between the air inlet 509 and an air outlet located on the interface 507. Since the air inlet 509 is located on sidewall 50c of the aerosol provision device 50, when the user inhales, sucks or otherwise draws on the article 40, air enters the aerosol provision device 50 through the air inlet 509, travels through the aerosol provision device 50 along the airflow channel to the air outlet on the interface 507 (i.e. at the proximal end 50a of the device 50), then from the air outlet to the article 40 as will be described in more detail below.

[0081] The airflow channel comprises a chamber 510 containing the airflow sensor 508. Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of such chambers 510 of an aerosol provisiondevice 50. This chamber 510 is sometimes referred to as a plenum chamber, as it is the chamber around the airflow sensor 508 in which the reduction in pressure is created (in response to a user inhaling on the aerosol provision system 1) that allows or otherwise causes the airflow sensor 508 to be able to detect the inhalation.

[0082] As shown in these figures, the chamber 510 is located proximate to the air inlet 509 such that air entering the air inlet 509 flows directly into the chamber 510. The airflow sensor 508 is located within the chamber 510 away from the air inlet 509. In other words, the air inlet 509 is located at a first end 510a of the chamber and the pressure sensor 508 is located at a second end 510b of the chamber 510. The chamber 510 can also comprise a series of ridges 511. The ridges 511 are protrusions of solid material into the chamber 510 from side walls of the chamber 510 to create a convoluted flow path between the air inlet 509 and the airflow sensor 508. In other words, the ridges 511 act as barriers or obstacles for the air to flow around in order to reach the airflow sensor 508. This not only prevents gusts or other changes in pressure external to the aerosol provision device 50 from being registered by the airflow sensor 508, but also prevents moisture which may enter the air inlet 509 from reaching the airflow sensor 508. Although located at an opposite end 510b of the chamber 510 to the air inlet 509, the chamber 510 is sufficiently small compared to the overall size of the aerosol provision device 50 such that the airflow sensor 508 can be considered to be located proximate to the air inlet 509. In other words, air entering the aerosol provision device 50 through the air inlet 509 flows proximate to the airflow sensor 508 such that the airflow sensor 508 can detect airflow in the chamber 510 (and therefore through the airflow channel of the aerosol provision device 50). As described above, in response to the airflow sensor 508 detecting airflow through the airflow channel, the controller can then be configured to activate, turn or otherwise provide electrical power to the aerosol generator 20 of the article 40. The airflow sensor 508 may be a pressure sensor, MEMS sensor or microphone as described above.

[0083] As described above, the aerosol provision device 50 may comprise more than one air inlet 509, such as a first inlet located on the first sidewall of the aerosol provision device 50 and a second air inlet located on a second sidewall of the aerosol provision device 50 opposite the first sidewall. Where more than one air inlet 509 is provided, in use, air enters the chamber 510 through each of the air inlets 509 (for example through both the first air inlet and the second inlet).

[0084] Figures 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views through the aerosol provision system 1 illustrated in Figure 2. The aerosol provision system 1 illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B has been rotated through 90° compared to Figure 2 such that the sidewall 50c of the aerosol provision device 50 is now located on the side of the figure. Figure 4A shows the aerosol provision system 1 in exploded form such that the article 40 is separated from the aerosolprovision device 50, whereas Figure 4B shows the aerosol provision device 50 and the article 40 connected to one another. As can be seen from Figures 4A and 4B, the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 receives the article 40 such that at least a portion of the article 40 is contained within the interface 507.

[0085] As illustrated by the arrows in Figures 4A and 4B, the airflow channel 512 extends through the aerosol provision device 50 between the air inlet 509 and the air outlet 513 of the aerosol provision device 50, and the chamber 510 containing the airflow sensor 508 is located within the airflow channel 512 proximate to the air inlet 509. As a result, in use (i.e. when the aerosol provision device 50 is connected to the article 40 to form the aerosol provision system 1), a user sucking, drawing or otherwise inhaling on the article 40 causes air to enter the aerosol provision device 50 through the air inlet 509. The air travels into the chamber 510 then exits the chamber 510 and flows along the airflow channel 512 to the air outlet 513 at the interface 507 of aerosol provision device 50. The air exits the aerosol provision device 50 out of the air outlet 513 and flows into an air inlet 42 of the article 40. In other words, in use, air enters the chamber 510 of the aerosol provision device 50 through the air inlet 509, then exits the chamber 510 and flows along the airflow channel 512 to exit the aerosol provision device 50 out of the air outlet 513 and into the air inlet 42 of the article 40. As illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the air outlet 513 is located on the interface 507 and is axially aligned with the central axis (i.e. the x-axis) of the aerosol provision device 50. In other words, the air outlet 513 is located in the centre of the aerosol provision device 50 in both the y and z axes. As illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the air inlet 42 of the article 40 is also axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device 50 (which also corresponds to the central axis of the article 40). In other words, the aerosol provision device 50 and the article 40 share the same central axis such as when the aerosol provision device 50 and the article 40 are joined to form the aerosol provision system 1 , the aerosol provision device 50 and the article 40 are axially aligned, with the air outlet 513 of the aerosol provision device 50 axially aligned with the air inlet 42 of the article 40 such that the air outlet 513 of the aerosol provision device 50 is adjacent to the air inlet 42 of the article 40. This means that air exiting the air outlet 513 of the aerosol provision device 50 can flow directly into the air inlet 42 of the article 40.

[0086] As further illustrated by the arrows in Figures 4A and 4B, the air inlet 509 of aerosol provision device 50 is orientated perpendicular to the sidewall 50c of the aerosol provision device 50 such that air enters the chamber 510 through the air inlet 509 inwardly towards the central axis of the aerosol provision device 50. In contrast, the air exits out of the air outlet 5013 in the centre of the aerosol provision device 50 along the central axis of aerosol provision device 50. In other words, the air channel 12 is configured to turn the air between the air inlet 509 and the air outlet 513 such that the air exits out of the air outlet 513 along the central axis. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the airflow channel 12 can comprise a plurality of bends 512a,512b in order to turn the air between the air inlet 509 and the air outlet 513. In Figures 4A and 4B, the outlet of the chamber 510 is located on a top surface of the chamber 510 (in other words, closest to the proximal end 50a of the aerosol provision device 50). Air exiting the chamber 510 therefore flows in the same direction as the central axis (in other words parallel to the central axis) but offset from the central axis; offset along in the z-axis in Figures 4A and 4B. In other words, the portion of the airflow channel 512 proximate the chamber 510 is orientated parallel with the central axis of the aerosol provision device 50 but closer to the sidewall 50c than the central axis. The airflow channel 512 then comprises a first bend 512a such that the portion of the airflow channel downstream of the first bend 512a is orientated perpendicular to the central axis, and a second band 512b located downstream of the first bend 512a such that the portion of the airflow channel between the second bend 512b and the air outlet 513 of aerosol provision device 50 is axially aligned and orientated along the central axis. In other words, the airflow channel 512 comprises a plurality of bends 512a, 512b such that, in use, air exiting the chamber 510 flows along the airflow channel 512 parallel to but offset from the central axis, and is then turned inwardly to flow along the airflow channel 512 towards the central axis, then turned again to flow along the central axis to the air outlet 513 of the aerosol provision device 50.

[0087] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 also comprises a gasket 514. The gasket 514 forms a seal within the interface 507 between the aerosol provision device 50 and the end cap 70 of the article 40 around the air outlet 513 of the aerosol provision device 50 and the air inlet 42 of the article 40 such that all of the air exiting the air outlet 513 of the aerosol provision device 50 goes into the air inlet 42 of the article 40. In other words, the gasket 514 is configured, in use, to provide a seal between the air outlet 513 of the aerosol provision device 50 and the air inlet 42 of the article 40.

[0088] Figures 5, 6A and 6B illustrate different configurations for the gasket 514 in more detail. In each of Figures 5, 6A and 6B the gasket 514 includes a rib 515 which entirely surrounds the air outlet 513. In other words, a continuous ridge of material extends outwardly from the surface of the gasket 514 and the air outlet 513 is located inside this rigid material. The rib 515 may either be intricately formed with the gasket 514 or provided as a separate component to the gasket 514 and assembled into the gasket. For example, the rib 515 may be an O-ring made of a rubber material, and a groove provided in the gasket 514 for the O-ring to sit in. The rib 515 is located on the surface of the gasket at the proximal end 50a of the aerosol provision device 50 (i.e. the surface of the gasket 514 facing the article 40) such that the rib 515 interacts, engages with, or otherwise connects to the end cap 70 of the article 40 when the article 40 is inserted into the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50. Accordingly, since the rib 515 entirely surrounds the air outlet 513, no air can escape from the outlet 513 of the aerosol provision device 50 out of the sides of the interface 507 (i.e. between the aerosolprovision device 50 and the article 40) thereby ensuring that all the air exiting the aerosol provision device 50 through the air outlet 513 enters the article 40 through the air inlet 42 on the article 40. In this way, there is no flow of air between the end cap 70 of the article 40 and the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 (i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction).

[0089] As described above, the aerosol provision device 50 may comprise one or more electrical connectors 506 to electrically couple to the article 40 in order to provide electrical power from the battery of the aerosol provision device 50 to the aerosol generator of the article 40. As shown in Figures 5, 6A and 6B, the one or more electrical connectors 506 form part of the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 and pass through the gasket 514 in order to electrically couple to the corresponding article electrical connectors 32. As such, the electrical connectors 506 on the aerosol provision device 50 are located inside the 515 rib as well.

[0090] Figures 6A and 6B show two different configurations of the gasket 514. In each of Figures 6A and 6B the interface 507 also comprises one or more mechanical connectors 516. As described above, the mechanical connectors 516 are configured to mechanically couple, connect, or otherwise secure the aerosol provision device 50 to the article 40. In other words, in use, the one or more mechanical connectors 516 of the aerosol provision device 50 located at the interface 507 are configured to mechanically connect to corresponding mechanical connectors on the article 40. The mechanical connectors 516 may be in the form of a screw thread, a bayonet fitting, or maybe magnets.

[0091] In Figure 6A, the rib 515 extends around the air outlet 513 and the one more electrical connectors 506 as described above such that the air outlet 513 and the one or more electrical connectors 506 are located inside the rib 515, but the one or more mechanical connectors 516 are located outside of the rib 515. In other words, the rib 515 does not surround the mechanical connectors 516. In contrast, in Figure 6B, the rib 515 is located substantially around an outer perimeter of the gasket 514 such that the rib 515 extends around each of the air outlet 513, the electrical connectors 506, and the mechanical connectors 516. In other words, the air outlet 513, the one or more electrical connectors 506, and the one or more mechanical connectors 516 are located inside the rib 515. Although in each of Figures 5, 6A and 6B there are two electrical connectors 506 and to mechanical connectors 516, this is not essential and it will be appreciated that the configurations of rib 515 described above with respect to Figures 6A and 6B can also be applied to interfaces comprising one electrical connector 506 and / or one mechanical connector 516, more than two electrical connectors 506 and / or more than two mechanical connectors 516 or combinations thereof.

[0092] As described above, the present disclosure relates to (but it not limited to) an aerosol provision device for an aerosol provision system extending along a central axis between aproximal end and a distal end. The aerosol provision device comprises an interface located at the proximal end of the aerosol provision device, the interface configured to receive an article for the aerosol provision system. The aerosol provision device also comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol provision device between the proximal end and the distal end, an air outlet located on the interface and axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device and an airflow channel extending through the device between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the airflow channel comprises a chamber containing an airflow sensor configured to detect airflow through the airflow channel. In use, air enters the chamber through the air inlet, then exits the chamber and flows along the airflow channel to exit out of the air outlet into an air inlet of the article.

[0093] Thus, there has been described an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system.

[0094] 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.

[0095] Aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered clauses:

[0096] 1. An aerosol provision device for an aerosol provision system, wherein the aerosol provision device extends along a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol provision device comprising:

[0097] an interface located at the proximal end of the aerosol provision device, the interface configured to receive an article for the aerosol provision system;

[0098] an air inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol provision device between the proximal end and the distal end;

[0099] an air outlet located on the interface and axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device; andan airflow channel extending through the device between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the airflow channel comprises a chamber containing an airflow sensor configured to detect airflow through the airflow channel,

[0100] wherein, in use, air enters the chamber through the air inlet, then exits the chamber and flows along the airflow channel to exit out of the air outlet into an air inlet of the article.

[0101] 2. The aerosol provision device according to clause 1, wherein the airflow sensor is located proximate to the air inlet.

[0102] 3. The aerosol provision device according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the airflow sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0103] 4. The aerosol provision device according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein, in use, air enters the chamber through the air inlet inwardly towards the central axis and the airflow channel is configured to turn the air such that the air exits out of the air outlet along the central axis.

[0104] 5. The aerosol provision device according to clause 4, wherein the airflow channel comprises a plurality of bends such that, in use, the air exits the chamber parallel to but offset from the central axis, and is then turned inwardly to flow towards the central axis, then turned to flow along the central axis to the air outlet.

[0105] 6. The aerosol provision device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the interface further comprises a gasket configured, in use, to provide a seal between the air outlet and the air inlet of the article.

[0106] 7. The aerosol provision device according to clause 6, wherein the gasket comprises a rib entirely surrounding the air outlet.

[0107] 8. The aerosol provision device according to clause 7, wherein the interface further comprises one or more electrical connectors configured, in use, to electrically couple to the article, and wherein the one or more electrical connectors are located inside the rib.

[0108] 9. The aerosol provision device according to clause 7 or clause 8, wherein the rib is located substantially around an outer perimeter of the interface.

[0109] 10. The aerosol provision device according to any one of clauses 7 to 9, further comprising one or more mechanical connectors configured, in use, to mechanically couple to the article, and wherein the one or more mechanical connectors are located inside the rib.

[0110] 11. The aerosol provision device according to clause 10, wherein the one or more mechanical connectors comprise magnets.

[0111] 12 The aerosol provision device according to any one of clauses 1 to10, wherein air inlet is a first air inlet located on a first side wall of the aerosol provision device, and further comprising a second air inlet located on a second side wall opposite the first side wall, wherein, in use, air enters the chamber through the first air inlet and the second air inlet.13. An aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of any one of clauses 1 to 12.

[0112] 14. An aerosol provision system comprising:

[0113] an aerosol provision device extending along a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises:

[0114] an interface located at the proximal end of the aerosol provision device, the interface configured to receive an article for the aerosol provision system;

[0115] an air inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol provision device between the proximal end and the distal end;

[0116] an air outlet located on the interface and axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device; and

[0117] an airflow channel extending through the device between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the airflow channel comprises a chamber containing an airflow sensor configured to detect airflow through the airflow channel,

[0118] wherein, in use, air enters the chamber through the air inlet, then exits the chamber and flows along the airflow channel to exit out of the air outlet into an air inlet of the article.

[0119] 15. The aerosol provision system of clause 13 or clause 14, further comprising an article, wherein the article comprises the air inlet of the article.

[0120] 16. The aerosol provision system of clause 15, wherein the air inlet is axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol provision device for an aerosol provision system, wherein the aerosol provision device extends along a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol provision device comprising:an interface located at the proximal end of the aerosol provision device, the interface configured to receive an article for the aerosol provision system;an air inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol provision device between the proximal end and the distal end;an air outlet located on the interface and axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device; andan airflow channel extending through the device between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the airflow channel comprises a chamber containing an airflow sensor configured to detect airflow through the airflow channel,wherein, in use, air enters the chamber through the air inlet, then exits the chamber and flows along the airflow channel to exit out of the air outlet into an air inlet of the article.

2. The aerosol provision device according to claim 1 , wherein the airflow sensor is located proximate to the air inlet.

3. The aerosol provision device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the airflow sensor is a pressure sensor.

4. The aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in use, air enters the chamber through the air inlet inwardly towards the central axis and the airflow channel is configured to turn the air such that the air exits out of the air outlet along the central axis.

5. The aerosol provision device according to claim 4, wherein the airflow channel comprises a plurality of bends such that, in use, the air exits the chamber parallel to but offset from the central axis, and is then turned inwardly to flow towards the central axis, then turned to flow along the central axis to the air outlet.

6. The aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the interface further comprises a gasket configured, in use, to provide a seal between the air outlet and the air inlet of the article.

7. The aerosol provision device according to claim 6, wherein the gasket comprises a rib entirely surrounding the air outlet.

8. The aerosol provision device according to claim 7, wherein the interface further comprises one or more electrical connectors configured, in use, to electrically couple to the article, and wherein the one or more electrical connectors are located inside the rib.

9. The aerosol provision device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the rib is located substantially around an outer perimeter of the interface.

10. The aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising one or more mechanical connectors configured, in use, to mechanically couple to the article, and wherein the one or more mechanical connectors are located inside the rib.

11. The aerosol provision device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more mechanical connectors comprise magnets.12 The aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to10, wherein air inlet is a first air inlet located on a first side wall of the aerosol provision device, and further comprising a second air inlet located on a second side wall opposite the first side wall, wherein, in use, air enters the chamber through the first air inlet and the second air inlet.

13. An aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An aerosol provision system comprising:an aerosol provision device extending along a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises:an interface located at the proximal end of the aerosol provision device, the interface configured to receive an article for the aerosol provision system;an air inlet located on a side wall of the aerosol provision device between the proximal end and the distal end;an air outlet located on the interface and axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device; andan airflow channel extending through the device between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the airflow channel comprises a chamber containing an airflow sensor configured to detect airflow through the airflow channel,wherein, in use, air enters the chamber through the air inlet, then exits the chamber and flows along the airflow channel to exit out of the air outlet into an air inlet of the article.

15. The aerosol provision system of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising an article, wherein the article comprises the air inlet of the article.

16. The aerosol provision system of claim 15, wherein the air inlet is axially aligned with the central axis of the aerosol provision device.

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