Article for an aerosol provision system

Abstract

An article for an aerosol provision system comprising the article and an aerosol provision device is disclosed. The article extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end and comprises an aerosol generating chamber, an aerosol generator located inside the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material. An outlet located at the first end of the article, an end cap located at the second end of the article opposite the first end, the end cap configured to be received by an interface of the aerosol provision device and comprising an air inlet located on a side wall of the end cap. A component is located inside the end cap and comprises a channel on a surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the channel extending between the air inlet and the central axis.

Description

[0001] ARTICLE FOR AN AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to an article for an aerosol provision system 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 article for an aerosol provision system comprising the article and an aerosol provision device. The article extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end. The article comprises an aerosol generating chamber, an aerosol generator located inside the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material. The article also comprises an outlet located at the first end of the article, an end cap located at the second end of the article opposite the first end, the end cap configured to bereceived by an interface of the aerosol provision device. The end cap comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the end cap. The article also comprises a component located inside the end cap and comprising a channel on a surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the channel extending between the air inlet and the central axis. In use, air enters the article through the air inlet, flows along the channel, through the aerosol generating chamber, and then exits through the outlet.

[0011] The air inlet may be configured such that, in use, air enters the article substantially perpendicular to and towards the central axis.

[0012] The air inlet may be located proximate to the second end of the article.

[0013] An outer surface of the end cap at the second end of the article may be substantially flat.

[0014] The component may further comprise a void located directly between the air inlet and the central axis, and the channel may curve around the void.

[0015] The component may further comprise a rib extending around the central axis, wherein the void may be located between the central axis and the rib and the channel may pass through the rib.

[0016] The component may comprise a hole aligned with the central axis, and the channel may extend between the air inlet and the hole such that, in use, air may flow along the channel and through the hole into the aerosol generating chamber.

[0017] The end cap may comprise a cut out aligned with the central axis such that, in use, air flowing along the channel and into the aerosol generating chamber may cause a change in pressure across the cut out that is detectable within the interface of the aerosol provision device by an airflow sensor of the aerosol provision device.

[0018] The component may further comprise a protrusion of a size and shape corresponding to the cut out such that the protrusion may fit within the cut out.

[0019] The air inlet may be a first air inlet located on a first side wall of the end cap, and the end cap may further comprise a second air inlet located on a second side wall opposite the first side wall.

[0020] The channel may be a first channel and the component may further comprise a second channel on the surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the second channel extending between the second air inlet and the central axis such that the first channel and the second channel meet at the central axis.

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

[0022] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is also provided an aerosol provision system comprising an article. The article extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end. The article comprises an aerosol generating chamber,an aerosol generator located inside the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material. The article also comprises an outlet located at the first end of the article, an end cap located at the second end of the article opposite the first end, the end cap configured to be received by an interface of the aerosol provision device. The end cap comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the end cap. The article also comprises a component located inside the end cap and comprising a channel on a surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the channel extending between the air inlet and the central axis. In use, air enters the article through the air inlet, flows along the channel, though the aerosol generating chamber, and then exits through the outlet.

[0023] The aerosol provision system may further comprise the aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision device may comprise the interface configured to receive and surround the end cap of article.

[0024] The interface may comprise a hole located such that, when the end cap of the article is received by the interface, the hole of the interface may be located adjacent to and collinearly aligned with the air inlet of the end cap.

[0025] 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.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a further aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;

[0030] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of an end cap of an article for an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;

[0031] Figures 4A to 4D are schematic diagrams of a component of an article for an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;

[0032] Figures 5A to 50 are further schematic diagrams of the component of an article for an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6A and 6B are further schematic diagrams of aerosol provision systems according to the present disclosure.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTIONAspects 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a noncombustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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, teasuch 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 housedwithin a single housing. Such an aerosol delivery system or device may be referred to as ‘disposable’.

[0061] 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 systems comprising 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.

[0062] 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 connectionbetween 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 the aerosol provision device 50 and the article 40 and out of the mouthpiece end of the article 40 into the mouth of the user.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 volatilematerials 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 providing a 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 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.

[0068] 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 aerosolgenerator 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 comprise a 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.

[0069] 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 component 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 component 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 component 10 and / or the end cap 70 as described herein.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 aerosolprovision 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.

[0072] 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 and device 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.

[0073] 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, for example a USB connector.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 withinformation 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.

[0076] 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 of the 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.

[0077] 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.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. In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 is configured to not only receive but also surround the end cap 70 the article 40. In other words, when the article 40 and the aerosol provision device 50 are connected, joined or otherwise engaged to form the aerosol provision system 1 , the end cap 70 of the article 40 is entirely contained within the interface of the aerosol provision device 50. 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 Figure 2, other elements of the aerosol provision device 50 and the article 40 described above with reference to Figure 1 may also be present in the aerosol provision device 50 and / or the article 40 illustrated in Figure 2.

[0078] The article 40 of the aerosol provision system 1 illustrated in Figure 2 extends along a central axis (corresponding to the x-axis in Figure 2) between a first end 40a and a second end 40b, where the second end 40b is at the opposite end of the article 40 to the first end 40a along the central axis. As the name suggests, the central axis runs through the geometric centre of the article 40 (and the aerosol provision device 50) such that the article 40 may be geometrically symmetrical about one or more planes passing through the central axis. The first end 40a (sometimes referred to as the mouthpiece or mouthpiece end) is the end of the article 40 which the user places in their mouth or between the lips in order to draw, suck, or otherwise inhale on the article 40. At the first end 40a of the article 40 there is an outlet 42 which corresponds to the end of the airflow path 41 through the article 40 as described above. In use, vapour generated in the aerosol generation chamber flows along the airflow path 41 and out of the outlet 42 for user inhalation.

[0079] The end cap 70 is located at the second end 40b of the article 40 such that the end cap 70 is located at the end of the article 40 opposite the outlet 42. As described above, the end cap 70 is configured to be received by the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 such that when the article 40 and the aerosol provision device 50 are joined to form the aerosol provision system 1, the end cap 70 is located inside or otherwise within the interface 507 of aerosol provision system 1. Although not shown in Figure 2, the end cap 70 comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the end cap. The side wall is a wall of the end cap adjacent to but not at the second end 40b of the article 40 and extending in a direction parallel to the central axis as opposed to the end wall of the end cap located at the second end 40b of the article 40 which lies perpendicular to the central axis. When the user inhales on the first end40a of the article 40, air enters the article 40 through the air inlet as described in more detail below.

[0080] The interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 shown in Figure 2 also has a hole 509. The hole 509 extends all the way from the inside of the interface 507 that is configured to receive the article 40 to the outer housing of the device 50 such that air can flow from the outside of the device 50 into the interface 507 of aerosol provision device 50. The hole 509 is located such that, when the end cap 70 of the article 40 is received by the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50, the hole 509 is located adjacent to and collinearly aligned with the air inlet on the end cap 70. In other words, the interface hole 509 is located such that when the article 40 and the device 50 are connected to form the aerosol provision system 1, the interface hole 509 is at the same location along the central axis as the air inlet on the end cap 70. The interface hole 509 and the air inlet on the end cap 70 have substantially the same diameter and orientation such that air can pass through the interface hole 509 and into the air inlet on the side wall of the end cap 70. As a result, all of the air passing through the hole 509 flows into the air inlet of the end cap 70 towards the central axis, and no air flows in the gap created between the end cap 70 of the article 40 and the interface 507 of aerosol provision device 50.

[0081] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing the end cap 70 illustrated in Figure 2 in more detail. As can be seen, there is an air inlet 71 on a side wall 70b, 70c of the end cap 70. In Figure 3A, there are two air inlet holes 71a, 71b at opposite sides of the end cap 70 to one another. In other words, a first air inlet 71a is located on a first side wall 70b of the end cap 70, and a second air inlet 71 b is located on a second side wall 70c of the end cap 70, where the second side wall 70c is opposite the first side wall 70b.

[0082] The end cap has an outer surface 70a that is located at the second end 40b of the article 40, such that the outer surface 70a of the end cap 70 is between the first and second sidewalls 70b, 70c of the end cap 70. In other words, the outer surface 70a of the end cap 70 is the surface of the end cap 70 furthest from the first end 40a of the article 40. The outer surface 70a of the end cap 70 is substantially flat. In other words, the outer surface 70a is a planar surface lying perpendicular to the central axis. This allows the end cap 70 to lie flush with the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 when the end cap 70 is inserted into the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50.

[0083] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, although the one or more air inlets 71a, 71b are located on sidewalls 70b, 70c of the end cap 70, they are located proximate to the outer surface 70a of the end cap 70 such that the air inlets 71a, 71b are located proximate to the second end 40b of the article 40 (i.e. distal to the first, mouthpiece end 40a of the article 40).

[0084] As described above, the one or more air inlets 71a, 71b are located on sidewalls 70b, 70c that are aligned with the central axis, and the one or more air inlets 71a, 71b are orientatedperpendicular to the central axis such that air flowing through the one or more air inlets 71a, 71b flows substantially perpendicular to and inwards towards the central axis. In other words, air inlet 71a, 71b is configured such that, in use, air enters the article 40 substantially perpendicular to and towards the central axis.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3A, there is a cut out 72 in the end cap 70. The cut out 72 is a void or absence of material aligned with the central axis. The cut out 72 extends from the outer surface 70a of the end cap to the inner surface 70d of the end cap 70 such that components of the article 40 can connect with the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 through the end cap 70, for example the one or more article electrical connectors 32 as described above. Although in Figure 3A the cut out 72 is shown to be oval or race-track shaped, this is not essential and it will be appreciated that any size of cut out can be used, for example circular, square or other another shape of polygon.

[0086] Each side wall 70b, 70c of the end cap 70 also has a clip, tab or other form of mechanical connector 73 configured to attach to and mechanically connect the end cap 70 to the component 10 such that the component 10 is retained within the end cap 70.

[0087] As described above with reference to Figure 1, the article 40 comprises a component 10 located inside the end cap 70. Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of different component 10 configurations for use in an article 40 of an aerosol provision system 1. Figures 4A to 4D illustrate a first configuration of component 10, with each of Figures 4A to 4D providing a different view of the same component 10.

[0088] As shown in Figure 4A, the component 10 comprises one or more tabs 11 of a size and shape to interact with the corresponding clip 73 on the end cap 70 in order to mechanically connect and retain the component 10 in the end cap 70. As shown in Figure 4B, the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent to the end cap 70 (in other words the surface of the end cap 70 furthest from the first end 40a of the article 40) is substantially flat and planar in order to lie flush with the inner surface 70d of the end cap 70 at the second end 40b of the article 40. A channel 12 is cut out of the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent to the end cap 70 to create a flow path for air entering the article 40 through the air inlet 71 on the end cap 70 to flow inside the article 40 towards the central axis of the article 40. In other words, the channel 12 extends between the air inlet 71 on the end cap 70 and the central axis such that air enters the article 40 through the air inlet 71 on the end cap 70, and flows along the channel 12 to the central axis. Since the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent to the end cap 70 lies flush with the inner surface 70d of the end cap 70, air entering the air inlet 71 can only flow along the channel 12 and cannot escape around the sides of the component 10. The inner surface 70d of the end cap 70 therefore forms one side of the flow path created by the channel 12 in the component 10. This can be seen in Figures 4D and 5C, where the channel 12 is shown as a U-shaped gorge or cut out in the surface 13 of the component adjacent 10 to the end cap70. The surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent the end cap 70 abuts the end cap 70 such that the inner surface 70d of the end cap 70 closes the U-shaped gorge to form a completely enclosed channel 12.

[0089] As described above, there may be two air inlets 71a, 71b on the end cap 70 at opposing sidewalls 70b, 70c, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5 a channel 12 may be provided on the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent to the end cap 70 leading from each air inlet 71a, 71b to the central axis. In other words, where a first air inlet 71a and a second air inlet 71b are provided in the end cap 70, a first channel and a second channel are provided on the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent to the end cap 70, with the first channel extending between the first air inlet 71a and the central axis and the second channel extending between the second air inlet 71b and the central axis. The first channel and the second channel therefore meet at the central axis. As can be seen in Figures 4B and 4C, the channels extend from a sidewall 10a, 10b of the component 10 to the central axis of the component (which corresponds to the central axis of the article 40). Since the sidewalls 10a, 10b of the component 10 are adjacent the sidewalls 70b, 70c of the end cap 70, the portion of the channel 12 at the sidewalls 10a, 10b of the component 10 are adjacent to the air inlets 71a, 71b on the sidewalls 70a, 70b of the end cap 70 such that all of the air entering the air inlets 71a, 71b flow along the channels 12. To aid directing the air to flow along the channels 12, a notch 14 can be provided at each side wall 10a, 10b of the component 10 in order to increase the opening size into the channel 12 and ensure that the resistance to draw through the article 40 is not adversely high. In some cases, the notch may be provided in the equivalent location on the side wall of the atomising unit cover I reservoir stopper 80 as well or instead of the notch 14 in the component 10. Where the notch is provided in the atomising unit cover I reservoir stopper 80, this means that the channel 12 does not need to be at the same position along the central axis as the air inlet 71a, 71b, since air entering the air inlet 71a, 71b can flow down the notch to reach the channel 12.

[0090] As shown in Figures 4B and 4C, one or more voids 15 can be provided in the component 10. Like the cut out 72 in the end cap 70, the voids 15 in the component 10 are absences of material or through holes aligned parallel to the central axis of the article 40 thereby allowing components of the article 40 such as the one or more article electrical connectors 32 to pass through the component 10 (and then pass through the void 72 in the end cap 70). In each of Figures 4B and 4C there are two voids 15 however this is not essential and it will be appreciated that the component 10 may comprise a single void or more than two voids for example four as illustrated in Figure 5A and 5B. In Figures 4A and 4B, each void 15 is located directly between an air inlet 71a, 71b and the central axis (i.e. in the plane lying perpendicular to the central axis corresponding to the y-axis in Figure 4). Were the channels 12 to consist of a straight line from the air inlet 71 to the central axis, the channels 12 wouldpass through the void 15. To prevent this, the channels 12 are shaped such that they curve, bend or otherwise dogleg around the voids 15 whilst still connecting the air inlet 71 to the central axis. As can be seen in Figure 4C the channels 12 are curved such that the channel proximate to the central axis is orientated perpendicular to the channel proximate the sidewalls 10a, 10b of the component 10 (and therefore proximate the air inlets 71a, 71b). In Figures 5A and 5B there are four voids 15, with two of the voids 15 located directly between the air inlets 71a, 71b and the central axis, and two voids 15 located perpendicular to the line between the air inlets 71a, 71b (and therefore the sidewalls 10a, 10b of the component 10) and the central axis. The channels 12 therefore curve, bend or otherwise dogleg to avoid each of the voids 15 such that no air passing along the channels 12 can enter the voids 15.

[0091] As shown in Figures 4B and 4C, the component 10 further comprises a protrusion 16 a size and shape corresponding to the cut out 72 in the end cap 70 such that the protrusion 16 fits within the cut out 72 in the end cap 70. In other words, the protrusion 16 extends from the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent the inner surface 70d of the end cap 70, such that when the component 10 is inserted in the end cap 70, the face of the protrusion 16 lies flush with the outer surface 70a of the end cap 70. In other words, the face of the protrusion 16 and the outer surface 70a of the end cap 70 are co-planar and form a substantially flat combined surface. As can be seen in Figures 4B and 4C, the channels 12 are also cut out of the protrusion 16 such that air flowing along the channels 12 can still reach the central axis through the protrusion 16.

[0092] The components 10 shown in Figures 4 and 5 each comprise a hole 17 aligned with the central axis. The hole 17 passes through the component 10 and therefore allows air flowing along the channel 12 to pass through the component 10 towards the aerosol generating chamber along the central axis. Since the air entering the article 40 through the air inlet 71 flows along the channel 12, through the aerosol generating chamber and then exits through the outlet 42 as described above, the hole 17 in the component allows air flowing along the channel 12 towards the central axis to flow through the hole 17 along (i.e. coaxially with) the central axis and into the aerosol generating chamber. The shape and size of the hole 17 is not essential; in Figures 4A to 4C the hole 17 is shown to have a circular crosssection whilst in Figures 5A to 5C the hole 17 is shown to have an oral or racetrack shaped cross-section.

[0093] As described above, the end cap 70 can comprise a cut out 72 aligned with central axis, such that the cut out 72 in the end cap 70 is axially aligned with the hole 17 through the component 10. This means that air flowing along the channel 12 and into the aerosol generating chamber via the hole 17 in the component causes a change in pressure across the cut out 72 of the end cap 70. This change in pressure is then detectable within the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50. As described above, an airflow sensor of the aerosolprovision device 50 can be fluidly connected to the interface 507 such that the change in pressure within the interface 507 can be detected by the airflow sensor. In other words, the user drawing, sucking or otherwise inhaling on the first end 40a of the article 40 causes air to enter the air inlet 71 of the end cap 70, flow along the air channel 12 in the component 10, flow through the hole 17 in the component 10 to the aerosol generating chamber and then along the airflow path 41 in the article 40 to the air outlet 42 at the first end 40a, the airflow sensor in the aerosol provision device 50 is still able to detect the puff or inhalation despite the primary air flow path not passing through the device.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4C, there may be a series of holes within the component hole 17 to form a mesh type structure. This has the effect of creating turbulence and a mixing of the air downstream of the mesh (and therefore downstream of the component 10). Since the air passing through the mesh then enters the aerosol generating chamber, this helps to promote the mixing of the air with within the aerosol generating chamber and therefore improves aerosol production within the aerosol generating chamber. This is not essential however, and the hole 17 may have no internal features such that the hole 17 creates a single uniform channel through the component 10.

[0095] Figures 5A to 5C illustrate further configurations of component 10. In Figure 5A the channel 12 is on the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent the end cap 70, but the channel 12 is not formed from a continuous gorge as in Figures 4A to 4C. Instead, a series of protrusions 19 extend from the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent to the end cap 70. These protrusions extend away from the surface 13 of the component parallel with the central axis in a direction away from the first end 40a of the article 40 such that the protrusions extend towards the inner surface 70d of the end cap 70. The ends of the protrusions abut the inner surface 70d of the end cap 70 to create a gap between the inner surface 70d of the end cap 70 and the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent to the end cap 70, such that the channel 12 is defined by the gap between the surface 13 of the component 10 and the end cap 70. Therefore, rather than being a defined gorge, trough or valley along the surface 13 of the component 10, the channel 12 in the example in Figure 5A is in the forms of a continuous volume of space between the surface 13 of the component 10 and the end cap 70, extending over the majority of the surface 13 of the component 10 proximate to the end cap 70.

[0096] In each of Figures 5A and 5B, there is a rib 18 on the component 10 extending around the central axis. The rib 18 extends from the surface 13 of the component 10 adjacent to the end cap 70 outwardly parallel with the central axis and towards the end cap 70. The one or more voids 15 are each located inside the rib 18 such that the one or more voids 15 are located between the central axis and the rib 18. In order for the air to reach the hole 17 aligned with the central axis, the channel 12 passes through the rib 18. In other words, a defined cut out, gorge or other form of path is provided through the rib 18 from the outer perimeter of the rib tothe central axis (and therefore to the hole aligned with central axis). This results in the rib 18 forming an air tight seal around each the plurality of voids 15 whilst still allowing air to pass from the air inlets 71 to the central axis via the channel 12. As shown in Figure 5B, the section of the channel 12 passing through the rib 18 can also form part of a continuous line or curve of channel 12 extending from the side wall 10a, 10b of the component 10 (and therefore the air inlet 71) to the central axis (and therefore the hole 17 through the component aligned with central axis), rather than the continuous volume channel 12 outside of the rib 18 as illustrated in Figure 5A.

[0097] Figure 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of the article 40 and aerosol provision device 50 described above when connected together to form an aerosol provision system 1, such as the aerosol provision system 1 illustrated in Figure 2. As can be seen in Figures 6A and 6B, two holes 509 are located on opposing sides of the article interface 507 with each hole 509 being located adjacent to and co-linearly aligned with an air inlet 71 on a respective side wall of the end cap 70. The component 10 is then located inside the end cap 70 with the surface of the component containing the channel 12 abutting the inner surface of the end cap. This allows air from outside the aerosol provision system 1 to flow through the hole 509 in the interface 507 of the aerosol provision device 50 directly through the air inlet 71 in the corresponding side wall of the end cap 70, flow along the channel 12 of the component 10 to the central axis. Here, the air can flow along the central axis through the hole 17 in the component 10 (which is aligned with the central axis) and into the aerosol generating chamber where it impinges the underside of the aerosol generator (in other words, the surface of aerosol generator distal to the first end of the article 40). The air vapour mixture then flows along the airflow path 41 from the aerosol generating chamber to the air outlet 42, where the air vapour mixture can be inhaled by a user of the provision system.

[0098] As described above, the present disclosure relates to (but it not limited to) an article for an aerosol provision system 1 comprising the article and an aerosol provision device. The article extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end. The article comprises an aerosol generating chamber, an aerosol generator located inside the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material. The article also comprises an outlet located at the first end of the article, an end cap located at the second end of the article opposite the first end, the end cap configured to be received by an interface of the aerosol provision device. The end cap comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the end cap. The article also comprises a component located inside the end cap and comprising a channel on a surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the channel extending between the air inlet and the central axis. In use, air enters the article through the air inlet, flows along the channel, through the aerosol generating chamber, and then exits through the outlet.Thus, there has been described an article for an aerosol provision system and an aerosol provision system.

[0099] 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.

[0100] Aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered clauses:

[0101] 1. An article for an aerosol provision system comprising the article and an aerosol provision device, wherein the article extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, the article comprising:

[0102] an aerosol generating chamber;

[0103] an aerosol generator located inside the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material;

[0104] an outlet located at the first end of the article;

[0105] an end cap located at the second end of the article opposite the first end, the end cap configured to be received by an interface of the aerosol provision device, and wherein the end cap comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the end cap;

[0106] a component located inside the end cap and comprising a channel on a surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the channel extending between the air inlet and the central axis,

[0107] wherein, in use, air enters the article through the air inlet, flows along the channel, through the aerosol generating chamber, and then exits through the outlet.

[0108] 2. The article according to clause 1, wherein the air inlet is configured such that, in use, air enters the article substantially perpendicular to and towards the central axis.

[0109] 3. The article according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the air inlet is located proximate to the second end of the article.

[0110] 4. The article according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein an outer surface of the end cap at the second end of the article is substantially flat.5. The article according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the component further comprises a void located directly between the air inlet and the central axis, and the channel curves around the void.

[0111] 6. The article according to clause 5, wherein component further comprises a rib extending around the central axis, wherein the void is located between the central axis and the rib and the channel passes through the rib.

[0112] 7. The article according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the component comprises a hole aligned with the central axis, and the channel extends between the air inlet and the hole such that, in use, air flows along the channel and through the hole into the aerosol generating chamber.

[0113] 8. The article according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the end cap comprises a cut out aligned with the central axis such that, in use, air flowing along the channel and into the aerosol generating chamber causes a change in pressure across the cut out that is detectable within the interface of the aerosol provision device by an airflow sensor of the aerosol provision device.

[0114] 9. The article according to clause 8, wherein the component further comprises a protrusion of a size and shape corresponding to the cut out such that the protrusion fits within the cut out.

[0115] 10. The article according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the air inlet is a first air inlet located on a first side wall of the end cap, and the end cap further comprises a second air inlet located on a second side wall opposite the first side wall.

[0116] 11. The article according to clause 10, wherein the channel is a first channel and the component further comprises a second channel on the surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the second channel extending between the second air inlet and the central axis such that the first channel and the second channel meet at the central axis.

[0117] 12. An aerosol provision system comprising the article according to any one of clauses 1 to 11.

[0118] 13. An aerosol provision system comprising:

[0119] an article, wherein the article extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, and the article comprises:

[0120] an aerosol generating chamber;

[0121] an aerosol generator located inside the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material;

[0122] an outlet located at the first end of the article;

[0123] an end cap located at the second end of the article opposite the first end, the end cap configured to be received by an interface of an aerosol provision device, and wherein the end cap comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the end cap;a component located inside the end cap and comprising a channel on a surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the channel extending between the air inlet and the central axis,

[0124] wherein, in use, air enters the article through the air inlet, flows along the channel, through the aerosol generating chamber, and then exits through the outlet.

[0125] 14. The aerosol provision system according to clause 12 or clause 13, further comprising the aerosol provision device, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises the interface configured to receive and surround the end cap of article.

[0126] 15. The aerosol provision system according to clause 14, wherein the interface comprises a hole located such that, when the end cap of the article is received by the interface, the hole of the interface is located adjacent to and collinearly aligned with the air inlet of the end cap.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An article for an aerosol provision system comprising the article and an aerosol provision device, wherein the article extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, the article comprising:an aerosol generating chamber;an aerosol generator located inside the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material;an outlet located at the first end of the article;an end cap located at the second end of the article opposite the first end, the end cap configured to be received by an interface of the aerosol provision device, and wherein the end cap comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the end cap;a component located inside the end cap and comprising a channel on a surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the channel extending between the air inlet and the central axis,wherein, in use, air enters the article through the air inlet, flows along the channel, through the aerosol generating chamber, and then exits through the outlet.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet is configured such that, in use, air enters the article substantially perpendicular to and towards the central axis.

3. The article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the air inlet is located proximate to the second end of the article.

4. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an outer surface of the end cap at the second end of the article is substantially flat.

5. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the component further comprises a void located directly between the air inlet and the central axis, and the channel curves around the void.

6. The article according to claim 5, wherein component further comprises a rib extending around the central axis, wherein the void is located between the central axis and the rib and the channel passes through the rib.

7. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the component comprises a hole aligned with the central axis, and the channel extends between the air inlet and the holesuch that, in use, airflows along the channel and through the hole into the aerosol generating chamber.

8. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the end cap comprises a cut out aligned with the central axis such that, in use, air flowing along the channel and into the aerosol generating chamber causes a change in pressure across the cut out that is detectable within the interface of the aerosol provision device by an airflow sensor of the aerosol provision device.

9. The article according to claim 8, wherein the component further comprises a protrusion of a size and shape corresponding to the cut out such that the protrusion fits within the cut out.

10. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the air inlet is a first air inlet located on a first side wall of the end cap, and the end cap further comprises a second air inlet located on a second side wall opposite the first side wall.

11. The article according to claim 10, wherein the channel is a first channel and the component further comprises a second channel on the surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the second channel extending between the second air inlet and the central axis such that the first channel and the second channel meet at the central axis.

12. An aerosol provision system comprising the article according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An aerosol provision system comprising:an article, wherein the article extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, and the article comprises:an aerosol generating chamber;an aerosol generator located inside the aerosol generating chamber and configured to cause aerosol to be generated from aerosol-generating material;an outlet located at the first end of the article;an end cap located at the second end of the article opposite the first end, the end cap configured to be received by an interface of an aerosol provision device, and wherein the end cap comprises an air inlet located on a side wall of the end cap; a component located inside the end cap and comprising a channel on a surface of the component adjacent to the end cap, the channel extending between the air inlet and the central axis,wherein, in use, air enters the article through the air inlet, flows along the channel, through the aerosol generating chamber, and then exits through the outlet.

14. The aerosol provision system according to claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising the aerosol provision device, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises the interface configured to receive and surround the end cap of article.

15. The aerosol provision system according to claim 14, wherein the interface comprises a hole located such that, when the end cap of the article is received by the interface, the hole of the interface is located adjacent to and collinearly aligned with the air inlet of the end cap.

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