TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

It is desired to provide an improved aerosol provision device.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a main housing forming a heating chamber; and a removal mechanism which is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and magnetically retained to the main housing in use to form a receiving portion of the heating chamber, wherein an aerosol generating article is at least partially inserted in use into the receiving portion of the heating chamber and wherein the removal mechanism is fully detachable from the main housing in order to remove an aerosol generating article from the heating chamber. According to various embodiments a removal mechanism is provided which is particularly beneficial in removing a spent aerosol generating article which remains located on a heating element at the end of a session of use. The heating element may, for example, comprise a resistive pin heating element. The removal mechanism may comprise a tubular portion and a base portion wherein the heating element projects through an aperture provided in the base portion. The removal mechanism may be withdrawn from the main housing of the aerosol provision device and in the process the base portion may engage with a distal end of the aerosol generating article. As the removal mechanism is withdrawn, the base portion of the removal mechanism will pull the spent aerosol generating article off the heating element. The removal mechanism may also capture any portion of the spent aerosol generating article which becomes detached during the removal process.

Optionally, the removal mechanism may comprise a first magnet or magnetisable material and the main housing may comprise a second magnet or magnetisable material.

Optionally, the aerosol provision device may further comprise a heating element attached to the main housing.

Optionally, the heating element may project into the heating chamber.

Optionally, an aerosol generating article may be secured to the heating element in use so that the heating element at least partially penetrates into the aerosol generating article.

Optionally, the removal mechanism may comprise a tubular portion and a base portion which at least partially surround the heating element.

Optionally, the heating element projects through an aperture in the base portion of the removal mechanism when the removal mechanism is magnetically retained to the main housing.

Optionally, the base portion of the removal mechanism may be arranged to contact a distal end of an aerosol generating article when the removable mechanism is detached from the main housing in order to remove the aerosol generating article from the heating chamber.

Optionally, the removal mechanism may be arranged to push or otherwise force an aerosol generating article to slide along at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the heating element when removing the aerosol generating article from the heating chamber.

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

According to another aspect there is provided a method of generating aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device comprising a main housing forming a heating chamber and a removal mechanism which is at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and magnetically retained to the main housing to form a receiving portion of the heating chamber; at least partially inserting an aerosol generating article into the receiving portion of the heating chamber; and fully detaching the removal mechanism from the main housing in order to remove the aerosol generating article from the heating chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment and shows an L-shaped airflow path through the aerosol provision device;

Fig. 4 shows a corrugated surface on the outer surface of a tubular wall of a main housing of the aerosol provision device;

Fig. 5 shows a different view of the corrugated surface on the outer surface of a tubular wall of a main housing of the aerosol provision device;

Fig. 6 shows a portion of a main housing of an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment together with channels through a removal mechanism; Fig. 7 shows channels formed in a removal mechanism;

Fig. 8 shows a different view of airflow channels formed in a removal mechanism;

Fig. 9 shows longitudinal channels formed in a removal mechanism together with channels formed in the removal mechanism;

Fig. 10 shows the base portion of a removal mechanism showing the base portion of the removal mechanism which contacts a distal end of an aerosol generating article and wherein four radial airflow channels are provided in the base portion; and

Fig. 11 A shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision device according to another embodiment and shows a C-shaped airflow path through the aerosol provision device and Fig. 11 B shows as cross-sectional view showing an annular airflow path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.

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

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

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

Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment comprising an aerosol provision device 100 which is shown located within a cavity of a charging unit 101. The aerosol provision device 100 is arranged to generate aerosol from an aerosol generating article which may be inserted, in use, into the aerosol provision device 100.

The aerosol provision device 100 is an elongate structure, extending along a longitudinal axis. Additionally, the aerosol provision device has a proximal end, which will be closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 100, as well as a distal end which will be furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end may also be referred to as the “mouth end”. The aerosol provision device 100 also accordingly defines a proximal direction, which is directed towards the user when in use, i.e. in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end. Further, the aerosol provision device 100 also likewise defines a distal direction, which is directed away from the user when in use, i.e. in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end.

The aerosol provision device 100 may be removably inserted into the charging unit 101 in order to be charged. The charging unit 101 comprises a cavity for receiving the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 may be inserted into the cavity via an opening. The cavity may also comprise a longitudinal opening. A portion of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise a first side. One or more user- operable control elements such as buttons 106 which can be used to operate the aerosol provision device 100 may be provided on the first side of the aerosol provision device 100. The first side of the aerosol provision device 100 may be received in the longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 101.

According to an embodiment the cavity of the charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile which only permits that the aerosol provision device 100 be inserted into the charging unit 101 in a single orientation. According to an embodiment the outer profile of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise an arcuate portion and a linear portion. The cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided in the charging unit 101 may also comprise a similar arcuate portion and a linear portion. The linear portion of the cross-sectional profile of the cavity may correspond with the longitudinal opening. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises an opening leading into a heating chamber. A rod shaped aerosol generating article comprising aerosol generating material may be inserted through the opening and may be retained within the heating chamber of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol generating article may be heated by a heating element so that an aerosol or other inhalable medium may be generated which may then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol provision device 100.

The charging unit 101 may include a slidable lid 103. When the aerosol provision device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 in order to be recharged, the slidable lid 103 may be closed so as to cover the opening into the aerosol provision device 100. The charging unit 101 may include a user interface such as display 108.

Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a portion of an aerosol provision device 100 according to an embodiment. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a main housing 200 which forms a heating chamber 201. The main housing 200 may comprise a wall 200a which is a tubular wall 200a, and which may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100, and which surrounds the heating chamber 201. The wall 200a may, at least in part, define the heating chamber 201 of the aerosol provision device 100, as the volume which is enclosed within the tubular wall 200a. The wall 200a may be a shape other than tubular, and may be any shape which encloses (e.g. encircles) and defines a heating chamber 201 there within. A heating element 202 may be provided in a portion of the main housing 200 and the heating element 202 may extend or project into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may comprise a base portion 202a which may be located in a recess provided in a portion of the main housing 200.

The heating element 202 may comprise a resistive heating element. According to an embodiment the heating element 202 comprises a pin which may be inserted, in use, into a distal end of an aerosol generating article which is received within the heating chamber 201 in order to internally heat the aerosol generating article.

Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the heating element 202 may comprise a resistive blade heating element comprising a planar portion and a pointed portion. The pointed portion of the resistive blade heating element may be arranged to be inserted, in use, into a distal end of an aerosol generating article in order to internally heat the aerosol generating article.

Further embodiments are contemplated wherein the heating element 202 may comprise an inductive heating element which may be arranged to internally heat an aerosol generating article. The inductive heating element may similarly comprise a pin or blade. In further embodiments, the heating element of the aerosol provision system may be a part of the aerosol generating article, rather than being a part of the aerosol provision device 100.

The aerosol provision device 100 further comprises a removal mechanism 204 which may be removably retained to the main housing 200 of the aerosol provision device 100. The removal mechanism 204 may be retained to the main housing 200 so that at least a portion of the removal mechanism 204 extends into the heating chamber 201. The removal mechanism 204 may comprise a longitudinal portion such as a tubular portion 207a, and a base portion 207b. The base portion 207b may have an aperture 206 through which the heating element 202 may project. In order to retain the removal mechanism 204 to the main housing 200, the removal mechanism 204 is pushed into engagement with the main housing 200 in the distal direction, i.e. towards the distal end of the main housing 200, until the removal mechanism 204 is able to move no further in the distal direction. In the following description, when the removal mechanism 204 is referred to as being “retained to” the main housing 200, this is when the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200, and can move no further in the distal direction.

Together, the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b may define and enclose an article chamber for receiving, the aerosol generating article. The article chamber comprises an inner surface, which is configured to contact the aerosol generating article, the inner surface comprising a longitudinally extending portion which is provided by the tubular portion 207a, and an end portion which is provided by the base portion 207b. When the aerosol generating article is received in the heating chamber, it may contact both the longitudinally extending portion of the inner surface, and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e. the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least part of an aerosol generating article which is in the form of rod which is longitudinally extending and cylindrical, such that the longitudinal axis of the article is parallel to (and optionally in line with) the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100 when received in the article chamber.

The article chamber may also be referred to as a receiving portion. When the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200, in use, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 is arranged, at least partially, within the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be arranged so as to project into the article chamber, through the aperture 206 provided in the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204. The removal mechanism 204 is therefore configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article in use. According to an embodiment the removal mechanism 204 may comprise a first magnet or a magnetisable material 208. The main housing 200 may comprise a second magnet or magnetisable material 209. In use, the removal mechanism 204 may be magnetically retained to the main housing 200 by the interaction of the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209.

According to various embodiments the removal mechanism 204 is fully detachable from the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 may be retained to the main housing 200 by a magnetic force of attraction between the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209. The removal mechanism 204 may be detached from the main housing 200 by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209. Alternatively, the removal mechanism 204 may be removably retained to the main housing 200 by other means. For example, the removal mechanism 204 may be configured to be removably retained to the main housing 200 by an interference fit with the main housing.

The first magnet or a magnetisable material 208 and/or the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 may comprise neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic or ferrite magnets.

Other embodiments are contemplated the first magnet or a magnetisable material 208 and/or the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 may comprise a magnetisable component or a temporary magnet which may be comprised of iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, gadolinium, gadolinium alloy, dysprosium or dysprosium alloy.

Further embodiments are contemplated wherein the first magnet or a magnetisable material 208 and/or the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 may comprise an electromagnet.

The removal mechanism 204 may comprise an internal element (comprising the tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b) and an outer cap portion 210, wherein when retained to the main housing 200 the outer cap portion 210 encapsulates (e.g. covers) at least a portion of the main housing 200, such as the wall 200a of the main housing. The tubular portion 207a, base portion 207b and outer cap portion 210 may comprise an integral (e.g. unitary) component (formed, for example, by moulding). Alternatively, the tubular portion 207a and base portion 207b may comprise a first component and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise a second separate component. The first and second components may then be secured together. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol provision device 100 according to an embodiment and shows a main housing 200 with a heating element

202 extending into a heating chamber 201 and wherein a removal mechanism 204 is removably retained to the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 surrounds the heating element 202. An aerosol generating article 300 is shown located at least partly within the article chamber, and accordingly also with the heating chamber 201, such that the aerosol generating article 300 is positioned onto the heating element 202.

When retained to the main housing 200, the outer cap portion 210 forms a portion of an outer housing of the aerosol provision device 100. The outer cap portion 210 may radially surround the tubular element 207a with a gap being provided between the internal element (e.g. the tubular element 207a) and the outer cap 210, the gap extending along a portion of the length of the removal mechanism 204, and being configured to recieve a portion of the main housing 200, e.g. the wall 200a. The removal mechanism 204 may define an opening 203 to the article chamber, through which the aerosol generating article 300 must be inserted in a first direction in order to be inserted into the article chamber. This first direction is the distal direction, and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. In embodiments, this opening

203 is configured to contact the aerosol generating article 300, such that air is substantially prevented from passing through the opening 203 when the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted through the opening 203 and into the article chamber.

The first magnet or a magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 may be located in the main housing 200 and the removal mechanism 204 respectively, such that they are sufficiently proximate to one another to generate an attractive force between one another when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200, such that the removal mechanism 204 is magnetically retained to the main housing 200. For example the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 may be located at the proximal end of the portion of the main housing 200, e.g. at the proximal end of the wall 200a, which is inserted into the gap within the removal mechanism 204 (i.e. between the outer cap 210 and the internal element 207a, 207b) when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200, with the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 located at a corresponding location in the removable mechanism 204, e.g. such that when the removal mechanism 204 is engaged to the main housing 200 the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 is positioned sufficiently close to the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 that the attraction between the first magnet or magnetisable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetisable material 209 keeps the removal mechanism 204 retained to the main housing 200.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the main housing 200, in particular the wall 200a. As depicted, the wall 200a is tubular, and has a corrugated outer surface 240, i.e. which is arranged on the radially outer surface of the wall 200a. The main housing 200 also comprises a ledge 241 arranged distal to the corrugated outer surface 240, which is configured to contact (e.g. the distal end of) the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism 204 when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200. The corrugate outer surface 240 extends around a circumferential portion of the wall 200a, and in other embodiments may extend around the entire circumference of the wall 200a. The corrugated outer surface 240 comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending ridges, for example having a length < 10 mm, 10-20 mm, 20-30 mm, 30-40 mm, 40-50 mm, 50- 60 mm, 60-70 mm, 70-80 mm, 80-90 mm, 90-100 mm, 100-110 mm, 110-120 mm, 120- 130 mm, 130-140 mm, 140-150 mm, 150-160 mm, 160-170 mm, 170-180 mm, 180-190 mm, 190-200 mm or > 200 mm and ridge spacing of < 0.5 mm, 0.5-1.0 mm, 1.0-2.0 mm, 2.0-3.0 mm, 3.0-4.0 mm, 4.0-5.0 mm or > 5.0 mm .

Additionally, the main housing 200 comprises one or more protrusions 242, e.g. of the ledge 241 , which extend in the proximal direction and are configured to be received by a corresponding one or more detents (not shown) in the removal mechanism 204. These one or more protrusions 242 may provide rotational locking of the removal mechanism 204 relative to the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200. The one or more protrusions 242 may comprise a plurality of protrusions 242, arranged at different circumferential positions, and being configured to be received by a corresponding one or more detents in the removal mechanism 204.

Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of the main housing 200 of Fig 4. from an alternative angle, which depicts non-circular portion 250 of the wall 200a. Referring to both Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 the non-circular portion 250 is configured to receive a corresponding non-circular portion of the internal element of the removal mechanism 204 so as to prevent relative rotational motion of the removal mechanism 204 and the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200.

In use, a user can insert or partially insert the aerosol generating article 300 through the opening 203 into the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol generating article 300 is received within the tubular portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204 and hence the aerosol generating article 300 is received into the article chamber defined by the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b, and is additionally received into the heating chamber 201 . The heating element 202 may be arranged to pierce a distal end of the aerosol generating article 300 so that the heating element 202 is located within the aerosol generating article 300 and is arranged to heat the aerosol generating article 300 via internal heating. Referring back to Fig. 3, once the aerosol generating article 300 has been inserted into the aerosol provision device 100 the user may then conduct a session. During the session the aerosol generating article 300 may be heated by the heating element 202. It will be understood that a session of use may last several minutes. For example, according to various embodiments a session of use may last 2-3 mins, 3-4 mins or 4-5 mins.

At the end of a session of use the user may wish to remove the spent aerosol generating article 300 from the aerosol provision device 100 and optionally replace the spent aerosol generating article 300 with a fresh aerosol generating article 300. According to an embodiment in order to remove a spent aerosol generating article 300 after a session of use, the user may detach the removal mechanism 204 from the main housing 200 by applying a force to the removal mechanism 204 in order to overcome the magnetic force of attraction between the first magnet 208 provided in the removal mechanism 204 and the second magnet provided in the main housing 200.

The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a flow path 220 configured to support an air flow. The flow path 220 extends through one or more air inlets 221 of the aerosol provision device 100, which are positioned on a lateral side of the aerosol provision device 100, and away from the proximal end of the aerosol provision device 100, where the lateral side of the aerosol provision device 100 is the outer surface of the aerosol provision device 100 which extends between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol provision device 100, and may face away and outwards from the longitudinal axis of the device. The one or more air inlets 221 allow air surrounding the periphery of the device to be drawn into the flow path 220, i.e. they are arranged to direct air from a peripheral region of the aerosol provision device 100, into the aerosol provision device 100, optionally in an inlet direction which is a radial direction towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. These one or more air inlets 221 may be arranged distal to the heating chamber 201.

Further, the one or more air inlets 221 may be arranged distal to the removal mechanism 204. In embodiments, the one or more air inlets 221 comprise one or more openings defined between the distal end of the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism 204 and the main housing 200, which are present when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200. In particular, the one or more air inlets 221 may comprise a respective one or more openings defined between the one or more protrusions 242 (see Figs. 4 and 50 and the one or more detents in the outer cap of the removal mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more air inlets 221 may correspond to one or more openings through the outer cap 210 or one or more openings in the main housing 200. After beginning at the one or more air inlets 221, the flow path 220 then extends in a second direction, towards the proximal end of the device, through one or more first air channels 222 (see Figs. 4 and 5). This second direction may be the proximal direction, and the one or more first air channels 222 may extend to the proximal end of the main housing 200, i.e. to the proximal end of the wall 200a. As such, the one or more first air channels 222 are arranged to direct air from the one or more air inlets 221 in the second direction, optionally to the proximal end of the main housing 200. In embodiments, the one or more first air channels 222 longitudinally overlap the heating element 202, and optionally extend beyond the proximal end of the heating element 202. The one or more first air channels 222 are arranged radially outwards of the article chamber and the heating chamber 201.

The second direction is at an angle to the inlet direction, e.g. perpendicular to the inlet direction, and so it may be said that the air is arranged to follow an L-shaped path through the one or more air inlets 221 and along the one or more first air channels 222. By directing air along this L-shaped path, and then through the aerosol generating article from the distal end, as will be discussed in more detail below, the air is drawn from a region which is distal from the proximal end, or “mouth end”, of the device, and as such may be less warm and less likely to comprise user exhalates. Furthermore, by drawing this air along the L-shaped path through the aerosol provision device 100, the air may be cooler and cleaner and hence can act to provide a cooling effect within the aerosol provision device 100, particularly in regions which are adjacent to the heating element 202 and the heating chamber 201.

In embodiments, as depicted in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the one or more first air channels 222 may comprise a gap defined between the wall 200a of the main housing 200, and the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism 204, formed when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200. By defining the one or more first air channels 222 using this corrugated outer surface 240, a resistance to draw and pressure drop may be applied to the air which flows along the air path. Additionally, the high surface area of the corrugated outer surface 240 can act to provide an effective heat exchange, enabling cooling of the removal mechanism 204.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more first air channels 222 (see Fig. 3) may extend within the main housing 200, or within the removal mechanism, e.g. within the outer cap 210.

With reference to Fig. 3, after extending through the one or more first air channels 222, the flow path then extends in a third direction, through one or more second air channels 223. These one or more second air channels 222 extend in the third direction, which is radially inwards, and are arranged to direct air from the one or more first air channels 222 in the third direction, which is towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. In embodiments, the one or more second air channels 222 extend to the article cavity, however, they may extend to the heating chamber 201 , or optionally to a position radially outward of the heating chamber 201 .

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the aerosol provision device 100, including the main housing 200, and the removal mechanism 204. In particular, the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism is depicted in wireframe, to allow the internal portion (comprising the tubular portion 207a) to be viewed. The tubular portion 207a of the removal mechanism extends within the heating cavity defined by the wall 200a of the main housing 200 as discussed above, and includes a radially extending portion 261 at a proximal end of the tubular portion 207a, wherein the radially extending portion 261 is configured to abut the proximal end of the main housing 200, i.e. the proximal end of the wall 200a, when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200.

The one or more second air channels 223 comprise one or more openings in the removal mechanism 204. In particular, the one or more second air channels 223 comprise one or more openings which are defined between the internal portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204 and the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism 204. By defining these one or more openings between the internal portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204 and the outer cap 210, the manufacture of the removal mechanism 204 can be made more straightforward. The one or more openings may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, or more openings. These one or more openings may be arranged equidistant from one another, in order to enable a circumferentially even flow of air there through. The one or more openings extend radially inwards, from the one or more first air channels 222 to the article chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more second air channels 223 may extend within the main housing 200, or within the removal mechanism, e.g. within the outer cap 210.

After extending through the one or more second air channels 223, the flow path then extends in a fourth direction, through one or more third air channels 224. The one or more third air channels 224 are arranged to direct air from the one or more second air channels 223 in the fourth direction, and extend in the fourth direction, which is towards the distal end of the aerosol provision device 100, and optionally in the distal direction. This fourth direction may be opposed to, and parallel to, the second direction. These one or more third air channels 224 are arranged to direct air towards the distal end of the aerosol provision device 100, to the distal end of the article chamber, the distal end of the heating chamber 201, or beyond the heating chamber 201 in the distal direction. The one or more third air channels 224 comprise a gap defined between the inner surface of the article chamber and the aerosol generating article 300, e.g. between the tubular portion 207a and the aerosol generating article 300, when the aerosol generating article 201 is received by the inner surface in the article chamber. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show an embodiment of the aerosol provision device 100, in which the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b which define the article chamber are visible. As with Fig. 6, the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism is depicted in wireframe, to allow the internal portion (comprising the tubular portion 207a, and a base portion 207b) to be viewed. The inner surface of the article chamber (in particular, the tubular portion 207a) comprises one or more longitudinal recesses 271, which extend along the inner surface of the article chamber in the distal direction, and which extend the length of the tubular portion 207a from the proximal end of the tubular portion 207a to the base portion 207b. These longitudinal recesses 271 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100, but this is not always necessary. Each of the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 is configured to receive air from a corresponding one or the one or more second air channels 223.

When an aerosol generating article 300 is received by the inner surface of the article chamber, the aerosol generating article 300 engages with the inner surface such that the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 and the aerosol generating article 300 together define the one or more third air channels 224, i.e. by covering each of the one or more longitudinal recesses 271, such that the one or more third air channels 224 comprise the gap between the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 of the inner surface and the aerosol generating article 300. The one or more longitudinal recesses 271 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, or more longitudinal recesses 271. These one or more longitudinal recesses 271 may be arranged equidistant from one another, in order to enable a circumferentially even flow of air there through. The inner surface also comprises one or more longitudinal protrusions 272, which are arranged on the inner surface of the tubular portion 207a, and which are configured to engage the aerosol generating article 300 received in the article chamber, so as to apply a compression to the article which holds the aerosol generating article 300 in place within the article chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more third air channels 224 may extend within the main housing 200, or within the removal mechanism 204.

After extending through the one or more third channels 224, the flow path arrives at the distal end of the aerosol generating article 201 , and extends in a fifth direction, optionally through one or more fourth channels which are arranged to direct air from the one or more third channels 224 in the fifth direction. The fifth direction is radially inwards, towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. An aerosol generating article 300, such as a rod, may be configured such that air can enter and leave the article at proximal and distal ends. As such, the flow path then extends into the distal end of the aerosol generating article 300, through the article, and leaves the article (optionally through the proximal end) for inhalation by the user. While air is directed along the flow path through the article, vapour or aerosol which has been generated by applying heat to the aerosol generating article 300 using the heating element 202 may be carried along with the air which has entered the device through the one or more air inlets 221 and been directed along the flow path, and thereby delivered to the user along with the air.

Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show an embodiment of the aerosol provision device 100, including the main housing 200, and the removal mechanism 204. As with Fig. 6, the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism is depicted in wireframe, to allow the internal portion (comprising the tubular portion 207a, and a base portion 207b) to be viewed. The base portion 207b of the removal mechanism comprises one or more radial recesses 281 , which are defined between one or more stepped protrusions 282 in the base portion 207b. The one or more radial recesses 281 are arranged in fluid communication with the corresponding one or more longitudinal recesses 271, where the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b meet, and the one or more radial recesses 281 extend radially inward from the radial extent of the base portion 207b, i.e. from the tubular portion 207a. Optionally, each of the one or more radial recesses 281 extend from the radial extent of the base portion 207b towards the longitudinal axis of the article chamber. The one or more stepped protrusions 282 extend in the proximal direction, such that when the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the article chamber it comes into contact with the one or more stepped portions 282, and covers the one or more radial recesses 281 , so as to form one or more fourth air channels.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of the removal mechanism 204, in which both the tubular portion 207a, and a base portion 207b are depicted in wireframe, so as to allow the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 and the one or more radial recesses 281 to be viewed. When the aerosol generating article 300 is inserted into the article chamber, the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 and the one or more radial recesses 281 are enclosed, so as to form the one or more third air channels and the one or more fourth air channels respectively. The one or more third air channels are arranged to direct air towards the distal end of the aerosol provision device 100, to the distal end of the article chamber (i.e. the base portion 207b), and the one or more fourth air channels are arranged to direct this air radially inwards towards the longitudinal axis 100 of the aerosol provision device.

The flow path 220 of the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 is therefore arranged to direct air into the aerosol provision device 100 in an inlet direction through the one or more air inlets 221 , in a second direction towards a proximal end of the aerosol provision device 100 through one or more first channels 222, in a third direction towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100 through one or more second channels 223, and then in a fourth direction towards the distal end of the aerosol provision device 100 through one or more third channels 224, and then in a fifth direction towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100 through one or more fifth air channels. From the distal end of the aerosol generating article 300, the flow path 220 is then arranged to direct air through the aerosol generating article 300, and to a user for inhalation.

This flow path 220 through the aerosol provision device 100 is therefore tortuous, and may extend longitudinally past the heating element 202 both when extending along the second direction through the one or more first air channels 222 and when extending along the fourth direction when passing through one or more third air channels 224. As such, this flow path may both be well suited to providing a high pressure drop and resistance to user draw, as well as providing cooling and ventilation in regions of the device adjacent to the heating chamber 201 and particularly the heating element 202.

It is noted that while the flow path 220 is discussed in the context of an aerosol provision device 100 comprising both a main housing 200 and a removal mechanism 204 which is removably retained by the main housing 200, this is not essential. Rather, this flow path 220 may be applied to an arrangement in which the aerosol provision device 100 does not comprise a removal mechanism 204 which is removably retained by a housing. In such an arrangement, the article chamber may correspond to the heating chamber 201 , such that the inner surface which contacts the aerosol generating material is the inner surface of the heating chamber 201; which may have all of the same features of the inner surface of the article chamber. Further, more generally, this flow path 220 may be applied to any aerosol provision device 100 having a heating element 202 and a heating chamber 201 which is configured to receive an aerosol generating article 300.

Another embodiment is shown in Figs. 11A and 11 B. In this case, the aerosol provision device 100 comprises a heating chamber 401 for receiving an aerosol generating article 300, and a heating element 402 for heating the aerosol generating article 300, each of which may have any of those features discussed above with regard to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Further, the aerosol provision device 100 may also comprise a main housing 400, and a removal mechanism 404, having any of the features discussed above.

All features of the aerosol provision device 400 depicted in Figs. 11 A and 11 B may be as discussed above with regard to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, aside from the flow path; which in this embodiment is arranged differently, and this aerosol provision device 100 likewise comprises a flow path 420 configured to support an air flow. In the embodiment depicted in Figs. 11A and 11 B, the aerosol provision device 100 comprises one or more air inlets 421 , which may have the same features as the one or more air inlets 221 discussed in regard to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. In particular, the one or more inlets 421 are positioned on a lateral side of the aerosol provision device 100, and away from the proximal end of the aerosol provision device 100, where the lateral side of the aerosol provision device 100 is the outer surface of the aerosol provision device 100 which extends between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol provision device 100, and may face away and outwards from the longitudinal axis of the device 100. The one or more air inlets 421 allow air surrounding the periphery of the device 100 to be drawn into the flow path 420, i.e. they are arranged to direct air from a peripheral region of the aerosol provision device 100, into the aerosol provision device 100, optionally in an inlet direction which is a radial direction towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. These one or more air inlets 421 may be arranged distal to the heating chamber 401.

After beginning at the one or more air inlets 421, the flow path then arrives at one or more first channels 411 . These one or more first channels 411 may comprise a circulation chamber 411. The one or more first channels 411 may extend radially outward beyond the radial extent of the heating chamber 401 , and may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. In embodiments where the one or more first channels 411 comprise a circulation chamber 411 , the circulation chamber 411 may be annular.

The one or more first channels 411 may be in fluid communication with one or more air outlets 422, which are arranged to direct air out of the one or more first channels 411 . As such, the one or more first channels 411 are arranged to direct air from the one or more air inlets 421 , e.g. in a circumferential direction, to the one or more air outlets 422. In other words, the flow path 420 extends from the one or more air inlets 421 , through the one or more first channels 411, to the one or more air outlets 422. Just as the one or more air inlets 421 may be arranged to direct air towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100, the one or more air outlets 422 may be configured also to direct air towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. Further, the one or more air outlets 422 may be arranged radially inward of the one or more air inlets 421.

In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 11 A, the circulation chamber 411 is annular, and extends longitudinally, longitudinally overlapping the heating element 402, and extending beyond the proximal extent of the heating element 402. As such, air arriving into the circulation chamber 411 may circulate longitudinally, enabling a cooling effect to be provided in the region of the aerosol provision device 100 adjacent the heating element 402 and heating chamber 401. Alternatively, in the embodiment depicted in Fig. 11 B, one or more first channels 411 do not extend substantially longitudinally, e.g. they do not longitudinally overlap with the heating chamber 401, and as such the flow of air through the circulation chamber 411 is constrained longitudinally. This may enable a high resistance to draw to be provided.

The one or more air inlets 421 and the one or more air outlets 422 are arranged such that when air is directed along the flow path, air flows in a circumferential direction at substantially all circumferential positions within the circulation chamber 411. This can be achieved by arranging the one or more air outlets 422 such that each of the one or more air outlets 422 are circumferentially displaced from each of the one or more air inlets 421. For example, this may be achieved by arranging the one or more air inlets

421 and the one or more air outlets 422 such that they are rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100. By providing a circumferential distance for the airflow to travel through, the resistance to draw and the pressure drop may be increased.

The one or more air inlets 421 and one or more air outlets 422 may be arranged alternately to one another in a circumferential direction. Further, the one or more air inlets 421 may be evenly distributed in a circumferential direction, for example such that the angle between each air inlet 421 and circumferentially adjacent air inlets 421 about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100 is the same. Likewise, the one or more air outlets 422 may be evenly distributed in a circumferential direction, for example such that the angle between each air outlet 422 and circumferentially adjacent air outlets

422 about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device 100 is the same. Additionally, each of the one or more air outlets 422 may be arranged circumferentially distant from any one of the one or more air inlets 421 , optionally such that it is equidistant between the circumferentially adjacent one or more air inlets 421.

After passing through the one or more air outlets 422, the flow path may then pass through one or more second air channels, which correspond to one or more base openings 423 in the base of the heating chamber, to arrive in the heating chamber 401 , and the article chamber. The one or more base openings 423 may be evenly distributed in the base of the article chamber, and arranged to direct air into the article chamber in the proximal direction.

As such, after extending through the one or more base openings 423, the flow path arrives at the distal end of the aerosol generating article 300. An aerosol generating article 300, such as a rod, may be configured such that air can enter and leave the article 300 at proximal and distal ends. As such, the flow path then extends into the distal end of the aerosol generating article 300, through the article, and leaves the article (optionally through the proximal end) for inhalation by the user. While air is directed along the flow path through the article 300, vapour or aerosol which has been generated by applying heat to the aerosol generating article 300 using the heating element 202 may be carried along with the air which has entered the device through the one or more air inlets 221 and been directed along the flow path, and thereby delivered to the user along with the air.

As the removal mechanism 404 is detached from the main housing 400 and then withdrawn from the main housing 400, the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism will engage with a distal end face of the aerosol generating article 300 with the result that the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204 will pull the aerosol generating article 300 off and away from the heating element 402. As a result, the aerosol generating article 300 may be fully removed from the aerosol provision device 100 by the removal mechanism 404. In particular, the aerosol generating article 300 can be removed from the aerosol provision device 100 with a substantially reduced risk of the aerosol generating article 300 breaking apart or a portion of the aerosol generating article remaining attached to the heating element 402.

Furthermore, in the event that any spent aerosol generating material or any other portion of the aerosol generating article 300 does become detached or break apart, the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 404 may be arranged to capture any debris or other portion of the aerosol generating article 300 and to ensure that the debris is collected by the base portion 207b and hence removed with the removal mechanism 204.

Once the removal mechanism 404 has been removed from the aerosol provision device 100, the removal mechanism 404 may then be emptied and/or cleaned. Removal of the removal mechanism 404 from the main body 400 of the aerosol provision device 100 also facilitates access to the heating element 402 and in particular enables the heating element 402 to be cleaned by a cleaning tool.

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.