Patent Description:
Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful by-products. There have been proposed various smoking substitute systems (or "substitute smoking systems") in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco.

Smoking substitute systems include electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also referred to as a "vapour") that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

In general, smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and with combustible tobacco products. Some smoking substitute systems use smoking substitute articles (also referred to as a "consumables") that are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.

The popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown rapidly in the past few years. Although originally marketed as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit tobacco smoking, consumers are increasingly viewing smoking substitute systems as desirable lifestyle accessories.

There are a number of different categories of smoking substitute systems, each utilising a different smoking substitute approach.

One approach for a smoking substitute system is the so-called Heated Tobacco ("HT") approach in which tobacco (rather than an "e-liquid") is heated or warmed to release vapour. HT is also known as "heat not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco. The vapour may contain nicotine and/or flavourings. In the HT approach the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.

A typical HT smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable. The consumable may include the tobacco material. The device and consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. In use, heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as vapour. A vapour may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may for example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) and additionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.

An example of a smoking substitute device comprising a housing and a heating element and a dissipation element to transfer heat is known from <CIT>.

In some cases, heating of the consumable can result in a housing of the device becoming hot. This can make the housing uncomfortable to hold by a user and, in some cases, can present a safety risk.

There may be a need for improved design of smoking substitute systems, in particular HT smoking substitute systems, to enhance the user experience and improve the function of the HT smoking substitute system.

At its most general, the present invention relates to a smoking substitute device having a heat dissipation element in the housing.

According to the present invention, there is provided a smoking substitute device comprising the features of claim <NUM>.

By providing a smoking substitute device comprising a heat dissipation element, the heat from the heating element is dissipated by the heating dissipation element by distributing the heat across a greater surface area. In other words, the heat dissipation element provides a thermal mass adjacent to or in proximity of the heating element. This may help to avoid localised heating and may provide faster heat dissipation by increasing the overall surface area available for heat loss. This may improve the user experience and may also avoid injury or other safety hazards that could otherwise result from localized heating. Further, having improved heat dissipation in the smoking substitute device may also protect components of the smoking substitute device from heat related damage and may result in improved life and low maintenance costs of the smoking substitute device.

The term "heat dissipation element" is intended to refer to a part or portion of the device that is provided for absorbing heat and distributing heat over an area so as to avoid the issue of localised "hot spots". In this respect, the heat dissipation is a thermal conductor rather than a thermal insulator.

The heat dissipation element may have a thermal conductivity of above <NUM> W/mK at room temperature, or above <NUM> W/mK at room temperature, or above e.g. <NUM> W/mK at room temperature.

The at least one heat dissipation element may be metallic. For example, the at least one heat dissipation element may be formed of copper or aluminium. The at least one heat dissipation element may comprise a coating or surface treatment. The coating or surface treatment may facilitate heat dissipation of the heat dissipation element.

The at least one heat dissipation element may be ceramic. The at least one heat dissipation element may be formed of a combination of materials. Alternatively, the at least one heat dissipation element may be formed of a single material.

The at least one heat dissipation element may be a plate. That is, one dimension of the at least one heat dissipation element may be significantly smaller than the other two dimensions. The at least one heat dissipation element may be substantially planar or may have a curved profile. As should be appreciated, the at least one heat dissipation element may vary in size or shape depending on the heat dissipation requirements of the device.

A surface of the at least one heat dissipation element facing the heating element may have a surface area of at least <NUM><NUM>, or at least <NUM><NUM>, or e.g. at least <NUM><NUM>.

The at least one heat dissipation element may be mounted at an internal surface of the housing. The housing may comprise an outer wall, an outer surface of which may define an outer surface of the device. The at least one heat dissipation element may be mounted at or to an inner surface of the outer wall of the housing. In this respect, the at least one heat dissipation element may be separated from the outer surface of the device by a wall of the housing.

The first and second heat dissipation elements may be formed of different materials. One of the first and second heat dissipation elements may be formed of aluminium and another of the first and second heat dissipation elements may be formed of copper. The heat dissipation element formed of copper may be located in a cooler part of the housing (during operation) than the heat dissipation element formed of aluminium.

The housing may comprise first and second housing portions detachable from one another. One of the first and second heat dissipation elements (e.g. the first heat dissipation element) may be mounted to the first housing portion. The other of the first and second heat dissipation elements (e.g. the second heat dissipation element) may be mounted to the second housing portion. Alternatively, both of the first and second heat dissipation elements may be mounted to the first or second housing portion. Where one heat dissipation element is mounted to the first housing portion and the other is mounted to the second housing portion, the heat dissipation elements may come into contact (i.e. thermal or physical contact) when the housing portions are engaged with one another (i.e. not detached).

The first housing portion may be a body (which may be elongate) comprising the heating element (e.g. the heating element may be mounted to the body). The second housing portion may be a cap engagable with the body for at least partially enclosing the heating element. A heat dissipation element mounted to the cap may be formed of aluminium (e.g. anodised aluminium) whilst a heat dissipation element mounted to the body may be formed of copper.

The at least one heat dissipation element may be laterally spaced from the heating element. In this respect, there may be an air gap between the at least one heat dissipation element and the heating element. The housing may comprise an internal wall between the at least one heat dissipation element and the heating element and there may be an air gap between the internal wall and the at least one heat dissipation element.

The housing may comprise first and second spaced opposing lateral sides. The first heat dissipation element may be mounted at the first side of the housing and the second heat dissipation element may be mounted at the second side of the housing. The heating element may be located between the sides. In this respect, the first heat dissipation element may be mounted between the first side of the housing and the heating element, and the second heat dissipation element may be mounted between the second side of the housing and the heating element.

The heating element may be generally elongate so as to define a longitudinal axis. The at least one heat dissipation element may be located laterally adjacent to the heating element. Alternatively, the at least one heat dissipation element may be spaced along the longitudinal axis so as not to be laterally in line with the heating element. That is, the at least one heat dissipation element may be above or below the heating element in the housing.

The housing may be made of polymeric material. The housing may comprise a slot or recess for receipt of the at least one heat dissipation element. In this way, the at least one heat dissipation element may be mounted to the housing without adhesive. Alternatively or additionally the at least one heat dissipation element may be mounted to the housing by way of an adhesive.

The outer surface of the housing may comprise a metallic portion. The metallic portion may be thermally (or physically) connected to the at least one heat dissipation element. In this way, heat from the heat dissipation element may be dissipated via the metallic portion.

An end of the elongate body may be configured for engagement with an aerosol-forming article. For example, the body may be configured for engagement with a heated tobacco (HT) consumable (or heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable). The terms "heated tobacco" and "heat-not-burn" are used interchangeably herein to describe a consumable that is of the type that is heated rather than combusted (or are used interchangeably to describe a device for use with such a consumable). The device may comprise a cavity that is configured for receipt of at least a portion of the consumable (i.e. for engagement with the consumable). The at least one heat dissipation element may at least partially define the cavity (e.g. the at least one heat dissipation element may be a wall of the cavity). The aerosol-forming article may be of the type that comprises an aerosol former (e.g. carried by an aerosol-forming substrate).

The heating element may form part of a heater for heating the aerosol-forming article. The heating element may be in the form of a rod that extends from the body of the device. The heating element may extend from the end of the body that is configured for engagement with the aerosol-forming article.

The heater (and thus the heating element) may be rigidly mounted to the body. The heating element may be elongate so as to define a longitudinal axis and may, for example, have a transverse profile (i.e. transverse to a longitudinal axis of the heating element) that is substantially circular (i.e. the heating element may be generally cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element may have a transverse profile that is rectangular (i.e. the heater may be a "blade heater"). The heating element may alternatively be in the shape of a tube (i.e. the heater may be a "tube heater"). The heating element may take other forms (e.g. the heating element may have an elliptical transverse profile). The shape and/or size (e.g. diameter) of the transverse profile of the heating element may be generally consistent for the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.

The heating element may be between <NUM> and <NUM> long, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM> long, e.g. around <NUM> long. The heating element may have a diameter of between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. a diameter between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. a diameter of around <NUM>.

The heating element may be formed of ceramic. The heating element may comprise a core (e.g. a ceramic core) comprising Al2O3. The core of the heating element may have a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM>. The heating element may comprise an outer layer (e.g. an outer ceramic layer) comprising Al2O3. The thickness of the outer layer may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. around <NUM>. The heating element may comprise a heating track, which may extend longitudinally along the heating element. The heating track may be sandwiched between the outer layer and the core of the heating element. The heating track may comprise tungsten and/or rhenium. The heating track may have a thickness of around <NUM>.

As set forth above, the heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device), and may extend (e.g. along a longitudinal axis) from an internal base of the cavity towards an opening of the cavity. The length of the heating element (i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the heater) may be less than the depth of the cavity. Hence, the heating element may extend for only a portion of the length of the cavity. That is, the heating element may not extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.

The heating element may be configured for insertion into an aerosol-forming article (e.g. a HT consumable) when an aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In that respect, a distal end (i.e. distal from a base of the heating element where it is mounted to the device) of the heating element may comprise a tapered portion, which may facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming article. The heating element may fully penetrate an aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, the entire length, or substantially the entire length, of the heating element may be received in the aerosol-forming article.

The heating element may have a length that is less than, or substantially the same as, an axial length of an aerosol-forming substrate forming part of an aerosol-forming article (e.g. a HT consumable). Thus, when such an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device, the heating element may only penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate, rather than other components of the aerosol-forming article. The heating element may penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate for substantially the entire axial length of the aerosol forming-substrate of the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat may be transferred from (e.g. an outer circumferential surface of) the heating element to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate, when penetrated by the heating element. That is, heat may be transferred radially outwardly (in the case of a cylindrical heating element) or e.g. radially inwardly (in the case of a tube heater).

Where the heater is a tube heater, the heating element of the tube heater may surround at least a portion of the cavity. When the portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element may surround a portion of the aerosol-forming article (i.e. so as to heat that portion of the aerosol-forming article). In particular, the heating element may surround an aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. That is, when an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device, the aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article may be located adjacent an inner surface of the (tubular) heating element. When the heating element is activated, heat may be transferred radially inwardly from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the aerosol forming substrate.

The cavity may comprise a (e.g. circumferential) wall (or walls) and the (tubular) heating element may extend around at least a portion of the wall(s). In this way, the wall may be located between the inner surface of the heating element and an outer surface of the aerosol-forming article. The wall (or walls) of the cavity may be formed from a thermally conductive material (e.g. a metal) to allow heat conduction from the heating element to the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat may be conducted from the heating element, through the cavity wall (or walls), to the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-forming article received in the cavity.

The cap may be disposed at the end of the body that is configured for engagement with an aerosol-forming article. The cap may be moveable between an open position in which access is provided to the heating element, and a closed position in which the cap at least partially encloses the heating element. The cap may be slideably engaged with the body of the device, and may be slideable between the open and closed positions.

The cap may define at least a portion of the cavity of the device. That is, the cavity may be fully defined by the cap, or each of the cap and body may define a portion of the cavity. Where the cap fully defines the cavity, the cap may comprise an aperture for receipt of the heating element into the cavity (when the cap is in the closed position). The cap may comprise an opening to the cavity. The opening may be configured for receipt of at least a portion of an aerosol-forming article. That is, an aerosol-forming article may be inserted through the opening and into the cavity (so as to be engaged with the device). The cap may comprise an internal wall defining the cavity for receipt of the article. The at least one heat dissipation element mounted in the cap may be located between the internal wall of the cap and an external wall of the cap (i.e. defining an outer wall of the housing). There may be an air gap between the at least one heat dissipation element and the internal wall defining the cavity.

The cap may be configured such that when an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device (e.g. received in the cavity), only a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, a portion of the aerosol-forming article (not received in the cavity) may protrude from (i.e. extend beyond) the opening. This (protruding) portion of the aerosol-forming article may be a terminal (e.g. mouth) end of the aerosol-forming article, which may be received in a user's mouth for the purpose of inhaling aerosol formed by the device.

The outer surface of the device may be defined by the body or the cap or partly by the body and partly by the cap. The outer surface may include a first outer surface defined at one lateral side of the device, a second outer surface defined at a second lateral side laterally opposite to the first lateral side. Further, the outer surface may also include a third outer surface disposed laterally adjacent to the first outer surface. The device may include more than one heat dissipation elements. For example, at least one heat dissipation element may be disposed between the heating element and any one or more of the first outer surface, second outer surface and third outer surface. In an embodiment, a heat dissipation element may be disposed internally of the outer surface on all four sides of the device surrounding the heating element. The outer surface may be of the cap and/or the body. The heat dissipation element may be disposed in proximity to the heating element so as to be able to absorb heat from the heating element.

The device may comprise a power source or may be connectable to a power source (e.g. a power source separate to the device). The power source may be electrically connectable to the heater. In that respect, altering (e.g. toggling) the electrical connection of the power source to the heater may affect a state of the heater. For example, toggling the electrical connection of the power source to the heater may toggle the heater between an on state and an off state. The power source may be a power store. For example, the power source may be a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g. a lithium ion battery).

The device may comprise an input connection (e.g. a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The input connection may be configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, such as a mains electrical supply outlet. The input connection may, in some cases, be used as a substitute for an internal power source (e.g. battery or rechargeable battery). That is, the input connection may be electrically connectable to the heater (for providing power to the heater). Hence, in some forms, the input connection may form at least part of the power source of the device.

Where the power source comprises a rechargeable power source (such as a rechargeable battery), the input connection may be used to charge and recharge the power source.

The device may comprise a user interface (UI). In some embodiments the UI may include input means to receive operative commands from the user. The input means of the UI may allow the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the device. In some embodiments the input means may comprise a power button to switch the device between an on state and an off state.

In some embodiments the UI may additionally or alternatively comprise output means to convey information to the user. In some embodiments the output means may comprise a light to indicate a condition of the device (and/or the aerosol-forming article) to the user. The condition of the device (and/or aerosol-forming article) indicated to the user may comprise a condition indicative of the operation of the heater. For example, the condition may comprise whether the heater is in an off state or an on state. In some embodiments, the UI unit may comprise at least one of a button, a display, a touchscreen, a switch, a light, and the like. For example, the output means may comprise one or more (e.g. two, three, four, etc.) light-emitting diodes ("LEDs") that may be located on the body of the device.

The device may further comprise a puff sensor (e.g. airflow sensor), which form part of the input means of the UI. The puff sensor may be configured to detect a user drawing on an end (i.e. a terminal (mouth) end) of the aerosol-forming article. The puff sensor may, for example, be a pressure sensor or a microphone. The puff sensor may be configured to produce a signal indicative of a puff state. The signal may be indicative of the user drawing (an aerosol from the aerosol-forming article) such that it is e.g. in the form of a binary signal. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may be indicative of a characteristic of the draw (e.g. a flow rate of the draw, length of time of the draw, etc).

The device may comprise a controller, or may be connectable to a controller that may be configured to control at least one function of the device. The controller may comprise a microcontroller that may e.g. be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller may also comprise a memory, e.g. non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions, which, when implemented, may cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method. Where the device comprises an input connection, the controller may be connected to the input connection.

The controller may be configured to control the operation of the heater (and e.g. the heating element). Thus, the controller may be configured to control vaporisation of an aerosol forming part of an aerosol-forming article engaged with the device. The controller may be configured to control the voltage applied by power source to the heater. For example, the controller may be configured to toggle between applying a full output voltage (of the power source) to the heater and applying no voltage to the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may implement a more complex heater control protocol.

The device may further comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage supplied by the power source to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may subsequently be applied to the heater.

In some embodiments, where the device comprises a UI, the controller may be operatively connected to one or more components of the UI. The controller may be configured to receive command signals from an input means of the UI. The controller may be configured to control the heater in response to the command signals. For example, the controller may be configured to receive "on" and "off" command signals from the UI and, in response, may control the heater so as to be in a corresponding on or off state.

The controller may be configured to send output signals to a component of the UI. The UI may be configured to convey information to a user, via an output means, in response to such output signals (received from the controller). For example, where the device comprises one or more LEDs, the LEDs may be operatively connected to the controller. Hence, the controller may configured to control the illumination of the LEDs (e.g. in response to an output signal). For example, the controller may be configured to control the illumination of the LEDs according to (e.g. an on or off) state of the heater.

Where the device comprises a sensor (e.g. a puff/airflow sensor), the controller may be operatively connected to the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (e.g. indicative of a condition of the device and/or engaged aerosol-forming article). The controller may be configured to control the heater, or an aspect of the output means, based on the signal from the sensor.

The device may comprise a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly (e.g. via Bluetooth (e.g. a Bluetooth low-energy connection) or WiFi) with an external device. Similarly, the input connection may be configured for wired connection to an external device so as to provide communication between the device and the external device.

The external device may be a mobile device. For example, the external device may be a smart phone, tablet, smart watch, or smart car. An application (e.g. app) may be installed on the external device (e.g. mobile device). The application may facilitate communication between the device and the external device via the wired or wireless connection.

The wireless or wired interface may be configured to transfer signals between the external device and the controller of the device. In this respect, the controller may control an aspect of the device in response to a signal received from an external device. Alternatively or additionally, an external device may respond to a signal received from the device (e.g. from the controller of the device).

In a second aspect, there is provided a system (e.g. a smoking substitute system) comprising a device according to the first aspect and an aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate at an upstream end of the aerosol-forming article. The article may be in the form of a smoking substitute article, e.g. heated tobacco (HT) consumable (also known as a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable).

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol i.e. with the downstream end of the article/consumable being the mouth end or outlet where the aerosol exits the consumable for inhalation by the user. The upstream end of the article/consumable is the opposing end to the downstream end.

The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release at least one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of the article/consumable.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/or physiologically active volatile compounds include the group consisting of: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine and cathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plant material may comprise least one plant material selected from the list including Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica (Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce Opium), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage), Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sida acuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.

The plant material may be tobacco. Any type of tobacco may be used. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This also includes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.

The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon).

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g. paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additives selected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and binders.

The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between <NUM> and <NUM> e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM> and <NUM> e.g. around <NUM>. It may have an axial length of between <NUM> and <NUM> e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM> such as around <NUM> or <NUM>.

The article/consumable may comprise at least one filter element. There may be a terminal filter element at the downstream/mouth end of the article/consumable.

The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g. the terminal filter element) may be comprised of cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow. The at least one filter element (e.g. the terminal filter element) may be comprised of activated charcoal. The at least one filter element (e.g. the terminal element) may be comprised of paper. The or each filter element may be at least partly (e.g. entirely) circumscribed with a plug wrap e.g. a paper plug wrap.

The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of the article/consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming the article/consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer e.g. a tipping paper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial length longer than the axial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping paper completely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrapping layer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.

In some embodiments, the article/consumable may comprise an aerosol-cooling element which is adapted to cool the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate (by heat exchange) before being inhaled by the user.

The article/consumable may comprise a spacer element that defines a space or cavity between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the consumable. The spacer element may comprise a cardboard tube. The spacer element may be circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.

<FIG> is a schematic providing a general overview of a smoking substitute system <NUM>. The system <NUM> includes a substitute smoking device <NUM> and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable <NUM>, which comprises an aerosol former <NUM>. The system is configured to vaporise the aerosol former by heating the aerosol former <NUM> (so as to form a vapour/aerosol for inhalation by a user).

In the illustrated system, the heater <NUM> forms part of the device <NUM> and is configured to heat the aerosol former <NUM>. In this variation, the heater <NUM> is electrically connected to the power source <NUM>. Heat from the heater <NUM> vaporises the aerosol former <NUM> to produce a vapour. The vapour subsequently condenses to form an aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.

The system <NUM> further comprises a power source <NUM> that forms part of the device <NUM>. In other embodiments the power source <NUM> may be external to (but connectable to) the device <NUM>. The power source <NUM> is electrically connected to the heater <NUM> such that it is able to supply power to the heater <NUM> (i.e. for the purpose of heating the aerosol former <NUM>). Thus, control of the electrical connection of the power source <NUM> to the heater <NUM> provides control of the state of the heater <NUM>. The power source <NUM> may be a power store, for example a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g. a lithium ion battery).

The system <NUM> further comprises a heat dissipation element <NUM>. The heat dissipation element dissipates heat to prevent localised heating.

The system <NUM> further comprises an I/O module comprising a connector <NUM> (e.g. in the form of a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The connector <NUM> is configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, e.g. a mains electrical supply outlet. The connector <NUM> may be used in substitution for the power source <NUM>. That is the connector <NUM> may be electrically connectable to the heater <NUM> so as to supply electricity to the heater <NUM>. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead comprise the connector <NUM> and an external source of electrical power (to which the connector <NUM> provides electrical connection).

In some embodiments, the connector <NUM> may be used to charge and recharge the power source <NUM> where the power source <NUM> includes a rechargeable battery.

The system <NUM> also comprises a user interface (UI) <NUM>. Although not shown, the UI <NUM> may include input means to receive commands from a user. The input means of the UI <NUM> allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system <NUM>. The input means may, for example, be in the form of a button, touchscreen, switch, microphone, etc..

The UI <NUM> also comprises output means to convey information to the user. The output means may, for example, comprise lights (e.g. LEDs), a display screen, speaker, vibration generator, etc..

The system <NUM> further comprises a controller <NUM> that is configured to control at least one function of the device <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> is a component of the device <NUM>, but in other embodiments may be separate from (but connectable to) the device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is configured to control the operation of the heater <NUM> and, for example, may be configured to control the voltage applied from the power source <NUM> to the heater <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to toggle the supply of power to the heater <NUM> between an on state, in which the full output voltage of the power source <NUM> is applied to the heater <NUM>, and an off state, in which the no voltage is applied to the heater <NUM>.

Although not shown, the system <NUM> may also comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the power source <NUM> to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater <NUM>.

In addition to being connected to the heater <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is operatively connected to the UI <NUM>. Thus, the controller <NUM> may receive an input signal from the input means of the UI <NUM>. Similarly, the controller <NUM> may transmit output signals to the UI <NUM>. In response, the output means of the UI <NUM> may convey information, based on the output signals, to a user. The controller also comprises a memory <NUM>, which is a non-volatile memory. The memory <NUM> includes instructions, which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.

<FIG> illustrate a heated-tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system <NUM>. The system <NUM> is an example of the system <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. System <NUM> includes an HT device <NUM> and an HT consumable <NUM>. The description of <FIG> above is applicable to the system <NUM> of <FIG>, and will thus not be repeated.

The device <NUM> and the consumable <NUM> are configured such that the consumable <NUM> can be engaged with the device <NUM>. <FIG> shows the device <NUM> and the consumable <NUM> in an engaged state, whilst <FIG> shows the device <NUM> and the consumable <NUM> in a disengaged state.

The device <NUM> comprises a housing. The housing defines an outer surface <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The housing includes a body <NUM> and cap <NUM>. In use the cap <NUM> is engaged at an end of the body <NUM>. Although not apparent from the figures, the cap <NUM> is moveable relative to the body <NUM>. In particular, the cap <NUM> is slideable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body <NUM>.

The device <NUM> comprises an output means (forming part of the UI of the device <NUM>) in the form of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) <NUM> arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device <NUM> and on an outer surface of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM>. A button <NUM> is also arranged on an outer surface of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM> and is axially spaced (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) from the plurality of LEDs <NUM>.

<FIG> show a detailed section view of the consumable of <NUM> of the system <NUM>. The consumable <NUM> generally resembles a cigarette. In that respect, the consumable <NUM> has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of <NUM> and an axial length of <NUM>. The consumable <NUM> comprises an aerosol forming substrate <NUM>, a terminal filter element <NUM>, an upstream filter element <NUM> and a spacer element <NUM>. In other embodiments, the consumable may further comprise a cooling element. A cooling element may exchange heat with vapour that is formed by the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> in order to cool the vapour so as to facilitate condensation of the vapour.

The aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> is substantially cylindrical and is located at an upstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM>, and comprises the aerosol former of the system <NUM>. In that respect, the aerosol forming substrate <NUM> is configured to be heated by the device <NUM> to release a vapour. The released vapour is subsequently entrained in an airflow flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>. The airflow is produced by the action of the user drawing on a downstream <NUM> (i.e. terminal or mouth) end of the consumable <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the aerosol forming substrate <NUM> comprises tobacco material that may, for example, include any suitable parts of the tobacco plant (e.g. leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers). The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g. paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.

In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol forming substrate <NUM> comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> may further comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of humectants (e.g. propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine), flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and/or binders.

The terminal filter element <NUM> is also substantially cylindrical, and is located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate <NUM> at the downstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM>. The terminal filter element <NUM> is in the form of a hollow bore filter element having a bore <NUM> (e.g. for airflow) formed therethrough. The diameter of the bore <NUM> is <NUM>. The terminal filter element <NUM> is formed of a porous (e.g. monoacetate) filter material. As set forth above, the downstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM> (i.e. where the terminal filter <NUM> is located) forms a mouthpiece portion of the consumable <NUM> upon which the user draws. Airflow is drawn from the upstream end <NUM>, thorough the components of the consumable <NUM>, and out of the downstream end <NUM>. The airflow is driven by the user drawing on the downstream end <NUM> (i.e. the mouthpiece portion) of the consumable <NUM>.

The upstream filter element <NUM> is located axially adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>, between the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> and the terminal filter element <NUM>. Like the terminal filter <NUM>, the upstream filter element <NUM> is in the form of a hollow bore filter element, such that it has a bore <NUM> extending axially therethrough. In this way, the upstream filter <NUM> may act as an airflow restrictor. The upstream filter element <NUM> is formed of a porous (e.g. monoacetate) filter material. The bore <NUM> of the upstream filter element <NUM> has a larger diameter (<NUM>) than the terminal filter element <NUM>.

The spacer <NUM> is in the form of a cardboard tube, which defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element <NUM> and the terminal filter element <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> acts to allow both cooling and mixing of the vapour/aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>. The spacer has an external diameter of <NUM> and an axial length of <NUM>.

Although not apparent from the figure, the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>, upstream filter <NUM> and spacer <NUM> are circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer. The terminal filter <NUM> is circumscribed by a tipping layer that also circumscribes a portion of the paper wrapping layer (so as to connect the terminal filter <NUM> to the remaining components of the consumable <NUM>). The upstream filter <NUM> and terminal filter <NUM> are circumscribed by further wrapping layers in the form of plug wraps.

Returning now to the device <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a detailed view of the end of the device <NUM> that is configured to engage with the consumable <NUM>. The cap <NUM> of the device <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> to an internal cavity <NUM> (more apparent from <FIG>) defined by the cap <NUM>. The opening <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> are formed so as to receive at least a portion of the consumable <NUM>. During engagement of the consumable <NUM> with the device <NUM>, a portion of the consumable <NUM> is received through the opening <NUM> and into the cavity <NUM>. After engagement (see <FIG>), the downstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM> protrudes from the opening <NUM> and thus also protrudes from the device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> includes laterally disposed notches <NUM>. When a consumable <NUM> is received in the opening <NUM>, these notches <NUM> remain open and could, for example, be used for retaining a cover in order to cover the end of the device <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross section through a central longitudinal plane through the device <NUM>. The device <NUM> is shown with the consumable <NUM> engaged therewith.

The device <NUM> comprises a heater <NUM> comprising heating element <NUM>. The heater <NUM> forms part of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM> and is rigidly mounted to the body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater <NUM> is a rod heater with a heating element <NUM> having a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (e.g. heating element with a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube heater (e.g. heating element with a tubular form).

The heating element <NUM> of the heater <NUM> projects from an internal base of the cavity <NUM> along a longitudinal axis towards the opening <NUM>. As is apparent from the figure, the length (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) of the heating element is less than a depth of the cavity <NUM>. In this way, the heating element <NUM> does not protrude from or extend beyond the opening <NUM>.

When the consumable <NUM> is received in the cavity <NUM> (as is shown in <FIG>), the heating element <NUM> penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> of the consumable <NUM>. In particular, the heating element <NUM> extends for nearly the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> when inserted therein. Thus, when the heater <NUM> is activated, heat is transferred radially from an outer circumferential surface the heating element <NUM> to the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>.

The device <NUM> further comprises an electronics cavity <NUM>. A power source, in the form of a rechargeable battery (a lithium ion battery), is located in electronics cavity <NUM>.

The device <NUM> includes a connector (i.e. forming part of an IO module of the device <NUM>) in the form of a USB port <NUM>. The connector may alternatively be, for example, a micro-USB port or a USB-C port for examples. The USB port <NUM> may be used to recharge the rechargeable battery <NUM>.

The device <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> located in the electronics cavity <NUM>. The controller comprises a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port <NUM> is also connected to the controller <NUM> (i.e. connected to the PCB and microcontroller).

The controller <NUM> is configured to control at least one function of the device <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> is configured to control the operation of the heater <NUM>. Such control of the operation of the heater <NUM> may be accomplished by the controller toggling the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery <NUM> to the heater <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> is configured to control the heater <NUM> in response to a user depressing the button <NUM>. Depressing the button <NUM> may cause the controller to allow a voltage (from the rechargeable battery <NUM>) to be applied to the heater <NUM> (so as to cause the heating element <NUM> to be heated).

The controller is also configured to control the LEDs <NUM> in response to (e.g. a detected) a condition of the device <NUM> or the consumable <NUM>. For example, the controller may control the LEDs to indicate whether the device <NUM> is in an on state or an off state (e.g. one or more of the LEDs may be illuminated by the controller when the device is in an on state).

The device <NUM> comprises a further input means (i.e. in addition to the button <NUM>) in the form of a puff sensor <NUM>. The puff sensor <NUM> is configured to detect a user drawing (i.e. inhaling) at the downstream end <NUM> of the consumable <NUM>. The puff sensor <NUM> may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor, flowmeter or a microphone. The puff sensor <NUM> is operatively connected to the controller <NUM> in the electronics cavity <NUM>, such that a signal from the puff sensor <NUM>, indicative of a puff state (i.e. drawing or not drawing), forms an input to the controller <NUM> (and can thus be responded to by the controller <NUM>).

The device <NUM> further includes first 227a and second 227b heat dissipation elements for thermal management of the device <NUM>. These are shown in <FIG>. As will be described in more detail below, both of the heat dissipation elements <NUM> are disposed between the heating element <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> (or housing). In this way, heat from the heating element <NUM> may absorb heat radiated from the heating element <NUM> and may distribute that heat over an increased area.

The first heat dissipation element 227a is shown in <FIG>. This figure shows a portion of the body <NUM> of the device <NUM>. This portion of the body <NUM> comprises a lower section <NUM> and an upper section <NUM>. The upper section <NUM> supports the heating element <NUM> and is tubular so as to define a cavity into which the heating element <NUM> projects. The lower section <NUM> comprises a panel <NUM> that (when the body is full assembled) defines part of the electronics cavity <NUM> of the device <NUM>. This panel <NUM> comprises an internal surface <NUM>, and the first heat dissipation element 227a is mounted to this internal surface <NUM>. The first heat dissipation element 227a may be attached to the internal surface <NUM> by an adhesive. Alternatively, the heat dissipation element 227a may be embedded in the housing during manufacturing of the housing and/or may be retained in the housing using a snap lock arrangement.

The first heat dissipation element 227a is in the form of a rectangular plate that is formed of copper. The positioning of the first heat dissipation element 227a, and its shape, mean that heat from the heating element <NUM> may be distributed across the panel <NUM> of the body <NUM>. This helps to avoid localised "hot spots" on the outer surface of the body <NUM>.

The second heat dissipation element 227b is shown in <FIG> is a bottom view of the cap <NUM> of the device <NUM>. As is apparent from this view, the cap <NUM> comprises an internal tubular wall <NUM> that defines a cavity for receipt of a consumable <NUM>. The base of the internal wall <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM>, through which the heating element <NUM> projects when the cap <NUM> is engaged with the body <NUM>. The cap <NUM> further comprises two lateral sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> spaced either side of the internal tubular wall <NUM> (and thus either side of the heating element <NUM> when the cap <NUM> is engaged with the body <NUM>).

The second heat dissipation element 227b is mounted to an internal surface of one of the lateral side walls <NUM>. In this way, the second heat dissipation element 227b is spaced from the internal tubular wall <NUM> by an air gap. When the cap <NUM> is mounted to the body <NUM> the second heat dissipation element 227b is located directly laterally of the heating element <NUM>. Unlike the first heat dissipation element 227a, the second heat dissipation element 227b is formed of aluminium. In particular, the aluminium of the second heat dissipation element 227b is anodised so as have a dark appearance.

The cap <NUM> further comprises a metallic portion <NUM> defining part of the outer surface of the lateral side wall <NUM>. Whilst not apparent from the figure, this metallic portion is in physical contact with the second heat dissipation element 227b such that heat can be distributed from the heat dissipation element 227b to the metallic portion <NUM> and can then be dissipated to the external environment.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A smoking substitute device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing defining an outer surface (<NUM>) of the smoking substitute device (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a heating element (<NUM>) disposed in the housing; and
a plurality of heat dissipation elements (227a, 227b) disposed between the heating element (<NUM>) and the outer surface (<NUM>) of the housing, the plurality of heat dissipation elements (227a, 227b) configured to dissipate heat across the outer surface (<NUM>),
characterised in that the device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises first and second heat dissipation elements (227a, 227b) mounted to the housing.