Component for an aerosol supply system

Abstract

A component for an aerosol-generating system having a first airflow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet and an atomizer for vaporizing an aerosol-generating material and delivering vapour into the airflow path; the component includes an airflow blocking element configured to span an airflow path of the aerosol-generating system at a location downstream of the nebulizer and upstream of the air outlet when the component is assembled into the aerosol-generating system; wherein the airflow blocking element is configured to partially overlap with the atomizer in a projection along a centerline of a portion of the airflow path disposed between the atomizer and the airflow blocking element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to components for aerosol delivery systems. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) typically include a supply source of aerosol generating material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid, which may contain active substances and / or flavorings, from which an aerosol or vapor is generated for inhalation by a user, for example by thermal evaporation. Therefore, the aerosol supply system will typically include an aerosol generating chamber, which includes an aerosol generator arranged to evaporate or aerosolize a portion of the precursor material to generate a vapor or aerosol in the aerosol generating chamber. When the user inhales on the device and power is supplied to the vaporizer, air is drawn into the device through the inlet hole and along the inlet air channel connected to the aerosol generating chamber, where the air mixes with the evaporated precursor material to form a condensed aerosol.

[0003] Typically, in an electronic aerosol delivery system, the aerosol generator comprises an electrically operated atomizer, which may include, for example, a heating element arranged in fluid communication with an air flow channel extending between an air inlet aperture and a mouthpiece from which a user may inhale the vapor / aerosol. It is of interest to provide greater control over the aerosol characteristics to improve the user experience.

[0004] Various approaches are described herein that seek to help solve or alleviate at least some of the problems discussed above. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a component for an aerosol generating system is provided, the aerosol generating system having a first air flow path arranged between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an atomizer for evaporating an aerosol generating material and delivering the vapor into the air flow path; the component includes: an air flow blocking element, configured to cross the air flow path of the aerosol generating system at a position downstream of the atomizer and upstream of the air outlet when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system; wherein the air flow blocking element is configured to partially overlap with the atomizer in a projection of a center line of a portion along the air flow path arranged between the atomizer and the air flow blocking element.

[0006] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the component includes a first atomizer support region configured to support the atomizer at a location upstream of the airflow blocking element.

[0007] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the nebulizer has a length, a width, and a depth, the length being greater than the depth and the width, and wherein the airflow blocking element is configured to span the airflow path in an orientation that is non-parallel to the length direction of the nebulizer when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system.

[0008] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-parallel orientation is a perpendicular orientation.

[0009] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the airflow blocking element comprises a first substantially planar surface configured to face the atomizer when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system.

[0010] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, when the components are assembled into an aerosol generating system, the first substantially planar surface is arranged in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a centre line of the airflow path at the location of the airflow blocking element.

[0011] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the airflow blocking element includes a second substantially planar surface on an opposite side of the first substantially planar surface, wherein the second substantially planar surface is arranged substantially parallel to the first substantially planar surface.

[0012] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the component comprises a conduit configured to form a portion of the airflow path when the component is assembled into an aerosol generating system, wherein the airflow blocking element spans the conduit.

[0013] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the airflow blocking element is integrally formed with the duct.

[0014] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the duct and the airflow blocking element cooperatively define a plurality of apertures within the airflow path, each aperture being formed by a portion of an interior surface of the duct and a portion of the airflow blocking element.

[0015] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the first nebulizer supporting region is configured to support the nebulizer such that a portion of the nebulizer spans the conduit in a projection of a centerline of a portion of the airflow path disposed between the nebulizer and the airflow blocking element.

[0016] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the nebulizer support is integrally formed with the conduit.

[0017] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an atomizer support is configured to support an atomizer comprising an elongated wick surrounded by a spiral heating element.

[0018] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an atomizer support is configured to support an atomizer including a ceramic body having a heating layer deposited on an outer surface.

[0019] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a housing portion of a component including a first nebulizer supporting region and an airflow blocking element is configured to be detachably coupled with a nebulizer supporting element including a second nebulizer supporting region.

[0020] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing portion of the component includes at least one snap-fit ​​connector configured to engage with at least one snap-fit ​​connector of the atomizer support element to couple the atomizer support element to the component.

[0021] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the component further comprises an atomizer support element, wherein the component is configured to hold the atomizer between the first atomizer support area and the second atomizer support area when the housing portion and the atomizer support element are coupled together.

[0022] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the first atomizer support area of ​​the housing portion and the second atomizer support element are configured to compress a portion of the atomizer between the first atomizer support area and the second atomizer support area when the housing portion and the atomizer support element are engaged.

[0023] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the component includes an atomizer.

[0024] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the airflow blocking element is configured to span the airflow path such that the shortest distance between the aerosol generating surface of the nebulizer and the outer surface of the airflow blocking element is 25% to 300% of the maximum cross-sectional diameter of the nebulizer.

[0025] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the component includes at least one feature configured to engage a reservoir shell of an aerosol delivery device, wherein a first outer surface portion of the component is configured to form a boundary of an aerosol generating material storage volume portion of the reservoir shell when the component is assembled into an aerosol generating system.

[0026] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the component includes at least one orifice on the first outer surface portion, and the at least one orifice is configured to provide a fluid communication path between the nebulizer support area and the aerosol generating material storage volume portion of the component when the component is assembled into an aerosol generating system.

[0027] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the component comprises a peripheral wall surface configured to engage with an inner wall of the reservoir housing when the component is engaged with the aerosol generating system.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a consumable for an aerosol generating system is provided, the consumable comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosol generating material, an air flow path arranged between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an atomizer for evaporating a source aerosol generating material from the reservoir and delivering the vapor to the air flow path, the consumable being configured to be reversibly attached to an aerosol generating system comprising a power source and a controller; wherein the consumable comprises the components of any embodiment described herein.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the consumable product includes a reservoir housing, wherein the component is configured to be inserted into an open end of the reservoir housing during assembly of the consumable product.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided, which includes a reservoir for storing aerosol generating material, an air flow path arranged between an air inlet and an air outlet, an atomizer for evaporating source aerosol generating material from the reservoir and delivering vapor to the air flow path, a power source and a controller; wherein the aerosol generating device includes the components of any embodiment described herein.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device comprises a reservoir housing, wherein the component is configured to be inserted into an open end of the reservoir housing during assembly of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a component for an aerosol generating system is provided, the aerosol generating system having a first air flow path arranged between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an atomizer for evaporating an aerosol generating material and delivering the vapor to the air flow path; the method comprising: providing an air flow blocking element, the air flow blocking element being arranged at a position downstream of the atomizer and upstream of the air outlet, and the air flow blocking element being configured to cross the first air flow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system; and configuring the air flow blocking element to partially overlap with the atomizer in a projection of a center line of a portion of the air flow path arranged between the atomizer and the air flow blocking element when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system.

[0033] It should be understood that the features and aspects of the present invention described above with respect to the first aspect and other aspects of the present invention are also applicable to the embodiments of the present invention according to other aspects of the present invention, and can be appropriately combined with the embodiments of the present invention according to other aspects of the present invention, rather than just the specific combinations described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cartridge portion of an aerosol delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E is a schematic diagram of a component including an airflow blocking element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figures 4 to 10 is a schematic diagram of a component including an airflow blocking element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 11 to Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an atomizer support element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of a first subassembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of an atomization subassembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig.15 Shows Fig.14 Bottom view of the atomizer subassembly shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it should be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing these aspects and features.

[0044] the term

[0045] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to cover systems that deliver at least one substance to a user during use, and includes non-flammable aerosol supply systems that release compounds from an aerosol generating material without burning the aerosol generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol generating materials.

[0046] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is one in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) are not burned or ignited in order to deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0047] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor electronic cigarette device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-but-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol generating materials to generate an aerosol, one or more of which can be heated. Each of these aerosol generating materials can 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 includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0049] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol generating materials and are configured to be used with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as products, cartridges, or atomizer cartridges throughout the disclosure, and these terms should be understood to be interchangeable herein.

[0050] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system (such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device thereof) may include a power source and a controller.

[0051] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. In some embodiments, consumables used with the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transmission component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a packaging, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0052] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol generating material, which may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorants, one or more aerosol former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0053] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered includes an active substance. As used herein, the active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance physiological reactions. The active substance can be, for example, selected from health products, nootropics, psychoactive agents. The active substance can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin or a composition, derivative or combination of these substances. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or other plants.

[0054] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0055] As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, rinds, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds naturally present in the plant, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, pellets, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc.

[0056] Exemplary plants are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cumin, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, licorice (licorice root), matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary , saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderberry, vanilla, holly, basil, turmeric, turmeric root, sandalwood, coriander, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, nutmeg, damion, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theophylline, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, mint cultivar, Nile mint, peppermint, citrus mint cultivar, peppermint cultivar, spicy mint, heart-shaped mint, long-leaf mint, pineapple mint, lip calyx mint, spearmint cultivar, and apple mint.

[0057] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from rooibos tea and fennel.

[0058] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes flavorings. As used herein, the terms "flavorings" and "spices" refer to materials that can be used to create desired tastes, fragrances, or other body sensations in products for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. They can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice (licorice root), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, cranberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, Clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb , grapes, durian, pitaya, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Scotch liqueur, bourbon, Scotch whisky, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, balsam pear, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, Arabic tea, infused tobacco (naswar), betel nut, hookah, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia seed, caraway, dried Brandy, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, cumin, mustard, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, mint oil from any mint plant, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazelnuts, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, tea (such as green or black), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, basil, turmeric, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, Pimentel, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, citronella, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, sodium cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol) and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid (such as oil), solid (such as powder) or gas.

[0059] In some embodiments, flavorings include menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, flavorings include flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, flavorings include eugenol. In some embodiments, flavorings include flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0060] In some embodiments, flavoring agents may include sensory agents that are intended to achieve somatosensory sensations that are usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effects. Suitable thermal effect agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0061] Aerosol generating materials are materials that are capable of generating aerosols, for example when heated, irradiated, or powered in any other way. Aerosol generating materials can, for example, be in the form of solids, liquids, or gels, which may or may not contain active substances and / or fragrances. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. Amorphous solids are solid materials in which some fluids (such as liquids) may be retained. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, include about 50wt%, 60wt%, or 70wt% amorphous solids to about 90wt%, 95wt%, or 100wt% amorphous solids.

[0062] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavourants, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0063] The aerosol forming agent material may include one or more ingredients capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0064] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0065] The material may be present on or in a carrier to form a substrate. The carrier may, for example, be or include paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, a reconstructed material, a plastic material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded in the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0066] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transmission component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a packaging, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which emits heat during use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material. The heater may, for example, include a material that can be heated by electrical conduction or may include a susceptor.

[0067] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetrating it with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor can be a conductive material, such that penetrating the susceptor with a varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heated material. The heated material can be a magnetic material, such that penetrating the magnetic material with a varying magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the heated material. The susceptor can be conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0068] Aerosol modifiers are substances that are typically located downstream of the aerosol generation zone and are configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example by changing the taste, aroma, acidity or other characteristics of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier can be provided in an aerosol modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. The aerosol modifier can be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier can, for example, include one or more of a fragrance, a colorant, water and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier can, for example, be a solid, a liquid or a gel. The aerosol modifier can be in the form of a powder, a wire or a granular material. The aerosol modifier can be free of filter material.

[0069] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, pressurization, or electrostatic energy.

[0070] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system (which may also be referred to as a vapor delivery system), such as an atomizer or an electronic cigarette. Throughout the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it should be understood that the term can be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. In addition, and as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms such as "evaporation", "volatization" and "atomization" are often used interchangeably.

[0071] Aerosol delivery systems (electronic cigarettes) typically, but not always, include modular components that include a reusable device portion and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge portion. Typically, the replaceable cartridge portion will include an aerosol generating material and a vaporizer / atomizer / aerosol generator (which may be collectively referred to as a "atomizing cartridge"), and the reusable device portion will include a power source (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and a control circuit. It should be understood that, depending on functionality, these different parts may include additional elements. For example, the reusable device portion will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and in some cases, the replaceable cartridge device portion includes a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. The cartridge is electrically and mechanically coupled to (e.g., using a thread, a bayonet, or a magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts) a control unit for use. When the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is exhausted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge can be removed from the reusable portion and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices that conform to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices. The aerosol delivery system may alternatively include a single unit that does not include a cartridge portion and a reusable device portion configured to be detachably connected together by a user. Such an aerosol delivery system may be referred to as a "single-part" aerosol delivery system or device. In such a system / device, it may be intended to be discarded after the power supply in the battery and / or the supply of aerosol generating material supplied by the system / device is exhausted without refilling or recharging the device, and components including a reservoir of aerosol generating material, an aerosol generator, a power source (e.g., a battery), and a control circuit may all be contained within a single housing. Such an aerosol delivery system or device may be referred to as "disposable".

[0072] Electronic cigarettes typically have an overall elongated shape. To provide a specific example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be considered to include such a substantially elongated two-part system using a disposable cartridge. However, it should be understood that the basic principles described herein can be equally applicable to different configurations, such as a single-part system or a modular system including more than two parts, a refillable device and single-use disposables, and other overall shapes, such as a so-called box-type high-performance device based on a generally boxy shape. More generally, it should be understood that certain embodiments of the present invention are based on an aerosol delivery system that is operationally configured to provide functionality according to the principles described herein, and the structural aspects of the system configured to provide functionality according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure are not the most important.

[0073] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The aerosol delivery system 1 shown includes two main components, namely, a reusable device portion 50 and a cartridge / consumable portion 40. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol delivery system 1 includes a single-part device, wherein a power source 501, a controller 502, an atomizer 20, and a reservoir 2 for aerosol generating material are arranged in a single housing. It should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure that are not specifically related to the detachable connection of the reusable device portion 50 and the cartridge portion 40 are applicable to single-part device embodiments, which are within the scope of the present disclosure. In normal use, the reusable device portion 50 and the cartridge / consumable portion 40 are releasably connected together at an interface. Figure 1 In a non-limiting example, the interface is provided by a cartridge receiving recess 507 of the reusable device portion 50, into which a portion of the cartridge portion 40 is configured to be received. When the cartridge portion is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge portion, the cartridge portion 40 can be removed from the reusable portion 50 and the replacement cartridge portion 40 attached to the reusable portion in its place. The interface provides a structural and electrical connection between the two parts, and optionally an airflow connection, and can be established according to conventional techniques, such as based on threaded, magnetic or bayonet fixings, with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for appropriately establishing an electrical connection and an optional airflow path between the two parts. The specific manner in which the cartridge portion 4 is mechanically mounted to the reusable portion 50 is not important to the principles described herein, but for the sake of specific example, it is assumed here that it includes being configured to be connected together ( Figure 1Magnetic coupling is provided by magnets of opposite polarity (not shown in the figure). It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the interface may not support electrical and / or airflow path connections between the corresponding parts. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator / atomizer can be disposed in the reusable portion 50 instead of in the cartridge portion 40, and the cartridge portion 40 / consumable / article includes a supply source of aerosol generating material, and when the consumable and reusable device portion 50 are connected for use, the supply source of aerosol generating material is brought into proximity with the aerosol generator. In addition, in some embodiments, the airflow through the delivery system 1 may not pass through the reusable portion 50, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable portion 50 and the cartridge portion 40 is not required. In some examples, such as in Figure 1 In the embodiment, an air inlet channel for providing air to the cartridge portion 40 can be defined at an interface between portions of the reusable portion 50 and portions of the cartridge portion 40 when these portions are coupled together for use, as further described herein.

[0074] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartridge portion 40 may be generally conventional. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the cartridge portion 40 includes an outer shell 6 made of a plastic material, but in an embodiment, the outer shell may include metal, glass, or any other material known to those skilled in the art for a shell of an aerosol delivery system. The outer shell 6 can generally support other components of the cartridge portion and can provide at least a portion of a mechanical interface with the reusable portion 50, because when the reusable portion 50 and the cartridge portion 40 are connected together for use, a portion of the outer surface of the outer shell 6 can engage a portion of the reusable portion 50. The outer shell 6 of the cartridge portion 40 can have any cross-sectional shape, such as: circular, oval, square, diamond or cubic. In this example, the cartridge portion 40 has a length of about 4 cm and a diameter of about 2 cm in the widest dimension. However, it should be understood that the specific geometry and the more general overall shape and material used are not particularly important for the principles described herein.

[0075] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the cartridge part 40 includes a reservoir 2, which is configured to maintain a supply source of aerosol generating material, which includes, for example, a liquid material. In this example, the reservoir 2 has an annular shape and has an outer wall defined by the cartridge outer shell 6 and an inner wall defined by the airflow / aerosol path 41 of the longitudinal center line passing through the cartridge part 40. The reservoir 2 is closed by an end wall at each end, which accommodates the aerosol generating material. The wall at the end of the mouthpiece away from the end including the contact 32 can be formed integrally with the rest of the outer shell 6. The reservoir 2 can be made according to conventional techniques, such as a reservoir can include plastic material and be integrally molded with the outer shell 6 of the cartridge part 40. The structural relationship between the airflow path 41 and the reservoir 2 is exemplary, and can be arranged in other ways so that, for example, the airflow path 41 does not pass through the reservoir, and / or the airflow path 41 can branch into a plurality of sub-paths.

[0076] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the cartridge portion 40 also includes an aerosol generator / atomizer 20. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material from the reservoir 2 to thermal energy to release one or more volatile materials from the aerosol generating material to form a vapor / aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 is configured to generate an aerosol without heating the aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to vibration (e.g., piezoelectric atomization), pressurization, or electrostatic energy. Although the examples herein use an atomizer 20 including a core and a heating element to provide a specific example, it should be understood that the specific type of aerosol generator / atomizer 20 should not be considered to be limited to other aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] It should be understood that in Figure 1 In the two-part device shown in the example of , the aerosol generator 20 can be in either the reusable portion 50 and the cartridge portion 40. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 (e.g., a heater) can be included in the reusable portion 50, and when the cartridge is engaged with the reusable portion 50, the aerosol generator is brought into proximity with a portion of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 40. In such embodiments, the cartridge 40 can include a portion of the aerosol generating material, and when the cartridge 40 is engaged with the reusable device portion 50, the aerosol generator 20 is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of the aerosol generating material. In these embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 in the reusable device portion 50 can include an inductive drive coil configured to electromagnetically couple with a susceptor within the atomizer 20 in the reusable device portion 50 or in the cartridge portion 40.

[0078] To provide a specific example, Figure 1 An aerosol generator 20 is shown, which includes a core and coil arrangement configured to atomize a liquid aerosol-forming material, whereby an elongated core / capillary action element is in contact with a resistive heating element, which in this example is coiled around the core. The aerosol generator 20 extends laterally across an airflow path 41 through the cigarette cartridge. Respective two ends of the core are in fluid communication with a reservoir 2 of liquid aerosol-forming material. In some examples, a component 80 (which may be interchangeably referred to as an atomizer unit cover, an atomizer support element, an airflow modifying element, or a reservoir stopper) defines an end of the reservoir proximal to the aerosol generator 20 and includes an opening to allow liquid to flow along the aerosol generator 20. Figure 1 The path generally indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 1 passes from the reservoir 2 to the end of the core.

[0079] The aerosol generator / atomizer 20 is arranged in the cartridge airflow path 41 so that the area of ​​the cartridge airflow path 41 near the aerosol generator 20 actually defines the evaporation area of ​​the cartridge portion 40 (referred to herein alternatively as the aerosol generating chamber). The aerosol generating material from the reservoir 2 penetrates the core and is drawn along the core by surface tension / capillary action (i.e., wicking). In the case where the aerosol generator 20 includes a heating element, this may include a resistive wire coiled around the core. Figure 1 In the example of, the heating element may include a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire, and the core may include an elongated bundle of cotton or glass fiber or a porous ceramic rod. In other examples, the heating element may include a conductive layer deposited on a porous ceramic or glass core element. However, it should be understood that the specific aerosol generator / atomizer 20 configuration is not important for the principles described herein. In use, power is supplied to the aerosol generator / atomizer 20 to evaporate a certain amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of the heating element through the core. The evaporated aerosol generating material is entrained in the air drawn from the evaporation region / aerosol generating chamber along the smoke cartridge airflow path 41 to be inhaled by the user at the outlet provided at the end of the mouthpiece of the smoke cartridge portion 40.

[0080] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the atomization subassembly 95 of the cartridge includes a component 80, as further described herein, which includes an airflow blocking element, an atomizer support element 10 and an atomization unit base 70, and in some embodiments, the component includes at least one cartridge contact pad 32, each cartridge contact pad configured to engage a corresponding electrical contact 506 of the reusable device portion 50 to provide electrical communication between the cartridge portion and the reusable device portion when the cartridge portion 40 and the reusable device portion 50 are connected to form the aerosol delivery system 1. As further described herein, in embodiments in which these elements are provided, the atomizer support element 10 and the atomization unit base 70 may include a separately formed element configured to be assembled with the component 80, or may include a region of a single integrally formed component 80 that performs the functions of the atomizer support element 10 and the atomization unit base 70 as described herein. In embodiments in which the atomizer support element 10 and / or the atomization unit base 70 are provided, these can be manufactured using the same materials and manufacturing methods as those used for the component 80.

[0081] The rate at which aerosol generating material from the reservoir 2 is evaporated by the aerosol generator 20 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 20 from the power supply 501 of the aerosol delivery system via the controller 502 of the aerosol delivery system. Figure 1 In the two-part device shown, power is routed from a power source 501 in the reusable portion 50 to an aerosol generator 20 in the cartridge portion 40 to selectively generate an aerosol, and in addition, the aerosol generation rate can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 20 (for example, through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques implemented by a controller 502 disposed on an electrical path between the power source 501 and the aerosol generator 20).

[0082] exist Figure 1 In the example of , the reusable part 50 includes an outer housing 505, a power source 501 (e.g., a battery) for providing operating power to the aerosol delivery system 1, and a control circuit 502 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. The reusable part 50 may also include optional elements, such as a first user input button 504 and one or more visual display elements 503.

[0083] The outer shell 505 can be made of, for example, a plastic or metal material, and will generally have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the outer shell 6 of the cartridge portion 40 to provide a smooth transition between the cartridge portion and the device portion at the connection interface of the cartridge portion and the device portion. In this example, the reusable portion 50 has a length of approximately 8 cm, so when the cartridge portion 40 and the reusable portion 50 are coupled together, the total length of the aerosol delivery system 1 is approximately 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it should be understood that the specific overall shape and size of the aerosol delivery system 1 of the present disclosure is not important to the principles described herein.

[0084] The power source 501 in this example is rechargeable and can be of a conventional type, such as a lithium ion or similar battery cell or battery commonly used in aerosol delivery systems / electronic cigarettes and / or other applications requiring the provision of relatively high currents in relatively short periods of time. The power source 501 can be recharged according to methods known in the art, such as through a suitable charging connection in the outer housing 505 of the reusable part, such as a USB connection.

[0085] One or more user input devices 504 may be provided, such as conventional mechanical buttons, e.g. including spring-mounted components, which may be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact, but the particular manner in which the user input devices 504 are implemented is not important. The user input devices 504 may be assigned functions such as turning the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as the power level supplied from the power source 501 to the aerosol generator 20. However, the inclusion of the user input devices 504 is optional, and in some embodiments, these user input devices may not be included.

[0086] One or more display elements 503 may be provided to provide a user with visual indications of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system 1, such as current power setting information, the remaining power level available in the power supply 501, etc. The display element 503 can be implemented in various ways, such as including a pixelated LCD screen, which can be driven by the controller 502 to display the desired information according to conventional techniques. In other implementations, the display element 503 may include one or more discrete indicators, such as LEDs, which are arranged to display the desired information, such as by a specific color and / or flash sequence. More generally, the manner in which one or more display elements 503 are provided and such elements are used to display information to the user is not important for the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include any visual display element 503, and may optionally include other devices for providing information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system to the user (e.g., using audio or tactile signaling methods known to those skilled in the art), or may not include any device for providing information related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system to the user.

[0087] In general, the controller 502 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality according to embodiments of the present disclosure as further described herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1 consistent with established techniques for controlling such devices. The controller (processor circuit) 502 can be considered to logically include various subunits / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. Figure 1 In the example shown, the controller 502 includes a power control circuit for controlling the supply of power from the power source 501 to the aerosol generator 20 in response to user input, a user programming circuit for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input (e.g., from one or more user input devices 504), and other functional units / circuits associated with the functions according to the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of the electronic cigarette, such as display driver circuits and user input detection circuits. It should be understood that the functions of the controller 502 can be provided in a variety of different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuitry systems / chips / chip sets configured to provide the desired functions. As a non-limiting example, the control logic of the controller 502 can be implemented as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) or MCU (microcontroller unit) configured according to methods known in the art.

[0088] Optionally, the reusable portion 50 may include an airflow sensing unit 508 electrically connected to the controller 502. Typically, the airflow sensing unit 508 comprises a so-called "puff sensor" because the airflow sensing unit 508 is configured to detect when a user puffs / inhales on the device. Figure 1 Schematically shown in FIG, but can be implemented according to known techniques. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the airflow sensing unit includes a pressure sensor or microphone positioned to be in fluid communication and / or acoustic communication and / or pressure communication with the airflow path 41 through the aerosol delivery system 1, so that the pressure changes and / or acoustic signals caused by the user sucking / inhaling on the mouthpiece of the system can be detected by the airflow sensing unit. Figure 1 In the example shown, the airflow enters the aerosol delivery system at the interface of the cartridge part 40 and the reusable part 50, passing between the outer shell 6 of the cartridge 40 and the inner surface of the cartridge receiving recess 507 of the reusable device part 50, but this is only one air inlet configuration that can be adopted in the aerosol delivery system 1 according to the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the airflow sensing unit 508 is configured to accommodate a chamber of a microphone, which leads to the cartridge receiving recess 507, wherein the opening is covered by a waterproof membrane. In other embodiments, the controller 502 can be configured to detect a user interacting with the user input device 504, and start supplying current to the atomizer 20 when a user interaction is detected.

[0089] Aspects of the nebulizer / aerosol generator 20 arrangement for use with the aerosol delivery system 1 will now be described, such as Figure 1 It should be understood that although Figure 1The context of a two-part device in which the atomizer 20 includes a heating element is described, but these aspects are exemplary, and in embodiments of the present disclosure, a component 80 for an aerosol delivery system as described herein may be configured for use with a one-part device (e.g., a so-called "disposable" device in which all device components are included in an integral housing and in which the device is intended to be discarded after the supply of aerosol generating material provided by the device is exhausted). It should also be understood that a component 80 for an aerosol delivery system as described herein may be configured for use in an electronic aerosol delivery system in which the atomizer 20 is located in a reusable device portion 50 that is configured to generate an aerosol (e.g., by heating) for use from a consumable (e.g., a consumable including a solid aerosol generating material) connected to the reusable device portion 50. It should also be understood that a component 80 according to the present disclosure may be configured for use with an aerosol delivery system that includes a nebulizer / aerosol generating element 20 based on heating, piezoelectric vibration, or any other principle for aerosol or vapor generation known to those skilled in the art. Although the present disclosure describes an example in which an atomizer includes a heater, this is to provide a specific example and should not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0090] Thus, according to aspects of the present disclosure, a component 80 for an aerosol generating system 1 is described, the aerosol generating system having a first airflow path 41 disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet and an atomizer 20 for vaporizing an aerosol generating material and delivering vapor into the airflow path; the component comprising: an airflow blocking element 850 configured to span the airflow path of the aerosol generating system at a position downstream of the atomizer and upstream of the air outlet when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system; wherein the airflow blocking element is configured to partially overlap the atomizer in a projection of a centerline of a portion of the airflow path disposed between the atomizer and the airflow blocking element. The component 80 may be interchangeably referred to as an airflow guiding component 80, an airflow modifying component 80, an airflow blocking component 80, or an airflow restricting member 80.

[0091] Figure 2 An assembled view of a cartridge portion 40 of an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 is shown in which components 80 according to the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 2 The cartridge 40 shown details Figure 1 More specific aspects of the cartridge 40 are schematically shown in FIG. The cartridge portion 40 comprises an outer shell 6 made of metal or plastic material (e.g., by injection molding) and comprising a mouthpiece at an upper end, in which an aerosol outlet is provided for a user to inhale an aerosol from the aerosol delivery system 1 in use. Figure 2In the example of , the atomizing subassembly 95 is configured to be inserted into the base opening of the outer housing 6 of the cartridge portion 40. The atomizing subassembly 95 includes a component 80 that includes an airflow blocking element as further described herein. Figure 2 In the example of , the atomizer unit further comprises an atomizer support element 10 configured to support the atomizer 20 and an atomizer unit base 70 configured to receive the atomizer support element 10 in the internal space. Optionally, in the case where the atomizer comprises at least one connecting lead, the atomizer support element 10 may be configured with at least one first channel, each of which is configured to receive the shaft portion of the contact pin 30. Figure 2 In the example, two contact pins 30 are inserted into the two first channels of the atomizer support element 10. The portions of the two contact pins 30 extending out of the first channels pass through the atomizer unit base 70, and the terminal portion of the contact pins 30 includes a cartridge contact pad 32. Figure 2 When the cartridge 40 is assembled for use, the cartridge contact pad is exposed on the base surface of the atomizer unit base, as further described herein. The base surface of the atomizer unit base 70 includes the base outer surface of the cartridge 40, and the cartridge is provided with a Figure 1 The cartridge portion 40 is received in the receiving recess 507 of the reusable device portion 50 of the aerosol delivery system 1 in the manner schematically shown in FIG. Therefore, when the cartridge portion 40 is received in the receiving recess 507, the cartridge contact pad 32 contacts the corresponding electrical contact 506 of the reusable device portion 50.

[0092] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E Aspects of the relationship between the airflow blocking element 850 of the component 80 according to the present disclosure and the nebulizer 20 of the aerosol delivery system 1 with which the component 80 is configured for use are shown. Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a channel 832 comprising a portion of the airflow path 41 of the aerosol generating system 1 , the cross section being oriented perpendicular to the centreline of the portion of the airflow path 41 immediately downstream of the location of the nebuliser 20 . FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E The passage 832 in the embodiment has a square cross-section with rounded corners, but this is exemplary, and in embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-section of the passage 832 may be circular, square, rectangular, elliptical, or any other shape. As further described herein, the atomizer / aerosol generator 20 is shaped along the axis A. L Across the airflow path 41 , the axis corresponds to the length direction of the atomizer 20 , the length being the largest dimension of the atomizer 20 .

[0093] FIG. 3B to FIG. 3E An example of an airflow blocking element 850 is shown that is configured to span the airflow path 41 at a location downstream of the atomizer 20 . FIG. 3B to FIG. 3EEach of the diagrams shows a perspective viewed downstream of the airflow blocking element 850 along a projection aligned with a centerline of a portion of the airflow path 41 disposed between the atomizer and the airflow blocking element. FIG. 3B to FIG. 3E In each of the examples, it is seen that the airflow blocking element 850 is along the span direction / axis A B Spanning the airflow path so as to partially overlap the atomizer 20 when viewed along this viewing angle. Figure 3B An airflow blocking element 850 having a rectangular cross-section is shown, Figure 3C An airflow blocking element 850 is shown including a concave profile along an edge spanning the airflow path 41, Figure 3D An airflow blocking element 850 is shown including a convex profile along an edge spanning the airflow path 41, and Figure 3E The airflow blocking element 850 is shown to include a plurality of sub-elements that are separated across the airflow path 41. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the airflow blocking element spans the axis A. B The axis along which the airflow blocking element extends between the opposing walls defining the airflow path 41 is not parallel to the span axis A of the atomizer 20. L .exist FIG. 3B to FIG. 3E In the example of FIG. 1 , the airflow blocking element spans the axis A. B perpendicular to the cross axis A of the atomizer 20 L However, in any embodiment herein, A L With A B The angle between can be any non-zero angle, for example, between 10 and 20 degrees, between 20 and 30 degrees, between 30 and 40 degrees, between 40 and 50 degrees, between 50 and 60 degrees, between 60 and 70 degrees, between 70 and 80 degrees, or between 80 and 90 degrees. Figure 3E In the example of FIG. 1 , two sub-elements 850A and 850B having rectangular cross-sections are shown, however, in embodiments of the present disclosure, any number of sub-elements may be included in the airflow blocking element 850, including any profile described herein (e.g., rectangular, concave edge profile, convex edge profile), perpendicular to the cross-axis A. B has any diameter on the axis and is perpendicular to the axis A B. It should be understood that in examples of the present disclosure, the airflow blocking element 850 may constitute a component 80 that is configured to span a channel defining an airflow path 41 of the aerosol delivery system 1 at a position downstream of the atomizer and upstream of the air outlet when the component 80 is assembled into the aerosol generating system. In other embodiments, the component 80 includes a conduit that forms a channel defining a portion of the airflow path 41 of the aerosol delivery system 1 when the component 80 is assembled into the aerosol generating system 1, wherein the airflow blocking element spans the conduit. In these embodiments, the conduit may include a channel 832, such as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E Thus, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the conduit and the airflow blocking element may cooperatively define a plurality of orifices within the airflow path, each orifice being formed by a portion of the inner surface of the conduit and a portion of the airflow blocking element. FIG. 3B to FIG. 3D In, two orifices are defined thereby, and in Figure 3E , thereby defining three orifices. In the case where the airflow blocking element 850 includes a plurality of sub-elements that span the airflow path 41 separately, the number of orifices will be equal to N+1, where N is the number of sub-elements. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the component 80 may include only the airflow blocking element 850, or a combination of the airflow blocking element 850 and the conduit 830, the conduit being configured to form a portion of the airflow path 41 of the aerosol delivery system 1 when the component 80 is assembled into the aerosol delivery system 1. In any of the embodiments described herein in which the component 80 includes a conduit 830 spanned by the airflow blocking element 850, the conduit 830 and the airflow blocking element 850 may be integrally formed, or alternatively, the airflow blocking element 850 may be configured with a mechanical connector (e.g., a snap-fit ​​connector) configured to mechanically engage a cooperating mechanical connector disposed on a portion of a passage (e.g., a conduit) defining the airflow path 41 through the aerosol delivery system 1 at a position downstream of the nebulizer 20 and upstream of the mouthpiece / airflow outlet of the aerosol delivery system.

[0094] Figure 4 Schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein component 80 includes a housing configured to provide additional functionality to component 80. In this example, conduit 830 extends from an upper surface 840 of the housing of component 80. Upper surface 840 in this example is configured to form an end wall of a reservoir 2 of an aerosol delivery system 1 when component 80 is assembled into the aerosol delivery system 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2One or more liquid transfer channels 845 (which may be in the form of orifices through the upper surface 840 of the shell) may be formed in the shell to provide a fluid communication path between the reservoir 2 of the aerosol delivery system 1 and the nebulizer 20, which is disposed on the opposite side of the upper surface 840 from which the conduit 830 extends. The nebulizer 20 may be fully supported by another component of the aerosol delivery system 1, and / or may be fully or at least partially supported by the first nebulizer support area of ​​the component 80, as further described herein. Figure 4 In the example of , the housing also includes an optional coupling element 820 that is configured to mechanically engage a cooperating coupling element of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g., the reservoir / cartridge outer housing 6, or the atomizing unit base 70, as further described herein) to hold the component 80 in a fixed position when assembled into the aerosol delivery system 1. Figure 4 In the example of, the housing also includes at least one elastic sealing element 810, such as a silicone O-ring, disposed around the peripheral wall of the housing, the at least one elastic sealing element being configured to provide a liquid-resistant seal against at least one other component of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g., as further described herein, the reservoir / cartridge outer housing 6 or the atomization unit base 70) when the component is assembled into the aerosol delivery system 1. It should be understood that in embodiments of the present disclosure, the integration of housing features such as the conduit 830, (one or more) liquid transfer channels 845, (one or more) elastic sealing elements 810, and the coupling element 820 in the component 80 is optional. As further described herein, the component 80 may include a peripheral wall 870 extending from opposite sides of the upper surface 840 of the housing, thereby defining an interior space of the component 80, within which a first atomizer support area may be disposed.

[0095] The component 80 including the airflow blocking element 850 according to any embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electrical insulator (such as plastic or ceramic material) or a metal (such as aluminum or stainless steel), and may be formed by injection molding or machining or other forming processes known to those skilled in the art. In the case of using plastic material, this may include engineering polymers, such as polyetherketone (PEEK), polycarbonate or polyimide or ABS. In an embodiment, component 80 may include a combination of materials, such as a conduit 830 and a housing including an upper surface 840, a conduit 830, a peripheral wall 870, a coupling element 820 and an internal component (such as the atomizer support area 815 described further herein) may be formed by engineering polymers (such as those listed above), and airflow blocking element 850 may be formed by metal materials (such as those described above). In this embodiment, (one or more) metal components may be co-molded with (one or more) polymer components.

[0096] Figure 5 The diagram shows a view from the side opposite to the side from which the catheter 830 extends. Figure 4 80 is shown. In this example, the housing of the component is provided with a first nebulizer support area 815, which is configured to support the nebulizer so that the central portion of the nebulizer spans the conduit 830 at a position upstream of the airflow blocking element 850. The first nebulizer support area 815 is configured to provide mechanical support to the nebulizer. In a specific embodiment of the component 80, the shape of the first nebulizer support area 815 will depend on the characteristics of the nebulizer to be supported. Figure 5 In an example of the invention, the atomizer support region 815 is configured to support an elongated core and coil atomizer having a generally cylindrical cross-section, and the first atomizer support region 815 includes two curved bracket portions configured to support end regions of such an atomizer 20. In this example, the housing of the component 80 includes a peripheral wall 870, thereby defining a hollow interior space, and the first atomizer support region 815 is located in the hollow interior space, so that the atomizer supported by the first atomizer support region 815 is at least partially accommodated in the hollow interior space surrounded by the peripheral wall 870. In an embodiment, the atomizer support region or another wall feature of the component 80 separates the interior space of the component 80 into an airflow region / aerosol generation chamber region 841 configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generation region of the aerosol generating element and at least one region 846 configured to be in fluid communication with the reservoir 2 of the aerosol delivery system 2 via at least one liquid communication channel 845. A plurality of constrictions / orifices 835A and 835B are formed in the conduit 830, each of which is formed by a portion of the inner surface of the conduit 830 and a lateral portion of the airflow blocking element 850. It should be understood that any portion of the aerosol generation chamber region 841 of an embodiment of the component 80 may be considered to include a portion of the conduit 830 (in other words, the conduit 830 may be considered to be a structure that surrounds the entire portion of the airflow path within the component 80 downstream of the first nebulizer support region 815).

[0097] Figure 6 Will be from Figure 5815 is identified, and the component 80 is shown with the atomizer 20 mounted to the first atomizer support area 815. In this example, the atomizer 20 includes an elongated core 202 having a cylindrical cross-section, and a resistive wire heating element 201 coiled around a central portion. In this example, the first atomizer support area 815 of the component 80 is configured to support the elongated core 202 in a bridging manner upstream of the position of the airflow blocking element 850, so that the central portion of the atomizer 202 (including the heating element 201 in this example) spans the conduit 830. The two curved bracket portions of the first atomizer support area 815 can be configured to match a portion of the circumferential profile of the core, so that in this example, when the cross-section of the core 201 is generally circular, the bracket portion of the atomizer support area 815 has a semicircular profile configured to closely conform to the outer surface of the core 202. The radius of the bracket portion can be configured to be smaller than the radius of the core 201, so that when the core 201 is mounted to the atomizer support area 815, the core 201 is compressed by the bracket portion. This can help prevent liquid from leaking from region 846 into the airflow region 841 of component 80 in the assembled aerosol delivery device 1, where region 846 is configured to be in fluid communication with reservoir 2 via liquid delivery channel 845. Figure 6 In the example shown, the two end portions of the core 202 of the atomizer 20 extend outside the atomizer support area 815 and enter the corresponding area 846 positioned on the side of the airflow area / aerosol generation chamber area 841, so that the liquid in the area 846 can penetrate the core 202 in use, and then the liquid travels through the core 202 via capillary action into the vicinity of the heating element 201 to be evaporated to form a vapor / aerosol in the airflow area / aerosol generation chamber 841. When the user inhales / inhales on the device, the vapor and / or aerosol generated in the aerosol generation chamber 841 will then be drawn into the conduit 830, where the airflow will be partially blocked by the airflow blocking element 850, thereby changing the aerosol characteristics (such as temperature and particle size). It should be understood that in the case of providing a first atomizer support area, the manner in which the first atomizer support area 815 is configured will depend on the type and size of the atomizer 20 to be supported in a given embodiment. In embodiments where the atomizer 20 is not in direct contact with the liquid, the region 846 and the liquid communication passage 845 may not be provided with leakproof features. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first atomizer support region 815 of the component 80 may be integrally formed with one or both of the conduit 830 and the airflow blocking element 850.

[0098] Figure 7 Shows Figures 4 to 6A top view of an exemplary component 80 is shown, wherein an atomizer / aerosol generator 20 (in this example, including a wick 202 and a heating element 201 in the form of a coil, but in other embodiments, may include any other form of aerosol generator described herein) is mounted to an atomizer support area. An end portion of the wick 202 is visible through a liquid communication channel 845 in an upper surface 840 of the housing of the component 80, and the liquid communication channel 845 is disposed laterally of a conduit 830 extending from the upper surface 840. As further described herein, the airflow channel defined by the interior of the conduit 830 is spanned by an airflow blocking element 850, which can be configured according to any of the exemplary geometries shown in FIG. 3 and described in the accompanying text. Figure 6 The viewing angle corresponds to a view along the centerline of the portion of the airflow path disposed between the atomizer 20 and the airflow blocking element 850, which centerline is typically parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the assembled aerosol delivery device 1 into which the component 80 is incorporated. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , the airflow blocking element 850 is configured to partially overlap the atomizer 20 in the projection along the center line of the portion of the airflow path disposed between the atomizer 20 and the airflow blocking element 850. Thus, it can be seen that a portion of the core 202 and the heating element 201 of the atomizer 20 are obscured by the airflow blocking element 850, while a portion of these elements is visible through the apertures / constrictions, and these apertures / constrictions are disposed laterally of the airflow blocking element 850 and are formed by a portion of the inner surface of the conduit 830 and a portion of the outer surface of the airflow blocking element 850, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 5 as described.

[0099] Figure 8 A cross-section taken along a line aligned with the centerline of the conduit 830 and the center of the liquid communication passage 845 is shown. Figures 4 to 7 Schematic cross section of an exemplary component 80 of the type shown. The atomizer 20 including the wick 202 and the heating element 201 is supported on an area of ​​its upper surface by an atomizer support region 815, which in this example comprises two wall portions extending downwardly from the upper surface 840 of the housing of the component 840 and which, when the component 80 is assembled into the aerosol delivery device 1, separates the interior space defined by the peripheral wall 870 into a central aerosol generating chamber 841 in fluid communication with both the interior of the conduit 830 and the heating element 201, and two regions 846 configured to communicate with the reservoir of the aerosol delivery device 1 via respective liquid communication channels 845. As described with respect to Figure 6 As depicted, the end region of the core 202 of the atomizer 20 extends into region 846 to contact liquid entering the liquid communication passage 845. Also shown is an optional groove 860 for accommodating a resilient sealing element and an optional coupling element 820 as further described herein. Figure 88 shows a cross section of the airflow blocking element 850 positioned above the position of the nebulizer 20 when the nebulizer is supported by the nebulizer support area 815 (which is also a position downstream of the nebulizer 20 according to the airflow direction in the component 80 (note that the conduit 830 is configured to connect to the aerosol outflow channel of the aerosol delivery device, terminating in the mouthpiece through which the user inhales the aerosol). In embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 8 As shown in the example of FIG. 8 , the airflow blocking element 850 includes a first substantially flat surface configured to face the atomizer 20. Optionally, and as Figure 8 As shown in the example of , when the components are assembled into the aerosol generating system, the first substantially flat surface is arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the centerline of the airflow path at the location of the airflow blocking element, in this example including the centerline of the conduit 830 and the aerosol generating chamber 841. Optionally, the airflow blocking element 850 is configured to have a second substantially flat surface on the opposite side of the first substantially flat surface, wherein the second substantially flat surface is substantially parallel to the first substantially flat surface. This Figure 8 In the example shown in , the first flat surface and the second flat surface are parallel. However, in any of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-sectional shape of the airflow blocking element 850 can be circular, oval, square, rectangular or any other shape.

[0100] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the airflow blocking element 845 is positioned within the conduit 830, which in this example includes a portion of the nebulizer support area 815, and the interior of the conduit surrounds the aerosol generating chamber 841. Figure 8 As shown in the example of FIG. 8 , the cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit can vary with the distance away from the location where the nebulizer 20 is configured to be supported by the nebulizer support area 815. Therefore, in this example, as the distance along the conduit 830 from the nebulizer support area 815 increases, the diameter of the conduit decreases from an initial diameter D1 to a smaller diameter D2. The airflow blocking element 850 can be placed in an area where the diameter of the conduit 830 is the smallest (such as in FIG. 8 ). Figure 8 , which is in the region of diameter D2), or can be placed in the region where the diameter of the catheter is maximum (i.e., in Figure 8 In other embodiments, the airflow blocking element 850 may be placed in an area where the diameter of the conduit 830 is an intermediate value between the minimum and maximum values. In embodiments where the conduit diameter varies, a specific position relative to the varying diameter of the conduit 830 may be selected to obtain different aerosol modification characteristics. It should be understood that Figure 8 is a 2D schematic cross-sectional view and in embodiments of the present disclosure, references herein to the diameter of a conduit may be considered to apply mutatis mutandis to the cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit.

[0101] 9A to 9C Schematically illustrates examples of catheters 830 with different varying diameters / cross-sectional areas that may be implemented in embodiments of the present disclosure. 9A to 9C In each of the drawings, the atomizer 20 including the wick 202 and the heating element 201 is shown supported at a first end of the conduit 830 (note that this is for simplicity and in embodiments, the conduit 830 may extend below the bottom surface of the atomizer 20). The airflow blocking element 850 is positioned across the conduit, wherein a minimum distance L1 is defined between the surface of the atomizer 20 and the airflow blocking element 850. Fig.9A In the embodiment, the diameter / cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit 830 decreases from the location of the atomizer 20 toward the location of the airflow blocking element 850, and then increases from the location of the airflow blocking element 850 toward the end of the conduit 830 away from the atomizer 20, so that the airflow blocking element 850 is positioned at the location of the minimum diameter / cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit 830. Fig. 9B In the embodiment, the diameter / cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit 830 decreases from the location of the atomizer 20 toward the location of the airflow blocking element 850, and then is constant from the location of the airflow blocking element 850 toward the end of the conduit 830 away from the atomizer 20. Fig. 9C In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the diameter / cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit 830 is constant from the location of the atomizer 20 toward the location of the airflow blocking element 850, and then increases from the location of the airflow blocking element 850 toward the end of the conduit 830 away from the atomizer 20. Any of these conduit geometries may be used in any embodiment of the present disclosure in which the component 80 includes a conduit.

[0102] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the airflow blocking element is configured to span the airflow path so that the shortest distance between the aerosol generating surface of the atomizer 20 and the outer surface of the airflow blocking element 850 (ie, FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B L1) is between 25% and 300% of the maximum cross-sectional diameter of the atomizer 20. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B In the illustrative example shown, L1 is approximately 180% of the maximum cross-sectional diameter of the nebulizer 20. A specific value ratio of L1 to the maximum cross-sectional diameter of the nebulizer 20 may be selected to obtain different aerosol-altering characteristics.

[0103] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing portion of the component may be configured to be detachably coupled to an atomizer support element including the second atomizer support region to retain the atomizer between the portion of the component and the atomizer support element. Fig.10is a schematic cross-sectional view of a component for use in an aerosol delivery system, showing a component 80 including an airflow blocking element 850 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is detachably connected to a nebulizer support element 10 including a second nebulizer support area, so that the nebulizer 20 is held by the first nebulizer support area of ​​the component 80 and the second nebulizer support area of ​​the nebulizer support element 10. In this example, the component 80 includes a conduit 830 spanned by the airflow blocking element 850 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The housing of the component 80 includes a liquid communication channel 845, which provides a communication path for liquid aerosol generating material to be transferred from the reservoir 2 of the aerosol delivery device 1 to the area of ​​the interior space of the housing of the component 80, into which a portion of the core 202 of the nebulizer 201 extends. The dashed arrow shows the general direction of liquid travel into the liquid communication channel 845 and into the end portion of the core 202. In Figure 1 An example of the positioning of component 80 relative to the storage region 2 of the aerosol delivery system 1 into which component 80 may be assembled is schematically shown in FIG. The core 202 is supported on a portion of its upper surface by the atomizer support region, which will be Figure 8 The atomizer support region 815 shown in the schematic cross-section of FIG. 8 is identified so that the region of the atomizer 20 including the heating element 201 spans the aerosol generating chamber 841 that is in fluid communication with the interior of the conduit 830. The solid arrows show a generalized example of the direction of airflow downstream of the atomizer 20, which flows toward and around the airflow blocking element 850 positioned within the conduit 830. The upper surface of the atomizer support element 10 supports the lower surface of the atomizer 20. As described with respect to FIG. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As further described, the support may be provided by a second nebulizer support region configured to suspend a portion of the nebulizer 20 above the aerosol generating chamber 150, which forms a portion of the airflow path through the aerosol delivery system when the assembly including the component 80 and the nebulizer support assembly 10 is assembled into the aerosol delivery system. Fig.10 In the example of , the atomizer 20 can be supported by the second atomizer support region of the atomizer support member so that the central region of the atomizer 20 spans the aerosol generating chamber 150. The air inlet 60 leading to the atomizer support element 10 can be arranged upstream of the aerosol generating chamber 150 and in fluid communication with the aerosol generating chamber.

[0104] As in Fig.10As schematically shown in the cross section of FIG, the component 80 and the atomizer support element 10 are configured to be coupled together so that the respective first atomizer support area and the second atomizer support area of ​​the two components form a continuous seal around the circumference of the atomizer 20 at positions laterally spaced apart from the central aerosol / vapor generating area of ​​the atomizer 20 including the heating element 201. The continuous seal at these positions separates the internal space of the assembly including the component 80 and the atomizer support element 10 into: a flow path including the air inlet 60 and the atomization chamber 150 of the atomizer support element 10, and including the interior of the atomization chamber 841 and the conduit 830 of the component 80; and an area 846 configured to be penetrated by the free aerosol generating liquid, at Fig.10 In the example of , the end portion of the core 202 extends into the region, thereby substantially preventing liquid from flowing out / leaking into the airflow path from the region 846. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first atomizer support region of the component 80 and the second atomizer support region of the atomizer support element 10 are configured to compress the portion of the atomizer 20 located between the first atomizer support region and the second atomizer support region when the housing portion and the atomizer support element are engaged to help prevent the above-mentioned liquid from entering.

[0105] Fig.10 Also shown are optional arrangements of openings on the base of the atomizer support 10, which are configured to receive the connecting leads 21 of the heating element 201, and to retain the connecting lead portions received in each recess via respective conductive contact pins 30, each conductive contact pin being configured to retain the respective connecting lead portions between the outer surface of the contact pin 30 and the inner surface of the recess. As further described herein, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the portion of each contact pin 30 exposed to the exterior of the atomizer support 10 can be used to provide electrical contact between the connecting lead 21 retained by the contact pin and an electrical contact of another component of the aerosol delivery system 1.

[0106] Fig.11 An example of an atomizer support element 10 is schematically shown, illustrating more specific aspects associated with embodiments of the present disclosure. The atomizer support element 10 includes a housing element 100 that includes a three-dimensional structure that, in embodiments, may be formed of a plastic or metal material as described with respect to component 80 herein, for example, by injection molding or machining of an engineering polymer. A second atomizer support region 110 is disposed on a first side of the housing element 100, Fig.11 In the example of , it is the uppermost side, which is configured to provide mechanical support to the atomizer 20. In a specific embodiment of the atomizer support element 10, the shape of the second atomizer support area 110 will depend on the characteristics of the atomizer 20 to be supported. Fig.11In the example of FIG. 1 , the atomizer support region 110 is configured to support an elongated wick and coil atomizer 20 having a generally cylindrical cross-section, and the atomizer support region 110 includes two curved bracket portions configured to support end regions of such an atomizer 20. It should be understood that in embodiments, such as Fig.11 As shown, the second nebulizer support area 110 can be configured in a substantially identical manner to the first nebulizer support area of ​​the component 80, so that when the first nebulizer support area of ​​the component 80 and the nebulizer support element 10 and the second nebulizer support area are respectively together with the nebulizer 20 disposed therebetween, the corresponding first nebulizer support area and the second nebulizer support area are aligned with the corresponding upper and lower portions of the nebulizer 20 in a substantially similar manner to securely hold the nebulizer on the corresponding first nebulizer support area and the second nebulizer support area. In an embodiment, a liquid receiving recess 115 is provided for a portion of the core 202 of the supported nebulizer 20 to extend therein, each liquid receiving recess 115 being configured to be in fluid communication with an area 846 of the component 80, and in the assembled aerosol delivery device 1, the area 846 is configured to be in fluid communication with the reservoir 2 of the aerosol delivery system through the liquid transmission channel 845 of the component 80 when the component 80 and the nebulizer support element 10 are coupled together. In an embodiment, an optional resilient sealing element 200 (comprising, for example, a silicone O-ring) may be disposed around a side surface of the housing element 100, configured to form a seal against an inner surface of an outer peripheral wall of the atomizer base when at least a portion of the atomizer support element 10 is received within the interior space of the atomizer base, such as Fig.14 As shown and further described herein, the resilient sealing element 200 (where provided) can prevent liquid from escaping from the liquid receiving recess 115 around the interface between the component 80 and the atomizer base.

[0107] Fig.12 Will be from Fig.11 , and shows the atomizer support element 10 and the atomizer 20 mounted to the second atomizer support area 110. In this example, the atomizer 20 includes an elongated core 202 having a cylindrical cross-section and a resistive wire heating element 201 coiled around a central portion. In this example, the second atomizer support area 110 is configured to support the elongated core 202 in a bridging manner above the air inlet on the surface of the base opposite to the surface on which the second atomizer support area 110 is provided, as shown in FIG. Fig.10The air inlet of the atomizer support element 10 is configured to direct the airflow caused by the user's inhalation to the central area of ​​the atomizer 20. As in the embodiment of the first atomizer support area of ​​the component 80, the two curved bracket portions of the second atomizer support area 110 can be configured to match a portion of the cross-sectional shape of the core 202, so that in this example, when the cross-section of the core 201 is generally circular, the bracket portion of the atomizer support area 110 has a semicircular profile configured to closely conform to the outer surface of the core. Fig.12 As shown, the radius of the bracket portion can be configured to be smaller than the radius of the core 201, so that when the core 201 is mounted to the second nebulizer support area 110, the core 201 is compressed by the bracket portion. This can help prevent liquid from leaking from the liquid receiving recess 115 into the airflow path of the aerosol delivery device 1. However, as with the first nebulizer support area of ​​the component, the manner in which the second nebulizer support area 110 is configured will depend on the type and size of the nebulizer to be supported in a given embodiment. In embodiments where the nebulizer is not in direct contact with the liquid, the anti-leak feature may not be provided.

[0108] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of a first subassembly 90 is shown, the first subassembly comprising Figures 4 to 8 The component 80 shown and described in the related description is connected to the atomizer support element 10. The first subassembly 90 can be interchangeably referred to as the atomizer support subassembly. It should be understood that Fig.10 The cross-sectional diagram is intended to relate to Fig.13 Thus, the upper portion of the atomizer support member 10, including the atomizer (e.g. Fig.12 As shown, the lower portion of the atomizer is supported on a second atomizer support area having an upper surface) and is received in the inner space defined by the peripheral wall 870 of the component 80, as shown in FIG. Figure 8As shown, so that as further described herein, the first atomizer support area of ​​component 80 engages the upper area of ​​the atomizer. A portion or all of the atomizer support element 10 can be received in the internal space of component 80. Therefore, the first subassembly 90 surrounds the atomizer, wherein the air inlet and the electrical contact pins connected to the connecting lead of the atomizer are arranged on the base surface, and the liquid communication channel and the conduit are arranged on the upper surface of the first subassembly 90. The housing of component 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one mechanical connector, such as a snap-fit ​​connector, which is configured to engage with at least one mechanical connector of the atomizer support element 10 (such as a cooperating snap-fit ​​connector) to couple the atomizer support element 10 to the component 80. In an embodiment, component 80 can be fixed to the atomizer support element 10 using other forms of mechanical fasteners (such as screws or rivets), or component 80 and atomizer support element 10 can be bonded together with an adhesive, or welded together. In other embodiments of the first subassembly 90 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the component 80 and the atomizer support element 10 may be integrally formed, and the corresponding functions of the component 80 and the atomizer support element 10 as described herein are provided by the integrally formed first subassembly 90 including the component 80 region and the atomizer support element 10 region.

[0109] Where a first subassembly 90 is provided, the first subassembly may be assembled into the other components of the aerosol delivery system 1 to form a one-part or two-part aerosol delivery system. Figure 2 The reservoir housing 6) shown may be provided in a cartridge of a two-part device, or as part of a one-part device, the reservoir housing being configured to have an open end, wherein the first subassembly 90 is configured to be inserted into the open end of the reservoir housing during assembly of the aerosol generating device 1, such that the upper surface forms the inner boundary of the liquid storage volume of the reservoir housing, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In these examples, the shape and size of the outer portion of the peripheral wall of the component 80 will typically be designed to be slidably fitted within the inner surface of the interior of the reservoir housing, wherein the thickness of the elastic sealing element 810 extending from the outer portion of the peripheral wall is configured to be greater than the spacing between the outer portion of the peripheral wall of the component 80 and the inner surface of the interior of the reservoir housing, so that the first subassembly 90 is inserted into the opening of the reservoir housing so that the elastic sealing element 810 is compressed between the outer portion of the peripheral wall of the component 80 and the inner surface of the interior of the reservoir housing, thereby forming a seal that substantially or completely prevents liquid from the reservoir from leaking around the seal.

[0110] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of an atomizer subassembly 95, the atomizer subassembly 95 comprising Fig.13The first subassembly 90 is shown, which is coupled to the atomizer base portion 70. The atomizer base portion 70 (where provided) comprises a three-dimensional structure, which in embodiments may be made of a plastic or metal material as described with respect to component 80 herein, for example, formed by injection molding or machining of an engineering polymer. The atomizer base portion 70 is configured to be coupled to Fig.13 A first subassembly 90 is shown. Figure 2 Schematically illustrates how an exemplary atomizer base portion 70 may include an interior space within a peripheral wall configured to receive portions of the atomizer support element 10 and component 80 of a first subassembly 90. The housing portion of the atomizer base portion 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one mechanical connector 750, such as a snap-fit ​​connector, configured to engage with at least one mechanical connector 820 of component 80 (such as a cooperating snap-fit ​​connector) to couple component 80 to the atomizer base portion 70. In embodiments, the first subassembly 90 may be secured to the atomizer base portion 70 using other forms of mechanical fasteners, such as screws or rivets, or the first subassembly 90 and the atomizer base portion 70 may be bonded together with an adhesive, or welded together. In other embodiments of the atomizer subassembly 95 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first subassembly 90 and the atomizer base portion 70 may be integrally formed, and the respective functions of the first subassembly 90 and the atomizer base portion 70 as described herein are provided by the integrally formed atomizer subassembly 95 including a component 80 region, an atomizer support element 10 region, and an atomizer base portion 70 region.

[0111] exist Fig.14 In the atomization subassembly 95, the base surface of the atomizer base portion 70 is configured to form the exterior of the cartridge portion 40 of the aerosol delivery system 1 when the atomizer base portion is assembled into the opening of the cartridge outer housing 6 away from the mouthpiece end of the cartridge portion 40, such as Figure 2 As shown in the assembly diagram. Fig.14 In the example of FIG. 1 , the base of the first subassembly 90 is received in a recess of the atomizer base portion 70 on a side opposite the base surface. The recess is sized to receive the first subassembly 90 with an interference fit, optionally assisted by mechanical coupling of elements of the first subassembly 90 and the atomizer base portion 70. In an embodiment, the resilient sealing elements 810 and 740 are configured to abut against a reservoir housing (e.g., such as Figure 2 The inner surface of the outer shell 6 of the cigarette cartridge shown is sealed, as shown in Fig.13 The atomizer base portion 70 may be provided with a mechanical connection member (such as Fig.14The lugs 710 shown in the figure are configured to engage the cooperating mechanical connectors of the outer shell 6 of the cartridge to Figure 2 The atomizer subassembly is held within the reservoir housing / cartridge outer housing 6 when assembled in the manner schematically shown in the figure. The channels through the base surface of the atomizer base portion 70 are positioned to align with the positions of the openings in the base of the atomizer support element 10 or the first subassembly 90, and the size of these channels is designed to allow the contact pins 30 to be received therethrough. After the first subassembly and the atomizer base portion 70 are assembled together, the contact pins 30 are inserted through the base surface of the atomizer base portion 70, and each contact pin 30 is received in the base of the atomizer support element 10 or the first subassembly 90 in the corresponding opening in the area to hold the connecting lead 21 of the atomizer 20, as further described herein. The air inlet on the base surface of the atomizer base portion 70 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 60 of the atomizer support element 10 or the area of ​​the first subassembly 90, thereby providing a path for air to flow from the outside of the assembled cartridge portion 40 into the atomizer subassembly 95.

[0112] Fig.15 Shows Fig.14 95. In this example, when the atomizer subassembly 95 is assembled into the opening of the mouthpiece end of the cartridge outer housing 6 away from the cartridge portion 40, the base surface 730 of the atomizer base portion 70 forms the exterior of the aerosol delivery system 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in the assembly diagram. Fig.15 In the example of FIG. 1 , the channels through the base surface of the atomizer base portion 70 are positioned to align with the positions of the openings in the base of the first subassembly 90, and the dimensions of these channels are designed to allow the shaft portion of the contact pin 30 to be received therethrough, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in the assembly diagram of . After the first subassembly 90 has been received into the interior space of the atomizer base portion 70, the contact pins 30 are inserted through the base surface 730 of the atomizer base portion, and each contact pin is received in the first channel 120 via an interference fit to retain the connecting lead 21 of the atomizer 20, as further described herein. The air inlet 720 of the atomizer base portion 70 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 60 of the first subassembly 90, thereby providing a path for air to flow from the outside of the assembled cartridge portion 40 into the first subassembly 90.

[0113] While the present disclosure has described embodiments in which a first subassembly 90 and an atomizer subassembly 95 may include a component 80 according to the present disclosure, it should be understood that the component 80 may be provided without being assembled into the first subassembly 90 or the atomizer subassembly 95 .

[0114] Thus, a component for an aerosol generating system has been described, the aerosol generating system having a first air flow path arranged between an air inlet and an air outlet and a nebulizer for vaporizing an aerosol generating material and delivering the vapor into the air flow path; the component includes: an air flow blocking element, which is configured to span the air flow path of the aerosol generating system at a position downstream of the nebulizer and upstream of the air outlet when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system; wherein the air flow blocking element is configured to partially overlap with the nebulizer in a projection of a centerline of a portion of the air flow path arranged between the nebulizer and the air flow blocking element.

[0115] The various embodiments described herein are only used to help understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments can be used and can be modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, the various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., consisting of these appropriate combinations or consisting essentially of these appropriate combinations. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future. The delivery system described herein can be implemented as a flammable aerosol supply system, a non-flammable aerosol supply system or an aerosol-free delivery system.

[0116] The corresponding features of the present disclosure are defined by the following numbered paragraphs:

[0117] Paragraph 1. A component for an aerosol generating system having a first airflow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet and an atomizer for vaporizing an aerosol generating material and delivering the vapor into the airflow path; the component comprising:

[0118] an airflow blocking element configured to span an airflow path of the aerosol generating system at a position downstream of the atomizer and upstream of the air outlet when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system;

[0119] The airflow blocking element is configured to partially overlap with the atomizer in a projection of a center line of a portion of the airflow path disposed between the atomizer and the airflow blocking element.

[0120] Paragraph 2. The component of Paragraph 1, comprising a first atomizer support region configured to support the atomizer at a location upstream of the airflow blocking element.

[0121] Paragraph 3. A component according to any of paragraphs 1 to 2, wherein the nebulizer has a length, a width, and a depth, the length is greater than the depth and the width, and wherein the airflow blocking element is configured to span the airflow path in an orientation that is not parallel to the length direction of the nebulizer when the component is assembled into an aerosol generating system.

[0122] Paragraph 4. A component as described in Paragraph 3, wherein the non-parallel orientation is a perpendicular orientation.

[0123] Paragraph 5. A component according to any of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the airflow blocking element comprises a first substantially planar surface configured to face the atomizer when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system.

[0124] Paragraph 6. A component according to paragraph 5, wherein the first substantially planar surface is arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to a centreline of the airflow path at the location of the airflow blocking element when the component is assembled into an aerosol generating system.

[0125] Paragraph 7. The component of any of paragraphs 5 to 6, wherein the airflow blocking element includes a second substantially planar surface on an opposite side of the first substantially planar surface, wherein the second substantially planar surface is arranged substantially parallel to the first substantially planar surface.

[0126] Paragraph 8. A component according to any of paragraphs 1 to 8, comprising a conduit configured to form a portion of an airflow path when the component is assembled into an aerosol generating system, wherein the airflow blocking element spans the conduit.

[0127] Paragraph 9. The component of Paragraph 8, wherein the airflow blocking element is integrally formed with the conduit.

[0128] Paragraph 10. The component of any of paragraphs 8 to 9, wherein the conduit and the airflow blocking element cooperatively define a plurality of apertures within the airflow path, each aperture being formed by a portion of an interior surface of the conduit and a portion of the airflow blocking element.

[0129] Paragraph 11. A component according to any of paragraphs 8 to 10, wherein the first nebulizer support area is configured to support the nebulizer so that a portion of the nebulizer spans the conduit in a projection of a centerline of a portion of the airflow path disposed between the nebulizer and the airflow blocking element.

[0130] Paragraph 12. The component of any of Paragraphs 8 to 11, wherein the nebulizer support is integrally formed with the conduit.

[0131] Paragraph 13. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the atomizer support is configured to support an atomizer comprising an elongated core surrounded by a spiral heating element.

[0132] Paragraph 14. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the atomizer support is configured to support an atomizer comprising a ceramic body having a heating layer deposited on an outer surface.

[0133] Paragraph 15. The component of any of paragraphs 2 to 14, wherein the housing portion of the component including the first atomizer support region and the airflow blocking element is configured to be removably coupled to the atomizer support element including the second atomizer support region.

[0134] Paragraph 16. The component of Paragraph 15, wherein the housing portion of the component includes at least one snap-fit ​​connector configured to engage with at least one snap-fit ​​connector of the atomizer support element to couple the atomizer support element to the component.

[0135] Paragraph 17. A component according to any of paragraphs 15 to 16, further comprising an atomizer support element, wherein the component is configured to hold the atomizer between the first atomizer support area and the second atomizer support area when the housing portion and the atomizer support element are coupled together.

[0136] Paragraph 18. A component according to paragraph 17, wherein the first atomizer support area of ​​the shell portion and the second support area of ​​the atomizer support element are configured to compress a portion of the atomizer between the first atomizer support area and the second atomizer support area when the shell portion and the atomizer support element are engaged.

[0137] Paragraph 19. A component according to any of Paragraphs 1 to 18, comprising an atomizer.

[0138] Paragraph 20. A component according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 19, wherein the airflow blocking element is configured to span the airflow path so that the shortest distance between the aerosol generating surface of the nebulizer and the outer surface of the airflow blocking element is between 25% and 300% of the maximum cross-sectional diameter of the nebulizer.

[0139] Paragraph 21. A component according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 20, comprising at least one feature portion configured to engage a reservoir shell of an aerosol delivery device, wherein a first outer surface portion of the component is configured to form a boundary of an aerosol generating material storage volume portion of the reservoir shell when the component is assembled into an aerosol generating system.

[0140] Paragraph 22. A component according to paragraph 21, comprising at least one orifice on a first outer surface portion, the at least one orifice being configured to provide a fluid communication path between a nebulizer support area of ​​the component and an aerosol generating material storage volume portion when the component is assembled into an aerosol generating system.

[0141] Paragraph 23. A component according to any of paragraphs 21 to 22, comprising a peripheral wall surface configured to engage with an inner wall of the reservoir housing when the component is engaged with the aerosol generating system.

[0142] Paragraph 24. A consumable for an aerosol generating system, the consumable comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosol generating material, an air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, an atomizer for vaporizing a source aerosol generating material from the reservoir and delivering the vapor into the air flow path, the consumable being configured to be reversibly attached to the aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising a power source and a controller;

[0143] Wherein the consumables include a component according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 23.

[0144] Paragraph 25. The consumable product of Paragraph 24, comprising a reservoir housing, wherein the component is configured to be inserted into an open end of the reservoir housing during assembly of the consumable product.

[0145] Paragraph 26. An aerosol generating device comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosol generating material, an air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, an atomizer for vaporizing a source aerosol generating material from the reservoir and delivering the vapor into the air flow path, a power source, and a controller;

[0146] Wherein, the aerosol generating device comprises a component according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 23.

[0147] Paragraph 27. An aerosol generating device according to paragraph 26, comprising a reservoir housing, wherein the component is configured to be inserted into an open end of the reservoir housing during assembly of the aerosol generating device.

[0148] Paragraph 28. A method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol generating system having a first air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an atomizer for vaporizing an aerosol generating material and delivering the vapor into the air flow path; the method comprising:

[0149] providing an airflow blocking element disposed at a position downstream of the atomizer and upstream of the air outlet and configured to span the first airflow path when the components are assembled into the aerosol generating system,

[0150] The airflow blocking element is configured to partially overlap the atomizer in a projection of a centerline of a portion of the airflow path disposed between the atomizer and the airflow blocking element when the components are assembled into the aerosol generating system.

[0151] Paragraph 29. A component device for an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system having a first airflow path device disposed between an air inlet device and an air outlet device and an atomizer device for vaporizing an aerosol generating material and delivering the vapor into the airflow path device; the component device comprising:

[0152] air flow blocking element means configured to span the air flow path means of the aerosol generating system at a position downstream of the atomizer means and upstream of the air outlet means when the component means is assembled into the aerosol generating system;

[0153] Wherein, the airflow blocking element device is configured to partially overlap with the atomizer device in a projection along a center line of a portion of the airflow path device disposed between the atomizer device and the airflow blocking element device.

Claims

1. A component for an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system having a first air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet and an atomizer for vaporizing an aerosol generating material and delivering vapor into the air flow path; the component comprising: an airflow blocking element configured to span the airflow path of the aerosol generating system at a position downstream of the atomizer and upstream of the air outlet when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system; The airflow blocking element is configured to partially overlap with the atomizer in a projection of a center line of a portion of the airflow path disposed between the atomizer and the airflow blocking element. 2 . The component of claim 1 , comprising a first atomizer support region configured to support the atomizer at a position upstream of the airflow blocking element.

3. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The nebulizer has a length, a width and a depth, the length being greater than the depth and the width, and wherein the airflow blocking element is configured to span the airflow path in an orientation that is non-parallel to the direction of the length of the nebulizer when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system.

4. The component according to claim 3, wherein The non-parallel orientation is a perpendicular orientation.

5. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The airflow blocking element comprises a first substantially planar surface configured to face the atomizer when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system.

6. The component according to claim 5, wherein When the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system, the first substantially planar surface is arranged in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a centre line of the airflow pathway at the location of the airflow blocking element.

7. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a conduit configured to form part of the airflow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system, wherein The airflow blocking element spans across the duct.

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein The airflow blocking element is integrally formed with the duct.

9. A component according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein The duct and the airflow blocking element cooperatively define a plurality of apertures within the airflow path, each of the apertures being formed by a portion of an inner surface of the duct and a portion of the airflow blocking element.

10. A component according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The first nebulizer supporting region is configured to support the nebulizer such that a portion of the nebulizer spans the conduit in a projection along a centerline of a portion of the airflow path disposed between the nebulizer and the airflow blocking element.

11. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The atomizer support is configured to support an atomizer including an elongated core surrounded by a spiral heating element.

12. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The atomizer support is configured to support an atomizer including a ceramic body having a heating layer deposited on an outer surface.

13. A component according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein The housing portion including the component of the first atomizer supporting area and the airflow blocking element is configured to be detachably coupled with the atomizer supporting element including the second atomizer supporting area.

14. The component according to claim 13, further comprising the atomizer support element, wherein: The component is configured to hold an atomizer between the first atomizer support area and the second atomizer support area when the housing portion and the atomizer support element are coupled together.

15. The component according to claim 14, wherein The first atomizer support region of the housing portion and the second atomizer support element are configured to compress a portion of the atomizer between the first atomizer support region and the second atomizer support region when the housing portion and the atomizer support element are engaged.

16. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising an atomiser.

17. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein The airflow blocking element is configured to span the airflow path such that a shortest distance between an aerosol generating surface of the nebulizer and an exterior surface of the airflow blocking element is between 25% and 300% of a maximum cross-sectional diameter of the nebulizer.

18. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising at least one feature configured to engage a reservoir housing of an aerosol delivery device, wherein The first outer surface portion of the component is configured to form a boundary of an aerosol-generating material storage volume of the reservoir housing when the component is assembled into the aerosol-generating system.

19. A component according to claim 18, comprising at least one orifice on the first outer surface portion, and the at least one orifice is configured to provide a fluid communication path between the nebulizer support area of ​​the component and the aerosol generating material storage volume portion when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system.

20. A component according to any one of claims 18 to 19, comprising a peripheral wall surface configured to engage with an inner wall of the reservoir housing when the component is engaged with the aerosol generating system.

21. A consumable for an aerosol generating system, the consumable comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosol generating material, an air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, an atomizer for vaporizing a source aerosol generating material from the reservoir and delivering the vapor into the air flow path, the consumable being configured to reversibly attach to an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising a power source and a controller; in, The consumable product comprises a component according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The consumable product of claim 21, comprising a reservoir housing, wherein: The component is configured to be inserted into the open end of the reservoir housing during assembly of the consumable product.

23. An aerosol generating device comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosol generating material, an air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, an atomizer for vaporizing a source aerosol generating material from the reservoir and delivering the vapor into the air flow path, a power source, and a controller; in, The aerosol generating device comprises components according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

24. An aerosol generating device according to claim 23, comprising a reservoir housing, wherein: The component is configured to be inserted into the open end of the reservoir housing during assembly of the aerosol generating device.

25. A method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol generating system having a first air flow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet and an atomizer for vaporizing an aerosol generating material and delivering vapor into the air flow path; the method comprising: An airflow blocking element is provided, wherein the airflow blocking element is arranged at a position downstream of the nebulizer and upstream of the air outlet, and the airflow blocking element is configured to span the first airflow path when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system, and the airflow blocking element is configured to partially overlap with the nebulizer in a projection of a center line of a portion along the airflow path arranged between the nebulizer and the airflow blocking element when the component is assembled into the aerosol generating system.

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