Aerosol delivery system

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol delivery system, wherein the system comprises a proximal end and a distal end facing each other along a height direction; a mouthpiece located at the proximal end; a heating element having a pin; an atomizer holder provided with a position limiting hole—the atomizer holder defines a chamber for receiving the heating element, and the position limiting hole is provided with a first opening—; and an electrode extending from the first opening into the position limiting hole and contacting the pin within the position limiting hole, wherein the pin and the electrode are in a weldless connection. Through embodiments of the present invention, a weldless connection between the pin and the electrode in the position limiting hole is achieved, which can reduce problems such as a complex component assembly process and a large system volume caused by a welded connection between the pin and the electrode in the prior art.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aerosol delivery, and in particular to an aerosol delivery system. Background Technology

[0002] An aerosol delivery system refers to a system that contains an aerosol-generating material internally and generates aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material (e.g., cigarette) rather than burning it for the user to smoke.

[0003] An aerosol delivery system generally includes a housing, an atomizer arranged within the housing, a power supply, and a controller. The atomizer includes a heating element, and the power supply is controlled by the controller to supply power to the heating element; the heating element receives energy and releases heat to heat the aerosol generating material inside the housing, causing the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0004] The atomizer includes an atomizer holder defining the atomization chamber and a heating element arranged within the atomization chamber. When the system is assembled, the heating element draws out a pin and is electrically connected to an electrode outside the atomization chamber, and the electrode is electrically connected to a power supply to provide power to the heating element. Currently, the connection between the heating element's pin and the electrode is performed via welding. However, since welding itself is a complex process, it complicates the system assembly process; furthermore, welding requires the pin to be drawn out of the atomization chamber and the pin to be relatively long, and there are specific size requirements for both the pin and the electrode to achieve a stable weld, resulting in a relatively large overall volume of the system.

[0005] Therefore, a new aerosol delivery system is required to solve one or more technical problems existing in the aerosol delivery system mentioned above.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Accordingly, the present invention discloses an aerosol delivery system designed to solve problems such as a complex component assembly process and large system volume caused by the welded connection between the fins of a heater element and the electrode in the prior art.

[0007] The present invention discloses an aerosol providing system, and the aerosol providing system is,

[0008] Proximal and distal ends facing each other along the height direction;

[0009] Mouthpiece located at the proximal end;

[0010] A heater element having fins;

[0011] An atomizer holder provided with a position limiting hole ― the atomizer holder defines a chamber for receiving a heating element, and a first opening is provided in the position limiting hole ―; and

[0012] It includes an electrode extending from a first opening into a position limiting hole and in contact with a pin within the position limiting hole,

[0013] The pin and electrode are connected in a welding-free manner.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, a weldless connection is achieved by opening a position-limiting hole. Specifically, the weldless connection may be a pressure connection, a buckling connection, a magnetic connection, an adhesive connection, an elastic interference fit, etc. Compared to the prior art, these connection methods save the welding process and simplify the complexity of assembly; and since there is no need to prepare large-sized preparations for welding, the volume of the system can be correspondingly reduced in the design.

[0015] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system described above, the atomizer holder is further provided with a through hole communicating with a position limiting hole, an angle is formed between the axes of the through hole and the position limiting hole, the through hole has a second opening facing away from the position limiting hole, and a pin is inserted into the through hole from the second opening and extends at least partially into the position limiting hole through the through hole. Furthermore, the pin and electrode are configured to enter the position limiting hole from different openings, thereby improving the flexibility of the pin and electrode positioning arrangements and facilitating the entry of the pin and electrode into the position limiting hole relative to the atomizer holder through their respective closer openings, and reducing the size of the pin and electrode.

[0016] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the position limiting hole extends along the height direction, and the position limiting hole is provided with a first opening on the side facing the distal end.

[0017] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system described above, the pin has a first portion extending into and located within a through hole, and a second portion extending into and located within a position limiting hole, and there is a bending angle between the first portion and the second portion.

[0018] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the side of the electrode is in contact with the side of the second part.

[0019] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, a portion of the electrode inserted into the position limiting hole is parallel to the second portion.

[0020] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system described above, in the cross-sectional direction of the position limiting hole, the pin has a transverse length that can be exposed within the channel of the position limiting hole; and the electrode is compressed against the transverse length while extending into the position limiting hole to bend the pin and form a second part. Based on the arrangement of the present embodiment, the pin can be bent while the electrode extends into the position limiting hole to form a second part electrically connected to the electrode, and the assembly process is further simplified without the need to bend the pin in advance.

[0021] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the shapes of the two contact sides of the second part and the electrode are fitted together. For example, matching concave and convex surfaces, matching curved surfaces, and matching flat surfaces can increase the contact area between the pin and the electrode, improve the tightness of the connection between the pin and the electrode, and thereby improve the stability of the electrical connection by adapting the shapes of the two sides.

[0022] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system described above, the first and second parts have a maximum thickness and / or maximum width at the bending angle. Based on the arrangement of this embodiment, strength at the bending angle can be increased, the probability of failure at the bending angle can be reduced, and the stability of the electrical connection can be improved.

[0023] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the pin has a first part extending into a through hole and located within the through hole, and a second part extending into a position limiting hole and located within the position limiting hole, and the first part and the second part are located in the same plane.

[0024] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the end surface of one of the second part and the electrode is in contact with the other side of the second part and the electrode.

[0025] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, a portion of the electrode inserted into the position limiting hole is perpendicular to the second portion. In this embodiment, based on the vertical arrangement, the contact area between the pin and the electrode can be increased, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection.

[0026] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the end surface of the second part contacts the side of the electrode; the end surface of the second part is formed concavely to form an open ring, and the electrode is inserted into the open ring. In this embodiment, based on the provision of the open ring, surrounding the electrode with a ring arrangement improves the stability of the connection, while increasing the contact area between the pin and the electrode and improving the overall stability of the electrical connection.

[0027] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the opening of the open ring is sized to prevent the electrode from dislodging from the opening. Based on this embodiment, the electrode is arranged in close contact within the open ring to improve the stability of the connection.

[0028] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system described above, an elastic element is further included that is configured to provide a force that directs the electrode and the pin toward each other. In this embodiment, based on the provision of the elastic element, there is a force between the electrode and the pin that brings them closer together, thereby improving the stability and adhesion of the connection between the electrode and the pin.

[0029] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, a first contact surface and a second contact surface parallel to each other are formed between the inner wall of the position limiting hole, the pin, and the electrode; the electrode contacts the pin on one side to form the first contact surface and contacts the inner wall on the opposite side to form the second contact surface, or the pin contacts the electrode on one side to form the first contact surface and contacts the inner wall on the opposite side to form the second contact surface; and an elastic element is located on the first contact surface or the second contact surface.

[0030] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system described above, the elastic element is at least one of the following: the elastic element is a position limiting hole, and the inner wall surface of the position limiting hole is an elastic surface; the elastic element is a pin, and the side of the pin near the inner wall surface of the position limiting hole is an elastic surface; the elastic element is an electrode, and the side of the electrode near the inner wall surface of the position limiting hole is an elastic surface.

[0031] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the elastic element is corrugated.

[0032] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the pin and the electrode are connected by pressure, elastic connection, buckling connection, magnetic adsorption connection, or adhesive connection.

[0033] In one embodiment of the aerosol delivery system mentioned above, the following is further included:

[0034] Housing;

[0035] Power supply unit ― The power supply unit is arranged within the housing and configured to supply power to the heater element through electrodes and fins ―;

[0036] And aerosol-generating materials accommodated within the system.

[0037] Based on this embodiment of the present invention, by providing a position limiting hole on the atomizer holder, the pin and electrode of the heater element are confined within the position limiting hole, thereby achieving confinement of the pin and electrode and achieving a weldless connection based on the confinement effect of the position limiting hole. The weldless connection may specifically be a pressure connection, a buckling connection, an elastic interference fit, etc. Compared to the prior art, these connection methods save the welding process and simplify the complexity of assembly; and since there is no need to prepare large sizes for welding, the volume of the system can be correspondingly reduced in the design. Furthermore, by arranging multiple openings and elastic elements, the stability of the weldless connection is improved, and the volume of the system can be further reduced.

[0038] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be given in part in the following description, will become apparent from the following description, or will be learned through the practice of the invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0039] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content of the present invention will become more understandable. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Additionally, similar numbers in the drawings are used to indicate similar components, among which: FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are cross-sectional views from different perspectives of an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial structural diagram of an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, showing a liquid inlet structure. FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an atomizer of an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an atomizer of an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of a heater element provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing contact between an electrode and a pin within a position-limiting hole in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a pin in a position limiting hole in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing contact between an electrode and a pin in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11 to 13 are schematic diagrams showing an electrode and a pin entering a position-limiting hole through different openings in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams showing elastic connections between an electrode and a pin in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Description of the drawing label: 100: Housing; 101: Mouthpiece; 102: Air outlet; 103: Air inlet; 104: First sealing cover; 105: Second sealing cover; 110: Upper housing; 120: Lower housing; 11: Second part; 12: First part; 200: Receiving chamber; 300: Atomizer; 310: Atomizing chamber; 320: Atomizer holder; 321: Structural member; 330: Airway piece; 341: Heating element; 3411: Body part; 3412: Pin; 342: Oil guide element; 350: Base assembly; 352: Electrode; 353: Atomizing chamber bottom cover; 354: First airway seal; 400: Power supply; 500: Controller; 600: Liquid inlet structure; 610: Support frame; 611: Receiving groove; 620: Liquid inlet channel; 621: Annular groove; 622: Liquid guide groove; 6211: First sidewall; 630: First liquid inlet hole; 640: Air exchange hole; 700: Second airway seal; 710: Second liquid inlet hole; 800: Position limiting hole; 810: First opening; 900: Through hole; 910: Second opening; 1000: Elastic element. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0040] Some embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are merely for illustrating the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user upon use, and includes the following:

[0042] Combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and pipe or roll-your-own or make-your-own cigarettes (regardless of whether they are based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, recycled tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials);

[0043] Non-combustible aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and

[0044] Aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver at least one substance to a user by means of the mouth, nose, transdermis, or other means without forming an aerosol, include but are not limited to articles comprising lozenges, gums, patches, inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco comprising snus or wet snuff, wherein at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0045] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol delivery system is a system in which a constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) is combusted or burned during use to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0046] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol providing system selected from the group consisting of, for example, cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

[0047] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol delivery system, such as an aerosol modifier-releasing component such as a filter, filter rod, filter segment, tobacco rod, spill, capsule, thread, or bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, tipping paper, or cigarette paper.

[0048] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0049] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a power-supplied non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), and it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a requirement.

[0051] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system and is also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0052] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol providing system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0053] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol-providing devices. These consumables are referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0055] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol providing system, such as the non-combustible aerosol providing device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source or a heating power source. In some embodiments, the heating power source comprises a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or to a heat transfer material adjacent to the heating power source.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery 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.

[0057] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol providing device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0058] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user by means of the mouth, nose, transdermal or other means without forming an aerosol, and includes, but is not limited to, articles comprising lozenges, gums, patches, inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco comprising snus or wet snuff, wherein at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0059] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Where appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active components, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0060] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered comprises an active substance. An active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, functional foods, nootropics, and psychoactive agents. The active substance may occur naturally or be obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more constituents, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plants.

[0061] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0062] As mentioned in the present specification, the active substance may include one or more constituents, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0063] As mentioned herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more plants or their constituents, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term “plant” includes any material derived from plants, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally present in the plant or is obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, pieces, strips, sheets, etc.

[0064] Exemplary plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Carbi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arvensis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata cv, Mentha piperita cv, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata cv, and Mentha suaveolens.

[0065] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0066] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0067] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered includes flavors. As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavoring agent” refer to materials that may be used to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in products for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. These are naturally occurring flavoring ingredients, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained ingredients, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whisky, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, kart, Nasoir, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Carbine, Verbena, Tarragon, Limonene, Thymol, Camphen), Flavor enhancers, Bitter taste receptor blockers,They may include sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases.

[0068] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or red berry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0069] In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate intended to achieve a generally chemically induced somatosensory sensation perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of aroma or taste nerves, and these may comprise formulations that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A suitable thermal effect formulation may be vanillyl ethyl ether, but is not limited thereto, and a suitable coolant may be eucoliptol, WS-3, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or supplied with energy in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain, for example, active substances and / or flavoring agents. 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 dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid up to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0071] The aerosol generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavors, one or more aerosol forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0072] The aerosol-forming agent material may include one or more components 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 phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0073] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0074] The material may be present on or within a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, card, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, reconstructed material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may include these. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0075] A consumable is an article comprising or composed of an aerosol-generating material, in whole or in part intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol upon use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0076] A susceptor is a material capable of being heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, and thus the penetration of a changing magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and thus the penetration of a changing magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, and thus the susceptor may be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0077] An aerosol modifier is typically a substance located downstream of the aerosol generation region and is configured to modify the generated aerosol by, for example, changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided to an aerosol modifier release component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may comprise, for example, one or more of flavoring agents, coloring agents, water, and carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, thread, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not have a filter material.

[0078] 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 expose the aerosol generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances 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 may be configured to expose the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0079] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems), such as nebulizers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used from time to time, but it will be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," and related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize" may generally be used interchangeably.

[0080] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, but not always, comprise a modular assembly that includes a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will contain aerosol-generating material and a vaporizer (collectively referred to as a "cartomizer"), and the reusable device part will contain a power supply (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be understood that these different parts may include additional elements depending on their function. For example, the reusable device part will often include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part will include a temperature sensor to help control the temperature in some cases. The cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, using, for example, screw threads, bayonets, or magnetic couplings along with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is depleted, 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 part and a replacement cartridge can be attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0081] It is common for electronic cigarettes to generally have an elongated shape. To provide a specific example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be considered to include this type of generally elongated two-part system using disposable cartridges. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein may be equally applied to different configurations, e.g., single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, rechargeable devices, and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, e.g., so-called box-mode high-performance devices having a more boxy shape. More generally, certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems operatively configured to provide functions according to the principles described herein, and it will be understood that the constitutive aspects of the systems configured to provide functions according to the specific embodiments of the disclosure are of no importance.

[0082] As explained in the technical background, the current connection between the pin of the heater element and the electrode is performed via welding, which causes problems such as a complex component assembly process and a large system volume. To this end, an embodiment of the present invention creatively provides a new aerosol delivery system in which a position limiting hole is opened in the atomizer holder, and a weldless connection between the heater element and the electrode is achieved within the position limiting hole, thereby reducing the complexity of the assembly process and the system volume.

[0083] The structure of the aerosol delivery system of the present invention will be described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0084] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are cross-sectional views of an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. Referring to FIG. 1 through 3, the aerosol delivery system is an elongated structure extending along the longitudinal axis. The aerosol delivery system includes a proximal end and a distal end that are antagonistic to each other along the height direction, and a housing (100) extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A mouthpiece (101) is provided at the proximal end of the housing (100), and an air outlet (102) is open in the mouthpiece (101). An air inlet (103) is further provided in the housing (100). The air inlet (103) may be arranged at the distal end as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, or may be arranged at other locations on the housing (100).

[0085] A receiving space and an airway are formed inside the housing (100), and a containing chamber (200) for receiving an aerosol generating material (e.g., cigarette oil), an atomizer (300), a power supply unit (battery module) (400), and a controller (control circuit) (500) are provided within the receiving space. The containing chamber (200), the atomizer (300), the controller (500), and the power supply unit (400) are arranged approximately in the height direction of the system. The power supply unit (400) is configured to supply power to a heater assembly within the atomizer (300) under the control of the controller (500). The atomizer (300) is provided with an atomizing chamber (310) inside to receive the heater assembly. The atomizing chamber (310) is fluidly connected to the receiving chamber (200), and the aerosol generating material in the receiving chamber (200) can enter the atomizing chamber (310) and be heated by the heater assembly.

[0086] The air inlet (103), the atomizing chamber (310), and the air outlet (102) are connected to form an airway within the housing. When a user smokes, external air enters through the air inlet (103), passes through the atomizing chamber (310) to take in the aerosol inside, and then exits to the user through the air outlet (102).

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a first sealing cover (104) for sealing an air outlet (102) and a second sealing cover (105) for sealing an air inlet (103). When the aerosol supply system is not in use, the first sealing cover (104) and the second sealing cover (105) may be closed to ensure safety and hygiene.

[0088] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing (100) comprises two independent parts, which are an upper housing (110) and a lower housing (120), each having a mouthpiece (101). The upper housing (110) is provided with a receiving chamber (200) and an atomizer (300) inside; and the lower housing (120) is provided with a power supply (400) and a controller (500) inside. The lower end portion of the upper housing (110) is located inside the lower housing (120). In an alternative embodiment, the upper housing (110) and the lower housing (120) are not essentially overlapped in the height direction of the system, and the lower end of the upper housing (110) is connected to the upper end of the lower housing (120) to form the housing (100).

[0089] In one of the embodiments, the upper housing (110) and the lower housing (120) are provided as detachable connections so that the aerosol generating material or atomizer (300) inside the upper housing (110) can be replaced or the atomizer (300) can be connected to different power supply devices (400). In other embodiments, it may be understood that the upper housing (110) and the lower housing (120) are permanently connected once assembled.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment, unlike the structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in which the upper housing and lower housing are provided independently, the housing (100) may also be configured as an integrated independent structure. In terms of internal component assembly and reusability, the arrangement of the upper housing and lower housing is more advantageous than the integrated housing.

[0091] In other embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol delivery system may be a box-shaped structure, and the atomizer (300) and power supply unit (400) may be arranged laterally extending left and right. The housing (100) may be configured as an integrated box-shaped housing. It may also be configured to include left and right housings arranged to be connected to each other, one of which is provided with a receiving chamber (200) and an atomizer (300) inside, and the other is provided with a power supply unit (400) and a controller (500) inside. The left and right housings may be provided with a detachable connection. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the left and right housings are permanently connected once assembled.

[0092] The mouthpiece (101) may be formed integrally with the housing (100) or may be detachably separated from the housing (100). The detachable mouthpiece (101) facilitates cleaning of the mouthpiece (101). Additionally, the provision of the detachable mouthpiece (101) may facilitate entry into the interior of the housing (100) to facilitate replacement of the aerosol generating material inside the housing (100).

[0093] The power supply unit (400) is configured to supply power to the atomizer (300), and this may specifically be a battery module. In other examples, the battery may be replaced with portable power sources (e.g., capacitive power storage devices such as supercapacitors or ultracapacitors), mechanical power sources (mechanical power springs or generators), or alternative chemical energy sources (e.g., fuel cells).

[0094] The aerosol generating material may be solids, powders, or liquids. In one embodiment of the present invention, a receiving chamber (200) is used to receive a liquid aerosol generating material. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the receiving chamber (200) includes an outer wall, and the outer wall of the receiving chamber (200) may be formed integrally with the housing (100), that is, the outer wall forms part of the housing (100). The outer wall and the housing (100) may also be two independent components, and the housing (100) is arranged outside the outer wall. The outer wall is at least partially sleeve-coupled to the outside of the atomizer (300), and the receiving chamber (200) is formed by a part of the surface of the atomizer (300) enclosed together with the outer wall.

[0095] To achieve aerosolization, the liquid aerosol generating material in the receiving chamber (200) needs to be transferred to the atomizing chamber (310). To this end, the system further includes a liquid inlet structure (600) for transferring the liquid aerosol generating material from the receiving chamber (200) to the atomizing chamber (310).

[0096] FIG. 4 is a partial structural diagram of an aerosol supply system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, showing a liquid inlet structure (600). Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the liquid inlet structure (600) provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a support frame (610), a liquid inlet channel (620), a first liquid inlet hole (630), and an air exchange hole (640), and the liquid inlet channel (620) is fluidly connected to both the receiving chamber (200) and the atomizing chamber (310).

[0097] A liquid guide groove (622) and an annular groove (621) are formed in the support frame (610) in fluid communication with each other. It can be understood that the annular groove (621) is arranged on the upper surface of the support frame (610), and the upper surface is arranged to face the receiving chamber (200). The liquid guide groove (622) may be composed of a plurality of parts, and at least a portion of the liquid guide groove (622) extends along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol supply system, and the annular groove (621) extends along the transverse direction of the aerosol supply system. The liquid guide groove (622) and the annular groove (621) form the aforementioned liquid inlet channel (620). The portion of the liquid guide groove (622) extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol supply system is arranged near the atomization chamber (310) along the transverse direction of the system. The liquid guide groove (622) has a first side wall (6211) forming one side of the atomization chamber (310), and both the first liquid inlet hole (630) and the air exchange hole (640) are arranged on the first side wall (6211) and penetrate the first side wall (6211). The first liquid inlet hole (630) and the air exchange hole (640) communicate the liquid guide groove (622) with the atomization chamber (310). The aerosol generating material in the receiving chamber (200) passes sequentially through the liquid guide groove (622) and the first liquid inlet hole (630) to enter the atomization chamber (310). The air exchange hole (640) is configured to be in fluid communication with the external atmosphere of the aerosol supply system. Accordingly, during use of the system, when the pressure inside the receiving chamber (200) decreases along with the consumption of the aerosol generating material, due to the pressure difference, the external atmosphere enters the atomizing chamber (310) from the outside, then enters the liquid guide groove (622) through the air exchange hole (640), then enters the receiving chamber (200) through the liquid guide groove (622), thereby maintaining the hydraulic pressure balance of the receiving chamber (200).

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air exchange hole (640) is arranged above the first liquid inlet hole (630) along the height direction of the system so that bubbles generated from the aerosol generating material do not easily get stuck in the first liquid inlet hole (630), thereby preventing the first liquid inlet hole (630) from being blocked and allowing the aerosol generating material to smoothly enter from the receiving chamber (200) into the atomizing chamber (310), thus preventing the use of the system from being affected.

[0099] Additionally, the system further includes a second airway seal (700) for sealing between the support frame (610) and the receiving chamber (200). In a specific embodiment, the shape and size of the second airway seal (700) correspond to the shape and size of the end of the support frame (610) near the receiving chamber (200), but this is not specifically limited herein. The outer wall of the receiving chamber (200) is sleeved over the periphery of the second airway seal (700), and the contact portions between the outer wall and the second airway seal (700) are interlocked. In this way, leakage of aerosol generating material within the receiving chamber (200) that could contaminate other components, such as battery modules, in the aerosol delivery system can be prevented. Meanwhile, to achieve fluid communication between the receiving chamber (200) and the liquid guide groove (622), a second liquid inlet hole (710) is opened in the second airway seal (700), so that the aerosol generating material in the receiving chamber (200) can enter the liquid guide groove (622) through the second liquid inlet hole (710).

[0100] FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an atomizer of an aerosol supply system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an atomizer of an aerosol supply system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of a heater element provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 through 7, the atomizer (300) includes an atomizing chamber (310), an atomizer holder (320) forming the atomizing chamber (310), an airway piece (330), and a heater assembly arranged inside the atomizing chamber (310). As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the atomizer holder (320) includes a structural member (321) and a support frame (610) that aligns with and connects to the structural member (321) to form the atomizing chamber. A receiving groove (611) is formed in the support frame (610), and the airway piece (330) is assembled inside the receiving groove (611). The heater assembly is jointly clamped and fixed in the receiving groove (611) by the support frame (610) and the airway piece (330). Both the heater assembly and the airway piece (330) are connected to the structural member (321) and the support frame (610).

[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the heater assembly comprises a stacked heater element (341) and an oil guide body (342). An airway is formed between the airway piece (330) and the heater element (341), and the oil guide body (342) is arranged on the heater element (341) on the side away from the airway, and the oil guide body (342) is attached to the wall of a support frame (610) in which a first liquid inlet hole (630) is open.

[0102] The oil guide body (342) is used to transfer liquid aerosol generating material within the receiving chamber (200) to the heater element (341). In one embodiment of the present invention, the oil guide body (342) may be a cotton or ceramic oil guide body to achieve oil guidance. In one embodiment of the present invention, the oil guide body (342) may be a multilayer porous structure.

[0103] As an exemplary description rather than a limiting one, the oil guide rate of the oil guide body (342) on the side closer to the heater element (341) is lower than that on the side further away from the heater element (341), and the oil absorption rate of the oil guide body (342) on the side closer to the heater element (341) is higher than that on the side further away from the heater element (341), so that the oil guide body (342) has a higher oil guide rate in the part closer to the heater element (341) to improve the oil guide efficiency, while having a higher oil absorption rate in the part further away from the heater element (341) to increase the amount of oil absorbed from the heater element (341).

[0104] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of grooves are provided on the surface of the airway piece (330) to collect condensate formed by aerosol condensation in the atomizing chamber (310) and to prevent the condensate from leaking out of the atomizing chamber (310).

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the heater element (341) is a heating mesh. The mesh of the heating mesh is either circular or polygonal. The heater element (341) includes a body portion (3411) and pins (3412) drawn from the body portion. The heater element (341) is generally flat, the body portion (3411) extends along the height direction of the system, and both pins (3412) are L-shaped and half-circle the body portion (3411) diagonally. The pins (3412) of the heater element (341) may be in the shape of pillars or sheets.

[0106] As an exemplary description rather than a limiting one, the two pins (3412) of the heater element (341) may be identical or different. FIG. 7 shows that in one embodiment of the present invention, the two pins (3412) have different shapes.

[0107] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the atomizer (300) further comprises a base assembly (350) that is detachably assembled on an atomizer holder (320) to define the bottom surface of the atomizing chamber (310). The base assembly (350) is provided with an electrode hole through which an electrode (352) passes and extends toward the atomizing chamber (310).

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the base assembly (350) includes an atomizing chamber bottom cover (353) and a first airway seal (354) arranged on the atomizing chamber bottom cover (353) on the side facing the atomizing chamber (310). Both the atomizing chamber bottom cover (353) and the first airway seal (354) have corresponding electrode holes open for an electrode (352) to pass through.

[0109] Electrical connection between the power supply unit (400) and the heater element (341) is achieved through a connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412). FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing contact between the electrode and the pin within a position limiting hole in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the pin within a position limiting hole in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing contact between the electrode and the pin in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8 through 10, a position limiting hole (800) is opened on the atomizer holder, and the position limiting hole (800) can specifically be opened on the support frame (610). A first opening (810) is open in the position limiting hole (800), and an electrode (352) enters the position limiting hole (800) through the first opening (810), and a pin (3412) also extends into the position limiting hole (800), and the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) are connected in a non-welding manner inside the position limiting hole (800).

[0110] It should be noted that there are a number of beneficial effects of opening a position limiting hole (800) on the atomizer holder in the present application:

[0111] First, the heating element (341) itself is installed and fixed on the atomizer holder. With the position limiting hole (800) on the atomizer holder open, the pin (3412) only needs to extend a relatively short distance before it can be bent into the position limiting hole (800) of the atomizer holder. The shorter the pin (3412), the less heat loss there will be, and more heat will be concentrated on the main body part (3411) for effective heating, thereby improving the efficiency of the atomizer.

[0112] Second, since the heating element (341) is installed and fixed on the atomizer holder, when installing the heating element, the pin (3412) can be inserted into the position limiting hole (800), thereby simplifying the assembly process. If the position limiting hole (800) were open at other locations on the atomizer, such as on the base assembly (350), it would be necessary to insert the pin (3412) into the position limiting hole (800) of the base assembly (350) when installing the base, which increases the complexity of the assembly.

[0113] In an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode (352) extends from a distal end to a proximal end, and the pin (3412) extends from a proximal end to a distal end. At this time, the first opening (810) is opened on the side facing the distal end of the support frame (610), so that the electrode (352) can extend directly into the first opening (810).

[0114] Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, the first opening (810) may be opened at other locations of the support frame (610). For example, the first opening (810) is arranged on the side facing the proximal end of the support frame (610). In this case, the electrode may extend from the distal end to the proximal end and be bent into the first opening (810).

[0115] In another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit (400) and the atomizer (300) are arranged approximately along the transverse direction of the system, and both the heater element (341) and the electrode (352) extend approximately along the transverse direction of the system, and the heater element (341) is basically laid flat inside the atomizing chamber (310). In this case, the position limiting hole (800) may be arranged along the transverse direction of the system.

[0116] Since the pin (3412) is easier to bend than the electrode (352), in an embodiment of the present invention, the first opening (810) is preferably arranged on the atomizer holder (320) at the end facing the electrode (352).

[0117] Considering the power supply unit (400) and the atomizer (300), there are multiple possible arrangements for the heater element (341) and the electrode (352), and in the present invention, the extension direction of the position limiting hole (800) and the orientation of the first opening (810) can be arranged according to specific needs. The present invention does not impose specific limitations thereon.

[0118] The following embodiments of the present invention provide various forms of weldless connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412).

[0119] In an embodiment of the present invention, a contact connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) within the position limiting hole (800) can be achieved through a pressure connection. In this case, both the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) are in pressure contact with the inner wall of the position limiting hole (800), and the electrode (352) exposed to the inner wall pressure is in pressure contact with the pin (3412). In this way, a stable electrical connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) within the position limiting hole (800) is achieved.

[0120] In another embodiment of the present invention, contact connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) within the position limiting hole (800) can be achieved through an adhesive connection. At least some of the sides of the contacting electrode (352) and the pin (3412) are connected in an adhesive manner through an adhesive to achieve stability in the connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412). In a specific embodiment, the adhesive is electrically conductive, and the adhesive connection surfaces of the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) are also their electrical connection surfaces. In another specific embodiment, the electrical connection surfaces of the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) are surfaces that are not adhesive connection surfaces.

[0121] In another embodiment of the present invention, a contact connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) within the position limiting hole (800) can be achieved through a magnetic adsorption connection. By providing magnetic adsorption structures or surfaces on the electrode (352) and the pin (3412), a stable connection is achieved between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412). In addition to the magnetic adsorption structures or surfaces, the sides of the electrode (352) and the sides of the pin (3412) are arranged to come into contact to achieve an electrical connection.

[0122] In another embodiment of the present invention, a contact connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) within the position limiting hole (800) can be achieved through a buckling connection. By providing buckling structures that match the electrode (352) and the pin (3412), a stable connection is achieved between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412). Specifically, the buckling structures may be a pin extended on the electrode (352) and a hole arranged on the pin (3412) to match the pin. Electrical connection is achieved through a buckling connection between the pin and the hole, as well as through contact between the sides of the electrode (352) and the pin (3412).

[0123] In another embodiment of the present invention, the contact connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) within the position limiting hole (800) can be achieved through an elastic connection, which will be described in detail in the following embodiment.

[0124] When the electrode (352) is connected to the pins (3412), one or more of the above methods may be combined.

[0125] By providing position limiting holes on the atomizer holder, the pins and electrodes of the heater element are confined within the position limiting holes, thereby achieving confinement of the pins and electrodes and achieving a weldless connection based on the confining effect of the position limiting holes. Specifically, the weldless connection can be a pressure connection, a buckling connection, an elastic interference fit, etc. Compared to the prior art, these connection methods save the welding process and simplify the complexity of assembly; and since there is no need to prepare large sizes for welding, the volume of the system can be correspondingly reduced in the design.

[0126] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pin (3412) can enter the position limiting hole (800) through openings that are the same as or different from the electrode (352).

[0127] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pin (3412) and the electrode (352) enter the position limiting hole (800) through the same opening. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the support frame (610) is provided with a first opening (810) facing the distal end. The electrode (352) extends into the first opening (810) in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end, and the pin (3412) extends and bends into the first opening (810) in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end. Both the electrode (352) and the pin (3412) enter the position limiting hole (800) through the first opening (810). The side of the pin (3412) contacts and connects with the side of the electrode (352) within the position limiting hole (800). In FIG. 10, the state in which the two are in contact is illustrated.

[0128] In one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the electrode (352) inserted into the position limiting hole (800) is approximately parallel to a portion of the pin (3412) bent into the position limiting hole (800), for example, angles between the electrode and the pin are provided between -5° and 5°. Based on the approximately parallel arrangement in this embodiment, the contact area between the pin (3412) and the electrode (352) can be increased, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection.

[0129] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two contact sides of the pin (3412) and the electrode (352) are fitted in shape. For example, matching concave and convex surfaces, matching curved surfaces, and matching flat surfaces can increase the contact area between the pin (3412) and the electrode (352), improve the tightness of the connection between the electrode and the pin, and thereby improve the stability of the electrical connection by adapting the shapes of the two sides.

[0130] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pin (3412) has a maximum thickness and / or maximum width at the bending angle. Based on the arrangement of the present embodiment, strength at the bending angle can be increased, the probability of breakage at the bending angle can be reduced, and the stability of the electrical connection can be improved.

[0131] In one embodiment of the assembly of the electrode (352) and the pin (3412), the pin (3412) may have a transverse length exposed to the first opening (810), and during the process of extending into the first opening (810), the electrode (352) presses against the transverse length of the pin (3412) to bend the pin and then enter the position limiting hole (800) through the first opening (810). Based on the arrangement in this embodiment, the pin (3412) may be bent while the electrode (352) extends into the position limiting hole, and the assembly process is further simplified without the need to bend the pin (3412) in advance.

[0132] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pin (3412) and the electrode (352) enter the position limiting hole through different openings. FIGS. 11 through 13 are schematic diagrams showing the electrode and the pin entering the position limiting hole through different openings in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11 through 13 are used merely to illustrate the positional relationships of each component and are not intended to limit the specific shapes of each component. As illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 13, the atomizer holder is further provided with a through hole (900) communicating with the position limiting hole (800), and there is an angle between the axis of the through hole (900) and the position limiting hole (800), and the through hole (900) has a second opening (910) facing away from the position limiting hole (800). The pin (3412) is inserted into the through hole (900) from the second opening (910) and extends at least partially into the position limiting hole (800) through the through hole (900). The two are connected without welding within the position limiting hole (800). In this embodiment, the pin and electrode are configured to enter the position limiting hole from different openings, thereby improving the flexibility of the pin and electrode positioning arrangements and facilitating the entry of the pin and electrode into the position limiting hole relative to the atomizer holder through their respective closer openings, reducing the size of the pin and electrode, and consequently reducing the volume of the system.

[0133] As illustrated in FIG. 11, in one embodiment of the present invention, the pin (3412) has a first part (12) that extends into a through hole and is located within the through hole, and a second part (11) that extends into a position limiting hole and is located within the position limiting hole, with a bending angle between the first part (12) and the second part (11). After the pin (3412) is bent into the position limiting hole (800), the side of the electrode (352) comes into contact with the side of the second part (11) of the pin (3412).

[0134] In one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the electrode (352) inserted into the position limiting hole (800) is approximately parallel to a second portion (11) of the pin (3412), for example, angles between the two are provided between -5° and 5°. Based on the approximately parallel arrangement in this embodiment, the contact area between the pin and the electrode can be increased, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection.

[0135] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two contact sides of the second portion (11) of the pin (3412) and the electrode (352) are shaped to fit together. For example, matching concave and convex surfaces, matching curved surfaces, and matching flat surfaces can increase the contact area between the pin and the electrode, improve the tightness of the connection between the pin and the electrode, and thereby improve the stability of the electrical connection by adapting the shapes of the two sides.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first portion (12) and the second portion (11) of the pin (3412) have a maximum thickness and / or maximum width at the bending angle. Based on the arrangement of the present embodiment, strength at the bending angle can be increased, the probability of breakage at the bending angle can be reduced, and the stability of the electrical connection can be improved.

[0137] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the cross-sectional direction of the position limiting hole (800), the pin (3412) has a transverse length that can be exposed within the channel of the position limiting hole (800); and during the process of extending into the position limiting hole (800), the electrode (352) presses against the transverse length to bend the pin (3412) to form a second part (11). Based on the arrangement in this embodiment, the pin (3412) can be bent while the electrode (352) extends into the position limiting hole (800) to form a second part (11) electrically connected to the electrode (352), and the assembly process is further simplified without the need to bend the pin (3412) in advance.

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 12, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pin (3412) has a first part (12) that extends into a through hole (900) and is located within the through hole (900), and a second part (11) that extends into a position limiting hole (800) and is located within the position limiting hole (800), and the first part (12) and the second part (11) are located in the same plane. The side of the second part (11) contacts the end surface of the electrode (352).

[0139] As illustrated in FIG. 13, in another embodiment of the present invention, the pin (3412) has a first part (12) that extends into a through hole (900) and is located within the through hole (900), and a second part (11) that extends into a position limiting hole (800) and is located within the position limiting hole (800), and the first part (12) and the second part (11) are located in the same plane. The end surface of the second part (11) contacts the side of the electrode (352).

[0140] To increase the stability of the connection, when the end surface of the second part (11) of the pin (3412) contacts the side of the electrode (352), the end surface of the second part (11) may be formed concavely to form an open ring, and the electrode (352) is inserted into the open ring. The opening of the open ring is sized to prevent the electrode from coming out of the opening. In this embodiment, based on the provision of the open ring, surrounding the electrode with a ring arrangement improves the stability of the connection, while increasing the contact area between the pin and the electrode and improving the overall stability of the electrical connection.

[0141] In the structures illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, preferably, a portion of the electrode (352) inserted into the position limiting hole (800) is substantially perpendicular to the second portion (11). For example, the angle between the two is provided between 85° and 95°. Based on the approximately perpendicular arrangement in this embodiment, the contact area between the pin and the electrode can be increased, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection.

[0142] FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams showing elastic connections between an electrode and a pin in an aerosol delivery system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, in one embodiment of the present invention, to increase the stability of the connection between the electrode (352) and the pin (3412), the system is further provided with an elastic element (1000) configured to provide a force that directs the electrode and the pin toward each other. In this embodiment, based on the provision of the elastic element (1000), the stability and adhesion of the connection between the electrode and the pin are improved. The elastic connection may be used in conjunction with other connections, such as pressure connections, to further improve the stability of the connection.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first contact surface and a second contact surface are formed parallel to each other between the electrode (352), the pin (3412), and the inner wall of the position limiting hole (800); wherein the electrode (352) contacts the pin (3412) on one side to form the first contact surface and contacts the inner wall on the opposite side to form the second contact surface, or the pin (3412) contacts the electrode (352) on one side to form the first contact surface and contacts the inner wall on the opposite side to form the second contact surface. An elastic element (1000) is located on at least one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

[0144] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the elastic element (1000) is arranged on a second contact surface where the electrode (352) contacts the inner wall of the position limiting hole (800), and as illustrated in FIG. 15, the elastic element (1000) is arranged on a second contact surface where the pin (3412) contacts the inner wall of the position limiting hole (800); the elastic element (1000) may be further arranged on a first contact surface where the electrode (352) contacts the pin (3412). It may be understood that the elastic element (1000) may be arranged on a plurality of the first and second contact surfaces mentioned above.

[0145] It should be noted that when the elastic element (1000) is arranged on the first contact surface where the electrode (352) contacts the pin (3412), the material of the elastic element (1000) is preferably a conductive material.

[0146] In another embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element (1000) may be an independent component or may be integrated with a position limiting hole (800), a pin (3412), or an electrode (352). Specifically, it may be at least one of the following:

[0147] The elastic element (1000) is a position limiting hole, and the inner wall surface of the position limiting hole (800) is an elastic surface; and / or the elastic element (1000) is a pin (3412), and the side of the pin (3412) near the inner wall surface of the position limiting hole (800) is an elastic surface; and / or the elastic element (1000) is an electrode (352), and the side of the electrode (352) near the inner wall surface of the position limiting hole (800) is an elastic surface.

[0148] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element and the elastic surface may be flat or corrugated as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.

[0149] In the description of this specification, the reference terms “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “examples,” “specific examples,” or “some examples” mean that specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in connection with an embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the referential expressions of the terms mentioned above do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0150] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used merely for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as implicitly specifying the quantity of technical features indicated, implied, or suggested to have relative importance. Accordingly, features defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the invention, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0151] In the present invention, terms such as “mounting,” “connection,” “connection,” “fixing,” etc., should be understood broadly unless explicitly defined and limited otherwise. For example, a connection may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; an internal connection between two components or an interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly defined. Those skilled in the art may understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the invention based on the circumstances.

[0152] Although embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described above, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Within the scope of the invention, those skilled in the art may make variations, modifications, substitutions, and changes to the embodiments described above.

Claims

Claim 1 As an aerosol delivery system, the system is, Proximal and distal ends facing away from each other along the height direction; A mouthpiece located at the proximal end above; A heater element having a pin; An atomizer holder provided with a position limit hole — said atomizer holder defines a chamber for receiving said heating element, and said position limit hole is provided with a first opening —; and An aerosol providing system comprising an electrode extending from the first opening into the position limiting hole and contacting the pin within the position limiting hole, wherein the pin and the electrode are weld-free connected. Claim 2 An aerosol providing system according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer holder is additionally provided with a through-hole communicating with the position limiting hole, an angle is formed between the axes of the through-hole and the position limiting hole, the through-hole has a second opening facing away from the position limiting hole, and the pin is inserted from the second opening into the through-hole and extends at least partially into the position limiting hole through the through-hole. Claim 3 In claim 2, the position limiting hole extends along the height direction, and the position limiting hole is provided with the first opening on the side facing the distal end, an aerosol providing system. Claim 4 In claim 2, the pin has a first portion extending into the through hole and located within the through hole, and a second portion extending into the position limiting hole and located within the position limiting hole, wherein there is a bending angle between the first portion and the second portion, an aerosol providing system. Claim 5 In claim 4, the side face of the electrode contacts the side face of the second part, an aerosol providing system. Claim 6 In claim 5, the part of the electrode inserted into the position limiting hole is parallel to the second part, an aerosol providing system. Claim 7 In claim 5, in the cross-sectional direction of the position limiting hole, the pin has a transverse length that can be exposed within the channel of the position limiting hole; and the electrode is compressed against the transverse length while extending into the position limiting hole to bend the pin to form the second part, an aerosol delivering system. Claim 8 In claim 5, the shapes of the two contact sides of the second part and the electrode are fitted together, an aerosol providing system. Claim 9 In claim 4, the aerosol providing system, wherein the first part and the second part have a maximum thickness and / or maximum width at the bending angle. Claim 10 In claim 2, the pin has a first portion extending into the through hole and located within the through hole, and a second portion extending into the position limiting hole and located within the position limiting hole, wherein the first portion and the second portion are located in the same plane, an aerosol providing system. Claim 11 In claim 10, an aerosol providing system wherein one end surface of the second part and one of the electrodes is in contact with the other side of the second part and the electrode. Claim 12 In claim 11, an aerosol providing system wherein a portion of the electrode inserted into the position limiting hole is perpendicular to the second portion. Claim 13 An aerosol providing system according to claim 11, wherein the end surface of the second portion contacts the side of the electrode; the end surface of the second portion is recessed to form an open ring, and the electrode is inserted into the open ring. Claim 14 In claim 13, an aerosol providing system wherein the opening of the opening ring is sized to prevent the electrode from escaping from the opening. Claim 15 An aerosol providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol providing system further comprises an elastic element configured to provide a force that directs the electrode and the pin toward each other. Claim 16 In claim 15, a first contact surface and a second contact surface parallel to each other are formed between the inner wall of the position limiting hole, the pin, and the electrode; the electrode contacts the pin on one side to form the first contact surface, and the electrode contacts the inner wall on the opposite side to form the second contact surface; or the pin contacts the electrode on one side to form the first contact surface, and the pin contacts the inner wall on the opposite side to form the second contact surface; and the elastic element is located on the first contact surface or the second contact surface, an aerosol providing system. Claim 17 In claim 15, the elastic element is, The above position limiting hole — the inner wall surface of the above position limiting hole is an elastic surface —; and / or The above pin — the side of the pin near the inner wall of the above position limiting hole is an elastic surface —; and / or An aerosol providing system having at least one of the above electrode — the side of the electrode close to the inner wall surface of the position limiting hole is an elastic surface. Claim 18 In claim 15, the elastic element is corrugated, in an aerosol providing system. Claim 19 An aerosol providing system according to claim 1, wherein the pin and the electrode are connected by a pressure connection, an elastic connection, a buckling connection, a magnetic adsorption connection, or an adhesive connection. Claim 20 In claim 1, the aerosol providing system is, Housing; A power supply — said power supply is arranged within the housing and configured to supply power to the heater element through the electrode and the pin —; and An aerosol providing system further comprising an aerosol generating material contained within the above housing.

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