Aerosol provision system, and atomizing assembly and heating assembly thereof

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision system (2), and atomizing assembly and heating assembly (200) thereof. The heating assembly comprises a heating part (210) comprising a heating wire (211) and configured to generate heat when electrified; an electrode part (220) electrically connected to the heating part, the electrode part having a cross-section larger than that of the heating wire to provide support for the heating part, and having a first length along the longitudinal extension direction thereof; and a lead (230), wherein a portion of the lead overlapping and making contact with the electrode part forms a first lead segment (231), the first lead segment having a second length along the longitudinal extension direction; the first length is greater than the second length. Compared to existing technologies where the first lead segment completely overlaps with the electrode part, the present application shortens the length of the first lead segment. The first lead segment is the part that is prone to contact with the aerosol-generating material and release harmful substances. Based on this, the present application can reduce the amount of heavy metals released by the lead and reduce the harm to human body.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM, AND ATOMIZING ASSEMBLY AND HEATING ASSEMBLY THEREOF

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of aerosol provision technology, particularly to an aerosol provision system, and atomizing assembly and a heating assembly thereof.

[0004] Background

[0005] An aerosol provision system refers to a system that contains aerosol-generating materials internally and produces aerosols through heating instead of burning the aerosolgenerating materials (such as tobacco) for users to puff.

[0006] To heat the aerosol generation material, a heating assembly is provided in the aerosol provision system. As shown in Figure 1 , the heating assembly 100 includes a heating part 110 formed by a heating wire, electrode parts 120 on both sides of the heating part 110, and a lead 130 connected to the electrode part 120. The lead 130 is connected to a power source and is used to provide power to the heating part 110 through the electrode part 120. When the heating part 110 is powered on, it generates heat that can atomize the aerosol-generating material in contact with it. The aerosol-generating material can be a liquid and can be delivered to the surface of the heating part 110 through methods such as liquid conducting cotton and ceramic substrate, etc. As shown in Figure 1 , the heating part 110 is in the form of a heating mesh. In order to avoid deformation of the heating mesh, the lead 130 is generally welded to the entire length of the electrode part 120 to increase the thickness of the electrode part 120 through the lead 130 to better support the heating mesh and reduce the possibility of deformation.

[0007] The heating part 110 is usually in contact with a porous substrate or sintered on one side of the porous substrate, to come into contact with the liquid aerosol-generating material on the porous substrate and heat and atomize it. To avoid dry burning of part of the heating wire from form not contacting the aerosol-generating material, the surface of the porous substrate is usually larger than the surface of the heating part 110 that is contact with the porous substrate. That is, the surface of the porous substrate is highly likely to simultaneously contact at least part of the surface of the electrode part 120 surrounding the heating part 110, resulting in the electrode part 120 coming into contact with the aerosol-generating material. Similarly, the lead 130 welded to the electrode part 120 will also come into contact with the aerosol-generating material.

[0008] The heating part 110 is powered to generate heat, which is used for atomizing the aerosol-generating material, while the lead 130 is mainly used for electrical connection, and the heat generated by the electricity is not mainly used for heating the aerosol-generating material. For this reason, the lead 130 and the heating part 110 usually use different resistive materials. For example, the lead 130 is usually made of nickel, which has a low resistivity. However, nickel will release heavy metals and other harmful substances in the high temperature environment when in contact with the aerosol generation material, and will be inhaled into the human body along with the aerosols, causing a harm to human health.

[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new technical solution to solve one or more of these technical issues.

[0010] Summary

[0011] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system, and atomizing assembly and a heating assembly thereof, to solve the technical problems of excessive release of heavy metals and harm to human health caused by heating assembly in the prior art.

[0012] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the heating assembly may comprise a heating part comprising a heating wire and configured to generate heat when electrified; an electrode part electrically connected to the heating part, the electrode part having a cross-section larger than that of the heating wire to provide support for the heating part, and having a first length along the longitudinal extension direction thereof; a lead, wherein a portion of the lead overlapping and making contact with the electrode part forms a first lead segment, the first lead segment having a second length along the longitudinal extension direction; and the first length is greater than the second length.

[0013] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the electrode part may comprise a side edge connected to an outer periphery of the heating part and a flange formed by bending the side edge.

[0014] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the lead may have a second lead segment that does not overlap with the electrode part; the heating assembly may further comprise a protective layer at least coated on the second lead segment and / or a protective sleeve at least fitted over the second lead segment.

[0015] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the heating assembly may comprise the protective layer; the protective layer may be an electrically conductive protective layer, and the protective layer may be further coated on the first lead segment; or the first lead segment may have a first surface in contact with the electrode part and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the protective layer may be further coated on the second surface.

[0016] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the heating assembly may comprise the protective sleeve; the first lead segment may have a first surface in contact with the electrode part and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the protective sleeve may be further fitted over the second surface.

[0017] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the heating assembly may comprise the protective sleeve made of polyether ether ketone and / or the heating assembly may comprise a silver protective layer.

[0018] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the heating part may be a heating mesh or a serpentine heating part composed of the heating wire.

[0019] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the heating mesh may be a flat plate-shaped heating mesh or a C- shaped heating mesh formed by winding.

[0020] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the electrode part may comprise two electrode parts; the heating mesh may be the flat plate-shaped heating mesh, and the two electrode parts may be provided on two opposite sides of the flat plate-shaped heating mesh; or the heating mesh may be the C-shaped heating mesh, and the two electrode parts may be provided on two opposite sides in the circumferential direction of the C-shaped heating mesh.

[0021] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the lead may comprise two leads to connect with the two electrode parts respectively; each electrode part may have two ends extending along the longitudinal direction, and the two leads may be connected to the far ends of different electrode parts.

[0022] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the heating assembly may further comprise a support part to provide support for the heating part in a first direction; the electrode part may provide support for the heating part in a second direction; the first direction and the second direction may be provided at an angle relative to each other.

[0023] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the support part and the electrode part may be provided in a semienclosing type on the outer periphery of the heating part and surround the heating part.

[0024] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the electrode part may be connected to the first lead segment by welding, snap-fitting, or pressure fitting.

[0025] In embodiments of the or any of the above heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, the material of the heating wire and the material of the electrode part may be selected from at least one of iron-chromium-aluminum, nickel-chromium, stainless steel, and titanium alloy; and / or; the lead may be selected from at least one of nickel or SLIS316.

[0026] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an atomizing assembly for an aerosol provision system, the atomizing assembly may comprise a porous substrate in contact with the heating part to guide the liquid aerosol-generating material to the heating part, and the or any of the heating assembly as described above or below, wherein the heating part may be used to heat and atomize a liquid aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0027] In embodiments of the or any of the above atomizing assembly for an aerosol provision system, along the longitudinal extension direction of the electrode part, an overlapping length between the lead and the porous substrate may be less than a length of the porous substrate.

[0028] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system, the aerosol provision system may comprise a housing; a reservoir chamber positioned inside the housing for containing a liquid aerosol-generating material; an atomizing chamber positioned inside the housing for containing the or any of the atomizing assembly as described above or below to receive and heat to atomize the liquid aerosol-generating material; and a power source positioned inside the housing, electrically connected to the lead and the electrode part in sequence, to supply power to the heating part.

[0029] The above one or more embodiments of the present application have at least one or more beneficial effects as follows: In the embodiments of the present application, the length of the portion where the lead overlaps and makes contact with the electrode part (the first lead segment) is provided to be less than the length of the electrode part. That is, the lead is provided to only overlap and contact a portion of the electrode part. Compared to existing technologies, where the lead overlaps and contacts the entire length of the electrode part, this reduces the length of the lead that may come into contact with the liquid aerosol-generating material, thereby reducing the amount of harmful substances released by the lead.

[0030] In the present application, in order to reduce the deformation probability of the heating part, the area of cross-section of the electrode part is provided to be larger than that of the heating wire, providing better support to the heating part and reducing its deformation probability.

[0031] Furthermore, in the present application, the heating assembly also comprises a protective layer coated on the second lead segment of the lead and / or a protective sleeve at least fitted over the second lead segment. Based on this, the amount of harmful substances released at the second lead segment of the lead can be reduced.

[0032] Additional aspects and advantages of the application will be partially described in the following description, some will become apparent from the following description, and others will be learned through the practice of the application.

[0033] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content of the present application will become easier to understand. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. In addition, similar numbers in the figure are used to represent similar components, where:

[0035] Figure 1 is a structure diagram of a heating assembly of an aerosol provision system in the prior art;

[0036] Figures 2-4 are structure diagrams of a heating assembly of an aerosol provision system according to the embodiments of the present application, wherein the heating mesh is a flat plate-shaped heating mesh; Figures 5-7 are structure diagrams of a heating assembly of an aerosol provision system according to the embodiments of the present application, wherein the heating mesh is a C-shaped heating mesh;

[0037] Figure 8 is a structure diagram of a heating assembly of an aerosol provision system according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figures 9-10 are structure diagrams of different atomizing assemblies for an aerosol provision system according to the embodiments of the present application; and

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol provision system according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0040] Description of Reference Numerals:

[0041] 2, aerosol provision system; 20, atomizing assembly; 21 , housing; 22, reservoir chamber; 23, atomizing chamber; 24, power source; 101 , mouthpiece; 102, air outlet; 103, air inlet;

[0042] (100,200), heating assembly; 211 , heating wire; (110,210), heating part;

[0043] (120,220), electrode part; 221 , side edge; 222, flange; 223, first end; 224, second end;

[0044] (130,230), lead; 231 , first lead segment; 232, second lead segment; 233, third lead segment;

[0045] 240, protective sleeve; 250, support part;

[0046] 300, porous substrate.

[0047] Detailed Description

[0048] The following describes some embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0049] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0050] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0051] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0052] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0053] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0054] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0055] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0057] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0059] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0060] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0061] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0062] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolgenerating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0063] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0064] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0065] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0066] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0067] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0068] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0069] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0070] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0071] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0072] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0073] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material may comprise an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a"monolithic solid" (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid. The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0074] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0075] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0076] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0077] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0078] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically- conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0079] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosolmodifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0080] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0081] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0082] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol-generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a "cartomizer") and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol-generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosolgenerating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0083] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0084] The way the lead overlaps and contacts the entire electrode part results in a longer lead wire in contact with the high-temperature liquid aerosol-generating material, leading to the issue of excessive release of harmful substances. Therefore, the present application creatively proposes that the length of the overlapping contact portion of the lead with the electrode section (the first lead segment) be less than the length of the electrode part, that is, the lead is arranged to only partially overlap and contact the electrode part. Thus, this reduces the length of the lead that may come into contact with the liquid aerosol-generating material, thereby reducing the amount of harmful substances released by the lead.

[0085] Embodiment 1 A heating assembly refers to a component in an aerosol provision system that heats an aerosol-generating material to produce aerosols. Embodiment 1 of the present application provides a detailed description of the heating assembly.

[0086] Figures 2 to 7 are perspective structural diagrams of different heating assembly of an aerosol provision system according to different embodiments of the present application. Figures 2 to 4 show a heating assembly with a flat plate-shaped heating mesh, and Figures 5 to 7 show a heating assembly with a c-shaped heating mesh.

[0087] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the heating assembly 200 may comprise a heating part 210 comprising a heating wire 211 , an electrode part 220 electrically connected to the heating part 210, and a lead 230 electrically connected to the electrode part 220. The heating part 210 may be generally arranged in the middle and the electrode part 220 may be arranged at the periphery of the heating part 210. The lead 230 may be connected to a power source for transmitting current to the electrode part 220 and further to the heating part 210. The heating part 210 may be powered on to heat and atomize the aerosol-generating material in contact with it.

[0088] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the shape of the heating part 210 is not specifically limited. Users can adjust it according to actual needs without violating the inventive concept of the present application. As an illustrative rather than a restrictive illustration, in one embodiment, the heating wire 211 may be arranged in a serpentine direction to form a serpentine heating part. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 7, the heating part 210 may be a heating mesh. Wherein the mesh of the heating mesh may have various shapes, such as any of circular or polygonal.

[0089] It can be understood that the heating mesh can have a variety of possible configurations. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the heating mesh may be a flat plate-shaped heating mesh. The flat plate-shaped heating mesh may have a plurality of possible shapes, such as rectangular flat plate-shaped heating meshes shown in Figures 2 to 4. And Figures 5 to 7 provide a C-shaped heating mesh formed by winding the heating wire 211. Without violating the inventive concept of the present application, the heating mesh can be other various possible forms, and not specifically limited.

[0090] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the material of the heating part 210 is not specifically limited. As an example, but not a limitation, the material of the heating part 210 may be selected from at least one of iron-chromium- aluminum, nickel-chromium, stainless steel, and titanium alloy.

[0091] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the formation method of the electrode part 220 is not specifically limited. Users can adjust it according to actual needs without violating the inventive concept of the present application. As an illustrative rather than a restrictive illustration, in one embodiment, the electrode part 220 and the heating part 210 may be integrally formed. In an alternative embodiment, the electrode part 220 may also be formed separately from the heating part 210, and connected to the heating part 210 by other means such as welding, snap-fitting, etc.

[0092] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the shape of the electrode part 220 is not specifically limited. Users can adjust them according to actual needs without violating the inventive concept of the present application. As an illustrative rather than a restrictive illustration, in one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the electrode part 220 may be a strip-shaped electrode part 220 formed around the heating part 210. In another embodiment, each electrode part 220 may be arranged around the heating part 210 and formed in a semi-enclosed shape.

[0093] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the number of electrode parts 220 is not specifically limited. Users can adjust them according to actual needs without violating the inventive concept of the present application. As an illustrative rather than a restrictive illustration, in one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the number of the electrode part 220 may be two. In an alternative embodiment, the number of the electrode parts 220 may be three or more.

[0094] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the material of the electrode part 220 is not specifically limited. As an example, but not a limitation, the material of the electrode part 220 may be selected from at least one of iron- chromium-aluminum, nickel-chromium, stainless steel, and titanium alloy.

[0095] The present application provides two specific arrangements for the heating part 210 and the electrode part 220:

[0096] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the heating assembly 200 may comprise two electrode parts 220, the heating part 210 may be a flat plate-shaped heating mesh, and the two electrode parts 220 may be provided on two opposite sides of the flat plate-shaped heating mesh.

[0097] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the heating assembly 200 may comprise two electrode parts 220, the heating part 210 may be a C-shaped heating mesh, and the two electrode parts 220 may be provided on two opposite sides in the circumferential direction of the C-shaped heating mesh.

[0098] In order to reduce the release of harmful substances from the lead 230, in the present application, the lead 230 may only overlap and contact a portion of the length of the electrode part 220 to reduce the length of the lead in contact with the aerosol- generating material. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 7, the electrode part 220 may have a first length along the longitudinal extension direction thereof, and the lead 230 may be provided, and a portion of the lead 230 overlapping and making contact with the electrode part may form a first lead segment 231. And the first lead segment may have a second length along the longitudinal extension direction of the electrode part 220. And the first length may be greater than the second length.

[0099] In the present application, the second length is not specifically limited. Users can adjust it according to actual needs without violating the inventive concept of the present application. As an illustrative rather than a restrictive illustration, in one embodiment, the second length may be 1 / 2 or less of the first length. Considering the stability of the connection between the electrode part 220 and the lead 230, the second length may be 1 / 4 or more of the first length. It should be noted that in extreme cases, the lead 230 and the electrode part 220 may be butted at the ends only, and the second length corresponding to the first lead segment 231 may be considered almost zero.

[0100] It should be noted that the electrode part 220 may be arranged in a variety of ways and may extend in a single direction or be bent, so that the direction in which the length extends does not necessarily mean that it is in a single direction.

[0101] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the material of the lead 230 is not specifically limited. As an example, but not a limitation, the material of the lead 230 may be selected from at least one of nickel or SUS316(stainless steel 316).

[0102] In the embodiments of the application, the connection mode of the electrode part 220 and the first lead segment 231 is not specifically limited. Users can adjust it according to actual needs without violating the inventive concept of the present application. As an illustrative rather than a restrictive illustration, the electrode part 220 may be connected to the first lead segment 231 by welding, snap-fitting, or pressure fitting.

[0103] After considering the above arrangements for the lead 230, part of the electrode part 220 may not have assistance from the lead 230, thereby reducing the support force for the heating part 210 and causing deformation of the mesh or serpentine heating part 210. Therefore, in a further embodiment of the present application, the area of a crosssection of the electrode part 220 may be larger than the area of a cross-section of the heating wire 211 of the heating part 210, thereby increasing the thickness or width of the electrode part 220, to provide better support for the heating part 210.

[0104] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the area of the cross-section of the electrode part 220 may be increased in a variety of possible ways. For example, during the mold forming process, the thickness of the electrode part 220 can be directly increased. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 7, a side edge 221 connected to an outer periphery of the heating part 210 may be bent to form a flange 222, thereby forming the electrode part 220. After flanging, doubling the thickness can obviously improve the support of the electrode part 220 for the heating part 210. In some embodiments, the side edge 221 may be integrally formed with the heating part 210, with a thickness equal to that of the heating wire 211. After flanging, the thickness may be twice that of the heating wire 211.

[0105] In addition to the first lead segment 231 , as shown in Figures 2 to 7, the lead 230 may also have a second lead segment that does not overlap with the electrode part. The second lead segment 232 does not require an electrical connection to the electrode part 220, so protection can be applied to the second lead segment 232 to reduce the release of harmful substances. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2,3,5, and 6, the heating assembly 200 may also comprise a protective sleeve 240 at least fitted over the second lead segment 232. By adding the protective sleeve 240, the amount of harmful substances released outwards from the second lead segment 232 may be reduced.

[0106] Further, the first lead segment 231 may have a first surface in contact with the electrode part and a second surface opposite the first surface. Wherein the second surface may not be in direct contact with the electrode part 220, so the protective sleeve may be fitter over the second surface. In the embodiments of the present application, the protective sleeve 240 may be provided only on the second lead segment 232, only on the second surface, or both.

[0107] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the material of the protective sleeve 240 is not specifically limited. Users can adjust it according to actual needs without violating the inventive concept of the present application. As an illustrative rather than a restrictive illustration, in one embodiment, the protective sleeve 240 may be prepared from poly(ether-ether-ketone), which has a high temperature resistance and high metal radiation resistance.

[0108] In addition to the protective sleeve, in some embodiments of the present application, a protective layer may be coated on the second lead segment 232. The protective layer can reduce the amount of harmful substances released outward from the second lead segment 232. Specifically, the protective layer may be made of materials with good resistance to metal radiation, such as silver.

[0109] Similar to the protective sleeve 240, the first lead segment 231 may have a first surface in contact with the electrode part and a second surface opposite the first surface. Wherein the second surface is not in direct contact with the electrode part 220, so the protective layer may be coated on the second surface.

[0110] Further, if a conductive protective layer, such as a silver protective layer, is used, the protective layer may be coated on both of the first surface and the second surface of the first lead segment 231 . Therefore, in the embodiments of the application, a protective layer may be coated on at least one of the second lead segment 232, the second surface, and the first lead segment 231 , as required.

[0111] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the first surface mentioned above can be broadly understood to include the case of a line. For example, when the first lead segment 231 is a cylindrical line segment and the surface of the electrode part 220 facing the first lead segment 231 is a plane, the first lead segment 231 and the electrode part 220 are actually in line contact, and the parts outside the line are considered the second surface

[0112] Considering the electrical connection between the lead 230 and the power source, the lead 230 may also comprise a third lead segment 233 which is in direct contact with the power source. No protective sleeve or protective layer may be arranged on the third lead segment 233. Alternatively, a protective sleeve or a protective layer may be arranged in a similar manner to the first lead segment 231.

[0113] The second lead segment 232 may be protected, while the first lead segment 231 , which overlaps and contacts the electrode part 220, is often difficult to protect as described above or can only be partially protected. From this perspective, even without considering contact with aerosol materials, the amount of harmful substances released by the second lead segment 232 can be adjusted to be lower than that of the first lead segment 231 . Therefore, the shorter the length of the first lead segment 231 that overlaps and contacts the electrode part 220, the less the harmful substances released by the entire lead segment 230.

[0114] In the embodiments of the application, the lead 230 may have the same number as the electrode part 220. When the number of the electrode parts 220 and the leads 230 is two or more, there are various possible configurations for the leads 230 and the electrode parts 220. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, both the electrode part 220 and the lead 230 are two. Each electrode part 220 may have a first end 223 and a second end 224. The two first ends 223 may be close to each other, while the first end 223 of one electrode part 220 and the second end 224 of the other electrode part 220 may be far away from each other. And the two leads 230 may be respectively connected to the first end 223 of the corresponding electrode part 220. In an alternative embodiment, one of the two leads 230 may be connected to the first end 223 of the corresponding electrode part 220, while the other may be connected to the second end 224 of the corresponding electrode part 220.

[0115] To further provide support for the heating part 210, in another embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 8, the heating assembly 200 may further comprise a support part 250 to provide support for the heating part 210 in a first direction. The electrode part 220 may provide support to the heating part 210 in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction may be provided at an angle relative to each other, preferably may be arranged vertically.

[0116] As shown in Figure 8, the support part 250 and the electrode part 220 may be provided in a semi-enclosing type on the outer periphery of the heating part 210 and surround the heating part 210. By providing two support parts 250 and two electrode parts 220, the two support parts 250 and two electrode parts 220 may be arranged in an enclosing shape around the periphery of the heating part 210.

[0117] Embodiment 2

[0118] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an atomizing assembly for an aerosol provision system. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the atomizing assembly 20 may comprise a porous substrate in contact with the heating part 210 to guide the liquid aerosol-generating material to the heating part 210, and the or any of the heating assembly as described above, wherein the heating part may be used to heat and atomize a liquid aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0119] As shown in Figure 9, the porous substrate 300 may be superposed with the heating assembly 200 to form the atomizing assembly 20.

[0120] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the porous substrate 300 may be integrated with the heating assembly 200, such as sintering the heating assembly 200 onto the porous substrate 300. And the porous substrate 300 may be a ceramic substrate.

[0121] As an example, but not a limitation, the formation method of the heating assembly 200 is not specifically limited. In the present application, the heating assembly 200 may be prepared on the surface of the porous substrate 300 by a thick film printing process or a vacuum evaporation process.

[0122] As described in Embodiment 1 , along the longitudinal extension direction of the electrode part 220, an overlapping length between the lead 230 and the electrode part 220 may be less than a length of the electrode part 220. In practical applications, the ease of contact of the lead 230 and the aerosol-generating material is also related to the overlapping length between the lead 230 and the porous substrate 300. Therefore, in a further embodiment, along the longitudinal extension direction of the electrode part 220, an overlapping length between the lead 230 and the porous substrate 300 may be less than a length of the porous substrate 300. Thus, the lead 230 may be made to contact the liquid aerosol-generating material on the porous substrate 300 as little as possible.

[0123] Embodiment 3

[0124] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system, as shown in Figure 11. The aerosol provision system 2 may comprise a housing 21 , a reservoir chamber 22 positioned inside the housing 21 for containing a liquid aerosolgenerating material, an atomizing chamber 23 positioned inside the housing 21 for containing the or any of the atomizing assembly as described above in the second aspect to receive and heat to atomize the liquid aerosol-generating material, wherein the atomizing assembly may comprise the heating assembly 200, and a power source 24 positioned inside the housing 21 , electrically connected to the lead 230 and the electrode part 220 of the heating assembly 200 in sequence, to supply power to the heating part 210.

[0125] In some embodiments, the lead 230 may be extended towards the power source 24 in a direction away from the atomizing chamber 23 relative to the electrode part 220.

[0126] Further, the aerosol provision system 2 may also comprise a controller (not shown) to be connected to the power source 24, which may control the power source 24 to supply power to the heating part 210.

[0127] Further, the aerosol provision system 2 may also comprise a mouthpiece 101 provided at one end of the housing 21 , and an air outlet 102 may be provided on the mouthpiece 101. An air inlet 103 may be also provided on the housing 21. The air inlet 103 may be arranged at an end near the mouthpiece 101 or at an end away from the mouthpiece 101 .

[0128] Further, the aerosol provision system 2 may also comprise a cartomizer, wherein the cartomizer may comprise a cartomizer bracket to define the atomizing chamber 23 above, and may comprise an atomizing assembly arranged within the atomizing chamber 23.

[0129] It should be noted that Figure 11 shows the composition of the aerosol provision system 2 only in a simplified manner, where each component is not drawn to scale and parts unrelated to the understanding of the present application are omitted.

[0130] It can be understood that the above illustrations and figures are only an introduction to some embodiments of the present application. Without violating the inventive concept of the present application, users can make other modifications according to the actual needs of the product. In the description of this specification, the referential terminology "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0131] Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description of the present application, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0132] In the present application, unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it may be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the application based on the circumstances.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the application have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the application. Those skilled in the art within the scope of the application can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above-described embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. A heating assembly for an aerosol provision system, comprising: a heating part comprising a heating wire, configured to generate heat when electrified; an electrode part electrically connected to the heating part, the electrode part having a cross-section larger than that of the heating wire to provide support for the heating part, and having a first length along the longitudinal extension direction thereof; a lead, wherein a portion of the lead overlapping and making contact with the electrode part forms a first lead segment, the first lead segment having a second length along the longitudinal extension direction; the first length is greater than the second length.

2. The heating assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the electrode part comprises a side edge connected to an outer periphery of the heating part and a flange formed by bending the side edge.

3. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lead has a second lead segment that does not overlap with the electrode part; the heating assembly further comprises a protective layer at least coated on the second lead segment and / or a protective sleeve at least fitted over the second lead segment.

4. The heating assembly according to claim 3, wherein the heating assembly comprises the protective layer; the protective layer is an electrically conductive protective layer, and the protective layer is further coated on the first lead segment; or the first lead segment has a first surface in contact with the electrode part and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the protective layer is further coated on the second surface.

5. The heating assembly according to claim 3, wherein the heating assembly comprises the protective sleeve; the first lead segment has a first surface in contact with the electrode part and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the protective sleeve is further fitted over the second surface.

6. The heating assembly according to claim 3, wherein the heating assembly comprises the protective sleeve made of polyether ether ketone and / or the heating assembly comprises a silver protective layer.

7. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the heating part is a heating mesh or a serpentine heating part composed of the heating wire.

8. The heating assembly according to claim 7, wherein the heating mesh is a flat plateshaped heating mesh or a C-shaped heating mesh formed by winding.

9. The heating assembly according to claim 8, wherein the electrode part comprises two electrode parts; the heating mesh is the flat plate-shaped heating mesh, and the two electrode parts are provided on two opposite sides of the flat plate-shaped heating mesh; or the heating mesh is the C-shaped heating mesh, and the two electrode parts are provided on two opposite sides in the circumferential direction of the C-shaped heating mesh.

10. The heating assembly according to claim 9, wherein the lead comprises two leads to connect with the two electrode parts respectively; each electrode part has two ends extending along the longitudinal direction, and the two leads are connected to the far ends of different electrode parts.

11. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the heating assembly further comprises a support part to provide support for the heating part in a first direction; the electrode part provides support for the heating part in a second direction; the first direction and the second direction are provided at an angle relative to each other.

12. The heating assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the support part and the electrode part are provided in a semi-enclosing type on the outer periphery of the heating part and surround the heating part.

13. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the electrode part is connected to the first lead segment by welding, snap-fitting, or pressure fitting.

14. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the material of the heating wire and the material of the electrode part are selected from at least one of iron- chromium-aluminum, nickel-chromium, stainless steel, and titanium alloy; and / or the lead is selected from at least one of nickel wire or SLIS316.

15. An atomizing assembly for an aerosol provision system, comprising: the heating assembly according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the heating part is used to heat and atomize a liquid aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol; a porous substrate, in contact with the heating part to guide the liquid aerosolgenerating material to the heating part.

16. The atomizing assembly according to claim 15 wherein along the longitudinal extension direction of the electrode part, an overlapping length between the lead and the porous substrate is less than a length of the porous substrate.

17. An aerosol provision system, comprising: a housing;a reservoir chamber positioned inside the housing for containing a liquid aerosolgenerating material; an atomizing chamber positioned inside the housing for containing the atomizing assembly as claimed in claim 15 or 16, to receive and heat to atomize the liquid aerosol- generating material; a power source positioned inside the housing, electrically connected to the lead and the electrode part in sequence, to supply power to the heating part.

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