Aerosol generating device, battery unit

Abstract

A battery cell comprises: a housing including a vent; a pouch cell within the housing, the outer surface of the cell including a plurality of possible vent points at which fluid can be released during degassing of the cell; a fluid directing arrangement within the housing, the fluid directing arrangement configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the cell to the vent hole of the housing; and a frangible seal positioned across the vent hole of the housing, the seal configured to be displaced or broken to open the vent hole during degassing of the cell. An aerosol generating device comprises: a housing including a mouth end and an opposite end, the opposite end including a vent; a pouch cell within the housing, the outer surface of the cell including a plurality of possible vent points at which fluid can be released during degassing of the cell; and a fluid directing arrangement within the housing, the fluid directing arrangement configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the cell to the vent hole of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable aerosol-generating device that can be self-contained and cryogenic. Such a device can heat tobacco or other suitable aerosol substrate material by conduction, convection, and / or radiation, rather than by ignition, to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

[0002] The present disclosure also relates to a battery cell suitable for use in an aerosol-generating device. Background Art

[0003] Over the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in the popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as vaporizers) to help habitual smokers who want to quit traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and cigarettes. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosolizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0004] A commonly used device with reduced or modified risk is a heated substrate aerosol-generating device or heat-not-ignite device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising moist tobacco leaves or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C. Heating the aerosol substrate, but not burning it or igniting it, releases an aerosol that includes the components sought by the user but does not include the toxic, carcinogenic byproducts produced by combustion and ignition. In addition, the aerosol generated by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material does not typically include the burnt or bitter taste produced by combustion and ignition, which may be unpleasant to the user. Therefore, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives that are commonly added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to the user.

[0005] There are safety issues with certain aerosol generating devices powered by certain types of batteries, which may experience leakage or degassing events when fluids (liquids or gases) are generated from the battery. For example, lithium-ion batteries are known to experience degassing events. These events may be slow events or small events within the normal behavior of the battery and may not necessarily impair the function of the aerosol generating device. However, these events may also be fast events that result in high voltage and damage the device, or even cause the device to explode. This is particularly dangerous when the device is held in the user's hand or close to the user's face. In addition, the leaking or degassed fluid may be a hazardous chemical such as a flammable or toxic organic solvent.

[0006] In some batteries, there are specific preferential discharge points on the outer surface of the battery where the fluid is preferentially released during a degassing event. However, this constrains the internal structure of the battery. It is desirable to use pouch cells instead, which have multiple possible discharge points on their surface and can have a variety of internal structures (such as described in US Pat. No. 7,629,077).

[0007] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device having improved safety and / or reliability, wherein the device is powered by a pouch cell battery.

[0008] For the same reasons, it would also be desirable to provide a battery cell for an aerosol-generating device, wherein the battery cell comprises a pouch cell having improved safety and / or reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber operable to heat an aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; a shell comprising a mouth end and an opposite end, the opposite end comprising a discharge orifice; a pouch battery within the shell, the outer surface of the battery comprising a plurality of possible discharge points at which fluid can be released during degassing of the battery; and a fluid guiding arrangement within the shell, the fluid guiding arrangement being configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible discharge points of the battery to the discharge orifice of the shell.

[0010] By providing a fluid directing arrangement configured to define a fluid flow path from each of a plurality of possible drain points of the battery to the drain aperture of the housing, pouch-type batteries may be used in an aerosol-generating device with improved safety.

[0011] Optionally, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a seal located across the vent aperture, the seal being configured to be displaced or broken during degassing of the cell to open the vent aperture.

[0012] By providing a seal across the vent aperture, contamination or damage to the aerosol-generating device during normal use, for example due to the ingress of water, is prevented, whilst still allowing fluid to escape from the device during a degassing event.

[0013] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a battery cell for an aerosol generating device, the battery cell comprising: a shell comprising a discharge hole; a pouch battery within the shell, the outer surface of the battery comprising a plurality of possible discharge points at which fluid can be released during degassing of the battery; a fluid guiding arrangement within the shell, the fluid guiding arrangement being configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible discharge points of the battery to the discharge hole of the shell; and a seal positioned across the discharge hole of the shell, the seal being configured to be displaced or broken to open the discharge hole during degassing of the battery.

[0014] By providing a housing and a seal with a discharge hole, the pouch-type battery can be used more safely in a battery cell.

[0015] In a possible arrangement of the first or second aspects, the fluid guiding arrangement includes a first heat shielding wall positioned closer to a first end of the battery, and the drain hole of the housing is positioned closer to a second end of the battery opposite the first end. In other words, the distance between the first heat shielding wall and the first end of the battery is less than the distance between the drain hole of the housing and the second end of the battery. Optionally, the fluid guiding arrangement includes a second heat shielding wall positioned adjacent to a side of the battery. Optionally, the fluid guiding arrangement includes an opening positioned adjacent to a side of the battery to expose the battery; the opening extends along the second heat shielding wall. Optionally, the second wall is spaced away from the housing to leave a cavity between the two.

[0016] In the first or second aspects, the housing optionally comprises a first material and the seal is a portion of the housing comprising a second material that is weaker than the first material such that the seal is displaced or broken during degassing of the cell to open the vent.

[0017] In particular, the second material may have a lower Young's modulus than the first material.

[0018] Optionally, the housing comprises a first material and the seal is a portion of the housing comprising a second material having a melting point lower than the melting point of the first material.

[0019] In the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the first material is metal, and the second material is plastic.

[0020] By using a weaker material for the seal than for the housing, the seal is destroyed before the housing, and safety is improved.

[0021] Optionally, the seal takes the form of a plug comprising a plastic material, such as a plastic resin, or a cover comprising plastic or foil, such as a PET foil sticker.

[0022] In the first or second aspect, optionally, the seal comprises a resilient element configured to engage with the housing to snap the seal into place during assembly, but configured to inhibit removal of the seal from outside the housing. In a possible mode, the resilient elements are projections or protrusions configured to engage with the interior of the housing around the edge of the drain hole.

[0023] By providing a resilient element that snaps the seal into place but does not allow easy removal of the seal from the outside, assembly of the unit / device can be simplified without compromising the safety of the entire device.

[0024] In the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, there is a cavity within the housing, the cavity being adjacent to at least one possible drain point of the battery, the cavity being configured to receive fluid released during degassing of the battery.

[0025] If the released fluid comprises a gas, the cavity allows the fluid to expand and cool, thereby improving safety.

[0026] In the first or second aspect, optionally, there is an absorbent material disposed within the housing to absorb fluid released during degassing of the cell.

[0027] Absorbent materials improve safety by reducing liquid leakage from degassing events. Additionally, absorbent materials will dampen the force of a violent degassing event.

[0028] In the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the fluid directing arrangement includes a battery frame supporting the battery within the housing.

[0029] Combining the battery support and fluid guiding functions simplifies construction. Additionally, the battery frame can reduce the chance of degassing due to impact to the device / unit (e.g., if the device / unit is dropped).

[0030] Optionally, the battery includes a first end having a first electrical contact, a second end having a second electrical contact, and a side wall extending between the first end and the second end, the second end being opposite to the first end, and the battery frame is configured to support at least one of the first end and the second end and to expose at least a portion of the side wall of the battery within the housing.

[0031] By supporting one or both ends of the cell (where contacts are located) while leaving at least a portion of the sidewall exposed, the chance of outgassing near the electrical contacts is reduced, making the device / cell more likely to be partially functional after a minor outgassing event.

[0032] Optionally, the battery frame includes a portion extending across the interior volume of the housing and connected to the housing to form a shield portion between the first end of the battery and a portion of the interior volume of the housing.

[0033] This shielding allows the battery to be isolated from other components, meaning the device can be repaired or recycled more efficiently after a degassing event.

[0034] Optionally, the shielding portion is a heat shield.

[0035] A heat shield is provided to further isolate the battery from other components.

[0036] Optionally, the battery frame further comprises one or more open areas extending along a side wall of the battery or a second end of the battery, the second end being opposite the first end, the one or more open areas forming part of the fluid guiding arrangement.

[0037] Such open areas along the cell improve fluid communication around the cell to the vent, thereby increasing the chances that an outgassing event can be safely released through the vent.

[0038] Optionally, the battery frame further comprises two supports arranged to extend along opposite side wall portions of the battery.

[0039] The side wall supports help maintain the stability of the cell in the housing while allowing degassing to occur over a large remaining surface area of ​​the cell.

[0040] Optionally, according to the first aspect, the shielding portion is arranged between the battery and the heating chamber.

[0041] This configuration provides mutual protection, protecting the heating chamber from degassing events and protecting the battery from heat leaking from the heating chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment;

[0043] Figure 2A and Figure 2B 2 is a schematic cross-section of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment viewed from different perspectives;

[0044] Figure 2C is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment;

[0045] Figure 3A is a schematic illustration of the exterior of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment;

[0046] Figure 3B and Figure 3C is a schematic illustration of a seal for an aerosol-generating device, viewing the outwardly facing side and the inwardly facing side, respectively;

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0049] The aerosol-generating device 1 comprises a heating chamber 10 , a housing 20 , a pouch cell 30 , a fluid guiding arrangement 40 and an optional seal 50 .

[0050] The heating chamber 10 is operable to heat an aerosol substrate, such as tobacco, using electricity from the pouch cell 30 to generate an aerosol. For example, the heating chamber 10 may include a cylindrical wall of ceramic or metal that is open at one end and surrounded by an insulator. The open end of the heating chamber 10 is preferably directed through the mouth end 21 of the housing. In other embodiments, the device 1 may include a tube to transfer the generated aerosol from the heating chamber 10 to the mouth end 21 of the housing. The heating chamber 10 receives electricity to drive the heater. For example, the heater may be a resistive heater, such as a resistive track, which is attached to the chamber, for example as a film, or is located inside or around the chamber wall, or may be a blade heater that protrudes into the chamber and is operable to penetrate into the aerosol substrate.

[0051] The housing 20 includes a mouth end 21 at which the generated aerosol is provided for inhalation by the user. For example, the mouth end 21 may include an opening and a lid. The lid may be, for example, a hinged lid, a removable lid, or a sliding lid. In other embodiments, the mouth end 21 may be open to allow the aerosol to exit the device 1.

[0052] The housing 20 further includes an opposite end 22 opposite to the mouth end 21. Figure 1 As shown, the side wall 23 of the housing 20 can be relatively long and narrow between the mouth end 21 and the opposite end 22. With this shape, the user can easily hold the device 1 by the long and narrow side 23 to place the aerosol substrate in the heating chamber 10 via the mouth end 21 or bring the mouth end 21 to the user's mouth to inhale the aerosol generated in the heating chamber 10 via the mouth end 21.

[0053] The opposite end 22 comprises a discharge aperture 24 through which fluid released during degassing can escape from the aerosol-generating device 1. The size of the discharge aperture 24 is preferably maximised to allow fluid to escape with as little pressure, temperature or build-up of fluid as possible.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 20 comprises metal, such as aluminum, for sturdiness. The outer surface of the housing 20 may be partially or completely covered with a thermal insulator, such as a polymer grip, so that the device 1 can be held by a user even if heat from the heating chamber 10 is partially dissipated in the housing 20.

[0055] In a pouch cell 30, there are multiple possible discharge points. For example, the internal structure of the cell 30 may be unknown or random, such that a large portion of the cell surface constitutes a continuum of possible discharge points. Figure 1 As shown, the pouch cell 30 can be arranged to partially contact other components, such as the inner surface of the housing 20. This can have the effect of increasing the force required to break the cell 30 where the surface of the pouch cell 30 abuts the housing 20, thereby making discharge less likely where the surface of the pouch cell 30 abuts the housing. In this case, the number of possible discharge points can be reduced, making discharge more likely in unsupported portions of the surface of the cell 30. At each remaining discharge point (e.g., in an unsupported portion of the surface), fluid can be released within the housing 20.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the fluid guiding arrangement 40 is a simple protrusion within the housing 20 that protrudes from the inner surface of the housing 20. The fluid guiding arrangement 40 is arranged as a barrier so that no matter which discharge point of the pouch cell releases fluid, the fluid released during degassing of the battery 30 generally follows the same path. Figure 1 The fluid directing arrangement 40 is directed toward the vent hole 24 in the opposite end 22 of the housing 20, as shown by the dashed arrows. By directing the outgassing toward the vent hole 24 in the opposite end 22, the heat and / or forces associated with the outgassing are less likely to affect a user of the device, whose hands may be around the side wall 23 and whose face may be near the mouth end 21. The fluid directing arrangement 40 may also include a portion of the interior surface of the housing 20, such as the side wall 23 whose interior surface faces the battery 30.

[0057] The fluid directing arrangement 40 may partially or completely partition the interior volume of the housing 20 to isolate the battery 30 from other components, such as the heating chamber 10. This may be achieved by arranging the fluid directing arrangement to extend across the interior volume of the housing 20 and connect to the housing to form a shield between the battery 30 and a portion of the interior volume of the housing 20. By isolating the battery 30 from the other components, the other components are less likely to be damaged during a degassing event, and the device 1 is more likely to be repaired or recycled after a degassing event.

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, the fluid flow path from the possible discharge point of the battery 30 to the discharge hole 24 can include a cavity within the housing 20. The cavity provides a space configured to receive the fluid released during degassing. In a small degassing event, the internal volume of the cavity can be large enough to dissipate the force and / or heat of the degassing event.

[0059] A portion of the cavity can be filled with an absorbent material arranged to absorb the fluid released during degassing. Alternatively, the cavity can be completely replaced by an absorbent material arranged within the housing. The absorbent material will at least partially absorb and / or slow down the fluid flowing along the fluid flow path due to the degassing event, thereby reducing the force, heat and / or chemical risks associated with the fluid being discharged from the battery 30 and out through the drain hole 24. The absorbent material can, for example, include a porous material in the form of a mesh, fleece or sponge, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum) or plastic.

[0060] In a first embodiment, the vent 24 is initially blocked by a seal 50 positioned over the vent. The seal 50 is configured to be displaced (e.g., pushed out of the vent 24) or destroyed (e.g., ruptured, broken, or melted) during battery degassing, allowing pressure associated with degassing to be released during a degassing event without causing the vent 24 to open during normal operation of the device 1. In other words, prior to being displaced or destroyed, the seal 50 is actually part of the housing 20. The seal 50 comprises a material that is weaker than the material of the housing 20 and / or has a lower melting point, allowing the material of the seal 50 to be destroyed or displaced before any damage occurs to the housing 20. The seal 50 can take the form of a plug comprising a plastic material (e.g., a plastic resin), or can take the form of a cover comprising plastic or foil (e.g., a PET foil sticker). Alternatively, the seal 50 can be omitted and the vent 24 left open.

[0061] The device 1 may further include a control circuit system (not shown) that is configured to control the power supply from the heating chamber. The control circuit system can be as simple as a manual switch that can be operated by the user. However, the control circuit system is preferably complex enough to regulate the power supply to provide the required heating rate in the heating chamber, for example by using a buffer, a booster and / or an amplifier. The control circuit system can also perform other functions, such as sensing the charge state of the pouch battery 30, charging the pouch battery 30, providing automatic control of the heating chamber 10 to provide a predetermined amount or concentration of aerosol based on user input, and controlling output elements (such as LEDs) to indicate the status of the device. The heating chamber 10 and the pouch battery 30 can each be directly connected to the control circuit system, or can be connected via wires and / or rigid tabs. The tab connector can include, for example, steel, nickel or nickel-plated steel.

[0062] exist Figures 2A to 2C A second embodiment of an aerosol generating device 2 is shown in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Schematic cross-sections of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment, viewed from different rotational viewing angles (indicated by Cartesian axes x, y, z). Figure 2C This is an example of a CAD model of the aerosol-generating device of the second embodiment.

[0063] The second embodiment is largely similar to the first embodiment described above, but the fluid directing arrangement now includes a battery frame 140 that supports the battery 30 within the housing.

[0064] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this embodiment, the pouch battery 30 includes two ends 31, 32 and includes a side wall extending between the first end and the second end, each end having an electrical contact for supplying power from the battery 30. The battery frame 140 is configured to support at least one of the ends 31, 32 of the battery 30 while leaving at least a portion of the side wall 33 open and exposed within the interior volume of the housing 20. The exposed portion of the side wall 33 creates an area of ​​a possible drainage point, thereby allowing fluid to escape from the battery 30 (e.g., along the inner wall) when the battery is held in place within the housing 20 by the battery frame 140. Figure 2B ). Corresponding open areas of the battery frame 140 (through which the batteries 30 are exposed) form part of a fluid guiding arrangement to direct fluid released during degassing toward the drain holes 24. The battery frame material can be selected to be less rigid than the housing 20 so that an external impact (such as dropping the device) transfers less energy to the batteries 30 and has less chance of triggering a degassing event.

[0065] A shielding portion 141 of the battery frame 140 may be provided that extends across the interior volume of the housing 20 between the first end 32 of the battery and a portion of the interior volume of the housing 20 and is connected to the housing. In this case, the shielding portion 141 separates the portion of the interior volume where the heating chamber 10 is located from the portion of the interior volume where the battery 30 is located. Thus, the battery frame 140 has a dual function of protecting the battery 30 from outgassing (such as from external impact) and protecting other components from the effects of outgassing.

[0066] The cell frame 40 may be made of a heat-resistant material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), in which case the shielding portion 141 is not only a physical barrier for fluid released during degassing, but also a thermal shield for heat released during degassing.

[0067] The battery frame 140 can take a variety of forms. Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the battery frame includes side portions 142 in the form of two supports arranged to extend along opposing sidewall portions of the battery 30. More generally, in embodiments, the battery frame 140 may include a plurality of supports surrounding the sidewalls 33 of the battery 30, with one or more open areas extending along the sidewalls 33. When the battery frame 40 comprises a heat-resistant material, the side portions 142 may serve as a second heat shielding wall.

[0068] In addition, the battery frame includes an end portion 143 to support the second end 31 of the battery 30. In the second embodiment, the end portion 143 is partially open to allow degassing from the second end 31. Alternatively, the end portion 143 can cover the entire second end 31. In the event that the friction between the side portion 142 and the battery 30 is sufficient to hold the battery 30 in place, the end portion 143 can be removed.

[0069] Go to Figure 2C , shows a specific example of the second embodiment in the form of a CAD model. The features described in the specific example are generally independent and can be added to the second embodiment separately.

[0070] exist Figure 2C In the figures, the housing 20 is rendered transparent for illustration purposes, and in some embodiments it may actually be transparent. For example, the housing may be partially a metal frame and partially transparent plastic. However, in a preferred embodiment, the housing 20 is solid metal, such as aluminum, for strength.

[0071] like Figure 2C As shown, the battery frame 140 may additionally include one or more protrusions or fins 144 that extend to the inner surface of the housing 20. These protrusions or fins increase the contact area between the battery frame 140 and the housing 20 and increase the stability of the battery frame 140 within the housing.

[0072] In addition, if Figure 2C As shown, in some embodiments, the opposite end 22 of the housing may include a charging port 60 for charging the pouch battery 30, arranged alongside the drain hole 24 and the seal 50. The charging port 60 may be a universal port (such as a USB receptacle) or may be a proprietary port that ensures that the device is connected only to an appropriate charging source.

[0073] In addition, if Figure 2C As shown, the mouth end 21 may comprise an opening which is covered by a slider 211 in a default state and which may be opened to reveal the heating chamber 10 when the device is used to generate an aerosol.

[0074] Figure 3Ais a schematic illustration of the exterior of an aerosol-generating device 2 according to a second embodiment. Figure 3B and Figure 3C is a schematic illustration of a seal 50 for an aerosol-generating device, viewing the outwardly facing side 51 and the inwardly facing side 53 respectively.

[0075] like Figure 3A As further shown in FIG, the opposite end 22 of the housing may include a fastener hole 221 for attaching the battery frame 140 to the opposite end 22 using a fastener such as a screw. This may be a reversible fastener so that the device 2 can be disassembled.

[0076] exist Figure 3A , the vent hole 24 has a U-shape arranged around the fastener hole 221. More generally, as described above, the size of the vent hole 24 is preferably maximized to increase its efficiency in releasing fluid generated during degassing away from a user of the device 2 and / or away from certain components within the device.

[0077] Figure 3A It is also shown that the end portion 143 of the battery frame 140 can have a significant gap that exposes the battery 30 to face the drain hole 24. In this example, the battery is supported away from the drain hole 24 by the narrow fins 144.

[0078] Figure 3B and Figure 3C One embodiment of how seal 50 may be held in place prior to a degassing event is shown. Protrusions (tabs) 52 and 54 may engage the interior of housing 20 around the edge of vent hole 24 to hold the seal in place.

[0079] At least one protrusion 52 may be resilient so that it can snap into place during assembly of the device 2. The resilient protrusions 52 allow the seal 50 to be reused if it is displaced and undamaged during a degassing event. Alternatively, it may be preferred that the seal 50 cannot be reused, in which case the protrusions 52 may be designed not to bend and not break once they are in place in the device 2.

[0080] Alternatively, the seal 50 may be held in place by a friction fit that is strong enough to hold under normal conditions but releases due to forces associated with degassing, or when the seal 50 breaks.

[0081] The seal 50 of this embodiment has no means for a user to manually remove the seal 50 and has a smooth outer surface 51 so that the seal 50 remains in place until a degassing event occurs. This can improve safety by ensuring that the vent remains closed and prevents contaminants (such as water) from entering the device until the vent is needed in a degassing event.

[0082] The seal 50 of this embodiment also includes a stepped surface 55 that fits over a corresponding stepped surface on the housing 20 around the drain hole. This optional feature improves the sealing of the drain hole from contaminants (e.g., water) by providing significant surface area while only a small gap can exist between the housing 20 and the seal 50.

[0083] Figures 3A to 3C The seal 50 and the discharge hole 24 are equally applicable to the first embodiment.

[0084] The features of the first and second embodiments can also be applied more generally to battery cells, such as Figure 4 shown.

[0085] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated example, the battery cell 3 includes a pouch battery 30 similar to the pouch battery of the first or second embodiment. The pouch battery 30 is enclosed in a housing 320. Similar to the first or second embodiment, the housing 320 includes a drain hole 324 initially sealed by a seal 50. The provision of the drain hole 324 makes the drain direction of the battery cell 3 clear, unlike a single pouch battery 30 having multiple possible drain points.

[0086] Housing 320 is similar in material and purpose to housing 20 and fluid guiding arrangements 40 , 140 of the first or second embodiments. In the event of a degassing event, housing 320 will define a fluid flow path from battery cell 30 to drain hole 324 for safe fluid release. In this case, battery cell 3 does not have a heating chamber, but may, for example, have regulator electronics to control the power supply from the battery cell. As described above, such electronics can be shielded from degassing events by the fluid guiding arrangement or the battery frame.

[0087] The battery unit 3 according to the present invention may also include a plurality of pouch-type batteries 30 enclosed in a single housing 320 .

[0088] Such a battery cell 3 may be particularly suitable for an aerosol-generating device, with the exterior including electrical contacts and engagement means for making electrical and mechanical connections in the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the battery cell 3 may be a general-purpose battery cell having external electrical contacts for supplying power from one or more pouch cells 30 therein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber operable to heat the aerosol substrate to generate the aerosol; a housing including a mouth end and an opposite end, the opposite end including a discharge orifice; a pouch cell within the housing, the outer surface of the cell including a plurality of potential vent points where fluid can be released during degassing of the cell; as well as a fluid guiding arrangement within the housing, the fluid guiding arrangement being configured to define a fluid flow path from each of a plurality of possible drain points of the battery to a drain aperture of the housing, wherein the fluid guiding arrangement comprises a first heat shielding wall positioned closer to a first end of the battery, and the drain hole of the housing is positioned closer to a second end of the battery opposite the first end, wherein the fluid guiding arrangement comprises a second heat shield wall positioned adjacent to a side of the battery, The second heat shielding wall is away from the housing so as to leave a cavity therebetween.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a seal positioned across the vent aperture, the seal being configured to be displaced or broken during degassing of the cell to open the vent aperture.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid directing arrangement includes an opening positioned adjacent to a side of the battery to expose the battery; the opening extends along the second heat shield wall.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The housing comprises a first material, and the seal is a portion of the housing comprising a second material that is weaker than the first material such that the seal fails in preference to the housing.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The housing comprises a first material, and the seal is a portion of the housing comprising a second material having a melting point lower than the melting point of the first material.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein: The first material is metal and the second material is plastic.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The seal takes the form of a plug comprising a plastic material or a cover comprising plastic or foil.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The plastic material comprises a plastic resin and / or the foil comprises a PET foil sticker.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein: The seal includes a resilient element configured to engage the housing to snap the seal into place during assembly, but configured to inhibit removal of the seal from outside the housing.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The elastic elements are protrusions configured to engage with the interior of the housing around the edge of the discharge hole.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , comprising a cavity within the housing, the cavity adjacent at least one potential discharge point of the battery, the cavity being configured to receive fluid released during degassing of the battery.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, comprising an absorbent material disposed within the housing to absorb fluid released during degassing of the cell.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid directing arrangement includes a battery frame supporting the battery within the housing.

14. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 13, wherein: The battery includes a first end having a first electrical contact, a second end having a second electrical contact, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, the second end being opposite the first end, and The battery frame is configured to support at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion and to expose at least a portion of a side wall of the battery within the housing.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein: The battery frame includes a portion extending across the interior volume of the housing and connected to the housing to form a shield portion between the first end of the battery and a portion of the interior volume of the housing.

16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein: The shielding portion is a heat shield.

17. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein: The cell frame further comprises one or more open areas extending along a side wall of the cell or a second end of the cell, the second end being opposite the first end, the one or more open areas forming part of the fluid guiding arrangement.

18. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 17, the battery frame further comprising two supports arranged to extend along opposite side wall portions of the battery.

19. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein The shielding portion is disposed between the battery and the heating chamber.

20. A battery cell for an aerosol-generating device, the battery cell comprising: a housing including a drain hole; a pouch cell within the housing, the outer surface of the cell including a plurality of potential vent points where fluid can be released during degassing of the cell; a fluid directing arrangement within the housing, the fluid directing arrangement configured to define a fluid flow path from each of a plurality of possible drain points of the battery to a drain aperture of the housing; as well as a seal positioned across the vent hole of the housing, the seal being configured to be displaced or broken during degassing of the cell to open the vent hole, wherein the fluid guiding arrangement comprises a first heat shielding wall positioned closer to a first end of the battery, and the drain hole of the housing is positioned closer to a second end of the battery opposite the first end, wherein the fluid guiding arrangement comprises a second heat shield wall positioned adjacent to a side of the battery, The second heat shielding wall is away from the housing so as to leave a cavity therebetween.

21. The battery cell according to claim 20, wherein: The fluid directing arrangement includes an opening positioned adjacent to a side of the battery to expose the battery; the opening extends along the second heat shield wall.

22. The battery cell according to claim 20, wherein The housing comprises a first material, and the seal is a portion of the housing comprising a second material that is weaker than the first material such that the seal fails in preference to the housing.

23. The battery cell according to claim 20, wherein: The housing comprises a first material, and the seal is a portion of the housing comprising a second material having a melting point lower than the melting point of the first material.

24. The battery cell according to claim 23, wherein: The first material is metal and the second material is plastic.

25. The battery cell according to claim 22, wherein The seal takes the form of a plug comprising a plastic material or a cover comprising plastic or foil.

26. The battery cell according to claim 25, wherein: The plastic material comprises a plastic resin and / or the foil comprises a PET foil sticker.

27. The battery cell according to claim 23, wherein: The seal includes a resilient element configured to engage the housing to snap the seal into place during assembly, but configured to inhibit removal of the seal from outside the housing.

28. The battery cell according to claim 27, wherein: The elastic elements are protrusions configured to engage with the interior of the housing around the edge of the discharge hole.

29. The battery cell of claim 20, comprising a cavity within the housing, the cavity adjacent at least one potential drain point of the battery, the cavity configured to receive fluid released during degassing of the battery.

30. The battery cell of claim 20, comprising an absorbent material disposed within the housing to absorb fluid released during degassing of the battery.

31. The battery cell according to claim 20, wherein: The fluid directing arrangement includes a battery frame supporting the battery within the housing.

32. The battery cell of claim 31 , wherein: The battery includes a first end having a first electrical contact, a second end having a second electrical contact, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, the second end being opposite the first end, and The battery frame is configured to support at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion and to expose at least a portion of a side wall of the battery within the housing.

33. The battery cell according to claim 31, wherein The battery frame includes a portion extending across the interior volume of the housing and connected to the housing to form a shield portion between the first end of the battery and a portion of the interior volume of the housing.

34. The battery cell according to claim 33, wherein: The shielding portion is a heat shield.

35. The battery cell according to claim 33, wherein: The cell frame further comprises one or more open areas extending along a side wall of the cell or a second end of the cell, the second end being opposite the first end, the one or more open areas forming part of the fluid guiding arrangement.

36. The battery cell of claim 35, the battery frame further comprising two supports arranged to extend along opposite side wall portions of the battery.

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