Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device (104) includes a battery compartment (118) configured to receive a battery (120) for providing power to at least one electrical component of the aerosol supply device (104). The battery compartment (118) includes an opening (126) closed by a gas permeable element (124).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an aerosol supply device and an aerosol supply system. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide substitutes for products that burn tobacco by developing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of these products are heating devices that release compounds by heating but not burning materials. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol supply device, comprising:

[0004] a battery compartment configured to receive a battery for providing power to at least one electrical component of the aerosol supply device;

[0005] Wherein the battery compartment comprises an opening, and wherein the opening is closed by a gas permeable element.

[0006] In the event that the battery generates heat during operation, the breathable membrane may advantageously allow hot air to flow out of the battery compartment. This may help prevent pressure buildup within the battery compartment which could otherwise cause damage to the aerosol supply device.

[0007] The breathable element may include a breathable membrane.

[0008] The opening may be in fluid communication with an exterior of the aerosol supply device.

[0009] The opening may be arranged on a bottom end of the battery compartment.

[0010] The aerosol supply device may further include a protective cover spaced apart from the gas permeable element and extending at least partially over the gas permeable element, wherein the protective cover defines a gas flow path extending between an exterior of the aerosol supply device and the gas permeable element.

[0011] The opening may be arranged at an end of the battery compartment to face the end of the battery when the battery is inserted into the battery compartment.

[0012] The breathable element may be waterproof.

[0013] The gas permeable member may be attached to the battery compartment to close the opening by at least one of tape, pressure sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, and ultrasonic welding.

[0014] The breathable element may comprise expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol supply device, comprising:

[0016] a battery compartment configured to receive a battery for providing power to at least one electrical component of the aerosol supply device; and

[0017] A pressure relief element is fluid impermeable and is configured to rupture when the pressure within the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure, such that air within the battery compartment can escape the battery compartment upon rupture.

[0018] Such a pressure relief element may advantageously enable controlled release of pressure within the battery compartment in the event of a buildup of pressure within the battery compartment without causing damage to other portions of the battery compartment or to the device as a whole.

[0019] The pressure relief element may be integrally formed in a wall of the battery compartment.

[0020] The battery compartment may include a pressure relief opening, and the pressure relief element may be attached to the battery compartment and close the pressure relief opening. When the pressure relief element is ruptured, the pressure relief opening may be in fluid communication with the exterior of the device.

[0021] The pressure relief element may be attached to the battery compartment to close the pressure relief opening by at least one of tape, pressure sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, and ultrasonic welding.

[0022] The pressure relief element may include a weakened portion configured to rupture when the pressure within the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure.

[0023] The pressure relief element may be made of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate, foil, and any nonwoven material.

[0024] The aerosol supply device may further include a protective cover spaced apart from the pressure release element and extending at least partially over the pressure release element, wherein the protective cover defines a gas flow path extending between an exterior of the aerosol supply device and the pressure release element, and wherein the protective cover defines a space shaped to receive at least a portion of the pressure release element when the pressure release element is ruptured.

[0025] The aerosol supply device may further comprise: a product receiving portion configured to receive a product containing an aerosol generating material; and a heating device configured to heat the product in the product receiving portion. The heating device may form part of the aerosol generator.

[0026] The aerosol supply device may include a battery housed in a battery compartment. The volume of the battery compartment may be greater than the volume of the battery housed therein, so that there is a certain amount of free space in the battery compartment that is not occupied by the battery. The free space may be occupied by air.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol supply system, comprising:

[0028] An aerosol supply device according to any aspect or embodiment discussed above; and an article comprising an aerosol generating material and for insertion into an aerosol supply device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a side view of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the bottom of an aerosol supply device including a gas permeable membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 Shown through Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from the bottom end of the aerosol supply device shown in ;

[0033] Figure 4 shows a bottom portion of the aerosol supply device shown in the previous figures, wherein the air permeable element is spaced apart from the opening;

[0034] Figure 5 Shown through Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from the bottom end of the aerosol supply device shown in , which shows the air flow out of and into the battery compartment;

[0035] Figure 6 shows a partial exploded view of the bottom end of an aerosol supply device including a pressure relief element according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A partial assembly view of the bottom end of the aerosol supply device shown in ;

[0037] Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 A view of a subassembly of a cover of an aerosol supply device shown in;

[0038] Fig. 9 Shown through Figure 8a cross-sectional view taken of a subassembly of the cover shown in , showing the outflow of air therethrough; and

[0039] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device including an integrally formed pressure relief element according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" is a material that can generate an aerosol when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, radiation, or in any other way. The aerosol generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol generating material can include any plant-based material (such as a material containing tobacco), and can include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol generating material can also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol generating material can also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. The aerosol generating material can also be referred to as a "smokable material".

[0041] The aerosol generating material can include a binder and an aerosol shaping agent. Optionally, an activating agent and / or a filler can also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material can be soluble or can be insoluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0042] The aerosol generating material may include or may be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "bulk solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid (such as a liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0043] The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or may be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form fragments. The aerosol-generating sheet or fragments may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0044] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or its components) do not burn or ignite and can deliver at least one substance to a user. The aerosol supply system described herein may be a non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not required.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply 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.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol generating materials to generate an aerosol, one or more of which can be heated. Each of these aerosol generating materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0049] Generally, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0050] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol generating material and are configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in the present disclosure.

[0051] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device thereof, may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix that can be powered to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the exothermic power source.

[0052] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving a consumable product, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0053] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a shell, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0054] The aerosol supply device may receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material for heating. An "article" herein is a component that includes or contains an aerosol generating material (which is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating material) in use, and optionally other components in use. A user may first insert the article into the aerosol supply device, and then heat the article to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or specific size, which is configured to be arranged in a heating chamber of the device whose size is designed to receive the article.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol supply system 2 comprises an aerosol supply device 4 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol supply system 2 also comprises a replaceable article 6 containing an aerosol generating material. In summary, the aerosol supply device 4 can be used to heat the article 6 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium inhaled by a user of the device 4.

[0056] The aerosol supply device 4 comprises a body 8. The body 8 may be considered and / or forms a housing device surrounding and containing the various components of the device 4. A product aperture 10 is formed at one end of the body 8 through which the product 6 may be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator 12 which may be contained within the body 8.

[0057] The device 4 may further comprise a user-operable control element 14, such as a button or a switch, which when pressed operates the device 4. For example, a user may turn the device 4 on by operating the switch 14.

[0058] The aerosol generator 12 defines a longitudinal axis 9 which is aligned with the axis of the article 6. In use, the article 6 may be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 12 where it may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 12.

[0059] The device 4 includes a device for heating the aerosol - generating material, namely the aerosol generator 12. This device includes an aerosol - generating assembly, a controller (control circuit), and a power source. The device forms part of the body 8. The aerosol - generating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol - generating material of the article 6 inserted through the article aperture 10 such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol - generating material. Thus, the aerosol - generating assembly may include a heating device arranged to heat the article 6. The power source supplies electricity to the aerosol - generating assembly, and the aerosol - generating assembly converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol - generating material. The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non - rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium - ion batteries), nickel - based batteries (such as nickel - cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0060] The power source may be electrically connected to the aerosol - generating assembly to supply electricity for heating the aerosol - generating material when needed and under the control of the controller. The control circuit may be configured to enable and disable the aerosol - generating assembly based on user input. The user input may be via a button press or opening the door of the device (e.g., the door covering the consumable receiving container, e.g., the door covering the aperture 10). The control circuit may be configured to automatically enable and disable, for example, when an article is inserted.

[0061] The aerosol - generating assembly may include various components that heat the aerosol - generating material via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) through electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an induction element (e.g., one or more induction coils) and means for passing a varying current (such as an alternating current) through the induction element. The varying current in the induction element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field passes through a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the induction element and induces eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has a resistance to the eddy currents, and thus the eddy currents resist the flow of this resistance such that the susceptor is heated by Joule heating. In the case where the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel, or cobalt), heat may also be generated through hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e., by the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material changing orientation due to alignment with the varying magnetic field. Compared to heating, for example, by conduction, in induction heating, the heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Additionally, no physical contact is required between the induction element and the susceptor, allowing for increased freedom in construction and application. The susceptor may be arranged, for example, inside the article 6. In other embodiments, the susceptor may be arranged in the device 4, specifically in the aerosol - generating assembly, and may contact the article 6 when the article 6 is inserted into the device 4. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating assembly may include a resistive heating device.

[0062] The end of the device 4 closest to the opening 10 may be referred to as the proximal end 5 (or mouth end or top end) of the device 4 because, in use, it is closest to the user's mouth. In use, the user inserts the article 6 into the opening 10, operates the aerosol generator 12 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated in the device 4. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 4 along a flow path toward the proximal end 5 of the device 4.

[0063] The other end of the device farthest from the opening 10 may be referred to as the distal end 7 (or bottom end) of the device 4 because, in use, it is the end farthest from the user's mouth. When the user inhales the aerosol generated in the device 4, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end 5 of the device 4. The terms proximal and distal applied to features of the device 4 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of these features relative to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis 9.

[0064] Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 2 (in particular the aerosol supply device 4) shown in FIG. 4 may include any of the features of the various embodiments of the aerosol supply device discussed below.

[0065] Figure 2 The distal end 116 of the body 108 of the aerosol supply device 104 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The distal end 116 is shown in a partially transparent view, thereby showing how the body 108 includes a battery compartment 118. A battery 120 is housed in the battery compartment 118. The battery 120 can provide power to at least one electrical component of the aerosol supply device 104, such as an aerosol generator, a controller, a light source, a speaker, a tactile device, or any other electrical component within the aerosol supply device 104 that can be driven by electricity.

[0066] In some embodiments, the battery compartment 118 includes an opening ( Figure 2 Such openings and breathable elements 124 can allow air to be exchanged between battery compartment 118 and the environment in which device 104 is located. This can ensure that the temperature of any air within battery compartment 118 does not become too high, thereby reducing the possibility of damage due to pressure buildup within device 104.

[0067] Figure 3 Shown through Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device 102 shown in . This figure more clearly shows the arrangement of the battery 120 in the battery compartment 118. The battery compartment 118 includes an opening 126 closed by a breathable element 124. The breathable element 124 can have any suitable form that allows gas to flow therethrough. The breathable element 124 can, for example, be in the form of a breathable membrane. The breathable element 124 can be waterproof. Such a breathable element 124 can prevent water from entering the body 108 of the aerosol supply device 104. This can be used to prevent damage to the internal (e.g., electrical) components of the aerosol supply device 104. The breathable element 124 can be made of any material that allows gas to flow therethrough. In one set of embodiments, the breathable element 124 can be made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

[0068] exist Figure 3 In the view shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol supply device 104 is shown in a vertical orientation. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the opening 126 can be arranged on the bottom end 118A (e.g., distal end) of the battery compartment 118. The bottom end 118A (e.g., distal end) can correspond to the end of the battery compartment 118 opposite the end (proximal end) of the aerosol supply device 104 into which the aerosol generating article is inserted and around which the user places their mouth during use. Placing the pressure release opening 126 at the bottom end 118A can ensure that any hot gases allowed to escape from the battery compartment 118 during use of the device 104 do not escape near the user's face, thereby potentially avoiding injury to the user of the device 104.

[0069] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device 104 includes a protective cover 128 that is spaced apart from the gas permeable element 124 and extends at least partially over the gas permeable element. Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 . The protective cover 128 can be used to protect the permeable element 124, which may otherwise be susceptible to damage. The protective cover 128 can take any suitable form that properly protects the permeable element.

[0070] The protective cover 128 can form a portion of a lowermost cover 130 that can close the distal end 116 of the body 108 of the aerosol supply device 104 and thereby also close the bottom end of the battery compartment 118. When the lowermost cover 130 closes the bottom end of the battery compartment, the lowermost cover 130 can be considered to at least partially define the battery compartment 118, and thus can be considered to be a part of the battery compartment 118. The opening 126 can be formed in the lowermost cover 130. The remainder of the battery compartment 118 can be defined by the walls of the body 108, and indeed can be defined by any other suitable wall / structure within the body 108.

[0071] Protective cover 128 may form / define a flow path 132 extending between gas permeable element 124 and the exterior of aerosol supply device 104. In the depicted embodiment, flow path 132 terminates at opening 134 that allows gas to flow out through flow path 132 to the exterior of aerosol supply device 104.

[0072] In some embodiments, the pressure relief opening 126 is disposed at the end 118A of the battery compartment 118 so as to face the end 120A of the battery 120 when the battery 120 is inserted into the battery compartment 118, such as Figure 3 The battery compartment 118 may be elongated to accommodate an elongated battery 120. However, it should be understood that the battery compartment may have any suitable shape and may accommodate any suitable battery.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the aerosol supply device 104 may include an article receiving portion 136 disposed within the body 108. The article receiving portion 136 may be sized and configured to receive the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol supply device 104. The aerosol generator including the heating device 138 may also be configured to heat the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the article receiving portion 136.

[0074] In some embodiments, the lowermost cover 130 is attached to the body 108 of the aerosol supply device 104 by a sealing element 140. This may be used to seal the bottom end of the body 108.

[0075] The battery compartment 118 may be configured to be larger than the battery 120 it houses. Thus, when the battery 120 is inserted into the battery compartment, there may be a certain amount of free space that may contain air.

[0076] Figure 4 A perspective view of the aerosol supply device 104 shown in the previous figure is shown, wherein the body 108 of the aerosol supply device is removed to more clearly show the internal components of the aerosol supply device. In the view shown in the figure, the air-permeable element 124 is separated from the opening 126. In some embodiments, as shown in the figure, an adhesive 140 in the form of, for example, double-sided tape can be provided around the opening 126. During the assembly of the device 104, when the air-permeable element 124 is against the pressure release opening 126, the air-permeable element 124 can be attached to the pressure release opening by the adhesive 140. Although the adhesive 140 is shown and described, it should be understood that other forms of attachment can be utilized. For example, the air-permeable element 124 can be attached to the battery compartment 118 using a pressure-sensitive adhesive, welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0077] As mentioned above, by providing the permeable element 124 on the battery compartment 118, the gas is able to escape the battery compartment 118. This can prevent damage to the device 104 in at least some cases. For example, in the event of a battery 120 failure, the temperature of the battery 120 may increase, which may cause the temperature of the air within the battery compartment to increase. In the absence of the permeable element 124, as the temperature of the gas within the battery compartment 118 increases, the pressure within the battery compartment 118 may increase and eventually cause the device 104 to explode in some cases. However, this can be avoided by the presence of the permeable element 124. This will be referred to in detail. Figure 5 This is explained in more detail below.

[0078] Figure 5 The aerosol supply device 104 in use is shown. During use, the battery 120 may generate heat when power is consumed, or may actually generate heat in the event of a battery failure. The heat generated by the battery 120 can be used to heat the air in the battery compartment 118. Advantageously, the presence of the breathable element 124 can allow hot air to flow out (indicated by arrow 142) to the outside of the device 104 through the pressure release opening 126. At the same time, cooler air from the outside of the device 104 can flow into the battery compartment 118 through the pressure release opening 126 and the breathable element 124. This can help regulate the temperature of the air in the battery compartment 118, and thereby prevent pressure accumulation in the battery compartment 118, otherwise the pressure accumulation will cause the aerosol supply device 104 to rupture, for example, by the rupture of the body 108 (e.g., explosion). Therefore, the breathable element can be used to reduce the risk of potential injury to the user of the device 104.

[0079] In some instances, the battery 118 itself may rupture (e.g., explode), which may result in a sudden increase in air pressure within the battery compartment 118. Nevertheless, the breathable element 118 may allow air to flow out of the battery compartment 118 and thereby reduce the likelihood of damage to the remainder of the device 104.

[0080] The use of a breathable element as described above is not the only method for preventing damage due to pressure buildup. Another method for preventing such damage will be described below. Figure 6 A view of the distal end 216 of an aerosol supply device 204 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 The distal end 216 shown in FIG. 2 is shown in a partially exploded view to more clearly illustrate the components of this embodiment. Similar to the embodiments described above, the aerosol generating device 204 may include a battery compartment located within the body 208 of the device 204, the battery compartment facing the Figure 6The base of the device 204 shown in FIG. 204 is extended. The battery compartment cannot be seen in this figure, however, it can be considered that the battery compartment is the same as the battery compartment 118 shown above, except that the above battery compartment is provided with a breathable element 124.

[0081] Similar to the embodiments described above, the base of the battery compartment may be closed by a lower cover 230. Thus, the lower cover 230 may be considered to form a part of the battery compartment. Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, a pressure relief element 246 may be provided. The pressure relief element 246 may be configured to rupture when the pressure in the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure. Thus, the air in the battery compartment may be allowed to escape in a safe and controlled manner.

[0082] In some embodiments, Figure 6 As shown, the battery compartment includes a pressure relief opening 226. In these embodiments, a pressure relief element 246 can be attached to the battery compartment to close the pressure relief opening. In embodiments including a lower cover 230 that can have a pressure relief opening 226, a pressure relief element can be attached to the lower cover 230.

[0083] Figure 7 The pressure relief element 246 is shown attached to the lower cover 230 to seal the Figure 7 The pressure relief opening 226 is no longer visible in the cover. The pressure relief element 246 can be attached to the battery compartment (eg, the lower cover 230) by any suitable means, including at least one of tape, pressure sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, and ultrasonic welding.

[0084] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the pressure relief element 246 may include a weak portion 248. The weak portion 248 may be configured to rupture when the pressure within the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure. The weak portion 248 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, the weak portion 248 may be formed by thinning the material in a specific area of ​​the pressure relief element 246. The weak portion 248 may be arranged on the pressure relief element 246 to align with the pressure relief opening 226. Such an arrangement can ensure that the weak portion 248 ruptures when the pressure reaches a threshold pressure. The pressure that causes the pressure relief element 246 to rupture may be limited by the weak portion 248 (e.g., its thickness).

[0085] The pressure relief element 246 may be defined by at least one of polyethylene terephthalate, foil, and any nonwoven material.

[0086] In some embodiments, Figure 6As shown, the aerosol supply device 204 may further include a protective cover 228. The protective cover 228 may be used to protect the pressure relief element 246 from being damaged by the user. The protective cover 228 may be provided as a separate component that can be attached to the aerosol supply device 204 (e.g., attached to the body 208 or the lowermost cover 230 of the aerosol supply device). The protective cover 228 will be referred to as Fig. 9 This is described in more detail below.

[0087] Figure 8 A view of the lower cover 230 described above is shown with the various components attached thereto but with the body 108 removed. The manner in which the pressure relief opening 226 extends through the lower cover 230 and the manner in which the pressure relief element 246 closes the pressure relief opening 226 can be more clearly seen in this view.

[0088] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken through the lower cover 230 is shown. As can be seen in this figure, the protective cover 228 can be spaced apart from the pressure relief element 246. In addition, the protective cover 228 can define a gas flow path extending between the pressure relief element 246 (specifically, a portion adjacent to the pressure relief opening 226) and the exterior of the aerosol supply device 204. This arrangement can define a space 250 that is shaped to receive at least a portion of the pressure relief element (e.g., the weak portion 248) when the pressure relief element 246 ruptures. In other words, when the pressure relief element 246 ruptures at a threshold pressure, the pressure relief element can rupture into the space defined by the protective cover 246.

[0089] refer to Fig. 9 During use, if the pressure within the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure, the pressure relief element 246 (e.g., its weakened portion 248) will rupture. The pressure within the battery compartment may increase gradually, for example, due to heating of the battery, or suddenly due to a rupture (e.g., explosion) of the battery. Once the pressure relief element 246 ruptures, this will allow air to escape the battery compartment through the pressure relief opening 226, exit through the space 250, and reach the exterior of the device 204. This outflow of air is Fig. 9 252. Protective cover 228 may include at least one opening through which air may escape to the exterior of device 204. In some embodiments, protective cover 228 may include multiple openings, and protective cover 228 may be configured to distribute air escaping the battery compartment through the openings. This may reduce the amount of hot air escaping any single opening, which may reduce the risk of injury to a user.

[0090] When the pressure relief element 226 ruptures, it can still provide a controlled rupture, as opposed to a more significant rupture of the device (e.g., its body 208). The pressure relief element 226 can be replaceable, and thus, even after rupture, the pressure relief element 226 can be replaced along with the battery if necessary and the device 204 can continue to be used. This can minimize waste.

[0091] The threshold pressure causing the pressure release element 246 to rupture can be set according to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the size, type and / or form of the battery; the size of the battery compartment; the structure of the aerosol supply device 204. In some embodiments, the threshold pressure can be at least 1000 kPa, such as at least 1500 kPa, such as at least 2000 kPa, such as 2070 kPa.

[0092] In the above about Figures 6 to 9 In the depicted embodiment, the pressure relief element 246 is attached to the aerosol supply 204. However, the pressure relief element may alternatively be integrally formed with the aerosol supply. Fig.10 Such an embodiment is shown in , which shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device 304 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the aerosol supply device 304 includes a body 308 and a battery compartment 318 that can accommodate a battery 320. The aerosol supply device 304 also includes a product receiving portion 336 that is heated by a heating device 338. Control electronics 354 for controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 304 can also be arranged in the body 308 of the device 304.

[0093] However, with Figures 6 to 9 Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 including a pressure relief element attached to the battery compartment, in Fig.10 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the pressure relief element 346 is integrally formed with the battery compartment 318. The pressure relief element 346 is configured to rupture when the pressure within the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure to allow air to escape from the battery compartment 318 to the exterior of the device 304.

[0094] In some embodiments, the pressure relief element 346 can be integrally formed within the wall of the body 308 of the device 304. Integrally forming the pressure relief element 346 in this manner can advantageously minimize the number of separate components that must be assembled together. Fig.10As shown, the pressure relief element 346 can be arranged on the side wall of the body 308, however, it should be understood that the pressure relief element can be arranged at any suitable location. The pressure relief element 346 can adopt any features of the embodiments discussed above, for example, the pressure relief element can include a weak portion that is configured to rupture when the pressure in the battery compartment 318 reaches a threshold pressure.

[0095] Although the illustrated embodiments have been described in the context of a battery compartment, it will be appreciated that the invention may alternatively be applied to any compartment of an aerosol supply device in which pressure increases, for example during use of the device. Thus, in any of the embodiments described herein, the battery compartment may be interchanged with another compartment of an aerosol supply device (i.e. any compartment in which pressure changes).

[0096] It should also be understood that although the permeable element or pressure relief element is generally shown and described as being on the distal end of the device and on the distal end of the battery compartment, such as on the cover of the device, the permeable element or pressure relief element may also be arranged at any suitable location on the aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device may include both a permeable element and a pressure relief element according to any embodiment described above.

[0097] It will be appreciated that the various embodiments described above may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0098] The multiple embodiments described in this article are only used to help understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of multiple embodiments, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described in this article should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments can be used and can be modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to the elements, parts, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. specifically described herein, multiple embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., consisting of appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. or substantially consisting of appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, include: a battery compartment configured to receive a battery for providing power to at least one electrical component of the aerosol supply device; Wherein the battery compartment comprises an opening, and wherein the opening is closed by a gas permeable element.

2. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The air-permeable element includes an air-permeable membrane.

3. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The opening is arranged on a bottom end of the battery compartment.

4. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a protective cover spaced apart from the air permeable element and extending at least partially over the air permeable element, in, The protective cover defines a gas flow path extending between an exterior of the aerosol supply device and the gas permeable element.

5. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The opening is arranged at an end of the battery compartment to face the end of the battery when the battery is inserted into the battery compartment.

6. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The breathable element is waterproof.

7. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The gas permeable element is attached to the battery compartment to close the opening by at least one of tape, pressure sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, and ultrasonic welding.

8. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The breathable element comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

9. An aerosol supply device, include: a battery compartment configured to receive a battery for providing power to at least one electrical component of the aerosol supply device; as well as A pressure relief element is fluid impermeable and is configured to rupture when pressure within the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure, such that air within the battery compartment can escape the battery compartment when the pressure relief element ruptures.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, in, The pressure relief element is integrally formed in a wall of the battery compartment.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, in, The battery compartment includes a pressure relief opening, and wherein the pressure relief element is attached to the battery compartment and closes the pressure relief opening.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 11, in, The pressure relief element is attached to the battery compartment to close the pressure relief opening by at least one of tape, pressure sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, and ultrasonic welding.

13. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, in, The pressure relief element includes a weakened portion configured to rupture when the pressure within the battery compartment reaches the threshold pressure.

14. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, in, The pressure relief element is made of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate, foil and any nonwoven material.

15. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising a protective cover spaced apart from the pressure relief element and extending at least partially over the pressure relief element, in, The protective cover defines a gas flow path extending between an exterior of the aerosol supply device and the pressure relief element, and wherein the protective cover defines a space shaped to receive at least a portion of the pressure relief element when the pressure relief element is ruptured.

16. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: include: a product receiving portion configured to receive a product containing an aerosol generating material; and a heating device configured to heat the product in the product receiving portion.

17. An aerosol supply system, include: An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as An article comprising an aerosol generating material and for insertion into said aerosol supply device.

Images