Aerosol provision device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol supply device and an aerosol supply system. Background Technology

[0002] Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Efforts have been made to provide alternatives to these burning tobacco products by developing products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating a material without burning it. This 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, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising: A battery compartment configured to receive a battery for supplying power to at least one electrical component of an aerosol supply device; The battery compartment includes an opening, and the opening is sealed by a venting element.

[0004] When the battery generates heat during operation, the venting membrane can advantageously allow hot air to escape from the battery compartment. This helps prevent pressure build-up within the battery compartment, which could otherwise damage the aerosol supply unit.

[0005] Breathable elements may include breathable membranes.

[0006] The opening can be in external fluid communication with the aerosol supply device.

[0007] The opening can be placed at the bottom of the battery compartment.

[0008] The aerosol supply device may also include a protective cover spaced apart from and extending at least partially over the venting element, wherein the protective cover defines a gas flow path extending between the exterior of the aerosol supply device and the venting element.

[0009] The opening can be positioned at the end of the battery compartment so that it faces the end of the battery when the battery is inserted into the battery compartment.

[0010] Breathable elements can be waterproof.

[0011] The breathable element can be attached to the battery compartment to seal the opening by at least one of the following methods: tape, pressure-sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, and ultrasonic welding.

[0012] The breathable element may contain expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising: A battery compartment configured to receive a battery for supplying power to at least one electrical component of an aerosol supply device; and A pressure relief element, which is impermeable to fluid and configured to rupture when the pressure in the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure, so that air in the battery compartment can escape from the battery compartment upon rupture.

[0014] This pressure relief element can advantageously release the pressure in the battery compartment in a controlled manner when pressure accumulates inside, without causing damage to other parts of the battery compartment or the entire device.

[0015] The pressure relief element can be integrally formed within the wall of the battery compartment.

[0016] The battery compartment may include a pressure relief opening, and a pressure relief element may be attached to the battery compartment and close the pressure relief opening. In the event of a rupture of the pressure relief element, the pressure relief opening may be in fluid communication with the external environment of the device.

[0017] Pressure relief elements can be attached to the battery compartment by at least one of tape, pressure-sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, and ultrasonic welding to seal the pressure relief opening.

[0018] The pressure relief element may include a weak portion configured to rupture when the pressure inside the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure.

[0019] The pressure relief element can be made of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate, foil, and any nonwoven material.

[0020] The aerosol supply device may also include a protective cover spaced apart from and extending at least partially over the pressure relief element, wherein the protective cover defines a gas flow path extending between the 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 in the event of its rupture.

[0021] The aerosol supply apparatus may further include: a product receiving section configured to receive a product containing aerosol generating material; and a heating device configured to heat the product within the product receiving section. The heating device may be part of an aerosol generator.

[0022] The aerosol supply device may include a battery housed within a battery compartment. The volume of the battery compartment may be larger than the volume of the battery housed therein, such that there is a certain amount of free space within the battery compartment not occupied by the battery. This free space may be occupied by air.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising: Aerosol supply devices according to any aspect or implementation described above; and Articles containing aerosol generating materials and intended for insertion into an aerosol supply device. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The implementation will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A side view of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view of the bottom of an aerosol supply device including a breathable membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 It shows crossing Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the bottom of the aerosol supply device shown; Figure 4 The bottom portion of the aerosol supply device shown in the previous figure is illustrated, wherein the venting element is separated from the opening; Figure 5 It shows crossing Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the aerosol supply device, illustrating the airflow flowing out of and into the battery compartment; Figure 6 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 is shown; Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A partial assembly diagram of the bottom end of the aerosol supply device shown; Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 A view of a sub-assembly of the cover of the aerosol supply device shown; Figure 9 It shows crossing Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a sub-assembly of the cover, illustrating the flow of air through it; and Figure 10 A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device including an integrally molded pressure relief element is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is, for example, a material capable of generating aerosols when supplied with energy by heating, radiation, or any other means. Aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials can include any plant-based material (such as materials containing tobacco), and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-generating materials can also be, for example, combinations or mixtures of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as "inhalable materials."

[0026] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol forming agent. Optionally, activators and / or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may be soluble or insoluble in that 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.

[0027] Aerosol-generating materials may include or may be "amorphous solids". Amorphous solids may be "monolithic solids". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can 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% to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solids.

[0028] Aerosol-generating materials may include aerosol-generating membranes. Aerosol-generating membranes may include or be sheets, which may optionally be shredded to form fragments. Aerosol-generating sheets or fragments may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0029] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material is non-flammable or non-ignitable, and can deliver at least one substance to a user. The aerosol supply system described herein can be a non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0030] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0031] In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not necessary.

[0032] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heated non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0033] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, one or more of which can be heated. Each of these aerosol-generating materials can be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0034] Typically, 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.

[0035] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol supply devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in this disclosure.

[0036] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device, 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 aerosol-generating or heat-transferring material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0037] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, nozzles, filters, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0038] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material delivery component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging paper, filter, nozzle and / or aerosol modifier.

[0039] The aerosol supply device can receive articles comprising aerosol-generating materials for heating. As used herein, "article" refers to a component that includes or contains aerosol-generating materials (which are heated to cause the aerosol-generating materials to volatilize), and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol supply device, then heat the article to generate an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or specific size, configured to be disposed within a heating chamber of the device whose dimensions are designed to receive the article.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol supply system 2 includes an aerosol supply device 4 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials. The aerosol supply system 2 also includes a replaceable article 6 containing the aerosol generating materials. In general, the aerosol supply device 4 can be used to heat the article 6 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium to be inhaled by a user of the device 4.

[0041] The aerosol supply device 4 includes a body 8. The body 8 can be considered as a housing device that forms around and accommodates various components of the device 4. An article hole 10 is formed at one end of the body 8 through which an article 6 can be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator 12 that may be contained within the body 8.

[0042] Device 4 may also include a user-operable control element 14, such as a button or switch, which operates device 4 when pressed. For example, a user can turn on device 4 by operating switch 14.

[0043] The aerosol generator 12 defines a longitudinal axis 9, which is aligned with the axis of the article 6. In use, the article 6 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 12, in which the article can be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 12.

[0044] The device 4 includes an aerosol generator 12 for heating the aerosol-generating material. This device includes an aerosol-generating assembly, a controller (control circuitry), and a power source. This 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 hole 10, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. Thus, the aerosol-generating assembly may include a heating device configured 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 or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0045] A power source can be electrically connected to the aerosol generating assembly to supply electricity, when needed and under the control of the controller, to heat the aerosol generating material. The control circuitry can be configured to enable and disable the aerosol generating assembly based on user input. User input can be via pressing a button or opening a door of the device (e.g., a door covering the consumable receiving container, such as a door covering opening 10). The control circuitry can be configured to enable and disable the assembly automatically, for example, when an article is inserted.

[0046] Aerosol generation assemblies may include various components that heat aerosol-generating materials via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a sensor) through electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include a sensing element (e.g., one or more induction coils) and means for passing a changing current (such as alternating current) through the sensing element. The changing current in the sensing element generates a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field passes through a sensor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the sensing element and generates eddy currents within the sensor. The sensor has resistance to the eddy currents, and the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance heats the sensor by Joule heating. In cases where the sensor contains a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel, or cobalt), heat can also be generated through hysteresis losses in the sensor, i.e., by changing the orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material due to alignment with the changing magnetic field. Compared to heating, for example, by conduction, in induction heating, heat is generated within the sensor, thus allowing for rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the sensing element and the sensor, thus allowing for increased freedom in construction and application. The sensor may, for example, be disposed within the article 6. In other embodiments, the sensor may be disposed in the device 4, specifically in the aerosol generating assembly, and may contact the article when the article 6 is inserted into the device 4. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating assembly may include a resistance heating device.

[0047] The end of device 4 closest to opening 10 may be referred to as the proximal end 5 (or mouth end or tip) of device 4, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts article 6 into opening 10, operates aerosol generator 12 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated in device 4. This causes the aerosol to flow through device 4 along a flow path toward the proximal end 5.

[0048] The other end of the device furthest 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 furthest from the user's mouth. When the user inhales the aerosol generated in the device 4, the aerosol flows in a direction toward the proximal end 5 of the device 4. The terms proximal and distal applied to the features of the device 4 will be described by referring to the relative positioning of these features with respect to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis 9.

[0049] Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 2 shown (specifically, the aerosol supply device 4) may include any features of the various embodiments of the aerosol supply device discussed below.

[0050] Figure 2 The distal end 116 of the body 108 of an 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 the body 108 including a battery compartment 118. A battery 120 is housed in the battery compartment 118. The battery 120 can supply power to at least one electrical component of the aerosol supply device 104, such as an aerosol generator, controller, light source, speaker, haptic device, or any other electrically driven electrical component within the aerosol supply device 104.

[0051] In some embodiments, the battery compartment 118 includes an opening closed by a venting element 124. Figure 2 (Not visible in the image). Such openings and venting elements 124 allow air exchange between the battery compartment 118 and the environment in which the device 104 is located. This ensures that the temperature of any air within the battery compartment 118 does not become excessively high, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage due to pressure buildup within the device 104.

[0052] Figure 3 It shows crossing Figure 2 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 102. The arrangement of the battery 120 within the battery compartment 118 is shown more clearly. The battery compartment 118 includes an opening 126 closed by a venting element 124. The venting element 124 can have any suitable form that allows gas to flow through it. The venting element 124 can be, for example, in the form of a breathable membrane. The venting element 124 can be waterproof. Such a venting 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 venting element 124 can be made of any material that allows gas to flow through it. In one set of embodiments, the venting element 124 can be made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

[0053] exist Figure 3In the view shown, the aerosol supply device 104 is shown in a vertical orientation. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the opening 126 can be arranged at the bottom end 118A (e.g., the distal end) of the battery compartment 118. The bottom end 118A (e.g., the distal end) can correspond to the end of the battery compartment 118 opposite the end (proximal end) where the aerosol generating article of the aerosol supply device 104 is inserted and where the user places their mouth around it during use. Arranging the pressure relief opening 126 at the bottom end 118A ensures 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.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device 104 includes a protective cover 128 that is spaced apart from and extends at least partially over the venting element 124. This can be achieved... Figure 3 As can be seen from this, the protective cover 128 can be used to protect the ventilated element 124, which would otherwise be easily damaged. The protective cover 128 can take any suitable form to properly protect the ventilated element.

[0055] The protective cover 128 can form the lowermost side cover 130, which can close the distal end 116 of the body 108 of the aerosol supply device 104 and thus also close a portion of the bottom end of the battery compartment 118. When the lowermost side cover 130 closes the bottom end of the battery compartment, the lowermost side cover 130 can be considered to at least partially define the battery compartment 118, and thus can be considered part of the battery compartment 118. An opening 126 can be formed in the lowermost side cover 130. The remainder of the battery compartment 118 can be defined by the walls of the body 108, and in fact can be defined by any other suitable walls / structures within the body 108.

[0056] The protective cover 128 may form / define a flow path 132 extending between the venting element 124 and the exterior of the aerosol supply device 104. In the depicted embodiment, the flow path 132 terminates at an opening 134 that allows gas to flow out through the flow path 132 to the exterior of the aerosol supply device 104.

[0057] In some embodiments, the pressure relief opening 126 is arranged 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 As shown. The battery compartment 118 can be elongated to accommodate an elongated battery 120. However, it should be understood that the battery compartment can have any suitable shape and can accommodate any suitable battery.

[0058] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the aerosol supply device 104 may include a product receiving portion 136 disposed within the body 108. The product receiving portion 136 may be sized and configured to receive the aerosol-generated product when it is inserted into the aerosol supply device 104. An aerosol generator including a heating device 138 may also be configured to heat the aerosol-generated product when it is inserted into the product receiving portion 136.

[0059] In some embodiments, the lowermost side cover 130 is attached to the body 108 of the aerosol supply device 104 via a sealing element 140. This can be used to seal the bottom end of the body 108.

[0060] The battery compartment 118 can be configured to be larger than the battery 120 it contains. Therefore, when the battery 120 is inserted into the battery compartment, there can be a certain amount of free space that can accommodate air.

[0061] Figure 4 A perspective view of the aerosol supply device 104 shown in the previous figures is presented, with the body 108 of the aerosol supply device removed to show the internal components of the aerosol supply device more clearly. In the view shown, the vent element 124 is separated from the opening 126. In some embodiments, as shown, an adhesive 140, such as double-sided tape, may be provided around the opening 126. During assembly of the device 104, the vent element 124 can be attached to the pressure relief opening 126 by the adhesive 140. Although the adhesive 140 is shown and described, it should be understood that other forms of attachment can be used. For example, the vent element 124 can be attached to the battery compartment 118 using pressure-sensitive adhesives, welding, or ultrasonic welding.

[0062] As mentioned above, by providing a vent element 124 on the battery compartment 118, gas can escape from the battery compartment 118. This prevents damage to the device 104, at least in some cases. For example, in the event of a battery 120 failure, the temperature of the battery 120 may rise, which could lead to an increase in the air temperature inside the battery compartment. Without the vent element 124, as the temperature of the gas inside the battery compartment 118 rises, the pressure inside the battery compartment 118 may increase, and in some cases, this could ultimately lead to an explosion of the device 104. However, this can be avoided by the presence of the vent element 124. This will be referred to... Figure 5 This will be explained in more detail below.

[0063] Figure 5Aerosol supply device 104 in use is shown. During use, the battery 120 can generate heat when its power is consumed, or in fact, may generate heat in the event of a battery failure. The heat generated by the battery 120 can be used to heat the air within the battery compartment 118. Advantageously, the presence of a vent element 124 allows hot air to flow out through a pressure relief opening 126 (indicated by arrow 142) to the outside of the device 104. Simultaneously, cooler air from outside the device 104 can flow into the battery compartment 118 through the pressure relief opening 126 and the vent element 124. This can help regulate the temperature of the air within the battery compartment 118 and thereby prevent pressure buildup within the battery compartment 118, which would otherwise cause the aerosol supply device 104 to rupture, for example, through a rupture of the body 108 (e.g., an explosion). Therefore, the vent element can be used to reduce the risk of potential injury to the user of the device 104.

[0064] In some instances, the battery 118 itself may rupture (e.g., explode), which could cause a sudden increase in air pressure within the battery compartment 118. Nevertheless, the venting element 118 allows air to escape from the battery compartment 118, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the rest of the device 104.

[0065] Using the breathable element described above is not the only way to prevent 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 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 The distal end 216 shown is illustrated in a partially exploded view to more clearly illustrate the components of this embodiment. Similar to the embodiments described above, the aerosol generating apparatus 204 may include a battery compartment located within the body 208 of the apparatus 204, the battery compartment facing... Figure 6 The base of the device 204 shown extends outwards. The battery compartment is not visible in this figure; however, it can be considered to be the same as the battery compartment 118 shown above, except that the battery compartment is provided with a venting element 124.

[0066] Similar to the embodiments described above, the base of the battery compartment can be closed by the lower cover 230. Thus, the lower cover 230 can be considered to form 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 inside the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure. Therefore, air inside the battery compartment can be allowed to escape in a safe and controlled manner.

[0067] In some implementations, such as Figure 6As shown, the battery compartment includes a pressure relief opening 226. In these embodiments, a pressure relief element 246 may be attached to the battery compartment to close the pressure relief opening. In embodiments that include a lower cover 230 that may have the pressure relief opening 226, the pressure relief element may be attached to the lower cover 230.

[0068] Figure 7 The pressure relief element 246 is shown attached to the lower cover 230 to close the pressure relief element. Figure 7 The pressure relief opening 226 is no longer visible in the middle. The pressure relief element 246 can be attached to the battery compartment (e.g., the lower cover 230) by any suitable means, including at least one of tape, pressure-sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, and ultrasonic welding.

[0069] 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 region 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 ensures that the weak portion 248 ruptures when the pressure reaches the threshold pressure. The pressure that causes the pressure relief element 246 to rupture may be defined by the weak portion 248 (e.g., its thickness).

[0070] The pressure relief element 246 may be defined by at least one of polyethylene terephthalate, foil, and any nonwoven material.

[0071] In some implementations, such as Figure 6 As shown, the aerosol supply device 204 may also include a protective cover 228. The protective cover 228 can be used to protect the pressure relief element 246 from user damage. The protective cover 228 can be configured as a separate component that can be attached to the aerosol supply device 204 (e.g., attached to the body 208 or the lowermost side cover 230 of the aerosol supply device). The protective cover 228 will be referenced... Figure 9 This will be described in more detail below.

[0072] Figure 8 A view of the lower cover 230 described above is shown, in which the various components are attached to the lower cover, but the body 108 is removed. The way the pressure relief opening 226 extends through the lower cover 230 and the way the pressure relief element 246 closes the pressure relief opening 226 can be seen more clearly in this figure.

[0073] Figure 9A cross-sectional view taken through the lower cover 230 is shown. As can be seen in this figure, the protective cover 228 may be spaced apart from the pressure relief element 246. Furthermore, the protective cover 228 may define a gas flow path extending between the pressure relief element 246 (specifically the portion adjacent to the pressure relief opening 226) and the exterior of the aerosol supply device 204. This arrangement may define a space 250 shaped to receive at least a portion of the pressure relief element (e.g., the weak point 248) upon rupture of the pressure relief element 246. In other words, when the pressure relief element 246 ruptures at a threshold pressure, the pressure relief element may rupture into the space defined by the protective cover 246.

[0074] refer to Figure 9 During use, if the pressure inside the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure, the pressure relief element 246 (e.g., its weak point 248) will rupture. The pressure inside the battery compartment may increase gradually, for example, due to battery heating, or suddenly due to battery rupture (e.g., explosion). Once the pressure relief element 246 ruptures, this will allow air to escape from the battery compartment through the pressure relief opening 226, exit through space 250, and reach the outside of device 204. This air outflow... Figure 9 The image is depicted by arrow 252. The protective cover 228 may include at least one opening through which air can escape to the outside of the device 204. In some embodiments, the protective cover 228 may include multiple openings, and the protective cover 228 may be configured to distribute air escaping from the battery compartment through these openings. This can reduce the amount of hot air escaping from any single opening, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the user.

[0075] In contrast to a more significant rupture of the device (e.g., its body 208), the pressure relief element 226 can still provide a controlled rupture even when it ruptures. The pressure relief element 226 can be replaceable, and thus, even after rupture, it can be replaced along with the battery if needed, and the device 204 can continue to be used. This minimizes waste.

[0076] The threshold pressure that causes the pressure relief 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; and the structure of the aerosol supply device 204. In some embodiments, the threshold pressure may be at least 1000 kPa, such as at least 1500 kPa, at least 2000 kPa, or 2070 kPa.

[0077] In the above about Figures 6 to 9In the described embodiment, the pressure relief element 246 is attached to the aerosol supply device 204. However, the pressure relief element may alternatively be integrally formed with the aerosol supply device. Figure 10 The figure illustrates an embodiment 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 for accommodating a battery 320. The aerosol supply device 304 also includes a product receiving portion 336 heated by a heating device 338. Control electronics 354 for controlling the operation of the aerosol supply device 304 may also be arranged within the body 308 of the device 304.

[0078] However, with Figures 6 to 9 The embodiment shown in the image, which includes a pressure relief element attached to the battery compartment, differs from the one depicted in that... Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, 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 inside the battery compartment reaches a threshold pressure, so as to allow air to escape from the battery compartment 318 to the outside of the device 304.

[0079] In some embodiments, the pressure relief element 346 may be integrally formed within the wall of the body 308 of the device 304. Integrating the pressure relief element 346 integrally in this way can advantageously minimize the number of individual components that must be assembled together. Figure 10 As shown, the pressure relief element 346 can be disposed on the side wall of the body 308; however, it should be understood that the pressure relief element can be disposed in any suitable location. The pressure relief element 346 can adopt any features of the embodiments discussed above, for example, the pressure relief element may include a weak portion configured to rupture when the pressure within the battery compartment 318 reaches a threshold pressure.

[0080] Although the described embodiments have been presented in the context of battery compartments, it should be understood that the invention can be alternatively applied to any compartment of the aerosol supply device, such as any compartment where pressure increases during use of the device. Therefore, in any embodiment described herein, the battery compartment can be interchanged with another compartment of the aerosol supply device (i.e., any compartment where pressure changes).

[0081] It should also be understood that, although venting elements or pressure relief elements are 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, venting elements or pressure relief elements may also be arranged at any suitable location on the aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device may include both venting elements and pressure relief elements according to any of the embodiments described above.

[0082] It should be understood that the various implementations described above can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0083] The various embodiments described herein are provided only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as representative examples of various embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to the elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc. specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, comprising: A battery compartment configured to receive a battery for supplying power to at least one electrical component of the aerosol supply device; The battery compartment includes an opening, and the opening is sealed by a venting element.

2. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The breathable element includes a breathable membrane.

3. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening is located at the bottom of the battery compartment.

4. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a protective cover, the protective cover being spaced apart from the venting element and extending at least partially over the venting element, wherein, The protective cover defines a gas flow path extending between the outside of the aerosol supply device and the ventilated element.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening is located at the end of the battery compartment so as to face the end of the battery when the battery is inserted into the battery compartment.

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

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

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

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

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

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein, The battery compartment includes a pressure relief opening, 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, wherein, The pressure relief element is attached to the battery compartment by at least one of tape, pressure-sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, welding, and ultrasonic welding to seal the pressure relief opening.

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

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

15. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising a protective cover, the protective cover being spaced apart from and extending at least partially over the pressure relief element, wherein, The protective cover defines a gas flow path extending between the outside 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 in the event of rupture of the pressure relief element.

16. The aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The article receiving section is configured to receive articles containing aerosol-generating materials; And a heating device configured to heat the article within the article receiving section.

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

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