Aerosol generating device with ventilation channels

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (1) comprising a housing part (6), in which a ventilation channel (11) extends from an outer opening (15) of the housing part to an inner opening (14) of the housing part, and in which the ventilation channel (11) extends in at least two different directions inside the housing part (6) along a line extending from the outer opening (15) of the housing part to the inner opening (14) of the housing part. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the aerosol generating device (1) and to the use of a closure member (25) of the aerosol generating device (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device having a ventilation channel, a method of making an aerosol generating device, and the use of a closure member in an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a need to improve the seals of aerosol generating devices and to compensate for excess gas pressure within the seals of aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In a first aspect of the invention, the aerosol generating device comprises a housing including a housing part. The ventilation channel extends from an outer opening of the housing part to an inner opening of the housing part. The ventilation channel extends in at least two different directions inside the housing part along a line extending from the outer opening of the housing part to the inner opening of the housing part. The change in direction of the ventilation channel may reduce the ingress of liquids, in particular water, or contaminants into the device. In particular, the ventilation channel allows the pressure difference inside the aerosol generating device to be corrected with respect to the ambient pressure. In particular, the ventilation channel may prevent a pressure increase inside the device if the temperature inside the housing increases due to the generation of aerosols.

[0004] In a second aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating device comprises a housing including a housing portion. A ventilation channel extends from an outer opening of the housing portion to an inner opening of the housing portion. The electrical conductor is embedded within and extends through the housing portion. This arrangement of the ventilation channel and electrical conductor in the housing portion may be space efficient. In particular, it may reduce the dimensions of the device. In particular, it may allow for quick assembly of the aerosol generating device and may reduce manufacturing costs. Embedding the electrical conductor in the housing portion may reduce the possibility of tolerance gaps between the electrical conductor and the housing portion. In particular, it may improve sealing of the device.

[0005] The electrical conductor may comprise at least two conductive portions. The at least two conductive portions may contact each other within the housing portion. The use of more than two conductive portions may be more efficient with respect to the manufacture of the device. The location of the contacts of the at least two conductive portions within the housing portion may prevent undesired disconnection of the conductive portions.

[0006] The vent channel may extend in at least two different directions within the housing portion along a line extending from the exterior opening of the housing portion to the interior opening of the housing portion, the change in direction of the vent channel potentially reducing the ingress of liquids or contaminants into the device.

[0007] In a third aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating device includes an electrical connector and a housing including a housing portion. The vent channel extends from an exterior opening of the housing portion to an interior opening of the housing portion. The electrical connector forms a vent channel extension. The vent channel connects to the interior opening of the vent channel extension. The vent channel extension is at least partially surrounded by the electrical conductor. Such a configuration may be space efficient. In particular, it may reduce the dimensions of the device. In particular, it may allow for efficient assembly of the aerosol generating device and may reduce manufacturing costs. The electrical connector opening may be used to compensate for excess gas pressure. The electrical connector opening may be the only opening towards the interior of the housing portion. A separate opening may not be required in the housing. This reduces potential locations for fluid or contaminant ingress. Manufacturing and assembly operations may be reduced.

[0008] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a heating chamber. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a heating element. The aerosol generating article may be inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0009] The outer opening of the vent channel extension may define a plug insertion opening.

[0010] The inner opening of the vent channel extension and the plug insertion opening may be located on either side of the electrical connector along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device, the longitudinal axis being defined as the direction along which the distance between the ends of the aerosol generating device is greatest.

[0011] The vent channel extension may be completely surrounded by the electrical conductor.

[0012] The housing portion may be formed from a single piece. The housing portion and the electrical connector may be formed from a single piece. Forming the housing portion from a single piece, or forming the housing portion and the electrical connector from a single piece, allows for a more robust design. In particular, it may reduce assembly time.

[0013] The housing portion and the electrical connector may be separate parts or may be coupled to one another, which may be advantageous from a manufacturing standpoint.

[0014] The vent channel may extend in at least two different directions within the housing portion along a line extending from the exterior opening of the housing portion to the interior opening of the housing portion, the change in direction of the vent channel potentially reducing the ingress of liquids or contaminants into the device.

[0015] The ventilation channels may be tubular channels, which may have a circular, rectangular, elliptical, or polygonal cross-section.

[0016] The vent channel may have a closed perimeter between an outer opening of the housing portion and an inner opening of the housing portion, such that no fluid flow is possible to or from the vent channel between the outer opening of the housing portion and the inner opening of the housing portion.

[0017] The closed perimeter may be formed by the housing portion, in particular the closed perimeter is free of any allowable gaps, which may reduce the ingress of liquids or contaminants.

[0018] The at least two different directions in which the ventilation channels extend may differ by an angle between 30 degrees and 150 degrees, in particular between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, in particular 90 degrees. Such an angle may be advantageous in reducing the ingress of liquids or contaminants.

[0019] The ventilation channel may comprise a first ventilation channel portion and a second ventilation channel portion. The first ventilation channel portion may be closer to the inner opening of the housing portion than the second ventilation channel portion. The first ventilation channel portion may extend in a first direction. The second ventilation channel portion may extend in a second direction. The first and second directions may be inclined relative to each other at an angle between 30° and 150°, in particular between 60° and 120°, in particular 90°. Such an inclination may be advantageous to reduce ingress of liquids or contaminants.

[0020] The first vent channel portion and the second vent channel portion may be connected to one another at an intersection. A vent channel cavity may be provided at the intersection. The vent channel cavity may be formed as an extension of the first vent channel portion or the second vent channel portion beyond the intersection. The vent channel cavity may further reduce the ingress of liquids and contaminants.

[0021] The ventilation channel may be L-shaped, i.e., shaped like the Latin letter L. Specifically, it may be formed by a first ventilation channel portion and a second ventilation channel portion, and the first ventilation channel portion and the second ventilation channel portion may have different lengths and may be connected to each other at an angle of 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0022] The second ventilation channel portion may be longer than the first ventilation channel portion.The second ventilation channel portion may be shorter than the first ventilation channel portion.

[0023] The vent channels may have a cross-sectional area of ​​0.5 square millimeters to 5.5 square millimeters, which while allowing sufficient gas flow, may make it difficult for liquids and contaminants to pass through the channels.

[0024] The cross-sectional area of ​​the vent channel may vary along the extension of the vent channel from the inner opening of the housing portion to the outer opening of the housing portion. In particular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first vent channel may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second vent channel portion. This may allow water entering through the second vent channel portion to spread inside the first vent channel portion. In particular, this may promote evaporation of water inside the vent channel. The aerosol generating device may further comprise an electrical connector. The electrical connector forms the vent channel extension. The vent channel may be coupled to the inner opening of the vent channel extension. The vent channel extension may be at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.

[0025] The outer opening of the vent channel extension may define a plug insertion opening. The inner opening of the vent channel extension and the plug insertion opening may be located on either side of the electrical connector along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0026] The housing portion may form an electrical connector. This arrangement of the ventilation channel and electrical connector in the housing portion may be space efficient. In particular, it may reduce assembly time and improve manufacturing. The ventilation channel may be at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.

[0027] The electrical connector may be part of the vent channel. The vent channel may be at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.

[0028] The outer opening of the ventilation channel may form a plug insertion opening. A plug inserted into the ventilation channel may be in contact with an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may be used to charge a battery in the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be adapted to generate aerosols solely by power supply from the built-in battery. During aerosol generation, the ventilation channel may be free of a plug and may vent unimpeded. This may compensate for heat generated during aerosol generation. During battery charging, the plug may partially or completely block the ventilation channel.

[0029] The ventilation channels allow ventilation to compensate for thermal expansion due to heat generated by the battery during charging.

[0030] The electrical conductors may be embedded in the housing portion, which may be done by or may include molding the housing portion over the electrical conductors.

[0031] The electrical conductors may extend through the housing parts, which facilitates sealing of the components of the aerosol generating device while at the same time allowing electrical current to be supplied to the device.

[0032] The housing part may seal the housing. The housing part may seal the housing against gases, liquids, contaminants, or a combination thereof. This may mitigate ingress of liquids, gases, or contaminants into the device. The housing may be sealed at an opposite end by another part.

[0033] The housing part may be a molded polymer part. Molding can effectively form ventilation channels. In particular, it allows conductors or other components to be embedded. In particular, gaps between parts or components may be filled by the molding process. The housing part can be formed of a polymeric material.

[0034] The housing portion may be formed by post-molding. The molded part may be placed back into the mold and molded to form the housing portion. By post-molding, components may be embedded or attached to the housing portion.

[0035] The housing portion may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone rubber, or polyamide.

[0036] The housing portion may form part of an inner frame adapted to house at least one operating component of the aerosol generating device. The at least one operating component may be a battery, a microprocessor, a heater, a vaporizer, or a container, among others. Combining the housing portion and the inner frame may reduce assembly time.

[0037] The inner opening of the housing part may open into the sealed internal housing chamber. Gas flows from the sealed internal housing chamber through the inner opening of the housing part and through the ventilation channel to the outside, in particular by heating, to balance excess gas pressure in the sealed internal housing chamber.

[0038] The outer opening of the housing part may open towards an end face of the aerosol generating device. The outer opening of the housing part may open towards an end face in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. When a user holds the device, the end face of the aerosol generating device is unlikely to be covered by the user's hand. Therefore, opening the ventilation channel towards the end face may provide better ventilation. The outer opening of the housing part may open at least partially towards the end face of the aerosol generating device.

[0039] The aerosol generating device may comprise a cavity for accommodating an aerosol-generating article. The end face having the outer opening of the housing part may be arranged on the opposite side of the aerosol generating device to the aerosol-generating article-accommodating cavity, particularly in relation to the longitudinal direction.

[0040] The housing may comprise a housing wall. The housing portion may form or may form part of the closure member. The housing portion and the electrical connector may form part of the closure member. The closure member may close an end of the housing wall. The closure member may seal the housing or a sealed internal housing chamber.

[0041] A sealing member may be disposed between the housing portion and the housing wall. In particular, the sealing member may seal the interior of the aerosol generating device to form a sealed interior housing chamber. The sealing member may reduce ingress of liquids, gases, contaminants, or combinations thereof into the sealed interior housing chamber.

[0042] The housing portion, the housing wall, or both may include a circumferentially extending recess. The circumferentially extending recess may accommodate a sealing member. The recess may serve to hold the sealing member in place. In particular, it may serve to prevent slippage of the sealing member along the housing portion or housing wall. Slippage may create a gap between the sealing member and the housing portion or housing wall. In particular, displacement of the sealing member may allow liquid, gas, or contaminants to enter the sealed interior housing chamber.

[0043] The sealing member may be overmolded onto the housing part, which may allow the sealing member to adapt to the shape of the housing part, in particular improving the seal.

[0044] The sealing member may be an O-ring, which can be quickly attached to the housing part, in particular, thereby reducing the assembly time of the aerosol generating device.

[0045] The sealing member may be made of nitrile-butadiene rubber, nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone, fluorine rubber, acrylate rubber, perfluoro rubber, perfluorinated rubber, polychloroprene rubber, chlorine rubber, chlorosulfonyl-polyethylene rubber, polyester-urethane rubber, polyether-urethane rubber, butyl rubber, fluorinated ethylene propylene, perfluoroalkoxy, polyvinylidene fluoride, or combinations thereof.

[0046] Venting means may be attached to the housing part. The venting means may allow compensation of excess gas pressure inside the aerosol generating device, in particular inside the sealed inner housing chamber.

[0047] The venting means may be secured to the housing part by ultrasonic welding or double-sided adhesive tape, which may prevent the venting means from becoming detached from the housing part.

[0048] The venting means may be partially embedded within the housing part, in particular an edge of the venting means may be partially or completely embedded within the housing part, which may prevent the venting means from becoming detached from the housing part.

[0049] The vent means may be adjacent to the inner opening of the housing portion. Such an arrangement may increase the durability of the vent means.

[0050] The axis perpendicular to the vent means may be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The axis perpendicular to the vent means may be inclined relative to the second vent channel portion. The axis perpendicular to the vent means may extend in the same direction as the first vent channel portion.

[0051] The venting means may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0052] The venting means may be permeable to gas and impermeable to water, and therefore the aerosol generating device, and in particular the sealed internal housing chamber, may be waterproof.

[0053] The venting means may be adapted to allow gas to flow from the sealed internal housing chamber through the vent channel to the exterior of the aerosol generating device. The venting means may be adapted to prevent liquids or contaminants from entering the sealed internal housing chamber. Such a configuration allows for compensation of excess gas pressure while preventing the ingress of liquids or contaminants into the sealed internal housing chamber.

[0054] The redirection of the ventilation channels allows the ventilation means to be protected from external impacts, in particular exposure to sharp objects and sunlight, without the need for a cover element, in particular it allows the durability of the ventilation means to be increased, in particular it allows the number of separate parts in the aerosol generating device to be reduced, in particular it allows the assembly time to be reduced.

[0055] The venting means is positioned over the opening of the vent channel with an overlap. The overlap may be between 0.1 millimeters and 10 millimeters, preferably between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters. The overlap may improve sealing.

[0056] The ventilation means may comprise a support structure. The support structure may be a frame. The support structure provides structural stability to the ventilation means. In particular, it may protect the ventilation means.

[0057] The venting means may comprise a membrane. The membrane may be adapted to allow the passage of gases and prevent the passage of liquids and contaminants. The support structure may at least partially surround the membrane. The membrane may be attached to the support structure, particularly by adhesive.

[0058] The membrane may be hydrophobic and oleophobic, allowing it to protect the sealed internal housing chamber from polar liquids, such as water, and non-polar liquids, such as oil.

[0059] The membrane may be a nonwoven. The nonwoven may be spunbonded. The membrane may comprise polyethylene terephthalate or polytetrafluoroethylene. The membrane may be composed of one or more layers, in particular two or three layers.

[0060] The membrane may comprise expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or polyurethane, preferably expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, which allows for the implementation of a preferably waterproof gas-permeable membrane.

[0061] The membrane may include pores having a nominal diameter of 0.02 micrometers to 10 micrometers, preferably 0.02 micrometers to 5 micrometers, preferably 0.02 micrometers to 1 micrometer, which allows the membrane to be sufficiently gas permeable. In particular, this allows the membrane to be sufficiently waterproof.

[0062] The membrane may have a water ingress pressure of at least 5 kPa, in particular 10 kPa to 200 kPa, which enables the membrane to be sufficiently waterproof.

[0063] The membrane may have an airflow of 200 ml / cm2 to 4000 ml / cm2 at 7 kPa, in particular 200 ml / cm2 to 2000 ml / cm2 at 7 kPa, in particular 200 ml / cm2 to 1200 ml / cm2 at 7 kPa, which allows rapid compensation of excess pressure inside the sealed inner housing chamber.

[0064] The membrane may have a thickness of 10 micrometers to 1000 micrometers, preferably 50 micrometers to 750 micrometers, preferably 100 micrometers to 500 micrometers, which provides structural stability and yet a membrane with sufficient permeability.

[0065] The membrane may be operable over a temperature range of -200 degrees Celsius to 260 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the membrane may be operable over a temperature range of -20 degrees Celsius to 90 degrees Celsius. The membrane may have the aforesaid air volumes over all of these temperature ranges. The vent means may have the aforesaid water entry pressures over all of these temperature ranges.

[0066] The membrane may be secured to the housing part by ultrasonic welding or double-sided adhesive tape, which can prevent the membrane from separating from the housing part.

[0067] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating device, in particular according to any of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention, comprising pouring a moulding material into a mould to form a housing part and then connecting the housing part to a housing wall to form a sealed internal housing chamber, the ventilation channels extending in at least two different directions inside the housing part to allow ventilation of the sealed internal housing chamber.

[0068] The method may further include disposing a conductive portion in the mould. The conductive portion may be partially embedded in the housing portion. The conductive portion may extend through the housing portion.

[0069] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device, particularly according to any of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention, comprising locating a conductive part in a mould and injecting moulding material into the mould to form a housing part and a ventilation channel in the housing part, the ventilation channel extending through the housing part, and the conductive part being at least partially embedded in the housing part.

[0070] The conductive portion may form an electrical conductor, which may extend through the housing portion.

[0071] The electrical conductor may be formed from at least two conductive portions, which may contact each other at the housing portion.

[0072] The ventilation channel may extend in at least two different directions inside the housing portion.

[0073] The ventilation channel may have a closed perimeter between an outer opening of the housing portion and an inner opening of the housing portion.

[0074] The manufacturing method may further include sealing a gap between the housing portion and the housing wall with a sealing member.

[0075] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating device, in particular provided with a housing part according to any of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention, the housing part comprising a ventilation channel extending through the housing part, the housing part further comprising a receiving slit, the conductive part being inserted into the receiving slit and the housing part being connected to the housing wall.

[0076] The conductive portion may form an electrical conductor, which may extend through the housing portion.

[0077] The conductive portion may form part of a conductor. The conductor may comprise another conductive portion embedded or inserted within the housing portion. The conductor may extend through the housing portion.

[0078] The housing portion may form a portion of the closure member. The vent channel may extend in at least two different directions inside the closure member. The vent channel may have a closed perimeter between an outer opening of the closure member and an inner opening of the closure member.

[0079] The housing portion may be formed from a single piece.

[0080] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a closure member, particularly in an aerosol generating device according to any of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention, to provide a ventilation channel and to embed the electrical conductors. Using a closure member for both ventilation and embedding the electrical conductors can be space efficient. Furthermore, it allows for rapid assembly of the aerosol generating device.

[0081] The closure member may also be used to support the sealing member.

[0082] The ventilation channel can protect the ventilation means from external impacts, in particular from sunlight, sharp objects or interference with the user. The ventilation means may be adjacent to the ventilation channel.

[0083] The closure member may be formed from a unitary piece.

[0084] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to the first, second or third aspect of the present invention and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate for use with the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article may be attached to or inserted into the aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating substrate may form part of the aerosol generating article or may be packed or located within the aerosol generating article.

[0085] A device according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention may be manufactured according to the method of the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect of the invention. A manufacturing method according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect of the invention may be used to manufacture a device according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention. The use of a closure member according to the seventh aspect of the invention may be carried out using method steps of a method according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect of the invention with a device according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0086] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a cross-section of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 excluding the housing wall. [Figure 4] 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an end region of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an end region of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0087] [Example] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0088] Example 1: An aerosol generating device having a housing comprising a housing portion, wherein a ventilation channel extends from an outer opening of the housing portion to an inner opening of the housing portion, and the ventilation channel extends in at least two different directions within the housing portion along an extension line from the outer opening of the housing portion to the inner opening of the housing portion. Example 2: An aerosol generating device having a housing comprising a housing portion, the housing portion having a ventilation channel extending from an outer opening of the housing portion to an inner opening of the housing portion, and an electrical conductor embedded within and extending through the housing portion. Example 3: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 2, wherein the conductor has at least two conductive portions that are in contact with each other within the housing portion. Example 4: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 2 or Example 3, wherein the ventilation channel extends in at least two different directions within the housing part along an extension line from the outer opening of the housing part to the inner opening of the housing part. Example 5: An aerosol generating device having a housing comprising: a housing portion, the housing portion having a ventilation channel extending from an inner opening of the housing portion to an outer opening of the housing portion; and an electrical connector, the electrical connector forming a ventilation channel extension, the ventilation channel connecting to the inner opening of the ventilation channel extension, the ventilation channel extension being at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor. Example 6: 6. The aerosol generating device of example 5, wherein the ventilation channel extension is at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor. Example 7: The aerosol generation device of example 5 or example 6, wherein the outer opening of the vent channel extension forms a plug insertion opening. Example 8: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 5 to 7, wherein the inner opening and the plug insertion opening of the ventilation channel extension are positioned on either side of the electrical connector in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. Example 9: 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 5 to 8, wherein the ventilation channel extension is at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor. Example 10: 10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of embodiments 5 to 9, wherein the housing portion and the electrical connector are formed from a single piece. Example 11: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 5 to 10, wherein the housing portion and the electrical connector are separate parts and are connected to each other. Example 12: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 5 to 11, wherein the ventilation channel extends in at least two different directions inside the housing part along an extension line from the outer opening of the housing part to the inner opening of the housing part. Example 13: 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the housing part is formed from a single piece. Example 14: 14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the ventilation channel has a closed periphery between the outer opening of the housing part and the inner opening of the housing part. Example 15: 15. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 14, wherein the closed periphery is formed by a housing portion. Example 16: 16. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the at least two different directions differ by an angle of 30 degrees to 150 degrees, preferably 60 degrees to 120 degrees, and preferably about 90 degrees. Example 17: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the ventilation channel comprises a first ventilation channel portion and a second ventilation channel portion, the first ventilation channel portion extending in a first direction and the second ventilation channel portion extending in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are inclined relative to each other at an angle of 30 degrees to 150 degrees, preferably 60 degrees to 120 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees. Example 18: 18. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the ventilation channel is L-shaped. Example 19: 19. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the ventilation channel has a cross-sectional area of ​​0.5 square millimeters to 5.5 square millimeters. Example 20: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 19, further comprising an electrical connector, the electrical connector forming an air vent channel extension, the air vent channel being connected to an inner opening of the air vent channel extension, and the air vent channel extension being at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor. Example 21: 21. The aerosol generation device of Example 20, wherein the outer opening of the vent channel extension forms a plug insertion opening. Example 22: 22. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 21, wherein the inner opening and the plug insertion opening of the ventilation channel extension are positioned on either side of the electrical connector in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. Example 23: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the housing portion forms an electrical connector and the ventilation channel is at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor. Example 24: 24. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the outer opening of the ventilation channel forms a plug insertion opening. Example 25: 25. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the conductor is embedded in the housing portion. Example 26: 26. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 25, wherein the electrical conductor extends through the housing portion. Example 27: 27. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the housing part seals the housing. Example 28: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the housing part is a molded polymer part, in particular formed by secondary moulding. Example 29: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the housing portion forms part of an inner frame adapted to house at least one operating component of the aerosol generating device. Example 30: 30. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the inner opening of the housing portion opens into a sealed inner housing chamber. Example 31: 31. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the outer opening of the housing part opens towards the end face of the aerosol generating device. Example 32: 32. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 31, further comprising an aerosol-generating article-containing cavity, the end face being positioned on the opposite side of the aerosol generating device from the aerosol-generating article-containing cavity. Example 33: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the housing further comprises a housing wall, the housing portion forms a closure member that closes an end of the housing wall, and the sealing member is disposed between the housing portion and the housing wall. Example 34: 34. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 33, wherein the housing portion comprises a circumferentially extending recess adapted to receive the sealing member. Example 35: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 33 or Example 34, wherein the sealing member is overmolded onto the housing portion. Example 36: 36. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 33 to 35, wherein the sealing member is an O-ring. Example 37: 37. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 33 to 36, wherein the sealing member is made of silicone rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene or nitrile, or a combination thereof. Example 38: 38. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the ventilation means is attached to the housing part. Example 39: 39. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 38, wherein the venting means is partially embedded within the housing portion. Example 40: An aerosol generating device as described in example 38 or example 39, wherein the vent means is adjacent to an inner opening of the housing portion. Example 41: 41. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 38 to 40, wherein an axis perpendicular to the vent means is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. Example 42: 42. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 38 to 41, wherein the venting means extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. Example 43: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 38 to 42, wherein the ventilation means is adapted to allow gas to flow from the sealed internal housing chamber through the ventilation channel to the outside of the aerosol generating device. Example 44: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 38 to 43, wherein the venting means is adapted to prevent liquid flow from entering the sealed internal housing chamber. Example 45: 45. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 38 to 44, wherein the ventilation means comprises a support structure. Example 46: 46. ​​The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of Examples 38 to 45, wherein the ventilation means comprises a membrane. Example 47: 47. The aerosol generating device of example 46, wherein the membrane comprises a nonwoven fabric. Example 48: 48. The aerosol generating device of example 47, wherein the nonwoven fabric is spunbonded. Example 49: 49. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 46 to 48, wherein the membrane comprises polyethylene terephthalate or polytetrafluoroethylene. Example 50: 50. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 46 to 49, wherein the membrane is composed of one layer or multiple layers. Example 51: 51. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of Examples 46 to 50, wherein the membrane comprises pores having a nominal diameter of 0.02 micrometers to 10 micrometers, preferably 0.02 micrometers to 5 micrometers, preferably 0.02 micrometers to 1 micrometer. Example 52: 52. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 46 to 51, wherein the membrane has a water ingress pressure of at least 5 kPa, preferably between 10 kPa and 200 kPa. Example 53: The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 46 to 52, wherein the membrane has an airflow of 200 milliliters / square centimeter min to 4000 milliliters / square centimeter min at 7 kilopascals, preferably 200 milliliters / square centimeter min to 2000 milliliters / square centimeter min at 7 kilopascals, preferably 200 milliliters / square centimeter min to 1200 milliliters / square centimeter min at 7 kilopascals. Example 54: 54. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 46 to 53, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 10 micrometers to 1000 micrometers, preferably 50 micrometers to 750 micrometers, preferably 100 micrometers to 500 micrometers. Example 55: 55. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 46 to 54, wherein the membrane is fixed to the housing part by ultrasonic welding or double-sided adhesive tape. Example 56: 56. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 38 to 55, wherein the venting means is fixed to the housing part by ultrasonic welding or double-sided adhesive tape. Example 57: - pouring a molding material into a mold to form a housing portion, the ventilation channels extending in at least two different directions within the housing portion; - a step of connecting the housing part to a housing wall to form a sealed internal housing chamber, the step allowing ventilation of the sealed internal housing chamber by a ventilation channel, in particular a method for producing an aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 56. Example 58: The method of manufacturing of Example 57, further comprising a step of placing the conductive portion in a molding die, the conductive portion being partially embedded in the housing portion. Example 59: - placing a conductive part inside a molding die; - a step of pouring a molding material into a molding die to form a housing portion and a ventilation channel within the housing portion, the ventilation channel extending through the housing portion and the conductive portion being at least partially embedded in the housing portion. Example 60: The method of manufacturing of Example 59, wherein the conductive portion forms a conductor, and the conductor extends through the housing portion. Example 61: The method of manufacturing of example 59 or example 60, wherein at least two conductive portions form a conductor, the conductive portions contact each other within the housing portion, and the conductor extends through the housing portion. Example 62: The method of any one of Examples 59 to 61, wherein the ventilation channel extends in at least two different directions within the housing portion. Example 63: The method of any one of Examples 59 to 62, wherein the vent channel has a closed perimeter between the outer opening of the housing portion and the inner opening of the housing portion. Example 64: The method of claim 57 or 58, further comprising sealing a gap between the housing portion and the housing wall with a sealing member. Example 65: - providing a housing part, the ventilation channel extending through the housing part and the receiving slit being provided in the housing part; -inserting the conductive portion into the receiving slit; - connecting the housing part to a housing wall. Example 66: The method of manufacturing of Example 65, wherein the conductive portion forms a conductor, and the conductor extends through the housing portion. Example 67: The manufacturing method described in Example 65 or Example 66, wherein the conductive portion forms part of the conductor, the conductor further comprising a conductive portion embedded or inserted within the housing portion, and the conductor extends through the housing portion. Example 68: The method of any one of Examples 65 to 67, wherein the housing portion forms a part of the closure member. Example 69: The method of any one of Examples 65-68, wherein the ventilation channel extends in at least two different directions within the closure member. Example 70: The method of any one of Examples 65-69, wherein the vent channel has a closed perimeter between the outer opening of the closure member and the inner opening of the closure member. Example 71: The method of any one of Examples 65 to 70, wherein the housing portion is formed from a unitary piece. Example 72: The use of a closure member to provide a ventilation channel and embed an electrical conductor in an aerosol generating device. Example 73: The use of the closure member of example 72, wherein the closure member is further used to support the sealing member. Example 74: Use of a closure member according to example 72 or example 73, wherein the ventilation channel protects the ventilation means adjacent to the ventilation channel from external impacts, in particular sunlight or sharp objects. Example 75: Use of a closure member according to any one of embodiments 72 to 74, wherein the closure member is formed from a single piece. Example 76: An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 56, and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate for use with the aerosol generating device.

[0089] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0090] An aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. The aerosol generation device comprises a housing 2 comprising a housing wall 3. The aerosol generation device 1 extends mainly in a longitudinal axial direction 100. A connector opening 4 is arranged in an end face 5 of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0091] The housing 2 comprises a housing portion 6 located near an end of the aerosol generation device 1 relative to a longitudinal axis 100, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The housing portion is attached to or is part of an inner frame 7.

[0092] 4 shows that the housing part 6 forms a recess 8 extending circumferentially around the housing part 6. A sealing member 9 is arranged between the housing wall 3 and the housing part 6. The sealing member 9 is mounted inside the recess 8. The sealing member 9 extends circumferentially around the housing part 6 and seals an internal housing chamber 10 that is sealed inside the aerosol generating device 1.

[0093] The housing part 6 comprises a ventilation channel 11. The ventilation channel 11 has a first ventilation channel portion 12 and a second ventilation channel portion 13. The first ventilation channel portion 12 and the second ventilation channel portion 13 extend in different directions. As can be seen in Fig. 5, which shows a cross-section of the aerosol generating device 1, the first ventilation channel portion 12 has a larger cross-section than the second ventilation channel portion 13, which is perpendicular to the extension of the first ventilation channel portion 12. The ventilation channel 11 extends from an inner opening 14 of the housing part to an outer opening 15 of the housing part.

[0094] The venting means 16 is attached to the housing part 6 adjacent the inner opening 14 of the housing part. The venting means 16 comprises a support structure 17 and a membrane 18. The membrane 18 allows air to flow from the sealed interior housing chamber 10 through the vent channel 11 to the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1. As shown in Figure 4, the venting means 16 extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 100 of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0095] The aerosol generation device 1 further comprises an electrical connector 19 attached to the housing portion 6. The electrical connector 19 forms a vent channel extension 20. The vent channel extension 20 connects to the vent channel 11, specifically to the outer opening 15 of the housing portion. The outer opening of the vent channel extension 20 forms a plug insertion opening 21.

[0096] The electrical connector 19 includes an electrical conductor 22. The electrical conductor 22 extends circumferentially around the vent channel extension 20. As shown in FIG. 4 , the electrical conductor 22 is embedded within and extends through the housing portion 6. The electrical conductor 22 includes a first conductive portion 23 and a second conductive portion 24. The first conductive portion 23 and the second conductive portion 24 contact each other within the housing portion 6.

[0097] The housing part 6 and the electrical connector 19 form a closure member 25. The closure member 25 closes the housing wall 3 and forms the end face 5.

[0098] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A±10%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, in some instances used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A housing portion, The ventilation channel extends from an exterior opening of the housing portion to an interior opening of the housing portion; An aerosol generating device having a housing with a housing portion, the ventilation channel extending in at least two different directions within the housing portion along an extension line from an outer opening of the housing portion to an inner opening of the housing portion.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the housing portion is formed from a single piece.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the ventilation channel comprises a first ventilation channel portion and a second ventilation channel portion, the first ventilation channel portion extending in a first direction and the second ventilation channel portion extending in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being inclined relative to each other at an angle of between 30 degrees and 150 degrees, preferably between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees.

4. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an electrical connector, the electrical connector forming an air channel extension, the air channel connecting to an inner opening of the air channel extension, and the air channel extension being at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.

5. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor is embedded within the housing portion.

6. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the housing part seals the housing.

7. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the outer opening of the housing portion opens toward an end face of the aerosol generating device.

8. the housing further comprising a housing wall; the housing portion forms a closure member that closes an end of the housing wall; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sealing member is disposed between the housing part and the housing wall.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein a ventilation means is attached to the housing portion.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the vent means is adjacent an inner opening of the housing portion.

11. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the venting means is adapted to allow gas to flow from a sealed internal housing chamber through the venting channel to an exterior of the aerosol generating device.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the ventilation means comprises a membrane.

13. - pouring a molding material into a mold to form a housing part, forming a ventilation channel extending in at least two different directions within the housing portion; - a step of connecting the housing part to a housing wall to form a sealed internal housing chamber, the ventilation channel allowing ventilation of the sealed internal housing chamber.

14. The use of a closure member to provide a ventilation channel and embed an electrical conductor in an aerosol generating device.

15. 3. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate for use with the aerosol generating device.

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