Aerosol generating system having adhesive between electrode unit and envelope

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system (1) comprising a battery (2). The battery (2) comprises an electrode unit (3) and an envelope (4). An adhesive element (5) is provided between the electrode unit (3) and the envelope (4) for fixing the electrode unit (3) on the envelope (4). The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a battery for an aerosol generation device and the use of the adhesive element (5) between the electrode unit (3) and the envelope (4) of the aerosol generation system (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a battery. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating system and the use of an adhesive in an aerosol generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] Known portable, electrically operated aerosol generating systems typically include an aerosol generating device that includes a battery, control electronics, and an electric heating element for heating a specially designed aerosol-generating article for use with the aerosol generating device. Some aerosol generating systems also include ancillary equipment, such as a charging device, for maintaining the aerosol generating device.

[0003] In conventional aerosol generators, pouch batteries are used to enable compact designs. However, pouch batteries in portable, electrically operated smoking systems can be adversely affected by breakage and accelerated deterioration of the electrode tabs because the electrodes are movably housed in a soft pouch case, making the aerosol generator susceptible to impacts if dropped by a consumer. Improving mechanical robustness through hard packaging leads to an increase in battery size. As a result, the increased size of the aerosol generator can lead to a poor user experience or a shorter battery life.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device with a battery that has a relatively long life, yet is small enough to be used in very compact aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising a battery, the battery comprising an electrode unit and an envelope, and an adhesive element provided between the electrode unit and the envelope.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a battery for an aerosol generating system, comprising: providing an electrode unit; an adhesive element may be attached to an outer surface of the electrode unit; and an envelope may be disposed around the electrode unit such that the adhesive element contacts the envelope.

[0007] The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device.

[0008] The aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation device and an accessory device. The accessory device may be a charging device or charging case for the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device may be mechanically connectable to the accessory device. The accessory device may be arranged or adapted to house the aerosol generation device.

[0009] The accessory device may include a receiving cavity for receiving part or all of the aerosol generating device therein.

[0010] The battery may be located within the aerosol generating device or an accessory device.

[0011] The battery may be disposed within the aerosol generating device, and the system may further comprise one or more second batteries disposed within the accessory device. The one or more second batteries may comprise an electrode unit and an envelope having an adhesive element disposed between the electrode unit and the envelope.

[0012] The one or more second batteries may be identical in construction, shape, and / or material to the battery in / for the aerosol generating device. The one or more second batteries may be larger in size and / or have a larger storage capacity to allow for multiple charging cycles of the aerosol generating device battery.

[0013] The accessory device may include an electrical connection port for mating with an electrical connection port of the aerosol generating device, preferably for charging the battery of the aerosol generating device.

[0014] The adhesive element may make it possible to fix the electrode unit to the envelope.

[0015] The adhesive element may be for restricting movement of the electrode unit relative to the envelope.

[0016] The adhesive element may include one or more of styrene-isoprene block copolymer, acrylate, silicone rubber, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The modified polypropylene may have an initial adhesive strength of 0.1 Newtons / mm or greater, and after heating, specifically hot pressing, 0.3 Newtons / mm or greater. The adhesive may be able to withstand high temperatures up to 30-40 degrees Celsius. The adhesive may be corrosion resistant.

[0017] The electrode unit may be formed of one or more electrode assemblies, each of which includes two electrodes, specifically a cathode and an anode, and a separator disposed between the electrodes.

[0018] The electrodes and separator may be in the form of a sheet material. The separator may be a single layer of polymeric material. The separator may comprise multiple layers of polymeric material.

[0019] The electrode unit further includes an electrolyte, which may be disposed between the electrodes and the separator.

[0020] The one or more electrode assemblies may be wound about the longitudinal axis to form a plurality of turns, and the adhesive element may be positioned to at least connect the last turn to the next to last turn.

[0021] The main extension direction of the electrode unit, i.e., the direction in which the length of the electrode unit is greatest, may be the longitudinal direction. The lateral direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The circumferential direction may be defined around the longitudinal direction. In the vertical direction of the aerosol generating device, the longitudinal direction is the height direction, and the lateral direction may be the horizontal direction. The following designations of "upper", "top", "lower" and "bottom" are relative to the longitudinal direction, which is the height direction.

[0022] The electrode unit may have a roll-like shape or may be called a jelly roll.

[0023] The electrode unit may have a thickness of 2 to 12 mm, specifically 7 to 9 mm, and preferably 8 to 9 mm.

[0024] The electrode unit may have a width of 10 mm to 50 mm, specifically 15 mm to 30 mm, and preferably 23 mm to 24 mm.

[0025] The electrode units may have a length of 20 to 80 mm, specifically 45 to 70 mm, preferably 55 to 60 mm. The electrode assemblies may be stacked along the lateral direction. The adhesive elements may be disposed on the outer surfaces of the electrode units, preferably on the circumferential surfaces of the electrode units.

[0026] The adhesive may be disposed on the circumferential surface of the electrode unit.

[0027] The adhesive elements may be disposed on longitudinal end faces of the electrode units, or may be coupled to circumferential surfaces to couple or compress the electrode units.

[0028] The adhesive strip or adhesive pad may apply a clamping force to the electrode unit, thereby allowing the electrode assembly or the windings, or both the electrode assembly and the windings, of the electrode unit to be connected. Connecting the electrode assembly or the windings, or both the electrode assembly and the windings, can extend battery life by avoiding local peaks in electrode current density due to movement of the electrode assembly or the windings, or both the electrode assembly and the windings.

[0029] The adhesive element may be in the form of an adhesive strip or adhesive pad. The electrode unit may be provided with at least two tabs, the tabs extending from longitudinal end faces of the electrode unit. The adhesive element may be disposed between the tabs.

[0030] The tab may extend through a longitudinal end face of the envelope.

[0031] Specifically, the tabs allow current to flow to or from the electrodes. The tabs may be integrally formed with the electrodes or may be attached directly to the electrodes.

[0032] Specifically, the battery has at least two terminals, at least some of which are accessible from outside the envelope for connecting the electrode unit to the electrical circuit of the aerosol generating device.

[0033] Specifically, each of the cathode and anode is provided with one or more tabs, a first terminal is attached to or integrally connected to one or more tabs of the cathode, and a second terminal is attached to or integrally connected to one or more tabs of the anode.

[0034] The adhesive may be in contact with the electrodes.

[0035] The adhesive may extend over the edges of the longitudinal end faces of the electrode unit.

[0036] The adhesive may be in contact with the envelope.

[0037] The adhesive elements may be in the form of dots of adhesive.

[0038] The adhesive element may include a substrate layer. The substrate layer may be at least partially coated with an adhesive. The substrate layer may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or polyimide, which may improve resistance to high temperatures.

[0039] At least a portion of at least one side of the substrate layer may be coated with an adhesive.

[0040] The adhesive element may be a double-sided adhesive element. At least a portion of each side of the substrate layer may be coated with adhesive. A first coated side portion may be in contact with the electrode unit, preferably in contact with the circumferential surface of the electrode unit. A second coated side portion may be in contact with the envelope.

[0041] The double-sided adhesive element may have a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.07 mm, specifically 0.02 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.04 mm.

[0042] The double-sided adhesive element may have a width of 5 mm to 40 mm, in particular 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably 15 mm to 25 mm.

[0043] The double-sided adhesive element may have a length of 20 mm to 80 mm, in particular 30 mm to 70 mm, preferably 42 mm to 48 mm.

[0044] The aerosol generating system may further include a second adhesive element. The second adhesive element may be attached across a longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit to connect or compress the electrode unit. The second adhesive element may be located between the tabs of the electrode unit, on the bottom longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit, or on the edge of the top longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit.

[0045] The second adhesive element may be a single-sided adhesive element.

[0046] The second adhesive element may have a thickness of 5 micrometers to 30 micrometers, specifically 10 micrometers to 20 micrometers, and preferably 14 micrometers to 18 micrometers.

[0047] The second adhesive element may have a width of 5 mm to 40 mm, in particular 10 mm to 25 mm, preferably 13 mm to 17 mm.

[0048] The second adhesive element may have a length of more than 25 millimeters, in particular between 25 millimeters and 50 millimeters, preferably between 28 millimeters and 40 millimeters.

[0049] The envelope may be a package for the electrode unit.

[0050] The envelope may partially or completely surround the electrode unit.

[0051] At least the edges of the envelope may be sealed.

[0052] The envelope may include a protective layer and a packaging layer, the protective layer being disposed between the packaging layer and the electrode unit. The adhesive may be in contact with the protective layer. The protective layer may be non-conductive.

[0053] The packaging layer may be made of a soft or flexible or soft and flexible material such as foil.

[0054] The package layer may include one or more of modified polypropylene acrylate, silicone rubber, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The modified polypropylene may have an initial adhesive strength of 0.1 Newtons / mm or greater, and after heating, specifically hot pressing, 0.3 Newtons / mm or greater.

[0055] The protective layer may be provided with or include an adhesive, which may have a lower adhesive strength than the adhesive of the adhesive element.

[0056] The adhesive between the protective layer or the adhesive element, or the protective layer and the adhesive element, may comprise a styrene-isoprene block copolymer, which is composed of a hard segment and a soft segment. The higher the ratio of soft segments to hard segments, the stronger the adhesive strength. The ratio of soft segments to hard segments in the protective layer may be lower than that in the adhesive element.

[0057] After heating, preferably hot pressing, the adhesive strength of the protective layer may increase to the range of about 10 percent of the adhesive strength of the adhesive element.

[0058] The adhesive of the protective layer may be activatable at a temperature above ambient temperature, preferably between 50 degrees Celsius and 300 degrees Celsius, particularly between 70 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius.

[0059] The adhesive of the protective layer may have a lower adhesive strength than the adhesive of the adhesive element, which may facilitate assembly of the battery, in particular winding the electrode unit with the adhesive element within the envelope.

[0060] An intermediate layer may be disposed between the packaging layer and the protective layer, the protective layer may comprise polypropylene, the intermediate layer may comprise aluminum, and the packaging layer may comprise nylon.

[0061] In some embodiments, the envelope may include three, four, five, or more layers, and the layers of the envelope, from the outer layer toward the inner layer in contact with the electrode unit, may be two or more of a nylon layer, an adhesive layer, a moisture-impermeable layer comprising aluminum, an adhesive layer, and a non-conductive layer comprising polypropylene, in that order.

[0062] The exterior of the electrode unit may be partially or completely formed by the electrodes.

[0063] The battery may be configured to provide power for the aerosol generation.

[0064] The battery may be configured to power a heating element for generating the aerosol.

[0065] The battery may be a pouch battery, preferably of cylindrical or prismatic shape.

[0066] The battery may be a secondary battery, specifically a lithium secondary battery including at least one of lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium-nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide, and lithium-cobalt oxide.

[0067] In other embodiments, the battery may include at least one of lithium iron phosphate, lithium-nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide, lithium-cobalt oxide, lithium-manganese oxide, lithium-nickel-manganese oxide, and lithium-manganese-cobalt oxide. In still other embodiments, the battery may include at least one of lithium sulfur and lithium metal. In still other embodiments, the battery may be a sodium secondary battery or a solid-state battery.

[0068] The method may further include inserting the electrode unit into the envelope.

[0069] The method may further include wrapping an envelope around the electrode unit. The battery may include a protective layer and a packaging layer, and the protective layer may be wrapped facing the electrode unit.

[0070] The method may further include heating the battery so that the protective layer increases its adhesive properties. The battery may be heated above ambient temperature, preferably to between 50 degrees Celsius and 300 degrees Celsius, specifically between 70 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius.

[0071] The method may further include sealing the opening for the tab in the envelope.

[0072] The method may further include attaching a second adhesive element across a longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit to connect or compress the electrode unit, The second adhesive element may be disposed between the tabs of the electrode unit, on a bottom longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit, or on an edge of a top longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit.

[0073] The second adhesive element may be a single-sided adhesive element. The second adhesive element may have a thickness of 5 micrometers to 30 micrometers, specifically 10 micrometers to 20 micrometers, and preferably 14 micrometers to 18 micrometers.

[0074] The second adhesive element may have a width of 5 mm to 40 mm, in particular 10 mm to 25 mm, preferably 13 mm to 17 mm.

[0075] The second adhesive element may have a length of more than 25 millimeters, in particular between 25 millimeters and 50 millimeters, preferably between 28 millimeters and 40 millimeters.

[0076] The electrode unit may be formed from one or more electrode assemblies, comprising two electrodes, specifically a cathode and an anode, and a separator disposed between the electrodes, wherein the electrodes and separator may be in the form of a sheet material, and providing the electrode unit may include at least one of winding one or more electrode assemblies around a longitudinal axis to form a plurality of windings or stacking the electrode assemblies laterally.

[0077] The method further comprises connecting the last turn and the next to last turn with an adhesive element, preferably by arranging the adhesive element so as to overlap between the last turn and the next to last turn on the circumferential surface of the electrode unit.

[0078] The aerosol generating system or device may be for generating an aerosol comprising nicotine.

[0079] The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate containing nicotine.

[0080] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of an adhesive element between the electrode unit and the envelope in the aerosol generating device to attach the electrode unit to the envelope.

[0081] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, the following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples and embodiments. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. [Example]

[0082] Example 1: An aerosol generation system comprising a battery, the battery comprising an electrode unit and an envelope, and an adhesive element provided between the electrode unit and the envelope. Example 2: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 1, wherein the electrode unit is formed from one or more electrode assemblies and comprises two electrodes, specifically a cathode and an anode, and a separator disposed between the electrodes. Example 3: The aerosol generation system of Example 2, wherein the electrodes and separator are in the form of sheet materials. Example 4: 4. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the electrode unit further comprises an electrolyte. Example 5: 5. The aerosol-generating system of example 4, wherein the electrolyte is disposed between the electrode and the separator. Example 6: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein one or more electrode assemblies are wound around a longitudinal axis to form multiple windings, and an adhesive element is arranged to at least connect the last winding to the winding just before the last winding. Example 7: 7. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the electrode unit has a roll-like shape. Example 8: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 2 to 7, wherein the electrode assemblies are stacked along the horizontal direction and the adhesive elements are arranged on the outer surfaces of the electrode units, preferably on the circumferential surfaces of the electrode units. Example 9: 9. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the adhesive is disposed on the circumferential surface of the electrode unit. Example 10: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein an adhesive element is disposed on the longitudinal end face of the electrode unit, and the adhesive element is connected to the circumferential surface to connect or compress the electrode unit. Example 11: 11. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the adhesive element is in the form of an adhesive strip or adhesive pad. Example 12: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the electrode unit has at least two tabs, the tabs extending from the longitudinal end face of the electrode unit, and the adhesive element is positioned between the tabs. Example 13: Example 12. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the tab extends through the longitudinal end face of the envelope. Example 14: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 2 to 13, wherein the battery has at least two terminals, at least some of which are accessible from outside the envelope for connecting the electrode unit to the electrical circuit of the aerosol generation system. Example 15: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein each of the cathode and anode is provided with one or more tabs, and one or more tabs of the cathode are attached and / or gathered together to a first terminal, and one or more tabs of the anode are attached and / or gathered together to a second terminal. Example 16: 16. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the adhesive is in contact with the electrode. Example 17: 17. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 2 to 16, wherein the adhesive extends over the edge of the longitudinal end face of the electrode unit. Example 18: 18. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the adhesive is in contact with the envelope. Example 19: 19. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the adhesive element is in the form of a dot of adhesive. Example 20: 20. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the adhesive element comprises a substrate layer, the substrate layer being at least partially coated with an adhesive. Example 21: 21. The aerosol generating system of Example 20, wherein at least a portion of at least one side of the substrate layer is coated with an adhesive. Example 22: 22. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein at least a portion of each side of the substrate layer is coated with an adhesive, the first coated side portion being in contact with the electrode unit, preferably with the circumferential surface of the electrode unit, and the second coated side portion being in contact with the envelope. Example 23: 23. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the envelope is a package for an electrode unit. Example 24: 24. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the envelope partially or completely surrounds the electrode unit. Example 25: 25. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the ends of the envelope are sealed. Example 26: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the envelope comprises a protective layer and a packaging layer, the protective layer is disposed between the packaging layer and the electrode unit, an adhesive is in contact with the protective layer, the protective layer is non-conductive, and optionally the protective layer is provided with or contains an adhesive, and the adhesive of the protective layer has a lower adhesive strength than the adhesive of the adhesive element. Example 27: 27. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the packaging layer is made of a soft and / or flexible material, such as foil, in particular aluminum foil. Example 29: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 26 to 29, wherein the adhesive of the protective layer is activatable at a temperature above ambient temperature, preferably between 50 degrees Celsius and 300 degrees Celsius, specifically between 70 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius. Example 30: 30. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the exterior of the electrode unit is formed partly or completely by the electrodes. Example 31: 31. The aerosol generation system of any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the battery is configured to provide power for aerosol generation. Example 32: 32. The aerosol generation system of any one of Examples 1-31, wherein the battery is configured to power the heating element for aerosol generation. Example 33: 33. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the battery is a pouch battery, preferably having a cylindrical or prismatic shape. Example 34: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, comprising an aerosol generating device. Example 35: 35. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, comprising an aerosol generating device and an accessory device. Example 36: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 35, wherein the accessory device is a charging device or charging case for the aerosol generation device. Example 37: 38. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 36 to 37, wherein the aerosol generating device is mechanically connectable to an accessory device. Example 38: 39. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 36 to 38, wherein the accessory device is arranged or adapted to house the aerosol generation device. Example 39: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 38, wherein the accessory device comprises a cylindrical accommodating cavity defined within the proximal portion of the accessory device for accommodating at least the distal portion of the aerosol generating device therein. Example 40: 40. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein the battery is located within the aerosol generating device or an accessory device. Example 41: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 35 to 39, wherein the battery is disposed within the aerosol generation device and the aerosol generation system further comprises one or more second batteries disposed within the accessory device. Example 42: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 41, wherein the one or more second batteries comprise an electrode unit and an envelope having an adhesive element provided between the electrode unit and the envelope. Example 43: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 42, wherein the one or more second batteries are at least one of identical in structure, shape, and / or material to the battery in / for the aerosol generation device. Example 44: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 43, wherein the one or more second batteries are larger in size and / or have a larger storage capacity to allow for multiple charging cycles of the batteries used in the aerosol generation device. Example 45: An aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 35 to 44, wherein the accessory device has an electrical connection port for engaging with an electrical connection port of the aerosol generation device, preferably for charging a battery used in the aerosol generation device. Example 46: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 45, further comprising a second adhesive element, the second adhesive element being attached across the longitudinal end face of the electrode unit to connect or compress the electrode unit. Example 47: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 46, wherein the second adhesive element is positioned between the tabs of the electrode unit, on the bottom longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit, or on the edge of the top longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit. Example 48: 48. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 45 to 47, wherein the second adhesive element is a single-sided adhesive element. Example 49: providing an electrode unit; attaching an adhesive element onto an outer surface of the electrode unit; and placing an envelope around the electrode unit so that the adhesive element contacts the envelope. Example 50: 50. The method of example 49, further comprising inserting an electrode unit into the envelope. Example 51: 51. The method of any one of Examples 49-50, wherein placing the envelope around the electrode unit comprises wrapping the envelope around the electrode unit, the battery comprising a protective layer and a packaging layer, the protective layer facing the electrode unit. Example 52: 52. The method of any one of Examples 49-51, further comprising heating the battery so that the protective layer increases its adhesion. Example 53: 53. The method of example 52, wherein the battery is heated above ambient temperature, specifically between 70 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 degrees Celsius and 300 degrees Celsius, specifically between 70 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius. Example 54: 54. The method of any one of Examples 49-53, further comprising sealing the opening for the tab on the envelope. Example 55: 55. The method of any one of Examples 49 to 54, further comprising attaching a second adhesive element across the longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit to connect or compress the electrode unit, wherein the second adhesive element is positioned between the tabs of the electrode unit, on the bottom longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit, or on the edge of the top longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit. Example 56: 56. The method of any one of Examples 1-55, wherein the electrode unit is formed from one or more electrode assemblies and comprises two electrodes, specifically a cathode and an anode, and a separator disposed between the electrodes, wherein the electrodes and separator are in the form of sheet materials. Example 57: The method of any one of Examples 49-56, wherein providing the electrode unit comprises winding one or more electrode assemblies around the longitudinal axis to form a plurality of windings. Example 58: 57. The method of any one of Examples 49 to 56, further comprising connecting the last turn and the turn before the last turn with an adhesive element, preferably by positioning the adhesive element so that it overlaps between the last turn and the turn before the last turn on the circumferential surface of the electrode unit. Example 59: Use of an adhesive element between an electrode unit and an envelope in an aerosol generating system to fix the electrode unit to the envelope.

[0083] The methods according to Examples 49 to 58 may be performed using the systems according to Examples 1 to 57. The systems according to Examples 1 to 57 may be used according to Example 59. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0084] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0085] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a vertically oriented battery of a first embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-section of the battery according to FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of the deployed electrode. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic top view of a deployed electrode with one or more tabs that can be used in a battery according to FIG. 2 or FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a battery of a second embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a battery of a third embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a battery for a fourth embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an accessory in the form of a charging case for a fifth embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] 1 to 4, an aerosol generating system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in conjunction with a battery 2 having an electrode unit 3 and an envelope 4 for the electrode unit 3. An adhesive element 5 is provided between the electrode unit 3 and the envelope 4 to secure the electrode unit 3 to the envelope.

[0087] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an aerosol-generating system 1 in a horizontal position, with a longitudinal axis 100 extending horizontally. The aerosol-generating system 1 includes an aerosol-generating device 6 and an aerosol-generating article 7 for use with the aerosol-generating device 1. The aerosol-generating article 7 includes an aerosol-generating substrate 8 that is heated to form an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol-generating article 7 is a consumable product including four coaxially aligned, sequentially arranged segments: an aerosol-forming rod segment 9, a support segment 10 having a central air passage, an aerosol-cooling segment 11, and a mouthpiece segment 12 including a filter. The aerosol-forming rod segment 9 is located at the distal end of the article 7 and includes a susceptor 13 and the aerosol-generating substrate 8 that is heated. The mouthpiece segment 12 is located at the proximal end of the article 7. The support segment 10 and the aerosol-cooling segment 11 are located therebetween. Each of the four segments may be a generally cylindrical element having substantially the same diameter to establish the rod shape of the aerosol-generating article. The four segments may be surrounded by an outer wrapper 14 to connect the four segments. The wrapper 14 may be made of paper.

[0088] The aerosol-generating device 6 includes a cylindrical containment cavity defined within a proximal portion of the aerosol-generating device 6 for containing at least a distal portion of the article 7 therein. The aerosol-generating device 6 further includes a heating element 15 including an inductor for generating a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. In this embodiment, the inductor may be a helical coil surrounding the cylindrical containment cavity. In an alternative embodiment, the heating element may be an electrical resistance heating means. The coil is positioned such that the susceptor 13 of the aerosol-generating article 7 is exposed to the alternating magnetic field as the article 7 engages the device 1. Thus, when the heating element 15 is activated, the susceptor 13 heats due to eddy currents and hysteresis losses induced by the alternating magnetic field within the susceptor 13, depending on its magnetic and electrical properties. The susceptor 13 is heated to an operating temperature sufficient to vaporize the aerosol-generating substrate 8 surrounding the susceptor 13 within the article 7. Within the distal portion, the aerosol generating device 6 further comprises a battery 2 and power electronics 16 for providing power and controlling the heating process.

[0089] During use of the aerosol-generating system 1, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece element 12 of the article 7, air is drawn into the containment cavity at the cavity's edge. The airflow continues through a passageway formed between the inner surface of the cylindrical cavity and the outer surface of the article 7 toward the distal end of the cavity. At the distal end of the cavity, the airflow enters the aerosol-generating article 7 through the base element 9, passes further through the support element 10, the aerosol-cooling element 11, and the mouthpiece element 12, and finally exits the article 7. At the base element 9, vaporized material from the aerosol-generating substrate 8 is entrained into the airflow. Thereafter, as the airflow passes through the support element 10, the cooling element 11, and the mouthpiece element 12, it is cooled, forming an inhalable aerosol, which exits the article 7 through the mouthpiece element 12.

[0090] A more detailed view of the battery 2 of Figure 1 is shown in Figures 2-3. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the battery 2 in a vertical orientation, with the longitudinal axis 100 extending vertically. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the battery 2 of Figure 2, with the battery 2 rotated 90 degrees.

[0091] As shown, the battery 2 comprises an electrode unit 3 and an envelope 4 having a cavity for receiving the electrode unit 3 .

[0092] The electrode unit 3 has a roll-like configuration with multiple windings around a longitudinal axis 100. The electrode unit 3 includes two or more tabs 16. The tabs 16 extend from an upper end surface 17 of the electrode unit 3 in the longitudinal direction.

[0093] The electrode unit 3 of FIGS. 2 and 3 is formed from one or more electrode assemblies stacked or wound along a longitudinal axis 100 .

[0094] FIG. 4 shows the electrode assembly 18 in an unwound state forming the electrode unit 3 according to FIGS.

[0095] The electrode assembly 18 comprises two electrodes: a cathode 19 and an anode 20 .

[0096] The cathode 19 is formed from a multilayer sheet material. The multilayer sheet material of the cathode 19 includes a cathode current collector layer 21. The cathode current collector layer 21 is formed from a sheet material and has two opposing large surfaces. Both sides of the cathode current collector layer 21 are coated with a cathode active material, and a cathode active material layer 22 is formed on both sides of the cathode current collector layer 21. In some embodiments, only one surface of the cathode current collector layer 21 may be coated with the cathode active material. Similar to the cathode 19, the anode 20 is formed from a multilayer sheet material. The multilayer sheet material of the anode 20 includes an anode current collector layer 23. The anode current collector layer 23 is formed from a sheet material and has two opposing large surfaces. Both sides of the anode current collector layer 23 are coated with a cathode active material, and anode active material layers 24 are formed on both sides of the anode current collector layer 23. In some embodiments, only one surface of the anode current collector layer 23 may be coated with the anode active material.

[0097] The electrode unit 3 further includes a separator 25. The separator 25 is formed of a sheet material. The separator is provided between the cathode 19 and the anode 20.

[0098] An example of a cathode current collector layer 21 is shown in a top view in Figure 5. The vertical extension of the cathode current collector layer 21 shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the height of the electrode unit 3 shown in Figure 2. The horizontal extension of the cathode current collector layer 21 corresponds to the length of the cathode current collector layer 21 and is perpendicular to the vertical extension.

[0099] The anode current collector layer 23 may be formed with a structure similar to or equal to that of the cathode current collector layer 21 .

[0100] One or more tabs 16 of the electrode unit 3 shown in FIG. 2 are provided at a distance from each other on the edge of the cathode current collector layer 21 .

[0101] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, in the rolled state of the electrode assembly 18, the tab extends from the upper longitudinal end surface 17 of the electrode unit 3 through the upper longitudinal end surface 26 of the envelope 4.

[0102] As shown in Figure 3, the envelope 4 provides a cavity to protect the electrode unit 3 from the external environment of the battery. The envelope 4 may be made of a flexible material, such as foil. In this embodiment, the envelope 4 completely surrounds the electrode unit 3. The edges of the envelope 4 may be sealed to provide a waterproof package.

[0103] The envelope 4 comprises a packaging layer 27 and a protective layer 28. The protective layer 28 is disposed between the packaging layer 27 and the electrode unit 3 and is made of a non-conductive material. An adhesive is provided on the side of the protective layer 28 facing the electrode unit 3.

[0104] In some embodiments, an intermediate layer (not shown) is provided between packaging layer 27 and protective layer 28. The protective layer comprises polypropylene, the intermediate layer comprises aluminum, and the packaging layer comprises nylon.

[0105] Between the electrode unit 3 and the protective layer 28 an adhesive element 5 is provided.

[0106] The adhesive element 5 comprises a substrate layer 29 with a double-sided adhesive coating. A first coated side portion 30 adheres to the electrode unit 3, and a second coated side portion 31 adheres to the protective layer 28. The adhesive of the protective layer 28 has a weaker adhesive strength than the adhesive of the adhesive element 5, which facilitates assembly of the battery 2 within the envelope 4, in particular wrapping the electrode unit 3 with the adhesive element 5.

[0107] The substrate layer 29 is pad-shaped and is arranged to at least connect the last winding 32 of the roll-shaped electrode unit 3 to the winding 33 before the last winding. In another embodiment, the substrate layer 29 is strip-shaped. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive elements are adhesive dots.

[0108] The envelope 4 further includes an opening 34 for receiving the tab 16. In some embodiments, the battery 12 includes two terminals 35, 36, shown in dashed lines in Figure 2, for connecting to an electrical circuit (e.g., a protection circuit module) of the aerosol generating device 2. The terminals 35, 36 are provided on the same, preferably upper longitudinal end surface 26, of the envelope 4.

[0109] Terminals 35 and 36 are connected to cathode 18 to form a positive terminal and anode 19 to form a negative terminal, respectively. Battery 2 may have a pouch shape. Alternatively, battery 2 may have a cylindrical shape. Terminals 35 and 36 may be located on the same side of battery 2. Alternatively, terminals 35 and 36 are provided on both end faces in the longitudinal direction.

[0110] In another embodiment, the tab 16 is folded inside the envelope 4 and attached to the bottom end faces of the terminals 35,36.

[0111] An aerosol generating device 6 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Instead of or in addition to the battery 2 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the battery 2 of Figures 6 to 8 is provided with a second adhesive element 37 between the envelope 4, specifically the protective layer 28, and the electrode unit 3.

[0112] The second adhesive element 37 may be arranged on at least one of the top longitudinal end surface 26 of the envelope 4 between the tabs 16 of the electrode unit 3 (Figure 6), on an edge 38 of the top longitudinal end surface 17 of the electrode unit 3 (Figure 7), or on the bottom longitudinal end surface 39 of the electrode unit 3 (Figure 8).

[0113] The second adhesive element 37 comprises a substrate layer in the form of a strip or pad, at least opposite ends 40 of which are provided with an adhesive coating and which adhere to the circumferential surface 41 of the electrode unit 3 such that an intermediate portion 42 between the ends 40 of the second adhesive element 37 extends over the longitudinal end faces 17, 39 of the electrode unit 3, thereby applying a clamping force to the electrode unit 3.

[0114] In some embodiments, the substrate layer of the second adhesive element 37 has a single-sided adhesive coating that extends over the entire side connected to the electrode unit 3 .

[0115] 9, the aerosol generation system 1 may further comprise an accessory 43 adapted to accommodate the aerosol generation device 6 for charging the battery 2. Specifically, the accessory 43 comprises a cylindrical accommodation cavity defined within a proximal portion of the accessory 43 for accommodating at least a distal portion of the aerosol generation device 6 therein.

[0116] The accessory device 43 includes one or more second batteries 44. The one or more second batteries 44 include an electrode unit and an envelope with an adhesive element provided between the electrode unit and the envelope, similar to the battery 2 shown in connection with Figures 2, 3, and 6-8. In some embodiments, the one or more second batteries may be larger in size and / or have a higher storage capacity to allow for multiple charging cycles of the battery 2.

[0117] The accessory device 43 has an electrical connection port 45 that engages with a corresponding electrical connection port 46 on the aerosol generation device 6 to transmit electrical energy between the accessory device 43 and the aerosol generation device 1, preferably for charging the battery 2.

[0118] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, as well as any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: Equipped with a battery, the battery comprises an electrode unit and an envelope; An aerosol generating system, wherein an adhesive element is provided between the electrode unit and the envelope.

2. 2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the electrode unit is formed from one or more electrode assemblies and comprises two electrodes, specifically a cathode and an anode, and a separator disposed between the electrodes.

3. 3. The aerosol generation system of claim 2, wherein the one or more electrode assemblies are wound around a longitudinal axis to form a plurality of turns, and the adhesive element is arranged to at least connect the last turn to the turn before the last turn.

4. 3. The aerosol generation system of claim 2, wherein the electrode assemblies are stacked along a transverse direction and the adhesive elements are arranged on the outer surfaces of the electrode units, preferably on the circumferential surfaces of the electrode units.

5. An aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the adhesive element is arranged on the longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit, and the adhesive element may be connected to the circumferential surface, connecting or compressing the electrode unit.

6. 6. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the electrode unit has at least two tabs extending from the longitudinal end faces of the electrode unit, and the adhesive element is positioned between the tabs.

7. An aerosol generation system as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the battery has at least two terminals, at least some of which are accessible from outside the envelope for connecting the electrode unit to an electrical circuit of the aerosol generation system.

8. 8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive element comprises a substrate layer, the substrate layer being at least partially coated with an adhesive.

9. 9. The aerosol generating system of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of each side of the substrate layer is coated with the adhesive, the first coated side portion contacting the electrode unit, preferably the circumferential surface of the electrode unit, and the second coated side portion contacting the envelope.

10. 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the envelope comprises a protective layer and a packaging layer, the protective layer is disposed between the packaging layer and the electrode unit, the adhesive is in contact with the protective layer, and the protective layer is non-conductive.

11. 11. The aerosol generating system of claim 10, wherein the protective layer is provided with or includes an adhesive, the adhesive of the protective layer having a lower adhesive strength than the adhesive of the adhesive element.

12. 12. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, further comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, optionally the aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine.

13. providing an electrode unit; attaching an adhesive element onto an outer surface of the electrode unit; and placing an envelope around the electrode unit so that the adhesive element contacts the envelope.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising attaching a second adhesive element across a longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit to connect or compress the electrode unit, wherein the second adhesive element is disposed between tabs of the electrode unit, on the bottom longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit, or on an edge of the top longitudinal end surface of the electrode unit.

15. Use of an adhesive element between an electrode unit and an envelope in an aerosol generating system to fix the electrode unit to the envelope.

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