Aerosol generator, battery unit

Abstract

a battery unit comprising: a housing having an air vent hole; a pouch-type battery inside the housing, the outer surface of the battery having a plurality of possible vent points through which fluid may be released during degassing of the battery; a fluid guiding arrangement inside the housing, the fluid guiding arrangement configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points on the battery to the vent hole on the housing; and a breakable seal positioned across the vent hole on the housing, the seal configured to be displaced or broken during degassing of the battery to open the vent hole. An aerosol generation device comprising: a housing having a mouth end and an opposing end, the opposing end having an air vent hole; a pouch-type battery inside the housing, the outer surface of the battery having a plurality of possible vent points through which fluid may be released during degassing of the battery; and a fluid guiding arrangement inside the housing, the fluid guiding arrangement configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points on the battery to the vent hole on the housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The present disclosure also relates to a battery unit suitable for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0003] The popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly over the past few years as an aid to assisting regular smokers who wish to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and roll-up cigarettes. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosolizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0004] A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is the heated substrate aerosol generator or heat-and-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, which typically contains moist tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to temperatures typically ranging from 150°C to 350°C. By heating, rather than burning or combusting, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol that contains the ingredients desired by the user but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste that can result from combustion and burning, which can be unpleasant to users, and therefore the substrate does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to the user.

[0005] Safety concerns exist for certain aerosol generating devices powered by certain types of batteries that can experience leakage or degassing events, where fluid (liquid or gas) is generated from the battery. For example, lithium-ion batteries are known to experience degassing events. These events can be slow or minor events that fall within the normal behavior of the battery and do not necessarily impair the functionality of the aerosol generating device. However, these events can also be sudden events that create high pressures and damage or even explode the device. This is particularly dangerous when the device is held in the user's hand or close to the user's face. Furthermore, the leaking or degassing fluid can be dangerous chemicals, such as flammable or toxic organic solvents.

[0006] In some batteries, there are specific priority vent points on the exterior surface of the battery where fluid is preferentially released during a degassing event. However, this places limitations on the internal structure of the battery. Instead, it would be desirable to be able to use pouch-type batteries that have multiple possible vent points on their surface and can have a variety of internal structures (such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,629,077).

[0007] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device with improved safety and / or reliability in which power is provided by a pouch-type battery.

[0008] For the same reasons, it would also be desirable to provide a battery unit for an aerosol generating device that includes a pouch-type battery with improved safety and / or reliability of the battery unit. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber operable to heat an aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; a housing having a mouth end and an opposing end, the opposing end comprising an air vent; a pouch-type battery inside the housing, the outer surface of the battery comprising a plurality of possible air vent points through which fluid may be released during degassing of the battery; and a fluid guiding arrangement inside the housing configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible air vent points in the battery to the air vent in the housing.

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

[0011] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a seal positioned across the vent, the seal configured to be displaced or broken during venting of the battery to open the vent.

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

[0013] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a battery unit for an aerosol generating device, the battery unit comprising: a housing with a vent hole; a pouch-type battery inside the housing, the outer surface of the battery having a plurality of possible vent points through which fluid may be released during degassing of the battery; a fluid guiding arrangement inside the housing configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole in the housing; and a seal positioned across the vent hole in the housing, the seal configured to be displaced or broken during degassing of the battery to open the vent hole.

[0014] By providing a vent and seal on the housing, pouch-type batteries can be used more safely in battery units.

[0015] In a possible configuration of the first or second aspect, the fluid guide arrangement includes a first heat shield wall positioned closer to a first end of the battery, and the housing vent is positioned closer to a second end of the battery opposite the first end. In other words, the distance between the first heat shield wall and the first end of the battery is shorter than the distance between the housing vent and the second end of the battery. Optionally, the fluid guide arrangement includes a second heat shield wall positioned adjacent to a side of the battery. Optionally, the fluid guide arrangement includes an opening positioned adjacent to a side of the battery to leave the battery exposed, the opening extending along the second heat shield wall. Optionally, the second wall is spaced apart from the housing to leave a cavity therebetween.

[0016] In the first or second aspect, the housing optionally comprises a first material and the seal is a housing portion comprising a second material, the second material being weaker than the first material such that the seal is displaced or broken during evacuation of the battery, opening the vent.

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

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

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

[0020] By using a weaker material for the seal than the housing, the seal will fail before the housing, improving safety.

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

[0022] In the first or second aspect, the seal optionally comprises a resilient element configured to engage with the housing to snap the seal into place during assembly but configured to prevent external removal of the seal from the housing. In one possible form, the resilient element is a tab or protrusion configured to engage the interior of the housing around the edge of the vent.

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

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

[0025] If the fluid being released contains gas, the cavity allows the fluid to expand and cool, improving safety.

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

[0027] The absorbent material improves safety by reducing the liquid leakage caused by a degassing event. In addition, the absorbent material attenuates the force of a violent degassing event.

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

[0029] The combined functions of battery support and fluid conduction simplify construction. Additionally, the battery frame may reduce the chance of de-airing due to impact to the device / unit (e.g., dropping the device / unit).

[0030] Optionally, the battery comprises a first end having a first electrical contact, a second end having a second electrical contact and opposite the first end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, and the battery frame is configured to support at least one of the first end and the second end and leave at least a portion of the sidewall of the battery exposed to the housing interior.

[0031] By supporting one or both ends of the battery where the contacts are located while leaving at least a portion of the sidewall exposed, the chance of de-airing occurring near the electrical contacts is reduced so that the device / unit is more likely to be partially functional after a minor de-airing event.

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

[0033] Such shielding allows the battery to be isolated from other components, which means that the device can be more effectively repaired or recycled after a de-airing event.

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

[0035] Providing a heat shield further isolates the battery from other components.

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

[0037] Such open areas along the battery improve fluid communication to the vents around the battery, increasing the chance that a de-airing event can be safely released through the vents.

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

[0039] The sidewall supports help hold the battery stable within the housing while allowing air to escape over a large remaining surface area of ​​the battery.

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

[0041] This configuration provides mutual protection of the heating chamber from de-airing events and the battery from heat leaking from the heating chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A]2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment, taken from a different perspective than that of FIG. 2B. [Figure 2B] 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment, taken from a different perspective than that of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of the outside of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a seal for an aerosol generating device viewed from the outward-facing side. [Figure 3C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a seal for an aerosol generating device viewed from the inward-facing side. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery unit according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0044] The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a heating chamber 10 , a housing 20 , a pouch-shaped battery 30 , a fluid conducting arrangement 40 and an optional seal 50 .

[0045] The heating chamber 10 is operable to use power from a pouch-type battery 30 to heat an aerosol substrate, such as tobacco, to generate an aerosol. For example, the heating chamber 10 may comprise a ceramic or metal cylindrical wall open at one end and surrounded by an insulator. The open end of the heating chamber 10 preferably faces the mouth end 21 of the housing. In other embodiments, the device 1 may comprise tubing that transports the generated aerosol from the heating chamber 10 to the mouth end 21 of the housing. The heating chamber 10 receives power to drive a heater. For example, the heater may be a resistive heater, such as a resistive track attached to the chamber, e.g., as a thin film, or located either inside or around the chamber wall, or a blade heater that protrudes into the chamber and is operable to penetrate into the aerosol substrate.

[0046] The housing 20 includes a mouth end 21 through which the generated aerosol is inhaled by a user. For example, the mouth end 21 may include an opening and a lid. The lid may be, for example, a hinged lid, a removable lid, or a sliding lid. In other embodiments, the mouth end 21 may be open to allow the aerosol to exit the device 1.

[0047] The housing 20 further includes an opposing end 22 opposite the oral end 21. As shown in Figure 1, the sidewall 23 of the housing 20 may be relatively long and narrow between the oral end 21 and the opposing end 22. This shape allows a user to easily hold the device 1 by the long and short sides 23 in order to place an aerosol substrate into the heating chamber 10 via the oral end 21, or to bring the oral end 21 to the user's mouth and inhale the aerosol generated in the heating chamber 10 via the oral end 21.

[0048] The opposite end 22 is provided with a vent 24 through which fluid released during degassing may escape from the aerosol generating device 1. The vent 24 is preferably sized to maximize the size to allow fluid to escape with as little pressure, temperature, or fluid buildup as possible.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 20 comprises a metal such as aluminum for robustness. The exterior of the housing 20 may be partially or completely covered with an insulating material such as a polymer grip to allow the device 1 to be held by a user even though heat from the heating chamber 10 is partially dissipated into the housing 20.

[0050] There are multiple possible vent points in pouch-type battery 30. For example, the internal structure of battery 30 may be unknown or random, such that a significant portion of the battery's surface constitutes a series of possible vent points. As shown in FIG. 1, pouch-type battery 30 may be positioned in partial contact with other components, such as the interior surface of housing 20.

[0051] If a surface of the pouch-style battery 30 abuts the housing 20, this can have the effect of increasing the force required to rupture the battery 30 and therefore making ventilation less likely when the surface of the pouch-style battery 30 abuts the housing. In this case, the number of possible ventilation points may be reduced so that ventilation is more likely to occur at unsupported portions of the surface of the battery 30. At each remaining ventilation point (e.g., an unsupported portion of the surface), fluid can be released into the housing 20.

[0052] In a first embodiment, the fluid guide arrangement 40 is a simple protrusion from the interior surface of the housing 20 into the housing 20. The fluid guide arrangement 40 is configured as a barrier so that fluid released during evacuation of the battery 30 is directed toward the vent 24 at the opposite end 22 of the housing 20, generally according to the dashed arrows shown in FIG. 1 , regardless of which of the pouch-type battery's possible vent points releases the fluid. By directing evacuation toward the vent 24 at the opposite end 22, the heat and / or forces associated with evacuation are less likely to affect a user of the device, whose hands may be around the side wall 23 and whose face may be near the mouth end 21. The fluid guide arrangement 40 may also include a portion of the interior surface of the housing 20, such as the side wall 23, whose interior surface faces the battery 30.

[0053] The fluid directing arrangement 40 may partially or completely divide the interior volume of the housing 20 to isolate the battery 30 from other components, such as the heating chamber 10. This may be achieved by arranging the fluid directing arrangement to extend across and connect to the interior volume of the housing 20, forming a shield between the battery 30 and a portion of the interior volume of the housing 20. By isolating the battery 30 from other components, the other components are less likely to be damaged during the de-airing event, and the device 1 is more likely to be able to be repaired or recycled after the de-airing event.

[0054] 1, the fluid flow path from a possible vent point in the battery 30 to the vent 24 may include a cavity within the housing 20. The cavity provides a space configured to receive fluid released during degassing. In small degassing events, the interior volume of the cavity may be large enough to dissipate the force and / or heat of the degassing event.

[0055] A portion of the cavity may be filled with an absorbent material disposed to absorb fluid released during degassing. Alternatively, the cavity may be completely replaced with an absorbent material disposed within the housing. The absorbent material at least partially absorbs and / or slows fluid flow along the fluid flow path as a result of a degassing event, thereby reducing the forces, heat, and / or chemical hazards associated with fluid being expelled from the battery 30 through the vent 24. The absorbent material may comprise a porous material such as metal (e.g., aluminum) or plastic in the form of, for example, a mesh, wool, or sponge.

[0056] In a first embodiment, the vent 24 is initially blocked by a seal 50 positioned across the vent. The seal 50 is configured to be displaced (e.g., pushed out of the vent 24) or broken (e.g., cracked, shattered, or melted) during battery venting so that pressure associated with venting can be released in a venting event without leaving the vent 24 open during normal operation of the device 1. In other words, before being displaced or broken, the seal 50 is effectively part of the housing 20. The seal 50 comprises a material that is weaker and / or has a lower melting point than the material of the housing 20 so that the seal 50 material breaks or displaces before any damage occurs to the housing 20. The seal 50 may take the form of a plug comprising a plastic material, such as a plastic resin, or a cover comprising plastic or foil, such as a PET foil sticker. Alternatively, the seal 50 may be omitted, leaving the vent 24 open.

[0057] The device 1 may additionally include a control circuit (not shown) configured to control the supply of power from the heating chamber. The control circuit may be as simple as a manual switch operable by a user. However, the control circuit is preferably sufficiently complex to regulate the power supply to provide the required heating rate within the heating chamber, for example, using buffers, boosters, and / or amplifiers. The control circuit may also perform other functions, such as sensing the state of charge of the pouch battery 30, recharging the pouch battery 30, providing automatic control of the heating chamber 10 to provide a predetermined amount or strength of aerosol according to user input, and controlling an output element (e.g., an LED) to indicate the status of the device. Each of the heating chamber 10 and the pouch battery 30 may be directly connected to the control circuit or may be connected via wires and / or rigid tabs. The tab connections may comprise, for example, steel, nickel, or nickel-plated steel.

[0058] A second embodiment of an aerosol generating device 2 is shown in Figures 2A-2C. Figures 2A and 2B are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment from different rotational perspectives (as indicated by Cartesian axes x, y, and z). Figure 2C is an example CAD model of the aerosol generating device of the second embodiment.

[0059] The second embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment described above, however the fluid conducting arrangement now comprises a battery frame 140 which supports the battery 30 within the housing.

[0060] 2A and 2B , in this embodiment, the pouch-type battery 30 includes two ends 31, 32, each having an electrical contact for supplying power from the battery 30, and a sidewall extending between the first and second ends. The battery frame 140 is configured to support at least one of the ends 31, 32 of the battery 30 while leaving at least a portion of the sidewall 33 open and exposed to the interior volume of the housing 20. The portion of the sidewall 33 that remains exposed forms an area of ​​possible venting point, allowing fluid to escape from the battery 30 while held in place by the battery frame 140 inside the housing 20 (e.g., along the path of the dashed arrow in FIG. 2B ). The corresponding open area of ​​the battery frame 140 to which the battery 30 is exposed forms part of a fluid-guiding arrangement that guides fluid released during degassing toward the vent 24. The battery frame material may be selected to be less rigid than that of the housing 20 so that an external impact (such as dropping the device) transfers less energy to the battery 30 and has less potential to induce a venting event.

[0061] The shielding portion 141 of the battery frame 140 may be provided to extend across the interior volume of the housing 20 between the first end 32 of the battery and a portion of the interior volume of the housing 20 and be connected to the housing. In this case, the shielding portion 141 separates the portion of the interior volume in which the heating chamber 10 is disposed from the portion of the interior volume in which the battery 30 is disposed. The battery frame 140 therefore performs the dual function of protecting the battery 30 from causes of degassing (such as external impact) and protecting other components from the effects of degassing.

[0062] The battery frame 40 may be fabricated from a heat-resistant material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), in which case the shield portion 141 is not only a physical barrier to fluids released during degassing, but also a thermal shield to heat released during degassing. The battery frame 140 may take a variety of forms. In Figures 2A and 2B, the battery frame includes sides 142 in the form of two supports positioned to extend along opposing sidewalls of the battery 30. More generally, the battery frame 140 may, in embodiments, include multiple supports around the periphery of the sidewall 33 of the battery 30, with one or more open areas extending along the sidewall 33. The sides 142 may function as a second heat shield if the battery frame 40 includes a heat-resistant material.

[0063] Additionally, the battery frame includes an end 143 that supports the second end 31 of the battery 30. In a second embodiment, the end 143 is partially open to allow degassing from the second end 31. Alternatively, the end 143 can cover the entire second end 31. The end 143 can be eliminated in cases where the friction between the side 142 and the battery 30 is sufficient to hold the battery 30 in place.

[0064] Turning to Figure 2C, a specific example of the second embodiment is shown in the form of a CAD model. The illustrated features of the specific example are generally independent and may be added individually to the second embodiment.

[0065] 2C, housing 20 is depicted as transparent for illustrative purposes, but in some embodiments it may actually be transparent. For example, the housing may be partially a metal frame and partially a clear plastic. However, in a preferred embodiment, housing 20 is solid metal (such as aluminum) for robustness.

[0066] 2C, the battery frame 140 may additionally include one or more protrusions or fins 144 that extend onto the inner surface of the housing 20. These protrusions or fins increase the contact area between the battery frame 140 and the housing 20, increasing the stability of the battery frame 140 within the housing.

[0067] 2C, the opposing end 22 of the housing may, in some embodiments, include a charging port 60 located along the vent 24 and seal 50 for charging the pouch battery 30. The charging port 60 may be a general-purpose port, such as a USB socket, or may be a proprietary port that ensures that the device is only connected to an appropriate charging source.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2C, the mouth end 21 may have an opening that is covered by a slider 211 in the default state and may be opened to expose the heating chamber 10 when the device is used to generate an aerosol.

[0069] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of the outside of an aerosol generation device 2 according to a second embodiment. Figures 3B and 3C are schematic diagrams of a seal 50 for an aerosol generation device seen from the outward 51 and inward 53 sides, respectively.

[0070] 3A, the opposing end 22 of the housing may include fastener holes 221 for attaching the battery frame 140 to the opposing end 22 using fasteners such as screws, which may be reversible fasteners so that the device 2 can be disassembled.

[0071] 3A, vent hole 24 has a U-shape that is disposed around fastener hole 221. More generally, as discussed above, vent hole 24 is preferably maximized in size to increase its effectiveness for venting fluids generated during degassing away from a user of device 2 and / or away from certain components within the device.

[0072] 3A also shows that the end 143 of the battery frame 140 may have a substantial gap exposing the battery 30 to face the vent 24. In this embodiment, the battery is supported away from the vent 24 by narrow fins 144.

[0073] 3B and 3C show one embodiment of how seal 50 may be held in place prior to a degassing event. Tabs 52 and 54 may engage the interior of housing 20 around the edge of vent 24 to hold the seal in place.

[0074] At least one tab 52 may be resilient so that it can be snapped into place during assembly of device 2. If seal 50 is displaced without damage in a degassing event, resilient tab 52 allows seal 50 to be reused. Alternatively, it may be preferable that seal 50 is not reusable, in which case tab 52 may be designed not to bend without breaking once in place in device 2.

[0075] Alternatively, the seal 50 may be held in place by a friction fit that is strong enough to hold under normal conditions, but that releases due to forces associated with degassing or if the seal 50 breaks.

[0076] The seal 50 in this embodiment does not have any means for the user to manually remove the seal 50 and has a smooth outer surface 51 so that the seal 50 remains in place until a de-airing event occurs. This may improve safety by ensuring that the vent remains closed, keeping contamination (e.g., water) out of the device until the vent is needed in a de-airing event.

[0077] The seal 50 in this embodiment also includes a stepped surface 55 that mates with a corresponding stepped surface on the housing 20 around the vent. This optional feature improves sealing of the vent against contaminants (e.g., water) by providing a large surface area where only a small gap can exist between the housing 20 and the seal 50.

[0078] The seal 50 and vent 24 of Figures 3A-3C may be equally applied to the first embodiment.

[0079] The features of the first and second embodiments may also be applied more generally to battery units, as shown in FIG.

[0080] 4, the battery unit 3 includes a pouch-type battery 30 similar to the pouch-type battery of the first or second embodiment. The pouch-type battery 30 is enclosed within a housing 320. As in the first or second embodiment, the housing 320 includes a vent hole 324 that is initially closed by a seal 50. By providing the vent hole 324, the ventilation direction of the battery unit 3 is clear, in contrast to a single pouch-type battery 30 that has multiple possible ventilation points.

[0081] The housing 320 is similar in material and purpose to the housing 20 and fluid conducting arrangement 40, 140 of the first or second embodiment. In the event of de-aeration, the housing 320 defines a fluid flow path from the battery 30 to the vent 324 so that the fluid can be safely released. In this case, the battery unit 3 does not have a heating chamber, but may have, for example, regulator electronics that control the power supply from the battery unit. Such electronics may be shielded from a de-aeration event by the fluid conducting arrangement or the battery frame as described above.

[0082] The battery unit 3 according to the present invention may further comprise a plurality of pouch-type batteries 30 housed within a single housing 320 .

[0083] Such a battery unit 3 may be specifically adapted for an aerosol generating device and include external electrical contacts and engagement means for electrical and mechanical connection in the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the battery unit 3 may be a general-purpose battery unit with external electrical contacts for supplying power from one or more pouch-type batteries 30 therein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating chamber operable to heat the aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; a housing having a mouth end and an opposing end, the opposing end including a vent; a pouch-type battery within the housing, the exterior surface of the battery comprising a plurality of possible vent points, the plurality of possible vent points being configured to be preferential vent points over other portions of the exterior surface such that fluid within the battery is preferentially released through the vent points during venting of the battery; and a fluid guide structure within the housing, the fluid guide structure comprising a wall or a frame and configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole in the housing; a seal positioned across the vent; Equipped with the seal is configured to be displaced or broken during venting of the battery to open the vent; the seal comprises a resilient element configured to engage the housing to snap the seal into place during assembly but configured to prevent external removal of the seal from the housing; The aerosol generating device, wherein the elastic element is a tab or protrusion configured to engage the interior of the housing around the edge of the vent.

2. 1. A battery unit for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having a vent; a pouch-type battery within the housing, the exterior surface of the battery comprising a plurality of possible vent points, the plurality of possible vent points being configured to be preferential vent points over other portions of the exterior surface such that fluid within the battery is preferentially released through the vent points during venting of the battery; and a fluid guide structure within the housing, the fluid guide structure comprising a wall or a frame and configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole in the housing; a seal positioned across the vent hole in the housing, the seal configured to be displaced or broken during venting of the battery to open the vent hole; Equipped with the seal comprises a resilient element configured to engage the housing to snap the seal into place during assembly but configured to prevent external removal of the seal from the housing; The battery unit, wherein the resilient element is a tab or protrusion configured to engage the interior of the housing around the edge of the vent.

3. 3. An aerosol generating device or battery unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid guide structure comprises a first heat shield wall positioned closer to a first end of the battery, and the ventilation hole in the housing is positioned closer to a second end of the battery opposite the first end.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device or battery unit of claim 3, wherein the fluid guide structure comprises a second heat shield wall positioned adjacent a side of the battery.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device or battery unit of claim 4, wherein the fluid guide structure has an opening positioned adjacent to a side of the battery to leave the battery exposed, the opening extending along the second heat shield wall.

6. 6. An aerosol generating device or battery unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second wall is spaced from the housing so as to leave a cavity therebetween.

7. An aerosol generating device or battery unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing comprises a first material and the seal is a housing portion comprising a second material, the second material being weaker than the first material.

8. An aerosol generating device or battery unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing comprises a first material and the seal is a housing portion comprising a second material, the second material having a lower melting point than the first material.

9. 9. The aerosol generating device or battery unit of claim 8, wherein the first material is metal and the second material is plastic.

10. 10. An aerosol generating device or battery unit according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the seal takes the form of a plug comprising a plastic material, such as a plastic resin, or a cover comprising plastic or foil, such as a PET foil sticker.

11. An aerosol generating device or battery unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a cavity inside the housing adjacent to at least one possible ventilation point of the battery, the cavity being configured to receive the fluid released during degassing of the battery.

12. 12. An aerosol generating device or battery unit according to any preceding claim, comprising an absorbent material arranged inside the housing to absorb the fluid released during degassing of the battery.

13. 13. An aerosol generating device or battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fluid guide structure comprises a battery frame that supports the battery inside the housing.

14. the battery comprises a first end having a first electrical contact, a second end having a second electrical contact and opposite the first end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end; 14. The aerosol generating device or battery unit of claim 13, wherein the battery frame is configured to support at least one of the first end and the second end and to leave at least a portion of the side wall of the battery exposed to the interior of the housing.

15. 15. An aerosol generating device or battery unit as described in claim 13 or 14, wherein the battery frame has a portion that extends across the internal volume of the housing and is connected to the housing so as to form a shielding portion between a first end of the battery and a portion of the internal volume of the housing.

16. 16. The aerosol generating device or battery unit of claim 15, wherein the shielding portion is a heat shield.

17. 17. An aerosol generating device or battery unit as described in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the battery frame further comprises one or more open areas extending along the side wall of the battery or the second end of the battery, the second end facing the first end, and the one or more open areas forming part of the fluid guide structure.

18. 18. The aerosol generating device or battery unit of claim 17, wherein the battery frame further comprises two supports arranged to extend along opposite side walls of the battery.

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

20. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating chamber operable to heat the aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; a housing having a mouth end and an opposing end, the opposing end including a vent; a pouch-type battery within the housing, the exterior surface of the battery comprising a plurality of possible vent points, the plurality of possible vent points being configured to be preferential vent points over other portions of the exterior surface such that fluid within the battery is preferentially released through the vent points during venting of the battery; and a fluid guide structure within the housing, the fluid guide structure comprising a wall or a frame and configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole in the housing; an absorbent material disposed within the housing to absorb the fluid released during degassing of the battery; An aerosol generating device comprising:

21. A battery unit for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having a vent; a pouch-type battery within the housing, the exterior surface of the battery comprising a plurality of possible vent points, the plurality of possible vent points being configured to be preferential vent points over other portions of the exterior surface such that fluid within the battery is preferentially released through the vent points during venting of the battery; and a fluid guide structure within the housing, the fluid guide structure comprising a wall or a frame and configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole in the housing; a seal positioned across the vent hole in the housing, the seal configured to be displaced or broken during venting of the battery to open the vent hole; an absorbent material disposed within the housing to absorb the fluid released during degassing of the battery; A battery unit comprising:

22. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating chamber operable to heat the aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; a housing having a mouth end and an opposing end, the opposing end including a vent; a pouch-type battery within the housing, the exterior surface of the battery comprising a plurality of possible vent points, the plurality of possible vent points being configured to be preferential vent points over other portions of the exterior surface such that fluid within the battery is preferentially released through the vent points during venting of the battery; and a fluid guide structure within the housing, the fluid guide structure comprising a wall or a frame and configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole in the housing; Equipped with the fluid guide structure includes a battery frame supporting the battery within the housing; An aerosol generating device, wherein the battery frame has a portion that extends across the internal volume of the housing and is connected to the housing to form a shielding portion between an end of the battery and a portion of the internal volume of the housing.

23. A battery unit for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having a vent; a pouch-type battery within the housing, the exterior surface of the battery comprising a plurality of possible vent points, the plurality of possible vent points being configured to be preferential vent points over other portions of the exterior surface such that fluid within the battery is preferentially released through the vent points during venting of the battery; and a fluid guide structure within the housing, the fluid guide structure comprising a wall or a frame and configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole in the housing; a seal positioned across the vent hole in the housing, the seal configured to be displaced or broken during venting of the battery to open the vent hole; Equipped with the fluid guide structure includes a battery frame supporting the battery within the housing; The battery frame includes a portion that extends across the interior volume of the housing and is connected to the housing to form a shield between an end of the battery and a portion of the interior volume of the housing.

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