Electronic cigarette device with temperature-activated battery vent port

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette device comprising a housing configured to hold a battery, a vent port disposed within the housing, and a safety valve means disposed on the vent port, the safety valve means configured to open and / or close the vent port partially or completely depending on the temperature within the housing, such that the vent port automatically opens when the battery temperature exceeds a certain value, thereby avoiding the risk of explosion due to pressure buildup within the housing caused by battery malfunction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic cigarette devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, consumers have increasingly been replacing traditional cigarettes with e-cigarette devices, which are used essentially the same way as traditional cigarettes, in particular by contacting the lips with a cartomizer at a first end of the device to inhale the aerosol.

[0003] Such devices are typically powered by a battery mounted within a housing that must be hermetically sealed from the outside to protect the battery from external influences such as dirt, dust or moisture.

[0004] However, on rare occasions, batteries have overheated and released high-pressure gases that could result in an explosion if the pressure within the housing is not allowed to escape. Therefore, to improve the safety of the device, it is necessary to provide a means to relieve such pressure.

[0005] A battery pack for an electronic cigarette equipped with a safety valve for pressure relief in the event of a battery malfunction is disclosed, for example, in Chinese Patent No. 107432498. Because the safety valve only opens if pressure builds up inside the battery pack, there is still a risk of explosion if the pressure builds up too quickly.

[0006] A battery monitoring and protection system not applicable to e-cigarettes, specifically featuring a safety exhaust valve with a shape memory alloy (SMA) sheet, is disclosed in Chinese Patent No. 108091805. As long as the temperature is below a certain value, the SMA sheet blocks the vent hole. Once that value is exceeded, the SMA sheet deforms, opening the vent hole. A battery cell module with a similar safety valve is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9231237B2.

[0007] US Pat. No. 7,607,402 B2 discloses the use of SMAs in a wide variety of applications, inter alia, to create pathways through the shell wall of a drug delivery device for releasing substances into the body. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the above, the underlying object of the present invention is to provide an electronic cigarette device with a sealed battery compartment and means for reliably releasing pressure in the event of the battery overheating (a "thermal event").

[0009] This object is solved by the subject matter of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the further claims.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a battery comprising a housing configured to hold a battery, a vent port disposed within the housing, and a safety valve means disposed on the vent port, the safety valve means comprising: , Ha Depending on the temperature inside the housing, Partially and / or completely The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette device configured to open and / or block a vent port.

[0011] The valve automatically opens when the battery temperature exceeds a certain value, reducing the risk of explosion due to pressure buildup inside the housing caused by battery malfunction.

[0012] Because the battery heats up before it gives off gas, the valve opens even before pressure builds up inside the housing, whereas a pressure-controlled valve would only open after a certain amount of pressure has built up inside the housing, which can be dangerous, especially if the pressure builds up very quickly.

[0013] The safety valve means is preferably configured to block the vent port by assuming a first shape during normal conditions (below a temperature threshold) and to open the vent port by assuming a second shape when the temperature exceeds the threshold. Valve means that open the vent port by changing the shape of the vent port in the event of a thermal event is a reliable, cost-effective and easy to implement means of a temperature controlled safety valve.

[0014] Preferably, the safety valve means is further configured to return to its first shape when the temperature falls below a threshold value so as to partially or fully block the vent port. Advantageously, after the thermal event has ceased and the battery has cooled, the valve means can re-close the vent port to prevent user exposure to potentially toxic residues remaining within the housing.

[0015] The threshold temperature value is preferably between 59° C. and 74° C. A threshold in this temperature range has been demonstrated to reliably indicate a thermal event in the battery and cause deformation of the SMA to open the vent port.

[0016] More preferably, the safety valve means has a response time of less than 100 milliseconds to fully open. A fast response time of the valve means enhances the safety of the electronic cigarette device, because in the event of a thermal event, pressure can build up quickly within the housing, which can be avoided by quickly opening the safety valve.

[0017] The safety valve means may further include at least a shape memory alloy (SMA) element, which is suitable as the valve means for the temperature controlled safety valve because it is durable, reliable, relatively cost effective, and available in a wide range of specifications.

[0018] The SMA element may further comprise a mixture of 45Ni-50Ti-5Cu. This particular type of SMA has proven highly suitable for its intended application because its deformation temperature falls within the specified range above, corresponding to the temperature caused by a thermal event.

[0019] The safety valve means may further comprise at least a resilient seal, preferably made of silicone, which serves to prevent the ingress of dust or moisture into the housing when the valve is closed and which can be resiliently deformed by the valve means in the event of a thermal event.

[0020] The safety valve means may be configured to at least partially bend, straighten, contract, expand, harden, soften, melt, or decompose upon exceeding a temperature threshold, all of the above transitions enabling the valve means to open the vent port in the event of a temperature increase due to a thermal event and are relatively easy to implement.

[0021] The SMA element can have a circular or semicircular shape and can be attached to the elastomeric seal and configured to partially straighten when heated, thereby increasing the diameter of its circular or semicircular shape and forcing the elastomeric seals apart radially to increase the diameter of the valve opening.

[0022] This embodiment is particularly cost-effective and easy to implement, for example, compared to arrangements featuring a safety valve means comprising two separate parts.

[0023] The SMA element may have a curved shape and may be attached to a resilient seal of a first portion of the safety valve means and configured to partially straighten when heated, thereby at least partially separating said first portion from a second portion of the safety valve means and creating and / or increasing the valve opening.

[0024] The SMA element may have an elongated shape and may be configured to flex when heated, thereby partially lifting the relief valve means away from the vent port and creating and / or increasing the valve opening.

[0025] The SMA element may have an elongate shape and may be attached to a first portion of the safety valve means and configured to contract when heated, thereby spacing the first portion from a second portion of the safety valve means and creating and / or increasing the valve opening.

[0026] These embodiments allow the vent port to be completely sealed by the safety valve means in the closed state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] The invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings which show exemplary embodiments.

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic top view of an electronic cigarette device according to the present invention. [Figure 2a] 2 shows an enlarged view of area "A" of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 2b] 2 shows an enlarged view of area "A" of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment in an open state. [Figure 3a] 2b shows a cross-sectional view along line "B" of FIG. 2a according to the first embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 3b] 2b shows a cross-sectional view along line "C" of FIG. 2b according to the first embodiment in an open state. [Figure 4a] 2 shows an enlarged view of area "A" of FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 4b] 2 shows an enlarged view of area "A" of FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment in an open state. [Figure 5a] 4b shows a cross-sectional view along line "D" of FIG. 4a according to the second embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 5b] 4b shows a cross-sectional view along line "E" of FIG. 4b according to the second embodiment in an open state. [Figure 6a] 2 shows an enlarged view of area "A" of FIG. 1 according to the third embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 6b] 2 shows an enlarged view of area "A" of FIG. 1 according to the third embodiment in the open position. [Figure 7a]6b shows a cross-sectional view along line "F" of FIG. 6a according to the third embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 7b] 6b shows a cross-sectional view along line "G" of FIG. 6b according to the third embodiment in an open state. [Figure 8a] 2 shows an enlarged view of area "A" of FIG. 1 according to the fourth embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 8b] 2 shows an enlarged view of area "A" of FIG. 1 according to the fourth embodiment in the open position. [Figure 9a] 8b shows a cross-sectional view along line "H" in FIG. 8a according to the fourth embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 9b] 8b shows a cross-sectional view along line "I" in FIG. 8b according to the fourth embodiment in an open state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments and are to be understood by way of example and not by way of limitation. Features of the embodiments described below can also be used to further characterize the devices defined in the claims.

[0030] Variations of features may be combined to form further embodiments. Features described in separate embodiments may be provided in a single embodiment if they are not interchangeable. Similarly, features described in a single embodiment may be provided in several embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination.

[0031] The same reference numbers in different figures may indicate identical, corresponding, or functionally similar elements.

[0032] 1 shows a schematic top view of an electronic cigarette device 10 according to the present invention. Inside the housing 12 is a battery 14 which provides energy to a cartomizer (not shown) to produce vapor for inhalation by a user. The housing 12 is substantially hermetically sealed, so that the battery 14 is protected from external influences such as dirt, dust, or moisture.

[0033] The housing 12 further includes a vent port 16, preferably located near the battery 14, for relieving pressure from the interior of the housing 12 in the event of a thermal event in which the battery 14 overheats and gives off high-pressure gas.

[0034] The vent port 16 is covered by a temperature activated valve means 18 that automatically opens the vent port 16 in the event of a thermal event to relieve pressure within the housing 12 caused by that gas emanating from the battery 14. The valve means 18 can have a variety of designs, which are exemplarily described in the following embodiments.

[0035] 2a and 2b show enlarged views of region "A" in FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in the closed and open states, respectively. In this example, vent port 16 is a circular hole in housing 12, covered by a circular valve means 18, which is not limited to being circular, however. Valve means 18 consists of a semicircular SMA element 20, which covers vent port 16 and is attached to an elastic seal 22 with a small (valve) opening 24 in its center, which can be completely closed by additional means (not shown).

[0036] In a thermal event, the SMA element 20 unfolds or partially straightens, thereby increasing the diameter of its semicircular shape and forcing the silicone seal 22 radially apart, increasing the diameter of the valve opening 24 .

[0037] Figures 3a and 3b show cross-sectional views along lines "B" and "C" in Figures 2a and 2b, respectively. Valve means 18, consisting of an SMA element 20 and an elastomeric seal 22, is positioned over vent port 16 in housing 12. When SMA element 20 deploys, a central valve opening 24 in elastomeric seal 22 also opens. In this embodiment, vent port 16 is not completely covered in the closed state, so an additional sealing element, such as a central pin, may be provided that covers small valve opening 24 in the closed state.

[0038] Figures 4a and 4b show enlarged views of region "A" of Figure 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the closed and open states, respectively. In this example, vent port 16 is a circular hole in housing 12, covered by a substantially rectangular valve means 18 made up of two separate parts. Again, a variety of shapes can be used. Both parts of valve means 18, made up of semicircular SMA elements 20a, 20b and elastomeric seals 22a, 22b, abut against the center of vent port 16, thereby completely covering it.

[0039] In a thermal event, the SMA elements 20 a , 20 b unfold or partially straighten, thereby forcing the adjacent elastomeric seals 22 a , 22 b apart and creating a gap or valve opening 24 between the two portions of the valve means 18 .

[0040] Figures 5a and 5b show cross-sectional views along lines "D" and "E" in Figures 4a and 4b, respectively. Both portions of valve means 18, consisting of SMA elements 20a, 20b and elastomeric seals 22a, 22b, respectively, are positioned over vent port 16 of housing 12. When SMA elements 20a, 20b straighten, a valve opening 24 is created between both portions of valve means 18. In this embodiment, vent port 16 is completely covered in the closed state, so no additional sealing elements are required.

[0041] Figures 6a and 6b show enlarged views of region "A" of Figure 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention in the closed and open states, respectively. In this example, vent port 16 is a circular hole in housing 12, covered by a substantially rectangular valve means 18. Again, a variety of shapes can be used. Valve means 18 comprises a straight or flat SMA element 20 attached to an elastomeric seal 22, which covers vent port 16 in the closed state.

[0042] In a thermal event, the SMA element 20 bends upward, thereby lifting the elastomeric seal 22 and creating a gap or valve opening 24 between the vent port 16 and the valve means 18 .

[0043] Figures 7a and 7b show cross-sectional views along lines "F" and "G" of Figures 6a and 6b, respectively. Valve means 18, consisting of an SMA element 20 and an elastomeric seal 22, is positioned over vent port 16 of housing 12. When SMA element 20 flexes upward, elastomeric seal 22 partially separates from housing 12, creating valve opening 24. In this embodiment, vent port 16 is fully covered in the closed state, so no additional sealing element is required.

[0044] Figures 8a and 8b show enlarged views of region "A" of Figure 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in the closed and open states, respectively. In this example, vent port 16 is a circular hole in housing 12, covered by a substantially rectangular valve means 18 made up of two separate parts. Again, a variety of shapes can be used. Both parts of valve means 18 consist of straight SMA elements 20a, 20b and elastomeric seals 22a, 22b, which abut the center of vent port 16, thereby completely covering it.

[0045] In a thermal event, the SMA elements 20 a , 20 b contract, thereby forcing the adjacent elastomeric seals 22 a , 22 b apart and creating a gap or valve opening 24 between the two portions of the valve means 18 .

[0046] Figures 9a and 9b show cross-sectional views along lines "H" and "I" in Figures 8a and 8b, respectively. Both portions of valve means 18, consisting of SMA elements 20a, 20b and elastomeric seals 22a, 22b, respectively, are positioned over vent port 16 of housing 12. When SMA elements 20a, 20b are contracted, a valve opening 24 is created between both portions of valve means 18. In this embodiment, vent port 16 is fully covered in the closed state, so no additional sealing elements are required.

[0047] It should be noted that the valve means 18 shown in the second and fourth embodiments do not necessarily have to be arranged symmetrically. For example, only one side of the valve means 18 may be provided with an SMA element 20.

[0048] It should also be noted that it may be further advantageous if the valve means 18 does not completely seal the vent port 16, as long as the valve opening 24 is small enough in the closed state. In this case, for example, no additional sealing element is provided in the first embodiment, and both parts of the valve means 18 in the second and fourth embodiments are arranged with a gap in the closed state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10. Electronic Cigarette Devices 12 Housing 14 Battery 16 Vent port 18 Valve means 20, 20a, 20b SMA elements 22, 22a, 22b Elastic seal 24 Valve opening

Claims

1. An electronic cigarette device (10), comprising: a housing (12) configured to hold a battery (14); a vent port (16) disposed within the housing (12); a safety valve means (18) disposed on said vent port (16); Equipped with the safety valve means (18) is configured to assume a first shape to at least partially block the vent port (16) during normal conditions when the temperature within the housing is below a threshold, and to assume a second shape to at least partially open the vent port (16) when the temperature exceeds the threshold; the safety valve means (18) is disposed on an outer surface of the housing and is configured to deform along the outer surface between the first and second shapes; An electronic cigarette device (10).

2. the safety valve means (18) is configured to return to its first shape, thereby partially or completely blocking the vent port (16), when the temperature falls below the threshold. The electronic cigarette device (10) of claim 1.

3. The threshold is between 59°C and 74°C. An electronic cigarette device (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2.

4. the reaction time of said safety valve means (18) to fully open is less than 100 milliseconds; An electronic cigarette device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The safety valve means (18) includes at least an SMA element (20) comprising a shape memory alloy; An electronic cigarette device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The SMA element (20) comprises a mixture of 45Ni-50Ti-5Cu; 6. The electronic cigarette device (10) of claim 5.

7. The safety valve means (18) includes at least a resilient seal (22). An electronic cigarette device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The electronic cigarette device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the safety valve means (18) includes at least a silicone seal.

9. 7. The electronic cigarette device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the safety valve means (18) includes a seal that completely covers the vent port (16) when the vent port (16) is in a closed state.

10. 10. The electronic cigarette device (10) of claim 9, wherein when the temperature exceeds a threshold, the seal at least partially separates from the housing (12), thereby creating a valve opening.

11. The electronic cigarette device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vent port (16) is sealed by the safety valve means (18) when the vent port (16) is in a closed state.

12. The electronic cigarette device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the vent port (16) is circular.

13. 13. The electronic cigarette device (10) of claim 12, wherein the vent port (16) is covered by a circular valve means.

14. the safety valve means (18) is configured to at least partially bend, straighten, contract, expand, harden, soften, melt, or decompose when the temperature exceeds the threshold value; An electronic cigarette device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 7. The electronic cigarette device of claim 5, wherein the SMA element has a circular or semicircular shape, is attached to an elastic seal, and is configured to partially straighten when heated, thereby increasing the diameter of its circle or semicircle and forcing the elastic seal radially apart to increase the diameter of the valve opening.

16. 7. The electronic cigarette device (10) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the SMA element (20) has a curved shape, is attached to an elastic seal (22) of a first portion of the safety valve means (18), and is configured to partially straighten when heated, thereby at least partially separating the first portion from a second portion of the safety valve means (18) and creating and / or increasing a valve opening (24).

17. 7. The electronic cigarette device (10) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the SMA element (20) has an elongated shape, is attached to a first portion of the safety valve means (18), and is configured to contract when heated, thereby spacing the first portion from a second portion of the safety valve means (18) and creating and / or increasing a valve opening (24).

18. The electronic cigarette device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the vent port (16) is located within the housing (12) near the battery (14).

19. An electronic cigarette device (10) as described in claim 18, wherein the housing (12) having the vent port (16) with the safety valve means (18) protects the battery (14) from external influences.

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