Energy storage assembly device for aerosol generators

Abstract

The present invention provides an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generating device, comprising a housing intended to house a battery and an exhaust component configured to exhaust pressurized gas from within the housing in response to a predetermined pressure within the housing, whereby the housing has an elongated shape and the housing has a first plurality of holes concealed by a concealing member around the housing at a first end the inside of which is not occupied by the battery, the first plurality of holes and the concealing member each being part of the exhaust component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to the safety aspects of using a battery in an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] The prior art reference US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0170439 A1 generally targets energy storage devices. More specifically, it relates to an energy storage device assembly composed of a housing or container, a current interruption device configured in the housing to electrically disconnect the energy storage assembly from the communication current passing through its components, and an exhaust component / device configured to exhaust pressurized gas. The exhaust area substrate is configured to adhere to the housing (e.g., the lid and / or the body), and the exhaust port is configured to open in a predetermined manner such that the substrate tears / separates along a predetermined path that traverses / 迂回s at least a portion of the substrate. In the disclosure of this document, the exhaust port includes an exhaust panel (e.g., an area with a reduced thickness compared to the body and / or the cover, so that the exhaust area / exhaust panel is configured to tear / break at the position with a reduced thickness).

[0003] However, due to the relatively small available space within the body of the aerosol generating device and due to certain aspects related to the appearance of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device inherently poses problems regarding the design of the exhaust holes.

[0004] Furthermore, the design of the aerosol generating device and its energy storage assembly should be such as to minimize any risk of harm to the user.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the problems regarding the design of the exhaust holes described above in this specification.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generator, comprising a housing intended to house a battery and an exhaust component configured to exhaust pressurized gas from the housing in accordance with a predetermined pressure inside the housing, wherein the housing has an elongated shape, and the housing has a first plurality of holes around the perimeter of the housing at a first end not occupied inside by the battery, the first plurality of holes and the exhaust component being part of the exhaust component.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the blinding member has a contrasting first visual aspect to the second visual aspect of the housing, so that it is visible from the outside toward the first plurality of holes in such a way that any change in the blinding member can be easily visually detected by the intended user.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment, each of the first plurality of holes has an elliptical shape oriented along the longitudinal direction of the elongated shape.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, the housing has a second plurality of holes concealed by a second concealing member around the perimeter of the housing at a second end opposite to a first end whose interior is not occupied by a battery, the second plurality of holes and the second concealing member each being part of an exhaust component.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, the concealing member covers the multiple holes from the inside of the housing.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the concealing member comprises a sleeve configured to deform and create a plurality of holes when a predetermined pressure is generated inside the housing.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member is configured to be pushed out of the multiple holes when a predetermined pressure is generated inside the housing, thereby opening at least some of the multiple holes.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the cover member comprises a carrier configured to support a printed circuit board assembly connected to a battery through a disconnectable electrical connection.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the inside of the housing includes a plurality of fixing points configured to secure a concealing member to the inside of the housing.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the concealing member covers a plurality of holes from the outside of the housing.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member includes a material from the list including a sheet of a water-repellent coated material such as silicone rubber or aluminum.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the concealing member is made from the same material as the housing wall, and furthermore, in order to allow for preferred fracture points at the locations of the first plurality of holes, the first wall thickness of the portion of the housing wall corresponding to the concealing member that conceals the first plurality of holes is smaller than the second normal wall thickness of the housing.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the energy storage assembly further comprises a battery housed in a housing, the battery having an exhaust opening configured to exhaust pressurized gas from inside the battery.

[0019] The present invention will be better understood through a detailed description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1]Cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly for an aerosol generating device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly as shown in FIG. 1 after the intended battery has been exhausted. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly for an aerosol generating device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure schematically illustrating the same exemplary embodiment as in FIG. 3 after the intended battery has been exhausted. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly for an aerosol generating device similar to that of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] Figure schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly as shown in FIG. 5 after the intended battery has been exhausted. [Figure 7] Schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of an energy storage assembly for an aerosol generating device in normal use and battery exhausted conditions, respectively, according to the present invention. [Figure 8] Schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of an energy storage assembly for an aerosol generating device in normal use and battery exhausted conditions, respectively, according to the present invention. [Figure 9] Schematic external view of an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 10] Schematic external view of an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 11] Schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of an energy storage assembly for an aerosol generating device in normal use and battery exhausted conditions, respectively, according to the present invention. [Figure 12]Schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to the present invention, in normal use conditions and battery exhaust conditions respectively. [Figure 13] Schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly for an aerosol generating device, similar to that shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating an example according to the present invention regarding a first plurality of holes and a second plurality of holes in a housing, in the "deployed" representation. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating a further example according to the present invention regarding a first plurality of holes and a second plurality of holes in a housing, in the "deployed" representation. [Figure 16] A diagram illustrating an example according to the present invention where the wall thickness of the housing between each of the first plurality of holes is reduced compared to the normal wall thickness of the housing. [Figure 17] A diagram schematically illustrating a cross-section of the housing from FIG. 16 along the plane indicated by arrow C.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Throughout the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same or similar features.

[0022] If a battery cell is damaged inside an energy storage device, it can generate gas through an exhaust process that can increase the pressure inside the device and cause overheating (also known as thermal runaway). When an energy storage device is used inside an aerosol generator, harm to the intended user should be avoided at any cost. To avoid this, it is important to release the gas to the outside of the battery and energy storage device. One obvious way to release the gas is to provide one or more exhaust vents inside the energy storage device to allow the gas to flow out. However, such exhaust vents pose a safety risk as they allow water or liquid, such as e-liquid, to enter the energy storage device, potentially causing safety problems such as short circuits. Moreover, one or more exhaust vents do not provide any indicator for the intended user to detect that the battery cell has been exhausted unless the battery cell becomes completely inoperable after exhausting. Such indicators can provide users with information about the battery's health, allowing them to be notified to replace the battery or stop using the device, thus preventing dangerous usage situations.

[0023] This invention provides a solution for implementing exhaust vents in an energy storage device, where the exhaust vents are concealed by a shielding member during normal operation. When exhaust occurs, the shielding member is compressed by the pressure, causing the exhaust vents to open due to the gas pressure. The opened vents can be observed by the intended user, providing information that the battery cells are exhausting and the device must be disposed of.

[0024] The concealing member may include, for example, a sheet of water-repellent coated material, silicone rubber, or aluminum, thereby achieving water-resistant sealing during normal operation.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, this schematically illustrates in a cross-sectional view an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly device 1 for an aerosol generator (an aerosol generator not shown in Figure 1). The energy storage assembly device 1 comprises a housing 2 intended to house an intended battery 3, which is illustrated in Figure 1 for better understanding but does not have to be part of the present invention. Exhaust components 4, 5 are configured to exhaust pressurized gas (a gas not illustrated in Figure 1) from the housing 2 in accordance with a predetermined pressure within the housing 2. Figure 1 further illustrates electrical contacts 6 which may be configured to contact the intended battery 3. Such electrical contacts 6 may be considered standard equipment for any energy storage assembly device. The housing 2 has an elongated shape, and in the embodiment of Figure 1, when viewed in the illustrated cross-section, it is in some form rectangular. The energy storage device assembly is a three-dimensional device, which may be, for example, a hollow rectangular rod or cylinder.

[0026] The housing 2 has a plurality of holes 5 around the perimeter of the housing at a first tip A whose interior is not occupied by the battery 3, and both the plurality of holes 5 and the concealment member 4 are part of the exhaust component.

[0027] In this specification, the tip refers to the area between the location where the battery 3 is intended to be placed and the end of the housing. Thus, the tip A is not limited to the part of the housing furthest from the end A, but similarly includes the intermediate area as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, multiple holes 5 may also be replaced by a single hole 5.

[0028] The blindling member 4 has a contrasting first visual aspect, unlike the second visual aspect of the housing 2, so that it is visible from the outside in such a way that any change in the blindling member can be easily visually detected by the intended user toward at least a number of holes 5 (the visual aspects and intended users are not illustrated in Figure 1). The visual aspects may be effects perceptible to the human eye, such as the angle at which light is reflected, the surface pattern, or the color. In this embodiment, the blindling member 4 is located inside the housing 2 and is made of a relatively soft material, the reason for which will become clear when discussing Figure 2.

[0029] Referring to Figure 2, this schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly device 1 as shown in Figure 1, after the battery 3 has been exhausted. The exhaust causes the generation of pressurized gas that exerts pressure toward the first tip A, as illustrated by the thick arrow 20, and when a predetermined pressure is generated and exceeds it inside the housing 2, it pushes the blind member 4 toward the first tip A, thereby deforming the blind member 4, which is done relatively easily because the material from which the blind member 4 is made is soft. The exhaust holes 5 are opened, allowing the exhaust gas 21 to escape through them. In other words, the blind member 4 is configured to be pushed out of the multiple holes 5 when a predetermined pressure is generated inside the housing 2, opening at least some of the multiple holes 5.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the first visual aspect and the second visual aspect are the first color and the second color, respectively.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the concealing member 4 may be a sleeve.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, this schematically illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly device in a cross-sectional view. One difference compared to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 is that the exhaust component 5, 31 further comprises a carrier 31 for supporting or holding a PCBA 32 (printed circuit board assembly), in addition to the multiple holes 5. The PCBA 32 may be configured, for example, to control an aerosol generator (other components of the aerosol generator not shown in Figure 3). The carrier 31 is configured to obscure the multiple holes 5 during the normal operation of the energy storage assembly, similar to the obscuring member 4 known from Figure 1. The PCBA 32 is connected to electrical contacts 6 by a disconnectable electrical connection 33.

[0033] The carrier 31, like the concealment member 4, has a contrasting first visual aspect, unlike the second visual aspect of the housing 2, such that it is visible from the outside in a manner that any changes in the carrier can be easily visually detected by the intended user toward at least a number of holes 5 (the visual aspects and intended users are not illustrated in Figure 3). The visual aspects may be effects perceptible to the human eye, such as the angle at which light is reflected, surface patterns, or colors.

[0034] The carrier 31 may be, for example, a plastic frame.

[0035] Referring to Figure 4, this schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment relating to an energy storage assembly as shown in Figure 3, after the battery 3 has been evacuated. The evacuation causes the generation of pressurized gas that exerts pressure toward the first tip A, as illustrated by the thick arrow 20, and when a predetermined pressure is generated and exceeds it inside the housing 2, the carrier 31 is pushed toward the first tip A, thereby severing the severable electrical connection 33. The evacuation holes 5 are opened, allowing the evacuation gas 21 to escape through them. In other words, the carrier 31 is configured to be pushed out of the multiple holes 5 when a predetermined pressure is generated inside the housing 2, opening at least some of the multiple holes 5. At the same time, since the severable electrical connection 33 is severed, the PCBA 32 is disconnected, which has the effect of disconnecting the PCBA 32 from the battery, and therefore the aerosol generator cannot operate, preventing any potential adverse effects on operating the energy storage assembly, and similarly preventing dangerous use cases when the battery has evacuated and is not healthy enough to continue operating.

[0036] Alternatively, the carrier 31 does not necessarily house or hold the PCBA, nor does it support the PCBA in any way, but simply performs its function. In this embodiment, there are also no disconnectable electrical connections.

[0037] Referring to Figure 5, which is similar to that in Figure 1, an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly device 1 for an aerosol generator is schematically illustrated in a cross-sectional view. Again, the intended battery 3 is illustrated in Figure 5 for better understanding, but is not an essential part of the present invention. In addition, the inside of the housing 2 is provided with a plurality of fixing points 30 configured to secure a concealing member 4 to the inside of the housing 2.

[0038] Referring to Figure 6, this schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the energy storage assembly device 1 as shown in Figure 5, after the battery 3 has been evacuated. Figure 6 clearly shows how the fixing point 30 helps to hold the blind member 4 in place when the blind member 4 is deformed under the influence of pressurized gas.

[0039] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, these illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generator under normal operating conditions and battery exhaust conditions, respectively. Unlike Figures 1 and 2, the blinding member 70 covers the first set of holes 5 from the outside of the sealing housing 2. When the battery is exhausted in Figure 10, the pressurized gas pushes the blinding member 70, opening at least some of the first set of holes 5, in order to escape from the inside of the housing 2.

[0040] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, these illustrate schematic external views of an exemplary embodiment of an energy storage assembly device 50, the housing 2 having a second plurality of holes 51 concealed from the inside by a second concealing member 52 around the housing 2 at a second tip B opposite to a first tip A whose interior is not occupied by a battery (not illustrated in Figures 9 and 10), and both the second plurality of holes 51 and the second sleeve 52 are part of the exhaust component.

[0041] In this specification, the tip refers to the area between the location where the battery 3 is intended to be placed and the end of the housing. Thus, the tip B is not limited to the part of the housing furthest from the end B, but similarly includes the intermediate area as shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, multiple holes 51 may also be replaced by a single hole 51.

[0042] Figures 9 and 10 further illustrate the first set of holes 5, which in Figure 9 are covered from the inside by a blind member 4, while in Figure 10, due to exhaust from a battery (a battery not shown in Figures 9 and 10), only a portion of the first set of holes 5 remain covered from the inside by the blind member 4, while one of the holes 53 of the first set of holes 5 is no longer covered and is open to allow gas to escape. The one hole 53 is clearly identifiable by the intended user and indicates that the battery is exhausting and the device should be disposed of.

[0043] Each of the first plurality of holes 5 or the second plurality of holes 51 may have a shape that is suitable for the amount of gas exhausted when the battery is vented, including circular, elliptical, rectangular, polygonal shapes, etc. (some of these shapes are not illustrated in Figures 9 and 10).

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, each of the first plurality of holes 5 has an elliptical shape oriented along the longitudinal direction of the elongated shape. This is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10.

[0045] The energy storage assembly is incorporated into the aerosol generator in such a manner that the first tip A corresponds to or is adjacent to the non-suction end of the aerosol generator, the end of the aerosol generator opposite to the suction side. This is because the pressurized gas is hot and dangerous to the user, and it is safer to vent it to the outside far from the suction side.

[0046] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, these illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of an energy storage assembly for an aerosol generator under normal operating conditions and battery exhaust conditions, respectively. Figures 11 and 12 show use case scenarios for the first set of holes 5 and the second set of holes 51 already illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, and thereafter no concealing members are illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, as has already been explained in previous embodiments in which concealing members covered the holes from the inside or outside. Any of the aforementioned special features may be implemented in this structure with holes at both ends.

[0047] During thermal runaway / failure of battery 3, battery 3 may swell, for example, at position 90 indicated in both Figures 11 and 12, thereby filling any possible gap between battery 3 and housing 2, with no possible release, and potentially blocking gas within the area of ​​housing 2. By having holes located at both ends of housing 2, for example, embodied as a first set of holes 5 and a second set of holes 51, it is possible to release gas in any situation and avoid gas blockage.

[0048] Referring to Figure 13, this illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment relating to an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generator, similar to that shown in Figure 11. In the event of thermal runaway / failure of the battery 3, and even if the housing 2 has a first set of holes 5 and a second set of holes 51, it is possible that the volume of gas generated may not be released from the housing 2 quickly enough, thus putting excessive pressure on the battery 3 and / or the housing 2, which could then cause one of the two to fail in an unpredictable manner. Therefore, especially when the energy storage assembly device is used in an aerosol generator, it is important that a defined fracture scheme, i.e., a weak point, is created within the housing 2 by a mechanical machining process, preferably on the side opposite the intended user's face.

[0049] Many different fracture schemes can be realized, involving not only the size, shape, and distribution of holes, but also the type of concealing material and the wall thickness.

[0050] Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment relating to a first plurality of holes 5 and a second plurality of holes 51 within the housing 2 in an "expanded" representation. The holes of the second plurality of holes 51 have a smaller diameter than the holes of the first plurality of holes 5, while the number of holes in the second plurality of holes 51 and the first plurality of holes 5 are the same. Thus, the first surface presented by the first plurality of holes 5 (of the blind member, not shown in Figure 14) is larger than the second surface presented by the second plurality of holes 51, increasing the likelihood that gas will escape through the first plurality of holes 5 in a larger flow when the pressure rises, and furthermore, this side is located inside the aerosol generator away from the face of the intended user (the aerosol generator and the face of the intended user are not illustrated in Figure 14). This is because pressurized gas is hot and dangerous to the user, and it is safer to exhaust it outside far from the intake side. Similarly, and importantly, there is less material remaining in the housing 2 around the first set of holes 5 than around the second set of holes 51, making it more likely that the housing 2 will rupture in the area of ​​the first set of holes 5 if the pressure inside the housing 2 increases drastically.

[0051] The first set of holes 5 may be limited to a determined section 141, where the first set of holes 5 cover, for example, 50% of the surface of the first set of holes corresponding to the determined section 141. The percentage may be shifted to a larger or smaller amount depending on the design of the aerosol generator.

[0052] The second set of holes 51 may be limited to the determined section 142, and the second set of holes 51 may cover the surface of the second set of holes corresponding to, for example, 25% of the determined section 142. The percentage may be shifted to a larger or smaller amount depending on the design of the aerosol generator.

[0053] Figure 15 illustrates a further embodiment relating to a first set of holes 5 and a second set of holes 51 within the housing 2 in an "expanded" representation. The holes in the second set of holes 51 have similar diameters and the same number as the holes in the first set of holes 5. Thus, the first surface represented by the first set of holes 5 (of the blinding member, not shown in Figure 15) is substantially the same as the second surface presented by the second set of holes 51, increasing the likelihood that, in the event of increased pressure, gas will escape in a similar flow through the first set of holes 5 and through the second set of holes 51. However, as illustrated in Figure 16, it is possible to design the wall 140 so that each of the holes in the first set of holes 5 is blinded by the wall 140, for example, such that the wall thickness of the wall 140 is less than the normal wall thickness of the housing 2, thereby increasing the likelihood that wall rupture will occur in the thinner parts of the wall in the event of extremely increased pressure. Figure 17 schematically illustrates a cross-section of housing 2 along the plane indicated by arrow C in Figure 16, showing how the thickness w of wall 140 is smaller than the normal wall thickness h of housing 2. The side of housing 2 where the hole connected by the thinner wall is located should be oriented away from the face of the intended user when designing the aerosol generator to reduce the risk of injury.

Claims

1. An energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generating device, A housing intended to accommodate a battery, An exhaust component configured to exhaust pressurized gas from the housing in accordance with a predetermined pressure inside the housing, Equipped with, As a result, the housing has an elongated shape, The housing has a first number of holes, concealed by a concealing member, around the first tip of the aerosol generator, which is the tip opposite to the inhalation side where the user's face is located, and whose interior is not occupied by the battery. The first plurality of holes and the concealing member are each part of the exhaust component. Energy storage assembly device.

2. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the concealing member has a first visual configuration that is different from and contrasts with the second visual configuration of the housing, so that any change in the concealing member can be easily visually detected by the intended user toward the first plurality of holes.

3. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the first plurality of holes has an elliptical shape oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the elongated shape.

4. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing has a second plurality of holes concealed by a second concealing member around the housing at a second tip opposite to the first tip, the second plurality of holes and the second concealing member are each part of the exhaust component.

5. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the concealing member conceals the first plurality of holes from the inside of the housing.

6. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the concealing member comprises a sleeve configured to deform when the predetermined pressure occurs inside the housing to open the first plurality of holes.

7. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the concealing member is configured to be pushed out of the first plurality of holes when a predetermined pressure is generated inside the housing, thereby opening at least a portion of the first plurality of holes.

8. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the concealing member comprises a carrier configured to support a printed circuit board assembly connected to the battery through a detachable electrical connection.

9. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the inside of the housing is provided with a plurality of fixing points configured to fix the concealing member to the inside of the housing.

10. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the concealing member conceals the first plurality of holes from the outside of the housing.

11. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the concealing member includes a sheet of a water-repellent coated material.

12. The aforementioned concealing member is made from the same material as the wall of the housing. Furthermore, in order to enable a preferred fracture point at the location of the first plurality of holes, the first wall thickness of the housing wall portion corresponding to the concealing member that conceals the first plurality of holes is smaller than the second normal wall thickness of the housing. The energy storage assembly device according to claim 1.

13. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a battery housed in the housing, wherein the battery has an exhaust opening configured to exhaust pressurized gas from inside the battery.

14. The energy storage assembly device according to claim 11, wherein the material is silicone rubber.

15. The energy storage assembly apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the material is aluminum.

16. Aerosol generating device, It has a hollow rectangular rod or a cylindrical elongated shape, and a housing that contains the battery, A concealing member is provided at the end of the housing opposite to the inhalation side, which is the side of the aerosol generator where the user's face is located, and which is not occupied by the battery, so as to conceal a plurality of holes formed around the housing. It has, The concealing member is configured to deform such that at least one of the plurality of holes opens when the pressure inside the housing exceeds a predetermined value due to the gas discharged by the battery. An aerosol generating apparatus characterized by the following features.

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