Aerosol generator, battery unit

Abstract

A battery unit comprises: a housing including a vent hole; a pouch battery within the housing, wherein the outer surface of the battery includes a plurality of possible vent points from which fluid can be released during degassing of the battery; a fluid-directing device within the housing, wherein the fluid-directing device is configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole of the housing; and a breakable seal positioned across the vent hole of the housing, wherein the seal is configured to be displaced or broken to open the vent hole during degassing of the battery. An aerosol generator comprises: a housing including a mouth end and a counter end, wherein the counter end includes a vent hole; a pouch battery within the housing, wherein the outer surface of the battery includes a plurality of possible vent points from which fluid can be released during degassing of the battery; and a fluid-directing device within the housing, wherein the fluid-directing device is configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole of the housing.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable aerosol generating device that is self-contained and may be low temperature. Such a device may heat tobacco or other suitable aerosol substrate material by conduction, convection, and / or radiation without burning it in order to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

[0002] In addition, the present disclosure relates to a battery unit suitable for an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0003] Due to the use and popularity of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers), aid devices to assist habitual smokers who wish to quit traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolled tobacco, have grown rapidly over the past few years. In contrast to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products, various devices and systems are available that heat or warm aerosolizable materials.

[0004] A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is a heated substrate aerosol generator or a heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising wet leaf tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature typically ranging from 150°C to 350°C. By heating the aerosol substrate without igniting or burning it, an aerosol is released that contains the desired components of the user but does not contain toxic and carcinogenic ignition and combustion byproducts. Additionally, since the aerosol generated by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material does not typically contain a burnt or bitter taste resulting from ignition and combustion, which may be unpleasant to the user, 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] There are safety concerns regarding certain aerosol generators powered by specific types of batteries that may experience leakage or degassing events, where fluid (liquid or gas) is generated from the battery. For example, lithium-ion batteries are known to undergo degassing events. These events may be slow or minor, falling within the normal operation of the battery, and do not necessarily impair the function of the aerosol generator. However, these events can also be rapid, causing high pressure that damages the device or even causes it to explode. This is particularly dangerous if the device is held in a user's hand or placed close to their face. Additionally, the leaked or degassing fluid may be hazardous chemicals, such as flammable or toxic organic solvents.

[0006] In some batteries, there are specific preferential vent points on the outer surface of the battery where fluid is preferentially discharged during a degassing event. However, this imposes restrictions on the internal structure of the battery. Instead, it is preferable to use pouch batteries, which have multiple possible vent points on their surfaces and can have various internal structures (e.g., as described in US7629077).

[0007] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with improved safety and / or reliability, the power of which is supplied by a pouch battery.

[0008] For the same reason, it is also desirable to provide a battery unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the battery unit comprises a pouch battery having improved safety and / or reliability. means of solving the problem

[0009] According to a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: a heating chamber operable to heat an aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; a housing comprising a mouth end and a counter end, wherein the counter end comprises a vent hole; a pouch battery within the housing, wherein the outer surface of the battery comprises a plurality of possible vent points from which a fluid can be released during degassing of the battery; and a fluid directing arrangement within the housing, wherein the fluid directing arrangement is configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole of the housing.

[0010] By providing a fluid-directing device configured to limit the fluid flow path from each of the multiple possible ventilation points of the battery to the ventilation holes of the housing, a pouch battery with improved safety can be used in an aerosol generating device.

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

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

[0013] According to a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a battery unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the battery unit comprises: a housing including a vent hole; a pouch battery within the housing, wherein the outer surface of the battery includes a plurality of possible vent points from which fluid can be discharged during degassing of the battery; a fluid-directing device within the housing, wherein the fluid-directing device is configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole of the housing; and a seal positioned across the vent hole of the housing, wherein the seal is configured to be displaced or broken to open the vent hole during degassing of the battery.

[0014] By providing ventilation holes and seals in the housing, the pouch battery can be used more safely in the battery unit.

[0015] In a possible arrangement of the first or second embodiment, the fluid-directing device comprises a first thermal barrier wall positioned closer to the first end of the battery, and a vent of the housing is positioned closer to the second end of the battery opposite the first end. That is, the distance between the first end of the battery and the first thermal barrier wall is smaller than the distance between the vent of the housing and the second end of the battery. Optionally, the fluid-directing device comprises a second thermal barrier wall positioned adjacent to the side of the battery. Optionally, the fluid-directing device comprises an opening positioned adjacent to the side of the battery to expose the battery, and the opening extends along the second thermal barrier wall. Optionally, the second wall is separated from the housing, for example, to leave a cavity between them.

[0016] In the first or second embodiment, the housing optionally comprises a first material, and the seal is a housing portion comprising a second material, and since the second material is weaker than the first material, the seal is displaced or broken to open the vent hole during degassing of the battery.

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

[0018] The housing optionally includes a first material, and the sealing portion is a housing portion including a second material, and the second material has 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 for the housing, the seal breaks preferentially over the housing, thereby improving safety.

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

[0022] In a first or second embodiment, the seal optionally includes an elastic element, the elastic element configured to engage with the housing to snap the seal in place during assembly, but configured to prevent external removal of the seal from the housing. In a possible mode, the elastic element is a tab or protrusion configured to engage with the interior of the housing around the edge of the vent.

[0023] By providing an elastic element that locks the seal in place but does not allow for easy external removal of the seal, the assembly of the unit / device can be simplified without reducing the safety of the entire device.

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

[0025] If the released fluid contains gas, the cavity enables the expansion and cooling of the fluid, thereby improving safety.

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

[0027] Absorbent materials improve safety by reducing the leakage of liquid generated by degassing events. Additionally, absorbent materials will weaken the force of strong degassing events.

[0028] In the first or second embodiment, the fluid-oriented device optionally includes a battery frame that supports the battery within the housing.

[0029] By combining fluid orientation and battery support functions, the structure is simplified. Additionally, the battery frame can reduce the possibility of degassing caused by impacts on the device / unit (e.g., falling of the device / unit).

[0030] Optionally, the battery comprises a first end having a first electrical contact; a second end having a second electrical contact, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end; and a side wall 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 is configured such that at least a portion of the side wall of the battery is exposed within the housing.

[0031] By supporting one or both ends of the battery where the contact is located while exposing at least a portion of the sidewall, the likelihood of degassing occurring near the electrical contact is reduced, so the device / unit is more likely to operate partially after a few degassing events.

[0032] Optionally, the battery frame includes a portion that extends across the internal volume of the housing and is connected to the housing to form a shield between the first end of the battery and a portion of the internal volume of the housing.

[0033] These shielding components allow the battery to be insulated from other components, which means the device can be repaired or recycled more effectively after a degassing event.

[0034] Optionally, the shielding part is a thermal shielding part.

[0035] By providing a thermal shield, the battery is additionally insulated from other components.

[0036] Optionally, the battery frame further comprises one or more open regions extending along a second end of the battery or a side wall of the battery, the second end facing the first end, and the one or more open regions form part of a fluid-oriented device.

[0037] These open areas along the battery improve fluid communication with the vents around the battery, thereby increasing the possibility that degassing events can be safely mitigated through the vents.

[0038] Optionally, the battery frame further includes two supports arranged to extend along the opposing sidewall portions of the battery.

[0039] The sidewall support helps to stably hold the battery within the housing while enabling degassing through the battery's large residual surface area.

[0040] Optionally, according to the first embodiment, the shielding member is placed between the battery and the heating chamber.

[0041] According to this configuration, mutual protection of the heating chamber from degassing events and mutual protection of the battery from heat leakage in the heating chamber are provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment; FIGS. 2a and 2b are schematic cross-sectional views of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment from different perspectives; FIG. 2c is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of the outer surface of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment; FIGS. 3b and FIGS. 3c are schematic diagrams of a seal portion for an aerosol generating device, showing an outward-facing surface and an inward-facing surface, respectively; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery unit according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing 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) includes a heating chamber (10), a housing (20), a pouch-type battery (30), a fluid-directing device (40), and an optional sealing part (50).

[0045] The heating chamber (10) can be operated to heat an aerosol substrate, such as a cigarette, using power from a pouch battery (30) to generate an aerosol. For example, the heating chamber (10) may include a ceramic or metal cylindrical wall that is open at one end and surrounded by an insulating material. The open end of the heating chamber (10) is preferably directed toward the mouth end (21) of the housing. In another embodiment, the device (1) may include piping for delivering 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 as a thin film or located 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 mouse end (21) to which an aerosol generated for the user to inhale is provided. For example, the mouse end (21) may include an opening and a cover. For example, the cover may be a hinged cover, a removable cover, or a sliding cover. In another embodiment, the mouse end (21) may be open to allow the aerosol to be discharged from the device (1).

[0047] The housing (20) further includes an opposing end (22) opposite to the mouse end (21). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the side wall (23) of the housing (20) may be relatively long and narrow between the mouse end (21) and the opposing end (22). According to this shape, the user can easily grasp the device (1) through the long and narrow side (23) to place an aerosol material in the heating chamber (10) through the mouse end (21), or to bring the mouse end (21) to the user's mouth to inhale an aerosol generated in the heating chamber (10) through the mouse end (21).

[0048] The opposing end (22) includes a vent hole (24) through which the fluid released during degassing can be discharged from the aerosol generating device (1). Preferably, the vent hole (24) is maximized in size to allow the fluid to be discharged with the smallest possible accumulation of pressure, temperature, or fluid.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the housing (20) comprises a metal such as aluminum for rigidity. The outer surface of the housing (20) may be partially or completely covered with an insulating material such as a polymer grip, so that the device (1) can be gripped by a user even if heat from the heating chamber (10) is partially dissipated in the housing (20).

[0050] The pouch battery (30) has a number of possible ventilation points. For example, since the internal structure of the battery (30) may be unknown or random, a significant portion of the surface of the battery constitutes a continuum of possible ventilation points. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pouch battery (30) may be positioned to be in partial contact with other components, such as the inner surface of the housing (20). When the surface of the pouch battery (30) is in contact with the housing (20), the force required to break the battery (30) is increased accordingly, so there may be an effect of reducing the possibility of ventilation where the surface of the pouch battery (30) is in contact with the housing. In this case, since the number of possible ventilation points may be reduced, the possibility of ventilation is higher in the unsupported portion of the surface of the battery (30). At each remaining ventilation point (e.g., in the unsupported portion of the surface), fluid may be discharged into the housing (20).

[0051] In the first embodiment, the fluid-directing device (40) is a simple protrusion within the housing (20) from the inner surface of the housing (20). The fluid-directing device (40) is positioned as a barrier to direct the fluid released during degassing of the battery (30) towards the vent hole (24) of the opposite end (22) of the housing (20), approximately along the dotted arrow shown in FIG. 1, regardless of which possible vent point of the pouch battery releases the fluid. By directing the degassing toward the vent hole (24) of the opposite end (22), the heat and / or force associated with the degassing is less likely to affect the user of the device, whose hand may be around the side wall (23) and whose face may be near the mouse end (21). Additionally, the fluid-directing device (40) may include a portion of the inner surface of the housing (20), such as the side wall (23) facing the battery (30), the inner surface thereof.

[0052] The fluid-directed device (40) may partially or completely divide the internal volume of the housing (20) to insulate the battery (30) from other components, such as the heating chamber (10). This can be achieved by positioning the fluid-directed device to extend across the internal volume of the housing (20) and connect to the housing to form a shield between a portion of the internal volume of the housing (20) and the battery (30). By insulating the battery (30) from other components, there is less likelihood that other components will be damaged during the degassing event, and there is a higher likelihood that the device (1) can be repaired or recycled after the degassing event.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fluid flow path from a possible vent point of the battery (30) to the vent hole (24) may include a cavity within the housing (20). The cavity provides a space configured to accommodate the fluid released during degassing. In the event of a small degassing event, the internal volume of the cavity may be large enough to dissipate the force and / or heat of the degassing event.

[0054] A portion of the cavity may be filled with an absorbent material positioned to absorb the fluid released during degassing. Alternatively, the cavity may be completely replaced with an absorbent material positioned within the housing. Since the absorbent material will at least partially absorb and / or decelerate the fluid flowing along the fluid flow path as a result of the degassing event, it reduces the forces, heat, and / or chemical hazards associated with the fluid vented out through the vent (24) and from the battery (30). For example, the absorbent material may include porous materials such as metal (e.g., aluminum) or plastic, in the form of mesh, wool, or sponge.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the vent hole (24) is initially blocked by a seal (50) positioned across the vent hole. The seal (50) is configured to be displaced (e.g., pushed out of the vent hole (24)) or broken (e.g., ruptured, crushed, or melted) during the degassing of the battery, so that the pressure associated with degassing can be relieved at the time of the degassing event without causing the vent hole (24) to open during normal operation of the device (1). That is, before being displaced or broken, the seal (50) is substantially part of the housing (20). Since the seal (50) contains a material that is weaker than the material of the housing (20) and has a lower melting point, the material of the seal (50) is broken or displaced before any damage to the housing (20) occurs. The seal (50) may take the form of a plug containing a plastic material such as plastic resin, or may take the form of a cover containing plastic or foil such as a PET-foil sticker. Alternatively, the seal (50) may be omitted, and the ventilation hole (24) may be left open.

[0056] 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 that can be operated by a user. However, preferably, the control circuit is sufficiently complex to regulate the power supply to provide the required heating rate of the heating chamber, for example, using a buffer, a booster, and / or an amplifier. Additionally, the control circuit may perform other functions, such as detecting the charge state of the pouch battery (30), recharging the pouch battery (30), providing automatic control of the heating chamber (10) to provide a predetermined amount or intensity of aerosol according to user input, and controlling an output element (e.g., an LED) to display the status of the device. The heating chamber (10) and the pouch battery (30) may each be connected directly to the control circuit or connected via wires and / or rigid tabs. The tab connection may include, for example, steel, nickel, or nickel-plated steel.

[0057] A second embodiment of the aerosol generating device (2) is illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 2c. FIGS. 2a and 2b are schematic cross-sectional views of the aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment from different rotational perspectives (as indicated by Cartesian axes (x, y, z)). FIG. 2c is a CAD model example of the aerosol generating device of the second embodiment.

[0058] The second embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment described above, but the fluid-oriented device now includes a battery frame (140) that supports the battery (30) within the housing.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, in this embodiment, the pouch battery (30) comprises two ends (31, 32) each having an electrical contact for supplying power from the battery (30), and a side wall extending between the first end and the second end. The battery frame (140) is configured to support at least one of the ends (31, 32) of the battery (30), while at least a portion of the side wall (33) is opened and exposed within the inner volume of the housing (20). The portion of the side wall (33) that is exposed forms a region of possible ventilation points, thereby allowing fluid to be discharged from the battery (30) (e.g., along the path of the dashed arrow in FIG. 2b), while being held in place by the battery frame (140) within the housing (20). The corresponding open area of ​​the battery frame (140) where the battery (30) is exposed forms part of a fluid-directing device for guiding fluid released during degassing toward the vent hole (24). Since the battery frame material can be selected to be less rigid than the material of the housing (20), external impacts (such as dropping the device) transfer less energy to the battery (30) and are less likely to trigger a degassing event.

[0060] The shielding portion (141) of the battery frame (140) may be provided to extend across the internal volume of the housing (20) and connected to the housing between the first end (32) of the battery and a portion of the internal volume of the housing (20). In this case, the shielding portion (141) separates the portion of the internal volume in which the heating chamber (10) is located from the portion of the internal volume in which the battery (30) is located. Thus, the battery frame (140) provides a dual function of protecting the battery (30) from the cause of degassing (e.g., external impact) and protecting other components from the effects of degassing.

[0061] For example, the battery frame (40) can be made of a heat-resistant material such as PEEK (polyether ether ketone), in which case the shielding part (141) is not only a physical barrier against the fluid released during degassing, but also a thermal shield against the heat released during degassing.

[0062] The battery frame (140) may take various forms. In FIGS. 2a and 2b, the battery frame includes a side portion (142) that takes the form of two supports arranged to extend along opposing side wall portions of the battery (30). More generally, in an embodiment, the battery frame (140) may include a plurality of supports around the side wall (33) of the battery (30), and one or more open areas extend along the side wall (33). The side portion (142) may act as a second thermal barrier wall if the battery frame (40) includes a heat-resistant material.

[0063] Additionally, the battery frame includes an end portion (143) for supporting a second end (31) of the battery (30). In a second embodiment, the end portion (143) is partially open so that degassing can occur from the second end (31). Alternatively, the end portion (143) may cover the entire second end (31). If the friction between the side portion (142) and the battery (30) is sufficient to keep the battery (30) in place, the end portion (143) may be removed.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 2c, a specific embodiment of the second embodiment is illustrated in the form of a CAD model. The described features of the specific embodiment are largely independent and may be individually added to the second embodiment.

[0065] In FIG. 2c, the housing (20) is provided transparent for exemplary purposes and may actually be transparent in some embodiments. For example, the housing may be partially a metal frame and partially transparent plastic. However, in a preferred embodiment, the housing (20) is solid metal (e.g., aluminum) for rigidity.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 2c, the battery frame (140) may additionally include one or more protrusions or pins (144) extending to the inner surface of the housing (20). These protrusions or pins increase the contact area between the battery frame (140) and the housing (20) and increase the stability of the battery frame (140) within the housing.

[0067] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2c, the opposite end (22) of the housing may, in some embodiments, include a charging port (60) positioned alongside the ventilation hole (24) and the seal (50) to charge the pouch battery (30). The charging port (60) may be a general-purpose port, such as a USB socket, or a dedicated port that ensures the device is connected only to a suitable electric charging source.

[0068] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2c, the mouse end (21) may include an opening, which is covered by a slider (211) in the default state and may be opened to expose the heating chamber (10) when the device is to be used to generate an aerosol.

[0069] FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of the exterior of an aerosol generating device (2) according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3b and FIG. 3c are schematic diagrams of a sealing part (50) for an aerosol generating device, showing an outward-facing surface (51) and an inward-facing surface (53), respectively.

[0070] As additionally illustrated in FIG. 3a, the opposite end (22) of the housing may include a fastener opening (221) for attaching the battery frame (140) to the opposite end (22) using a fastener such as a screw. This may be a reversible fastener so that the device (2) can be disassembled.

[0071] In FIG. 3a, the vent hole (24) has a U-shape positioned around the fastener opening (221). More generally, as mentioned above, preferably the vent hole (24) is maximized in size to increase its effect in releasing fluid generated by degassing, so as to be spaced apart from the user of the device (2) and / or from some components within the device.

[0072] Additionally, FIG. 3a illustrates that the end portion (143) of the battery frame (140) may have a significant gap that exposes the battery (30) so that it faces the ventilation hole (24). In this embodiment, the battery is supported spaced apart from the ventilation hole (24) by a narrow pin (144).

[0073] FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate an embodiment of a method in which the seal (50) can be kept in place before a degassing event. The tabs (protrusions) (52 and 54) can engage with the interior of the housing (20) around the edge of the vent hole (24) to keep the seal in place.

[0074] At least one tab (52) may be elastic so that it can be locked in place during assembly of the device (2). If the seal (50) is displaced without damage during a degassing event, the elastic tab (52) allows the seal (50) to be reused. Alternatively, it may be preferable that the seal (50) not be reusable, in which case the tab (52) may be designed so that it does not bend without breakage when it is in place in the device (2).

[0075] Alternatively, the seal (50) can be held in place by a friction fit, which is strong enough to be maintained under normal conditions but is released due to a force associated with degassing or is released when the seal (50) is broken.

[0076] The seal (50) of this embodiment does not have means for a user to manually remove the seal (50) and has a smooth outer surface (51), so that the seal (50) remains in place until a degassing event occurs. Accordingly, safety can be improved by ensuring that the vent remains closed and that contaminants (e.g., water) are blocked from the device until the vent is needed during a degassing event.

[0077] Additionally, the seal (50) of this embodiment includes a stepped surface (55) that fits into the corresponding stepped surface on the housing (20) around the vent. Depending on this optional feature, the sealing of the vent against contaminants (e.g., water) is improved by providing a substantial surface area where only a small gap may exist between the housing (20) and the seal (50).

[0078] The sealing portion (50) and ventilation hole (24) of FIGS. 3a to 3c can be applied in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0079] In addition, the features of the first and second embodiments can be more generally applied to a battery unit as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0080] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the battery unit (3) includes a pouch battery (30) similar to the pouch battery of the first or second embodiment. The pouch battery (30) is sealed within a housing (320). The housing (320) includes a ventilation hole (324) that is initially closed by a seal (50), similar to the first or second embodiment. By providing the ventilation hole (324), the ventilation direction of the battery unit (3) is clarified, in contrast to a single pouch battery (30) having a plurality of possible ventilation points.

[0081] The housing (320) is similar to the housing (20) and fluid-directing device (40, 140) of the first or second embodiment in terms of its material and purpose. During degassing, the housing (320) will limit the fluid flow path from the battery (30) to the vent (324) so ​​that the fluid is safely discharged. In this case, the battery unit (3) does not have a heating chamber, but may have, for example, a regulator electronic device for controlling the power supply from the battery unit. Such electronic device may be shielded from the degassing event by the fluid-directing device or battery frame as described above.

[0082] Additionally, the battery unit (3) according to the present invention may include a plurality of pouch batteries (30) embedded in a single housing (320).

[0083] Such battery unit (3) may be specifically tailored for an aerosol generator, including external electrical contacts and interlocking means for electrical and mechanical connection of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, the battery unit (3) may be a general-purpose battery unit having external electrical contacts for supplying power from one or more pouch batteries (30) within it.

Claims

Claim 1 As an aerosol generating device, a heating chamber operable to heat an aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; a housing comprising a mouth end and a counter end, wherein the counter end comprises a ventilation hole; a battery within the housing, wherein the outer surface of the battery comprises a plurality of possible ventilation points through which a fluid can be released during degassing of the battery; and a fluid-directing device within the housing. An aerosol generating device comprising a seal positioned across the vent hole, wherein the fluid-directing device is configured to limit a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole of the housing, the seal is configured to be displaced or broken to open the vent hole during degassing of the battery, and the seal includes an elastic element configured to engage with the housing to snap-fix the seal in place during assembly but to prevent external removal of the seal from the housing, wherein the elastic element is a tab or protrusion configured to engage with the interior of the housing around the edge of the vent hole. Claim 2 An aerosol generating device having a battery unit, wherein the battery unit comprises: a housing including a vent hole; a battery within the housing, wherein the outer surface of the battery comprises a plurality of possible vent points from which a fluid may be discharged during degassing of the battery; a fluid-directing device within the housing, wherein the fluid-directing device is configured to define a fluid flow path from each of the plurality of possible vent points of the battery to the vent hole of the housing; and a seal portion positioned across the vent hole of the housing, wherein the seal portion is configured to be displaced or broken to open the vent hole during degassing of the battery, and wherein the seal portion comprises an elastic element configured to engage with the housing to snap-fix the seal portion in place during assembly but configured to prevent external removal of the seal portion from the housing, wherein the elastic element is a tab or protrusion configured to engage with the interior of the housing around the edge of the vent hole. Claim 3 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid-directing device comprises a first thermal shield wall positioned closer to the first end of the battery, and the ventilation hole of the housing is positioned closer to the second end of the battery opposite to the first end. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the fluid-oriented device comprises a second thermal shield wall located adjacent to the side of the battery, an aerosol generating device. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the fluid-oriented device comprises an opening positioned adjacent to the side of the battery to expose the battery, wherein the opening extends along the second thermal shield wall, an aerosol generating device. Claim 6 An aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the second thermal barrier wall is separated from the housing. Claim 7 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises a first material, the sealing portion is a housing portion comprising a second material, and the second material is weaker than the first material. Claim 8 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises a first material, the sealing portion is a housing portion comprising a second material, and the second material has a lower melting point than the first material. Claim 9 An aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the first material is metal and the second material is plastic. Claim 10 An aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the sealing part takes the form of a plug comprising a plastic material or a cover comprising plastic or foil. Claim 11 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a cavity within the housing adjacent to at least one possible ventilation point of the battery, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the fluid released during degassing of the battery. Claim 12 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an absorbent material disposed within the housing to absorb the fluid released during degassing of the battery. Claim 13 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid-oriented device comprises a battery frame supporting the battery within the housing. Claim 14 An aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the battery comprises: a first end having a first electrical contact; a second end having a second electrical contact; and a side wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end, and the battery frame is configured to support at least one of the first end and the second end, and configured such that at least a portion of the side wall of the battery is exposed within the housing. Claim 15 An aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the battery frame includes a portion that extends across the internal volume of the housing and is connected to the housing in order to form a shield between the first end of the battery and a portion of the internal volume of the housing. Claim 16 An aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein the shielding part is a heat shielding part. Claim 17 An aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein the battery frame further comprises one or more open regions extending along a second end of the battery or a side wall of the battery, the second end facing the first end, and the one or more open regions forming part of the fluid-oriented device. Claim 18 An aerosol generating device according to claim 17, wherein the battery frame further comprises two supports arranged to extend along opposing sidewall portions of the battery. Claim 19 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a shielding member disposed between the battery and the heating chamber. Claim 20 delete Claim 21 delete Claim 22 delete

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