Aerosol generating device with integrated safety system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (1000) for delivering aerosol upon heating an aerosol-generating substrate. Said device (1000) has a main body (1) comprising a casing (2) extending along a longitudinal direction (Z) and delimiting a cavity (6). A charging part (10), a battery (20) and a substrate carrier receiving portion (30) are juxtaposed in the cavity (6), in this order. A leak-tight and pressure resistant sealing arrangement (40) isolates the battery (20) from the substrate carrier receiving portion (30), a permeable flame extinguisher pad (50) is arranged between the battery (20) and a distal end (1a) of the main body, and at least one venting opening (60) allows to releasing gas issuing from the battery and passed through the permeable flame extinguisher pad (50).

Description

[0001] AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED SAFETY SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of tobacco, in particular to aerosol-generating devices.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Aerosol generating devices, such as “e-cigarettes” also known as “e-liquid type devices” or such as HNB (Heat Not Burn) devices, have recently gained in popularity as an alternative to traditional smoking articles, like cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos. Further developments regarding the design and configuration of such aerosol generating devices are ongoing to enhance their performance and reliability, as well as their ease of production and production costs.

[0006] As an example, e-cigarettes typically comprise a main body housing a substrate carrier receiving portion for receiving a cartridge or cartomizer containing a liquid substrate and heating means for heating said substrate. The heated substrate volatizes and the so generated aerosol is transferred to a user through an airflow, preferably guided through a mouthpiece.

[0007] The heating means are powered by a battery surrounded by a casing of the main body.

[0008] In rare cases, overheating of the battery may occur, e.g. due to a thermal runaway, and may result in release of high-pressure gases or leakage of electrolytes from the battery, which can be harmful to a user of the aerosol generating device when inhaled, or which can damage the functionality of further components, for example a printed circuit board (PCB) of the device. An additional risk in case of a thermal runaway is the release of fire, sparks, or molten particles from the device. From WO 2022 / 034020 Al , on aerosol generating device with a sealed compartment is known, which sealed compartment contains the battery of the device and isolates it from further components. In case of a thermal runaway, high-pressure gases being released from the battery or electrolytes leaking from it are contained by said sealed compartment.

[0009] However, there is always a need to further secure aerosol generating devices and in particular reduce risks associated with thermal runaway and / or battery failures.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating device for delivering aerosol upon heating an aerosol-generating substrate is provided, the aerosol generating device having a main body comprising:

[0012] - a casing extending along a longitudinal direction between a distal end and a proximal end of the main body, and delimiting a cavity,

[0013] - a charging part, a battery, and a substrate carrier receiving portion juxtaposed in the cavity, in this order, between said distal end and said proximal end, and

[0014] - a leak-tight and pressure resistant sealing arrangement isolating the battery from the substrate carrier receiving portion, wherein the aerosol generating device is being characterized in that it further comprises a permeable flame extinguisher pad arranged between the battery and said distal end and at least one venting opening for releasing gas issuing from the battery and passed through the permeable flame extinguisher pad.

[0015] In case of overheating of the battery, the leak-tight and pressure resistant sealing arrangement isolates the substrate carrier receiving portion and the battery from each other and thus inhalation of the gas issuing from the battery by a user of the aerosol generating device is prevented. Further, gas issuing from the battery passes through the permeable flame extinguisher pad and is released from the cavity through the at least one venting opening. Flames, sparks, or molten material occurring from the battery during malfunction are extinguished and / or held back by the permeable flame extinguisher pad so that the user of the aerosol generating device will not be harmed by them either.

[0016] The aerosol-generating device according to the invention may be configured to deliver an aerosol upon heating a liquid. The device is then of the so-called e-liquid type. The substrate carrier receiving portion may then be a cartridge or cartomizer receiving portion and may comprise means for electronically connecting the battery to a heater either separate from (in the case of a cartridge) or integrated in the substrate carrier (in the case of a cartomizer).

[0017] In particular, a cartomizer receiving portion may typically comprise contact means, such as for example so-called Pogo-Pins, for electronically connecting a cartomizer to the battery.

[0018] However, the invention may also apply to heat-not-burn aerosol-generating devices. The substrate carrier receiving portion may then comprise a heating cavity adapted to receive at least part of a consumable aerosol-generating article inserted therein, a heater for heating the article contained in said cavity and means for electronically connecting the battery to a heater.

[0019] Regardless of the type of aerosol-generating device, the substrate carrier receiving portion generally includes means for electronically connecting the battery to a heater intended to heat the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0020] The battery, on the other hand, is electronically connected to the charging part, for its charge by an external power supply. According to on example, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a control component, typically a printed circuit board assembly, for controlling electronic signals between the charging part, the battery and the cartomizer receiving portion.

[0021] The charging part typically comprises a charging port, preferably an USB port, more preferably an USB-C port, for connection to an external power supply.

[0022] According to a particular example, the charging port may be a waterproof charging port.

[0023] Electronic connections within the aerosol generating device (in particular between the control component and respectively the charging part, battery and substrate carrier receiving portion) may be achieved through cables, flexible PCBs, or the like.

[0024] The sealing arrangement may comprise one or more silicone and / or thermoplastic elastomer (in particular moulded) seals, which may for example be formed as O-rings.

[0025] The permeable flame extinguisher pad, on the other hand, shall be made of a non-flammable material and be gas permeable.

[0026] The battery lies longitudinally between the sealing arrangement and said permeably flame extinguisher pad. The sealing arrangement is a gas-tight sealing arrangement as described before, while the permeable flame extinguisher pad forms an unavoidable passageway for exhaust gases issuing from the battery. The permeable flame extinguisher typically forms a longitudinal gas-permeable partition wall inside the cavity.

[0027] According to an example, the pad may extend transversally to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device.

[0028] For sufficient ventilation of the cavity, a more gas-permeable flame extinguisher pad may be preferable, however the flame extinguishing capability of the permeable flame extinguisher pad may decrease with increasing permeability. Hence, the permeable flame extinguisher pad may be designed, in particular with regard to its material, dimensions, especially its thickness along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device, and permeability, to achieve pressure drop to avoid explosion and simultaneously extinguish the flame front. In other words, the pad may achieve an optimal ratio between venting of the cavity and flame extinguishing capability, which optimal ratio is defined primarily by properties of the battery, for example its size and chemical composition and the individual design of the device. The optimal ratio may be determined by conducting a series of tests.

[0029] A thickness of the pad may be at least 1 mm, preferably between 1 and 3 mm.

[0030] The pad may comprise, or may be made of, a porous material and / or may comprise an opened structure, such as a honeycomb structure. In other words, permeability may be achieved by the open porosity of the material(s) forming the pad and / or by the openings resulting from a determined structure of the pad.

[0031] The resulting permeability shall be chosen to achieve an optimal ratio between venting of the cavity and flame extinguishing capability.

[0032] Typically, the pad may be made of a porous material having an average pore size between 10 and 500 m.

[0033] According to an example, the pad may be made of a porous material having a porosity of between 30 and 50%.

[0034] The permeable flame extinguisher pad may be a massive component, having either a homogeneous structure (with the entire pad made of one and the same porous material), or a heterogenous structure (with the pad being made of different materials, with at least one being porous). The pad may be made of metal, for example aluminium, aluminium alloy, copper, zinc, lead, stainless steel, bronze, and / or of ceramic material, for example aluminosilicate, aluminium oxide or silicium carbide, and / or of glass.

[0035] According to one example including porous material, the pad may comprise, or may be made of, a foam, typically a metal foam, for example made from aluminium or aluminium alloys, copper, zinc or even lead, or a ceramic foam, for example made of silicium carbide.

[0036] According to one example including porous material, the pad may comprise, or may be made of, a bundle of loose fibres. In particular, a porous material may include a felt, fibres or strings which may be made from, for example, glass, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, copper, bronze, carbon fibres, or other suitable materials.

[0037] According to one example including porous material, the pad may comprise, or may be made of, a grid mesh, and in particular a laminate of several grid meshes. Such grid mesh which may be made from, for example, stainless steel, copper, bronze, or other suitable materials.

[0038] According to one example including porous material, the pad may comprise, or may be made of, a tape or band wrap. Such tape or band wrap may for example be made from, for example, stainless steel, copper, bronze, or other suitable materials.

[0039] According to one example including porous material, the pad may comprise, or may be made of, a material sintered from granules, or spheres. In particular, a porous material may include granulate, grained material, particles, or spheres which may be made from, for example, glass, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, copper, bronze, or other suitable materials. According to on example, the permeable flame extinguisher pad may be arranged between the charging port and the battery (in the longitudinal direction). With such arrangement, the charging port may be located on a surface that is not directly visible and therefore on the underside of the device. This further allows that the venting opening be provided at the distal end of the device, and hence opposite to the user’s mouth, according to the required safety standards.

[0040] According to another example, the charging part may be arranged between the battery and the permeable flame extinguisher pad (in the longitudinal direction). Following this arrangement, gas issuing from the battery passes by the charging part before passing through the permeable flame extinguisher pad and being released from the cavity through the at least one venting opening. This is particularly beneficial in cases where the battery overheats and issues gas while the aerosol generating device is connected to an external power supply via the charging part, since the gases are then released away from the charging part.

[0041] According to an example, the device may comprise a transversal end wall at the distal end of the main body.

[0042] The at least one venting opening may open on said transversal end wall, and / or on the side of the casing in the vicinity of the distal end. This fulfils the requirements of the IEC 60335-2-120 standard regarding the location of the ventilation.

[0043] According to an example, each venting opening may have a cross-section of between 10 and 20 mm2.

[0044] According to an example, the at least one venting opening may be covered with a cover for aesthetic reasons, wherein said cover does not obstruct the gas release from the cavity through the at least one venting opening. According to on example, the cover could be a plate removably attached facing the opening, for example attached to the casing or the transversal wall with double-sided tape or attached to a plug configured to be fitted into the ventilation opening, with the plate being configured to be pushed outwards in the event of a thermal runaway.

[0045] According to an example, the cover may further achieve water protection (ideally IPx4 rating).

[0046] According to an example, the transversal end wall may have a main opening, preferably a central main opening, communicating with a charging port, notably a USB-port, and at least one venting opening may communicate with said central opening. In this way, the charging port may serve as venting opening so that no gas issued from the battery may collect in the charging part, or block the gas escaping route.

[0047] According to an example, the aerosol generating device may comprise additional venting openings in the transversal end wall, said additional venting openings being arranged, notably regularly arranged, around the main opening. Further venting openings reduce the risk that sufficient venting of the cavity is impaired by a blocked venting opening, for example a venting opening blocked by dirt.

[0048] According to an example, the battery may comprise a battery cell pouch having at least one release opening, preferably radially centered in the cavity, with said release opening being oriented towards the distal end of the main body. The release opening serves as a predetermined release point for gas, flames, sparks, or molten material, issued from the battery. Preferably said release opening faces the permeable flame extinguishing pad.

[0049] According to an example, the at least one release opening may be longitudinally aligned with at least one venting opening. The release of gas issuing from the battery through the at least one venting opening may thus be streamlined.

[0050] According to an example, the aerosol generating device may comprise an internal holding structure for holding the battery inside the cavity.

[0051] According to an example, the permeable flame extinguisher pad may be embedded in a receiving portion of said internal holding structure, which receiving portion preferably is a slot-shaped receiving portion, even more preferably a peripheral slot extending around at least part of, or all around, the circumference of the cavity.

[0052] According to an example, the permeable flame extinguisher pad may be configured to radially fit with the inner surface of the cavity and / or the receiving portion.

[0053] Brief description of the drawings

[0054] For a more complete understanding of the invention and the advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which like reference characters designate like parts and in which:

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a main body of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0056] Figure 2 is a perspective half-cut view of the main body of figure

[0057] 1.

[0058] Figure 3 is a cross-section view along III of figure 1 . Figure 4 shows the distal end of the internal holding structure of figures 2 and 3, with the permeable flame extinguisher pad outside the pad receiving portion.

[0059] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the internal holding structure of figures 2 and 3 and the sealing arrangement.

[0060] Figure 6 illustrates an aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Figure 7 is a schematical cross-section view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0062] Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0063] Figure 1 to 3 illustrate part of an aerosol generating device 1000 according to a first embodiment.

[0064] The aerosol generating device 1000 is here of the e-liquid type and includes a main body 1 having a casing 2 housing a battery 20, a charging part 10 for external power supply of said battery 20, and a cartomizer receiving portion 30 for receiving a cartomizer 1 10 containing e-liquid as well as an integrated atomizer coil. Once in place, the cartomizer 1 10 is electronically connected to the battery 20, thereby heating the e-liquid which is then volatized and transferred to a user through an airflow guided through a mouthpiece portion 100 arranged at a proximal end 1 b of the main body 1 .

[0065] Figure 6 illustrates the whole aerosol-generating device 1000 with the main body 1 , the mouthpiece portion 100 and the cartomizer 1 10 (here solidary with the mouthpiece portion 100). In a mounted configuration of the device 1000, the cartomizer 1 10 is received in the cartomizer receiving portion 30 and the mouthpiece portion 100 obturates the main body 1 . This example is however not limiting, and the invention could be similarly applicable to other types of aerosol-generating system such as e- cigarettes using usual cartridges (with no integrated heater) or even HNB devices with a heating cavity for receiving a stick-like tobacco substrate.

[0066] As illustrated in figure 1 , the casing 2 extends along a longitudinal direction Z between a distal end 1 a and a proximal end 1 b of the main body 1 .

[0067] At its distal end la, the main body 1 is closed by a transversal end wall 3.

[0068] The casing 2 delimits a cavity 6, which cavity 6 houses the above-mentioned charging part 10, battery 20, and cartomizer receiving portion 30, in this order, between the distal end l a and the proximal end l b.

[0069] At least one opening 9, preferably two opposite openings, formed at the proximal end side of the casing 2, serves as an air inlet to allow the airflow through the cartomizer receiving portion 30 and out to the mouthpiece 100.

[0070] The charging part 10 is typically formed of at least one charging port 12, preferably an USB port as illustrated, more preferably an USB-C port, for connection to an external power supply (not shown).

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the charging port 12 communicates with a central opening 4 of the transversal end wall 3. This however shall not be considered limiting, as will for example be described with reference to figure 7.

[0072] The cavity 6 further houses a control component, here in the form of a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 80, for controlling electronic signals between the charging part 10, the battery 20 and the cartomizer receiving portion 30. Electronic connections are achieved through cables, flexible PCBs, or the like, which will be described hereafter in more detail.

[0073] According to the invention, the device further comprises:

[0074] - a leak-tight and pressure resistant sealing arrangement 40 arranged between the cartomizer receiving portion 30 and the battery 20 to isolate these parts from each other,

[0075] - a permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 arranged between the battery 20 and the distal end 1 a of the main body 1 , and

[0076] - at least one venting opening 60 for releasing gas issuing from the battery 20 and passed through the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50.

[0077] In the first embodiment of figures 1 to 6, the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 (hereafter also referred to as “the pad”) is arranged between the charging part 10 and the battery 20. This however shall not be considered limiting, as will be further explained with reference to figure 7.

[0078] The pad 50 preferably extends substantially transversally to the longitudinal direction Z and is preferably configured to radially obturate the cavity 6. Dedicated holding means advantageously ensure that the pad 50 be kept in position.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 20, the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 and the sealing arrangement 40 are mounted on an internal holding structure 70 which is fitted as an insert inside the cavity 6 where it maintains them in position.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, this holding structure 70 further forms the transversal end wall 3 at the distal end l a of the main body 1 , once inserted in the cavity 6.

[0081] As is more visible in figure 4, the internal holding structure 70 preferably has a contour shape corresponding to the internal surface of the cavity 6. A cross-section of the casing 6 in a transversal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Z is typically constant between the distal and proximal ends l a, l b, to enable easy fitting of the internal holding structure 70 therein.

[0082] The internal holding structure 70 has a compartment 71 for the battery 2 and a slot-shaped pad receiving portion 72, in which the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 may be embedded and maintained to generally extend transversally to the longitudinal direction Z of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0083] Figure 4 shows the extinguisher pad 50 disassembled from its slotshaped receiving portion 72.

[0084] The pad 50 can be replaced by sliding the old pad out of the slot-shaped receiving portion 72 and sliding a new one in.

[0085] Still, the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 is configured to axially fit with the slot-shaped receiving portion 72, in particular, with the radial surfaces 72a delimiting the pad receiving portion 72 in the longitudinal direction Z, to maintain the pad 50 in place.

[0086] Transversally to the longitudinal direction Z, the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 is dimensioned to radially fit with the inner surface of the cavity 6.

[0087] The pad 50 shall be gas permeable.

[0088] To achieve such gas permeability, and according to one embodiment, the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 may comprise, or may be made of, a porous material.

[0089] The pad 50 may for example be a massive component, having either a homogeneous structure (with the entire pad made of one and the same porous material), or a heterogenous structure (with the pad 50 being made of different materials, with at least one being porous).

[0090] A porous material is for example an opened or closed cell foam, typically a metal foam, for example made of aluminium or aluminium alloys, copper, zinc or lead, or a ceramic foam, for example made of silicium carbide.

[0091] Another porous material can be a bundle of loose fibres. In particular, a porous material may include a felt, fibres or strings which may be made from, for example, glass, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, copper, bronze, carbon fibres, or other suitable materials.

[0092] Another porous material can include a grid mesh, and in particular a laminate of several grid meshes. Such grid mesh which may be made from, for example, stainless steel, copper, bronze, or other suitable materials.

[0093] Another porous material can be a tape or band wrap. In particular a porous material may include tape or band wrap which may be made from, for example, stainless steel, copper, bronze, or other suitable materials.

[0094] Another porous material may be a material sintered from granules, or spheres. In particular, a porous material may include granulate, grained material, particles, or spheres which may be made from, for example, glass, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, copper, bronze, or other suitable materials.

[0095] According to an alternative embodiment, the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 may also have an opened structure, such as a honeycomb structure (which however shall not exclude that this structure be made of a porous material itself). The pad 50 shall be made of a non-flammable material or several non-flammable materials:

[0096] It may typically comprise metal, for example aluminium, aluminium alloy, copper, zinc, lead, stainless steel, bronze, and / or a ceramic material, for example aluminosilicate, aluminium oxide or silicium carbide, and / or glass.

[0097] Ceramic materials such as aluminosilicate, aluminium oxide may typically be sintered or glass bonded.

[0098] A higher gas-permeability of the pad 50 may be preferable for sufficient ventilation of the cavity. However the flame extinguishing capability of the pad may decrease with increasing permeability. Hence, the pad may be designed, in particular with regard to its material, dimensions, especially its thickness along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device, and permeability, to achieve an optimal ratio between venting of the cavity and flame extinguishing capability, which optimal ratio is defined primarily by properties of the battery, for example its size and chemical composition and the individual design of the device. The optimal ratio may be determined by conducting a series of tests.

[0099] Typically, the pad may be made of a porous material having an average pore size between 10 and 500 m.

[0100] According to an example, the pad may be made of a porous material having a porosity of between 30 and 50%.

[0101] A thickness of the pad 50 may be at least 1 mm, preferably between 1 and 3 mm.

[0102] According to one particular example, the pad may be made of a porous aluminium material (e.g.: Exxentis, No.4) made of AISiZMg. According to another particular example, the pad may be made from a sintered bronze material (e.g.: SIPERM®, B B200) made of bronze CuSn 10.

[0103] According to another particular example, the pad may be made from a metal fibre felt (e.g. Dorstener Drahtwerke, S100D) made of 304 / 304L, 316 / 316L, nickel, Hastelloy and FeCrAI.

[0104] According to another particular example, the pad may be made from a wire mesh (e.g.: Dorstener Drahtwerke, Sinterpore SP-HF-400) made of AISI 304L and AISI 316L.

[0105] Standards prevent that the ventilation of the device be directed towards the user's mouth. Therefore, the plurality of venting openings 60 may typically be formed in, or may open, at the transversal end wall 3. Such openings might also be arranged on the side walls of the casing near the distal end of the device.

[0106] For example, each vent hole may have a cross-section of between 10 and 20 mm2.

[0107] In the illustrated example, one venting opening 60 communicates with the above-mentioned central opening 4. Additional venting openings 60 are arranged in the transversal end wall 3, for example regularly around the central opening 4 as illustrated in figure 1 .

[0108] The sealing arrangement 40 between the battery 20 and the cartomizer receiving portion 30 shall protect the user from battery chemicals, prevent the ingress of e-liquid or water inside the device, and also block gas escaping from the battery in the direction of the cartomizer.

[0109] Taking into account the capacity of the battery, the permeability of the pad and the size of the vent openings, the sealing arrangement 40 must provide sufficient sealing properties to withstand the resulting pressure so that gas cannot enter the cartomizer receiving portion.

[0110] The sealing arrangement 40 may include several (typically two or three) adjacent seals mounted in series in the longitudinal direction of the main body 1 .

[0111] Or the sealing arrangement may be provided with a special architecture of the sealing lips such as a bulkhead design as described in patent application WO 2022 / 034020.

[0112] Advantageously, the sealing arrangement 40 may comprise a standard O-ring or another moulded seal and may be made preferably of silicon or a thermoplastic elastomer. The seal may be over moulded to an internal surface or structure of the device or may be a separate part, for example mounted in a peripheral groove 73 of the internal holding structure 70 as illustrated in figure 5.

[0113] As illustrated in figure 3, the charging port 12 and the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 80 are electrically connected via a first flexible PCB 81a and the battery 20 and the PCBA 80 are electrically connected to each other via a second flexible PCB 81 b, wherein, in particular, the first flexible PCB 81a is guided through between the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 and the casing 2. The use of flexible PCB allows for a tight fit of the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50, first flexible PCB 81 a and the casing 2, however, other electrical connections such as cables could be employed as well.

[0114] In the illustrated embodiment, the cartomizer receiving portion 30 comprises so-called Pogo-Pins 82 to electronically connect the battery 20 to a cartomizer 1 10, and power from the PCBA is provided to said removable cartomizer 1 10 via said Pogo-Pins 82. Operation of the safety system obtained through combination of the sealing arrangement 40, permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 and venting openings 60 will now be described in more detail:

[0115] Should, for any reason, the battery 20 malfunction and issue gases, the sealing arrangement 40 prohibits said gases from traveling through the cavity 6 in direction of the cartomizer receiving portion 30 and the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 and the venting openings 60 ensure that the gases may exit the main body 1 at its distal end l a in a safely manner, that is, gases issuing from the battery 20 passe through the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 and exit the aerosol generating device 1000 through the venting openings 60. In this manner, the inhalation of said gases by a user of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be prevented. Additionally, flames, sparks, or molten material occurring from the battery 20 during a malfunction are extinguished and / or held back by the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 so that potential burns to the user’s face or other injuries are prevented as well.

[0116] In the illustrated example and as visible on figure 3, the battery may comprise a battery cell pouch 22 having at least one release opening 24 oriented towards the venting openings 60.

[0117] In the particular example, the release opening 24 is approximately centered in the cavity 6 and is oriented towards the distal end l a. The release opening 24 serves as a predetermined release point for gas, flames, sparks, or molten material issued from the battery 20 and faces the permeable flame extinguishing pad 50 so that gas, flames, sparks, or molten material issued from the battery are directed towards the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 when exiting the battery 20.

[0118] Preferably, the release opening 24 is longitudinally aligned with at least one venting opening 60.

[0119] Figure 7 illustrates an aerosol generating device 1000 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The aerosol generating device 1000 comprises a main body 1 having a casing 2 which delimits a cavity 6, in which cavity 6 a charging part 10, a battery 20, and a cartomizer receiving portion 30 are juxtaposed, in this order. The device 1000 further comprises a sealing arrangement 40, a permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 and venting openings 60. All features which will not be described hereafter remain similar to those described with reference to figures 1 to 6.

[0120] The device 1000 according to this second embodiment differs from that described with reference to the first embodiment in that the charging part 10 is arranged between the battery 20 and the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50.

[0121] The charging part 10 comprises a charging port 12, which is here accessible from outside the aerosol generating device 1000 through a transversal opening formed in the casing 2. That is, the charging port 12 opens in a transversal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Z of the casing 2. The charging port 12 is advantageously designed as a waterproof port, typically a waterproof USB-C port.

[0122] The venting openings (not shown) are still formed in the transversal wall 3 of the casing 2.

[0123] And as illustrated in figure 7 the pad 50 is arranged between the charging part 10 and the distal end 1 a of the main body 1 and hence the transversal end wall 3.

[0124] In case of gases being released from the battery 20, for example due to a thermal runaway, said gases pass through the permeable flame extinguisher pad 50 and are released from the aerosol generating device through the venting openings in the transversal wall 3.

[0125] In case a thermal runaway of the battery 20 happens during charging of the battery 20, and due to the charging port 12 (to which an external power supply may be connected) being arranged at a distance from and in a different orientation with respect to the venting openings, said charging port 12 is protected from a possible gas release. The external power supply is also offset from the gas emitting zone, and hence protected.

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol generating device (1000) for delivering aerosol upon heating an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol generating device (1000) having a main body (1 ) comprising:- a casing (2) extending along a longitudinal direction (Z) between a distal end ( 1 a) and a proximal end (l b) of the main body ( 1 ) , and delimiting a cavity (6),- a charging part (10), a battery (20), and a substrate carrier receiving portion (30) juxtaposed in the cavity (6), in this order, between said distal end (l a) and said proximal end (l b), and- a leak-tight and pressure resistant sealing arrangement (40) isolating the battery (20) from the substrate carrier receiving portion (30), the aerosol generating device (1000) being characterized in that it further comprises a permeable flame extinguisher pad (50) arranged between the battery (20) and said distal end (l a), and at least one venting opening (60) for releasing gas issuing from the battery and passed through the permeable flame extinguisher pad (50).

2. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to claim 1 , wherein the permeable flame extinguisher pad (50) is arranged between the charging part (10) and the battery (20).

3. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to claim 1 , wherein the charging part (10) is arranged between the battery (20) and the permeable flame extinguisher pad (50).

4. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a transversal end wall (3) at the distal end ( 1 a) of the main body (1 ), and the at least one venting opening (60) opens on said transversal end wall (3).

5. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to claim 4, wherein the transversal end wall (3) has a main opening (4) communicating with a charging port (12), notably a USB-port, and at least one venting opening (60) communicates with said main opening (4).

6. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to claim 5, further comprising additional venting openings (60) in the transversal end wall (3), said additional venting openings (60) being arranged, notably regularly arranged, around the main opening (4).

7. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the battery (20) comprises a battery cell pouch (22) having at least one release opening (24), preferably radially centered in the cavity (6), with said release opening (24) being oriented towards the distal end (la) of the main body.

8. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one release opening (24) is longitudinally aligned with at least one venting opening (60).

9. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the permeable flame extinguisher pad (50) is configured to radially fit with the inner surface (7) of the cavity (6).

10. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an internal holding structure (70) for holding the battery (20) inside the cavity (6).1 1 . The aerosol generating device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the permeable flame extinguisher pad (50) is embedded in a slot (72) , preferably an annular slot, of the internal holding structure (70).

12. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the permeable flame extinguisher pad (50) comprises a porous material.

13. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the permeable flame extinguisher pad (50) comprises an opened structure, such as a honeycomb structure.

14. The aerosol generating device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the substrate carrier receiving portion (30) is a cartomizer receiving portion.

15. The aerosol generating device ( 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cartomizer receiving portion comprises contact means for electronically connecting a cartomizer to the battery

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