Patent Application
20250107569
The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device with a venting channel, a manufacturing method for an aerosol-generating device, and the use of a closing member in an aerosol-generating device.
There is a need for improving the sealing of aerosol-generating devices. There is also a need for compensating excess gas pressure inside sealed parts of aerosol-generating devices.
According to a first aspect of the invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided with a housing comprising a housing part. A venting channel extends from a housing part outer opening to a housing part inner opening. The venting channel extends in at least two different directions inside the housing part along its extension from the housing part outer opening to the housing part inner opening. The directional change in the venting channel may reduce the ingress of liquids, in particular water, or contaminations into the device. In particular, a venting channel enables to compensate for pressure differences inside the aerosol-generating device with respect to ambient pressure. In particular, the venting channel allows preventing elevated pressure in the device, when the inside of the housing has an increased temperature due to aerosol generation.
According to a second aspect of the invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided with a housing comprising a housing part. A venting channel extends from a housing part outer opening to a housing part inner opening. An electrical conductor is embedded in the housing part and extends through the housing part. The arrangement of a venting channel and an electrical conductor in the housing part may be space-efficient. In particular, it may reduce the dimensions of the device. In particular, it allows for a quick assembly of the aerosol-generating device and may reduce manufacturing costs. The embedding of the electrical conductor in the housing part may reduce the likelihood of tolerance gaps between the electrical conductor and the housing part. In particular, it may improve sealing of the device.
The electrical conductor may comprise at least two electrically conductive parts. The at least two electrically conductive parts may be in contact with each other in the housing part. The use of two or more electrically conductive parts may be more efficient regarding the manufacturing of the device. The arrangement of the contact of the at least two electrically conductive parts in the housing part may prevent unwanted disconnection of the electrically conductive parts.
The venting channel may extend in at least two different directions inside the housing part along its extension from the housing part outer opening to the housing part inner opening. The directional change of the venting channel may reduce the ingress of liquids or contaminations into the device.
According to a third aspect of the invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided with an electrical connector and a housing comprising a housing part. A venting channel extends from a housing part outer opening to a housing part inner opening. The electrical connector forms a venting channel extension. The venting channel is connected to an inner opening of the venting channel extension. The venting channel extension is at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor. Such a configuration may be space-efficient. In particular, it may reduce the dimensions of the device. In particular, it allows for an efficient assembly of the aerosol-generating device and may reduce manufacturing costs. An opening of the electrical connector may be used to compensate for excess gas pressure. The opening of the electrical connector may be the only opening towards the inside of the housing part. No additional opening in the housing may be necessary. This reduces potential locations for fluid or contamination ingress. Manufacturing and assembly effort may be reduced.
The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a heating chamber. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a heating element. An aerosol-generating article may be inserted in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.
An outer opening of the venting channel extension may form a plug insertion opening.
The inner opening of the venting channel extension and the plug insertion opening may be arranged at opposite sides of the electrical connector in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device. The longitudinal direction is defined as the direction with the greatest distance between two opposite ends of the aerosol-generating device.
The venting channel extension may be fully surrounded by the electrical conductor.
The housing part may be formed from a unitary piece. The housing part and the electrical connector may be formed from a unitary piece. Forming the housing part from a unitary piece or forming the housing part and the electrical connector from a unitary piece may lead to a more robust design. In particular, it may reduce assembly time.
The housing part and the electrical connector may be separate parts and may be connected to each other. This may be beneficial from a manufacturing viewpoint.
The venting channel may extend in at least two different directions inside the housing part along its extension from the housing part outer opening to the housing part inner opening. The directional change of the venting channel may reduce the ingress of liquids or contaminations into the device.
The venting channel may be a tubular channel. The tubular channel may have a round cross-section, rectangular cross-section, oval cross-section or polygonal cross-section.
The venting channel may have a closed perimeter between the housing part outer opening and the housing part inner opening. In particular, no fluid flow to or from the venting channel is possible between the housing part outer opening and the housing part inner opening.
The closed perimeter may be formed by the housing part. In particular, the closed perimeter does not have any tolerance gaps. This may reduce the ingress of liquids or contaminations.
The at least two different directions in which the venting channel extends may differ by an angle between 30 degrees and 150 degrees, in particular between 60 degrees and 120degrees, in particular of 90 degrees. Such an angle may be advantageous in reducing the ingress of liquids or contaminations.
The venting channel may comprise a first venting channel section and a second venting channel section. The first venting channel section may be closer to the housing part inner opening than the second venting channel section. The first venting channel section may extend in a first direction. The second venting channel may extend in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction may be inclined relative to each other with an angle between 30 degrees and 150 degrees, in particular between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, in particular of 90 degrees. Such an inclination may be advantageous in reducing the ingress of liquids or contaminations.
The first venting channel section and the second venting channel section may be connected to each other at an intersection point. A venting channel cavity may be provided at the intersection point. The venting channel cavity may be formed as an extension of the first venting channel section or the second venting channel section beyond the intersection point. The venting channel cavity may additionally reduce the ingress of liquids and contaminations.
The venting channel may have an L-shape, namely a shape like the Latin letter L. In particular, it may be formed by a first venting channel section and a second venting channel section, the first venting channel section and the second venting channel section may have different lengths and are connected to each other at an angle in between 60 degrees and 120 degrees.
The second venting channel section may be longer than the first venting channel section. The second venting channel may be shorter than the first venting channel section.
The venting channel may have a cross-sectional area of in between 0.5 square millimeter and 5.5 square millimeters. Such an area may allow for a sufficient gas flow, yet making it difficult for liquids and contaminations to pass through the channel.
The cross-sectional area of the venting channel may change along the extension of the venting channel from the housing part inner opening to the housing part outer opening. In particular, the cross-sectional area of the first venting channel may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the second venting channel section. This may allow water that entered through the second venting channel section to spread inside the first venting channel section. In particular, this may facilitate evaporation of the water inside the venting channel. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an electrical connector. The electrical connector may form a venting channel extension. The venting channel may be connected to an inner opening of the venting channel extension. The venting channel extensions may be at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.
The outer opening of the venting channel extensions may form a plug insertion opening. The inner opening of the venting channel extension and the plug insertion opening may be arranged at opposite sides of the electrical connector in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device.
The housing part may form an electrical connector. The arrangement of the venting channel and the electrical connector in the housing part may be space-efficient. In particular, it may reduce assembly time and may improve manufacturing. The venting channel may be at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.
The electrical connector may be part of the venting channel. The venting channel may be at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.
An outer opening of the venting channel may form a plug insertion opening. A plug inserted in the venting channel may come into contact with the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may be used for charging a battery in the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be adapted to generate aerosol by means of power supply from an integrated battery only. During aerosol-generation, the venting channel may be free of a plug and unobstructed venting is possible. This may enable to compensate for heat generated during aerosol-generation. During charging of the battery, the plug may partially or fully obstruct the venting channel.
The venting channel may enable venting for compensating heat expansion due to the heat generated by the battery during charging.
The electrical conductor may be embedded in the housing part. The embedding of the electrical conductor may be effected by or may comprise molding the housing part over the electrical conductor.
The electrical conductor may extend through the housing part. This may facilitate sealing parts of the aerosol-generating device, while allowing to supply electrical current into the device.
The housing part may sealingly close the housing. The housing part may sealingly close the housing against gas, liquid, contamination, or a combination thereof. This may reduce the ingress of liquids, gas or contaminations into the device. The housing may be sealingly closed on an opposite end by other parts.
The housing part may be a molded polymer part. Molding allows to form the venting channel efficiently. In particular, it allows to embed the electrical conductor or other components. In particular, gaps between parts or components may be filled by the molding process. The housing part may be formed of polymer material.
The housing part may be formed by secondary molding. A molded part may be placed into a mold again and molded to form the housing part. By secondary molding, components may be embedded in or attached to the housing part.
The housing part may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone rubber or polyamide.
The housing part may form part of an inner frame adapted to receive at least one operational component of the aerosol-generating device. The at least one operational component may in particular be a battery, a microprocessor, a heater, a vaporizer, or a container. Combining the housing part and the inner frame may reduce assembly time.
The housing part inner opening may open into a sealed inner housing compartment. Gas may flow from the sealed inner housing compartment, through the housing part inner opening, through the venting channel to the outside to balance excess gas pressure, in particular due to heating, inside the sealed inner housing compartment.
The housing part outer opening may open towards an end surface of the aerosol-generating device. The housing part outer opening may open towards a longitudinal end surface of the aerosol-generating device. The end surface of the aerosol-generating device may less likely be covered by a user's hand when the user is holding the device. Thus, opening the venting channel towards the end surface may provide better venting. The housing part outer opening may at least partially open towards an end surface of the aerosol-generating device.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity. The end surface with the housing part outer opening may be arranged at an opposite side of the aerosol-generating device, in particular with respect to the longitudinal direction, than the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity.
The housing may comprise a housing wall. The housing part may form a closing member or form part of a closing member. The housing part and the electrical connector may form part of a closing member. The closing member may close an end of the housing wall. The closing member may seal the housing or a sealed inner housing compartment.
A sealing member may be arranged in between the housing part and the housing wall. The sealing member may seal the inside of the aerosol-generating device, in particular, to form the sealed inner housing compartment. The sealing member may reduce the ingress of liquids, gas, contaminations, or a combination thereof into the sealed inner housing compartment.
The housing part, the housing wall or both may comprise a circumferentially extending recess. The circumferentially extending recess may receive the sealing member. The recess may help to keep the sealing member in place. In particular, it may help to prevent sliding of the sealing member along the housing part or the housing wall. The sliding may cause a gap between the sealing member and the housing part or the housing wall. In particular, displacement of the sealing member may cause ingress of liquids, gas or contaminations into the sealed inner housing compartment.
The sealing member may be overmolded onto the housing part. Overmolding may allow the sealing member to adapt to the shape of the housing part. In particular, it may improve the sealing.
The sealing member may be an O-ring. An O-ring may be assembled quickly with the housing part. In particular, it may reduce assembly time of the aerosol-generating device.
The sealing member may be made of nitrile-butadiene rubber, nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber, polytetrafluoroethylen, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone, fluorine rubber, acrylate rubber, perfluororubber, perfluorinated rubber, polychloroprene rubber, chlorine rubber, chlorosulphonyl-polyethylene rubber, polyester-urethane rubber, polyether-urethane rubber, butyl rubber, fluorinated ethylene propylene, perfluoroalkoxy, polyvinylidene fluoride or a combination thereof.
A venting means may be attached to the housing part. The venting means may allow for the compensation of excess gas pressure inside the aerosol-generating device, in particular inside the sealed inner housing compartment.
The venting means may be fixed to the housing part by means of ultrasonic welding or a double adhesive tape. This may prevent the venting means from separating from the housing part.
The venting means may be partially embedded in the housing part. In particular, the edges of the venting means may be partially or fully embedded in the housing part. This may prevent the venting means from separating from the housing part.
The venting means may be adjacent to the housing part inner opening. Such an arrangement may increase the durability of the venting means.
An axis normal to the venting means may be inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. An axis normal to the venting means may be inclined with respect to the second venting channel section. An axis normal to the venting means may extend in the same direction as the first venting channel section.
The venting means may extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.
The venting means may be permeable for gases and impermeable for water. Thus, the aerosol-generating device, in particular the sealed inner housing compartment, may be waterproof.
The venting means may be adapted to allow gas flow from the sealed inner housing compartment through the venting channel to the outside of the aerosol-generating device. The venting means may be adapted to prevent liquids or contaminations from entering the sealed inner housing compartment. Such a configuration may allow to compensate excess gas pressure while preventing the ingress of liquids or contaminations into the sealed inner housing compartment.
The directional change of the venting channel may protect the venting means from external impacts, in particular sharp items or exposure to sunlight, without the need for a cover element. In particular, it may increase the durability of the venting means. In particular, it may reduce the number of separate parts in the aerosol-generating device. In particular, it may reduce assembly time.
The venting means is overlappingly arranged on an opening of the venting channel. The overlap may be in between 0.1 millimeters and 10 millimeters, preferably in between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters. The overlap may improve the sealing.
The venting means may comprise a support structure. The support structure may be a frame. The support structure may provide structural stability for the venting means. In particular, it may protect the venting means
The venting means may comprise a membrane. The membrane may be adapted to allow gas to pass and to prevent liquids and contaminations from passing. The support structure may at least partially surround the membrane. The membrane may be attached to the support structure, in particular by an adhesive.
The membrane may be hydrophobic and oleophobic. This may enable the protection of the sealed inner housing compartment from polar liquids, such as water, and non-polar liquids, such as oil.
The membrane may comprise a non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric may be spunbonded. The membrane may comprise polyethylene terephthalate or polytetrafluoroethylene. The membrane may comprise one or multiple layers, in particular two layers or three layers.
The membrane may comprise expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or polyurethane, preferably expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. This allows a preferable implementation of a waterproof, gas-permeable membrane.
The membrane may comprise pores with a nominal diameter of 0.02 micrometers to 10 micrometers, preferably 0.02 micrometers to 5 micrometers, preferably 0.02 micrometers to 1 micrometer. This enables that the membrane is sufficiently gas-permeable. In particular, it enables that the membrane is sufficiently waterproof.
The membrane may have a water entry pressure of at least 5 Kilopascal, in particular between 10 Kilopascal and 200 Kilopascal. This enables that the membrane is sufficiently waterproof.
The membrane may have an airflow capacity of 200 milliliter per square centimeter and minute to 4000 milliliter per square centimeter and minute at 7 Kilopascal, in particular of 200 milliliter per square centimeter and minute to 2000 milliliter per square centimeter and minute at 7 Kilopascal, in particular of 200 milliliter per square centimeter and minute to 1200 milliliter per square centimeter and minute at 7 Kilopascal. This airflow capacity may allow for rapidly compensating excess pressure inside the sealed inner housing compartment.
The membrane may have a thickness of 10 micrometers to 1000 micrometers, preferably 50 micrometers to 750 micrometers, preferably 100 micrometers to 500 micrometers. This thickness range may provide a structurally stable, yet sufficiently permeable membrane.
The membrane may be operational in a temperature range of −200 degrees Celsius to 260 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the membrane may be operational in a temperature range of −20 degrees Celsius to 90 degrees Celsius. The membrane may have the aforementioned airflow capacity over these entire temperature ranges. The venting means may have the aforementioned water entry pressure over these entire temperature ranges.
The membrane may be fixed to the housing part by means of ultrasonic welding or a double adhesive tape. This may prevent the membrane from separating from the housing part.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a manufacturing method for an aerosol-generating device, in particular according to any of the first, second or third aspect of the invention, wherein a molding material is casted into a molding die to form a housing part, and then the housing part is connected to a housing wall to form a sealed inner housing compartment. A venting channel extends in at least two different directions inside the housing part and enables venting of the sealed inner housing compartment.
The manufacturing method may further comprise the step of positioning an electrically conductive part inside the molding die. The electrically conductive part may be partially embedded in the housing part. The electrically conductive part may extend through the housing part.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a manufacturing method for an aerosol-generating device, in particular according to any of the first, second or third aspect of the invention, wherein an electrically conductive part is positioned inside a molding die, a molding material is casted into the molding die to form a housing part and a venting channel in the housing part. The venting channel extends through the housing part. The electrically conductive part is at least partially embedded in the housing part.
The electrically conductive part may form an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may extend through the housing part.
The electrical conductor may be formed from at least two electrically conductive parts. The electrically conductive parts may be in contact with each other in the housing part.
The venting channel may extend in at least two different directions inside the housing part.
The venting channel may have a closed perimeter between a housing part outer opening and a housing part inner opening.
The manufacturing method may further comprise the step of sealing a gap between the housing part and a housing wall with a sealing member.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a manufacturing method for an aerosol-generating device, in particular according to any of the first, second or third aspect of the invention, wherein a housing part is provided. The housing part comprises a venting channel extending through the housing part. The housing part further comprises a receiving slit. An electrically conductive part is inserted into the receiving slit, and then the housing part is connected to a housing wall.
The electrically conductive part may form an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may extend through the housing part.
The electrically conductive part may form part of an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may comprise a further electrically conductive part embedded or inserted into the housing part. The electrical conductor may extend through the housing part.
The housing part may form part of a closing member. The venting channel may extend in at least two different directions inside the closing member. The venting channel may have a closed perimeter between an outer opening of the closing member and an inner opening of the closing member.
The housing part may be formed from a unitary piece.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a closing member in an aerosol-generating device, in particular according to any of the first, second or third aspect of the invention, to provide a venting channel and to embed an electrical conductor. Using the closing member for both venting and embedding an electrical conductor may be space-efficient. Additionally, it may allow for a fast assembly of the aerosol-generating device.
The closing member may further be used to provide support for a sealing member.
The venting channel may protect a venting means from external impacts, in particular sunlight, sharp items or interference with the user. The venting means may be adjacent to the venting channel.
The closing member may be formed from a unitary piece.
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention, and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate for use with the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may be attached or inserted into the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating substrate may form part of the aerosol-generating article or may be filled or placed into the aerosol-generating article.
The device according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention may be manufactured according to the method of the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect of the invention. The manufacturing method according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect of the invention may be used to manufacture the device according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention. The use of the closing member according to a seventh aspect of the invention may be performed with the device according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention and by using method steps from the method according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect of the invention.
The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
Example Ex1: An aerosol-generating device, with a housing comprising a housing part, wherein a venting channel extends from a housing part outer opening to a housing part inner opening, and wherein the venting channel extends in at least two different directions inside the housing part along its extension from the housing part outer opening to the housing part inner opening.
Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating device, with a housing comprising a housing part, wherein a venting channel extends from a housing part outer opening to a housing part inner opening, and wherein an electrical conductor is embedded in the housing part and extends through the housing part.
Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating device according to examples Ex2, wherein the electrical conductor comprises at least two electrically conductive parts, which are in contact with each other in the housing part.
Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex2 or example Ex3, wherein the venting channel extends in at least two different directions inside the housing part along its extension from the housing part outer opening to the housing part inner opening.
Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating device, with a housing comprising a housing part, wherein a venting channel extends from a housing part inner opening to a housing part outer opening, and an electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector forms a venting channel extension, wherein the venting channel is connected to an inner opening of the venting channel extension, wherein the venting channel extension is at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.
Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex5, wherein the venting channel extension is at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.
Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex5 or example Ex6, wherein an outer opening of the venting channel extension forms a plug insertion opening.
Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex5 to Ex7, wherein the inner opening of the venting channel extension and the plug insertion opening are arranged at opposite sides of the electrical connector in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device.
Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex5 to Ex8, wherein the venting channel extension is fully surrounded by the electrical conductor.
Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex5 to Ex9, wherein the housing part and the electrical connector are formed from a unitary piece.
Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex5 to Ex10, wherein the housing part and the electrical connector are separate parts and connected to each other.
Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex5 to Ex11, wherein the venting channel extends in at least two different directions inside the housing part along its extension from the housing part outer opening to the housing part inner opening.
Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the housing part is formed from a unitary piece.
Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex13, wherein the venting channel has a closed perimeter between the housing part outer opening and the housing part inner opening.
Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex14, wherein the closed perimeter is formed by the housing part.
Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex15, wherein the at least two different directions differ by an angle between 30 degrees and 150 degrees, preferably between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, preferably of about 90 degrees.
Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex16, wherein the venting channel comprises a first venting channel section and a second venting channel section, wherein the first venting channel section extends in a first direction and the second venting channel section extends in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are inclined relative to each other with an angle between 30 degrees and 150 degrees, preferably between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, preferably of about 90 degrees.
Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex17, wherein the venting channel has an L-shape.
Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex18, the venting channel may have a cross-sectional area of in between 0.5 square millimeters and 5.5 square millimeters.
Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex19, further comprising an electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector forms a venting channel extension, wherein the venting channel is connected to an inner opening of the venting channel extension, wherein the venting channel extension is at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.
Example Ex21: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex20, wherein an outer opening of the venting channel extension forms a plug insertion opening.
Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex21, wherein the inner opening of the venting channel extension and the plug insertion opening are arranged at opposite sides of the electrical connector in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device.
Example Ex23: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex22, wherein the housing part forms an electrical connector, and the venting channel is at least partially surrounded by an electrical conductor.
Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex23, wherein an outer opening of the venting channel forms a plug insertion opening.
Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex24, wherein an electrical conductor is embedded in the housing part.
Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating device according example Ex25, wherein the electrical conductor extends through the housing part.
Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex26, wherein the housing part sealingly closes the housing.
Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex27, wherein the housing part is a molded polymer part, in particular formed by secondary molding.
Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex28, wherein the housing part forms part of an inner frame adapted to receive at least one operational component of the aerosol-generating device.
Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex29, wherein the housing part inner opening opens into a sealed inner housing compartment.
Example Ex31: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex30, wherein the housing part outer opening opens towards an end surface of the aerosol-generating device.
Example Ex32: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex31, further comprising an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity, wherein said end surface is arranged at an opposite side of the aerosol-generating device than the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity.
Example Ex33: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex32, wherein the housing further comprises a housing wall, wherein the housing part forms a closing member closing an end of the housing wall, wherein a sealing member is arranged in between the housing part and the housing wall.
Example Ex34: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex33, wherein the housing part comprises a circumferentially extending recess, adapted to receive the sealing member.
Example Ex35: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex33 or example Ex34, wherein the sealing member is overmolded onto the housing part.
Example Ex36: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex33 to Ex35, wherein the sealing member is an O-ring.
Example Ex37: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex33 to Ex36, wherein the sealing member is made of silicone rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene or nitrile, or a combination thereof.
Example Ex38: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex37, wherein a venting means is attached to the housing part.
Example Ex39: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex38, wherein a venting means is partially embedded in the housing part.
Example Ex40: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex38 or example Ex39, wherein the venting means is adjacent to the housing part inner opening
Example Ex41: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex38 to Ex40, wherein an axis normal to the venting means is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.
Example Ex42: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex38 to Ex41, wherein the venting means extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.
Example Ex43: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex38 to Ex42, wherein the venting means is adapted to allow gas flow from a sealed inner housing compartment through the venting channel to the outside of the aerosol-generating device
Example Ex44: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex38 to Ex43, wherein the venting means is adapted to prevent liquid flow from entering a sealed inner housing compartment.
Example Ex45: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex38 to Ex44, wherein the venting means comprises a support structure.
Example Ex46: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex38 to Ex45, wherein the venting means comprises a membrane.
Example Ex47: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex46, wherein the membrane comprises a non-woven fabric.
Example Ex48: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex47, wherein the non-woven fabric is spunbonded.
Example Ex49: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex46 to Ex48, wherein the membrane comprises polyethylene terephthalate or polytetrafluoroethylene. Example Ex50: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex46 to Ex49, wherein the membrane comprises one or multiple layers.
Example Ex51: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex46 to Ex50, wherein the membrane comprises pores with a nominal diameter of 0.02 micrometers to 10 micrometers, preferably 0.02 micrometers to 5 micrometers, preferably 0.02 micrometers to 1 micrometers.
Example Ex52: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex46 to Ex51, wherein the membrane has a water entry pressure of at least 5 Kilopascal, preferably between 10 Kilopascal and 200 Kilopascal.
Example Ex53: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex46 to Ex52, wherein the membrane has an airflow capacity of 200 milliliter per square centimeter and minute to 4000 milliliter per square centimeter and minute at 7 Kilopascal, preferably of 200 milliliter per square centimeter and minute to 2000 milliliter per square centimeter and minute at 7 Kilopascal, preferably of 200 milliliter per square centimeter and minute to 1200 milliliter per square centimeter and minute at 7 Kilopascal
Example Ex54: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex46 to Ex53, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 10 micrometers to 1000 micrometers, preferably 50 micrometers to 750 micrometers, preferably 100 micrometers to 500 micrometers.
Example Ex55: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex46 to Ex54, wherein the membrane is fixed to the housing part by means of ultrasonic welding or a double adhesive tape.
Example Ex56: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex38 to Ex55, wherein the venting means is fixed to the housing part by means of ultrasonic welding or a double adhesive tape.
Example Ex57: Manufacturing method for an aerosol-generating device, in particular according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex56, comprising the steps of:
Example Ex58: Manufacturing method according to example Ex57, comprising further the step of positioning an electrically conductive part inside the molding die, such that the electrically conductive part is partially embedded in the housing part.
Example Ex59: Manufacturing method for a housing part of an aerosol-generating device, comprising the steps of:
Example Ex61: Manufacturing method according to example Ex59 or example Ex60, wherein at least two electrically conductive parts form an electrical conductor, wherein the electrically conductive parts are in contact with each other in the housing part, such that the electrical conductor extends through the housing part.
Example Ex62: Manufacturing method according to any one of examples Ex59 to Ex61, wherein the venting channel extends in at least two different directions inside the housing part. Example Ex63: Manufacturing method according to any one of examples Ex59 to Ex62, wherein the venting channel has a closed perimeter between a housing part outer opening and a housing part inner opening.
Example Ex64: Manufacturing method according to example Ex57 or example Ex58, wherein the manufacturing method further comprises the step of sealing a gap between the housing part and the housing wall with a sealing member.
Example Ex65: Manufacturing method for an aerosol-generating device, in particular according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex56, comprising the steps of:
Example Ex66: Manufacturing method according to example Ex65, wherein the electrically conductive part forms an electrical conductor, wherein the electrical conductor extends through the housing part.
Example Ex67: Manufacturing method according to example Ex65 or example Ex66, wherein the electrically conductive part forms part of an electrical conductor, wherein the electrical conductor comprises a further electrically conductive part embedded or inserted into the housing part, such that the electrical conductor extends through the housing part.
Example Ex68: Manufacturing method according to any one of examples Ex65 to Ex67, wherein the housing part forms part of a closing member.
Example Ex69: Manufacturing method according to any one of examples Ex65 to Ex68, wherein the venting channel extends in at least two different directions inside the closing member.
Example Ex70: Manufacturing method according to any one of examples Ex65 to Ex69, wherein the venting channel has a closed perimeter between an outer opening of the closing member and an inner opening of the closing member.
Example Ex71: Manufacturing method according to any one of examples Ex65 to Ex70, wherein the housing part is formed from a unitary piece.
Example Ex72: Use of a closing member in an aerosol-generating device to provide a venting channel and to embed an electrical conductor.
Example Ex73: Use of a closing member according to example Ex72, wherein the closing member is further used to provide support for a sealing member.
Example Ex74: Use of a closing member according to example Ex72 or example Ex73, wherein the venting channel protects a venting means adjacent to the venting channel from external impacts, in particular sunlight or sharp items.
Example Ex75: Use of a closing member according to any one of examples Ex72 to Ex74, wherein the closing member is formed from a unitary piece.
Example Ex76: An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex56, and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate for use with the aerosol-generating device.
An aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in
The housing 2 comprises a housing part 6 arranged near an end of the aerosol-generating device 1 with respect to the longitudinal direction 100, as seen in
The housing part 6 comprises a venting channel 11. The venting channel 11 has a first venting channel section 12 and a second venting channel section 13. The first venting channel section 12 and the second venting channel section 13 extend in different directions. The first venting channel 12 has a larger cross section than the second venting channel section 13, as can be seen in
A venting means 16 is attached to the housing part 6 adjacent to the housing part inner opening 14. The venting means 16 comprises a support structure 17 and a membrane 18. The membrane 18 allows air flow from the sealed inner housing compartment 10 through the venting channel 11 to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 1. As seen in
The aerosol-generating device 1 further comprises an electrical connector 19 attached to the housing part 6. The electrical connector 19 forms a venting channel extension 20. The venting channel extension 20 is connected to the venting channel 11, in particular to the housing part outer opening 15. An outer opening of the venting channel extension 20 forms a plug insertion opening 21.
The electrical connector 19 comprises an electrical conductor 22. The electrical conductor 22 extends circumferentially around the venting channel extension 20. As seen in
The housing part 6 and the electrical connector 19 form a closing member 25. The closing member 25 closes the housing wall 3 and forms the end surface 5.
For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ±10% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2022/075352 | 2/7/2022 | WO |
