JP2024510643A - Aerosol generator with ventilation means - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a heating chamber adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, a heating element (5), a sealed housing compartment (8), and an aerosol-generating device from the sealed housing compartment (8). ventilation means (10) adapted to allow gas to flow to the outside of (1) to compensate for thermal expansion inside the housing compartment (8) due to the heating action of the heating element (5); The present invention relates to an aerosol generator (1) comprising: The invention further relates to a method of operating an aerosol generation system and the use of a vent membrane (10) in an aerosol generation device (1). [Selection diagram] Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device with a sealed housing compartment. The present invention also relates to a method of operating an aerosol generation system and the use of a vent membrane within an aerosol generation device.

One type of aerosol generation system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known hand-held electrically operated smoking systems generally include an aerosol generator that includes a battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article specifically designed for use in an aerosol-generating device. Equipped with a generator. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug, and a heater housed within the aerosol-generating device is configured such that the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. when inserted into or disposed about the aerosol-forming substrate. In an alternative electrically actuated smoking system, the aerosol-generating article may include a capsule containing an aerosol-forming substrate, such as an uncontained cigarette.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a heating chamber adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, a heating element, a sealed housing compartment, and a heating chamber adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article; and ventilation means adapted to allow gas to flow to compensate for thermal expansion within the housing compartment due to heating action of the heating element.

The transverse direction of the aerosol generator may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator. The longitudinal direction may be the main direction of expansion of the aerosol generating device, ie the direction in which the aerosol generating device has its maximum length. In an upright orientation of the aerosol generator, the longitudinal direction may be the height direction and the transverse direction may be the horizontal direction. The transverse direction may be perpendicular to the width direction of the aerosol generator. The following expressions regarding "upper side" and "lower side" are relative to the long axis direction, which is the height direction.

The aerosol generating article may be longitudinally inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device such that the aerosol generating article is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating article abuts a stop element or end face of the heating chamber, the mouth end portion of the aerosol-generating article may project longitudinally from the heating chamber.

The housing compartment is sealed to prevent ingress of dust or ingress of dust and water. The housing section may include a bottom plate. A bottom plate may seal the underside of the housing compartment. At least one of a heating element, control electronics, and a battery are disposed within the housing compartment.

The heating element may be provided within or adjacent to the sealed housing compartment.

The heating element may be an electrical resistance heating element or an inductive heating element such as an inductor, eg a coil. Control electronics may be provided that are adapted to control the heating element to rapidly heat the aerosol generating article within the heating chamber. The heating element and control electronics of the device may be adapted such that the temperature of the heating element is between 70 degrees Celsius and 130 degrees Celsius, or between 80 degrees Celsius and 120 degrees Celsius, or between 80 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius. The heating element and control electronics may be adapted such that the heating time for heating the heating element from ambient temperature to at least 80 degrees Celsius is less than 5 seconds or less than 3 seconds.

The heating element and control electronics of the device are adapted such that the aerosol generating article is heated to a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius to 130 degrees Celsius, or 80 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius, or 80 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius. It's okay. The heating element and control electronics may be adapted such that the heating time for heating the aerosol generating article from ambient temperature to at least 80 degrees Celsius is less than 5 seconds or less than 3 seconds.

The heating element and control electronics of the device may be adapted such that the aerosol generating article is heated to a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius, or 300 degrees Celsius to 350 degrees Celsius. The heating element and control electronics may be adapted such that the heating time for heating the aerosol generating article from ambient temperature to at least 300 degrees Celsius is less than 60 seconds or less than 30 seconds.

The heating element and control electronics are adapted to heat in several successive heating cycles during consumption of one aerosol-generating article, where the temperature change of the heating element is at least 10 degrees Celsius, or at least 20 degrees Celsius. may be done.

Due to temperature changes in the gas within the housing compartment, pressure within the housing compartment may increase. The vent means allow gas to flow from the sealed housing compartment to the outside, preventing excessive pressure within the sealed housing compartment. The ventilation means may be adapted to allow gas to enter the sealed housing compartment from the outside to compensate for the negative low ambient pressure during the low temperature phase during cooling or aerosol generation.

The ventilation means may be permeable to gas and impermeable to water. Thus, the aerosol generating device may be waterproof.

The ventilation means may have a water pressure resistance of at least 5 kilopascals, preferably at least 10 kilopascals, especially about 12 kilopascals. This makes it possible to make the device even more waterproof.

The ventilation means may have a ventilation capacity of 3000 to 7000 milliliters per square centimeter-minute at 7 kilopascals, preferably from 5000 to 5200 milliliters per square centimeter-minute at 7 kilopascals. The ventilation capacity allows temperature changes within the aerosol generator to be quickly compensated for.

The ventilation means may be operable in a temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment, the venting means may be operable in a temperature range of -20 degrees Celsius to 90 degrees Celsius. The venting means may have the aforementioned venting capacity over this temperature range. The venting means may have the aforementioned water pressure resistance over this temperature range.

The ventilation means may include a membrane. The membrane may be adapted to allow gas to flow through the membrane. The area of the membrane may define the possible gas flow. The membrane may be adapted so that liquids, especially water, do not flow through it.

The venting means may include a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. This allows for the implementation of a preferred waterproof gas permeable membrane.

The venting means may include expanded polytetrafluoroethylene applied to the backing layer. The backing layer may be both gas permeable and water permeable and may provide structural stability.

The venting means may include a hydrophobic membrane and an oleophobic membrane. This makes it possible to protect the interior of the sealed housing compartment from polar liquids, such as water, and from non-polar liquids, such as oil.

The ventilation means may include an inert and UV-resistant membrane. Accordingly, the durability of the membrane may be improved when it comes into contact with potentially reactive substances from the environment.

The membrane may be connected to a carrier substrate having a central opening with a size of at least 0.5 square millimeters, at least 1 square millimeter or at least 2 square millimeters. The carrier substrate may be in the form of a flat rectangle with a central opening. Alternatively, the carrier substrate may be in the form of a flat circular shape with a central opening.

The carrier substrate may improve the sealing properties of the membrane and the fluid-tight connection of the membrane to the sealed housing compartment. The size of the opening dictates the potential gas flow at a given relative pressure to both sides of the membrane.

The carrier substrate may be a double-sided adhesive layer connecting the membrane to the housing compartment. Thus, a dual function of sealing and connection is provided.

The membrane may have a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm, especially about 0.15 mm. This thickness range provides structural stability, yet a sufficiently permeable membrane.

The membrane is disposed overlying the opening of the housing compartment. This allows ventilation through the membrane while sealing the opening in the housing compartment. The opening may be a through hole in the wall of the housing compartment.

The ventilation means may include an opening in the housing compartment and a channel extending into the housing compartment wall. The housing partition wall may be formed by the bottom plate. The direction of expansion of the channel may be different from the opening direction of the housing opening. The venting means, in particular the membrane of the venting means, can thus be protected from contact with external objects. Fluid flow may be improved because gas flow is less likely to be restricted by this geometry than liquid flow. The geometry of the channels and openings is particularly favorable for polar liquids such as water, which can be prevented from reaching the membrane due to its surface tension. The direction of extension of the channel may be at an angle of at least 45 degrees, preferably at least 60 degrees, in particular perpendicular to the opening direction of the housing opening.

The housing opening may have a larger cross-sectional area than the channel. Therefore, a sufficiently large flow can be obtained through the opening of the housing despite the membrane being arranged inside.

The channel may have a cross-sectional area of 0.5 square millimeters to 2 square millimeters. This provides sufficient gas flow, but makes it difficult for liquid to enter the channels.

The channel may be a recess extending into the housing compartment wall. Gas can thus exit the channel at any point of its length expansion. Alternatively, the channel may be a closed channel with walls on all sides along the flow direction.

The channel may connect the ventilation means to the recessed area of the housing compartment wall. The recessed region may have a larger opening outwardly than the channel to facilitate gas outflow.

The bottom plate may be secured by screws. By arranging the ventilation means close to the screw, it is possible to provide the ventilation means in an area of the aerosol generator that is less likely to deform during normal handling, in particular due to tension in the screw. Become. Unintended relative movement of parts of the aerosol generator, the blocking channel or the opening of the ventilation means is therefore less likely to occur.

The screw head may be disposed within the recessed area. The recess required to accommodate the screw head may therefore serve a dual function to vent the gas flow.

An electrical connector may be disposed within the recessed area. Thus, the electrical connector opening may be used for ventilation.

The cover panel may be arranged externally to the ventilation means, with a gap between the cover panel and the ventilation means such that the ventilation means is arranged at a distance of 0.3 mm to 1 mm from the cover plate. is provided. It is therefore possible to vent the gas flow between the cover panel and the ventilation means. Furthermore, the ventilation means can be protected from mechanical damage.

The bottom plate may include transversely projecting sidewalls. A cover panel may be secured within the projecting side wall. The cover panel may be clipped to the bottom plate or may be secured by adhesive.

The sealed housing compartment may contain electronic components. The sealed housing section may protect electronic components from being damaged by liquid.

The sealed housing compartment includes a button adapted to interact with control electronics within the sealed housing compartment, and movement of the button changes an internal volume within the sealed housing compartment. . Because the housing compartment is sealed, temperature changes can change the pressure inside the housing compartment, which can change the position or stress of the button. The ventilation means ensure that the pressure inside the sealed housing compartment does not change significantly, even during heating by the heating element, and that the button can operate with the same tactile characteristics at any time. Ru. The button may be overmolded with a resilient material to enable sealing of the housing compartment. The button may be attached with double-sided adhesive tape to enable sealing of the housing compartment.

The ventilation means may comprise a membrane arranged on the outside of the housing compartment wall, in particular in the form of a bottom plate.

The ventilation means may comprise a membrane arranged inside the housing compartment wall, in particular in the form of a bottom plate.

The membrane may be disposed in a recess in the housing compartment wall. This allows protection of the membrane. The membrane may deform due to pressure.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to the first aspect of the invention, according to any of the embodiments described herein. The aerosol generation system also includes an aerosol generation article that includes an aerosol forming substrate. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include a cigarette plug. Tobacco plugs are powders, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. It may include one or more pieces or sheets. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also include a capsule containing, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively or additionally, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating the tobacco plug.

If the tobacco plug includes homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of sheets. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 to 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. A homogenized sheet of tobacco material is formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuting one or both of the tobacco leaf lamina and the tobacco leaf stem. Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized sheet of tobacco material may be made of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed, for example, during tobacco processing, handling and transportation. may include one or more of the following. The homogenized sheet of tobacco material may contain one or more intrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco endogenous binders) or one or more extrinsic binders (i.e. , tobacco extrinsic binders), or combinations thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized sheet of tobacco material contains tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and Other additives may also be included, including but not limited to combinations. A homogenized sheet of tobacco material is produced by casting a slurry containing particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other supporting surface and drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized sheet of tobacco material. Preferably, the tobacco material is formed by a casting process of the type that generally involves casting the sheet of tobacco material and removing the homogenized sheet of tobacco material from the support surface.

The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of approximately 30 millimeters to approximately 100 millimeters. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 13 millimeters.

The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The mouthpiece is preferably approximately 7 millimeters long, but can have a length of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 millimeters. The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 millimeters.

The diameter of the tobacco plug may be approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 12 millimeters.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of approximately 40 millimeters to approximately 50 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the step of inserting an aerosol-generating article into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device, heating the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol, and the heated gas sealing the aerosol-generating device. a method for operating an aerosol generation system is provided, the method comprising the step of: allowing flow externally from a housing compartment where the aerosol is removed through a ventilation means. Therefore, despite heating, the pressure inside the sealed housing compartment does not change significantly. The interior of the sealed housing section is at substantially ambient pressure despite the heating.

Water may be prevented from entering the housing compartment from the outside through the ventilation means. The control electronics inside the sealed housing compartment are thus protected.

Vent gas may flow through the recess for the screw head. The volume between the wall of the screw head recess and the screw head can thus be used as a ventilation channel or outlet.

Venting gas may flow through the electrical connector opening. Thus, the electrical connector opening can be used as a ventilation outlet.

Vent gas may flow under the cover panel. The ventilation means can thus be protected. The flow of heated gas may be distributed within the cover panel or to one or several outlets of the cover panel.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a vent membrane in an aerosol generating device to compensate for thermal expansion of a gas due to heat generated in a heating chamber receiving an aerosol generating article. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressure within the aerosol generator from increasing due to thermal expansion of the internal gas.

The device according to the first aspect of the invention may be used according to the method of the third aspect of any of its embodiments of the invention. A method according to the third aspect of the invention is performed using an apparatus according to the first aspect of any of its embodiments of the invention, or a system according to the second aspect of any of its embodiments of the invention. I can. Use of a vent membrane according to the fourth aspect of the invention in a device according to the first aspect of any of that embodiment of the invention, from a method according to the third aspect of any of that embodiment of the invention. It can be performed using method steps.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generator. FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the aerosol generator of FIG. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view from the bottom of the aerosol generator of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows a partial perspective view from the bottom of the aerosol generator of FIG. 1 without the cover panel. FIG. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the lower region of the aerosol generator of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 6 shows a partial sectional view of the lower region of the aerosol generator of FIG. 1 with the inner holder removed. FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the lower region of the aerosol generator of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 8 shows a partial perspective view from below of an aerosol generator according to a second embodiment of the invention without a cover panel. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the bottom plate in the second embodiment.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. The features of any one or more of these examples may be combined with the features of any one or more of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

Example 1:
An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber adapted to receive an aerosol generating article; a heating element; a sealed housing compartment; and a gas flowing from the sealed housing compartment to an exterior of the aerosol generating device. a venting means adapted to permit flow to compensate for thermal expansion of gas within the housing compartment due to heating action of the heating element.
Example 2: Aerosol generation device according to example 1, wherein the ventilation means is permeable to gas and impermeable to water.
Example 3: Aerosol generator according to example 1 or 2, wherein the ventilation means have a water pressure resistance of at least 5 kilopascals, preferably at least 10 kilopascals, in particular about 12 kilopascals.
Example 4:
Any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the ventilation means has an aeration capacity of 3000 to 7000 ml/cm2/min at 7 kPa, preferably 5000 to 5200 ml/cm2/min at 7 kPa. Aerosol generator.
Example 5:
The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the ventilation means operates in a temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius.
Example 6:
An aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the ventilation means comprises a membrane.
Example 7:
An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the ventilation means comprises a membrane made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
Example 8:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the ventilation means comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene applied to the backing layer.
Example 9:
The aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the ventilation means includes a hydrophobic membrane and an oleophobic membrane.
Example 10:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the ventilation means comprises an inert and UV-resistant membrane.
Example 11:
Examples 1 to 10, wherein the ventilation means comprises a membrane, the membrane being connected to a carrier substrate having a central opening with a size of at least 0.5 square millimeters, at least 1 square millimeter or at least 2 square millimeters. Aerosol generator using any one of these.
Example 12:
Aerosol generator according to Example 11, wherein the carrier substrate is a double-sided adhesive layer connecting the membrane to the housing compartment.
Example 13:
Aerosol generation according to any one of Examples 6 to 12, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 ml, preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm, in particular about 0.15 mm. Device.
Example 14:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 6 to 13, wherein the membrane is disposed overlappingly over the opening of the housing compartment.
Example 15:
Any of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the ventilation means comprises a housing opening in the housing compartment and a channel extending in the housing compartment wall, the direction of extension of the channel being in a different direction from the opening direction of the housing opening. An aerosol generator based on one of the following.
Example 16:
An aerosol generator according to Example 15, wherein the housing opening has a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the channel.
Example 17:
Aerosol generator according to example 15 or 16, wherein the channel has a cross-sectional area of 0.5 square millimeters to 2 square millimeters.
Example 18:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 15 to 17, wherein the channel is a recess extending into the housing compartment wall.
Example 19:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 15 to 18, wherein the channel connects the ventilation means to the recessed area of the housing compartment wall.
Example 20:
20. An aerosol generating device according to example 19, wherein the screw head is disposed within the recessed area.
Example 21:
21. An aerosol generating device according to Example 19 or 20, wherein the electrical connector is disposed within the recessed area.
Example 22:
A gap is provided between the cover panel and the ventilation means such that the cover panel is arranged external to the ventilation means and the ventilation means is arranged at a distance of 0.3 mm to 1 mm of the cover panel. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 21.
Example 23:
23. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1-22, wherein the sealed housing compartment includes electronic components.
Example 24:
The sealed housing compartment includes a button adapted to interact with control electronics within the sealed compartment, and movement of the button changes an internal volume of the sealed housing compartment. Aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 23.
Example 25:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the ventilation means comprises a membrane arranged on the outside of the housing compartment wall.
Example 26:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the ventilation means comprises a membrane arranged inside the housing compartment wall.
Example 27:
27. An aerosol generating device according to example 25 or 26, wherein the membrane is disposed within a recess in the housing compartment wall.
Example 28:
A method for operating an aerosol generation system, the method comprising:
- inserting an aerosol-generating article into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device;
- heating an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol;
- allowing heated gas to flow from the sealed housing compartment of the aerosol generator to the outside through ventilation means.
Example 29:
29. A method according to Example 28, further comprising the step of preventing water from entering the housing compartment from the outside through the ventilation means.
Example 30:
Method according to example 28 or 29, in which the venting gas flows through the recess for the screw head.
Example 31:
A method according to any one of Examples 28-30, wherein the venting gas flows through the electrical connector opening.
Example 32:
A method according to any one of Examples 28-31, wherein the ventilation gas flows under the cover panel.
Example 33:
Use of a vent membrane within an aerosol generating device to compensate for thermal expansion of gas due to heat generated within a heating chamber receiving an aerosol generating article.
Example 34:
An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding Examples 1 to 26 and an aerosol generation article, the aerosol generation article including an aerosol forming substrate.

An aerosol generating device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in an upright orientation in FIG. The aerosol generator 1 comprises a housing 2 and a cover element 3 arranged slidably in the transverse direction 100 on the housing 2 . The housing 2 extends primarily in the longitudinal height direction 200 and has its relatively minimal extension in the width direction 300. Cover element 3 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed position covering the opening of heating chamber 4. Cover element 3 is shown in FIGS.

When the cover element 3 is in the open position, the heating chamber 4 is adapted to receive a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article and to heat the aerosol-generating article by means of a heating element 5 . The heating element 5 is an induction coil module adapted to heat the susceptor and may be part of a rod-shaped aerosol generating article. The heating element 5 , the control electronics 6 and the battery 7 are arranged in a housing compartment 8 of the housing 2 .

Housing compartment 8 is sealed to prevent water or dust from entering housing compartment 8. Housing section 8 may include a button 9 that is overmolded and sealed.

When the aerosol-generating article is heated, an aerosol is generated, which can be consumed in a manner similar to a cigarette at the rod-like mouth end that projects from the heating chamber. Adequate and rapid aerosol delivery is desirable for a positive consumer experience. This requires sufficient and rapid heating of the aerosol generating article. Heating of the aerosol-generating article is therefore performed with relatively high power. This means that not only the aerosol-generating article, but also the heating element 5 and the control electronics 6 and the battery 7 generate heat inside the housing compartment 8 and heat the gas, ie the air.

During aerosol generation, the gas inside the housing compartment 8 is heated and expands rapidly. This increases the pressure inside the sealed housing section 8, which in turn acts against the interior of the button 9, changing its appearance or activation experience for the user.

In order to avoid such an increase in pressure inside the housing compartment 8, ventilation means 10 are provided in the lower region of the aerosol generator 1. Venting means 10 are provided next to the electrical connector opening 11.

The ventilation means 10 are arranged at least partially in the bottom plate 12 of the housing compartment 8 . The bottom plate 12 is connected by screws 13 and closes the housing compartment 8. A cover panel 14 is connected to the bottom plate and covers the screws 13. A gap 15 is provided between the bottom plate 12 and the cover panel 14. Gap 15 allows gas to flow between bottom plate 12 and cover panel 14. Bottom plate 12 includes protruding sidewalls 16 as seen in FIG. Cover panel 14 is connected to protruding sidewall 16 by adhesive.

In FIG. 3, an electrical connector, such as a USB-C connector, is provided in the electrical connector opening 11. The channel 17 of the ventilation means 10 is open to the electrical connector opening 11. Channel 17 allows gas to flow through ventilation means 10.

In Figure 4, cover panel 14 has been removed so that channel 17 is fully visible. Channel 17 leads to opening 18 in bottom plate 12 .

The channel 17 extends in the width direction 300 and the opening 18 extends in the transverse direction 100. In order to allow a constant wall thickness of the bottom plate 12, a recessed area 19 is provided in the bottom plate 12 next to the opening 18 and the channel 17 of the ventilation means 10. This facilitates the manufacture of the bottom plate by injection molding and allows advantageous channel 17 and opening 18 geometries.

As shown in FIG. 5, an optional spacer 20 is disposed inside the bottom plate 12. Spacer 20 may be elastic. Bottom plate 12 includes a protrusion 21 that engages a recess 22 in spacer 20 . A spacer 20 is disposed between and in contact with both the holder 23 and the bottom plate 12. In particular, holder 23 may be part of or connected to battery holder 24. Spacer 20 has a central spacer opening 25 and holder 23 has a central holder opening 26. Spacer opening 25 and holder opening 26 extend transversely and are substantially aligned. A membrane 27 is disposed between the holder 23 and the spacer 20 so that the membrane covers the openings 25 and 26. Membrane 27 can be connected to carrier substrate 28 . The carrier substrate 28 may be a double-sided adhesive tape. A carrier substrate 28 may connect the membrane 27 to the holder 23. Carrier substrate 28 has a central opening 29 substantially aligned with openings 25 and 26 of spacer 20 and holder 23 . Membrane 27 allows gas flow but prevents liquid flow.

In FIG. 8 a second embodiment of an aerosol generator 1 according to the invention is shown. For illustration purposes, the bottom plate 12, which corresponds to that of the first embodiment, has been removed. Venting means 30 are arranged between the recess 31 for the head 32 of the screw 13 and the electrical connector opening 11. Venting means 30 includes a first channel 33 leading to electrical connector opening 11 . The ventilation means 30 includes a second channel 34 leading to the threaded recess 31 . Thus, during ventilation, air from the interior of the housing compartment 8 can flow through the channels 33, 34 into the electrical connector opening 11 and the threaded recess 31 and then to the outside. The ventilation means 30 includes a membrane 35 that is permeable to gases but not to liquids. The membrane 35 is disposed on a carrier substrate 36 which can be in the form of a double-sided adhesive tape that connects the membrane 35 to the bottom plate 12. In the second embodiment, the membrane 35 is arranged on the outside of the bottom plate 12, and in the first embodiment, the membrane is arranged on the inside of the button plate 12.

The bottom plate 12 of the second embodiment is shown separated in FIG. A recess 37 and a carrier substrate 36 are provided for receiving the membrane 35. Membrane 35 covers an opening 38 provided centrally within recess 37 .

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the aerosol-generating rod is inserted into the heating chamber 4 and heated inside. The gas inside the housing compartment 8 of the aerosol generator 1 is heated and thus the pressure increases through thermal expansion of the gas. Venting means 10 or 30 are provided so that gas flows through the membrane 35 and channels 17 in the first embodiment, through the membrane 35 and channels 33 and 34 in the second embodiment, and then to the outside. Thus, gas can enter and exit the housing compartment 8 to compensate for the pressure difference created by heat. However, by the arrangement of the channels 17, 33, 34 and the openings 18, 28 of the ventilation means 10, 30, and by the membranes 27, 25, the uptake of water or dust within the device may be prevented.

The channels 17, 33, 34 may be in the form of recesses in the bottom plate 12 and form tubular channels when closed by the cover panel 14. Preferably, the cover panel is arranged at a distance from the ventilation membrane such that a gap is provided between the cover panel 14 and the ventilation means 10, 30.

The ventilation means 10 may be located intermediately along the transverse direction 100 of the aerosol generator 1 . The openings 18, 28 in the bottom plate 12 may be in the form of through holes. The gap 15 between the bottom plate 12 and the cover panel 14 has a height that anticipates potential deformation of the membrane 35 due to pressure. Venting air within the threaded recess 31 may leak outward along the flow path between the cover panel 14 and the side wall 16 of the bottom plate 12.

For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, proportions, etc. are modified in all cases by the term "about." It should be understood that Additionally, all ranges are inclusive of the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. In some cases. In this context, the number A is therefore understood as A of A±10%. Within this context, number A may be considered to include numbers that are within a common standard error for the measurement of the property that number A modifies. The number A is used in the appended claims in some instances, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the essential and novel characteristics of the claimed invention: It may deviate by the percentages listed above. Additionally, all ranges are inclusive of the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. In some cases.

Claims (18)

An aerosol generator, comprising:
a heating chamber adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article;
a heating element;
a sealed housing compartment;
adapted to allow gas to flow from the sealed housing compartment to the exterior of the aerosol generator to compensate for thermal expansion of the gas within the housing compartment due to heating action of the heating element; An aerosol generator, comprising: a ventilation means; Aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation means has a water pressure resistance of at least 5 kilopascals, preferably at least 10 kilopascals, in particular about 12 kilopascals. Aerosol according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ventilation means has an aeration capacity of 3000 to 7000 ml/cm2/min at 7 kPa, preferably 5000 to 5200 ml/cm2/min at 7 kPa. Generator. Aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ventilation means comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene applied to a backing layer. 2. The venting means comprises a membrane connected to a carrier substrate having a central opening having a size of at least 0.5 square millimeters, at least 1 square millimeter or at least 2 square millimeters. The aerosol generator according to any one of items 4 to 4. Aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm, in particular about 0.15 mm. 2. The ventilation means comprises an opening in the housing compartment and a channel extending in the housing compartment wall, the direction of extension of the channel being in a different direction from the opening direction of the housing opening. 6. The aerosol generator according to any one of 6. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the channel is a recess extending into a housing compartment wall. Aerosol generating device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the channel connects the ventilation means to a recessed area of the housing compartment wall. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein a screw head is disposed within the recessed area. 11. An aerosol generating device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein an electrical connector is disposed within the recessed area. Aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a cover panel is arranged outside the ventilation means, and a gap is provided between the cover panel and the ventilation means. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the ventilation means is arranged at a distance of 0.3 mm to 1 mm with respect to the cover panel. The sealed housing compartment includes a button adapted to interact with control electronics within the sealed housing compartment, and movement of the button causes an internal volume of the sealed housing compartment to be increased. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol generation device changes. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element is provided within the sealed housing compartment. A method for operating an aerosol generation system, the method comprising:
- inserting an aerosol-generating article into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device;
- heating the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol;
- allowing heated gas to flow from the sealed housing compartment of said aerosol generating device to the outside through ventilation means. Use of a vent membrane within an aerosol generating device to compensate for thermal expansion of gas due to heat generated within a heating chamber that receives an aerosol generating article. An aerosol generation system,
The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
An aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generation article including an aerosol generation substrate.

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