Patent Publication Number: US-2023133479-A1

Title: Energy Storage Assembly Device for an Aerosol Generation Device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention is in the field of aerosol generation devices, and more specifically in safety aspects of using a battery in an aerosol generation device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Prior art reference US 2017/0170439 A1 is generally directed to an energy storage device. More specifically, it relates to an energy storage device assembly configured with a housing or container, a current interrupt device configured with the housing to electrically disconnect the energy storage assembly from communication current through its component, and a vent component/device configured to vent pressurized gases. A vent area substrate is configured to attach to the housing (e.g., lid and/or body), and the vent is configured to open in a predetermined manner such that the substrate tears/separates along a predetermined path across/around at least a portion of the substrate. In the disclosure of this document, the vent comprises a vent panel (e.g. an area having a reduced thickness, as compared to the body and/or cover, such that the vent area/vent panel is configured to tear/rupture at the location of reduced thickness. 
     Aerosol generation devices however inherently bring challenges for the design of the venting holes, because of the comparatively little space available in the body of the aerosol generation device, and particular aspects related to the external appearance of the aerosol generation device. 
     Furthermore, a design of an aerosol generation device and its energy storage assembly should be such to minimize any risk of harming the user. 
     The present invention aims at overcoming the challenges for the design of the venting holes, mentioned herein above. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The invention provides an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device, comprising a housing intended for housing a battery; a vent component configured to vent pressurized gases from within the housing upon a predetermined pressure in the housing; whereby the housing has an elongated shape; and the housing comprises on a circumference of the housing at a first extremity which is free on the inside from being filled by the battery, a first plurality of holes blinded by a blinding member, the first plurality of holes and the blinding member each being part of the vent component. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the blinding member has towards the first plurality of holes a first visual aspect different from and contrasting with a second visual aspect of the housing as visible from an outside, in a way that any blinding member alteration is easily visually detected by an intended user. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, each of the holes of the first plurality of holes has an oval shape, oriented according to a longitudinal direction of the elongated shape. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the housing comprises on a circumference of the housing at a second extremity, opposite to the first extremity, which is free on the inside from being filled by the battery, a second plurality of holes blinded by a second blinding member, the second plurality of holes and the second blinding member each being part of the vent component. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member blinds the plurality of holes from an inside of the housing. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member comprises a sleeve configured to deform in case of the predetermined pressure occurring inside the housing to open the plurality of holes. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member is configured to be pushed away from the plurality of holes to open at least a part of the plurality of holes in case of the predetermined pressure occurring inside the housing. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member comprises a carrier configured to carry a printed circuit board assembly connecting to the battery through breakable electrical connections. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the inside of the housing comprises a plurality of fixation points configured to fix the blinding member to the inside of the housing. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member blinds the plurality of holes from the outside of the housing. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member comprises a material from the list comprising a water-repellent coated sheet of material, such as silicon rubber or aluminum. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member is made out of a same material as the wall of the housing; further a first wall thickness of housing wall portions corresponds to the blinding member blinding the first plurality of holes, is smaller than a second normal wall thickness of the housing, in order to enable a preferred rupture point at a location of the first plurality of holes. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the energy storage assembly further comprises the battery housed in the housing, the battery comprises venting apertures configured to vent pressurized gases from inside the battery. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood through the detailed description of preferred embodiments, and in reference to the drawings, wherein 
         FIG.  1    schematically illustrates in a sectional view an example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device, according to the invention; 
         FIG.  2    schematically illustrates the example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device as shown in  FIG.  1   , after an intended battery has vented; 
         FIG.  3    schematically illustrates an example embodiment in a sectional view for an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device, according to the invention; 
         FIG.  4    schematically illustrates the same example embodiment as in  FIG.  3   , after the intended battery has vented; 
         FIG.  5    schematically illustrates an example embodiment in a sectional view for an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device, which is similar to that of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    this schematically illustrates the example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device as shown in  FIG.  5   , after the intended battery has vented; 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    illustrate schematic sectional views of an example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device respectively in a normal usage situation and in a battery venting situation, according to the invention; 
         FIGS.  9  and  10    illustrate a schematic and external view of an example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device, according to the invention; 
         FIGS.  11  and  12    illustrate schematic sectional views of an example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device respectively in a normal usage situation and in a battery venting situation, according to the invention; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a schematic sectional view of an example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device, similar as that shown in  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates an example for a first plurality of holes and a second plurality of holes in a housing, in a “rolled out” representation, according to the invention; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a further example for the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes in the housing, in a “rolled out” representation, according to the invention; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates an example in which a wall thickness of the housing between each one of the first plurality of holes is reduced as compared to a normal wall thickness of the housing, according to the invention; and 
         FIG.  17    schematically illustrates a cross-section of the housing from  FIG.  16   , along a plane indicated by arrows C. 
     
    
    
     Same references will be used to designate same or similar features throughout the following description. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In case a battery cell is damaged inside an energy storage device, it may produce gases by a process of venting (also known as thermal runaway) that may increase a pressure inside the energy storage device and produce an over-heating. In case the energy storage device is used inside of an aerosol generation device, it should at all cost be avoided to harm an intended user. In order to avoid this, it is important to release the gases outside of the battery and energy storage device. One obvious way of releasing the gases is to provide one or more venting holes in the energy storage device allowing the gases to flow to the outside. However, such venting holes pose a security risk since they may allow water or liquid, e.g., e-liquid, to enter the energy storage device and potentially cause safety issues, such as a short circuit. Moreover, one or more venting holes may not provide any indication for the intended user to detect that the battery cell has vented unless the battery cell becomes fully inoperational after the venting. Such indication can provide the user with knowledge about the health state of the battery, so that the user can be informed to replace the battery or stop using the device, avoiding dangerous using situations. 
     The invention provides a solution for implementing venting holes in an energy storage device in which the venting holes are blinded by a blinding member during normal operation. In case of venting, the venting holes are opened by gas pressure as the blinding member is compressed by the pressure. Open holes may be observed by the intended user, providing the information that the battery cell has vented and that the device must be discarded. 
     The blinding member may comprise a material such as for example a water-repellent coated sheet of material, silicon rubber, aluminum, hence achieving a water resistant sealing during normal operation. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , this schematically illustrates in a sectional view an example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device  1  for an aerosol generation device (aerosol generation device not shown in  FIG.  1   ). The energy storage assembly device  1  comprises a housing  2  intended for housing an intended battery  3 , the latter being illustrated in  FIG.  1    for a better understanding, but is not necessary being part of the invention. A vent component  4 ,  5  is configured to vent pressurized gases (gases not illustrated in  FIG.  1   ) from within the housing  2  upon a predetermined pressure in the housing  2 .  FIG.  1    further illustrates electrical contacts  6  which may be configured to contact the intended battery  3 . Such electrical contacts  6  may be considered to be standard equipment for any energy storage assembly device. The housing  2  has an elongated shape, which in the example of  FIG.  1    is somehow rectangular when seen in the illustrated section. The energy storage device assembly is a 3-dimensional device, which may for example be a hollow rectangular bar or a cylinder. 
     The housing  2  comprises on a circumference of the housing at a first extremity A which is free on the inside from being filled by the battery  3 , a plurality of holes  5  blinded by a blinding member  4 , both of the plurality of holes  5  and the blinding member  4  being part of the vent component. 
     Herein, an extremity refers to the region between a location where the battery  3  is intended to be arranged and an end of the housing. Accordingly, extremity A is not limited to the furthest part of the housing towards end A, and also includes a middle region as shown in  FIG.  1   . Furthermore, the plurality of holes  5  may be replaced with one single hole  5 . 
     The blinding member  4  has, at least towards the plurality of holes  5  a first visual aspect different from and contrasting with a second visual aspect of the housing  2  as visible from an outside, in a way that any blinding member alteration is easily visually detected by an intended user (visual aspects and intended user are not illustrated in  FIG.  1   ). A visual aspect may be an effect that is perceivable by a human eye, such as for example an angle at which light is reflected, a surface pattern, a color. In the present example, the blinding member  4  is internal to the housing  2  and made out of a comparatively soft material, the reason for which will become apparent when discussing  FIG.  2   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , this schematically illustrates the example embodiment for the energy storage assembly device  1  as shown in  FIG.  1   , after the battery  3  has vented. The venting causes the production of pressurized gas which exerts pressure toward the first extremity A as illustrated by thick arrows  20  and, in case a predetermined pressure occurs and is exceeded inside the housing  2 , pushes the blinding member  4  towards the first extremity A, thereby deforming the blinding member  4 , which is made comparatively easy due to the soft material out of which it is made. The venting holes  5  are opened allowing venting gases  21  to escape through them. In other words, the blinding member  4  is configured to be pushed away from the plurality of holes  5  to open at least a part of the plurality of holes  5  in case of the predetermined pressure occurring inside the housing  2 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the first visual aspect and the second visual aspect are respectively a first color and a second color. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the blinding member  4  may be a sleeve. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , this schematically illustrates in a sectional view a further example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device. One difference as compared to the example illustrated in  FIG.  3   , is that vent components  5 ,  31 , in addition to the plurality of holes  5 , further comprise a carrier  31 , which carries or holds a PCBA  32  (Printed Circuit Board Assembly). The PCBA  32  may for example be configured to perform control of the aerosol generation device (other components of aerosol generation device not shown in  FIG.  3   ). The carrier  31  is configured to blind the plurality of hole  5  during normal operation of the energy storage assembly, similar to the blinding member  4  known from  FIG.  1   . The PCBA  32  is connected to the electrical contacts  6  by means of breakable electrical connections  33 . 
     The carrier  31 , similar to blinding member  4 , has, at least towards the plurality of holes  5 , the first visual aspect different from and contrasting with the second visual aspect of the housing  2  as visible from an outside, in a way that any carrier alteration is easily visually detected by an intended user (visual aspects and intended user are not illustrated in  FIG.  3   ). A visual aspect may be an effect that is perceivable by a human eye, such as for example an angle at which light is reflected, a surface pattern, a color. 
     The carrier  31  may for example be a plastic frame. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , this schematically illustrates the example embodiment for the energy storage assembly as shown in  FIG.  3   , after the battery  3  has vented. The venting causes the production of pressurized gas which exerts pressure toward the first extremity A as illustrated by the thick arrow  20 , and, in case the predetermined pressure occurs and is exceeded inside the housing  2 , pushes the carrier  31  towards the first extremity A, thereby breaking the breakable electrical connections  33 . The venting holes  5  are opened allowing venting gases  21  to escape through them. In other words, the carrier  31  is configured to be pushed away from the plurality of holes  5  to open at least a part of the plurality of holes  5  in case of the predetermined pressure occurring inside the housing  2 . At the same time, the PCBA  32  is disconnected, since the breakable electrical connections  33  are broken, this having the effect of disconnecting the PCBA  32  from the battery, and thus the aerosol generation device cannot operate, preventing any potential adverse effect of operating the energy storage assembly and also preventing dangerous using cases when the battery has vented and not healthy to continue working. 
     Alternatively, the carrier  31  does not necessarily contain or hold PCBA and just performs its function without carrying any PCBA. In this embodiment, there are also no breakable electrical connections. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , this schematically illustrates an example embodiment in a sectional view for the energy storage assembly device  1  for an aerosol generation device, which is similar to that of  FIG.  1   . Again the intended battery  3  is illustrated in  FIG.  5    for a better understanding, but is not a necessary part of the invention. In addition, the inside of the housing  2  comprises a plurality of fixation points  30  configured to fix the blinding member  4  to the inside of the housing  2 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , this schematically illustrates the example embodiment of the energy storage assembly device  1  as shown in  FIG.  5   , after the battery  3  has vented.  FIG.  6    clearly shows how the fixation points  30  help to retain the blinding member  4  as this is deformed under the effect of pressurized gas. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , these illustrate schematic sectional views of an example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device respectively in a normal usage situation and in a battery venting situation. Unlike FIGS.  1  and  2 , a blinding member  70  covers the first plurality of holes  5  from an outside of the sealing housing  2 . In case of the battery venting in  FIG.  10   , the pressurized gas pushes the blinding member  70  and opens at least some of the first plurality of holes  5  in order to escape from the inside of the housing  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , these illustrate a schematic and external view of an example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device  50 , in which the housing  2  comprises on a circumference of the housing  2  at a second extremity B, opposite to the first extremity A, which is free on the inside from being filled by the battery (not illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   ), a second plurality of holes  51  blinded from the inside by a second blinding member  52 , both of the second plurality of holes  51  and second sleeve  52  being part of the vent component. 
     Herein, an extremity refers to the region between a location where the battery  3  is intended to be arranged and an end of the housing. Accordingly, extremity B is not limited to the furthest part of the housing towards end B, and also includes a middle region as shown in  FIG.  9   . Furthermore, the plurality of holes  51  may be replaced with one single hole  51 . 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    further illustrate the first plurality of holes  5 , which in  FIG.  9    are covered from the inside by the blinding member  4 , but in  FIG.  10   , due to a venting of the battery (battery not shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   ), only a part of the first plurality of holes  5  remain covered from the inside by the blinding member  4 , while one hole  53  of the first plurality of holes  5  is not covered anymore but opened to let gas escape through it. The one hole  53  is clearly identifiable by an intended user, and indicates that the battery has vented and the device should be discarded. 
     Each of the first plurality of holes  5  or the second plurality of holes  51  may have a shape that is adapted to an amount of gas to be vented in case of battery venting, including a round shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a polygon shape etc. (some of these shapes are not illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   ). 
     In a preferred embodiment, each of the holes of the first plurality of holes  5  has an oval shape, oriented according to a longitudinal direction of the elongated shape. This is as illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   . 
     The energy storage assembly device is assembled into an aerosol generation device in a way that the first extremity A corresponds to or close to the non-inhalation end of the aerosol generation device, an end opposite to the inhalation side of the aerosol generation device. This is because the pressurized gas is hot and dangerous to user, and safer to be vented out far from the inhalation side. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , these illustrate schematic sectional views of for an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device respectively in a normal usage situation and in a battery venting situation.  FIGS.  11  and  12    show a use case scenario for the first plurality of holes  5  and the second plurality of holes  51  already illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , whereby no blinding member is illustrated in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , this having already been explained from previous examples where the blinding member was either covering holes from the inside or the outside. Any of the previously described specificities may be implemented in the present structure of arranging holes on both extremities. 
     During a thermal runaway/dysfunction of the battery  3 , the latter may swell, for example at a location  90  indicated both in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , whereby the swelling of the battery  3  may be seen in  FIG.  12    only, thereby filling a possible gap between the battery  3  and the housing  2 , and potentially blocking gases in an area of the housing  2  without any possible release. Having holes situated at both extremities of the housing  2 , embodied for example as the first plurality of holes  5  and the second plurality of holes  51 , allows gas to evacuate in any situation and avoid the blocking of gases. 
     Referring to  FIG.  13   , this illustrates a schematic sectional view of an example embodiment for an energy storage assembly device for an aerosol generation device, similar as that shown in  FIG.  11   . It is reminded that in case of a thermal runaway/dysfunction of the battery  3 , and even in the presence of the first plurality of holes  5  and the second plurality of holes  51  in the housing  2 , it may happen that a volume of gas generated cannot be released sufficiently fast from the housing  2 , thus over-pressuring the battery  3  and/or the housing  2 , which in turn may cause any one of the latter two to break in an impredictable way. It is therefore important, especially when the energy storage assembly device is used in an aerosol generation device, to generate in the housing  2  by means of a mechanical machining process a predefined rupture scheme, i.e., a weak point, preferably at the opposite of the intended user&#39;s face. 
     Many different rupture schemes may be realised, involving size, shape and distribution of holes, but also types of blinding member and thickness of wall(s). 
       FIG.  14    illustrates an example for the first plurality of holes  5  and the second plurality of holes  51  in the housing  2 , in a “rolled out” representation. The holes of the second plurality of holes  51  have a smaller diameter than the holes of the first plurality of holes  5 , while the counts of the second plurality of holes  51  and the first plurality of holes  5  are the same. Thus a first surface (of blinding member, not represented in  FIG.  14   ) presented by the first plurality of holes  5  is greater than a second surface presented by the second plurality of holes  51 , making it more likely in a case of pressure buildup that the gas would escape with a greater flow through the first plurality of holes  5 , and further making this side to be located in the aerosol generation device away from the intended user&#39;s face (aerosol generation device and intended user&#39;s face not illustrated in  FIG.  14   ). This is because the pressurized gas is hot and dangerous to user, and safer to be vented out far from the inhalation side. Also, and importantly, there is less material of the housing  2  remaining around the first plurality of holes  5 , than around the second plurality of hole  51 , making it more likely that the housing  2  would rupture in the area of the first plurality of holes  5  in case of extreme pressure buildup inside the housing  2 . 
     The first plurality of holes  5  may be confined to a determined section  141 , and the first plurality of holes  5  covers a first hole&#39;s surface that corresponds to, e.g., 50% of the determined section  141 . The percentage can be shifted larger or smaller depending on design of the aerosol generation device. 
     The second plurality of holes  51  may be confined to a second determined section  142 , and the second plurality of holes  51  covers a second hole&#39;s surface that corresponds to, e.g., 25% of the second determined section  142 . The percentage can be shifted larger or smaller depending on design of the aerosol generation device. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a further example for the first plurality of holes  5  and the second plurality of holes  51  in the housing  2 , in a “rolled out” representation. The holes of the second plurality of holes  51  have a similar diameter than the holes of the first plurality of holes  5 , and their numbers are the same. Thus a first surface (of blinding member, not represented in  FIG.  15   ) represented by the first plurality of holes  5  is substantially the same than a second surface presented by the second plurality of holes  51 , making it likely in a case of pressure buildup that the gas would escape with a similar flow through the first plurality of holes  5  as through the second plurality of holes  51 . However, it is possible, as illustrated in  FIG.  16   , to engineer each of the holes of the first plurality of holes  5  to be blinded by walls  140 , for example, such that a wall thickness of the walls  140  is lesser than a normal wall thickness of the housing  2 , making it more likely that a rupture of the wall occurs at the part with thinner walls in case of extreme pressure buildup.  FIG.  17    schematically illustrates a cross-section of the housing  2  along a plane indicated by arrows C in  FIG.  16   , showing how a thickness w of walls  140 , is lesser than that of the normal wall thickness h of the housing  2 . The side of the housing  2  at which the holes connected by thinner walls is located should be oriented away from the intended user&#39;s face when designing the aerosol generation device, in order to reducing risks of injury.