Aerosol-generating device with two-piece inner housing

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising an inner component. The aerosol-generating device also includes an inner housing. The inner housing includes a first housing shell layer and a second housing shell layer. The first housing shell layer and the second housing shell layer are configured to be laterally attachable to each other. The first housing shell layer and the second housing shell layer are configured to provide an inner enclosure when attached to each other. The inner enclosure is configured to receive an inner component of the aerosol-generating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device can heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilized without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be provided as a part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can have a strip shape for inserting the aerosol-generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol-generating device. The heating element can be arranged in the heating chamber or around the heating chamber so as to heat the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can include other components, such as a battery, a PCB, and a heater housing. It is necessary to protect these elements from damage, such as damage caused by a potential device drop. Summary of the invention

[0003] It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device having improved protection for internal components of the device. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device having simplified protection for internal components of the device. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device having cost-effective protection for internal components of the device.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating device including internal components is provided. The aerosol generating device may also include an internal shell. The internal shell may include a first shell shell layer and a second shell shell layer. The first shell shell layer and the second shell shell layer may be configured to be laterally attachable to each other. The first shell shell layer and the second shell shell layer may be configured to provide an internal enclosure when attached to each other. The internal enclosure may be configured to accommodate the internal components of the aerosol generating device.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating device including internal components is provided. The aerosol generating device also includes an internal shell. The internal shell includes a first shell shell layer and a second shell shell layer. The first shell shell layer and the second shell shell layer are configured to be laterally attachable to each other. The first shell shell layer and the second shell shell layer are configured to provide an internal enclosure when attached to each other. The internal enclosure is configured to accommodate the internal components of the aerosol generating device.

[0006] The inner housing safely protects the inner components of the aerosol generating device. In the event that, for example, the aerosol generating device is accidentally dropped, damage to the inner components of the aerosol generating device can be prevented due to the provision of the inner housing.

[0007] Providing the inner housing as a two-piece housing comprising a first housing shell and a second housing shell improves the manufacture of the aerosol generating device. The internal components of the aerosol generating device can be accommodated within the inner housing. The inner housing can be easily assembled, wherein the internal components of the aerosol generating device can be assembled together and then enclosed by the inner housing. Alternatively or in addition, the internal components of the aerosol generating device can be assembled in one or both of the first housing shell and the second housing shell. Subsequently, another housing shell can be attached so that the inner housing is formed and the internal components of the aerosol generating device are accommodated within the inner enclosure of the inner housing.

[0008] The inner enclosure of the inner housing may be sized such that all internal components of the aerosol generating device fit into the inner enclosure. In particular, the inner enclosure may be sized such that a heater housing, circuitry such as a PCB and a power source such as a battery of the aerosol generating device fit into the inner enclosure.

[0009] One or more of the first housing shell and the second housing shell may directly abut one or more of the internal components of the aerosol generating device.In this way, movement of the internal components within the internal housing of the aerosol generating device may be prevented.

[0010] One or more of the first housing shell and the second housing shell may be made of a thermally insulating material. Thus, internal components of the aerosol generating device may be protected from the external environment.

[0011] One or more of the first housing shell and the second housing shell may be made of a plastic or polymer material.

[0012] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an outer shell. The outer shell may be configured to be arranged around the inner shell. The outer shell may be directly adjacent to the inner shell. The outer shell may provide a visually attractive aerosol generating device. The inner shell may protect internal components of the aerosol generating device. The inner shell, in particular the first shell shell layer and the second shell shell layer, may promote dimensional stability of the aerosol generating device.

[0013] The outer housing may include a first outer housing shell and a second outer housing shell.

[0014] The first outer housing shell and the second outer housing shell may be configured to be axially attachable to each other. In other words, the first outer housing shell may be the top housing shell and the second outer housing shell may be the bottom housing shell, or vice versa. The outer housing may completely enclose the inner housing.

[0015] The first housing shell may include a first connection element and the second housing shell may include a second connection element.The first connection element and the second connection element may be configured to connect to each other to facilitate attachment between the first housing shell and the second housing shell.

[0016] The first connecting element can be configured as a male connecting element and the second connecting element can be configured as a female connecting element, or vice versa.

[0017] One or both of the first connection element and the second connection element may be configured as a snap-fit ​​connection element.

[0018] One or both of the first shell layer and the second shell layer may include a third connecting element, wherein the third connecting element may be configured to connect one or both of the first shell layer and the second shell layer to at least one of the internal components of the aerosol generating device, or to facilitate attachment between the first shell layer and the second shell layer.

[0019] The third connecting element may secure the internal components of the aerosol generating device inside the internal housing.At least one of the internal components of the aerosol generating device may comprise a corresponding connecting element such that the third connecting element may be securely connected to the internal component.

[0020] The third connecting element may have a lateral extension. The third connecting element may be arranged in a side surface of one or both of the first shell shell and the second shell shell. The side surface may be a large side surface. One or both of the first shell shell and the second shell shell may include a single corresponding large side surface and one or more small side surfaces.

[0021] The third connection element may be spaced apart from the distal end of one or more of the first and second housing shells.The third connection element may be spaced apart from the distal end by at least 30% of the longitudinal length of one or more of the first and second housing shells.

[0022] The third connection element may be spaced apart from the proximal end of one or more of the first and second housing shells.The third connection element may be spaced apart from the proximal end by at least 30% of the longitudinal length of one or more of the first and second housing shells.

[0023] The third connecting element may be spaced apart from a radial end of one or more of the first housing shell and the second housing shell.The third connecting element may be spaced apart from the radial end by at least 30% of a radial extension of one or more of the first housing shell and the second housing shell.

[0024] In other words, the third connecting element may be arranged in a central portion of a large side surface of one or more of the first housing shell and the second housing shell.

[0025] The third connection element may comprise a threaded section facilitating a threaded connection.The screw may be used to connect the third connection element of one of the first and second housing shells with at least one of the internal components of the aerosol generating device or the other housing shell.

[0026] The internal components may include one or both of a heater housing and an airflow tube. The heater housing and the airflow tube may be constructed as described in WO 2022 / 090154 A1, the corresponding contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] The third connecting element may be configured to connect one or both of the first housing shell and the second housing shell to the heater housing.

[0028] One or both of the first housing shell and the second housing shell may include a lateral opening.

[0029] The lateral opening may extend over at least 20%, preferably over at least 30%, more preferably over at least 40%, most preferably over at least 50% of the axial length of one or both of the first housing shell and the second housing shell.

[0030] The lateral opening can be sized so that a power source can be received in the inner housing, the power source preferably being in the form of a battery. The outer diameter of the power source can be larger than the small inner diameter of the inner housing. Due to the provision of the lateral opening, the power source can still be fitted inside the inner housing. Therefore, the lateral opening can achieve a relatively compact device that can still fit a relatively large power source. The power source received in the lateral opening can partially form the outer periphery of the inner housing.

[0031] The lateral opening may extend over at least 20%, preferably over at least 30%, more preferably over at least 40%, most preferably over at least 50% of the peripheral circumference of one or both of the first and second housing shells.

[0032] One or both of the first and second shell layers may extend axially over at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably over at least 90%, most preferably over at least 95% of the axial length of the aerosol generating device.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used to describe the relative position of components or parts of components of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device during use.

[0034] The aerosol generating device may include a mouth end, through which the aerosol leaves the aerosol generating device and is delivered to the user when in use. The mouth end may also be referred to as a proximal end. When in use, the user inhales on the proximal end or mouth end of the aerosol generating device to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the user may inhale directly on an aerosol generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device. The opening at the proximal end may be an opening of a cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device includes a distal end opposite to the proximal end or mouth end. The proximal end or mouth end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as a downstream end, while the distal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as an upstream end. Components or parts of components of the aerosol generating device may be described as upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end, downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol generating device and the distal end or upstream end.

[0035] As used herein, an "aerosol generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as a part of a smoking article. The aerosol generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol generating device may include a housing, an electrical circuit, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element. These may all be internal components of the aerosol generating device. By mounting one or more of the internal components of the aerosol generating device to each other, the aerosol generating device may include a self-supporting component. The self-supporting component is described in WO 2022 / 090154 A1, the corresponding contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "smoking" used in relation to a device, article, system, substrate or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature that is below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0037] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The electrical circuit may comprise further electronic components.

[0038] The aerosol generating device may include a power source, typically a battery, within the body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium-polymer battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may need to be recharged and may have a capacity that enables storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate an aerosol for a period of about six minutes or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0039] The aerosol generating device may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity of the aerosol generating device may have an open end or opening into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be formed in the outer shell and the inner shell. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite to the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing air holes arranged in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal direction may be a direction extending along the longitudinal central axis between the open end and the closed end. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0040] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The heating chamber may be configured as described in WO 2022 / 090154 A1, the corresponding contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The shape of the cavity may correspond to the shape of the aerosol generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0041] The airflow channel may pass through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol generating device through the airflow channel, into the cavity and towards the user. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged, or the user may draw directly on the aerosol generating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0042] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article can be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating article can be disposable.

[0043] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0044] Aerosol formation substrate can be a solid aerosol formation substrate.Alternately, aerosol formation substrate can include both solid components and liquid components.Aerosol formation substrate can include tobacco-containing material, and tobacco-containing material is included in the volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from substrate when heated.Alternately, aerosol formation substrate can include non-tobacco material.Aerosol formation substrate can also include an aerosol forming agent that contributes to the formation of dense and stable aerosol.The example of suitable aerosol forming agent is glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0045] If aerosol formation substrate is solid aerosol formation substrate, then solid aerosol formation substrate can include (for example) one or more of the following: powder, granule, pellet, fragment, thin strip, strip or sheet, it contains one or more of herbaceous plant leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco rib material, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, cast leaf tobacco and expanded tobacco.Solid aerosol formation substrate can be in loose form, or can be provided in suitable container or tube.Alternatively, solid aerosol formation substrate can contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds released when substrate is heated.Solid aerosol formation substrate can also contain capsule, and described capsule for example includes additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds, and such capsule can melt during the heating period of solid aerosol formation substrate.

[0046] As used herein, homogenized tobacco refers to the material formed by agglomerating particle tobacco.Homogenized tobacco can be in the form of sheet.The homogenized tobacco material can have an aerosol forming agent with a dry weight content greater than 5%.Alternately, the homogenized tobacco material can have an aerosol forming agent with a dry weight content between 5 weight % and 30 weight %.The sheet of homogenized tobacco material can be formed by agglomerating particle tobacco, and the particle tobacco is obtained by grinding or otherwise combining one or both of tobacco leaf blades and tobacco leaf stems.Alternately or in addition, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material can include one or more of tobacco dust, cigarette dust and other particle tobacco byproducts formed during, for example, disposal, processing and transportation of tobacco. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include one or more intrinsic binders as tobacco endogenous binders, one or more non-intrinsic binders as tobacco exogenous binders, or a combination thereof to help particulate tobacco agglomerate; alternatively or in addition, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include other additives, including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous solvents and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

[0047] Alternatively, the solid aerosol formation substrate can be arranged on a heat-stable carrier or embedded in a heat-stable carrier. The carrier can take the form of a powder, particle, pellet, fragment, thin strip, strip or sheet. Alternatively, the carrier can be a tubular carrier, on its inner surface or on its outer surface or on its inner surface and outer surface, a solid matrix thin layer is deposited. Such tubular carriers can be formed by, for example, paper or paper-like material, nonwoven carbon fiber mat, low mass open mesh metal wire mesh (low mass openmesh metallic screen) or perforated metal foil or any other heat-stable polymer matrix.

[0048] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gathered curled sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "curled sheet" means a sheet with a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or folds. Preferably, when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled, the substantially parallel ridges or folds extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This advantageously promotes the gathering of the curled sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-forming substrate. However, it should be understood that the curled sheet of the homogenized tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating article can alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or folds that are arranged at an acute angle or an obtuse angle with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a gathered sheet of homogenized tobacco material, and the gathered sheet is substantially uniformly textured on substantially its entire surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.

[0049] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern to provide uneven flavour delivery during use.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater assembly. The heater assembly may be configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate received in the cavity when in use. The controller may be configured to control the heater assembly. Control of the heater assembly may be based on a type of aerosol-forming substrate determined by the controller. Preferably, the controller may be configured to control the heater assembly according to a heating curve. The heating curve may be selected or modified according to the type of aerosol-forming substrate at least partially received in the cavity.

[0051] The heater assembly may include a heating element. In use, power may be supplied to the heating element, causing the heating element to heat up. The heat may then be transferred to the received aerosol-forming substrate, for example by conduction through the device housing of the forming chamber.

[0052] The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The heating element may include a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics.

[0053] In another example, the heater assembly may include one or more inductor coils and the heating element may include one or more susceptor elements.

[0054] The one or more susceptor elements may be configured to be heated by an alternating magnetic field generated by one or more inductor coils. In use, the power supplied to the inductor coil (e.g., by a power supply of the device) may cause the inductor coil to induce eddy currents in the susceptor element. These eddy currents then cause the susceptor element to generate heat. Power is supplied to the inductor coil as an alternating magnetic field. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. The alternating current may preferably be a high frequency alternating current. The alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). When the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the chamber, the heat generated by the susceptor element may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature sufficient to release the aerosol from the substrate. The susceptor element may be formed by a material having the ability to absorb electromagnetic energy and convert it into heat. By way of example and not limitation, the susceptor element may be formed by a ferromagnetic material (such as steel).

[0055] The power supply may be configured to supply current to the inductor coil or the resistive heating element.

[0056] The heating element may comprise a substrate layer of flexible material.The substrate layer may comprise a thermally stable polymer, preferably a polyimide.

[0057] The heating element may be arranged on the substrate layer. The heating element may include a wire connection configured to be connected to a controller of the aerosol generating device. The heating element may include a heating rail arranged on the substrate layer. The heating rail may include a thermally conductive material, preferably a metal such as stainless steel. The heating rail may be electrically connected to the wire connection.

[0058] The heating element may take other forms. For example, one or more metal grids, flexible printed circuit boards, molded interconnect devices (MIDs), ceramic heaters, and flexible carbon fiber heaters may be formed on a substrate of a suitable shape using a coating technique such as plasma vapor deposition.

[0059] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] Figure 1 An outer housing of an aerosol generating device is shown;

[0062] Figure 2A and 2B show a first shell layer and a second shell layer of an inner shell of an aerosol generating device;

[0063] Figure 3 A and 3B show a first connecting element, a second connecting element and a third connecting element;

[0064] Figure 4 showing attachment of a third connecting element to an internal component of an aerosol generating device; and

[0065] Figure 5 The power source of the aerosol generating device is shown arranged in the lateral opening of the inner housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 An aerosol generating device 10 is shown. The aerosol generating device 10 comprises an outer housing. The outer housing is the outermost layer of the aerosol generating device 10. The outer housing comprises two shells, a first outer housing shell 12 and a second outer housing shell 14.

[0067] The first outer shell layer 12 is the top shell. The first outer shell layer 12 covers the proximal half of the aerosol generating device 10. The second outer shell layer 14 is the bottom shell. The second outer shell layer 14 covers the distal half of the aerosol generating device 10. The first outer shell layer 12 can be attached to the second outer shell layer 14 so that the inner shell and the inner components of the aerosol generating device 10 (both hereinafter referred to as Figures 2 to 5 Description) is housed inside an outer shell.

[0068] Figure 1 An opening 16 of the outer housing is also shown. The opening 16 leads the outer housing to the cavity. The cavity is configured as a heating chamber. The heating chamber is used to heat an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, which can be received in the cavity through the opening 16. The opening 16 can be covered by a slide 18 to prevent undesirable contamination of the opening 16 and the cavity when the aerosol generating device 10 is not in use.

[0069] Figure 1 Also shown is a button 20 that a user can press to activate the device. Activation of the device results in activation of a heating element arranged at least partially around the cavity so as to heat an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity and generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0070] Figure 2 A shows the first housing shell 22, and Figure 2 B shows the second housing shell 24 which together form the inner housing.

[0071] The inner housing is arranged inside the outer housing as the next layer of the aerosol generating device 10. The inner housing accommodates and protects the inner components of the aerosol generating device 10. The inner housing also improves the dimensional stability of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0072] The first housing shell 22 may be attached to the second housing shell 24 to create an inner enclosure.The internal components of the aerosol generating device 10 are then housed in the inner enclosure.

[0073] Figure 2 The lateral openings 26 are shown in both the first shell layer 22 and the second shell layer 24. Once the first shell layer 22 is attached to the second shell layer 24, the lateral openings 26 are used to accommodate the power source 36 of the aerosol generating device 10, which has an outer diameter that is larger than the small inner diameter of the inner shell. This will be referred to below Figure 5 Describe in more detail.

[0074] Figure 3 A shows the first shell shell 22 and the second shell shell 24 after being attached to each other. Thus, the first shell shell 22 and the second shell shell 24 form an internal shell. The first shell shell 22 and the second shell shell 24 are attached to each other using a first connecting element 28 and a second connecting element 30. The first connecting element 28 includes three male snap-fit ​​connecting elements, and the second connecting element 30 includes three corresponding female snap-fit ​​connecting elements. However, this number can vary according to the specific needs of a specific device. After the first shell shell 22 and the second shell shell 24 are attached, the first shell shell 22 and the second shell shell 24 cannot be separated from each other. Then, the first shell shell 22 and the second shell shell 24 are fixed together to form a stable internal shell. This connection establishes a strong mechanical connection.

[0075] Figure 3 B shows the third connection element 32 . The third connection element 32 is a threaded connection element which enables a secure connection between the first housing shell 22 and the inner components of the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0076] The third connecting element 32 may additionally or alternatively facilitate the connection between the first housing shell 22 and the second housing shell 24. In this case, a screw screwed into the thread of the third connecting element 32 will connect the first housing shell 22 and the second housing shell 24. In this case, the third connecting element 32 will include corresponding threads at the first housing shell 22 and at the second housing shell 24. In this case, a through hole may be provided in the internal component so that the third connecting element 32 or the screw can pass through the internal component to connect the first housing shell 22 and the second housing shell 24 to each other.

[0077] In order to connect the first housing shell 22 to the internal component of the aerosol generating device 10 via the third connecting element 32, the third connecting element 32 comprises corresponding threads at the first housing shell 22 and at the internal component. Alternatively, the second housing shell 24 may comprise corresponding threads of the third connecting element 32 to enable the internal component to be fixed to the second housing shell 24.

[0078] As another option, the third connecting element 32 can be configured to connect the first housing shell 22, the inner component and the second housing shell 24 to each other. In this case, all three components include matching threads so that screws can be used to connect all three components to each other.

[0079] Figure 4 1 and 2. The internal components of the aerosol generating device 10 are shown. Reference symbol 34 shows an internal component, which is constructed as a heater housing or an airflow tube as described in WO 2022 / 090154 A1, the corresponding contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Figure 5 The other internal components shown in the figure are a power supply 36 and a PCB 38 arranged between the power supply 36 and the heater housing. The third connecting element 32 is also shown connected to the heater housing. In the case where one or both of the first heater shell and the second heater shell are present, the heater housing and therefore the internal components of the aerosol generating device 10 will be connected to the internal housing via the third connecting element 32. This connection establishes a secure mechanical connection.

[0080] Figure 5 The inner housing is shown enclosed by the first housing shell 22 and the second housing shell 24 forming the inner housing when the inner components are assembled. The power supply 36 is arranged in the lateral opening 26. The assembly of the aerosol generating device 10 will be completed after enclosing these components in the outer housing, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 as shown in . Figure 5 The main emphasis is to show an optimized arrangement of the power source 36 in the lateral opening 26 to allow a relatively large power source 36 to be arranged in the aerosol generating device 10. In the region of the lateral opening 26, the outer periphery will be used partly for the outer periphery of the inner housing.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: Internal components, and An inner shell, the inner shell comprising: a first housing shell, and The second shell layer, wherein the first shell layer and the second shell layer are configured to be laterally attachable to each other, wherein the first shell layer and the second shell layer are configured to provide an internal enclosure when attached to each other, and wherein the internal enclosure is configured to house internal components of the aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The aerosol generating device further comprises an outer housing, wherein the outer housing is configured to be arranged around the inner housing.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The outer housing includes a first outer housing shell layer and a second outer housing shell layer.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: The first outer housing shell and the second outer housing shell are configured to be axially attachable to each other.

5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first housing shell includes a first connecting element and the second housing shell includes a second connecting element, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are configured to be connected to each other to facilitate attachment between the first housing shell and the second housing shell.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein: The first connecting element is configured as a male connecting element and the second connecting element is configured as a female connecting element, or vice versa.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: One or both of the first connection element and the second connection element are configured as snap-fit ​​connection elements.

8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One or both of the first shell layer and the second shell layer include a third connecting element, wherein the third connecting element is configured to connect one or both of the first shell layer and the second shell layer to at least one of the internal components of the aerosol generating device, or to facilitate attachment between the first shell layer and the second shell layer.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein: The third connection element includes a threaded section that facilitates the threaded connection.

10. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The internal components include a heater housing.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The third connecting element is configured to connect one or both of the first housing shell and the second housing shell to the heater housing.

12. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein: One or both of the first housing shell and the second housing shell include a lateral opening.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein: The lateral opening extends over at least 20%, preferably over at least 30%, more preferably over at least 40%, most preferably over at least 50% of the axial length of one or both of the first housing shell and the second housing shell.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The lateral opening extends over at least 20%, preferably over at least 30%, more preferably over at least 40%, most preferably over at least 50% of the peripheral circumference of one or both of the first and second housing shells.

15. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein: One or both of the first and second shell layers extend axially for at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably more than at least 90%, most preferably more than at least 95% of the axial length of the aerosol generating device.

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